Abstract: The present disclosure is a system and method for producing a first product from a first region of an electrochemical cell having a cathode and a second product from a second region of the electrochemical cell having an anode. The method may include the step of contacting the first region of the electrochemical cell with a catholyte comprising an alcohol and carbon dioxide. Another step of the method may include contacting the second region of the electrochemical cell with an anolyte comprising the alcohol. Further, the method may include a step of applying an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode sufficient to produce a first product recoverable from the first region and a second product recoverable from the second region.

Abstract: A method of the present invention, for producing an iodizing agent, includes the step of electrolyzing iodine molecules in a solution by using an acid as a supporting electrolyte. This realizes (i) a method of producing an iodine cation suitable for use as an iodizing agent that does not require a sophisticated separation operation after iodizing reaction is completed, and (ii) an electrolyte used in the method. Further, a method of the present invention, for producing an aromatic iodine compound, includes the step of causing an iodizing agent, and an aromatic compound whose nucleus has one or more substituent groups and two or more hydrogen atoms, to react with each other under the presence of a certain ether compound. This realizes such a method of producing an aromatic iodine compound that position selectivity in iodizing reaction of an aromatic compound is improved.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for improved electrical appliances which allow for efficient and safe production of hydrogen and oxygen gas for a flame are disclosed. An appliance for providing gas for combustion may comprise a water inlet, a power source, and an electrolyzer with at least one electrolysis transistor generating hydrogen and oxygen. The appliance may also comprise a gas handling unit for collecting the output of the electrolyzer and transporting it to a burner, and an output interface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, apparatus and system for sorting ions. According to some embodiments of the present invention, ions may be sorted to produce hydrogen gas from water. The apparatus may include a first electric field source, an insulation layer to electrically isolate the first field sources from the water, a first deionization surface within a field line of the first field source; and a conductor connected to the first deionization surface and adapted to discharge charge built up due to attracted ions at the first deionization surface.

Abstract: Apparatus comprises a pipet comprising first and second channels separated by a septum and having a tip at which each of the first and second channels is open; an electrolyte solution contained within both the first and second channels of the pipet; a first electrode extending into the electrolyte in the first channel of the pipet; a second electrode extending into the electrolyte in the second channel of the pipet; means for applying a potential difference between the first and second electrodes; means for measuring alternating current components of a current flowing to or from the first electrode; means for applying an oscillatory perturbation to the pipet; and means responsive to the alternating current measured to be flowing to or from the first electrode to adjust a position of the pipet such as to control a separation between the tip of the pipet and a surface of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a lipid bilayer over a microcavity open on one side and to a microstructure for investigating lipid bilayers and an associated measuring arrangement. The method of producing a lipid bilayer over a microcavity open on one side comprises the following steps: filling the microcavity with an electrolyte solution; moving a fluid containing dissolved lipids in a first direction onto the microcavity; moving the fluid in a second direction away from the microcavity; monitoring the formation of the lipid bilayer over the microcavity by detecting an impedance between a counter-electrode connected to the fluid and a measuring electrode, which is arranged inside the microcavity.

Abstract: The present invention may include an insert with a cavity or recess configured to contain electronics. The insert may include shapes, sizes, and configurations such as a disk, envelope, packet, pod, case, casing, shell, cocoon or capsule. The insert may be inserted into a stretchable object. In one embodiment, the insert may be of a shape, size and configuration to contain a RFID device and be inserted into an elastic wristband.

Abstract: A protective cover unfolding and positioning device has a position restoring element installed at a folding portion adjacent to upper and lower support portions of a first protective plate for providing a restoring resilience for bending or folding the upper and lower support portions. A telecommunication product or an electronic device may be disposed obliquely on a peripheral surface of a second protective plate peripheral surface, The weight of the telecommunication product or electronic device exerted on the first protective plate upper, the lower support portions and the restoring resilience provided by the position restoring element to the upper and lower support portions Maintain stability of the that the telecommunication product or electronic device.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a case for an electronic device. Other embodiments of related cases and methods of providing and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for attaching removable containers, comprising a central body on both sides of which the containers are arranged in a matricial form. Independent fixing means are provided between the central body (5) and each container (1), said fixing means comprising a flap that projects laterally from the central body (5) and has an essentially U-shaped profile that can be coupled to a hinge (4) forming part of an upper cover (2)-lower ring (3) set provided on the container (1), by being pressed downwards over said hinge.

Abstract: A smoking article (10) comprising a source of smokable material (11); and a sleeve (13) coupled to the source of smokable material and defining a chamber (15). The sleeve has a distal end configured to be movable relative to the source of smokable material. The smoking article (10) further comprises a smoke modifying agent releasable into the smoking article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispensing closure used to house a secondary supply or dose of product and when the closure is activated dispense the secondary product or dose into a receiving vessel to which it is attached. Methods for dosing or supplying a dose of product are also provided.

Abstract: An adjacent article package for holding a consumer product and a promotional product includes a combining sleeve formed from a blank. The first container can be a pack of cigarettes and the second container can be a small package containing promotional products such as smokeless tobacco products. The adjacent article package can be sized to be compatible with cigarette cartons, cigarette display racks, tax-stamping equipment and the like.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette container has a main body section having a hollow interior, the main body section having an open top end. A top cover is coupled to the main body section to cover the open top end.

Abstract: A package of tobacco articles, having an inner container containing a group of tobacco articles; an outer container which houses the inner container in such a manner as to allow the inner container to slide, with respect to the outer container, between a closed position, in which the inner container is inserted inside the outer container, and an open position, in which the inner container is partly extracted from the outer container; and at least one lock member which, in releasable manner by user action from the outside, prevents the inner container in the closed position from sliding with respect to the outer container.

Abstract: A case comprising a first housing, a second housing attached to the first housing, a liner on the inside of the first housing and/or second housing, and a strap attached to the first housing and/or second housing, the strap being constructed and arranged to secure footwear.

Abstract: A protective cover applying to cover or support a tablet computer is provided. The protective cover has a first covering part, a second covering part, a third covering part, a first magnetic element, a second magnetic element, and a third magnetic element. The first covering part has a first connecting lateral, a second connecting lateral and a plurality of first hard domains, and adjacent first hard domains are connected to each other flexibly. The second covering part is connected to the first connecting lateral flexibly and has a plurality of second hard domains, and adjacent second hard domains are connected to each other flexibly. The third covering part is connected to the second connecting lateral flexibly. The first magnetic element is disposed at the first covering part. The second magnetic element is disposed at the second covering part. The third magnetic element is disposed at the third covering part.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing defining a mounting slot; and a chip card holding mechanism assembled within the housing for holding a chip card. The chip card holding mechanism includes a receiving tray slidably mounted on the housing, and an unlocking assembly for unlocking and ejecting the receiving tray. The receiving tray includes a tray body and a draw-off portion formed at one end of the tray body. The draw-off portion has an inclined resisting surface towards the tray body. The unlocking assembly is mounted in the housing and capable of resisting the inclined resisting surface to drive the receiving tray to move relative to the housing, and thereby eject the receiving tray.

Abstract: A staple cartridge (7) containing staple blanks (8) which is intended to be releasably mounted to an electrically driven stapler (1), whose motor (10) is included in an electric current circuit (19) and is driven by this current circuit. In addition, a part of the current circuit (19) is disposed to the staple cartridge (7).

Abstract: A surgical clip cartridge is provided, having a housing member, a plurality of C-shaped surgical clips stored in the housing member, and a plurality of compartments provided on the housing member, each compartment being adapted for receiving a respective one of the surgical clips. A holding member is arranged on the housing member on opposite sides of each compartment, each of the holding members being adapted to be pivoted from a holding position into a release position and, in the holding position, the holding members on opposite sides of each compartment fix the respective surgical clip in the respective compartment and, in the release position, the holding members are removed from the respective surgical clip. A releasable, resilient latching connection is provided for fixing the holding members in the holding position relative to the housing member.

Abstract: A thermoplastic food wrap film including a plurality of parallel ribs formed therein. To produce the film, a thermoplastic web may be directed between opposing first and second rollers having ridges. The formation of the ribs may increase the width of the web. The film may be formed into a roll and inserted into a box having a cutting strip.

Abstract: A method of closing the distal end of an ampoule is shown. The ampoule has a variable diameter head portion having a locating surface and an opening. A septum is positioned on the opening and secured to the head portion with a ferrule using a plunger. The plunger exerts a force in a proximal direction to press the ferrule on the head portion until the press causes the ferrule to contact the locating surface. Further, the ampoule for use in a cartridge for a drug delivery device has non-standard dimensions to provide a coding system to reduce the risk of a user dispensing the wrong medicament from the drug delivery device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lid for a tray having at least one reservoir for accommodating a condiment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-dosed dosage form for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). More particularly, the present invention concerns a solid oral dosage form comprising about 0.5 mg estradiol and about 0.5 mg drospirenone, and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Despite the low E2 and DRSP doses it has surprisingly been found that a very high proportion of the women suffering from moderate to severe hot flushes actually respond to this treatment. Accordingly, the dosage form of the invention may be used as maintenance HRT or may be used already when HRT is initiated.

Abstract: A set of one-piece containers constructed so that each of the containers has a peripheral side wall which is arranged to permit movement of each container from an extended position to a collapsed position by reason of a telescoping relationship between the various sections of the peripheral side wall. The set of containers is constructed so that the outermost and innermost dimensions of the peripheral side walls are such that, in the collapsed position, the containers are nestable one within another to provide for low-volume storage of the entire set of containers between uses.

Abstract: Embodiments of a container for managing pharmacy prescription, care and/or service described herein comprises a bottom, a peripheral wall extending from said bottom, a secondary wall mounted to the peripheral wall to define a document-receiving compartment; and an information-receiving card mounted to the peripheral wall. The information-receiving card is positionable in either one of an upright position and a tilted position and allows receiving directly thereon or indirectly via cardboard card information that characterizes the pharmaceutical prescription, care and/or service.

Abstract: A package for insertion into a box to form a shipping container for hazardous material bottles, comprises a honeycomb insert having a plurality of side panels and a bottom panel, the side panels and bottom panel having channels formed therein, the insert dimensioned for placement within the box, honeycomb partition members, each member having two panels, each panel of each partition member dimensioned for insertion within a channel of a side panel and a channel of the bottom panel of the insert, the panels adjacent to each other forming a space dimensioned to receive a hazardous material bottle, and a top pad dimensioned for placement over the partition members. A shipping container comprises a box and such a package.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the supercritical upgrading of petroleum feedstock, wherein the process includes the use of a start-up agent, wherein the use of the start-up agent facilitates mixing of the petroleum feedstock and water, thereby reducing or eliminating the production of coke, coke precursor, and sludge.

Abstract: Hydrocracking a hydrocarbon feed in the presence of a catalyst comprising an acidic support and an active phase formed from at least one metal from group VIII and at least one metal from group VIB, said catalyst being prepared using a process comprising, in succession: contacting a pre-catalyst comprising said metal from group VIII, said metal from group VIB and said acidic support with a cyclic oligosaccharide of at least 6?-(1,4)-bonded glucopyranose subunits; contacting the acidic support with a solution containing a precursor of metal from group VIII, a precursor of said metal from group VIB and a cyclic oligosaccharide of at least 6?-(1,4)-bonded glucopyranose subunits; and contacting acidic support with a cyclic oligosaccharide of at least 6?-(1,4)-bonded glucopyranose subunits followed by a second contacting acidic solid with a precursor of metal from group VIII and a precursor of metal from group VIB; drying; heat treatment; sulphurization.

Abstract: The invention relates to treating a hydrocarbon-comprising emulsion with an aqueous component to form an aqueous component-treated emulsion, and processing the treated emulsion to recover the hydrocarbon. The aqueous component is contacted with the hydrocarbon-comprising emulsion in a manner and proportion so as to promote coalescence of the like phases while minimizing shear, which results in a decreased viscosity of the emulsion and a shift away from the emulsion inversion region toward a water-continuous state.

Abstract: A process for upgrading an oil feedstock includes reacting the oil feedstock with a quantity of an alkali metal, wherein the reaction produces solid materials and liquid materials. The solid materials are separated from the liquid materials. The solid materials may be washed and heat treated by heating the materials to a temperature above 400° C. The heat treating occurs in an atmosphere that has low oxygen and water content. Once heat treated, the solid materials are added to a solution comprising a polar solvent, where sulfide, hydrogen sulfide or polysulfide anions dissolve. The solution comprising polar solvent is then added to an electrolytic cell, which during operation, produces alkali metal and sulfur.

Abstract: A flotation cell and a method of froth flotation. The flotation cell comprises a first vessel portion and a second vessel portion. The first vessel portion has a feed slurry input, an agitator and a gas input located in or operatively connected thereto. The first vessel portion is a mechanically agitated pressure vessel and acts as a particle collection unit. The second vessel portion has a tailings output and a froth discharge operatively connected thereto. The second vessel portion is hydraulically connected to the first vessel portion and receives agitated slurry and gas from the first vessel portion. The second vessel portion acts as a bubble disengagement unit.

Abstract: A screen deck assembly has an elongated connecting member for securing screen panels to a vibratory machine. The connecting member has a first end and a second end, a body, a transverse arm contiguous with and generally perpendicular to the body, and a radial dome top extending above the transverse arm such that a locking channel is formed between the transverse arm and the radial dome top. A screen, which has a locking profile that corresponds to the locking channel in the connecting member, is detachably secured to the connecting member by sliding or pressing the locking profile into the locking channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mucking livestock enclosures and separating bedding material from animal waste are disclosed. Various embodiments are directed toward a mucking device having a scoop portion with a basket connected to a handle and a sliding lid that can be opened and closed by sliding a rotating sleeve along an inner shaft of the handle. The scoop of the mucking device can be inverted by rotating the inner shaft relative to the rotating sleeve, thus causing the basket to be disposed above the lid. Bedding material can be sifted out of the basket while retaining the animal waste. Once a desired amount of bedding material has been separated, the scoop can be opened by sliding the rotating sleeve along the inner shaft to open the lid and thus release the retained animal waste and residual bedding material. Other embodiments are directed toward methods for using the mucking device.

Abstract: A device for separating cardboard components from bulk waste paper features a sorting unit that includes a feed area (1) including a flexibly mounted support (5) on which the bulk waste paper is supplied to a receiving device (3) studded with spikes (2). The spikes (2) and the feed area (1) are designed such that the spikes (2) essentially skewer only the cardboard components of the bulk waste paper fed in the feed area (1) while any material that cannot be skewered may cause the support (5) to move downwardly upon application of a specified force and bypass the spikes (2). At least one of the spikes (2) is connected to a receiving device (3) such that it can be displaced when a prespecified force is encountered.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating liquids flowing in a thin film around a source of wave energy to directly expose the liquid to the wave energy, preferably generated in whole or part by an electrical arc between carbon electrodes. In addition to the wave energy generated by the electrical arc, energy generated by cavitation of the flowing liquid may be used in treating the liquid.

Abstract: A filter housing (12) includes a first passage (20) allowing liquid to enter and a second passage (22) allowing liquid to exit. A filter element (26) separates the at least first passage (20) from the at least second passage (22) and is disposed in the filter housing (12). A filter medium (28) encloses the circumference of an element interior space (30) and has at an end face an element passage (38) which is connected with the passage (22). The filter medium (28) is surrounded by an element exterior space (42) which is connected with the other passage (20). An additive container (48) is disposed in the element interior space (30) and includes at least one flow through opening (56, 58) connecting a container interior space (68) with at least one section (64) of the element interior space (30) outside of the additive container (48).

Abstract: Method of reducing performance variability of membrane scaling devices. Scaling device performance uncertainty is reduced, thereby reducing the scaling safety factor, by specifying a narrow range or subset of the set of all qualified manufactured membranes for installation into scaling devices. In certain embodiments, the scalability factor is reduced by determining where within the performance distribution a particular membrane lies, and adjusting the scaling factor accordingly.

Abstract: A tip for dispensing liquid for mounting on a container. A valve includes at least two elements that are mobile in relation to one another, each mobile element including a bearing zone against the other mobile element. One of the mobile elements bears anti-microbial material on or in the immediate proximity of a part of its bearing zone forming a blocking barrier and all surfaces of the dispensing tip in contact with the inside are free of anti-microbial material.

Abstract: Container to be used for preparing a multi-layered blood product by centrifugation, said container comprising a substantially cylindrical body (2) with a closed bottom (3) and a top (4) having a filling opening as well as a filter device (15), which is slidable inside the container (1). The filing opening is closed by means of a penetrable membrane (13), and the filter device (15) comprises a substantially planar mesh (16) and a supporting buoyancy body (18). In addition to this, there are means (35, 36, 39, 40, 42), for releasable fixation of the filter device (15) adjacent to the bottom (3) of the container (1).

Abstract: A filter element (1) having at least one inner (12) and an outer casing body (11), of which at least one casing body (12) has a cross section deviating from circularity and which have contact surfaces (20, 21) facing one another for the contact of essentially all filter folds (18a-18f, 18I-18II) of a pleated filter web (10), the filter folds (18a-18f, 18I-18II), in terms of fold height (h), being divided into individual groups (I, II) each having several filter folds (18I, 18II) of a common fold height (hmax, hmin) alongside one another in sections, is characterized in that between two adjacent filter folds (18a-18f, 18I-18II) of different groups (I, II) are arranged filter folds (18b-18e; 18m) of at least one further third group (Ill), the filter folds (18b-18e, 18m) assigned to the third group (III), in the manner of step formation, have a common fold height (ho) which is different from the respective fold height (hmax, hmin) of the filter folds (18I, 18II) of the two adjacent neighbouring groups (I, II), a

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter material (2) for fluids, in particular hydraulic fluids, comprising a filter medium (4) having at least one layer, and a supporting structure (6) which is partially made of a plastic material and rests flatly in some surface areas on at least one side of the filter medium (4). Said filter material is characterized in that the filter medium (4) and the supporting structure (6) are connected to one another by laminating, covering and/or by a melting process.

Abstract: A stormwater filtration system suitable for treatment of stormwater runoff in a developed environment uses a primary treatment bay that includes a filtration bed with live plant matter. A second treatment bay treats water that exceeds the maximum throughput of the primary bay. A reservoir stores treated runoff to water the plants during dry weather. Removable trays on the surface of the primary filtration bed provide plants suitable for ground cover. Additional bays expand the filtration bed throughput and accommodate extended root systems. A flow control may be provided for the primary treatment bay.

Abstract: A method for removing methane from biogas is described. The method includes: (i) receiving biogas including methane and other components into a first tank; (ii) receiving water into the first tank; (iii) contacting the biogas with the water inside the first tank; (iv) dispensing methane gas from an outlet of the first tank; and (v) producing from the tank an effluent stream that includes other components of the biogas.

Abstract: Method and system for treating wastewater includes treating sludge with ozone in a plug-flow type reactor to cause lysis of biosolids in the sludge. The ozonated sludge may be provided to an anaerobic or anoxic section of the wastewater treatment system to aid the denitrification processes occurring in the anaerobic or anoxic section of the wastewater treatment system or to other sections of the wastewater treatment system such as a fermenter, an aerobic digester, or an anaerobic digester.

Abstract: A system and method for ozone vent gas reuse is provided. The disclosed system and method involve controlling or conditioning the ozone vent gas stream or degassing unit vent gas stream and directing the stream to a mechanically agitating contactor in an aerobic section of the wastewater treatment system. The oxygen content of the vent gas stream is controlled so as to ensure sufficient oxygenation to the aerobic section of the wastewater treatment system. Control may be effected by adjusting the oxygen content of the vent gas stream in response to sensor or measurement inputs characterizing the gas contents of the vent gas stream or the dissolved oxygen levels. The volumetric flow of the vent gas stream to the aerobic section may also be controlled by adjusting the rotational speed of the mechanically agitating contactor in an aerobic section of the wastewater treatment system.

Abstract: A fresh water producing apparatus for producing fresh water from raw water containing solutes is disclosed. The fresh water producing apparatus comprises a first semipermeable membrane unit and a second semipermeable membrane unit. A first raw water supply line for supplying the raw water is connected to the first semipermeable membrane unit. A second raw water supply line for supplying the raw water is connected to the second semipermeable membrane unit. The first semipermeable membrane unit and the second semipermeable membrane unit are connected by a concentrated water line for supplying concentrated water of the first semipermeable membrane unit to the second semipermeable membrane unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low energy alternative to conventional thermal/evaporation processes for “zero liquid discharge” treatment of strong saline brines. The products of the process include a salt-free liquid and solid salt. In particular, an antisolvent can be mixed with liquids containing high total dissolved solids. The mixture can be chilled, whereby solid salt is precipitated and separated from the mixture at near ambient temperature leaving a mixed liquor. The antisolvent can be selected from a class of organic compounds that form solutions with salt brines that exhibit a critical solution temperature lower than a critical solution temperature of the salt brines alone. The mixed liquor can be heated to a temperature above its lower critical solution temperature to produce an antisolvent liquid phase for recycle to the process. Finally, a reduced salinity aqueous phase can be polished by reverse osmosis or other conventional technology to produce clean water for discharge or beneficial use.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and an apparatus for more efficiently and economically producing purified water from sea water or some other salty or brackish water source. The efficiency is derived from the co-location with a power plant or other thermal generating source that will heat the feed water. Reverse osmosis membrane filtration systems work optimally when the feed water is at certain higher temperature, where that temperature is typically higher than the feed water at ambient temperatures. By using the heated sea water as the byproduct of the power plant electricity generating process and if necessary mixing it with ambient temperature sea water, if needed to lower the water temperature, and using this feed water with a higher temperature than ambient water temperature, the efficiency of the reverse osmosis system can be increased.

Abstract: A hollow fiber type reverse osmosis membrane including cellulose acetate, characterized in that the filtration rate and the salt rejection rate when an aqueous solution having sodium chloride concentration of 1,500 mg/L is filtered from outer side to inner side of the hollow fiber type reverse osmosis membrane at 25° C. and 1.5 MPa pressure are 180 to 350 L/m2/day and 90.0 to 99.0%, respectively and the outer diameter, the inner diameter and the hollow rate of the hollow fiber type reverse osmosis membrane are 100 to 280 ?m, 50 to 200 ?m and 24 to 42%, respectively. The hollow fiber type reverse osmosis membrane preferably has a dense layer near the outer surface, and thickness of the dense layer is 0.1 to 7 ?m.