Abstract: Provided is a standalone integrated water treatment system for a distributed water supply including a filter input a coagulation system in operative connection with the filter input, wherein the water is subjected to a coagulation process to create pin floc from suspensions in the water. A maturation buffer tank in operative connection with the coagulation system aggregates floc in size within the water. A spiral separator separates the water into two water streams, a first stream of water having most of the floc removed, and a second stream of water which includes a concentrated amount of the floc. An optional filtration system is configured to receive the first stream of water and perform a filtration operation thereon. A sterilization system is configured to perform a sterilization operation on the first stream of water. The water is then output from the sterilization system as potable water.

Abstract: A continuous flow reactor, including a cylindrical coagulation crystallizer, a funnel type protective baffle for static settling, and a conical static settler. A lower end surface of the cylindrical coagulation crystallizer is connected with an upper end surface of the conical static settler, and the funnel type protective baffle for static settling is connected with an inner wall of the cylindrical coagulation crystallizer.

Abstract: A method of removing contaminants from produced water of an oil or gas well comprising the step of contacting the produced water with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) to remove the contaminants from the water.

Abstract: Skimmers, barges and related methods recover heavy oil or bitumen from contaminated water environments such as tailings ponds. The skimmer has an articulated mesh-like conveyor driven around a drum by a drive sprocket. A pusher mechanism discharges bitumen or heavy oil from cavities in the conveyor. In one embodiment, the skimmer includes an automatic depth control system. In other embodiments, knife-edged shear plates remove heavy oil or bitumen adhering to the conveyor and drum. A barge may incorporate multiple parallel skimmers. The barge may include a bitumen-transfer pump having an annular fluid-injection flange that generates an annulus of lubricating fluid inside a discharge hose. A method of skimming heavy oil or bitumen involves using a skimmer that automatically adjusts its elevation or depth based on a control signal generated by a depth sensor. Another method recovers and transfers bitumen by lubricating the discharge hose using the annular fluid-injection flange.

Abstract: An apparatus, process and system for treating a hydrocarbon feedstock having a specific gravity differential between components of the feedstock is disclosed and includes a treatment vessel having an inlet for receiving the feedstock. A primary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to accumulate feedstock to cause a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated feedstock. A secondary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to receive the collected low specific gravity portion from the primary separation container, to accumulate the collected low specific gravity portion to cause hydrocarbon products to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated low specific gravity portion of the feedstock, producing a hydrocarbon product stream at a product outlet. The operating pressure of the treatment vessel may be regulated to remain within a desired range.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for retrofit hydrolization of seawater for production of halogen biocides in situ. A method for effecting an in situ generation of biocide as an aid in anti-biofouling of a device disposed in a volume of salt water includes a) associating a cathode electrode to the device; b) associating an anode electrode to the device with the anode electrode spaced apart from the cathode electrode; and c) hydrolyzing one or more components in the volume of salt water to generate a halogen biocide at the anode electrode with the biocide flowing from the anode electrode away from the cathode electrode as a biocide film, the film responsive to a physical arrangement of the associations of the electrodes with the device.

Abstract: A filtering medium and method for removing contaminants from an organic-based feed stream which includes the use of a layer of ceramic filter units having a plurality of elliptical or trisoidal openings extending therethrough to filter organic-based feed streams and to provide liquid distribution upstream of the catalyst beds.

Abstract: A scavenger support and a process for removing metal from solution by contacting the solution with the scavenger support, whereby the scavenger support binds to at least some of the metal in solution thereby decreasing the amount of metal in solution. The scavenger support is a functionalised support having pendant groups selected from 1,3-ketoesters or 1,3-ketoamides or mixtures thereof having a structure according to formula 1, wherein a number of the pendant groups are reacted with an amine: wherein R1 is an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, perhalogenated hydrocarbyl or heterocyclyl group; X is O or NR2, wherein the free valence of O or NR2 is bonded to a support optionally via a linker; and R2 is hydrogen, an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, or heterocyclyl group.

Abstract: A method for treating ballast water with sulfurous acid to kill invasive species and remove oxygen from the ballast water to preserve hulls from rusting.

Abstract: A filtration process are provided that facilitate a high quality, fine grade filtration without being burdened by the filter size, flushing, or plugging impediments inherent in the prior art. The filtration device used in the method is comprised of a topologic disk with a vacant circular center and a textured surface, and a conveyance disk with a vacant circular center and a grooved surface containing multiple inlet grooves and multiple outlet grooves. The textured surface of the topological disk and the grooved surface of the conveyance disk may be brought into direct contact with one another for filtration and separated from one another for flushing. At least one of the textured surface of the topological disk and the grooved surface of the conveyance disk may be rotated relative to the other prior to filtration. In one embodiment, the inlet grooves and the outlet grooves are configured in a spiral array.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning system for hydrocyclone sand cleaning comprising a hydrocyclone for receiving a slurry containing sand to be cleaned and a vessel for receiving sand exiting the hydrocyclone, wherein the vessel has an discharge port for the sand. A fluid extractor is provided between the hydrocyclone and the discharge port, for extracting fluid from the vessel to permit an increased flow rate of sand into the vessel. The invention also relates to a method of cleaning sand and a method of increasing the flow rate of sand through a hydrocyclone cleaning system such as that described above.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for filtering particulate matter from a liquid are provided. The apparatus comprise: a housing defining an internal volume; a liquid inlet port; a liquid outlet port disposed above the liquid inlet port; a filter medium support membrane housed within the housing and disposed between the liquid inlet port and the liquid outlet port; and a particulate filter medium loaded onto the filter medium support membrane. The apparatus are designed such that a flow of liquid introduced into the internal volume of the housing through the liquid inlet port and exiting the internal volume of the housing through the liquid outlet port will pass upward through the filter medium support membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering water and/or wastewater including at least one underdrain lateral having a primary gas chamber and a secondary gas chamber where the secondary gas chamber serves to equalize pressure differences that may occur during the initial distribution due to velocity head changes and friction effects. Preferably, the underdrain lateral includes a plurality of chambers directing a washing fluid into the filter bed where at least one of the plurality of chambers directs a liquid and a gas simultaneously into the filter bed and at least one other chamber of the plurality of chamber directs only one of a liquid and a gas into the filter bed at the same time as that the combination of liquid and gas is directed into the-filter bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for continuous use of a vacuumized water knockout circuit integrated with a contaminated hydraulic-oil reservoir.

Abstract: The medical equipment shelf system is for use with a suspension system. The system includes a support plate having a substantially horizontal upper surface receiving the medical equipment thereon. The support plate includes a bottom hub for engagement by a wheeled transport unit. A base plate removably receives and positions the support plate thereon. The base plate is coupled to the suspension system. A method of removably coupling a medical equipment to a suspension system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A communications shelf configured to support at least one communications adapter panel includes first and second spaced sidewalls and a first bracket mounted at the first sidewall, the first bracket including a mounting portion fixed relative to the first sidewall and a cantilevered portion projecting away from the first bracket mounting portion and having an end, the first bracket cantilevered portion being configured to shift from a first position wherein the first bracket cantilevered portion end is spaced a first distance from the first sidewall to a second position wherein the first bracket cantilevered end is spaced a second, smaller distance, from the first sidewall under application of a force and to return to the first position when the force is discontinued, the first bracket cantilevered portion including at least one pivot pin or at least one opening forming a bearing for a pivot shaft.

Abstract: A pan and tilt drive system for an electrically powered device includes a housing in which an elongated shaft is rotatably supported, which shaft is rotatably driven about a shaft axis by a pan motor. A receptacle is coupled to the shaft and disposed to pivot about a tilt axis which tilt axis is perpendicular to the shaft axis. A tilt subsystem is provided to facilitate tilt motion of the receptacle about the tilt axis. The tilt subsystem includes a tilt motor, a tilt coupling and a tilt rod. The tilt coupling is coupled between the tilt motor and the tilt rod, while the tilt rod is coupled between the tilt coupling and the receptacle. Actuation of the tilt motor effects linear translation of the tilt coupling in a direction parallel to the shaft axis, thereby causing the tilt rod to tilt the receptacle about the tilt axis.

Abstract: A storage rack assembly for storing cookware comprising: a mountable rack assembly, where the rack assembly includes two side bars and plurality of cross bars. The cross bars join the side bars and create a rack assembly. Side rails are provided along the side bars of the rack assembly where the side rails provide a mechanism for mounting the rack assembly onto a ball bearing mounting rack. The assembly further includes a plurality of adjustable hooks that are insertable upon the rack assembly and capable of receiving pots and pans for storage. At least one midsection bar joins the side bars at a mid section of the rack assembly. In one particular embodiment, the storage rack assembly is substantially rectangular in shape.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for a product display tray of the type having a base formed of longitudinal wires and having a product pusher slideable on the wires and urged forwardly by a spring to maintain products at the front of the tray as items are removed by customers. A locking member is positioned to slide on the wires and is pushed forwardly by the spring. The locking member has angled edges which engage the wires when the element is tilted. When the pusher is moved toward the rear of the tray, the geometry of the pusher causes it to tilt the locking member such that its angled edges lock onto the wires, preventing the spring from moving the pusher forward during loading of the tray. Pressing rearward at the top of the pusher reorients the locking member and frees the pusher to be moved forward by the spring.

Abstract: A parts container having adjustable racks that are adjustable in both a vertical and horizontal direction.

Abstract: The portable beverage rack of the present invention is a generally square or rectangular receptacle which may safely store one or more bottles in u-shaped channels which cradle the bottles and prevent movement of the bottles while in transit or while travelling on a boat or an RV. The u-shaped channels may contain a rubber pad on the inside surface to prevent sliding, rolling or other lateral movement of the bottles. The portable beverage rack also contains a securement mechanism, such as a strap, buckle or band which extends over the top of the bottles to prevent vertical movement of the bottles. Additionally, the rack includes means to attach the rack to a wall or other vertical surface using a separate wall mounted base plate.

Abstract: A support rack for an appliance such as a laundry dryer includes a plurality of support elements that are designed to hold items at least partially above a main support surface of the rack. The support elements may be movably mounted on the rack so that they can be moved between stowed and deployed positions. The ends of the support elements may have configurations that are designed to securely hold items, such as delicate clothing items. Holders on either the rack or the support elements, or on both, could hold the support elements in stowed and deployed positions. In some instances, the support elements may also be removably mounted on holders on the rack.

Abstract: A tray device that is detachably connectable to a surface, such as a table surface, providing an eating and/or playing surface for a child. The tray provided with a lip that extends upwardly and outwardly toward the child's body so as to catch items and/or food or drink dropped by the child and direct the slipped item onto the tray surface. The tray may also be provided with a removable insert and various attachment mechanisms to firmly hold the tray onto the table surface.

Abstract: A self-bearing furniture module or element (1) is described, made of a die-cast aluminium alloy, and comprising: an elongated supporting structure (3) with two ends (5, 7) and equipped with at least one first engaging element (9, 11); at least one bearing component (12, 14) connected to the supporting structure (3) adjacent to the first engaging element (9, 11); and at least one engaging component (16, 18) connected to the supporting structure (3) in a central part thereof at the same distance from the two ends (5, 7); the engaging component (16, 18) is equipped with at least one second engaging element (20, 22) and is adapted to engage a respective bearing component (12, 14) of another furniture module or element through operative coupling of the corresponding first and second engaging elements (9, 11 and 20, 22). A process is also described, for the possible surface finishing of such furniture module or element (1).

Abstract: A portable hitch-mounted hoist device includes a lifting mechanism which applies a jack to supply power; a rotating mechanism having a dual bearing; a length-adjustable supporting mechanism; and a T-shaped mounting mechanism. The portable hitch-mounted hoist device has simple structure and is easy to install and detach.

Abstract: A plastic aerosol container includes a main body portion that is constructed and arranged to withstand aerosol pressurization within a range that is about 50-300 psig. The plastic aerosol container also includes a finish portion that is unitary with the main body portion. The finish portion may be threaded or unthreaded. The finish portion has a side wall, an upper sealing surface, at least one helical thread and a support ledge beneath the helical thread. Reinforcement structure is positioned beneath the support ledge for reinforcing the finish portion against deformation due to the pressurization. A method of stabilizing a plastic aerosol container is also disclosed.

Abstract: An aerosol container includes a main body portion that is constructed and arranged to withstand aerosol pressurization within a range that is about 90-180 psig and a threaded finish portion that is unitary with the main body portion. The threaded finish portion has at least one helical thread, a support ledge beneath the helical thread and a secondary flange that is positioned beneath the support ledge. The secondary flange has an outer circumference that is noncircular in at least one location, whereby it may be engaged during a capping operation to prevent rotation of the container during capping. A method of making an aerosol container in which a preform is capped before the blow molding process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved packages, methods for manufacturing the packages and methods for producing beverages using the packages are provided. The packages (10) include a cap (60), a container (20), and an adapter (30) positioned between and connected to the cap and container. The adapter (30) is configured to penetrate seals (28, 66) on the cap and the container by means of a spike member (50) to allow contents (p) of the cap (60) to mix with contents (d) of the container (20).

Abstract: A plastic cap for a container, such as a bottle or flexible package, in particular for liquid foods for children, comprising projecting ribs for attaching to a similar, laterally adjacent cap and axial teeth for attaching to a similar axially overlapping cap.

Abstract: A bottle assembly is provided having a body portion defining a cavity therein, a top lid assembly connectable to the body portion, which includes a selectively deployable and retractable spout, a spout bottom lid; and a resilient tube having a lumen therethrough, wherein the lumen is occluded when the spout is retracted and the resilient tube is kinked, and wherein the lumen is opened when the spout is deployed and the resilient tube is not kinked; a trigger assembly for selectively moving the spout between a deployed and a retracted condition; and a bottom lid assembly selectively connectable to a bottom end of the body portion, the bottom lid assembly including a valve assembly to open and close a fluid path into the cavity of the body portion.

Abstract: A method of etching exposed silicon oxide on patterned heterogeneous structures is described and includes a remote plasma etch formed from a fluorine-containing precursor. Plasma effluents from the remote plasma are flowed into a substrate processing region where the plasma effluents combine with water vapor. The chemical reaction resulting from the combination produces reactants which etch the patterned heterogeneous structures to produce, in embodiments, a thin residual structure exhibiting little deformation. The methods may be used to conformally trim silicon oxide while removing little or no silicon, polysilicon, silicon nitride, titanium or titanium nitride. In an exemplary embodiment, the etch processes described herein have been found to remove mold oxide around a thin cylindrical conducting structure without causing the cylindrical structure to significantly deform.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for realization of polymeric materials with second order nonlinear electro-optical properties comprising the following steps: mixing of a chromophore with nonlinear optical properties with two or three hydroxy groups; isolation of said pure bi- or tri-isocyanate NLO chromophores obtained according to the above step; dissolution of said bi- or tri-isocyanate NLO chromophores obtained according to the above step in one or more isocyanate group not reactive solvents containing reactive substances; coating of a thin layer of said prepolymer mixture on a substrate and evaporation of said not reactive solvents; cross-linking and poling of said thin layer on substrate, by means of heating and application of an electric field; cooling of said thin cross-linked and poled layer at ambient temperature maintaining the applied poling electric field; switching off the poling electric field.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board, including: providing a metal layer; forming an insulation layer on the metal layer and then forming via holes for exposing the metal layer in the insulation layer; forming vias charged in the via holes and a circuit layer on the insulation layer; and forming metal bumps at ends of the vias.

Abstract: A flex-rigid printed wiring board is provided which can retain flexibility of a flexible portion while increasing durability of the flexible portion against folding, and can ensure conduction in a rigid portion, and a method of manufacturing the printed wiring board. The flex-rigid printed wiring board includes a conductor layer provided on at least one face of a base film, one region of the wiring board containing the base film being a rigid region, an another region containing the base film being a flexible region. The average thickness “tf” of the conductor layer on the base film formed in the flexible region and the average thickness “tR” of the conductor layer on the base film formed in the rigid region satisfy the relationship of tf<tR.

Abstract: The following description relates to a plasma processing apparatus and a method thereof. The plasma processing apparatus comprises a first plasma chamber having a first plasma discharge space, a first plasma source for supplying a first activation energy to the first plasma discharge space within the first plasma chamber, a second plasma chamber which is connected to the first plasma chamber and has a second discharge space, and a second plasma source for supplying a second activation energy for inducing inductive coupled plasma to the second plasma discharge space within the second plasma chamber.

Abstract: Among other things, methods, systems and apparatus are described for implementing nanomotor-based micro- and nanofabrication. In one aspect, a method of fabricating nanoobjects comprises functionalizing a nanomotor with a reagent. The method also includes controlling a movement of the functionalized nanomotor in a solution containing material to react with the reagent to induce a localized deposition or precipitation of a product onto a surface of a substrate or etching of the substrate.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment discloses a process for cleaning semiconductor fabrication equipment parts with non-metallic surfaces. The process optionally includes providing a semiconductor fabrication part with a non-metallic surface to be cleaned and applying a dilute aqueous solution to remove contamination from the non-metallic surface. The aqueous solution optionally includes dilute amounts of hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The dilute amounts would optionally be in the ranges of 0.5-1.5% wt. hydrofluoric acid, 0.1-0.5% wt. nitric acid and 1-10% wt. hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having an arc extinguishing mechanism includes a plurality of grids disposed in a longitudinal direction, each having protruding portions at both ends thereof so as to define a space therebetween, a fixing portion to support the grids, insulating plates fixed to both sides of the grids, a stator located below the grids, the stator including an arc runner and a stationary contact disposed at an upper side of the arc runner, and a mover contactable with or separated from the stationary contact with moving up and down within the space, wherein an interval between the insulating plates within the space is shorter than a width of the mover.

Abstract: A method of splitting a ring, such as a cage, for a bearing, such as a roller or ball bearing, includes splitting a ring in such a way that there are provided projections and recesses in the facing surfaces thereby produced. In this manner, the two halves of the split ring may be reassembled in opposite orientation so that the projections on the facing surfaces of the two halves of the ring engage one another to space the two halves of the ring apart and to restore the ring to a circular ring shape despite some of the material of the ring having been removed in the splitting process.

Abstract: A wheel resurfacing method and system for resurfacing a worn track wheel to its original profile are provided. The system comprises a support for maintaining the worn railway wheel, a welding device, a controller, and a surface processing device. The worn railway wheel's circumferential surface defining a flange and a tread surface is reconstituted using a welding material. The welding device and the worn railway wheel rotate one relative to the other at a predetermined rate to adaptively aggregate annular welding beads along the circumferential surface to form a curvilinear profile slanted away from the flange. A surface processing device is then actuated to smooth the welded layer to form a substantially uniform surface to reconstitute the worn railway wheel to its original profile.

Abstract: A welding system includes an engine having a rotational power output, an AC welding generator operatively connected to the rotational power output for generating an AC current, a rectifying circuit electrically connected to the AC welding generator for converting the AC current to a DC output for welding, an auxiliary power generator for supplying AC power to an auxiliary electrically powered device, and a rotational speed adjuster coupling the auxiliary power supply to the rotational power output and configured to drive the auxiliary power supply at a different rotational rate than a rotational rate of the rotational power output.

Abstract: Plasma is generated using elemental hydrogen, a weak oxidizing agent, and a fluorine containing gas. An inert gas is introduced to the plasma downstream of the plasma source and upstream of a showerhead that directs gas mixture into the reaction chamber where the mixture reacts with the high-dose implant resist. The process removes both the crust and bulk resist layers at a high strip rate, and leaves the work piece surface substantially residue free with low silicon loss.

Abstract: To provide a laser lap welding method including: performing lap welding (11; 21) by irradiating a laser beam (La) on a plurality of overlapped workpieces (1, 2); and irradiating, after a very short interruption time period of the laser beam irradiation, a defocused laser beam (Lc) on a terminating end (12; 22) of the lap welding. Preferably, the laser lap welding method including: interrupting the irradiation of the laser beam for a very short time period and moving, during the interruption time period, the optical axis of the laser beam from the terminating end of the lap welding to the side of the starting end of the lap welding; and irradiating a defocused laser beam from the position to which the optical axis of the laser beam is moved, to the terminating end of the lap welding.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a high temperature superconductor (=HTS) coated tape (20), with the following steps: preparation of a substrate tape (1), deposition of at least one buffer layer (2), deposition of an HTS film (3), deposition of a metallic protection layer (35) on the HTS film (3) and deposition of a metallic shunt layer (36) is characterized in that, prior to deposition of the metallic shunt layer (36), the partially prepared coated tape (10) undergoes a laser beam cutting in order to provide a desired tape form, wherein the laser beam cutting is applied together with a gas flow and/or a liquid flow (23). The method reduces the loss of critical current and reduces or avoids a deterioration of the critical temperature in a HTS coated tape due to tape cutting.

Abstract: Provided is a cutting apparatus for fiber-reinforced plastics that reduces an increase in processing cost and also reduces a decrease in the quality of a cut surface. The cutting apparatus includes a laser emitter (10) for emitting pulsed laser light for irradiation of a fiber-reinforced plastic (2) to be cut and a cutting head (30) for outputting the laser light emitted from the laser emitter (10) toward the fiber-reinforced plastic (2), the laser light has a pulse width of no less than 1 fs and no more than 999 ps, and the moving speed of the cutting head (30) relative to the fiber-reinforced plastic (2) is about 1.5 m/min or more.

Abstract: Disclosed are laser scribing systems for laser scribing semiconductor substrates with backside coatings. In particular these laser scribing systems laser scribe opto-electric semiconductor wafers with reflective backside coatings so as to avoid damage to the opto-electric device while maintaining efficient manufacturing. In more particular these laser scribing systems employ ultrafast pulsed lasers at wavelength in the visible region and below in multiple passes to remove the backside coatings and scribe the wafer.

Abstract: A process using a single millisecond laser is presented. The process is traversed over the surface of a component a number of times. The tilt angle of the laser beam with respect to a drilling axis during a subsequent traverse is different from the tilt angle with respect to the drilling axis during the first traverse of the surface. By using the single millisecond laser which although producing rougher surfaces than other millisecond lasers has higher material-removal rates, repeated traverses using different process parameters allow millisecond lasers to be successfully used to produce smooth surfaces.

Abstract: A welding wire conduit includes an outer tube, a wire spring disposed within the outer tube, and a plurality of cylindrical segments disposed within the wire spring. Each cylindrical segment includes a generally convex first axial end and a generally concave second axial end, and the first axial ends of the cylindrical segments are configured to mate with the second axial ends of the cylindrical segments.

Abstract: A resin molded product comprises a fiber to which a metal heating element is attached, a first attaching part that standing upright on a main body of the resin molded product to attach and fix one part of the metal heating element, a second attaching part standing upright on the main body correspondingly to the first attaching part to attach and fix the other part of the metal heating element, and a rib extended continuously and integrally from the first attaching part to the second attaching part and standing upright on the main body, wherein a gate position is provided in the vicinity of the first attaching part on a straight line connecting the first attaching part to the second attaching part in a back side of the resin molded product to set an orientation of the fiber formed in the rib in the extending direction of the rib.

Abstract: A towel rack includes: two upstanding hollow posts, each being generally U-shaped in cross section and including two side plate portions and an intermediate plate portion interconnecting the two side plate portions, the two side plate portions cooperatively defining a substantially vertical elongate opening; at least one hollow hanging bar having an inner space therein and two end portions; a fastening unit detachably connecting each of the two end portions of the hollow hanging bar to one of the side plate portions of a respective one of the hollow posts; and an electric heater including a heating wire inserted in the inner space of the hollow hanging bar so that the hollow hanging bar can be heated via the heating wire.