Abstract: A separation device including a first buoy, a second buoy, a first valve, and a second valve. The first buoy is mounted to a buoy guide post and slidably mounted within a separation chamber. The second buoy is slidably mounted to the guide post and movable between a first position and a second position. The second buoy closes the first valve and opens the second valve when in the first position. The second buoy opens the first valve and closes the second valve when in the second position. The second buoy has a density such that after spinning the device for a suitable period of time a first component of the composition is isolated between the first buoy and the second buoy and a second component of the composition is isolated between the second buoy and the end of the separation chamber that is opposite to a port.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for fuel, includes a first filter element and a second filter element, which is of a flat type and is located downstream of the first filter element with reference to a direction of the fuel, the filter elements are configured such as to be crossed in series by the fuel, in which the first filter element is a depth filter and has a mean porosity value which is greater than the porosity of the second filter element and which is such as to retain large-dimension paraffins and a part of smaller-dimension particulates, while enabling passage of small-dimension paraffins.

Abstract: A water pressure regenerated type water softener including: a timer control valve having a valve control unit rotated by a timer spring and into which raw water is supplied; a plurality of conduits into which the raw water selectively flows under the control of the timer control valve; a regeneration tank communicating with a regeneration tank inlet conduit of the conduits; and a resin tank unit receiving regeneration water flowing from the regeneration tank and containing an ion exchange resin therein. The water softener can be operated in one of stop mode, soft water mode, raw water mode and regeneration mode under the control of the valve control unit. When regeneration mode is selected, the valve control unit rotates to stop mode by the timer spring after a preset amount of time has elapsed.

Abstract: A stormwater treatment unit comprising a containment vault having an inlet and an outlet separates debris from a flow of stormwater through the unit. The water flow is controlled by a wall which directs flow from the inlet to the outlet through a reservoir of fluid in the unit. Debris separation by density occurs whereby lighter elements such as oil float on top of the fluid and heavier elements such as sediment collect at the bottom of the unit or in collectors in the reservoir. A wire mesh, deflector, and/or ripple boards placed beneath the inlet further increase efficiency of the separation, and a vent pipe is placed above the outlet to release pressure built up in the outlet during operation. A stormwater treatment system and method of retrofitting an existing stormwater trunk line locates the stormwater treatment unit in an off-line position from an existing drainage trunk line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for collecting oil/mineral oil leaking from the seabed. More specifically, the device according to the present invention consists in a flexible funnel for guiding and collecting oil/mineral oil leaking from the seabed. In addition, the present invention relates to an oil storage device which consists, more specifically, of an oil storage device that floats on water and can be inflated, receiving a continuous oil flow and allowing oil, water and volatile and explosive gases from an oil well to be separated inside the device.

Abstract: A filter unit includes a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end. First and second engagement surfaces traverse at least part of the body portion. The first and second engagement surfaces include a first segment that extends substantially parallel with the longitudinal extent of the body portion. A second segment extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal extent of the body portion. A third segment extends at a different angle than the second segment. A laterally extending key member is disposed on the body portion between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface. An engagement protrusion extends from the proximal end. The engagement protrusion has a first portion that includes a first radius of curvature and a second portion opposing the first portion that includes a second radius of curvature that is larger than the first radius of curvature.

Abstract: A water filter system includes a removable filter unit having a body portion including a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is adapted to be inserted into a filter head assembly. A laterally extending key member is disposed on the body portion and adapted to engage a key slot in the filter head assembly. An engagement protrusion extends from the proximal end. The engagement protrusion includes a first portion that has a first radius of curvature and a second portion opposing the first portion that includes a second radius of curvature that is larger than the first radius of curvature.

Abstract: A filter unit includes a substantially cylindrical body portion having a proximal end and a distal end. An engagement protrusion extends from the proximal end of the body portion. A laterally extending key member is disposed on the body portion. At least one engagement surface traverses at least part of the body portion. The at least one engagement surface includes a first segment that extends substantially parallel with the longitudinal extent of the body portion. A second segment extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal extent of the body portion. A third segment extends at a different angle than the second segment.

Abstract: A filter unit includes a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end. An engagement protrusion extends from the proximal end. The engagement protrusion includes a first portion that has a first radius of curvature and a second portion opposing the first portion that has a second radius of curvature that is larger than the first radius of curvature. A protruding retention surface is disposed on and extends radially outward from the body portion. The protruding retention surface is adapted to secure the filter unit in a filter head assembly.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to water and wastewater treatment devices including stationary cloth filter media support structures which support structures also form the effluent plenum for the filtered influent.

Abstract: A filtering machine (10) for filtering a mixture which includes entrained oily contaminant, the filtering machine (10) including a filter (14) which has an exterior housing (15) through which the mixture, in use, passes to contact filter material within the interior of the filter housing (15), and through which filtrate passes out of the filter (14), and wherein the filter material includes particles (29) of agglomerated oleophillic fibres.

Abstract: A fine fiber can be made having a structure with an axial core and a coating layer. The fiber can have a polymer core and one or two layers surrounding the core. The fine fiber can be made from a polymer material and a resinous aldehyde (e.g., melamine-aldehyde) composition such that the general structure of the fiber has a polymer core surrounded by at least a layer of the resinous aldehyde composition.

Abstract: There is provided a method for treating spent metal working fluid (MWF), comprising the steps of: (a) providing a biofilm of microorganisms on a solid support matrix in a first bioreactor; (b) transferring at least a portion of the solid support matrix comprising the biofilm of microorganisms from the first bioreactor into a second bioreactor; and (c) incubating the microorganisms in the second bioreactor to reduce the chemical oxygen demand of the spent MWF contained therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for liquid distillation which includes a vapor permeable-liquid impermeable microporous membrane having structures defining a plurality of pores, an oleophobic material that is applied to the structures of the membrane so as to leave the plurality of pores open, a means for supplying non-distilled liquid to the first side of the membrane, and a means for collecting distilled liquid from a second side of the membrane. In a further example, the present invention provides a method for the distillation of liquids.

Abstract: Adsorption devices, systems, and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an adsorption device includes a fabric and an adsorbing complex attached at least partially attached to a surface of the fabric, the adsorbing complex being reactive to selectively adsorb a substance from a liquid passing through the fabric to remove at least a portion of the substance from the liquid. In one embodiment, the adsorption device can be incorporated into an extracorporeal blood circuit adapted to filter phosphate from blood of a hemodialysis patient without altering chemistry of the blood.

Abstract: This invention uses “Targeted Apheresis” to treat patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. “Targeted Apheresis” is a process whereby only the pathogenic and pro-inflammatory elements associated with the disease symptoms are simultaneously and selectively removed from the blood by passing the blood through an extracorporeal affinity device containing selective binding agents. Removal of these pathogenic and pro-inflammatory elements will ameliorate the symptoms of autoimmune disease and may prolong the period of disease remission.

Abstract: Novel electrospun nanofibers and nanofibrous membranes, methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of using the same are provided. The nanofibers include a cactus mucilage, such as mucilage from Opuntia ficus-indica. An organic polymer can be added to the cactus mucilage before electrospinning The nanofibrous membranes can be used in water filtration.

Abstract: Described herein is a low back-pressure, solid phase extraction media for removing dissolved metals in a liquid. The solid phase extraction media comprises particles entrapped in a porous polymeric fiber matrix. The particles comprise at least one of a thiol-containing moiety or a thiourea-containing moiety, and the porous polymeric fiber matrix comprises a plurality of fibers and a polymeric binder.

Abstract: Novel filter elements for sequestering acids from oil or fuel, the strong base flocs that comprise the filter elements, and methods of their preparation and use are disclosed. The filter elements comprise a mechanically linked interlocking fiber matrix interspersed with strong base particle flocs wherein the strong base particles constitute at least 30% by weight of the filter element. Certain filter elements may be useful for sequestering acids or neutralized acids in certain oils or fuels, for example, the acids originating in the combustion and lubrication system of an internal combustion engine or those contained in oils in an oil circulation system. Other filter elements may be useful for reducing oxidation of an oil.

Abstract: A blend of micro-crystals of magnesium ammonium phosphate and other seed materials with magnesium hydroxide slurries reduces struvite scale in wastewater collection systems leading into waste-water treatment plants. These “seeds” act as attractants to phosphates and ammonia to allow the seeds to grow and remain dispersed throughout the waste water system. This greatly minimizes, or prevents struvite scale from building up in unwanted areas such as pipes, pumps, and valves that could potentially cause water flow blockage.

Abstract: A method and system of treatment of agricultural and industrial wastewaters that contain high concentrations of suspended solids, nitrogen, and phosphorus compounds is disclosed. The method and system includes pre-treating the wastewater, controlling the amount of coagulants used, and controlling the mean velocity used for mixing, surface loading rate, and solids loading rate. The method and system functions as a sedimentation unit and gas flotation unit (solid/liquid separator). The pH of the effluent wastewater is stabilized within the separator by ensuring that there is sufficient alkalinity to buffer the wastewater. Sufficient gas is produced in the coagulation reactions to float and concentrate the solids, which results in as high as 99 percent reduction in suspended solids, a 96 percent reduction of the phosphorus concentration, and a 50 percent reduction of the nitrogen concentration in the effluent from the separator.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to processes for extracting iron and/or calcium from geothermal brines.

Abstract: A water filtration unit, comprising: a housing; a passive separator in the housing to receive a pressurized source of particulate-heavy water, to separate most of the particulate mass from the water and to output particulate-lean water; particulate egress means disposed at least partly within the housing to receive, and allow disposal of, the particulate separated from the water; at least one filtration module in the housing to each receive the particulate-lean water simultaneously, to filter remaining particulate and contaminants from the particulate-lean water by allowing passage of the water through porous filtration media of each module under gravity; and at least one outlet conduit coupled to an outlet in a wall of the housing to receive filtered water from the filtration modules and provide the filtered water to a fluid sink outside the housing.

Abstract: A portable fluid treatment apparatus includes a container with an interior wall between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe which defines a bottom space between the bottom of the wall and the bottom interior surface of the container. A series of collectors in the container direct the flow of the inlet fluid and promote sedimentation from the fluid. The inlet fluid flows under the wall and up to a discharge pipe equipped with a vent. Multiple sedimentation units are connected together in series and mounted on a trailer for transport to a construction site.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a liquid by acoustic cavitation. In a first stage, in a cavitation chamber under positive static pressure. In a second stage by hydrodynamic cavitation. The energy and pressure expended in the first stage is recovered in the second stage to make an efficient processing system for cavitating liquids. The process and system may be used for disinfecting water.

Abstract: Treatment of an aqueous solution to yield a product is more desirable for disposal by an advanced oxidation process. Ozone is mixed with the solution, and maintaining at an elevated pressure for a time. The process may include recirculation past injector that injects ozone into the solution. Influent may be sewage, septage, leachate, ballast, and so on. The process disinfects and/or denutrifies the effluent. It may include (a) back-to-back processing of batches (b) overlapping processing with a previously treated batch (c) off-gassing (d) repetitive high pressure and low pressure cycles (e) post processing steps, such as retention without addition of ozone for a period of time to permit flocculates longer to form (f) post process filtering to remove flocculates (g) simultaneous post-processing of one batch while another batch is being processed. The process may include the treatment of solutions containing pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A filter element is provided with a snorkel that facilitates bleeding of air along the outside periphery of a tubular filter media pack to a bleed chamber contained within the filter element. This may be employed in fuel filtration applications during installation and removal of filter elements whereby air can be temporarily trapped in a housing containing the filter element. The snorkel thus vents the air along the outside of the filter element and then into a bleed chamber where it can be communicated to a standpipe having an isolated bleed passage.

Abstract: Colander-container vessels are presented including: a bowl, the bowl including, a lip; a sidewall surface, where the sidewall surface includes a number of perforations disposed proximate with a front portion of the lip, and a bottom surface; and a retention surface disposed along the front portion of the lip, where the retention surface extends away and inward from the lip. In some embodiments, colander-container vessels further include a handle disposed along a back portion of the lip. In some embodiments, the retention surface includes a second number of perforations.

Abstract: An example ice separator device includes an ice separator that removes ice particles from a flow of fuel moving through the ice separator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an upright reinforcing assembly for use with a pallet racking system, and racking system incorporating the same. The support configuration consists of an upright support and attached a bracket containing two L-shaped platforms which form a pocket. The upright support configuration is placed between two frame assemblies to support the beam, which is held in the pocket created by the bracket, thereby providing additional support to the beam and preventing rotation, bowing or distortion of the beam. Such a configuration lowers the cost of pallet racking as lower capacity beams can be used, or otherwise less frame assemblies are required in the racking.

Abstract: A mounting structure for mounting two pieces of equipment to a U shaped support arm structure of an equipment rack. The mounting structure includes an affixing structure supported by the support arm structure and a positioning structure affixed to the affixing structure at an adjustable position to define an adjustable size of the mounting structure. The first piece of equipment (e.g. a monitor) is mounted on the support arm structure, and is fixedly connected to one end of the mounting structure. The second piece of equipment (e.g. a KVM switch) is supported by the affixing structure. The positioning structure is fixedly connecting to the second piece of equipment near the other end of the mounting structure. Horizontal and vertical calibration devices help align the two pieces of equipment to enable two connectors of the two pieces of equipment to directly connect with each other without using a cable.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting an optical disk drive (ODD) includes a rack and a fixing member. The rack defines an opening in a front side through which the ODD extends into the rack. A blocking plate is formed at a rear end of the rack to block a back end of the ODD. Two bars are formed between the opening and the blocking portion to sandwich the ODD. The fixing member is pivotally mounted to a side of the opening to block a front end of the ODD.

Abstract: A display apparatus for articles having substantially the same size comprises an inclined structure supporting the articles for sliding forward and rearward movement thereon. A first stop structure prevents forward movement of the articles beyond a first stop point. A second stop structure moves between first and second positions in which it, respectively, stops articles at a second stop point rearward of the first stop point, and permits articles to move forward past the second stop point. The second stop structure is biased so as to move toward the first position, and it moves to the second position when an article is at the first stop point, which allows a rearward article to slide forward past the second stop point.

Abstract: A tool storage rack structure includes a first fixing element including a first magnetic component and a second fixing element pivotally connected to the first fixing element. The second fixing element includes a second magnetic component. The structure also includes a storage component and a pivoted device that is connected to the first and the second fixing elements. The first and the second fixing elements rotate in different angles around the pivoted device as their axes according to the shape of the object. The first and the second fixing elements are fixed on the object via the first and the second magnetic components. The storage component is connected to the pivoted device for storing the object. The storage component is able to change positions around the pivoted device by pivoting the pivoted device as its axis.

Abstract: A rack for horizontal storage of long items includes a vertical support, a plurality of support clamps attached to the vertical support, and plurality of support bars spaced apart from the vertical support and generally parallel to the vertical support. Vertical support may include a single or double vertical bar for attachment of the plurality of support clamps. Vertical support may include a secondary vertical support for attachment of the plurality of support bars. Vertical support may include a freestanding base or may be fixable to floor and ceiling with a floor base and a ceiling plate. The rack may be fixable to a wall with a wall plate. Each support clamp may include a cradle and a lock bar, and each cradle is adjustable or fixed with respect to the vertical support. Each lock bar is adjustable with respect to a corresponding cradle and defines an adjustable aperture.

Abstract: A surgical assembly includes an actuator. A linking member is connected to and extending from the actuator. The linking member includes a series of at least two interconnected inner links that are relatively movable such that the linking member is disposable between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration. An arm extends from the actuator and includes a series of relatively moveable outer links that define an axial bore configured for disposal of the linking member. Each outer link defines a first mating surface and a second mating surface disposed in a configuration such that the actuator is engageable to move the linking member from the flexible configuration to the rigid configuration to selectively fix the arm in a selected orientation. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A towel hanger includes an anchor and a towel holder attached to or formed integrally with the anchor. A level indicator is fixed with respect to the anchor to indicate angular attitude of the anchor during and after attachment of the anchor to a vertical surface. Also a stretchable adhesive strip is adhered to the anchor and adheres to a vertical surface so as to attach the anchor to the vertical surface. The adhesive strip has a relaxed thickness and a diminished thickness acquired by stretching. A protrusion of the anchor is located nearby the adhesive strip and extends from the anchor by more than the diminished thickness of the adhesive strip. The protrusion maintains a space between the anchor and the vertical surface to thereby enable stretching of the adhesive strip for removal purposes.

Abstract: A lifting device for handling and/or moving loads, including two vertical booms which via one of their ends are pivotally connected to a base and via their opposite ends are pivotally connected to a horizontal beam, forming a frame for the lifting device wherein at least one cylinder is connected to at least one of the vertical booms so as to be able to turn the lifting device around the pivot point. The horizontal beam is further pivotally connected to at least one tension rod. The vertical booms, the tension rods and the horizontal beam will then be pivotal in relation to each other. By means of the present invention, a less torque-critical lifting device is provided, as the vertical booms, when handling and/or moving a load, will take up compressive forces, while the tension rods will take up tensile forces.

Abstract: A draft gear assembly includes housing and an elastomeric spring stack disposed therewithin and including a plurality of compressible elastomeric springs disposed in series with each other. Each compressible elastomeric spring includes a compressible elastomeric pad, a rigid member positioned in direct contact with one end surface of the compressible elastomeric pad, a central aperture through a thickness of the rigid member, an abutment upstanding axially on the end surface of the compressible elastomeric pad, the abutment having a peripheral surface thereof sized to be received within the central aperture formed through the thickness of the rigid member, and an annular lip disposed on a distal end of the axial abutment in a plane being substantially transverse to the central axis, whereby an annular thickness portion of the rigid member is caged between the end surface of the compressible elastomeric pad and an inner surface of the annular lip.

Abstract: A spout for attachment to bottles, cups or other drinking vessels and containers having a dome shaped enclosure and a set of stability ribs. The stability ribs specifically ensuring that fluid flow through the fluid conduit remains as laminar as possible, and prevents the fluid conduit from collapse if a high amount of suction or mastication is provided by a user of the drinking vessel or container.

Abstract: A storage container includes a jar and a cap removably connected to the jar. The jar has a cavity defined by a first base and a first wall extending upwardly from the first base. A first alignment indicator is disposed on an outer surface of the first wall. A cap is removably connectable to the jar. The cap has an upper portion connected to a lower portion by a connecting member. The lower portion has a second base and a second wall extending downwardly therefrom. A second alignment indicator is disposed on an outer surface of the second wall of the lower portion. The first and second alignment indicators are aligned to substantially prevent misalignment of the cap with respect to the jar when connecting the cap to the jar.

Abstract: The scrunchable plastic disposable carbonated beverage bottle is, as titled, a carbonated beverage bottle that can structurally reduce its volume to preserve carbonation content and freshness of product as product is consumed. The scrunchable bottle also has the ability to self-compact for easier storage and will require less space to dispose of This will ultimately save cubic feet of landfill space that is beyond estimation by preventing air bubbles caused by these bottles.

Abstract: An apparatus for fastening and carrying bottles includes a cap ring and a connecting device. The cap ring has at least an opening. The cap ring is received in a cavity of the bottle. The cap ring is initially connected to the cap, and the cap ring is separated from the cap while the cap is turned to open. The connecting device engages the opening of the cap ring to allow people to carry the bottle by holding the connecting device or by engaging the connecting device with an object. The apparatus has many advantages, including never loss, low cost for manufacture, and recycle.

Abstract: A method for making a master disk to be used in the nanoimprinting process to make patterned-media disks uses an electrically conductive substrate and guided self-assembly of a block copolymer to form patterns of generally radial lines and/or generally concentric rings of one of the block copolymer components. A metal is electroplated onto the substrate in the regions not protected by the lines and/or rings. After removal of the block copolymer component, the remaining metal pattern is used as an etch mask to fabricate either the final master disk or two separate molds that are then used to fabricate the master disk.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method includes: forming a film to be processed having a step; forming an uncured first imprint resist; curing the first imprint resist, with a flat surface of a first template pressed against a front surface of the first imprint resist, and planarizing the front surface; forming an intermediate transfer film made of a material different from a material of the first imprint resist; forming an uncured second imprint resist made of a material different from the material of the intermediate transfer film; curing the second imprint resist, with irregularities of a second template contacted with the second imprint resist, and forming an irregular pattern having the irregularities inverted on the second imprint resist; processing the intermediate transfer film by etching using the second imprint resist; and processing the film by etching using the processed intermediate transfer film.

Abstract: An electrode for a super-capacitor, a super-capacitor including the electrode, and a method of preparing the electrode in which the electrode includes a conductive substrate; metal nano structures formed on the conductive substrate; and a metal oxide coated on the metal nano structures. The electrode for the super-capacitor increases the capacitance of the super-capacitor.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing the plasmon generator includes the steps of: forming a base part made of a dielectric material; forming a metal film that is to later become the plasmon generator; and forming a filler layer made of a dielectric material. The base part includes a base surface and a protruding part that protrudes from the base surface. The protruding part has a top surface that is different in level from the base surface, and a first sidewall connecting the top surface of the protruding part to the base surface. The metal film includes an adhesion part adhering to the first sidewall. The filler layer has a second sidewall disposed such that the adhesion part is interposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

Abstract: A method of producing substrates having a patterned mask layer with fine features such as repeating stripes. The method including the steps of forming a substrate having a transfer layer with a predetermined pattern on a first major surface of the substrate; providing the substrate having the transfer layer on the first major surface; providing a structured tool having a body and a plurality of contact portions, the contact portions having a Young's Modulus between about 0.5 Gpa to about 30 Gpa; heating either the structured tool or the substrate; contacting the transfer layer with the structured tool; cooling the transfer layer; and withdrawing the structured tool from the transfer layer such that portions of the transfer layer separate with the structured tool leaving openings in the transfer layer that extend all the way through the transfer layer to the substrate forming the transfer layer with the predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a nozzle and an associated funnel in a single plate comprises providing the single plate, the plate being etchable; providing an etch resistant mask on the plate, the mask having a pattern, wherein the pattern comprises a first pattern part for etching the nozzle and a second pattern part for etching the funnel; covering one of the first pattern part and the second pattern part using a first cover; etching one of the nozzle and funnel corresponding to the pattern part not covered in step (c); removing the first cover; etching the other one of the nozzle and funnel; and removing the etch resistant mask.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a porous glass, including selectively etching a phase-separated glass with an acid solution, in which the method allows a processing time to be shortened and suppresses gel-like silica from remaining and being deposited in pores of a porous portion. The method of producing a porous glass includes: immersing the phase-separated glass in a bath containing an acid solution; setting an angle ?, which is formed by a surface to be porosified of the phase-separated glass and a bath liquid surface, to 10° or more to 90° or less; and irradiating the bath with an ultrasonic wave to etch the phase-separated glass, thereby obtaining the porous glass.