Abstract: A capsule for preparing drinks by passing a liquid through a powdered substance (9) contained in a chamber (8) made in the capsule (1). The chamber (8) is delimited on at least one side by at least one filter element (7) having a plurality of through-holes (12) extending from a first face (13) of the filter element (7) facing the inside of the chamber (8), to a second face (14) of the filter element (7). At least at the first face (13), the through-holes (12) have inlet sections (15) extending according to a main trajectory of extension and each having a length, measured along the main trajectory of extension, greater than their width, measured transversally to the main trajectory of extension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid reservoir (1), especially an adsorption fluid reservoir comprising a fluid inlet (2). The fluid reservoir according to the invention is characterized by a gas analysis unit (3) for detecting unwanted impurities.

Abstract: There is provided a resin composition including a resin and a hydrogen storage alloy powder and ensuring that even when the amount of the hydrogen storage alloy powder filled per unit volume is high, uniform mixing with the resin is achieved and the stress applied to the wall of a hydrogen storage vessel is sufficiently suppressed without impairing the high hydrogen storage capacity. The present invention provides a resin composition, that is, a resin composition including a resin and a hydrogen storage alloy powder, wherein when hydrogen gas is absorbed-released in a hydrogen storage vessel obtained by filling the resin composition in a vessel such that a ratio V2/V1 between a volume V2 of the hydrogen storage alloy powder and an inner volume V1 of the vessel becomes 40 to 80 vol %, a distortion ? produced on a wall of the hydrogen storage vessel is 1,000×10?6 or less.

Abstract: A stackable tray may have a main bottom panel and a plurality of wall members extending from the main bottom panel that are adaptable to be folded about a respective plurality of score lines to form a tray. The main bottom panel may have at least one perforation that is at least partially deformable due to engagement of the main bottom panel with a protrusion of a pre-determined item located beneath the tray in the vicinity of the at least one perforation. A blank for forming a stackable tray and a plurality of stackable trays are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multipurpose device for the safe handling of pins found in articles of clothing such as men's dress shirts. Magnetic material may be used in the container insure sharp articles are contained in the container. Said container maybe rigid or semi-rigid to ensure sharp articles are safely contained when disposed of.

Abstract: A container (1) for a plurality of test strips, in particular for strip-shaped indicator sticks, has a housing lower part (2) and a housing upper part (3), which can be brought into engagement with the housing lower part (2) in a positive manner, where the housing upper part (3) has an opening with a sealing flap (14) mounted in a pivotable manner, where the housing lower part (2) has a plurality of projecting snap-in elements (7), which can be brought into engagement with matched recesses (10) of the housing upper part (3), and where the sealing flap (14) is connected along its periphery to the housing upper part (3) by means of at least one connecting strip which can be torn off. The snap-in elements (7) project by more than one wall thickness of the housing upper part (3) in the region around the recesses (10). The sealing flap (14) preferably has a tear-off connecting strip on each of two opposite sides.

Abstract: A storage device for securing and readily displaying multi-media items generally including protective packaging. The storage device has a plurality of elongated recesses including a first elongated slot having a first width and depth and a second elongated slot having a second width and depth occurring along the same recess so that each recess including multiple elongated slots can host different sized multi-media items and associated protective packaging.

Abstract: There is provided a storing case adapted to be disposed on top of an amplifier, an amplifier head, or an amplifier stack. The storing case is adapted to receive various accessories normally used by a musician and for storing them. The storing case has an external surface which is made of a material at least visually similar to the material of external surfaces of the amplifier, amplifier head, or amplifier stack. When the storing case is disposed on the amplifier, amplifier head, or amplifier stack, which is disposed on a stage, the storing case seems to be, for a spectator in front of the stage, an integral part of a set comprising the storing case and the amplifier, amplifier head, or amplifier stack.

Abstract: A blow-molded carrying chest which includes an integrally molded frame with a top frame member slideably engaged with the left and right frame members. The frame includes a base frame member, and right and left frame members integrally molded to the base frame member. A top frame member is slideably engaged with the right and left frame members to secure the top frame member and assemble the carrying chest without requiring any fasteners. Below the top frame member is a plurality of drawers which are locked by hinged doors on the right and left frame members that prevent the plurality of drawers from sliding when the carrying chest is in transport.

Abstract: A swab dispensing carton is provided which includes a housing defining a hollow receiving space and a drawer disposed within the receiving space, and containing multiple rows of swabs. The housing includes a pair of first side walls, a pair of second side walls, and a closure panel covering one end of the receiving space and being opposite an open mouth. The drawer includes a pair of first side panels, a pair of second side panels, and a floor opposite a dispensing opening. The floor is provided with at least three interleaved flaps having a strength to resist a pressure of at least 30 pounds of force. The dispensing opening is oriented to face one of the first or second side walls of the housing.

Abstract: A self-sealed medical sterilization pouch comprises the following elements of: a first sheet being pervious to sterilization gases and surrounded by at least one printing domain thereon, a plurality of signs being disposed on the printing domain and located outside of a closed space, the first sheet having at least two sterile processing indicators having color response, one surface of an end of the first sheet having a flap; and a second sheet being impervious to sterilization gases, the second sheet having an opening and being joined with the first sheet by a first seal line, a second seal line and a third seal line at a left side, a right side and an upper side to form the closed space, the sterile processing indicators being disposed between the third seal line and a ladle-shaped end and the third seal line and another ladle-shaped end respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating in use connection of an accessory, such as a drill bit, to a drill. The apparatus includes an accessory holder for holding the accessory and drill engaging means for facilitating accurate location of the drill relative to the accessory holder. Also disclosed is a drill suitable for use with the apparatus for facilitating in use connection of an accessory.

Abstract: The present disclosure could generally provide a reusable and universal case for personal items such as, for example, removable lipstick refills. Manufacturers could provide relatively cost-effective lipstick refills suitable for use with a more elegantly packaged and fully functional universal case. The case could include an elongated tube to house a lipstick refill. The case could also include a notch disposed on an interior surface of an elongated tube to receive a groove disposed on an exterior surface of an insert disposed within a second end of the tube. The case could further include a protrusion on an interior surface of the insert that is disposed along a surface of the lipstick refill.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles product designs tailored to the differing needs and preferences of males and females are disclosed. In particular embodiments, an array of gender-specific, disposable, absorbent articles comprises a package of first disposable absorbent articles, the package bearing indicia indicating that the articles therein are adapted to be worn by females, and a package of second disposable absorbent articles, the package bearing indicia indicating that the articles therein are adapted to be worn by males. The first disposable absorbent articles differ from the corresponding second disposable absorbent articles in any of a variety of aspects to customize the products for each gender. In certain embodiments, the array includes one product adapted for use by one gender, and a unisex product adapted for use by either gender.

Abstract: An at least partially flexible sealed package comprises an opening assembly that includes a sliding component and a lifetime indicator for indicating an expiry status of a product within a storage compartment of the package. Movement of said sliding component relative to the lifetime indicator serving to open a seal of said package and activate the lifetime indicator.

Abstract: A storage container that is secure and tamper proof is provided by a molded, one-piece container having a bottom and upstanding vertically oriented side and end walls. A separate lid is provided that sealingly engages the container. The container includes flutes on the inside and outside of the walls for adding strength to the walls. The flutes on the outside wall of one container fit with the flutes on the inside wall of another container for nesting purposes. The container can be stacked with another container by being placed on the top surface of the lid. A container can also be stacked in a container without a lid by being supported by shoulders on the inside walls of the container without the lid after rotating the container to be nested so that the flutes on the container to be nested engage the shoulders of the container without the lid.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of flexible strips of material integrally interconnected to one another along one end thereof so as to form a unitary mass and so that the strips of material are intertwineable with one another to form a resilient tuft. The strips of material interconnected via a border have a bonding material disposed thereon for bondingly connecting the packaging material to a container.

Abstract: A uniformly premixed sealant is extruded into a packaging form and allowed to pressure equilibrate prior to freezing. Upon warming the sealant begins to cure. The storage of the preformed sealant formulation under cold conditions arrests the activity of cure catalysts and accelerators mixed therethrough. The sealant is readily extruded into a preform shape containing a lightweight filler. A release film is provided to avoid contact with the sealant preformed in a shape during application to a substrate.

Abstract: A packaged product combination comprises a number of different medicaments of different shape and/or colour, the actual shape and/or colour of the medicaments providing user information relating to the medicament, for example a recommended dosage time in relation to meal times. For example, products to be taken before meal times can be elongate, products to be taken at meal times can be circular, and products to be taken after meal times can be triangular. In this way, the invention helps patients take the medication correctly, such that patients will longer be able to self-medicate and will not be reliant on inpatient care.

Abstract: A tray which is adapted to be securely and stably carried by a hand of a user, the tray comprising a support portion having an upper surface adapted for supporting the beverages or foodstuffs; a wall portion extending upwardly from the upper surface of the support portion; and a raised portion connected to the wall portion, the raised portion having upper and lower surfaces wherein the lower surface of the raised portion is located above the upper surface of the support portion when the tray is in an operable position the raised and wall portions defining a recess which is laterally accessible the raised portion being adapted to be gripped by the hand of the user whereby the thumb of the user engages the upper surface of the raised portion and the recess is adapted to receive the fingers of the hand of the user so as to enable the lower surface of the raised portion to be engaged by the fingers of the user at the same time that the thumb of the user engages the upper surface.

Abstract: A pumpkin carving kit includes at least one pattern formed from a relatively thin, relatively flexible and relatively non-porous material that is substantially impervious to moisture. The pattern includes at least one cutout portion having a plurality of edges. The kit further includes a marking tool for marking an outline of the edges of the cutout portion(s) onto an exterior surface of a pumpkin. The kit further includes at least one cutting tool for carving the outline of the cutout portion(s) onto the exterior surface of the pumpkin. The kit further includes an illumination source for being positioned within the pumpkin to illuminate the cutout portion(s) when the pumpkin is viewed from an external perspective. The cutout portion(s) may define a sexually themed image and the cutting tool may include a handle portion that defines a sexually themed contour.

Abstract: A screwdriver kit includes a main body which has a first end adapted for connecting to a tool and a second end, including a column projecting from the first end and having an opening formed therein longitudinally; a linkage having a first end and a second end, with the second end slideably received in the opening; a cap member, which the second end of the linkage is installed therein, being movable between a first position and a second position; wherein the cap member is coupled to the main body as the cap member is in the first position; wherein the cap member is detached from the main body along the linkage as the cap member is moved toward the second position.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of flexible strips of material integrally interconnected to one another along one end thereof so as to form a unitary mass and so that the strips of material are intertwineable with one another to form a resilient tuft. The strips of material interconnected via a border have a bonding material disposed thereon for bondingly connecting the packaging material to a container.

Abstract: In a load port portion of a conventional clean device, it can happen that cleanliness is reduced by dust caused by wear of bellows and a lid is not separated by its weight from a main body. In order to solve such problems, a clean device is structured as follows: a lid of a clean box has a non-circular reception hole, a load port portion of the clean device has an opening/closing mechanism with a projection fittable in the receiving hole and has a buffer chamber, one end of bellows of the buffer chamber is connected to the bottom surface of the buffer chamber, and the other end of the bellows is fixed, on the outside of the buffer chamber, to raising/lowering means of a port door.

Abstract: A wafer container includes a container body, the internal of which is disposed with a plurality of slots for supporting a plurality of wafers and an opening is formed on one sidewall of which for importing and exporting said plurality of wafers, and a door with an inner surface, which is joined with opening of the container body with the inner surface for protecting the plurality of wafers in the container body, the characteristic in that: at least one restraint module is disposed on the inner surface of the door, the restraint module including a base which is disposed with a plurality of restraints arranged at intervals and an opening, and a snap-fitting piece is disposed on the inner surface of the door for snap-fitting the restraint module by passing the snap-fitting piece through the opening of the base of restraint module and rotating the restraint to an angle.

Abstract: A method of optimizing system parameters in a crude unit to reduce corrosion and corrosion byproduct deposition in the crude unit is disclosed and claimed. The method includes measuring or predicting properties associated with the system parameters and using an automated controller to analyze the properties to cause adjustments in the chemical program to optimize the system parameters. Adjusting the system parameters effectively controls corrosion in the crude unit by reducing the corrosiveness of a fluid in the process stream and/or by protecting the system from a potentially corrosive substance. System parameter sensing probes are arranged at one or more locations in the process stream to allow accurate monitoring of the system parameters in the crude unit.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: The invention provides a Fischer-Tropsch jet fuel refining process which has a jet fuel yield in excess of 60% by mass, said process including at least four of the following five conversion processes: a. hydrocracking one or more of a FT kerosene and heavier material fraction and a C9 and heavier FT syncrude fraction; b. oligomerising an FT syncrude fraction including hydrocarbons in the range C2 to C8; c. hydrotreating one or more of an FT syncrude fraction, a product from process b., and an alkylated FT syncrude fraction; d. aromatizing one or more of an FT syncrude fraction including hydrocarbons in the range C2 to C8, a product from process a., a product from process b, a product from process c., and a product from an aromatic alkylation process; and e. alkylating one or more of an FT syncrude fraction including hydrocarbons in the C2 to C6 range, a product from process b., and a product from process d.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the mild cracking of C7+ paraffins using a supported ionic liquid of the formula AB, wherein: A is a cation capable of forming an ionic liquid, and B is an anion containing aluminum and a halogen which is capable of forming an ionic liquid.

Abstract: A system and method for removing oil from the surface of coke left in refinery coke drums before it is cut out is disclosed. The process does not add time to the coking cycle, nor involve the addition of major equipment. A solvent is added to the stripping steam. The solvent could be either a hydrocarbon fraction such as a coker distillate, a light gas oil or another fraction having an end point below 450° C. The solvent-enhanced stripping steam becomes a very effective oil extraction vapor when injected into the coke drum.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved hydrotreating process for removing sulfur from naphtha and distillate feedstreams. This improved process utilizes a hydrotreating zone, an acid gas removal zone, and a pressure swing adsorption zone having a total cycle time of less than about 30 seconds for increasing the concentration of hydrogen utilized in the process.

Abstract: A system for forming an oil sand slurry from mined oil sand is provided, comprising a slurry preparation tower having an intake opening through which oil sand enters the slurry preparation tower, a first sizer device to comminute the oil sand passing through it, a second sizer device to further comminute the oil sand, and a pump box for receiving oil sand that has passed through the second sizer and feeding it to a pump; at least one conveyor, having a discharge end, for transporting mined oil sand to the slurry preparation tower; a metal detector for detecting a piece of metal in the mined oil sand and transmitting a signal; and a metal rejection device operative to, in response to the signal from the metal detector, reject a portion of oil sand containing the piece of metal before the portion of oil sand enters the slurry preparation tower.

Abstract: An electrostatic modification reagent as described herein. The electrostatic modification reagent may be used in an electric separation process for separating components from a mineral ore or sand.

Abstract: A screening device is disclosed for a pulverulent or granular material, such as a control screen for milled products including, but not limited to, flour, middlings or semolina. The device has an inlet for material to be screened, an outlet for rejections and an outlet for undersize Furthermore, the screening device can include a screen frame with a screen fastened thereto and a base framework. The screen frame can be mounted such that it can move relative to the base framework of the screening device and be coupled to a vibrating source by which the screen frame can be made to move with vibrating movements relative to the base framework of the screening device. During operation, the screen frame can be made to move with vibrating movements whose frequency is in the range from, for example, 15 Hz to 100 Hz and whose amplitude is in the range from, for example, 0.1 mm to 6 mm.

Abstract: An oscillating screen comprises a screening container inside which a screening means is disposed lying on a determinate screening plane (P), coinciding or inclined with respect to a horizontal oscillation plane (X), and oscillation means to move the screening container with respect to a fixed supporting structure. The oscillation means comprises a first movement unit provided with a first rotary shaft associated with a first eccentric element cooperating with the screening container, and a second movement unit having at least a second rotary shaft provided with a second eccentric element cooperating with the screening container. A transmission means connects the first rotary shaft and the second rotary shaft with each other, so that they have the same angular velocity.

Abstract: A banknote handling apparatus 10 comprises a casing 12, an inlet 20 configured for inserting banknotes into the casing 12 from the exterior thereof, a plurality of storages 40 provided in a lower portion of the casing 12, in a substantially horizontal direction and in parallel relative to one another, and respectively adapted for storing therein the banknotes, and an escrow storage 42 juxtaposed with the respective storages 40 in the casing and adapted for escrowing therein the banknotes inserted into the casing 12 from the exterior thereof through the inlet 20. A transport unit 30 adapted for transporting the banknotes between any two of the inlet 20, respective storages 40 and escrow storage 42 is provided above the respective storages 40 and escrow storage 42 in the casing 12. In addition, a plurality of diverters 36 are provided at diversion points 35 in the transport unit 30 toward each of the storages 40 and escrow storage 42, respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for interacting light with particles, including but not limited to biological matter such as cells, in unique and highly useful ways. Optophoresis consists of subjecting particles to various optical forces, especially optical gradient forces, and more particularly moving optical gradient forces, so as to obtain useful results. In biology, this technology represents a practical approach to probing the inner workings of a living cell, preferably without any dyes, labels or other markers. In one aspect, a particle may be characterized by determining its optophoretic constant or signature. For example, a diseased cell has a different optophoretic constant from a healthy cell, thereby providing information, or the basis for sorting. In the event of physical sorting, various forces may be used for separation, including fluidic forces, such as through the use of laminar flow, or optical forces, or mechanical forces, such as through adhesion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (300) and a method for the separation of magnetic particles (1, 2) according to their properties, particularly their magnetic susceptibility. The apparatus comprises a magnetic field generator (320) with which magnetic actuation forces (Fm) can be exerted on the magnetic particles (1, 2) that affect a prevailing movement of the particles (1, 2), said movement being caused by non-magnetic influences, e.g. thermal energy or viscous drag (Fh). The magnetic field generator may for example comprise: (i) a wire (321) that crosses the flow of a sample fluid with varying inclination (?); (ii) wires that generate a local minimum of a magnetic potential from which different particles escape by Brownian motion with different rates; or (iii) pairs of particle-attracting wires for which the attraction of one wire is temporarily interrupted to allow the fastest magnetic particles to escape.

Abstract: A screen frame assembly is provided for use with a screening machine. The screen frame assembly includes first and second generally planar screen frames and a coupling between the first and second screen frames that includes a tab in the first screen frame and a receiving slot in the second screen frame. The receiving slot is configured to receive the tab and includes a centering feature for laterally aligning the first and second screen frames relative to one another. The centering feature may include a pair of opposed inwardly angled edges of the receiving slot. The coupling may include an overlap region between the first and second screen frames that is engageable to thereby permit lifting of the second screen frame by a lifting force exerted upon the first screen frame.

Abstract: As an elegant solution for minimizing false positives returned by a sensor tuned to an analyte molecule, filters constructed of carbon nanotubes are positioned relative to the sensor to limit the sensor to being exposed to molecules within a defined range of sizes, with too-big molecules being excluded from reaching the sensor by one filter, and too-small molecules being pumped out through another, finer filter before the sensor is operated.

Abstract: A water treatment cartridge comprises an additive channel arranged so that only some of the water passing through the cartridge passes through it. The additive channel comprises means for automatically releasing an additive into the water in the channel. The additive channel is arranged to control the additive dose. The cartridge may also contain a water treatment or filter medium.

Abstract: A screening device for wastewater includes a perforate screening member through which wastewater in an associated channel flows from a bottom side thereof to a top side thereof. An overfall wall is positioned in the wastewater channel. A clearing member is shiftable relative to the screening member for cleaning screenings therefrom, and is positioned upstream of the overfall wall. A waterwheel is positioned in the wastewater channel at a location downstream of the overfall wall, and is operably connected with the clearing member for mechanically shifting the same to remove the screenings from the screening member without using external power.

Abstract: An installation kit for an alkaline water ionizer unit or reverse osmosis unit may comprise a valve having two separate flow paths. The first flow path provides tap water to the alkaline water ionizer unit or the reverse osmosis unit. The second flow path connects to a “by-product” water outlet of the alkaline water ionizer unit or the reverse osmosis unit. The “by-product” water may be drained to the kitchen sink or stored in a storage tank for later use.

Abstract: A water treatment unit comprising a bath (2) delimited by a bottom wall (3) and a lateral wall (4) developing in elevation from a whole perimeter of the bottom wall (3), means for supplying (14) the water to be treated into the bath (2), at least an aeration device (5) have dissolving functions in collaboration with the means for supplying (14), for introducing a flow of oxygen or ozone into the water contained in the bath (2) in order to saturate the water and/or to give rise to foam, means for eliminating (6) the foam, at least an outlet section (13) of the treated water from the bath (2). The bath (2) develops prevalently horizontally and internally comprises a dividing wall (7) which divides the internal volume of the bath (2) into a turbulent water zone (2a) and a calm water zone (2b).

Abstract: A water treatment assembly includes a housing having a plurality of water treatment component interfaces. The water treatment assembly also includes a plurality of water treatment components selected from a group of a particulate filter component, a taste and odor filter component, a lead and mercury filter component, a water softener component, and a water disinfection component, wherein each of the water treatment components are coupled to a respective one of the water treatment component interfaces. Plumbing lines provide flow communication between the components, and the plumbing lines include a system water inlet and a system water outlet.

Abstract: A system of water collecting, cleaning, and storing comprises a top-opened water storing container (1), with the wall of which a watertight structure; a collecting well (2) provided in the water storing container (1), which has a lid (6) and has a wall of permeable structure through which water exchange between the water storing container (1) and the collecting well (2) is achieved; filling elements (4) filled between the collecting well (2) and the water storing container (1), on top of which a pervious surface layer (5) is paved.

Abstract: An energy efficient desalination process that does not produce waste products involves the extraction of water from a first solution, such as seawater, by using a second concentrated solution to draw the water from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. By manipulating the equilibrium of the soluble and insoluble species of solute within the second solution in favor of the soluble species of the solute, a saturated second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the first solution. Also, by adjusting the equilibrium in favor of the less soluble species after the water has been drawn from the first solution, a portion of the solute can easily be precipitated out. Heating the second solution decomposes the solute into its constituent gasses. The constituent gasses and precipitated solute may be recycled through the process to affect the changes in equilibrium and eliminate waste products.

Abstract: A method of converting biological material into energy resources includes transmitting biological material to a pulsed electric field (PEF) station, and applying a PEF to the biological material within a treatment zone in the PEF station to generate treated biological material. The method also includes transmitting the treated biological material to a biogenerator, and processing the treated biological material in the biogenerator to produce an energy resource. A converter may carry out this process, and may include the PEF station and the biogenerator.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a fluid filter assemblies. In particular, the present invention is directed to fluid filter assemblies comprising a single-piece tapped plate and retainer.

Abstract: A fluid filter includes a filter element having a filtering media disposed between two endplates. One endplate includes an open flow passage that allows a working fluid to flow into or out of the media during operation. The other endplate includes a connection structure. A cover houses the filter element, and has an opening that is an inlet or outlet in fluid communication with the opening of the one endplate. The cover includes another fill opening proximate the other endplate. A cap is connected to the connection structure of the other endplate to close the opening of the cover. The cover is retained between the cap and other endplate. Generally, the attachment configuration between the cap and the other endplate of the filter element helps ensure that the filter element with the correct micron rating is installed in a filtration system.