Abstract: Apparatus featuring synthetic bubbles or beads and a flotation stage. The synthetic bubbles or beads are configured with a polymer or polymer-based material functionalized to attach to the valuable material in a mixture to form at least some enriched synthetic bubbles or beads having the valuable material attached thereto, and also configured to be transported through the mixture based at least partly on a characteristic of the synthetic bubbles or beads. The flotation stage has the mixture containing valuable material, and is configured to receive the synthetic bubbles or beads and to provide the at least some enriched synthetic bubbles or beads having the valuable material attached thereto based at least partly the characteristic of the synthetic bubbles or beads.

Abstract: A sifting screen shaker assembly defined by a generally vertical hollow frame includes a pivotally supported yoke at its base provided with a foot pedal at its apex to articulate a pair of vertical links that are confined in their motion by the convolutions of shaped apertures, with the ends of the links articulating a screen assembly supported within a hinged tray above a collection receptacle in which the sifted particulates passed by the screen assembly are collected while additional particulates are added. The particulates accumulated in the screen assembly are then periodically discarded by articulating the tray around its hinge.

Abstract: A component handler (100) may include: a test plate (102) including multiple circular component-seating tracks (104) each including multiple component-seating sites (500) configured to retain an electrical component (510) such that its face (522) faces away from the test plate (102); a component receiving system (114, 106, 300, 302, 306, 308, 310, 400, 402, 502, and/or 508) positioned along a rotation path of the seating tracks (104); a component test module assembly (1502) for electrically contacting each electrical component (510) seated in a component-seating site (500); one or more collection bins (124); and a collection assembly (120) for collecting some of the electrical components (510) from component-seating sites (500) and directing the electrical components (510) into the bins (124) based on one or more tests conducted at the component test module assembly (1502).

Abstract: A sorbent based monitoring system for measuring the solute concentration of at least one component of a fluid. The system has a sorbent regeneration system for regeneration of the fluid and has a sorbent cartridge that has at least one material layer. The fluid is conveyed through the sorbent cartridge and contacts at least one sensor after having contacted at least one material layer.

Abstract: Electricity free operating water purification installation with a membrane filter and a system of automatic backwashing of that filter characterised in that during the operation a fixed percentage is diversed from the outflow of filtered water and is stored in a container under progressive pressure, which to a certain maximum pressure is cut of from a feedback to the membrane filter, so that consequently after filtration of a certain volume of polluted water through the membrane filter the pressure in the container will exceed the maximum resistible pressure by the one way closure, which then will open so that the contents of the container will be forced back through the membrane filter under higher pressure than the original filtration pressure, whereby is provided in automatic closure after the container is emptied.

Abstract: A suction float (1) for removing liquid and/or foam-like contaminants (22) from surfaces (21) of liquids (2), wherein the contaminants are drawn off downwards from the upper surface (111) of the float via a suction pipe section (12). For this purpose the float (1) has a first duct (13) extending from the upper surface (111) to the underside (112) for the suction pipe section to pass through and a second duct (14) from the underside (112) to the upper surface (111) of the float, wherein after passing through the first duct (13) the suction pipe section (12) is guided along the underside (112) of the float (11) and is designed to penetrate into the second duct (14), wherein the float (11) is movable along the suction pipe section (12). The invention further relates to a collecting device having a suction float (1) and to a collection vessel.

Abstract: A bucket arrangement includes a bucket configured to contain a volume of liquid for use in cleaning a surface, a treatment station, a flow path for liquid from the liquid volume to the treatment station, and a flow path for liquid from the treatment station to return the liquid to the liquid volume after treatment by the treatment station. The treatment station includes a source of ultra-violet radiation configured to expose the liquid in the treatment station to ultra-violet radiation to treat the liquid and/or a silver-based antibacterial device configured to expose the liquid in the treatment station to silver to treat the liquid.

Abstract: A multi-component end cap is provided. The multiple components combine to form one or more seal carriers where each seal carrier is formed in part by at least two different ones of the components. Methods of manufacturing an end cap having multiple components are also provided.

Abstract: A liquid filter having a housing and a hollow insert. The housing has a dirty liquid feed, a clean liquid outlet and a drainage channel, and is closed by a detachable cover. In the channel, a valve is arranged, having a valve body axially displaceable between a closed and an open position. The cover on the housing presses the valve body into the closed position. When the cover is removed from the housing, the valve body is carried to its open position and then is detachable from the cover or insert and is retainable in its open position by a spring holding element. The holding element automatically expands into the opening position by spring force and engages a spring element restraint holding the valve body in its open position. A force contracts the spring element, displacing the valve body in the closing direction, releasing engagement with the spring restraint.

Abstract: A fluid cleaning device is disclosed for cleaning pond water and the like. The device comprises a flow path for conveying a fluid flow between a device inlet and a device outlet, the path comprising a cleaning chamber having an inlet for receiving fluid into the chamber and an outlet for passing fluid from the chamber. The chamber comprises a cleaning medium which is arranged to clean the fluid as it passes along the path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet. The medium comprises a plurality of discrete cleaning units which separately comprise a body having a surface comprising a plurality of protuberances disposed thereon, which are arranged to maintain a separation of the body surfaces of adjacent units of the medium to enable fluid to pass between the units. The device further comprises dispersing means disposed within the duct upstream of the cleaning chamber for dispersing the fluid flow across the cleaning medium to encourage the interaction of the water with the cleaning medium.

Abstract: A water filtration assembly is provided including a bottom fluid container having a floor portion, an open top portion, and a sidewall. The sidewall defines an inwardly extending filter assembly support surface. At least one fluid container segment is provided for vertically stacking and engagement to the bottom container and other container segments. The fluid container segments also define an inwardly extending fluid assembly support surface. A first filter assembly for removing contaminates is disposable within the bottom fluid container, supported by the bottom container filter assembly support surface. At least one second filter assembly for removing contaminates is disposable within the container segment(s), supported on the container segment filter assembly support surface.

Abstract: An compact hydraulic manifold for transporting shear sensitive fluids is provided. A channel network can include a trunk and branch architecture coupled to a bifurcation architecture. Features such as tapered channel walls, curvatures and angles of channels, and zones of low fluid pressure can be used to reduce the size while maintaining wall shear rates within a narrow range. A hydraulic manifold can be coupled to a series of microfluidic layers to construct a compact microfluidic device.

Abstract: A system for measuring at least one fluid characteristic at various stages within a sorbent system that has a sorbent cartridge that has at least one material layer and at least one fluid passageway in at least one location in the sorbent system to provide a diverted sample stream from the various stages. At least one fluid characteristic of the diverted sample stream is measured.

Abstract: A blood based solute monitoring system for measuring at least one blood solute species that has a first recirculation flow path in fluid communication with a dialyzer. The first recirculation flow path is configured to allow a fluid to recirculate through a dialyzer such that the concentration of at least one solute species in the fluid becomes equilibrated to the solute species concentration of the blood in a blood compartment of the dialyzer. The blood solute monitoring system has at least one sensor to measure a fluid characteristic.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a blood filter includes: (i) pumping a physiologically safe fluid back and fourth through the insides and/or the outsides of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes of the blood filter to remove or loosen blood residuals, such as blood clots, proteins and/or biological fluid; (ii) injecting air into the physiologically safe fluid to form an air/fluid mixture; (iii) pumping the air fluid mixture through the insides and/or outsides of the plurality of the hollow fiber membranes of the blood filter to further or remove or loosen blood residuals therefrom; and (iv) removing the air/physiologically safe fluid mixture along with the removed or loosened blood residuals to drain.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the separation/capture of specific cells and/or contaminants, as well as the determination, monitoring, and treatment of cancer. Moreover, some embodiments are directed to methods, systems and devices for removing cancer, stem and/or tumor cells in vivo or in vitro from a bodily fluid to prevent or impede the proliferation of a cancer. Some embodiments provide a blood-compatible filter comprising, for example, a membrane provided with a number of openings (preferably precise) which yield minimal detrimental effect both quantitatively and qualitatively on cells present in the bodily fluid during the separation process. For example, in some embodiments, a majority percentage of circulating tumor cells are captured by a filter while a majority percentage of leukocytes, for example, are allowed to pass, where the passed leukocytes retain their vitality.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes one or more acoustic microfilters through which is flowed a mixture of a fluid and a particulate to selectively filter particles from the fluid. Also included are one or more phononic crystal units coupled to the acoustic microfilter(s) to further selectively filter particles from the fluid. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A collection system for collecting samples from a flowstream (5) exiting a supercritical fluid chromatography system is provided. The collection system comprises: (i) a first back pressure regulator (10) on the flowstream as it exits the chromatography system, (ii) a gas-liquid separator (30) having a tapered and angled dripper (65), which introduces the flow into the separator at an angle tangential to the separator wall; and (iii) one or more fraction collectors (15), wherein the fraction collector is at a reduced pressure collection point, between 100 bar and atmospheric pressure. A collection system for HPLC is also provided, as well as a process for collection of samples from a flowstream.

Abstract: A sorbent cartridge that has at least one sensor located within the sorbent cartridge.

Abstract: This invention is directed to amorphous and crystalline titanosilicate materials that have an unexpected selectivity for cesium and strontium, especially in the presence of high levels of competing ions. The titanosilicates of this invention show very high, unexpected selectivity in the presence of such competing cations such as sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium, such as present in seawater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ampholytic polymeric system obtainable by a process comprising the copolymerisation of (i) a monomer according to Formula (1), (ii) an ethylenically unsaturated cationic monomer and (iii) a (co)polymer comprising an ethylenically unsaturated anionic monomer which comprises a sulfonate group: (1) wherein X is O or NR2, R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-C6 alkyl groups or wherein R1 and R2 form together a (CR1R2)n- chain, wherein n is 3 to 12, and wherein R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and CH3. The present invention further relates to the use of ampholytic polymeric system in separation processes.

Abstract: A device and a method for isolating a target from a biological sample are provided. The target is bound to solid phase substrate to form target bound solid phase substrate. The device includes a lower plate with an upper surface having a plurality of regions. The biological sample is receivable on a first of the regions. An upper plate has a lower surface directed to the upper surface of the lower plate. A force is positioned adjacent the upper plate and attracts the target bound solid phase substrate toward the lower surface of the upper plate. At least one of the upper plate and the lower plate is movable from a first position wherein the target bound solid phase substrate in the biological sample are drawn to the lower surface of the upper plate and a second position wherein the target bound solid phase substrate are isolated from the biological sample.

Abstract: The calcium sulfate scale-inhibiting compositions are polyelectrolyte antiscalant compositions for the inhibition of calcium sulfate scale formation in desalination plant feed brine, such as that typically used with reverse osmosis desalination plants. In order to inhibit the formation of calcium sulfate scale, the polyelectrolyte antiscalant compositions are mixed at a concentration between approximately 1 ppm and approximately 50 ppm into the desalination plant feed brine. The polyelectrolyte antiscalant composition may be either poly[disodium 3-(diallylamino)propanephosphonate]-alt-(sulfur dioxide), poly[sodium 5-(diallylcarboxymethylammonio)pentanoate]-alt-(sulfur dioxide), or poly[sodium 5-(diallylcarboxymethylammonio)pentanoate].

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for removing contaminants from an industrial fluid waste. The method comprises the steps of ozofractionating the industrial fluid waste, whereby contaminants are oxidised and a foam fractionate is formed; and separating at least a portion of the foam fractionate and any precipitate from the ozofractionated fluid.

Abstract: According to one implementation, a method of treating wastewater includes introducing air bubbles having a predetermined size into raw influent, allowing the air bubbles time to bind with grease particles in the influent and to rise, and collecting the grease particles bound with the air bubbles on an upper surface of the influent.

Abstract: Potable drinking water is plagued with widespread arsenic contamination, particularly in developing communities. Ferric ions were introduced to interact with arsenate based on the strong affinity of arsenate for ferric hydroxides, followed by mucilage addition. The mucilage coagulated and flocculated the ferric-arsenate complex and formed visible flocs that settled at the bottom of the tubes. The system showed 75-96% arsenate removal in 1 hour, while longer retention times showed 100% removal. The role of the mucilage was demonstrated by untreated solutions showing no concentration difference and remaining stable for more than 15 days. This mucilage-based technology has the potential to be a relatively inexpensive, environmentally sustainable alternative to synthetic polymer flocculants for removing arsenic from drinking water.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting solid materials from a fluid is provided. The apparatus includes a conduit configured to allow the fluid to flow therethrough. The apparatus further includes a mesh extending across the conduit. The mesh is configured to allow the fluid to flow therethrough and to allow a solid material to precipitate out of the fluid onto the mesh.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating contaminated water and may include an inlet, configured to receive contaminated water from a body of water. The contaminated water may include one or more pollutants (such as oil), and the apparatus may be configured to provide for separating those pollutant(s) from water to provide recovered pollutant(s) (e.g. recovered oil) and treated water. The apparatus may also include a water outlet for returning treated water to a body of water. In some examples, the apparatus comprises a separation volume, having inner and outer chamber, which can be used to separate rotating contaminated water.

Abstract: A method to utilize an ice-breaker (10) in a novel way such that tanks of the anti-roll system and/or tanks (21, 22, 23 and 24) of the heeling system are used for recovering and/or processing oil (16) to be recovered from water. The oil is separated from water in a tank of the anti-roll system and/or a tank (21) of the heeling system of the ice-breaker, which tank contains warm water (15) and steam heat pipes (19). The tanks of the anti-roll system and/or tanks of the heeling system of the ice-breaker have separate oil recovery piping which is used when the heeling tanks of the ice-breaker are used for responding to an oil spill.

Abstract: Waste water from an industrial process, including an organic acid, is reprocessed by introducing the waste water into a heat exchange process in which a heat exchange medium is used so that the waste water which is to be treated is heated to a temperature between 60° C. and the boiling point of the waste water. Subsequently, the waste water is partially evaporated and re-condensed, with the waste water irradiated with UV radiation during the evaporation and condensation process in the liquid and/or gas phase. As a result, a chemical transformation of the organic acid in H2O and carbon dioxide is at least partially carried out. Then, the condensed part of the purified waste water is fed back into the industrial process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure feature a filtration system comprising a filtration module for particle filtration and methods of using the device for the isolation of particles (e.g., viable cells). Advantageously, embodiments of the device provide for the high throughput filtration of large volumes of sample while preserving cell viability and providing high yields.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drilling fluid reclaimer. The reclaimer has at least one adjustable screen assembly for providing a leveling filter for reclaimed drill fluid. Used drill fluid is placed at the screen assembly at the front the of the screen assembly. The at least one screen is vibrated to separate large particulate matter from liquid drilling fluid. A second screen is provided for additional filtering. Large particulate matter is expelled by a chute at the back of the screen assembly. Drilling fluid passing through the screen is “reclaimed” for use with a drilling system.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids from solids laden drilling fluid, the apparatus comprising a skid and a basket resiliently suspended thereto and a vibratory mechanism to vibrate the basket, the basket having at least one screen deck for receiving at least one screen, the basket having a feed end at which solids laden drilling fluid is introduced and a discharge end at which solids are discharged through a solids discharge opening, the apparatus further comprising a hood encompassing at least a discharge end of the basket and at least one extraction outlet arranged at the discharge end to remove fume laden air from the basket.

Abstract: A centrifuge separator for different specific gravity fluid separation. Gas enriched influent is then fed into a rotary impeller, where rotational energy of the impeller is transferred to the incoming fluid creating a forced vortex. Centripetal force exerted on the fluid particles help to separate the fluid/solids to rotate at different radius. Solids are moved towards a periphery of the tube where a cone collector facilitates to collect the solids. The conical shape allows the solids to slide into an annulus. The lighter specific gravity fluids are forced to segregate into two different rotating vortexes by virtue of the rotary motion of the impeller. The gas bubbles mixed with the influent help to accelerate the separation of two different specific gravity fluids.

Abstract: Water treatment apparatus includes raw water special air mixing nozzles (7); filtering tank (5) housing filter layer (4) including two layers of upper layer (2) and lower layer (3), the upper layer including a filter medium with a smaller specific gravity and a larger particle size than a filter medium of the lower layer; a water collection pipe (13) removing filtered water and supplying reverse cleaning water to the filter layer during reverse cleaning; drainage trough (12); and upper layer cleaning apparatus (10), in which the upper layer cleaning apparatus includes upper layer cleaning pipe support member (17), upper layer cleaning water pipe (18), surface-cleaning special air mixing nozzles (19), air suction pipe (20), and horizontal air pipes (31 and 32) and the raw water special air mixing nozzles (7) are attached to raw water inflow tank (70) provided on a part of the drainage trough (12)

Abstract: Provided is a continuous circulation sand filter including a filtering barrel filled with a sand filtering layer, an inflow tube for introducing raw water into the filtering barrel, a treated water discharge part for discharging treated water purified by passing the raw water through the sand filtering layer from a lower end of the sand filtering layer to an upper end thereof, an air lift tube for transferring contaminated sand, located in the lower end of the sand filtering layer, from a lower part of the filtering barrel to an upper part thereof, a transfer water discharge filter contacting the air lift tube to discharge transfer water moved upward together with sand through the air lift tube and trap the sand and a foreign substance, a descent guide tube downwardly moving the sand and the foreign substance moved to the upper part of the filtering barrel through the air lift tube, and a foreign substance separation tube suctioning the downwardly moving foreign substance to remove the foreign substance from

Abstract: A fresh water generation method by which product water satisfying target water quality can be stably and efficiently obtained even when raw water quality fluctuates, is provided by branching at least a part of a water flow line through which raw water 1 flows into a plurality of branch lines including a branch line A1 and a branch line A2 and differentiating retention times from branching to joining together between the branch line A1 and the branch line A2, in a fresh water generation method for obtaining product water by treating raw water 1.

Abstract: A rack is provided. The rack includes a vertical post and an equipment rail removably connected to the vertical post.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a device to be affixed to an automatic dishwasher rack in order to provide a means by which one can secure a number of chopsticks or similarly shaped items such that the items can be cleaned without risk of damaging either the dishwasher or aforementioned items.

Abstract: A serpentine dispenser for dispensing stacks of nested cans from a cartridge allows cans to be dispensed without slip sheets between individual cans, or internal dispenser walls separating can facings. Jam-free dispenser feeding is achieved by constructing a cartridge holding area wider than the dispenser down chute, such that the cartridge may be easily inserted and removed from the dispenser, but cans exiting the cartridge are maintained in a nested stack by the narrower width of the down chute. A lower feed channel that is narrower than the cartridge holding area maintains cans in a nested stack as they are delivered to a product selection area. The product selection area is wider than the lower feed channel so that individual cans may un-nest and be individually selected. In some embodiments, the product selection area is extended to allow two stacks of nested cans to separate, forming a self-facing dispenser.

Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall mounted to the base at an angle. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base. The system may further include an opening defined by the first side wall and the front retaining wall through which product may be removed. The system may also include the use of over-the-air power to power any of the shelf components.

Abstract: A merchandise pusher tray is provided. The merchandise pusher tray includes a base structure. The base structure is configurable for bar or shelf mounting. The base structure includes a pair of load bearing members for supporting a floor of the base structure. The merchandise pusher tray also includes at least one divider mounted to and adjustable in a first direction relative to the base structure. The merchandise pusher tray also includes a pusher mounted to and movable in a second direction relative to the base structure. A locking arm is provided for locking the pusher in a locked position and automatically unlocking the pusher from the locked position upon the exertion of an actuation force against the locking arm.

Abstract: A collapsible saddle rack with detachable legs is provided to enable easy transportation and compact storage. The saddle rack comprises an upper portion formed to support at least one saddle wherein the upper portion is collapsible. The saddle rack includes a lower portion comprising plurality of legs removably connected to the upper portion of the saddle rack wherein the lower portion is also collapsible. A connecting mechanism removably attaches the legs to the upper portion wherein the upper portion and lower portion occupy the least space in collapsed configuration. The connecting mechanism is configured to firmly connect the legs to the upper portion to prevent the removal of the legs from the upper portion and to provide stability to the saddle rack. The saddle rack enables easy transportation and compact storage due to easy assembling/disassembling and collapsible functionalities. The saddle rack is light weight, inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

Abstract: Support systems for supporting useful articles such as shelves, racks, bars or hooks include a support structure that can be attached to the article. The support structure defines a shaped channel, and an insert component of the system is receivable within the channel and has an exterior surface shaped to correspond to the shaped channel. The shaped channel can define one or multiple grooves, and the insert component can have one or multiple ribs that cooperate with the grooves to stabilize the insert component/support structure combination. The insert component can include at least one displaceable rib element for cooperating with a groove of the support structure.

Abstract: A latching system for a gravity fed merchandising apparatus includes a shelf slidably mounted between a first and a second side bracket, the shelf being adapted to move between a vending position and a stocking position. A first latch member is operably mounted to one of the shelf and the first side bracket and a second latch member is operably mounted to one of the shelf and the second side bracket. The first and second latch members are located adjacent opposed side edges of the shelf. Each of the first and second latch members is resiliently biased to an extended position. An actuating device is provided for moving the first and second latch members to a respective retracted position allowing the shelf to slide from the vending position to the stocking position.

Abstract: A rack has a frame and a plurality of shelves. Each shelf has an enclosing frame member that has two first sides connected by two second sides, a connecting bar that connects the first sides at about the center of the first sides, a plurality of slots provided on the inner surfaces of the second sides, and a plurality of slats, each slat having opposing ends that are fitted into opposing slots at the second sides, and with each slat being connected to the connecting bar. At least one connector is provided for removably connecting each shelf to a portion of the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to bridge crane assembly and a method for installation of a bridge crane. The invention is especially applicable for use in service and repair of vehicles and other heavy equipment in field conditions, such as crisis areas. The bridge crane assembly is supported by two containers (91, 92), upon which there are support frames (10, 20). The support frames are fixed to the top corners of the containers with twistlocks (19a-19d, 29a-29d), and the support frames support a crane bridge (30) with a hoist (40).

Abstract: An ocean freight arrangement handles goods in a number of transport modes, such as containers, with the same transport in a cargo hold of an ocean vessel with cranes. The transport has a platform with a width corresponding to two regular containers to be loaded and unloaded by two parallel cranes enabling transportation of heavy and over wide units.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly building system (20) for promoting long term carbon capture and sequestration of roofing and siding by utilizing recycled/upcycled, collapsed, preformed, and post consumer plastic material (32). The system includes a plurality of tiles (22). The plurality of tiles (22) interlock with each other to form overlapping courses of laterally staggered roofing or siding (24). Each tile (22) includes a bottle (28) and a cap connector (30). The cap connector (30) of each tile (22) caps off the bottle (28) of an associated tile, and hooks into the bottle laying on top thereof so as to hold the overlapping courses of the laterally staggered roofing or siding in place (24). The bottle (28) of each tile (22) is made from recycled/upcycled, collapsed, preformed, and post consumer plastic material (32) for promoting the long term carbon capture and sequestration of the laterally staggered roofing or siding so as to be environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A bottle assembly includes a container having a liquid chamber defined therein, and a vent assembly positionable substantially entirely within the liquid chamber of the container. A collar assembly generally defines a closure for the container and is releasably engageable with a neck of the container. The collar assembly and the container are configured relative to each other to enable selective configuration between a first configuration in which the vent assembly is disposed substantially entirely within the liquid chamber of the container and a second configuration in which the vent assembly is omitted from the container.