Abstract: A product configuration is provided for the packaging of non-mixed beverages and dispensing configuration for mixing of a base beverage and mix beverage into a preferred single-serve mixed drink, contained in an insulated, light-shielded packaging. The product, called a “multi-beverage packaging configuration,” includes a plurality of single-serve base beverage containers, containing a first beverage which may be carbonated, with one or more multi-serve mix beverage containers, containing one or more types of beverage for separate consumption or mixing, and one or more corresponding volumetric dispensers. The volume of the mix beverage is proportionally divisible by the number of base beverages in the product configuration and by the volume of the volumetric dispenser. The ratio of mix beverage to base beverage in the mixed drink is dependent on the number of base beverages in the product configuration, and on the volume of the volumetric dispenser.

Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a top panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a bottom panel foldably connected to the first side panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, and a corner reinforcement flap foldably connected to the top panel. A reinforcing insert comprises a central panel and at least one reinforcing side flap. The central panel can be at least partially in face-to-face contact with at least a portion of the top panel. A container-restraining structure comprises the corner reinforcement flap positioned to restrain at least one container of the plurality of containers that is adjacent the second side panel.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions, devices and protocols for the treatment of keloids and other abnormal scars with improved appearance and a much lower recurrence rate. A therapeutic drug delivery device comprises an injectable mixture of a fibroblast inhibitor such as corticosteroid and a slow release carrier such as milled gel sponge dispersed in a fluid medium such as biological saline. The composition can be injected perilesionally in the dermis following excision of the keloid or other scar tissue, to circumscribe the wound. The infiltration of the mixture around the wound can provide a slow release of the fibroblast inhibitor for an extended period of time until normal wound closure can dominate and keloid or abnormal scar recurrence is inhibited.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rapidly dissolving edible film dosage form incorporating indicia. The indicia may correspond to an active ingredient that may be evenly distributed throughout the film. The indicia may be associated with at least one surface of the film composition and provide information to the consumer that is relevant to the edible film dosage form.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system (100, 100a, 100b) for dispensing and packaging bituminous products into blocks or slabs. Each block/slab of bitumen (200, 200a) is sealed by a bitumen compound film (160). The bitumen compound film (160) is made up of about 10-30% by weight of natural bitumen and about 5-25% by weight of a synthetic rubber polymer and copolymers. The bitumen compound film (160) is melted with the bituminous product and is fully compatible with the molten bitumen, leaving no residue but enhances the physical properties of the resultant bitumen mixture.

Abstract: A polymer and coating composition containing the polymer are provided that are useful in coating applications such as, for example, food or beverage packaging containers. The polymer preferably includes a backbone having one or more polycyclic groups. In one embodiment, the polymer is a polyester and, more preferably, a polyester-urethane polymer. In one embodiment, the one or more polycyclic groups is a tricyclic or higher group.

Abstract: A tray for retaining food items during transportation includes a lower deck having a base and a side wall extending about and upward from a perimeter of the base; an upper deck which includes a plurality of apertures spatially positioned across the deck, the upper deck configured to fit within the lower deck and removably disposed thereon; and a plurality of pegs, each peg configured to friction fit within at least one of the apertures to be retained therein.

Abstract: A public notice posting kit, method and apparatus for posting a notice around a circumference of a support such as a post, tree and the like is provided. The kit includes a flexible waterproof transparent envelope for holding the public notice, and a stretchable mounting device for latitudinally attaching the envelope around the circumference of the support. The method involves inserting the public notice into a flexible waterproof transparent envelope; latitudinally stretching a mounting device around the circumference of the support; and attaching the mounting device to the envelope. The method may further include covering an opening in the envelope with a flap to protect the opening, and hence, public notice, from the external elements. The apparatus includes a flexible waterproof transparent envelope for holding the public notice; and a stretchable mounting device latitudinally and releasably connected to the envelope for attaching the envelope around the circumference of the support.

Abstract: A packing reinforcement member has an elongated body having a first end and a second end. A first side wall extends between the first end and the second end. The first side wall has an inner wall portion and an outer wall portion. A second side wall and a third side wall are connected to each other at an angle and both extend from the first side wall. A packing assembly for shipping and storage of objects has a shipping container including a plurality of side walls and a bottom wall extending between the plurality of side walls. At least one packing reinforcement member is positioned adjacent a corner of the shipping container formed by two of the plurality of side walls.

Abstract: A housing having three side walls and a cover is provided, wherein an opening for introducing a pipe is formed in one of the side walls. The side walls are arranged in a U-shape, with the opening being provided in the side wall forming the first side thereof, and with a pipe section that aligns with the opening being connectable to the second side forming the opposite side wall thereof. The cross-section of the pipe section, in particular its diameter, is larger or smaller than the cross-section of the pipe. As a result, the pipe and the pipe section can be slid one inside the other.

Abstract: A workpiece carrier for supporting a plurality of workpieces, the workpiece carrier comprising: a plurality of support elements, each for supporting a workpiece; and a plurality of positioning elements, each associated with a respective one of the support elements and being operative to position a workpiece at a predetermined position in the respective support element, wherein the positioning elements each comprise a plurality of biasing elements which are disposed in opposed relation and configured laterally to bias the workpiece and position the workpiece at the predetermined position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lubricating base oil blend comprising (a) a mineral oil derived base oil having a saturates content of more than 90 wt %, a sulphur content of less than 0.03 wt % and a viscosity index of between 80-150, and (b) a paraffinic base oil component having a viscosity at 1000 C of from 7 to 30 cSt (7 to 30 mm2/s), wherein component (b) is an isomerised Fischer-Tropsch derived bottoms product having a ratio of percentage of recurring methylene carbons which are four or more carbons removed from an end group and a branch to the percentage of isopropyl carbon atoms, as determined by 13C-NMR, of below 8.2.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a novel process for reducing the carbon dioxide emissions from a coal and/or biomass liquefaction facility by utilizing a steam methane reformer unit in the complex designed to produce additional hydrogen which can be thereafter utilized in the process, as required for the plant fired heaters (including the SMR furnace), and for the production of plant steam. The plant light ends (C1, C2, etc.), which are normally utilized as fuel gas streams are the primary feeds to the SMR Unit along with the tail gas purge from a gasification complex within the facility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating insoluble components from sylvinite, wherein the sylvinite is suspended in a saturated salt brine, a coagulating agent is added to the suspension, and a foaming agent is then added to the composition thus obtained, said foaming agent comprising and ether and/or ester, wherein a) the ethers of formula 1 correspond to R—O—R? (1), where R is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl groups having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and R? is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl groups having 1 to 30 carbon atoms; b) the esters are derived from monovalent or multivalent alcohols having 1 to 30 carbon atoms (alcohol radicals); or c) the ethers and/or esters are cyclic, wherein the ring size is 6 to 30 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating insoluble components of sylvinite, in that the sylvinite is suspended in a saturated salt solution, a coagulating agent is added to the suspension, and a foaming agent comprising a hydrocarbon radical having from 6 to 16 carbon atoms is added to the composition so obtained.

Abstract: A water purifying apparatus comprises: a filtering unit; a water tank unit for storing water having passed through the filtering unit; an extraction unit for selectively extracting the water stored in the water tank unit; and a cleaning system for sequentially controlling a cleaning process and a rinsing process of the water tank unit. Since cleaning and rinsing processes for the water purifying apparatus are automatically executed by a series of consecutive processes, the user may directly clean the water purifying apparatus if necessary without requiring a Codi's visit. Furthermore, the number of times that the Codi visits the use's home for cleaning of the water purifying apparatus is reduced. This may allow the Codi to have an enhanced working efficiency, and to pay less effort to a cleaning process for the water purifying apparatus.

Abstract: An automated self-propelled pool cleaner having a housing, a water pump for moving water through the housing, drive means for moving the pool cleaner over the surface of the salt water pool to be cleaned, and an integral electrochemical chlorine generator mounted in the housing, includes a processor/controller that is programmed to activate the chlorine generator, the pump and drive means in predetermined operational sequences that minimize wear and tear on the water pump and drive means, while at the same time distribute and maintain a safe level of sanitizing chlorine in the pool, to thereby obviate the need for an in-line chlorinator or other chemical additive treatments; an optional automated sensor device can be provided to activate a secondary maintenance program which enables the pool cleaner to operate over prolonged periods of time as the sole means for filtering and sanitizing the pool water.

Abstract: An aquarium filtering system including a distribution housing having at least two distribution ports, the distribution housing further having a water supplying orifice and a water evacuating orifice for connecting the distribution housing to the pump, the distribution ports being fluidly connected to a water supplying orifice or to a water evacuating orifice, the system further including a filter assembly having two filter ports and filtration means for filtering a water flow from one filter port to the other filter port, connection means for detachably connecting the filter assembly to the distribution housing so that, upon connection, each of the filter port is fluidly connected to a corresponding distribution port, and sealing means for, upon disconnection of the filter assembly, fluidly closing the filter ports and the corresponding distribution ports.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hollow fiber membrane where the membrane strength and pressure resistance to pressurization from the dialysate side is ensured, the retaining rate of water permeability after the repeated pressure load from outside is high, the resistance to the pressure from outside is excellent and the assembling property into module (low leakage rate at the adhered part) is satisfactory at the same time. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing the same, and a blood purification module. An annealing spinning method was found where a spinning dope is discharged from a nozzle into a coagulation bath, an appropriate elongation is applied so as to enhance the membrane strength, an elongation is continued during a water-washing step so as not to relax the elongation, and no elongation is applied during drying whereby the strain is relaxed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a membrane separation device comprising a plurality of flat membrane elements (52) arranged in parallel to one another so as to form channels for a solution to be treated therebetween, and a collecting case (59) having a collecting space that is formed internally and communicates with filtrate flow channels of the membrane elements (52). The collecting case (59) includes a membrane element holder (53) having a plurality of slits, into which the sides of respective membrane elements (52) are inserted, and a stopper (58) which abuts on the membrane element holder (53) in the collecting case (59), and a filler (55) is provided in the slits to attach and watertightly seal between the membrane elements (52) and the membrane element holder (53).

Abstract: A fluid separation element is provided including: a membrane winding having two ends and obtained by layering a separation membrane, a feed water channel material, and a permeate channel material and spirally winding them; and one or more anti-telescoping devices attached to one or both of the ends of the membrane winding, wherein a brine seal fitting groove is provided in an outer circumferential surface of the anti-telescoping device and a hole that communicates with a feed water channel side is provided inside the groove. When the anti-telescoping devices are attached to the both ends of the membrane winding, a brine seal is fitted into the groove of the upstream-side anti-telescoping device and no brine seal is fitted into the groove of the downstream-side anti-telescoping device.

Abstract: A modular, portable treatment system (1300) is presented for treating influent liquid (80). The system includes a treatment module (10), a bladder (1310) containing the treatment module, and a distribution conduit (42) coupled to the bladder. The treatment module includes an elongated member (20) arranged in a predetermined configuration (300, 400) and filter field medium (51) disposed about open areas (50-66, 450-466) defined by the predetermined configuration of the elongated member. The elongated member includes a core structure (12) wrapped in a fabric (14). The bladder having an outlet (1318) for providing treated influent liquid (80?) from the system. The distribution conduit (42) has an outlet (44) for distributing the influent liquid to the treatment module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single or multi-layer filter material, comprising at least one layer made of cellulose, glass fiber, synthetic fiber, or a mixture thereof, and saturated with a binding agent made of an epoxy resin and a curing agent. The hardening agent comprises a first hardener cross-linking at a lower temperature, and a second hardener cross-linking at a higher temperature, so that the epoxy resin can be hardened stepwise depending on the temperature.

Abstract: A monolithic organic porous body includes a continuous macropore structure that includes cellular macropores that overlap to form openings having an average diameter of 20 to 200 ?m, the monolithic organic porous body having a thickness of 1 mm or more and a total pore volume of 0.5 to 5 ml/g, an area of a skeleton observed within an SEM image of a section of the continuous macropore structure (in a dry state) being 25 to 50%. A monolithic ion exchanger is produced by introducing an ion-exchange group into the monolithic organic porous body. The monolithic organic porous body and the monolithic ion exchanger are chemically stable, have high mechanical strength, and ensure a low pressure loss when fluid passes through. The monolithic organic porous body and the monolithic ion exchanger may be used as an adsorbent having a large adsorption capacity or an ion exchanger having a large ion-exchange capacity.

Abstract: A fluid filter has a plurality of inlet channels, a plurality of outlet channels, and filter walls separating the inlet channels from the outlet channels. The inlet channels are parallel to the outlet channels, and the filter walls have a plurality of pores through which the inlet channels are connected to the outlet channels. A cross-sectional area of all inlet channels is larger than a cross-sectional area of all outlet channels, and a value of diameters of the pores of the filter walls calculated by mercury porosimetry being a median value d50, being between 0.01 ?m and 0.5 ?m.

Abstract: A porous membrane of vinylidene fluoride resin, having two major surfaces sandwiching a certain thickness, including a dense layer which governs filtration performance on the one major surface side and a sparse layer which contributes to reinforcement on the other opposite major surface side, and having an asymmetrical gradient network texture including pore sizes which increase continuously from the one major surface to the other opposite major surface, wherein the dense layer includes a 7 ?m-thick portion contiguous to the one major surface showing a porosity A1 of at least 50%, and the one major surface shows a pore size of at most 0.30 ?m. The vinylidene-fluoride-resin porous membrane is generally useful as a porous membrane for separation and particularly exhibits good water-permeation-rate retentivity even in continuous filtration of cloudy water.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric ultrafiltration or microfiltration membranes of, for instance, poly(ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene) (HALAR®), PVDF or PP, incorporating PVME or vinyl methyl ether monomers. The PVME may be present as a coating on the membrane or dispersed throughout the membrane or both. The membranes are preferably hydrophilic with a highly asymmetric structure with a reduced pore size and/or absence of macrovoids as a result of the addition of PVME. The PVME maybe cross-linked. The invention also relates to methods of hydrophilising membranes and/or preparing hydrophilic membranes via thermal or diffusion induced phase separation processed.

Abstract: Devices for controlling fluid flow, in particular microfluidic devices, are described, which exploit gas/liquid interfaces to control liquid flow in accordance with application requirements. Devices for on/off flow switching, centrifugal separation, mixing, metering and aliquoting are described.

Abstract: Embodiments, presented herein are directed to a filtration system including an outer pipe, an inner pipe and a stirrer. The outer pipe is configured to receive a working fluid from a filter inlet. The outer pipe includes a venturi neck and an outer channel. The venturi neck is located downstream of the filter inlet. The outlet channel is located downstream of the venturi neck, wherein the outlet channel is configured to provide an outlet for a first type of impurity. The inner pipe is co-axially positioned with the outer pipe, wherein the inner pipe is configured to receive a second type of impurity. The stirrer is positioned inside the outer pipe, wherein the stirrer rotates with the inner pipe to substantially separate at least the first and the second types of impurities from the working fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inhibiting microorganism growth comprising contacting a substance susceptible to microorganism growth with an amount of a non-decomposed moss effective to inhibit microorganism growth, wherein the moss is selected from the group consisting of sphagnum papillosum, sphagnum cristatum, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: This method improves and controls ex-situ or in-situ, aerobic or anaerobic digestion of organic materials and toxic or damaging compounds through increased control of multiple chemical and biological settings and conditions. The ability to control flow, natural processes, and biological activity while adjusting to individual site conditions modify results. Large quantities of modified or adjusted organisms are developed and utilized. Identification and strategic manipulation of the multiple elements of the system result in performance modifications. Energy is utilized to manipulate characteristics of a natural degradation system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of treating highly contaminated wastewater using waste activated sludge as an adsorbent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for managing the plugging of membrane modules and of filtration membranes, in particular for nanofiltration, ultrafiltration or reverse osmosis for desalinating water, which comprises carrying out consecutive rinsing operations for controlling clogging, in particular biological clogging: evaluating the thickness of the biofilm; starting a rinsing operation at the latest when the evaluated thickness of the biofilm exceeds a first predetermined setpoint value for the biofilm thickness and stopping the rinsing operation not before the biofilm thickness has become lower than a second predetermined setpoint value lower than the first one for the biofilm thickness.

Abstract: A field flow fractionator to separate particles contained within an injected sample aliquot is described. As required, said fractionator may be used to capture, for subsequent removal, specific predefined classes of such particles. Based upon the cross flow or asymmetric flow field flow fractionators, the fractionator disclosed contains means to vary the applied transverse flows at a plurality of locations along the length of its separating channel. A plurality of separated compartments, each lying below a distinct and corresponding membrane supporting permeable frit segment, are provided individual means to control the localized flow through the membrane section thereabove. A corresponding concentric compartment implementation achieves the same type of compartmentalized cross flow when integrated with a hollow fiber fractionator.

Abstract: A water distillation system includes a membrane distillation unit which produces desalinated water from feed water comprising salt water. The system also includes a primary water heater which raises a temperature of the feed water upstream of the feed water entering the membrane distillation unit. The system additionally includes an evaporative cooler which lowers a temperature of a coolant upstream of the coolant entering the membrane distillation unit.

Abstract: A degas assembly including a low pressure fluid channel for carrying a wash fluid at a first pressure, a pressurized channel for carrying eluent including a gas at a second pressure higher than the first pressure, and a degas separator defining a fluid barrier between the low pressure fluid channel and pressurized fluid channel, the separator configured to retain liquid in the pressurized fluid channel and allow gas to flow through the separator to the low pressure fluid channel. The pressurized fluid channel may extend along an outer periphery of the low pressure fluid channel. The eluent may be received from an eluent generator at a pressure of at least about 3300 psi, and in various embodiments up to about 5000 psi. A liquid chromatography system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composite membrane comprising the steps of: (i) applying to a porous support having an average surface energy of 1 to 30 mN/m a composition having a viscosity of 1 to 5,000 mPa·s; and (ii) increasing the viscosity of the composition to a value higher than 30,000 mPa·s within 30 seconds after the composition has been applied to the support; wherein the composition applied in step (i) has a surface tension that is at least 25 mN/m higher than the average surface energy of the porous support.

Abstract: An SWRO module for use in a desalination plant receives refresh water to increase production and product quality and reduce scaling problems. The SWRO module includes a pressure vessel having a front-end feed port, a rear-end brine port and a rear-end permeate port. A plurality of RO membrane elements are located in series within the pressure vessel. At least one refresh port leading to an interconnector mixing zone within the pressure vessel is located between two of the plurality of RO membrane elements. The port is configured such that refresh water added to the SWRO module through the refresh port mixes with the feed water supplied through the front-end feed port in the interconnector mixing zone.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the production of ultra pure water, comprising feeding water containing ions and optionally other impurities to one side of a membrane based on hydroxy sodalite (H-SOD), and recovering ultra pure water from the other side of the membrane.

Abstract: This invention relates to heterogenous pore polymer nanotube membranes useful in filtration, such as reverse osmosis desalination, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and gas separation.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide cartridge changers and methods utilizing the same. One aspect of the invention provides a cartridge changer for a plurality of cartridges. The cartridge changer includes a cartridge holder having a plurality of receptacles each adapted to receive one of the plurality of cartridges and a pair of fittings adapted to releasably engage one of the plurality of cartridges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for decontamination of a liquid effluent including one or more radioactive chemical elements to be eliminated including the following steps: a step of bringing into contact in a stirred fluidised bed, in a first zone of a reactor, of the said liquid effluent with solid particles able, by coprecipitation and/or adsorption and/or ion exchange, to capture and retain the said radioactive chemical element or elements, as a result of which a suspension of solid particles is obtained containing the said radioactive chemical element or elements; a step of settling, of the said suspension, in a second zone of the same reactor, where this second zone is separate from the first abovementioned zone, as a result of which a solid phase is obtained including the solid particles containing the said radioactive chemical element or elements to be eliminated, and a liquid phase with a reduced or zero content of the said radioactive chemical element or elements to be eliminated; and a step of

Abstract: Methods of and apparatuses for removing selenium from water. Sulfate and organics are first removed to discourage such materials from overwhelming subsequent processing of water to remove selenium.

Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus is placed in a vessel having a bed of filtration material, the bed comprising at least two different sizes of filter media wherein the filtration material is stratified using upper and lower spaced apart inverted cones so that the unfiltered liquid first contacts coarse grained filtration material and then finer grained filtration material. The apparatus includes an intake for introducing unfiltered liquid that includes a washbox, an airlifting tube extending from the washbox and including an intake end and means for introducing a primary gas to the airlifting tube, the airlifting tube passing through a central pipe, which extends from just below the washbox to a position just above the intake end. The apparatus is devoid of screen cartridges. Methods of filtering and cleaning the filtration material are also disclosed.

Abstract: Chalcogenide compounds, including ternary and quaternary tin and antimony chalcogenides, for use as absorbents in the remediation of hazardous materials are provided. Also provided are methods for using the chalcogenides in the remediation of ionic and elemental metals from aqueous and non-aqueous fluids.

Abstract: A method and device for removing scaling from the interior of a conduit used in a heat transfer device, the method comprising the steps of diverting a portion of the fluid from the conduit, passing the diverted portion through a filter, passing the filtered portion through a magnetic field, and reintroducing the fluid into the conduit. The method of the present invention can also be used with chillers to control bacterial growth therein.

Abstract: A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a process and apparatus for separation of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-containing produced water, wherein in stage 1 the hydrocarbon-containing produced water is supplied with a gas-containing component, whereupon a gas- and hydrocarbon-containing produced water mixture is fed to an inlet tube (22, 27) in the center of a tank, whereupon the said mixture is tangentially distributed via at least one nozzle (7) and at least one baffle plate (8.1), whereupon separated hydrocarbons are conveyed to at least one outlet from the tank and cleaned water is conveyed to an outlet (12) from the tank.

Abstract: A method for flow-through aqueous liquid sterilization which employs apparatus operating at substantially fixed temperatures and pressures and variable flow rates through the apparatus for controllably processing aqueous liquids to achieve predetermined values of Sterility Assurance Levels (SAL's).

Abstract: A waste treatment system and method for treating a substantially liquid waste stream. The waste treatment system includes a conditioning stage for conditioning the waste stream for treatment. A metal ion generation stage is provided for generating metal ions for disinfection of the waste stream and for catalytic oxidation. A wet oxidation stage is provided in fluid flow communication with the metal ion generation stage for denaturing the waste stream using an oxygen-containing gas. A chelation stage in fluid flow communication with the oxidation stage is provided for deactivating metal ions in the waste stream.