Abstract: Aqueous composition containing at least one salt in an amount of at least 30 g/kg of composition, of which the total organic carbon content is at least 1 ?g of C/l and at most 5 g of C/l of composition and which contains at least one carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A self-contained system which promotes the multiplication of algae from either salt water or fresh water sources as a feedstock. This process inspires a direct output of lipids for bio-diesel fuel as well as a significant raw algae yield which can be further processed into additional bio-fuel as well as other valuable resources. In addition to inspiring a direct output of algal lipids for bio-diesel, the system generates massive raw algae biomass output that can be directly utilized as an agent for efficiently cleaning up oil spills.

Abstract: A system for detecting and preventing galvanic corrosion of an anodic metal includes a potential detector configured to monitor an electrical potential within the electrolyte solution, a signal amplifier coupled with the potential detector, and a current delivery circuit coupled with the signal amplifier. The signal amplifier is configured to provide an output proportional to the monitored electrical potential, and the current delivery circuit is configured to provide a current to a cathodic metal that is proportional to the output of the signal amplifier.

Abstract: There is provided a sensor testing method including: applying at least one of a first voltage that obtains a response caused by a substance and a second voltage that either obtains no response or substantially no response caused by the substance across a first electrode and a second electrode of a sensor; measuring current flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode; and determining whether or not there is a defect present in the sensor based on a quantity related to an amount of change per specific period of time of a current measured when the first voltage and/or the second voltage have been applied.

Abstract: An electrochemical-based analytical test strip for the determination of an analyte (such as glucose) in a bodily fluid sample (e.g., a whole blood sample) includes a substrate, at least one working electrode disposed on the substrate, a sample-soluble enzymatic reagent layer disposed above the working electrode, a diffusion-controlling layer (DCL) disposed between the at least one working electrode and the sample-soluble enzymatic reagent layer; and a sample-receiving chamber. In addition, the sample-soluble enzymatic reagent layer is configured and constituted for operable solubility in a bodily fluid sample applied to the electrochemical-based analytical test strip and received in the sample-receiving chamber and for electrochemical enzymatic reaction with an analyte in the bodily fluid sample.

Abstract: An electrochemical-based analytical test strip for the determination of an analyte (such as glucose) in a bodily fluid sample (e.g., a whole blood sample) includes an electrically-insulating substrate, at least one working electrode disposed on the electrically-insulating substrate and a graded enzymatic reagent layer disposed on the at least one working electrode. The graded enzymatic reagent layer includes an upper reaction grade that contains an enzyme. The graded enzymatic layer also has a lower spacer grade devoid of the enzyme, the lower spacer grade disposed between the upper reaction grade and the working electrode such that the upper reaction grade is spaced equidistant from the working electrode by the lower spacer grade by a predetermined distance during use of the electrochemical-based analytical test strip.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the detection of target analytes using electronic techniques, particularly AC techniques.

Abstract: A scratch-off coin holder for use with a scratch gaming ticket comprising: a semi-circular body; an opening, where the opening is providing at a portion of the body and enables the insertion of a coin; and a thumb grip indentation on one side of the body. The scratch-off coin holder may further include a clasping ring, where the clasping ring provides a mechanism for attachment of a key ring. The holder is made of a flexible material such as a plastic gel. The opening may accommodate various sizes of coins.

Abstract: Cases or holders for cell phones, personal digital assistants, portable video/music players, electronic books, electronic tablets and other handheld and/or free-standing display devices, as well as the devices themselves are disclosed. In different embodiments, a versatile protective holder that can allow placement on any surface for hands-free viewing, with full adjustment of viewing angle in landscape and/or portrait orientations; directional sound reflecting and baffling; easier cleaning and viewing of the device's screen; easier grasping by the user; wearing of the device using a belt clip or arm or waist band; as well as attachment to an automobile, bicycle, or other vehicle are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a packaged antimicrobial suture comprising the steps of providing a containment compartment that is substantially free of an antimicrobial agent; positioning a suture within the containment compartment, said suture comprising one or more surfaces having an antimicrobial agent disposed thereon, said antimicrobial agent being selected from the group consisting of halogenated hydroxyl ethers, acyloxydiphenyl ethers, and combinations thereof; placing the containment compartment having the suture in an outer package; and subjecting the outer package, the containment compartment and the suture to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the suture to the containment compartment, while retaining an effective amount of said antimicrobial agent on the suture, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the suture and the containment compartment.

Abstract: A dispensing cap has an open-bottomed flow tube connected to a surrounding skirt by a resilient diaphragm, and extending into a storage chamber defined by the diaphragm, skirt, and a membrane sealingly closing off the bottom of the skirt. The lower end of the flow tube is disposed above and closely adjacent to the membrane, and is adapted to pierce the membrane when pressed downward against it. The dispensing cap is sealingly mountable to a beverage container with the skirt and storage chamber disposed within the throat of the container. A downward force applied to the flow tube will resiliently deform the diaphragm and force the lower end of the flow tube against and pierce the membrane, thus releasing the contents of the storage chamber into the container, which can then be agitated to mix the storage chamber contents with liquid in the container.

Abstract: A new way to pack cigarettes pack includes a cigarette case and a plurality of cigarettes in the cigarette case. Comparing to a traditional cigarette pack, the cigarettes in the invention are placed in an inversed position. The filter ends of the cigarettes are placed toward the bottom of the cigarette case while the tobacco ends of the cigarettes are placed toward to the opening of the cigarette case.

Abstract: Kit of wearable decorative elements. The kit includes at least a main container. At least two securing devices are included. Each securing device is configured to secure at least one wearable decorative element to a user or user's clothing. At least two wearable decorative elements are also included.

Abstract: A protected test strip holder according to the present invention includes a test strip holder onto which a test strip, such as for example an Almen strip, may be mounted using fasteners provided on the test strip holder. A protective covering is form-fitted to the test strip holder and, optionally, to the test strip holder having a test strip mounted thereon. The present invention also comprises a method for protecting and storing a test strip holder that includes providing a test strip holder, forming or molding a protective covering form-fitting to the test strip holder, and placing the protective covering over the test strip holder. The test strip holder may have a test strip mounted thereon prior to molding the form-fitting protective covering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container (10) for holding notes of value, which comprises a housing part (12) and a cover (14) for closing an opening of the housing part (12). The cover (14) has a closing element (34) which is movable in at least one unlocking direction (P1) and which in a locked state is engaged with an engagement area (48) of the housing part (12) that is complementary to the closing element (34). The closing element (34) is movable in unlocking direction (P1) into an unlocked state for unlocking. Further, the container (10) comprises a rotatably mounted retaining element (58) which, in a first position of the container (10), is arranged such that the closing element (34) is movable in unlocking direction (P1) from the locked state into the unlocked state for unlocking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid storage tank having an interior volume and a floor and having an internal spill containment chamber comprising a vent gas scrubbing apparatus or scrubber. The chamber may be defined by a containment wall which completely separates the chamber from the tank interior volume. The containment wall may comprise an exterior portion which extends beyond the tank wall. The scrubber is disposed within the chamber and comprises a gas inlet passing through the containment wall into the tank interior volume, a gas outlet for venting scrubbed gases, and a gas scrubbing chemical storage and circulation system.

Abstract: A packaging for pharmaceutical pills or the like is disclosed having formed therein both a payload enclosure and a recessed activating feature. The recessed activating feature, once activated using a pointed object, changes the packaging into a form that may be more readily opened by hand.

Abstract: A method allows candy to be sold in customized bottles to form gifts and keepsakes. The bottle and candy can be form a “pill” motif. Candy selected by the customer is placed in a bottle. The bottle appears like a pill bottle. The customer selects a label from a plurality of labels to reflect a given event, mood, or message. The message in the label can have a pill or medicine related theme. The overall product becomes a customized gift or keepsake by virtue of adding the customized label.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging, comprising a hollow body (5) extending along a longitudinal axis (A) and a blister carrier (6) slidably arranged therein for accommodating a blister (20). The blister carrier (6) is designed in such a way and blisters are or can be fastened to the blister carrier (6) in such a way that the blister carrier (6) can accommodate at least two different blisters (20), which differ in regard to the quantity and/or arrangement of the pockets. The blister carrier (6) has a carrier section (14) that is frame-shaped.

Abstract: A liner for use in a bulk container is provided. The liner comprises a first flexible portion, a second flexible portion, a first seal joining the first and second portions, a second seal joining the first and second portions, a third seal joining the first and second portions, and a fourth seal joining the first and second portions. The first portion is a better barrier than the second portion.

Abstract: A storage container according to the present invention includes a base and a lid hingedly coupled to one another to enable rotation of the lid between a closed position in which the lid is disposed parallel with a bottom wall of the base and an open position in which the lid is rotated with respect to the base between 110 and 230 degrees. A number of hinge assemblies are provided between the base and the lid for rotation of the lid thereabout. The hinge assemblies include a base engaging assembly and a lid engaging assembly for coupling between the base and the lid respectively. The lid engaging assembly includes a receiver configured to engage a pin of the lid for hinged rotation of the lid thereabout. The receiver is configured to enable the lid to break away from the lid as desired or under impact from an external force.

Abstract: A broken compact fluorescent lamp collection and storage system utilizes a reuseable glass fragment, debris, and mercury residue collector having a handle and a frame within which a disposable roller element with an adhesive surface is mounted. Glass fragments, debris and mercury residue are collected on the adhesive surface on the roller element, which is removed from the frame after use. A fresh, replacement roller element is then inserted into the frame. The system also includes an airtight enclosure into which the dirty removeable roller element is placed for ultimate transport and disposal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyester polymer composition comprising at least one polyethylene terephthalate polyester in an amount ranging from 94.0 weight percent to 99.5 weight percent and at least one additive in an amount ranging from 0.5 weight percent to 6 weight percent, each based on the total weight of the polyester composition. The at least one additive comprises a diamide molecule. The composition of the present invention is useful in producing shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms, and profiles. These articles can exhibit improved gas barrier properties. The process for making the polymer composition and the shaped articles is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) with a CD20 antibody using special dosing regimens and protocols are described. Articles of manufacture for use in such methods are also described.

Abstract: Process for the recovery of oils from a solid matrix comprising: subjecting said solid matrix to extraction by mixing with an oil-in-water nanoemulsion, obtaining a solid- liquid mixture; subjecting said solid- liquid mixture to separation, obtaining a liquid phase comprising said oils and a solid phase comprising said solid matrix; recovering said oils from said liquid phase. Said process is particularly advantageous for the recovery of oils from water wet oil sands (or water wet tar sands), oil wet sands (or oil wet tar sands), oil rocks, oil shales, more specifically from oil wet sands (or oil wet tar sands).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing coke formation in a plenum are provided. The apparatus can include a turbulator for use in a plenum. The turbulator can include a deflector disposed inside the plenum proximate an inlet to the plenum from a cyclone, wherein the plenum and the cyclone are disposed in a fluid catalytic cracker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to waste screening apparatus and methods, particularly but not exclusively for screening waste material streams for recycling and the like. It also relates to an apparatus for separating portions or fractions of a waste material stream, generally to facilitate recycling of one or more of said fractions, and a method therefor; and to combinations of same.

Abstract: A method of sorting particulate matter comprises creating an unconstrained monolayer feed stream of particulate matter moving with an initial first trajectory in a gaseous medium, and subjecting the monolayer feed stream while in the gaseous medium to a magnetic field of sufficient strength to influence the trajectory of at least some particles in the feed stream to cause a spread of particle trajectories from the first trajectory.

Abstract: A screen panel for mining and quarrying industries adapted to be mounted on a screen deck, including a screening surface made up of materials such as herein described formed on a reinforcing frame, said screening surface having suitably designed apertures of desired shape for allowing materials of desired size to pass through, said apertures having walls (2) made of abrasion resistant material such as herein described, whereby retention of said desired shape of said apertures is ensured for a substantially long period of time.

Abstract: A liquid filter has a filter housing with a first thread and a drain passage. A filter element including a filter medium is arranged in the filter housing. A filter lid is provided with a second thread configured to engage the first thread for connecting the filter lid to the filter housing. The filter lid further has a filter bypass valve for bypassing the filter element when a pressure loss that is too high occurs when liquid passes through the filter medium of the filter element. First bayonet connectors are provided on the filter lid and second bayonet connectors are provided on the filter element for connecting the filter element to the filter lid by engaging the first bayonet connectors. A double-concentric seal is arranged on the filter element for closing off the drain passage.

Abstract: A condensate valve for condensate that is connectable to the inlet side of at least one oil/water separator of a compressor. The condensate valve is triggered for opening and closing via a blocking element. The outlet of the condensate valve discharges directly into a condensate collecting tank. The condensate valve also forms a pressure reducer for reducing the pressure of the outflowing condensate and discharges directly to the condensate collecting tank. Preferably, the condensate valve comprises a movable piston which can be pressed against a small-diameter opening of the valve seat when the condensate valve is closed by a blocking element. The piston has a larger cross-sectional area at its outlet side than at its inlet side on which condensate acts via an overflow line when the condensate valve has been opened. The overflow line can be formed by at least one through channel which extends axially through the piston.

Abstract: A polymer-free method and self-draining self-cleaning apparatus for treatment of water with high total dissolved solids including optional pretreatment, precipitation/flocculation, and separation. The pH is raised by addition of caustic soda and/or soda ash. In a vertical clarifier silo, the feed is gently mixed to cause dissolved solids to precipitate and agglomerate to form suspended flocculates. The clarifier includes an internal mixer surrounded by a cylindrical tube diffuser. Rotation of the mixer provides gentle dual circulation patterns within the clarifier that allow for flocculates of a predetermined size to settle from suspension. The clarifier may also include one or more vertical recirculation lines to recirculate some of the heavier flocculates at the bottom of the vessel into the mixer chamber to enhance precipitation via the seeding effect. The suspended flocculates are stripped from the feed water in a centrifugal separator. The clarifier silo may be trailer mounted for rapid deployment.

Abstract: A filtration medium comprises a first grade of glass particles and a material suitable to form a water permeable retention layer. Preferably, the filtration medium comprises at least two grades of glass particles. The first grade is preferably distributed substantially over the range of 0.75 mm to 1.7 mm. The second grade is preferably substantially in the range of 1.7 mm to 3 mm. In a further aspect, a filter is described having a water permeable retention layer supporting a filtration medium substantially comprising the first grade of particles. The retention layer may comprise the second grade of glass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for inspecting filters for extracorporeal blood treatment devices, e.g., filters for filtering dialysis fluid. The inspection of the filter according to the present invention is based on the measurement of the flow potential before and after changing the fluid flow of an electrolytic fluid between a transversal flow through the semi-permeable membrane of the filter and a longitudinal flow along the semi-permeable membrane of the filter, or vice versa. Changing the flow direction of the electrolytic fluid results in a change to the conductivity proceeding from a base value P to a higher value P2 or a lower value P1, wherein the conductivity readjusts to the base value P after a certain time interval T1, T2. An improper state of the filter is determined on the basis of the change in conductivity after changing the flow direction of the electrolytic fluid.

Abstract: A ceramic media for increasing the pH of a fluid, such as potable water, has a composition comprising at least 40 weight percent silicon oxide, 25 weight percent of a mixture of alkaline earth oxides and less than 5 weight percent alumina. An apparatus that changes the pH of a fluid by allowing the fluid to flow therein, contact the media and then exit the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filtering device incorporating nanoparticles that are known to be capable of destroying bacteria, fungi, viruses, or toxins. The nanoparticles are combined with a filter. The nanoparticles may be pellets adjacent to the filter, a powder of nanoparticles coating at least one side of a filter, or impregnated into a filter. Optionally, two or more filters are contained within an encasement having an inlet and an outlet. Preferably, at least one filter has an electrical charge that is the same as the electrical charge of at least one target particle. Also preferably, coating is accomplished by having a filter to be coated carry an electrical charge that is opposite to an electrical charge carried by the nanoparticles in the powder. Optionally, a filter can be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter comprising at least one first (2) and at least one second filter medium (3), said filter media defining therebetween a flow space (4) in which a device (5) for separation and flow guidance is inserted and divides the flow space such that a functional space (25, 26) is disposed adjacent to the first (2) or the second filter medium (3), respectively. The first filter medium (2) defines a hollow space (21) toward the outside and the second filter medium (3) defines a hollow space (22) toward the inside, and each of the hollow spaces (21, 22) can be connected to at least one fluid duct (23, 24). The filter is characterised in that the flow space (4) comprising the two functional spaces (25, 26) thereof can be connected to at least one further fluid duct (27) that is separated in a fluid-tight manner from the other fluid ducts (23, 24).

Abstract: Disclosed is a seaming cap coupled with a reinforcement plate of a spin-on filter. The seaming cap (41) includes: a central hole (41a) formed in an annular shape; a securing groove (41b) formed in an annular shape by folding the lower end of the outer periphery of the central hole (41a), with an annular packing member (42) inserted therein; a seaming coupling section (41c) protruded and folded downwards at the outer periphery of the securing groove (41b) for seam-coupling to an outer peripheral surface at the upper end of a spin-on filter housing (10); and a plurality of injection-molding object extrusion holes (41d) formed in the securing groove (41b) of the seaming cap (41) at the same intervals. An extrusion object (40e) of the reinforcement plate (40) is extruded into the securing groove (41b) to which an annular packing member (42) of the seaming cap (41) is secured, when injection-molding the reinforcement plate (40) via the injection-molding object extrusion holes (41d).

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method recovers oil from a concentrated byproduct, such as evaporated thin stillage formed during a dry milling process used for producing ethanol. The method includes forming a concentrate from the byproduct and recovering oil from the concentrate. The step of forming the concentrate may comprise evaporating the byproduct. Further, the step of separating the oil from the concentrate may comprise using a centrifuge and, in particular, a disk stack centrifuge. Other aspects of the invention include related methods and subsystems for recovering oil from thin stillage.

Abstract: A concentrate container for preparing a medical fluid, preferably for preparing a dialysis solution, is provided, the concentrate container including at least two concentrate compartments, wherein at least one of the concentrate compartments has a medical fluid outlet, and at least one of the concentrate compartments has a diluent inlet. Further, systems for preparing a medical fluid and a method for preparing a medical fluid are described.

Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus includes a dialyzer, a quantitative vessel including a displaceable partition wall which partitions the inside of the quantitative vessel into a first chamber and a second chamber, a storage vessel which stores a dialysate, a dialysate exchange circuit which supplies the dialysate to the first chamber, and discharges a waste dialysate in the second chamber to the outside by the consequent displacement of the partition wall to the second chamber side, a dialysate supply circuit which supplies the dialysate in the first chamber to the dialyzer, and discharges the waste dialysate from the dialyzer to the second chamber by the displacement of the partition wall to the first chamber side, and a dialysate storage circuit which supplies the dialysate in the first chamber to the storage vessel by the displacement of the partition wall to the first chamber side.

Abstract: In accordance with particular embodiments, a desalination system includes a plurality of evaporators. The plurality of evaporators includes at least a first evaporator and a last evaporator. The plurality of evaporators are arranged in cascading fashion such that a concentration of salt in a brine solution increases as the brine solution passes through the plurality of evaporators from the first evaporator towards the last evaporator. The desalination system also includes a plurality of heat exchangers. An input of each evaporator is coupled to at least one of the plurality of heat exchangers. The system also includes a vapor source coupled to at least one of the plurality of evaporators.

Abstract: A system is provided that substantially increases the efficiency of CO2 capture and removal by positioning a catalyst within an optimal distance from the air-liquid interface. The catalyst is positioned within the layer determined to be the highest concentration of carbon dioxide. A hydrophobic tether is attached to the catalyst and the hydrophobic tether modulates the position of the catalyst within the liquid layer containing the highest concentration of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A water filtration system having a tank, a fluid flow interface into the interior of the tank, and a control valve. The control valve is in fluid communication with the fluid flow interface. The control valve includes a source water inlet for receiving a flow of source water, a drain outlet, a treated water outlet and an air inlet, the control valve being operable to control a passage of fluids between the inlets and the outlets and the fluid flow interface. A filtration media is contained within the tank which includes a media mixture of manganese dioxide coated silica core filtration media and iron hydroxide filtration media. The control valve may be programmed to perform a filtering service process, a backwashing process and an air downflow process.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting single-pass filtration of ink waste is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a filter connected to a housing unit and a plurality of absorbent layers within the housing unit, wherein the plurality of absorbent layers are in any order and include: a layer for removing metal and polar compounds, a layer for removing non-polar color impurities, a layer for removing acid functional components, a layer for removing additives with polar or protic functional groups, and a layer for removing residual water. A process and a system that include or utilize the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for desulfurizing a process fluid includes contacting a sulphur compound containing feed stream with an absorbent including an iron, copper or nickel compound capable of forming a metal sulphide, a support material, a first binder and a second binder where the first binder is a cement binder and the second binder is a high aspect ratio aluminosilicate clay binder having an aspect ratio >2 and a ratio of the first binder to the second binder is in the range 2:1 to 3:1.

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods are provided for controlling the interface between separated blood components. The system includes a blood separation chamber configured to separate blood into first and second blood components and an outlet line for removing at least a portion of the first blood component from the blood separation chamber. A primary optical sensor assembly is associated with the blood separation chamber to directly monitor the interior of the blood separation chamber. A secondary optical sensor assembly is associated with the outlet line to monitor the first blood component in the outlet line. The system also includes a controller programmed to select between the primary optical sensor assembly and the secondary optical sensor assembly for monitoring contamination of the first blood component. The system is particularly advantageous for preventing contamination of separated plasma which is lipemic or hemolytic.

Abstract: The water treatment systems may generally comprise multiple halogens and chitosan or derivatives thereof as well as methods of making and using the same. A water treatment system to provide potable water may generally comprise an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet, a halogen release system intermediate the inlet and the outlet, and a halogenated chitosan intermediate the halogen release system and the outlet. The system may comprise a scavenger barrier intermediate the halogenated chitosan and the outlet. The halogen release system may comprise a first halogen having a first oxidizing potential. The halogenated chitosan may comprise a second halogen having a second oxidizing potential. The second oxidizing potential is greater than the first oxidizing potential.

Abstract: A knock-down shelving unit is composed of four identical short panels, each having a slot extending perpendicularly from the middle of one edge to an inner end half way across the panel, and at least four longer panels, each having three similar slots. The parts of the panels extending from the inner ends of the slots to the opposite edges serve as connecting elements. The panels are interlocked by engaging the slots and connecting elements to form a lattice. In the lattice, where an end of a panel meets the end of another panel, a tongue formed on the end of each panel fits a recess formed in the end of the other panel. In an eight panel shelving unit, only two kinds of panels are required. In a shelving unit composed of ten or more panels, only three kinds of panels are required.

Abstract: A thermochromic indicator is vertically disposed on a rack. Such that the thermochromic indicator is visible from a distance. In some examples, the thermochromic indicator indicates a bulk air temperature and a gradient air temperature. The thermochromic indicator provides a real-time visual of air temperatures of computing equipment and devices housed within a computing facility. The thermochromic indicator may be vertically disposed on a front-face and/or a back-face or a rack. A plurality of thermochromic indicators may be disposed on a plurality of front-faces and/or back-faces of racks of an array of racks.