Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system and method for distributing an open transaction instrument. The system includes the steps of: accessibly offering for sale, in a retail environment, the open transaction instrument; selling a selected open transaction instrument; and enabling the use of the open transaction instrument. The transaction instrument may be, for example, an open pre-paid card. Furthermore, accessibly offering the open pre-paid card for sale, in one exemplary embodiment, is performed by hanging the pre-paid card on a rack. The distribution of the open transaction instrument may also comprise the step of sending a message, in substantially real time, causing the pre-paid open transaction instrument to be funded but not activated. Also, in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an issuer system is suitably configured to leverage existing infrastructure for inventory and related processes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vending a containerized fluid includes placing a machine-readable indicia on the container identifying the base fluid. The container may be filled and then distributed or distributed prior to filling through various distribution channels to consumers. When a consumer wishes to fill or re-fill the container, the consumer places the container adjacent a reader that interprets the indicia to identify the base fluid to be dispensed. A dispenser then fills the container through a movable fill probe that elevates as the liquid within the container rises. In some embodiments, and prior to filling, the dispenser apparatus may also query the consumer about options are provided at the time of dispensing for further dispensing various optional ingredients, including scents, flavors, colors, nutritional supplements or other additives together with the base product.

Abstract: A method includes electronically identifying a first item that a customer intends to purchase while the customer is shopping and electronically providing content to the customer in response to the identifying to entice the customer to purchase a second, different item.

Abstract: An ergonomic single-line compact laser bar code scanning system having a compact housing for hand-held disposition at a counter. The scanning system is automatically-activated and includes a bar code symbol reading mechanism contained within a hand-supportable housing having a manually-activatable data transmission switch formed integrally in the housing. During symbol reading operations, the bar code symbol reading mechanism automatically generates a visible laser scanning pattern for repeatedly reading one or more bar code symbols on an object during a bar code symbol reading cycle, and automatically generating a new symbol character data string in response to each bar code symbol read thereby. During system operation, the user visually aligns the visible laser scanning pattern with a particular bar code symbol on an object (e.g., product, bar code menu, etc.) so that the bar code symbol is detected, scanned, and decoded.

Abstract: A code carrier, on which multiple barcodes corresponding to independent entities are printed or stored, is disclosed. The barcodes are arranged on the code carrier and angled such that a barcode reader may individually read a desired barcode and the barcodes are surrounded in distinctive colors. A code carrier provider maintains a data base of users and their corresponding barcode identifiers.

Abstract: A hand-supportable digital-imaging based system for reading bar code symbols involving: automatically detecting the presence of an object within a field of view FOV of the system, and in response thereto, automatically generating an image cropping zone (ICZ) framing pattern and projecting the ICZ framing pattern within the FOV and onto the detected object; visually aligning the code symbol on the detected object, within the ICZ framing pattern; manually actuating a trigger switch when the code symbol on the object is located within the ICZ framing pattern, and while the ICZ framing pattern and a field of illumination are being simultaneously projected onto the object during object illumination operations, forming and capturing a digital image of the code symbol on the detected object; automatically cropping the image pixels contained within the spatial boundaries of the ICZ framing pattern, from the pixels of the digital image; and decode processing the cropped image so as to read one or more 1D and/or 2D cod

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contactless card in smart card field and a control method thereof. The contactless card comprises a card chip, an antenna resonant circuit, and a confirmation unit. The confirmation unit, being separated from the antenna resonant circuit and connected to the I/O interface of the card chip, is used for confirming a card operation command by a cardholder so as to send a confirmation message to the card chip. The control method can be realized according to the following steps: putting a contactless card into a valid range for its reader; determining by the contactless card whether a command transmitted from the reader needs to be confirmed by the cardholder, if not, responding to the command by the contactless card, otherwise waiting for confirmation message by the contactless card; and receiving the confirmation message from the cardholder and responding to the command by the contactless card.

Abstract: A method of creating a tag, the method including: reading, over a first region of a surface of an individual piece, a characteristic having randomness distributed over the surface of the individual piece and converting image information indicative of the read characteristic of the first region into individual piece information peculiar to the individual piece; forming an individual piece information image indicative of the individual piece information on the surface of the individual piece while using a second region having a predetermined range including the first region as a non-image forming region; and creating the tag, which is to be affixed to an article, from the individual piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve arrangement for an expansion valve, especially for cooling units in vehicle air conditioning systems, having a valve seat for receiving a valve-closing member, which, in a closing position, fits snugly in the valve seat and closes a passage between a coolant inlet side and a coolant outlet side, the valve seat or the valve-closing member having at least two zones, a first zone forming with the valve-closing member or with the valve seat, in a closing position, a sealing seat, and at least one further zone regulating a coolant mass flow flowing through the passage, and a gradient of the sealing-seat-forming zone differing from a gradient of the at least one further zone.

Abstract: A temperature-type expansion valve 1 includes a valve housing 110 having a first passage 121 into which a high pressure refrigerant flows, a second passage 122 through which a low pressure refrigerant flowing to an evaporator 5 flows, and a throttle passage 125 communicating the first passage 121 with the second passage 122; a valve body 130 having a valve member 131 varying a sectional area of the throttle passage 125; and an operation rod 135 for driving the valve body 130 in the interlocking arrangement with a displacement member 160 undergoing displacement in accordance with a pressure difference between a saturation pressure corresponding to an outlet temperature of the refrigerant of the evaporator 5 and an evaporation pressure of the evaporator; wherein a slide hole 124 communicating with the throttle passage 125 and accommodating the valve body 130 is formed in the valve housing 110; and the valve member 131 moves inside the slide hole 124 in the interlocking arrangement with the operation rod 135 to

Abstract: A visual display system for use with a digital thermostat is provided. The visual display system provides an adjustable display resolution for the temperature readout provided thereon. This adjustable display resolution may be changed as desired by a user via a resolution adjustment menu. The display resolution may be adjusted to display the temperature information in tenths of degrees, half degrees, whole degrees, etc. as desired by a user. Such a display system accommodates different display resolution requirements of different original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers who may desire different displayed resolutions without having to manufacture and stock different models.

Abstract: A texturing system for applying a desired texture pattern on a patched portion of a surface. The texturing system comprises a texture material, a selecting system, and a dispensing system. The texture material comprises a carrier, a binder, a filler, and a change material.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for establishing a controllable reactive thrust in a pressure washing lance (40) linked to an extension member (20) through use of a variable bypass valve (52) and dump tube (66) combination. The bypass valve (52) is coupled to a source of high pressure fluid by a system high pressure or primary circuit (26,38). The bypass valve (52) preferably has at least one bypass input (56), which is intended to be fluidly coupled with the high pressure or primary circuit (38), and at least one each of a bypass primary output (58) and a bypass secondary output (60). Operation of the bypass valve (52) selectively couples the bypass input (56) with the bypass primary output (58) and/or the bypass secondary output (60). Fluid from the bypass primary output (58) is directed to the lance ejection nozzle (44) while fluid from the bypass secondary output (60) (secondary fluid) is directed to the dump tube (66).

Abstract: Mechanisms and method of flow control for use in an oscillating sprinkler that varies the water stream height to lessen the adverse effects of wind on the water streams. The flow control mechanism varies water flow during rotation of a spray tube of a sprinkler to control the height of water streams in predetermined portions of the rotation.

Abstract: A water distribution plate and diffuser plate assembly for distributing a stream emitted from a sprinkler nozzle includes: a nonrotatable shaft having one end attached to a sprinkler component and an opposite end supporting first and second plates in axially spaced relationship for rotation about the shaft independent of one another. The first plate is axially adjacent the nozzle and formed with plural water distribution grooves shaped and arranged to divide a single primary stream emitted from the nozzle into a plurality of secondary streams. The second plate is downstream of the first plate and formed with plural diffuser elements arranged to be struck by at least some of the secondary streams exiting the first plate. The speed of rotation of one or both plates is slowed by viscous damping.

Abstract: A granular material grinder and method of use includes a hammer mill for reducing incoming granular material into particulate material, a microgrinder for reducing the particulate matter into microground powder by particulate matter to particulate matter collisions, and a product collector to collect the microground powder portion. The granular material grinder having the feature of being operated in a closed system to facilitate efficient recovery of grain into microground powder and operable in a cooled inert gas to prevent any compound degradation due to temperature or oxygen.

Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.

Abstract: A shredding machine is disclosed which is particularly suitable for domestic or office use in shredding papers or the like. The machine comprises a feed aperture arranged above an electric cutting mechanism, the feed aperture preferably taking the form of a feed slot. The machine is characterised by the provision of an actuating element which is moveable, preferably in a pivotal manner, between a first position in which the actuating element permits energisation of the cutting mechanism, and a second position in which the actuating element prevents energisation of the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A kneader includes a casing with a papermaking material supply opening and a papermaking material outlet located below the papermaking material supply opening; at least first, second, third and fourth rotational shafts provided inside the casing; first blades attached to the first rotational shaft; second blades attached to the second rotational shaft; third blades attached to the third rotational shaft; and fourth blades attached to the fourth rotational shaft. The first rotational shaft and the second rotational shaft are located at the same height and are arranged parallel to each other, and the third rotational shaft and the fourth rotational shaft are located at the same height and are arranged parallel to each other. The third rotational shaft is located under the first rotational shaft and the fourth rotational shaft is located under the second rotational shaft, respectively.

Abstract: A webbing retractor which can prevent gas, which is for rotating a take-up shaft in a take-up direction, from affecting other structural parts. In the webbing retractor, when a pretensioner mechanism operates, gas for operation within a cylinder is exhausted toward a pinion via a gas venting hole formed in a flange portion of a piston. Because a blocking wall is provided between the pinion and an acceleration sensor, exhausted gas passes between the pinion and the blocking wall, and is exhausted to an outer side of the webbing retractor from an upper end side of a cover plate or the like. In this way, blowing-out of the exhausted gas onto the acceleration sensor is blocked, and the exhausted gas can be prevented from affecting the acceleration sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling an aircraft, missile, munition or ground vehicle with plasma actuators, and more particularly to controlling fluid flow across their surfaces or other surfaces, which would benefit from such a method. The method includes the design of an aerodynamic plasma actuator for the purpose of controlling airflow separation over a control surface of a aircraft, missile, or a ground vehicle, and more particularly to the method of determining a modulation frequency for the plasma actuator for the purpose of fluid flow control over these vehicles. The various embodiments provide the steps to increase the efficiency of aircraft, missiles, munitions and ground vehicles. The method of flow control provides a means for reducing aircraft, missile's, munition's and ground vehicle's power requirements. These methods also provide alternate means for aerodynamic control using low-power hingeless plasma actuator devices.

Abstract: An engine system for an aircraft capable of operating in a helicopter-type flight mode and a fixed-wing flight mode and is capable of transitioning between those flight modes while in-flight includes first and second engines, and a ducting assembly. The ducting assembly includes a first exhaust subassembly in fluid communication with the first engine and a second exhaust subassembly in fluid communication with the second engine. The first exhaust subassembly permits fluid transfer substantially independent of fluid transfer within the second exhaust subassembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a manned aircraft for unmanned flight, the aircraft including at least one pilot control capable of manipulation to affect operation of the aircraft, the apparatus comprising a first actuator and a second actuator each configured to selectively provide movement or resistance to movement in a first manner including linear or rotational motion, a first clutch and a second clutch each configured to selectively couple movement of the associated actuator to the pilot control, and a vehicle controller capable of being selectively enabled to operate the pilot control actuators and clutches providing unmanned operation of the aircraft or disabled providing manned operation of the aircraft. The first actuator has a first scope describing a first amount of allowable movement, while the second actuator has a second scope larger than the first scope.

Abstract: A tandem inlet apparatus for use with a high speed mobile platform, for example a commercial or military aircraft. The tandem inlet apparatus includes a Pitot inlet for feeding air to a cabin air compressor (CAC) of an air conditioning pack carried on the mobile platform. A flush heat exchanger inlet is disposed forwardly of the Pitot inlet and longitudinally aligned with the Pitot inlet, for supplying cooling air to a heat exchanger of the air conditioning pack. By locating the heat exchanger inlet forwardly and longitudinally in line with the Pitot inlet, the heat exchanger inlet is able to effectively swallow a large portion of the boundary layer, which results in a thinner boundary layer at the inlet face of the Pitot inlet. This enables a smaller throat area Pitot inlet to be used, as well as a shorter diverter height to be employed with the Pitot inlet, while still realizing an improved recovery factor (RF) performance with the Pitot inlet. The reduced height Pitot inlet also enables drag to be reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to an engine assembly for an aircraft comprising a turbojet, a engine mount pylon, and a plurality of engine mounts inserted between the engine mount pylon and the turbojet. According to the invention, the plurality of engine mounts comprises a engine mount (6a) designed so as to uniquely resist forces applied along a direction (Y) transverse to the turbojet, this engine mount (6a) comprising an intermediate fitting (46) assembled onto a first fitting (40) fixed to the pylon through two swivel axes (48) oriented parallel along a vertical direction (Z), and a pin (56) oriented along a longitudinal direction (X) and fixed to the intermediate fitting, the pin being installed on a second fitting (58) fixed to the turbojet, with clearance along the longitudinal direction (X).

Abstract: A reservoir safely accommodates a fuel using a barrier layer, which at least partly separates the contact areas of the reservoir and/or contact elements to be protected. The barrier layer is formed of a fire-proof medium which displaces volatile and ignitable fuel having a density less than the density of the fire-proof medium, providing a chemical-physical separation of hydrogen from the air surrounding the reservoir. In vehicles, particularly aircraft, safe operation may be improved by application of the barrier in the reservoir. In one embodiment, there is an additional reservoir filled with an inert material that surrounds the hydrogen reservoir.

Abstract: A carriage and release system for stores (armaments such as rockets and bombs) on an aircraft includes a bracket adapted for attachment to the aircraft. A pylon is mounted on the bracket for movement in a pitch direction relative to the aircraft. A mechanism is provided to power the pitch movement and position it at a predetermined angle relative to the aircraft. A variety of stores carriers may be employed with the pylon. Subcarriages may also be mounted to the pylon for attaching additional stores carriers.

Abstract: A method for configuring and operating a spacecraft in an orbit that is inclined with respect to Earth's equatorial plane, the spacecraft including at least a solar array, a receive antenna, a transmit antenna, and radiator panels. The method includes the step of nominally orienting the yaw axis of the spacecraft, the roll axis of the spacecraft, and the radiator panels substantially parallel to Earth's equatorial plane, the pitch axis of the spacecraft and rotation axis of the solar array substantially parallel to Earth's polar axis, the Nadir vector in the yaw-pitch plane of the spacecraft, and the transmit antenna and receive antenna to angle ?nom. The method also includes the step of correcting the attitude of the receive antenna and the transmit antenna to maintain a desired degree of the receive antenna and the transmit antenna steered toward a coverage region on Earth's surface.

Abstract: A satellite intended to travel in a constellation of satellites in an area of space in which the dominant disturbing forces and torques are for the most part caused by differential solar pressure between the satellites of the constellation comprises a satellite structure and a sunshield to prevent at least a portion of the satellite structure from being illuminated by solar rays. The reflectivity of the reflective surfaces of the sunshield is adjusted as a function of the angle of incidence of the solar rays.

Abstract: A preferred In Orbit Transportation & Recovery System (IOSTAR™) (10) includes a space tug powered by a nuclear reactor (19). The IOSTAR™ includes a collapsible boom (11) connected at one end to a propellant tank (13) which stores fuel for an electric propulsion system (12). This end of the boom (11) is equipped with docking hardware (14) that is able to grasp and hold a satellite (15) and as a means to refill the tank (13). Radiator panels (16) mounted on the boom (11) dissipate heat from the reactor (19). A radiation shield (20) is situated next to the reactor (19) to protect the satellite payload (15) at the far end of the boom (11). The IOSTAR™ (10) will be capable of accomplishing rendezvous and docking maneuvers which will enable it to move spacecraft between a low Earth parking orbit and positions in higher orbits or to other locations in our Solar System.

Abstract: An aircraft has a fuselage and a pair of wings joined to the fuselage at a dihedral angle. A wing extension, such as an angled winglet or a wing-tip pod, is joined to a distal end of each of the wings. A top-surface antenna lies in each of the top surfaces, and a bottom-surface antenna lies in each of the bottom surfaces. The antennas are preferably flat-panel antennas such as phased-array antennas.

Abstract: A system for use by a railroad to warn railroad workers, track walker, railroad personnel and others of oncoming train(s) and to warn the train operator(s) of such train(s) of the presence of railroad workers, track walker railroad personnel, other train(s) and others on or near the railroad tracks, such system including at least one train transceiver for each train for sensing signals transmitted by at least one of a plurality of personal transmitter/receivers, one personal transmitter/receiver being worn by each of such railroad workers, track walker and railroad personnel, such train transceiver(s) to warn the train operator(s) of the presence of railroad workers, track walker, other train(s), and railroad personnel on or near the tracks when receiving signals from the personal transmitter/receivers, such personal transmitter/receivers receiving signals from the train transceiver(s) to warn the railroad workers, track walker and railroad personnel of oncoming train(s) with such warning signal activating ne

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an infusion stand for supporting an articles such as an IV bag. In one embodiment, the infusion stand comprises a gas spring engaged with a moveable base assembly. The infusion stand further comprises a foot pedal assembly mounted to the base assembly that is adapted to actuate the gas spring. The infusion stand further comprises an extension arm having one end engaged with the gas spring and the other end to an IV bag support adapted to support one or more IV bags. The infusion stand may further comprise a handle assembly connected to the upper portion of the extension arm. In operation, depression of the foot pedal assembly causes activation of the gas spring which raises the IV bag support to a selected height. An operator may grasp the handle assembly to control upward or downward movement of the IV bag support to a desired height and fix the desired height by release of the foot pedal assembly.

Abstract: The present invention features an infant car seat caddy, which is configured in the fully extended or raised position. The present invention comprises a first support assembly and a second support assembly, which are joined by a series of braces pivotally attached thereto. The first and second support assemblies which are attached together by the braces can be raised into an extended position and lowered into a retracted position.

Abstract: A support stand includes a base and a mounting post that is collapsible into the base. The support stand can be extremely compact and nearly flat with a very small height. The support stand also is very easy to use and can be quickly set up and utilized with a camera or other device to be mounted thereon.

Abstract: A device for fastening an exhaust manifold to an internal combustion engine is provided. The device includes two parts. A first part that has first elongated holes for a screw fastening to the engine and openings for a screw fastening of a second bracket part. The second bracket part is fork-shaped, angular, and has on the angle branch facing the first bracket part second elongated holes and on the other angle branch, third elongated holes. The longitudinal axes of at least two of the elongated holes are oriented perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: A magnetic mounting system comprises a plurality of magnets and a base. The base includes a plurality of spaced apart mounting apertures. A suspension assembly pivotally secures each magnet of the plurality of magnets to the base. The plurality of mounting apertures of the base allow for varying magnetic arrangements of the plurality of magnets thereby allowing the magnet mounting system to be mounted onto flat surfaces, curved surfaces and/or other shaped surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening block for mounting objects on a profiled rail (12) having an at least approximately rectangular cross-section. The fastening block comprises a housing part (14) with at least one claw (26), which is fixed to the housing and reaches over the profiled rail (12) so that the housing part (14) rests against two faces of the profiled rail (12) via contact surfaces that are parallel to the profiled rail (12). The fastening block also comprises an L-shaped moving clamping part (28) which, with its first L-limb (30), is mounted on the housing part (14) in a manner that permits it to pivot about a first axis (32) that is parallel to the contact surfaces and which is pretensioned into a clamping position in which it reaches around the profiled rail (12) with its second L-limb (34) provided in the form of a claw. Lastly, the fastening block comprises a tightening device (40, 46, 72) for tightening and blocking the clamping part (28) in the clamping position.

Abstract: A mount and methods for attaching a flat screen display panel is disclosed in which a wall bracket is attached to a support surface, a panel bracket is secured to a display panel, and the two brackets then cooperate to securely affix the display panel to the support surface while allowing subsequent lateral and pivotal adjustment.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a cup holder assembly includes a support frame, a cup holder and a dampener. The support frame has spaced apart walls. The cup holder is slidably engaged with the walls of the support frame for movement between a stowed position disposed between the walls of the support frame and a use position extending outwardly from the support frame. The dampener is coupled to the walls of the support frame. The dampener has an arcuate spring member formed integrally therewith to provide an interference fit with the cup holder for dampening the sliding movement of the cup holder relative to the sleeve between the stowed and use positions.

Abstract: A stand for supporting a computer includes a first receiving space configured for retaining a computer enclosure of the computer, and a second receiving space formed in the vicinity of the first retainer configured for retaining a power supply of the computer.

Abstract: A paper base for supporting an object such as a large household appliance is provided. The base comprises a honeycomb middle layer sandwiched between and substantially coextensive with top and bottom trays made from corrugated board. A platform can be mounted above the top tray to support a washing machine motor or other object.

Abstract: A valve with a flow adjustment device in the form of a valve stem travel limiter includes a collar having a passage therethrough to receive a valve stem having a projection, the collar further includes a plurality of grooves having different depths. The flow adjustment device may be assembled to a valve stem to permit a plurality of different predetermined valve stem travel limits corresponding to respective different maximum flow capacities of the valve.

Abstract: A valve for controlling fluid flow comprising a body (100) provided with a fluid passageway having an inlet (10) an outlet (90), a valve member for inhibiting fluid flow through the passageway, and means for moving the valve member (40, 50) so as to provide for controlled flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the valve member is in the form of a blade, one end of which is mounted at a location (41, 51) remote from the passageway; and wherein the means (60) of moving the valve member is arranged to act on the other end of the blade whereby to control fluid flow through the passageway.

Abstract: A valve in which durability of a sealing member made from an elastic material can be increased and sealing capability can be advantageously maintained over a wide range from a large differential pressure to a low differential pressure. A valve (100), in which a valve disc (1) and a valve seat (2) are brought into close contact via a sealing member (5) composed of an elastic material and provided at the valve disc (1) or valve seat (2), comprises a throttle section (30) defined by the shape of at least one of the valve disc (1) and valve seat (2). The throttle section (30) narrows a flow passage formed between the valve disc (1) and valve seat (2) and is provided near the sealing member (5). The flow passage narrowed by the throttle section (30) is so set that narrowing preferentially proceeds in the flow passage in close proximity to the sealing member (5) during the closing operation of the valve disc (1).

Abstract: There is disclosed a manual assist for opening a window, door or other mechanism that slides in a preset track. The manual assist comprises an elongated, preferably contoured handle; a wedge near one end of the handle; and a base pivotally mounted to the handle near the wedge end. Preferably, this manual assist may be hung near a window using a Velcro® strip pair, aperture or hook when not in use.

Abstract: An opposed-rope driven telescoping mast assembly includes a stationary support and a longitudinal mast comprising a longitudinal section joined to move relative to the stationary support. A drive assembly drives the longitudinal mast and includes a frame and a rotatable drum assembly mounted to the frame. A first rope is joined to the drum assembly and to the longitudinal mast to pull the longitudinal section in a first direction, while a second rope is joined to the drum assembly and to the longitudinal mast to pull the longitudinal section in a second direction. A sensor is operably coupled to the drive assembly to sense overload tension in the first rope or the second rope.

Abstract: For changing a liquid medicine into a fine mist a compressor nebulizer is disclosed to include a pressure gage that indicates the pressure range of the compressed air passing out of the air pump to the nebulizer cup through aerosol tubing so that the user can quickly recognize the normal operation of the device and, if abnormal, decide if external parts should be replaced or the device should be returned for repair.

Abstract: A compact, improved injector-mixer for injecting and thoroughly mixing fine bubbles of air into a contaminated water stream from a fish tank is disclosed. Water is pumped down through an injection section of the present invention where air is injected into the stream by an improved Venturi construction. The mixture then flows into an improved mixing section, vertically disposed within a protein skimmer chamber, where it is thoroughly mixed such that the plethora of small air bubbles have a greater chance to bond with the contaminants of the water, the contaminants becoming buoyant as a result. Upon introduction of the mixture into the protein skimmer chamber, the bubbles of air and contaminants attached thereto rise to the top of the protein skimmer column to be contained, while the filtered and oxygenated water is returned to the tank through a base of the protein skimmer chamber.

Abstract: A process for producing a solution of a gas in a liquid in which the gas is soluble, the solution having a predetermined concentration up to saturation. The gas and the liquid are brought together under controlled supply in a proportion corresponding to the predetermined concentration of the solution, and the gas and the liquid are caused to form a stream passing through a common conduit. The gas and the liquid in the stream are caused to intermix under the action of gravity, and the intermixing is repeated before the gas and the liquid have separated, so that the gas is substantially absorbed in the liquid, forming a gas-liquid solution of the predetermined concentration. The stream may be brought into turbulence for intensifying the intermixing of the gas and the liquid. An apparatus for performing the process includes a conduit including a continuous tubular coil formed with a plurality of upwardly and downwardly directed sections.