Abstract: Apparatus and methods for liquid-liquid extraction. The apparatus can include a housing having a first section, second section, and third section. One or more sieve trays can be disposed in the first section, and one or more gratings can be disposed in the second section. A hydrocarbon feed inlet can be disposed adjacent the second section, wherein each grating has a plurality of openings formed therethrough. The openings having at least three sides. The first section can be disposed at a first end of the second section, and the third section can disposed at a second end of the second section.

Abstract: This invention is focused on protecting the environment, more specifically, on methods for cleaning oil-contaminated bottom sediments and also sludge pits and oil refinery sewage tanks. For realization of this method, after preliminary extraction of liquid fraction of oil from the bottom of the reservoir, place oligochaetes of the family Tubificidae in quantities from 20 up to 65 g/m2, create a level of concentration of dissolved oxygen in benthic layers of water by aeration of reservoirs through the use of aerating devices and simultaneously administer nitric and phosphoric mineral fertilizers to maintain a concentration of phosphorus in water of 0.5-1.5 mg/dm3 and nitrogen no more than 2 mg/dm3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, methods, and applications for treating wastewater, and more particularly to biological processes for removing pollutants from wastewater.

Abstract: A system and method reducing pollution in a body of water using biological processes is provided. The system includes a hydraulic dam generated by an induced downwelling of effluent water from a plurality of water circulating devices. A series of linearly arranged treatment sub-systems are disposed upstream of the hydraulic dam. The treatment sub-systems include a water sterilization sub-system for neutralizing harmful and undesirable micro-organisms using an ultrasonic energy generating unit. The ultrasonic energy generated, is of a frequency that disrupts cellular structures in targeted micro-organisms.

Abstract: A method of operating a membrane separator, in which a membrane module comprising a large number of exposed hollow fiber membranes is installed in an untreated water chamber, for making possible stable membrane filtering operation while maintaining a high yield by minimizing loads of the filter membranes and performing effective washing is to be provided, the method including a filtering step at which untreated water is filtered by giving a differential pressure between the primary side (untreated water side) and the secondary side (treated water side) of the hollow fiber membranes, a physical washing step of gas washing by ejecting a gaseous washing medium onto the primary side of the membrane module and of back-pressured water washing by feeding a backwashing medium from the secondary side of the hollow fiber membranes and letting it pass to the untreated water side of the hollow fiber membranes, and a drain step of discharging drain in the chamber out of the system after repeating twice or more the filteri

Abstract: A method of treating water for municipal use comprises treating the feedwater stream on the feed side of a reverse osmosis membrane with a non-oxidizing, bromine-containing biocide in the substantial absence of a reducing agent, such that biofouling of the membrane is reduced or prevented, and measuring the produced water stream on the permeate side for the presence of bromine-containing compounds. Advantages may include preservation of the membrane, production of water that meets applicable regulations for safe drinking, and simplified processing without additional steps to remove the biocide or its degradation products from the produced water.

Abstract: The invention provides membranes useful for filtration of water and other liquids. The membrane may be a composite membrane having a polymer layer incorporating quaternary phosphonium or ammonium groups. The polymer layer may be resistant to protein adsorption in an aqueous environment. The membrane may also be a surface-modified membrane in which a polymer having quaternary phosphonium or ammonium groups is covalently attached to the membrane surface. Methods for making and using the membranes of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: [Problem] An object of the present invention is to provide a method of testing the integrity of a microporous membrane using a colloid solution containing metal particles or metal compound particles that can accurately determine the integrity of a virus removal membrane formed of hydrophilized synthetic polymer that has been subjected to protein solution filtration, and to provide a method of producing the colloid solution.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of removing a deleterious substance bound to a protein in blood of a patient by introducing a displacer substance into the blood under conditions in which the displacer substance replaces deleterious substance bound to the protein, thereby resulting in additional unbound deleterious substance in the blood, and removing unbound deleterious substance from the blood by extracorporeal renal replacement treatment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of determining a dosage of phosphorus binder for a patient undergoing dialysis treatment to achieve a pre-dialysis serum phosphorus concentration within a desired concentration range while achieving a desired net accumulation of calcium. The method includes determining the dosage of phosphorus binder that will achieve pre-dialysis serum phosphorus concentration of the patient that is within the desired concentration range while accounting for the change in the amount of phosphorus removed by the dialysis treatment when the pre-dialysis serum phosphorus concentration of the patient is within the desired concentration range, determining a dialysate calcium concentration that will result in the desired net accumulation of calcium over a complete dialysis cycle, and dialyzing the patient with a dialysate containing a calcium concentration based upon that determination.

Abstract: An apparatus for, method of, and system for treatment of industrial waste water and/or marine vessel bilge waste water before discharge into rivers, lakes, streams and oceans, said waste water having hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon liquid chemical emulsions containing organics and fine suspended particulate matter, said treatment utilizing a hydrocarbon sorbing media together with filter structural elements to first coalesce then bifurcate the hydrocarbon elements from the non-hydrocarbon elements in the emulsion, then the remaining liquid entering the second stage of filtration wherein a positively charged nano-fiber material removes the remaining organics and other fine particulate in the submicron sized range, providing a highly clarified and oil free effluent at high flow rates and with substantially reduced filter system maintenance. The apparatus, method and system may further contain a third stage utilizing another layer of hydrocarbon sorbing materials.

Abstract: A method for treating contaminated water streams resulting from the production of coal-bed-methane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal of metals and cleanup of roof top storm water runoff comprising a drum structure which includes at least two media beds for filtering the storm water runoff. The first media bed filters out particles of toxic metals and metal ions are absorbed on the media material in the first media bed.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a swellable sol-gel composition including a plurality of interconnected organosilica nanoparticles. Another aspect of the present invention includes a swellable composite including a plurality of interconnected organosilica nanoparticles and a particulate material capable of binding to or reacting with a non-polar or organic sorbate. When dried, the sol-gel composition and the swellable composite may be capable of swelling to at least twice their dried volume when placed in contact with a non-polar or organic sorbate.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater using a ballasted flocculation technique includes continuously measuring the concentration of suspended solids, organic matter or other impurities in the water to be treated prior to directing the water to be treated to a flocculation tank. Based on this measurement, the amount of ballast necessary to obtain treated water of a predetermined quality is then calculated. In the flocculation tank, ballast and a flocculating reagent are added to the water to form a water-floc mixture. The water-floc mixture is directed to a settling tank where a sludge-ballast mixture is settled. The sludge-ballast mixture is directed to a mixing tank and then to a separator to separate the ballast from the sludge. The separated ballast is directed to the flocculation tank. The separated sludge is directed to the mixing tank when the level of sludge-ballast mixture in the mixing tank is lower than a predetermined level.

Abstract: A system for removing water from sludge is disclosed. The system (100) includes: de-watering (102) sludge comprising an output from a wastewater treatment system to form a semi-solid sludge cake; dispensing (104) the sludge in a sludge hopper and dispensing a blending material in a recipient blending material hopper; depositing (106) the sludge and the blending material in a mixing device; mixing (108) the sludge and the blending material having a porous structure in a weight ratio of the sludge to the blending material of about from 2:1 to about 10:1; and compressing (110) the sludge and the blending material to release moisture. The system (100) provides an improved method of de-watering sludge, for more efficient processing, transporting and recycling, depending on the application.

Abstract: A system for the treatment of groundwater is described, the system including: a first component for placement into a groundwater table, the first component having a first end and a second end and an interior space defined by an inner wall and extending between the first end and the second end; at least one ultrasonic transducer positioned with the interior space of the first component to provide ultrasonically induced cavitation to a volume of water within the interior space; a pump associated with the first end of the first component to draw water from the groundwater table into the interior space of the first component; an outlet associated with the second end of the first component, the outlet positioned to direct a volume of water away from the first component after the water has passed therethrough; a power supply; and a radio frequency generator capable of providing a radio frequency within the range from about 15 kHz to about 1100 kHz.

Abstract: The invention discloses a management arrangement for a swimming pool. The arrangement includes a number of sensors being adapted to measure variables and generate input data relating to a swimming pool. The input data is processed by a processing unit to generate output data, which data is then used by an actuator to control equipment. Various operating parameters are programmable into the processing unit via an operator interface. The arrangement provides a combination of ultraviolet treatment and ion enrichment in order to disinfect or purify the water. The arrangement specifically regulates the ionization of the swimming pool water so as to substantially maintain a pre-determined ion concentration level with reduced operator intervention.

Abstract: The described implementations relate to water denitrification. One method obtains nitrate levels in influent and effluent of a moving bed media filter and determines carbon levels in the effluent. The method also doses carbon feedstock into the influent based on both the nitrate levels and the carbon levels.

Abstract: There is provided a method of inhibiting the development of a biofilm adjacent a surface, the method comprising intermittently applying a biofilm inhibiting substance to a collection of microorganisms having biofilm developing potential. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for separating a slurry into liquids and solids in a pressure filter apparatus and for forming a substantially dry and often loosely packet filter solids cake wherein a high temperature and high pressure steam is introduced into an initially formed filter cake in the pressurized filter apparatus to force the steam into the interstices of the formed filter cake and then pressure within the filter apparatus is reduced to permit the steam to flash and to expand within the interstices to absorb any remaining fluids within the formed filter cake and to cause the filter cake to become substantially dry and loosely packed. The filtered solids cake is then discharged from the filter apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for separating oil and other contaminants (particularly oleophilic compounds) from water, gas and other carriers. The invention is useful for separating oil, including emulsified oil, from water and other oleophilic compounds from bilgewater and other wastewater. The compositions comprise a hydrocarbon resin and a drying oil, which may be combined in an organic solvent. For example, hydrocarbon resin and tung oil are optionally combined into a naphtha solvent. The invention is also useful for removing a variety of contaminants from an air stream, such as exhaust from internal combustion engines, burners, and other sources.

Abstract: The invention relates to a horizontal agitator for producing a flow in a clearing basin, wherein a propeller (2) having a plurality of blades (4) is connected to a submersible motor (1) axially disposed thereto. In order to increase the efficiency of the horizontal agitator, according to the invention the propeller (2) and the submersible motor (1) are configured such that during operation of the submersible motor (1) a flow (P2) that is directed from the propeller (2) to the submersible motor (1) is produced.

Abstract: A rack assembly for transportation and display of potted plants and similar articles. The rack includes vertical supports, and a plurality of trays that are slidingly supported on the posts. The trays are extensible from a retracted position in which the trays are arranged in compact, vertically spaced relationship for transportation, to a deployed position in which the trays extend on opposite sides in an alternating arrangement with increased vertical spacing, and are tilted to a downwardly angled orientation so that the plants can be readily viewed and accessed by customers and other personnel. The posts and trays are mounted on a mobile frame that includes stabilizer legs which prevent the assembly from tipping when the trays are in the deployed position. The posts and trays are removable from the frame, and can be broken down for storage.

Abstract: Apparatuses for the efficient and safe organization of product on shelves. The present invention encompasses shelving allocation units that are adjustable in a longitudinal direction to accommodate varying shelf depths. The present invention also provides for shelving allocation units that are adjustable in both the longitudinal direction, but also along an orthogonal axis. By being adjustable along an orthogonal axis, the shelving allocation units of the present invention may be adapted to accommodate various sizes of product. The present invention also includes novel backstop assemblies that may be adapted for use in shelves of various dimensions.

Abstract: A display shelf having a) a shelf portion having a supporting plate defined by a front edge, back edge and side edges, and b) a display holder for holding product information for product held by the shelf. The display holder is secured to the shelf by at least two hinges having the same pivot axis located behind the front edge such that the shelf is rotatable through at least 90 degrees from a position primarily below the supporting plate in a plane perpendicular to a position parallel to the supporting plate of the shelf.

Abstract: A wall mount for supporting a hitch mount rack comprises one or more base members comprising at least one base plate member. The wall mount further comprises a wall mount receiver projecting from the base plate member, an anchor structure on at least one of the one or more base members, and at least one fastener configured to engage the anchor structure and secure the wall mount to a building wall structure. The wall mount receiver is configured to receive a receptacle portion of a hitch mount rack.

Abstract: Multimedia furniture includes structure for a multimedia console that allows insertion of the console through a front panel of the multimedia furniture, e.g., via a slot or cutout, advantageously keeping the console apparent through the front panel. For better integration of multimedia peripherals and storage components into the multimedia furniture, the invention also includes structure for retaining multimedia storage components, such as gaming DVDs and their cases and/or structure for retaining gaming peripherals, such as wired or wireless gaming controllers. For instance, in one non-limiting embodiment, a furniture stand for a display device is provided having a main surface for supporting a display device. In a front panel, the furniture stand includes a cutout or slot in a front panel for receiving a multimedia console. In another non-limiting embodiment, tower furniture is provided including a cutout or slot in the tower portion for receiving and supporting a multimedia console.

Abstract: An organizer for a desk or other surface. In one aspect, the invention can be an organizer comprising: a rack assembly comprising a pair of spaced-apart vertical supports and a plurality of horizontal rods extending between and supported by the pair of vertical supports, the plurality of horizontal rods arranged in a spaced-apart manner; an organization accessory having a rear side having a width that is greater than a distance between the vertical supports, the organization accessory having a pair of hook members extending from the rear side of the organization accessory; and the organization accessory mounted to the rack assembly so that the hook members engage one of the horizontal rods and the rear side of the organization accessory rests against the pair of vertical supports.

Abstract: A rack/module assembly for first aid supplies comprises a plurality of modules which are insertable into a receptacle of a rack. Each module is semi-transparent or transparent and has a front cover portion which is pivotal to provide access to first aid supplies within the module enclosure. An integral latch mechanism releasably latches the cover in a closed position. Each of the modules contains first aid supplies specific to a given first aid treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DIY or a assemble furniture which has a containing room inside the furniture and connecting members on exterior surface of the furniture. According to the present invention, user is able to make many shapes of furniture by connecting at least one of rack modules.

Abstract: A combination storage rack includes a plurality of upright supports each formed of a plurality of bamboo rods equiangularly arranged around the periphery and a plurality of spacer blocks fixedly mounted in the bamboo rods at different elevations to keep the bamboo rods apart from one another, a plurality of tapered locating members respectively fastened to the upright supports and supported on the spacer blocks, and a plurality of rack panels that have tapered through holes for the passing of the upright supports and for engagement with the tapered locating blocks.

Abstract: A turning device for a hoist is disclosed, in which a weight thing with a narrow width can be stably turned with a stable support. A rope end unit or an upper sheave unit is easily installed at a hoist frame. A rope end unit or an upper sheave unit is installed in a hoist frame and is freely movable in opposite positions.

Abstract: A rotate, squeeze and lift child resistant safety cap with a dispenser actuator for attachment to a pressurized container having a dispenser stem on its top includes: an inner member for attachment to either the container or its closure, the inner member having an outer member interlocking component, being one of a circular track and a circular rail, the circular track having inside and outside ledges with a track space between the inside and outside ledges, the track space having a predetermined track space width, the circular rail having inside and outside protrusions adapted to ride inside the track space and under the ledges, the protrusions having widths less than the track space width and greater than one half the track space width; and an outer member being an outer closure having a circular bottom that is semi-flexible, and at its circular bottom, having the other of the one of a circular track and a circular rail.

Abstract: A lever type easy pull crown cap. The lever type easy pull crown cap has a body with a boss extending from a central portion that transitions into a rim with an edge. A pull-ring is fastened to the crown body without piercing the body. An inner surface of the body includes a score line extending from the edge along the rim and across the central portion towards the boss and returns outward across the central portion after travelling around the boss to terminate in a tail segment. The tail segment extends along a portion of the rim without reaching the edge. Pulling upward on the pull-ring fractures the body along the score line and separates a tear strip portion from the body, breaking the seal between the lever type easy pull crown cap and the bottle.

Abstract: A cap for sealing a container having a lug-type closure assembly is described. The cap has a top panel and a circumferential side wall panel. The top panel is positioned about a longitudinal axis and extends radially outwardly therefrom. The circumferential side wall panel is integral with an outer peripheral edge of the top panel and has first second, and third segments. The first segment extends downwardly. The second segment extends radially outwardly at a first angle to the first segment. The third segment extends downwardly from the second segment at a second angle to the second segment.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module and method of manufacture thereof, capable of preventing short-circuits between electrodes due to solder without causing increases in size or cost. A thermoelectric module is configured with lower electrodes formed on the inside surface of a lower substrate, placed in opposition to an upper substrate, on the inside surface of which are formed upper electrodes; the end faces of thermoelectric elements are soldered to the lower electrodes and upper electrodes. Each of the electrodes is configured from three layers, which are a copper layer, a nickel layer formed on one face of the copper layer, and a gold layer formed on one face of the nickel layer; a visor portion, protruding outward, is formed in the nickel layer, so that when positioning the thermoelectric elements above the electrodes and soldering the electrodes to the thermoelectric elements, the flowing of solder 18a from the side portions of electrodes to the insulating substrate is prevented.

Abstract: A ladder filter includes a series resonator having a first film laminate in which an upper electrode and a lower electrode face each other across a piezoelectric film, and a first film provided on the first film laminate, and a parallel resonator having a second film laminate having a structure similar to that of the first film laminate, a second film provided on the second film laminate, and another first film identical to the first film.

Abstract: A method for forming a phase grating is disclosed. First, a substrate is provided. Second, a first dielectric layer with a tapered recess or bulge is formed on the substrate. Later, a second dielectric layer is formed to fill the tapered recess and to cover the first dielectric layer. Afterwards, the second dielectric layer is selectively etched to form the phase grating. The phase grating includes a column and multiple rings. The column and multiple rings are concentric and the multiple rings are disposed on the tapered side so that the height of each ring is different.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for polishing barrier layer materials. In one embodiment, a composition is provided for removing at least a barrier material from a substrate surface, including includes a base composition, a silica abrasive, a solvent, a pH between about 7 and about 10, and one or more components selected from the group of a metal passivating compound, an oxidizer, and an alumina abrasive. The composition may be used to chemical mechanical polishing process a substrate surface having a ruthenium-based barrier and one or more material selected from the group of a polysilicon layer, a dielectric layer, or metal layer.

Abstract: Universal plasma unconfinement detection systems configured to detect the plasma unconfinement condition in the plasma processing chamber and methods therefor. The detection systems and methods are designed to reliably and accurately detect the existence of the plasma unconfinement condition in a process-independent and recipe-independent manner.

Abstract: In a plasma processing apparatus 10, a microwave transmitted from a microwave source 900 to a coaxial waveguide 600 via a branch waveguide 905 is split into a plurality of microwaves by a branch plate 610 and then transmitted to each internal conductor 315a of a plurality of coaxial waveguides. The microwave transmitted through each internal conductor 315a of the coaxial waveguides is emitted into a processing chamber 100 from each dielectric plate 305 connected with each internal conductor 315a. A desired plasma processing is performed on a substrate G by exciting a processing gas introduced into the processing chamber 100 by the emitted microwave. Expandability for the scale-up is improved by using the plurality of dielectric plates 305. It is possible to design a compact transmission line and supply a low frequency microwave by using the coaxial waveguide in the transmission line.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and a switching chamber are disclosed which include a switching chamber housing composed of electrically conductive material, which surrounds an erosion volume and has an axially directed outlet which connects the erosion volume to an outlet opening on the outer face of the switching chamber housing, or which has at least one radially directed outlet. The outlet can include an insert, which is located in an aperture in the switching chamber housing and which is composed of electrically insulating material. A connecting stub surrounds an outlet channel and projects beyond the outer face of the switching chamber housing. A collar projects outward and rests on the inner face of the switching chamber housing. The aperture is located in a depression on the outer face of the switching chamber housing, such that the triple point where the switching chamber housing meets the insert is shielded.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electric discharge machining process, wherein a tool electrode is moved relatively to a workpiece with a working gap distance, wherein the process includes a current and at least one previous erosion cycle, the current and the previous erosion cycle each being divided into predetermined time intervals each including at least one discharge pulse, wherein similar working gap conditions are present within a time interval of the previous erosion cycle and of the current erosion cycle, and wherein subsequent erosion cycles are separated by a process pause cycle.

Abstract: The hand-held electro-discharge machining fastener removal device of this invention brings an EDM electrode and its supporting ground pin and dielectric fluid structure to a fastener in a workpiece, such as an aircraft fuselage. The hand-held device brings the dielectric fluid, power supply, and control system structure to the fastener in a compact tool to permit EDM machining to be brought to large structures.

Abstract: A joining device for joining a component to a workpiece. The device includes a component holder which moves the component along an axis in a first direction towards the workpiece in order to connect the component to the workpiece, and has a protective gas feed in order to carry out a welding process in a protective gas atmosphere. During the welding process the protective gas is discharged essentially in a second direction which is opposed to the first direction. An elastic sealing sleeve including folding bellows is arranged in relation to the component holder in such a way that a welding space, which is bounded by the workpiece, the component holder, the component and the sealing sleeve and through which the protective gas flows, is sealed off from the external surroundings during the welding process so that the protective gas can escape only in the second direction.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for generating remote plasma, which can improve thin-film quality by preventing an arc at a bias electrode. The apparatus includes a radio frequency (RF) electrode installed inside an upper portion of a chamber, a bias electrode installed apart from the RF electrode, and including a plurality of through holes through which plasma passes, wherein a bias power is supplied to the bias electrode, a plasma generating unit formed between the RF electrode and the bias electrode, wherein a plasma gas is supplied to the plasma generating unit, and a ground electrode installed under and spaced apart from the bias electrode, and including plasma through holes corresponding to the through holes of the bias electrode, wherein a pulsed DC bias of a second voltage level, which has a first voltage level periodically, is applied to the bias electrode.

Abstract: Microspray apparatus and methods involve injecting powdered material into a plasma gas stream. The material comprises first and second component powders. The second powder is a majority by the weight of the powdered material. The first powder acts as a melting point depressant. The first and second powders may have similar compositions but with the first powder including a greater quantity of a melting point depressant element.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a multi-axis laser welding head for a spacer grid, which is one of essential components of a nuclear fuel assembly. More particularly, the multi-axis laser welding head for the spacer grid can be operated more smoothly and variously during the welding of the spacer grid to thereby weld the spacer grid more exactly and precisely. For this, the multi-axis laser welding head includes a welding head having a movement within a predetermined angle like the back and forth swing of the pendulum, and can irradiate a laser beam in various directions by having additional axis in comparison with the prior art.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a laser processing machine including an exchangeable torch, wherein a light focus position is automatically adjusted by a program. A laser processing unit 100 includes a torch 130 that is automatically mounted on a processing head 110. The torch 130 has an assist gas chamber 140 and a balance chamber 142, and the assist gas AG is supplied to the chambers. Constantly, equal pressures act on the both chambers, and an upward first force F1 and a downward second force F2 that act on a lens holder 150 offset each other because pressure reception areas are equal. Gas AS is supplied to a gas spring chamber 144 to provide a constant upward force to the lens holder 150. A driving device 200 has an arm 260 driven by a servomotor 220. The arm 260 is in contact with a pin 180 and the lens holder 150 is moved to a predetermined position for automatically adjusting a focus position FC of a collective lens 160.