Abstract: An electrically driven oxygen separation assembly and method for applying an electrical potential in which the assembly has one or more tubular membrane elements. The potential is applied at two central spaced locations of a tubular membrane element and at least at opposite end locations thereof. As a result the electric current flow through the tubular membrane element is divided into two parts flowing between the two central spaced locations and the opposite end locations. Additionally, the present invention also provides an end seal to be used in connection with tubular membrane elements.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprising an electrolysis vessel for receiving a liquid electrolyte that fills the vessel to a predetermined level, electrodes for passing an electric current through the electrolyte, a vent for allowing gases produced by the electrolytic process to leave the vessel and an air inlet means located substantially adjacent to the predetermined level for directing air into the vessel at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to electronic devices and methods. In some cases, the invention provides a sensor device comprising a pair of interdigitated microelectrodes (60), coated with an electrically conducting polymer material (70). The microelectrodes (60) may be surrounded by a first electrode (22), a second electrode (40), and a hydrophobic wall (50).

Abstract: A low-voltage, low-energy electrochemical system and method of producing hydroxide ions and/or bicarbonate ions and/or carbonate ions utilizing significantly less than the typical 3V used across the conventional anode and cathode to produce the ions; consequently, carbon dioxide emissions attributable to the present system and method are significantly reduced.

Abstract: Vessel-deployed wind machines are described that supply electricity for the electrolysis of sea water or fresh water to obtain hydrogen. The hydrogen produced from the electrolysis can be stored and used as desired. Hydrogen so produced can be used to power the vessel that carries the wind machines. Hydrogen produced can also be used for hydrogen fuel distribution networks and power plants.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for removing material from a microfeature workpiece are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microfeature workpiece is contacted with a polishing surface of a polishing medium, and is placed in electrical communication with first and second electrodes, at least one of which is spaced apart from the workpiece. A polishing liquid is disposed between the polishing surface and the workpiece and at least one of the workpiece and the polishing surface is moved relative to the other. Material is removed from the microfeature workpiece and at least a portion of the polishing liquid is passed through at least one recess in the polishing surface so that a gap in the polishing liquid is located between the microfeature workpiece and the surface of the recess facing toward the microfeature workpiece.

Abstract: Electrocoagulation effluent treatment apparatus and methods are disclosed, the apparatus including a primary electrocoagulation reactor chamber having treatment electrodes maintained therein and an effluent inlet and treated effluent outlet. An integrated flotation chamber is located above the reaction chamber, a vacuum device connectable with a vacuum source being received in the flotation chamber and including a foam intake and an output. A sludge chamber is defined below and integrated with the primary reaction chamber and has a settled sludge output.

Abstract: Use of a non-sacrificial electrode made of synthetic graphite for applications utilizing conductive immersed treatment of wastewater is disclosed. The synthetic graphite is manufactured from a petroleum based extruded or molded composite material in any of plate, bar or coil forms. The electrodes are especially useful in the primary reaction chamber of an electrocoagulation apparatus.

Abstract: A biocide solution containing hypochlorous acid, hydrochlorous acid, hydrochloric acid, percholoric acid, chlorine gas, hydrogen peroxide and ozone provides broad spectrum biocidal properties as well as an apparatus for producing the solution.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides systems and methods of controlling an ion concentration in water, for example, a silver ion concentration. The method of depositing ions in the water includes determining a conductivity level of the water using a reference probe. A power level based on the determined conductivity level is also determined. Power is applied to a deposition probe corresponding to the determined power level using a first electrical circuit, and a concentration of ions are deposited in the water.

Abstract: Various methods, compounds and apparatus for the detection of analytes are provided. In one aspect, the direct oxidation of an alcohol is detected electrochemically. In another aspect, a reaction of an analyte is detected, wherein the reaction is catalysed by an enzyme and a cofactor, and wherein the cofactor comprises a moiety which is capable of acting as an electron mediator. In a further aspect, a chiral analyte is detected by resolving a enantiomeric mixture of the analyte and subsequently detecting at least one of the resolved enantiomers electrochemically. The invention is particularly relevant to the detection of alcohols, especially chiral alcohols.

Abstract: A biosensor comprises a substrate; a reference electrode; a working electrode; a counter electrode; and a plurality of permeability adjusting spacers. The reference electrode, the working electrode and the plurality of permeability adjusting spacers are all being disposed to be substantially parallel to each other to create a plurality of enzyme containing porous sections. The enzyme containing porous sections contain an enzyme; where the enzyme is operative to react with a metabolite to determine the concentration of the metabolite. By combining a number of the aforementioned biosensors, the differential concentration of a target enzyme or protein is determined by monitoring the changes on its metabolite substrates.

Abstract: The present invention is a coin inventory storage apparatus which allows a coin collector to store and display multiple coins. The coin inventory storage apparatus contains a plurality of selectively removable tubular structures for storing and displaying coins.

Abstract: The multi-sleeve structure (12, 500, 700, 900, 1100) includes a plurality of tubular structures (T1, T2, T3) for receiving slide cards (150). Each of the tubular structures (T1, T2, T3) is defined by a plurality of walls and includes elements of a lock and release mechanism for releasably locking a slide card (150) within the tubular structure (T1, T2, T3).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a medical device package including a container for receiving a medical device having an area configured for storing at least one agent and a port for permitting the passage of a contact material between the outside the container and the area configured for storing the agent.

Abstract: A packed intraluminal probe comprises a tube provided with a hydrophilic coating and having a proximal holding end connected to a nozzle. The nozzle has a canal communicating with the tube and an orifice. The probe is entirely arranged in a flexible, transparent and hermetic package. The probe comprises a removable stopper which closes the orifice. The package is fixed to the nozzle in a hermetic manner such that the nozzle defines two hermetic chambers which communicate only by means of the lumen of the tube and the canal in the nozzle. A first chamber contains a wetting fluid for the coating of the tube, but a second chamber does not contain any wetting fluid.

Abstract: The elevated storage device protects food items from external elements during their storage and transport. The elevated storage device may comprise a base, one or more wheels, and a protective cover. The wheels allow the elevated storage device to be easily moved. In one embodiment, a hitch is attached to the base to allow the elevated storage device to be moved by a vehicle, person, or animal. The protective cover may comprise one or more layers of material, such as wire mesh or fabric, which form a compartment to protect food items from external elements, and may be supported by a skeleton. The protective cover may have one or more openings to allow food items to be placed therein and removed therefrom. In one embodiment, the protective cover is triangular in shape to better protect food items from weather such as rain and snow.

Abstract: A portable metal document container comprising a cover with a first organizer module coupled with the interior surface of the cover. The portable metal document container further includes an intermediate member that includes a set of apertures through which is inserted a document fastener, with a plurality of labeled end-tab document dividers securely held on a first side of the intermediate member by the document fastener. The portable metal document container also includes a second organizer module coupled with a second side of the intermediate member, and one or more magnetic strips coupled with an interior back surface of the portable metal document container for organizing metal objects.

Abstract: The container cover and method of consuming food items allows a plurality of food items to be stored, transported, and consumed in a convenient package. The container cover secures food items in a container by covering an opening of the container while providing one or more compartments to store other food items. The compartments may comprise an opening to allow food items to be placed within the compartments. The compartments can be opened such that the food items stored therein are released into the container with little or no risk of spillage. The compartments may be opened in various ways such as by puncturing, tearing, or pushing open a portion of the compartments. A cap may be used to cover the opening of one or more compartments.

Abstract: A dispensing cap for a container with a top opening, and a method of dispensing a supplement into a container are disclosed. The dispensing cap may include a chamber and a plunger disposed therein. A floor of the chamber may have a weakness in a predetermined location. The dispensing cap may be mated with the top opening of the container, and the plunger may be used to pierce the floor, forming an opening at the weakness. The supplement may pass through the opening into the container.

Abstract: An individually wrapped underwear includes: a wrapper; a sealed edge on the wrapper; a chamber within the wrapper; and underwear within the chamber.

Abstract: A garment bag having a base portion with a closed bottom and one or more sidewalls extending from the closed bottom to a top region to define an interior space and a collapsible portion having a generally enclosed top end and an open bottom end, the bottom end is attached to the one or more sidewalls around a perimeter thereof and proximate the top region is disclosed. The collapsible portion formed is from a flexible material and has an opening means. The collapsible portion is positionable in a first position in which the collapsible portion is collapsed into the interior space and a second position in which the collapsible portion extends away from the top region of the base portion such that the opening means provides access to the interior space.

Abstract: A mobile device card holder is provided that can include a mobile device housing component, and a receiving structure mechanically coupled to the mobile device housing component to hold cards such as a credit card and driver license. In one arrangement, the receiving structure can be externally integrated onto a mobile device housing. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A protective case, typically configured to hold an electronic device within its enclosed central space, is disclosed. The case includes a body having roughly rectangular sides and a hinged lid. The lid may be held to the body by magnetic attraction when the lid is down. The lid may include a backup security mechanism in the form of a resilient shock cord that can be coupled to (or tether) the lid and the body. The case may also include a hanger configured to rotate between raised and lowered positions, where the hanger also includes a magnet configured to hold the hanger against the body when the hanger is in at least one of its raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A drinking vessel carrier (10) comprises four support members (12, 14, 16, 18) pivotally mounted to one-another and a handle (20). An aperture (24) is provided in each support member (12, 14, 16, 18) for receiving a vessel to be supported. The support members (12, 14, 16, 18) are arranged in a stack and can be fanned or splayed out to different angular positions. When splayed out in one direction the support members lock 90° apart and when splayed out in the other direction, three of the support members (14, 16, 18) lock 120° apart, with the other support member (12) lying under the adjacent support member (14).

Abstract: The Rotating Identification Container Band (RICB) comprises a circular band with an opening in its wall that fits within a containers indentation and rotates around a container (i.e. cup). This invention offers a repeatable, dynamic way to identify the user of a cup within a small group of people (i.e. the family, daycare group, etc). This is accomplished by a rotating the band that is intrinsic to a cup. As the band rotates around the cup it displays one of the defined set of colour/name indicia in bands window opening. All cups within a set are identical, which allows each and every cup to be dynamically identified by a user.

Abstract: Packing case (10) of corrugated cardboard comprising, by extension of the two pairs of opposing walls, volumetric protective spacers (12, 14) for the object packed with its accessories, and closure bands (30, 31), a lower internal structure (90) with accommodation for the object to be packed and an upper internal structure (132) accommodating the two volumetric spacers so determining a greater degree of protection in the upper part of the case.

Abstract: A pressure-resistant polyester container having a multilayer structure comprising inner and outer layers of a polyester resin and at least one intermediate layer of a functional resin, wherein in the container body portion, the inner layer of the polyester resin has a crystallinity of not less than 23%, the outer layer thereof has a crystallinity of not less than 18%, the average value of the crystallinity of the inner layer and the crystallinity of the outer layer is not less than 24%. The pressure-resistant polyester container effectively prevents whitening even after the passage of time and features excellent transparency despite of using, as an intermediate layer, a functional resin composition obtained by blending a functional resin with a clay. The invention, further, provides a process for producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention has, as object, biodegradable compositions consisting of starch, plasticising agent, proteins, a cross-linking enzyme and water; the process for obtaining said compositions; their use for producing biodegradable items, useful in particular for packaging food products, and the biodegradable items thus obtained. In particular, such composition, which is normally obtained in granule form, contains 40%-70% starch, 8%-40% plasticiser, 5%-30% cellulose, 0.5%-5% proteins; the cross-linking enzyme is transglutaminase.

Abstract: An improved substrate transport pod for storing or transporting semiconductor wafer substrates during semiconductor wafer processing has a main body defined by a plurality of side panels. A substantial portion of at least one of the side panels being formed of a semi-permeable membrane allowing any corrosive gas molecules introduced to the interior of the pod to diffuse out of the transport pod through the semi-permeable membrane while preventing particulate contaminants from entering the transport pod.

Abstract: An electronic device storage/carrying case is adapted for storing and supporting an electronic device, and includes a case body, a first supporting component, and a second supporting component. The case body defines a storage space for storing the electronic device, and includes a front wall formed with an opening. The first supporting component is pivoted to the case body and is pivotable upwardly relative to the case body to a propping position for supporting the electronic device, and downwardly relative to the case body to a storing position, where the first supporting component is stored in the case body. The second supporting component is connected movably to the case body and is movable between a carrying position, where the second supporting component extends outwardly of the case body via the opening in the front wall, and a supporting position, where the second supporting component is disposed in the storage space.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing n-paraffins are provided. The method can include hydroprocessing at least a portion of a kerosene fraction recovered from a thermally cracked hydrocarbon product to produce a hydroprocessed kerosene product comprising n-paraffins. The n-paraffins can be separated from the hydroprocessed kerosene product to produce an n-paraffins product.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the hydrotreating and hydrocracking of highly aromatic distillate feeds such as light cycle oil (LCO) to produce ultra low sulfur gasoline and diesel fuel. Optimization of hydrotreater severity improves the octane quality of the gasoline or naphtha fraction. In particular, the operation of the hydrotreater at reduced severity to allow at least about 20 ppm by weight of organic nitrogen into the hydrocracker feed is shown to lead to these important benefits. Post-treating of the hydrocracker effluent over an additional hydrotreating catalyst bed may be desired to meet specifications for ultra low sulfur fuel components.

Abstract: Heavy crude oil residue and vacuum residue is upgraded using an ionic liquid catalyst formulated with metals of Group VIB and VIIIB of the periodic table, which catalyst is highly miscible in the hydrocarbon phase. The combination of different metals and acidity from the protons that make up the ionic liquid breaks the links C—S, C—N and C—O of the resins and asphaltenes and increases API gravity, decreases viscosity, removes sulfur and nitrogen compounds, and results in conversion of 50 to 70% of the waste oil and heavy crude oil into lighter distillates.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for facilitating adding a promoter metal to at least one catalyst particle in situ in a catalytic naphtha reforming unit. The process can include introducing a compound comprising the promoter metal to the catalyst naphtha reforming unit and adding an effective amount of the promoter metal from the compound comprising the promoter metal to the catalyst particle under conditions to effect such addition and improve a conversion of a hydrocarbon feed.

Abstract: A system and method are outlined for controlling and optimizing chemical injection into a process unit to control fouling. The method uses an optical device to measure the fouling propensity of the process fluid at various points within the process unit. The measurements are compared with one another and prediction methods are used to evaluate the fouling potential within the unit, and determine the proper chemical dosage. Antifoulant chemical is then introduced into the unit to control the rate of fouling. The method and application continue on a frequent basis to maintain optimal fouling control within the unit.

Abstract: A process and apparatus to remove asphaltenic contaminants from bitumen, heavy oil or residue to produce lower viscosity petroleum products and high purity asphaltenes.

Abstract: A highly active nickel carrier catalyst based on aluminium oxide has a nickel content of approximately 20 to 70 wt.-% (as Ni) and optionally comprises a bonding agent and optionally a promoter, selected from the compounds of Mg, Ti, Pb, Pt, Ba, Ca and/or Cu, wherein the size of the Ni crystallites in the reduced state is in the range of approximately 3.5 to 4.5 nm and the distortion factor of the Ni crystallites is approximately 2 to 5%. In a method for the reduction of the content of sulphur compounds in hydrocarbon-based fuels by selective adsorption of the sulphur compounds on a nickel catalyst, a nickel catalyst based on aluminium oxide is used, particularly the nickel catalyst described above. A nickel catalyst based on aluminium oxide may be used for reducing the sulphur compound content in hydrocarbon-based fuels by selective adsorption of the sulphur compounds on said catalyst and/or for the hydrogenation of aromatic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of processing hydrocarbons which causes corrosion in the metal surfaces of processing units. The invention addresses the technical problem of high temperature naphthenic acid corrosion and sulphur corrosion and provides a solution to inhibit these types of corrosion. The three combination compositions are formed by three mixtures separately, with one mixture obtained by mixing compound A, which is obtained by reacting high reactive polyisobutylene (HRPIB) with phosphorous pentasulphide in presence of catalytic amount of sulphur with compound B such as trialkyl phosphate and second mixture obtained by mixing compound A with compound C such as phosphite like di-isodecyl phenyl phosphite, and third mixture obtained by mixing compound A with compound D such as a phosphonate, wherein each of these three mixtures independently provide high corrosion inhibition efficiency in case of high temperature naphthenic acid corrosion inhibition and sulphur corrosion inhibition.

Abstract: The device according to the invention for separating or classifying material to be fed into at least two different grain fractions comprises a screen device, which is formed by rotatable elements, particularly a roller table screen, wherein at least one finer grain fraction passes between the rotatable elements and means are provided for cooling the rotatable elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for sifting feedstock, comprising: a. a static sifter that has a ventilated bottom which is oriented at an angle to the vertical and is penetrated by sifting gas; b. an inlet for feeding the feedstock to the ventilated bottom; c. an outlet for the coarse material; d. a dynamic sifter that is mounted downstream and encompasses at least one rotor with rotor blades and a horizontal rotor axis; e. at least one outlet for the sifting gas loaded with fine material; and f. a housing inside which the static and the dynamic sifter are arranged. The housing area surrounding the dynamic sifter is designed as a housing spiral such that the sifting gas flows against the rotor in a substantially tangential direction. The rotor rotates counter to the direction of flow of the sifting gas in the housing spiral.

Abstract: The flow director apparatus according to the present invention in such bins include a plurality of the flow directors which are pivotally mounted or mountable beneath said plurality of diverter gates and to said upper end of said frame so as to depend a free end of each flow director of said plurality of said flow directors downwardly from said upper end into an entrance cavity of said bin defined by said upper end of said frame. Each flow director is elongate and has a base end opposite said free end. Each flow director pivotally is mounted or mountable to said upper end of said frame at said base end of the flow director.

Abstract: a flat detector includes a first flat member and a second flat member both made of a nonmagnetic nonmetal, a first conductive wiring that generates an alternating magnetic field, the first conductive wing being disposed on a surface of the first flat member facing toward the second flat member, a first layer made of a nonmagnetic metal and disposed at least on a surface of the first flat member, a second conductive wiring that detects a signal generated by magnetization reversal of a magnetic material, the magnetization reversal being caused by the alternating magnetic field generated by the first conductive wiring, the second conductive wiring being disposed on a surface of the second flat member facing toward the first flat member, and a second layer made of a nonmagnetic metal and disposed at least on a surface of the second flat member.

Abstract: Chromatographic column system, in particular a chromatographic column system of the expanded bed adsorption column type comprises a column connected to a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and dimensioned to comprise an expandable filter bed between said fluid inlet and said fluid outlet. A top collector is adapted for collecting substance filtered by said filter bed and top collector actuator is provided for actuation of the top collector. A top stratum position detector is constructed and adapted to detect a top stratum of the filter bed when in expanded state; and a controller is provided communicatively coupled to said top stratum position detector and said top collector actuator, for moving the top collector as a function of a detected top stratum position. A clean and automated way is provided to optimize the collection of filtered substance.

Abstract: A valve assembly having a first valve defining an inlet connected to the inlet supply and an outlet connected to the concentrate chamber, a second valve defining an inlet connected to the permeate chamber and an outlet connected to the faucet, and a third valve defining an outlet connected to drain, a port connected to the concentrate chamber, and an inlet connected to the inlet supply. The port is selectively in fluid communication with the third valve outlet and inlet. When the faucet opens, the first valve opens, the second valve has permeate flowing, and the third valve opens a flowpath between the third valve port and the inlet due to pressure dropping in the second valve. When the faucet closes, the first valve closes and the third valve opens another flowpath between the third valve port and outlet due to pressure created in the second valve.

Abstract: A method of treating a site containing contaminants and apparatus are described The method and apparatus sparges the site with an air/ozone gas stream delivered with a hydroperoxide, which is a substantial byproduct of a reaction of a contaminant present in the aquifer or soil formation with the ozone.

Abstract: Apparatus for discharging effluent from a sea-based vessel (10) comprises a branched pipeline (22) which is disposed on the seabed (18). The vessel (10) carries a large-scale desalination plant (12), and the effluent, which is in the form of concentrated brine, is pumped through the branched pipeline (22) to a plurality of discharge locations on the seabed. The branched pipeline (22) includes a number of flexible discharge pipes (26a d) which fan out from a common location (30) towards open ends (28a-d). The open ends (28a d) are remote from each other, and the effluent is discharged simultaneously through the open ends (28a d) causing it to be dispersed effectively without harming surrounding eco-systems. In an alternative arrangement, a vessel-based water purification plant (10) is connected to a freshwater pipeline (16) and to a discharge pipeline (22), each of which is disposed on the seabed (18).

Abstract: Modularized water separating membranes in a plural number of units are provided. A membrane container used in a dehydration system for separating water from treated fluid includes a shell part 11 having a permeated fluid outlet nozzle 16 and containing a plurality of water separating membranes arranged in parallel with respect to the flow direction of treated fluid; an upper channel part 12 having a treated fluid inlet nozzle 14 and connecting with the upper end of the shell part 11; and a lower channel part 13 having a treated fluid outlet nozzle 15 and connecting with the lower end of the shell part 11.

Abstract: A device for treating water, particularly a filtration device, including a cartridge, which has a receptacle for receiving treatment agents for water, particularly for receiving filtration agents, and a connecting head disposed on the receptacle, wherein the connecting head at the outer surface thereof has at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening. The device further includes a connecting element, which has a holder for the connecting head with at least one inflow opening and an outflow opening, which are connected to the inlet and outlet openings of the connecting head in a sealing manner by means of sealing elements. The connecting head is tapered toward the free end, wherein the outer surface has at least one first curved outer surface section, which is inclined toward the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, and a second outer surface section opposite from the first outer surface section. The inlet and outlet openings are located in the first and/or the second outer surface sections.

Abstract: A filter has a filter housing having an interior. A drainage device is provided that has a collecting cup, a fastening screw for the collecting cup, and a threaded part secured in the filter housing and provided with an inner thread for receiving the fastening screw. The threaded part has an outer surface with at least one drainage passage connecting the interior of the filter housing to the collecting cup. The filter housing has a cup-shaped receptacle for the threaded part and the cup-shaped receptacle has a securing wall that at least partially extends about a circumference of the cup-shaped receptacle. The threaded part is a press-fit bushing pressed into the receptacle. The press-fit bushing has a circumferential wall provided with a circumferential contact surface secured by the securing wall and extending at least partially about a circumference of the press-fit bushing.