Abstract: Systems for recycling waste plastic can include cartridges that are selectively sealable. Some cartridges can have elongated receptacles that improve heat transfer to plastic feedstock within the cartridges.

Abstract: Roller board assemblies and methods of manufacture and use. A roller board assembly may include a roller board having a first roller board insert which is removably coupled to a housing and a second roller board insert which is also removably coupled to a housing. The removability of the first and second roller board inserts may allow for variation in the desired roller board insert configuration such as shape and size of grooves in the roller board, thus allowing for variation in the shape and size of the item to be rolled. A first coupler may couple the first roller board to the housing through a hole in the housing. A handle on the housing may allow a user to grip the housing and apply the motion required to roll an item.

Abstract: A tank for a load tap changer includes opposing front and rear walls, opposing side walls, and a bottom wall joined to define a box-like structure. A door structure is removably coupled to one of the walls. An oil catch tray is coupled to the tank and is movable between a retracted, storage position generally adjacent to the bottom of the tank, and an operative position extending outwardly from the one wall to which the door structure is coupled and generally under a portion of the door structure. In the operative position, the oil catch tray is constructed and arranged to collect oil that drips from the door structure and the one wall when the door structure is removed from the one wall.

Abstract: A play construction kit includes modules, connector parts and a storage box. The modules may be sized so that a child or adult requires two hands to move a module while in another embodiment, the modules may be sized so a small child can play with the modules at a desk or somewhere inside a room. The modules are either primary modules or secondary modules. Primary modules have at least one full aperture or at least one half-aperture. The primary modules have an aperture diameter that ranges in size but is sufficient to allow the connector part to pass through. The connector part may fit in any aperture diameter with or without friction. Secondary modules serve to support or work with said primary modules or connector parts.

Abstract: A barcode (4) is formed on a cardboard (2) by laser marking, and a groove (22) communicating a space (42) in the barcode (4) is formed in the cardboard (2). The groove (22) has a depth which is 1/7 or more of an error in resolution of a barcode reader.

Abstract: Novel catalytic compositions for cracking of crude oil fractions are disclosed. The catalytic compositions comprise a basic material. When used in a cracking process, preferably a FCC process, the resulting LCO and HCO fractions have desirably low aromatics levels. Further disclosed is a one-stage FCC process using the catalytic composition of the invention. Also disclosed is a two-stage FCC process for maximizing the LCO yield.

Abstract: This sorting machine comprises an unstacker (10) suitable for putting mailpieces on edge, address recognition means (20, 25) for recognizing the addresses of said mailpieces, and a conveying zone (2, 3, 4) for conveying the mailpieces by nipping them, which zone is made up of an unstacking zone (1) extending from the unstacker, and of a sorting zone (3) having a plurality sorting outlets (S1-SN), distributed from an upstream sorting outlet (S1) adjacent to the unstacker, to a downstream sorting outlet (SN). In accordance with the invention, said machine further comprises a recirculation zone (4) interconnecting the downstream sorting outlet (SN) and the upstream sorting outlet (S1), said recirculation zone co-operating with the unstacking zone (1) to define a point of confluence (C) situated between the unstacker and the upstream sorting outlet.

Abstract: The device used for collecting information on the condition of a sewer network. It includes a set of observation devices mounted on a floating housing (1) introduced in the sewer pipe flow and connected by the rear (8) to a check cable which the operator can unreel from the surface of an upstream manhole, and is completed by display, control and optional recording systems on the surface. The on-board devices comprise a pan and tilt surface camera housed behind a glass dome (2), a bottom camera (3), distance detectors (6 and 7), a system transmitting wireless signals (5), lights, and batteries (4). The signals run along the inside of the pipe to a receiver located at a manhole and from there are transmitted to the station on the surface. The components are compact, reliable and preferably derived from mass-produced devices such as video surveillance cameras, computers or video screens.

Abstract: A system is provided to control fluid flow in a wastewater treatment system. The wastewater treatment system may include a wastewater treatment plant and a main that connects a plurality of pump stations to the wastewater treatment plant. Each of the plurality of pump stations may include a wet well and a pump carried by the wet well to pump the wastewater. The system may include a central server and a sensor in communication with the central server to sense a level of wastewater within the wet well. The pump may be moved to an on position when the level of the wastewater in the wet well is at or above a first level. The level of wastewater within the wet well may be systematically manipulated responsive to the central server to control the fluid flow in the wastewater treatment system.

Abstract: The curb inlet filter includes a filter bag having an opening at an upper end leading into an interior of the filter bag and a support bar coupled to one side of the upper end of the filter bag. The support bar is configured to rest outside of the basin against curb face sides bounding the opening in the street level curb face. A support frame is coupled to a second side of the upper end of the filter bag and is configured to engage with the support bar to suspend the support frame substantially at grade within an interior of the basis and define a rigid opening into the filter bag. The remainder of the filter bag hangs below grade within the curb side drain basin.

Abstract: A removable drain inset apparatus for preventing drain flies from infesting a drain pipe is disclosed. The drain inset apparatus comprises a horizontal floor area having at least one drain hole positioned substantially on a center portion thereof. The drain insert apparatus further includes a slightly contoured wall surface extending upwardly from an outer peripheral edge of the horizontal floor area. The drain insert apparatus further includes a funnel portion extending downwardly from the at least one drain hole. The horizontal floor area further includes at least one ridge disposed on the top surface of the horizontal floor area for holding at least one grate.

Abstract: Power supplies for pool and spa equipment are disclosed. In one embodiment, the power supply includes a buoyant housing, a peripheral float, at least one solar cell positioned on the buoyant housing for collecting sunlight and converting same to electrical energy, and a power cable for interconnecting the power supply and pool/spa equipment. In other embodiments, first and second inductive power couplings are provided for powering pool and spa equipment. The power couplings can also be installed using existing plumbing features of the pool or spa.

Abstract: A rain water filtration device, the device having a plurality of vertically stacked chambers, each chamber in staggered succession and each chamber in fluid communication with at least one other chamber through a debris screen, the topmost chamber further having a receiving end in fluid communication with a rain gutter and the bottom most chamber further having an exit end capable of fluidly communicating with a storage tank.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a filter part to filter water, a storage part to store the water filtered by the filter part, and a separation unit to partition a space within the storage part into a plurality of spaces. A contact part is disposed between an inner surface of the storage part and the separation unit.

Abstract: Ozone is a powerful and versatile oxidant that is good for many applications including sterilization of drinking water, rejuvenation of waste waters, and chemical syntheses. Most of the man-made ozone for the said uses comes from corona discharge of oxygen gas. From the aspects of simplicity, efficiency, voltage level and space area, generation of ozone by water electrolysis has all advantages over the discharge means. It requires an catalyst deposited on the anode of electrolyzer for generating ozone gas directly in water, and the anode material should be affordable, long-lived and reliable. For the said device to become commercially viable, the scale buildup, particularly calcium carbonate, on the cathodes must also be resolved. Tests have shown that the provision of a low vacuum over the electrodes of electrolyzer can assist the device to deliver a consistent ozone throughput for a long period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering a liquid utilize a filter apparatus including a center tube or flow balancing element including a helical fin. The helical fin radially contacts and supports the inner periphery of a filter media. The helical fin may be formed on a venturi center tube, or on a center tube flow balancing element for dividing the total flow of fluid through the filter apparatus into a bypass filter portion and a full-flow filter portion. The helical fin may alternately be formed on a standpipe center tube, defining a helical flow path between the inner periphery of a filter media and openings in the wall of the center tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a capsule apparatus having a filter housing defining a filter chamber with a top cap having a plurality of ports extending substantially laterally from a top end of the top cap to reduce the overall dimensions of the apparatus. The lateral and substantially uniform orientation of the ports facilitates connection to panel mount assemblies and improves filter maintenance processes. A transfer tube extending the length of the capsule allows the introduction of heated fluids from a top mounted inlet port to a bottom of the capsule chamber to allow or a substantially uniform heat gradient in the capsule filter chamber. An alternative shield secured in the housing defines a first chamber in fluid communication with an inlet and a second chamber wherein the two chambers are in fluid communication via an opening defined by a lower end of the shield and a bottom of the filter chamber.

Abstract: A filter cartridge has a keyed end cap which is configured and shaped for unlocking an associated valve mechanism that comprises a latch device and a valve. In this manner, when the fuel filter cartridge is placed into a fuel filter housing having such a latch and valve mechanism, the fuel filter cartridge is operable therein to filter fluid and pass the fluid into a standpipe contained within the fuel filter housing. The fuel filter cartridge of this type generally includes pleated filter paper which is disposed between two opposed end caps. The keys may be provided along the bottom end cap.

Abstract: A lightweight protection element and filter of the mattress type comprises an external containment structure (10, 20), a three-dimensional internal structure (30) with a high cavity index and a granular filler material which is inserted inside the containment structure. Engagement means (50, 52) of the mechanical type are distributed over the external containment structure in order to engage predetermined portions of those structure with each other.

Abstract: A membrane separation apparatus in which a membrane clogging is moderated to lower a load to filtering. A plurality of separation membranes 4 are stored vertical and parallel to each other inside the a casing 6 formed with opening sections which respectively open in upper and lower directions thereby configuring a membrane module 3. In a flow passage through which treated water for the membrane module 3 flows, a water flow guide 5 is provided such that an opening area S2 of the flow passage through which treated water outflows is smaller than an opening area S1 of the flow passage through which treated water inflows. Additionally, a plurality of the membrane modules 3 are stacked one upon another in a direction of height of a casing thereby to configure a membrane unit 2. An air diffusing device 7 is disposed below this membrane unit 2 thereby configure a membrane separation apparatus 1.

Abstract: A filter device having at least one filter housing (1), in which at least one filter element (11) that defines a longitudinal axis can be received in the form of a filter cartridge which has on at least one end an end cap (19) forming an enclosure for the relevant end rim of the filter material (23, 25), which end cap, for fixing the position of the filter element (11) in its functional position, can be fixed on an element receiver (13) that interacts with the bottom part (7) of the filter housing (1), is characterized in that the element receiver (13) and the assigned end cap (19) of the filter element (11), on the parts thereof (17 and 15) coming into engagement with one another in the functional position of the filter element are provided with shape irregularities which are matched to one another which enable the engagement in a positional relationship directed towards one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular molded body capable of full-wrapping a membrane module, and an industrial filter assembly using the same. The tubular molded body of the present invention is a molded body consisting of a transparent plastic material and having a constant outer diameter that protects the membrane module through a simple manipulation using a physical fastening means to minimize the space for water stagnation, and prevents the accumulation of Mg2+ and Ca2+ to avoid a rise of the differential pressure caused by contaminants. Furthermore, the present invention provides an industrial filter assembly including a tubular molded body encasing from one end to the other of the membrane module, an industrial facility vessel protecting the exterior of the tubular molded body.

Abstract: A filter includes a filter element (1) having a filter medium (106) pleated in a zigzag manner, with a raw side (105) and a clean side. On the raw side (105) and/or on the clean side of the filter medium (14; 106), a plurality of oblong adhesive sections (122) are disposed along at least two adhesive tracks (101) on the filter medium (106), which run obliquely or perpendicularly to the pleat edges (F) at least in some sections. Each adhesive track (101) having at least one adhesive section (122) and at least one adhesive interruption (107). The adhesive interruptions (107) are offset from each other such that in a medium section (120) the adhesive interruptions (107) do not form a passage (126) that runs continuously parallel to the pleat edges (F).

Abstract: A filter includes a filter element (1) having a filter medium (106) pleated in a zigzag manner, with a raw side (105) and a clean side (104). Filter medium sections (120), which extend on either side of the raw-side pleat tips (102a) to adjoining raw-side pleat bases (103a), include a first bend (552) toward the raw side (105), and behind that a second bend (554) toward the clean side (104), in each case viewed from the raw-side pleat tips (102a).

Abstract: A membrane comprising a blend of a sulfonated poly(aryl ether) and a phenyl amine compound along with methods for making and using the same. Many additional embodiments are described including applications for such membranes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structure having a superhydrophobic and amphiphilic(oleophilic) surface and a fabrication method thereof. A polymer surface body disclosed herein may include high aspect ratio nanostructures on a surface thereof, wherein an aspect ration of the high aspect ratio nanostructure is 1 to 100, and may include a hydrophobic thin film on the high aspect ratio nanostructure. A method of fabricating a polymer surface body disclosed herein may include performing a surface modification treatment on a polymer to form a high aspect ratio nanostructure having an aspect ration of 1 to 100, and forming a hydrophobic thin film on a surface containing the nanostructures.

Abstract: This invention is developed by including the intermittent sequential ozonation process to the commonly employed aerobic biological sludge digestion process, which is used for reducing the amounts of by-product waste sludge produced in treatment plants; thereby stabilizing the sludge in a shorter period and at a lower cost, as compared to the state of the art of the technique. With the intermittent sequential ozonation process used for sludge digestion, ozone is applied to the waste sludge intermittently and not continuously. Following the ozone application, sludge is aerated in the aerobic digester by one doubling time and at the end of this period it is re-ozonated. The COD, released following disintegration of the floc structures by ozone application, is re-consumed by bacteria both completing sludge digestion and carbon removal. Over 80% reductions in sludge amount have been achieved by dosing different amounts of ozone with respect to the changing sludge concentrations.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.

Abstract: A high mass transfer membrane for use in membrane phase contactors to extract a solute from an aqueous phase to a solvent phase and their method of preparation and use are disclosed. The membrane is formed from polyimide by phase inversion and may optionally be crosslinked to maintain stability even in the solvents from which the membranes were formed by phase phase inversion.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for cleansing blood through hemodialysis by the process of diffusion across a membrane into dialysate. This dialyzer also removes solutes from the blood by a process of convection, where fluid and dissolved solutes pass through the membrane out of the blood. In one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the MECS dialyzer uses a counter-flow between the dialysate and blood through a plurality of microchannels. The dialyzer comprises a plurality of flat semi-permeable membranes interleaved between microchannel sheets to define a plurality of flow channels. The stack of membranes and microchannel sheets are aligned and consolidated to form the MECS dialyzer. The MECS dialyzer acts as a flow manifold with ports and headers to collect the blood and dialysate and direct them to and from the microchannels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for dialysis treatment which has device(s) for balancing fresh and used dialysis fluid. The present invention also relates to a method of balancing fresh and used dialysis fluid. The apparatus and method according to the present invention for balancing fresh and used dialysis fluid are characterized in that the individual balancing chambers of the balancing system receive both fresh dialysis fluid and used dialysis fluid, the functions of the balancing chambers being alternately interchanged. In this way, exact balancing can be achieved even when the volumes of the individual chambers differ from one another. Over the period of the treatment as a whole, the differences between the volumes balance each other out due to the cyclic interchange of the chambers.

Abstract: Provided is a method of purifying oil by which nano particles are effectively removed from the oil.

Abstract: A method and system for recycling and treating dyeing wastewater are provided. To begin with, the dyeing wastewater is added with an adsorbent for assisted decolorization and filtration. Then, the wastewater is filtered with a first filtration device having hydrophilic membranes. The liquid having passed through the hydrophilic membranes undergoes an RO membrane-base filtration process to produce recycled water and concentrated wastewater. The concentrated wastewater is delivered into a second filtration device having hydrophobic membranes, before a micro-bubbling process is performed on the concentrated wastewater in the second filtration device to turn the concentrated wastewater into a creamy-white nebulized working liquid of high gas content. The steam in the working liquid can readily pass through the hydrophobic membranes to produce an effluent that meets effluent standards.

Abstract: A liquid treatment system using gas flotation to separate suspended matter from liquid influent, including a flotation tank into which the liquid influent is fed through an inlet, an outlet conduit through which treated effluent is fed from the flotation tank, a separation conduit for feeding liquid to a bubble release point, means for pressurising the liquid in the separation conduit and dissolving gas in the pressurised liquid, wherein an energy recovery device is used for reducing pressure of the liquid before the bubble release point such that gas bubbles are released into the flotation tank for floating said suspended matter to a surface of the liquid in the tank, and wherein the energy recovery device supplies energy obtained through said pressure reduction of the liquid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a stream comprising a hydrocarbon liquid and an aqueous-based liquid are provided. The systems and methods may utilize a media composite comprising a mixture of a cellulose-based material and a polymer. In certain systems and methods, the media composite is capable of being backwashed. The stream comprising the hydrocarbon liquid and aqueous-based liquid may be separated by contacting the stream with the media composite. In certain system and methods, the stream comprising the hydrocarbon liquid and aqueous-based liquid may be coalesced by contacting the stream with the media composite.

Abstract: A system and method for removing water from sludge including mixing a blending material into the sludge and compressing the mixture. Additional pre and post compression steps are disclosed. Examples of specific blending materials and methods for their use are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the use of rare earth-containing additives, particularly rare earth-containing additives comprising rare earths of plural oxidation states, to remove, particularly from recreational waters, various target materials, such as disinfectant by-products and precursors thereof, phosphates, and organophosphates.

Abstract: A device for dewatering sewage sludge and a method for its use is provided. The device affords separation by causing a sludge concentrate to flow at sufficiently slow rates to cause the gel-like concentrate to fracture and release trapped water. Sewage sludge dewatered according to the method and utilizing the device can be directly burned or directly introduced into a landfill. Certain embodiments of the device can be transported to a site where the dewatering process is carried out and certain embodiments of the device can be further utilized to transport dewatered sludge from the dewatering site to a further disposal site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the application of a heterogeneous photocatalysis process for the treatment of industrial wastewater contaminated with recalcitrant compounds and the operating conditions of a pilot plant for implementing said process.

Abstract: A simple, efficient apparatus and method for separating layers of immiscible or partially miscible liquids useful in methods of high-throughput combinatorial organic synthesis or parallel extraction of large libraries or megaarrays of organic compounds is disclosed. The apparatus and method are useful, whether as part of an automated, robotic or manual system for combinatorial organic synthesis or purification (extraction). In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus and method for separating layers of immiscible or partially miscible liquids compatible with microtiter plate type array(s) of reaction vessels is disclosed. Another application of centrifugation based liquid removal was found for washing the plates in biological assays or synthesis on modified substrates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering a slurry utilizing a displacement filtering principle. The filter apparatus desirably includes an inner filter and an outer filter. Both the inner and outer filters are preferably substantially annular in shape and positioned concentrically with respect to each other. A particulate collection volume is at least partially defined between the inner and outer filter. The method includes directing a flow of slurry into the particulate collection volume under sufficient pressure to force fluid within the particulate collection volume through one of the inner and outer filters and any particulate matter blocking a filtering surface of the inner and outer filters.

Abstract: Tube and float systems described herein facilitate removal of certain non-target materials in order to further isolation and extraction of a target material. The tube includes a re-sealable plug located in the base of the tube opposite the tube opening. The float is selected with a specific gravity to substantially match the specific gravity of the target material. When the tube, float and suspension are centrifuged for a period of time, the various materials separate into different layers along the axis of the tube according to specific gravity of each material. The plug located in the base of the tube enables non-target material layers located beneath the float to be extracted, which facilitates isolation and extraction of the target material located between the float and inner wall of the tube. The plug also allows other liquids to be injected into the tube from below the float.

Abstract: A suction nozzle assembly, comprising a tube coupled to a pressure sink at a distal side thereof, a nozzle, a resilient element which couples said nozzle to a proximal side of said tube and a deformable housing which bridges a gap between said proximal side of said tube and said nozzle. Optionally, a pressure equalizer, for example, a through aperture, is formed in said nozzle.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems, methods and apparatus for polishing a wastewater stream comprising a plurality of contaminants are provided. One system includes a vessel containing a plurality of natural media filtration agents selected to remove selected ones of the plurality of contaminants from the wastewater stream. In one embodiment, the vessel includes a bed of bauxite residue and at least one other natural media filtration agent. In another embodiment, the vessel includes a bed of compost and at least one other natural media filtration agent. The vessel includes a wastewater inlet that is in fluid communication with one or more of the natural media filtration agents. The vessel includes a wastewater outlet that is in fluid communication with one or more of the natural media filtration agents.

Abstract: Cover for an electronic equipment, which cover includes a first and a second metal panel element, wherein respective first and second metal surface of the panel element are mechanically joined together with electrical contact using a connector including a contacting device. The contacting device includes a) an elongated, wave-shaped metal compression spring part with a direction of elongation and a direction of motion, where the spring part is compressed between the two respective metal surfaces against the spring force; b) a hook part on the spring part, gripping around an edge of the first panel element; and c) at least one projection, on a surface facing towards the first metal surface when the hook part grips around the edge, which projection is arranged to display different sliding friction against the first metal surface depending on in which direction the spring part is caused to slide against the first metal surface.

Abstract: A method for storing and displaying footwear including, without limitation, flip-flops and thong-type sandals, as well as other loose items, is provided. An elongate central body, such as a length of ribbon or other similar structure, having a number of upwardly facing hooks - typically combined in pairs - arrayed along the length of the central body, is suspended from a support. Sandals and other loose items are hung on the hooks.

Abstract: A solar panel mounting system has a plurality of mounting bases which have upper and lower mounting surfaces. In the minimum configuration, four mounting bases are used. A solar panel module is connected to the top portion of two bases and to the bottom portion so that the solar panel module is mounted at a selected angle. Each of the bases has attachment points which hold insert nuts and allows mounting brackets to be secured along the mounting surfaces. The mounting brackets allow the solar panel modules to be clamped utilizing their frames without additional hardware and to be attached from the top without access to the bottom of the panels. The brackets can be industry standard or specific to the system. The bases stack and nest for easy transport. The mounting bases may be secured to a selected surface using ballasts, mechanical attachments or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Provided is an elongate construction element including a rigid elongate tubular body formed with at least one longitudinal U-like shaped groove. The groove is defined between a pair of facing side walls and a base wall spanning therebetween. The side walls are each formed with a plurality of parallely extending, spaced apart longitudinal ribs projecting therefrom, which together mimic a portion of a nominal threaded bore. The groove is formed such that the ratio between the height of the groove and the distance between the side walls is no greater than 1.8. The axial force in newtons necessary to remove a screw threaded therein the groove and fully penetrating the base wall is less than 3.7 times the product of the tensile yield strength of the material of the construction element and the distance between the sidewalls in millimeters.

Abstract: A snowplow exhibit apparatus may be used to display at least two snowplows at two different heights in multiple upper levels, in additional to the ground level.

Abstract: An organizational music stand architecture for practicing or performing, while at the same time organizing and storing various accessories for music. The stand comprises a base section, two side sections, and a back section secured together. An accessory plate assembly, situated at the top of the unit, is secured to the two side sections. A music rest platform is secured to the accessory plate assembly so as to display objects in a near vertical position. The height of the base section is designed for placement of the organizational stand on a floor surface. Typically, the organizational stand would also comprise wheels, positioned at the bottom of the base section toward the rear of the stand, enabling the stand to be rolled on the wheels to another location. There would also be at least one or two drawers, such as a utility drawer and a hanging-file drawer.