Abstract: The cathodic protection of a reinforced concrete structure utilizes sacrificial anodes such as aluminum or zinc as well as alloys thereof. Each anode is embedded or substantially covered in a material consisting of a hydrophilic non-cementious open-cell foam. An activating agent such as one or more lithium salts is contained within the cells of the foam to maintain the anodes in an electrochemically active state. The activating agent may be immobilized in the cells using an aqueous gel such as agar. One or more metallic conductors electrically connect the anodes to the metal reinforcing members.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for capacitive desalination using segmented electrodes in a flow-through or flow-between configuration. The segmented electrodes constitute layered stack electrode units. Each electrode includes pores into which the target salt water flows. An electrical circuit energizes the electrodes and produces an electrical field acting on the target salt water producing desalted water. The segmented electrodes provide ultra-thin cells into a robust framework necessary for desalination applications which yield orders of magnitude faster desalination.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochemical sensor (10) for detecting the concentration of analyte in a fluid test sample is disclosed. The sensor (10) includes a counter electrode having a high-resistance portion for use in detecting whether a predetermined amount of sample has been received by the test sensor.

Abstract: Measurement with a test strip having two working electrodes (12, 14), using the current transient (402, 404) for each working electrode measured at a predetermined durational offset (Tpred1, Tpred2) from a peak (408, 410) of the current transient.

Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus and methods for delivering multiple reagents to, and monitoring, a plurality of analytical reactions carried out on a large-scale array of electronic sensors under minimal noise conditions. In one aspect, the invention provides method of improving signal-to-noise ratios of output signals from the electronic sensors sensing analytes or reaction byproducts by subtracting an average of output signals measured from neighboring sensors where analyte or reaction byproducts are absent. In other aspects, the invention provides an array of electronic sensors integrated with a microwell array for confining analytes and/or particles for analytical reactions and a method for identifying microwells containing analytes and/or particles by passing a sensor-active reagent over the array and correlating sensor response times to the presence or absence of analytes or particles.

Abstract: A carrier and loader for cartridges with a base component hinged to a cover component. A clip portion with rib formations provides resilient clips for frictional engagement and holding the cartridges, which are pried from the channel of the clips for loading. With the carrier in an open position, cartridges are inserted one or two at a time directly into the swing-out cylinder of a revolver without handling the cartridges.

Abstract: A portable case for a tablet includes a back and an opposed windowed front, opposed first and second ends, and opposed first and second sides which together define a receiving area for receiving and containing a tablet, as for carrying or safekeeping, so as to juxtapose the touchscreen with the windowed front to permit the viewing and the touching of the touchscreen in the operation of the tablet at the windowed front. The back is formed with a first length of elasticized material for suspending the portable case in a direction from the first end of the portable case, and a second length of elasticized material for suspending the portable case in a direction from the first side of the portable case.

Abstract: An attachment system includes a case having a bottom including at least two slots, a strap inserted into the at least two slots of the case, and at least one add-on piece attached to the strap. The strap includes an attachment means, and the at least one add-on piece may include interchangeable jewelry pieces.

Abstract: A case for an electronic device with a retractable stand may support the case for an inserted electronic device when disposed in a horizontal and/or vertical position. The case may be transitioned from the horizontal and/or vertical disposition and vise-versa without changing the relative positions of the case and the stand to one another.

Abstract: A device for protecting and carrying a personal electronic tablet device. The carrying device having an internal battery whereby a personal electronic tablet device is coupled to the battery of the carrying device to power and/or charge the personal electronic tablet device and one or more additional mobile devices.

Abstract: A foldable pouch mobile terminal cradle is provided, which includes a first surface including a first plurality of panels and a first plurality of folding lines; a second surface including a second plurality of panels and a second plurality of folding lines; a first cradle groove formed in an end panel of the second plurality of panels of the rear surface and that receives an edge of an opposite end panel by bending along the first plurality of folding lines and the second plurality of folding lines; and a second cradle groove formed in the end panel of the second plurality of panels of the rear surface, a predetermined distance from the first cradle groove, and that receives an edge formed from one of the first plurality of folding lines, by bending along the first plurality of folding lines and the second plurality of folding lines.

Abstract: A dual support flap case comprises a receptacle configured to receive a portable electronic device, a first support flap configured to support the case at a first angle relative to a supporting surface, and a second support flap configured to support the case at a second angle relative to the supporting surface. The first support flap may be a different length than the second support flap. The first and second angles of may allow for a user to select a preferred angle for a current task, such as reading, watching video, typing using a virtual keyboard, typing using a separate physical keyboard, or other task.

Abstract: A case for enclosing a personal electronic device with a front surface is described. The case comprises a front with an inside surface, an outside surface, and at least one raised front edge surface; a back with an inside surface to mount the personal electronic device, an outside surface, and at least one raised rear edge surface a surface cover; wherein the front inside surface. The front outside surface and the back outside surface are overlaid with the surface cover. The surface cover abuts the at least one raised front edge surface or the at least one raised rear edge surface.

Abstract: Packaging system for dental implants allowing the conditioning of different types of implants due to its height regulation capacity that, additionally, eases the handling and the removal of the packaging implant by a gripper-shape mechanism, reducing damages or contamination risks of the implant before the usage.

Abstract: A flexible carrier for carrying a plurality of containers includes a flexible sheet having a row of container-receiving apertures formed therein. The flexible carrier further includes a handle integrated with respect to the flexible sheet. A package is formed by inserting a plurality of containers, each within a respective container-receiving aperture.

Abstract: Wipe dispensers are provided. In one aspect, a wipe dispenser includes a housing and a handle coupled to the housing. The housing defines a cavity that includes a liquid cavity portion adapted to receive liquid therein and a wipe cavity portion adapted to receive wipes therein. In another aspect, a wipe dispenser includes a housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion with the first housing portion movable relative to the second housing portion. The housing defines a cavity therein. The wipe dispenser also includes a wall and a biasing member. The wall is positioned in the cavity and adapted to separate the cavity into a liquid cavity portion and a wipe cavity portion, and the biasing member is positioned between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. The biasing member is adapted to bias the first housing portion away from the second housing portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to a multi-chamber container and related methods for storing and mixing liquids and associated methods of use. The multi-chamber container includes a first chamber configured to contain a first liquid composition. The multi-chamber container also includes a second chamber configured to contain a second liquid composition. The multi-chamber container further includes a membrane separating the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition. The membrane is puncturable to facilitate contact of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition. Additionally, the multi-chamber container includes a plunger operable to puncture the membrane. The plunger can be configured to move through an opening of the first chamber opposite the membrane to facilitate puncture of the membrane.

Abstract: A hanger support includes a unitary structure defining a set of panels comprising a center panel, a first end panel extending from the center panel along a first longitudinal direction, and a second end panel extending from the center panel along a second longitudinal direction, the second longitudinal direction opposing the first longitudinal direction. The hanger support includes a first hinge joint disposed between the first end panel and the center panel, a second hinge joint disposed between the second end panel and the center panel and at least one set of openings defined by the center panel extending through a first planar surface and a second planar surface of the unitary structure, the at least one set of openings configured to receive a hook of a hanger.

Abstract: The present invention replaces the traditional steel and plastic construction primarily used in sports equipment bags to provide a novel sports equipment bag with flexibility, durability, strength, and a net weight reduction. The sports bag of the present invention integrates optionally removable composite rods into the frame structure of a sports bag to allow for significant flexibility and compression thereof for general transport, storage, shipping and handling purposes, and yet the sports bag is also capable of holding a semi-rigid exterior to a given volume and shape when in regular use. The present invention also discloses a sports equipment bag with a novel folding floor to assist with the flexible and collapsible nature of a sports equipment bag.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf bag bottoms and methods to manufacture golf bag bottoms are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A case configured to protect at least a portion of an electronic device. The case can comprise a first portion and a second portion that connect to one another via a hinge. The first portion can be configured to cover a first portion of a back side of the electronic device when fully installed on the electronic device. The second portion can be configured to cover a remaining portion of the back side of the electronic device when also fully installed on the electronic device. The second portion and the first portion can pivot with respect to one another via the hinge. Accordingly, by one approach, the second portion can be pivoted away from the electronic device while the first portion remains installed on the electronic device. In such a case, and by one approach, the second portion can serve as a stand for the electronic device.

Abstract: A sink assembly is provided. The sink assembly can comprise a container having a generally trapezoidal shaped cross section. The container can be closed about a sink within the container. The sink can be supported in the container by at least one support element, for example a corner support, a top support having a generally triangular shape, and a drain support. Multiple sink assemblies can be efficiently stacked next to one another for shipping and/or storage.

Abstract: A packaging assembly for car floor mats including a main body portion; at least one support member extending from the main body portion, and a securing arrangement releasably secured to the support member, wherein at least one car floor mat can be retained on the support member when the securing arrangement is secured to the support member, and wherein the at least one car floor mat can be removed from the packaging assembly when the securing arrangement is released from the support member.

Abstract: A storage device including a storage container that can be brought from a storage position in which a tool stored therein cannot be removed, to a removal position, in which the tool stored therein can be removed, with an indication element indicating the tool, the indication element being distinct from the storage container but firmly attached to the storage container and visible in the storage position. According to the invention, an indication element is provided that can be attached to the storage container in simple manner and is not only visible but also palpable, wherein the indication element is a flattened relief of the tool.

Abstract: A medical device tray for carrying a plurality of medical devices includes: a base made of a substantially rigid material, the base forming at least one base through-hole; and a covering affixed to the base, the covering being made of a material which is softer than the substantially rigid material of the base, the covering forming at least one covering through-hole, the at least one base through-hole and the at least one covering through-hole cooperating to form at least one medical device tray through-hole configured for directly supporting a respective one of the plurality of medical devices.

Abstract: A case for beading needles comprising a thermoplastic container is provided with a hinged lid. The case has a tray portion filled with penetrable needle retention medium into which needles may be inserted as desired and spaced widely. The tray portion comprises a thermoplastic housing section divided into two sections: a needle retention section and an open needle grasping section disposed above the needle retention section. The needle retention section has a width of at least about 1.25 inches. The housing section comprises a backing plate and has a transparent cover section removably hinged to the housing section. The cover section can be either pivoted rearwardly to form a stand, allowing the housing section to be maintained upright on a flat surface, or completely removed and reversed, allowing the upper portion of the backing plate to bear against a front wall of the cover.

Abstract: A system includes a first sterile medical device container. The first sterile medical device container is transparent to radiofrequency (RF) signals in a particular frequency range. The system also includes a sterile medical device within the first sterile medical device container. The sterile medical device is capable of radiofrequency communication through the first sterile medical device container using the particular frequency range. The system further includes a second container fully enclosing the first sterile medical device container and the sterile medical device, the second container including RF shielding material that is substantially opaque to the RF signals in the particular frequency range.

Abstract: The medical container includes a container body having a proximal end opening, a proximal-end edge portion surrounding the proximal end opening, a plug body sealing a mouth section; a bag body including an edge portion fixed in a fluid-tight manner to the proximal-end edge portion, and a flexible reversing part surrounded by the edge portion. In a first state, the reversing part expands toward a distal end side and in a second state the reversing part expands toward a proximal end side. The medical container further includes a protection cover which can take a proximal end side mounting state in which the protection cover is mounted on the container body so as to cover the proximal end opening, and a distal end side mounting state in which the protection cover is mounted on the container body so as to cover the mouth section.

Abstract: A pack module includes a number of absorbent articles and at least one belt to which the absorbent articles can be releasably attached. The belt when placed in the pack module constitutes a gripping device which is intended to act on at least one of the articles and, at least partially, remove at least one absorbent article from the pack module when the gripping device is used. Removal of firmly compressed absorbent articles from a pack module without using additional material in the pack module is thus possible.

Abstract: Packaging for prosthetic heart valves including an assembly for stabilizing dry prosthetic tissue implants such as heart valves during storage. The packaging assembly includes a primary sterile barrier that permits gas sterilization of the tissue implant, and a secondary sterile barrier that prevents oxidation of the implant during storage. Tissue heart valves are placed inside an inner tray and sealed with a gas-permeable lid. The inner tray is placed within an outer sterile barrier and the assembly is sterilized. The outer sterile barrier may include a double seal so that a first gas-permeable seal can be closed for sterilization, after which a second gas-impermeable seal is closed to seal out any further oxygen contact with the tissue implant. Alternatively, the inner tray is placed within a sterile pouch and the assembly gas-sterilized, and then the entire assembly is placed within another pouch that provides an impermeable barrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembled packing case, which comprises a bottom component with a cruciform underside, and corner components clamped at the vacant corner of the bottom component; limiting holes are set at the clamping positions of the bottom component and the corner components; and further comprises fasteners inserting into the limiting holes to limit the relative position between the bottom component and the corner components; the bottom component and the corner component are set as mortise and tenon structures at their junctions; the bottom component and the corner components joggle into a packing case by the mortise and tenon structures. The structure of the assembled packing case is simple and the cost is low.

Abstract: A multiple purpose container and decorative item includes a container portion and a cap portion. The container portion has an interior cavity. A product is disposed within the cavity. The container portion is sized and shaped to achieve multiple functions to contain the product within the cavity and to achieve a decorative or aesthetic appearance. The cap portion is selectively affixed to the container to open and close access to the interior cavity and the product stored therein. The cap portion includes a selectively deployable fastener. The fastener is rotatable about an axis between a closed or stored position and an open or deployed position. In the deployed position, the fastener allows the multiple purpose container and decorative item to be hung from a surface.

Abstract: A merchandise storage container includes belly band retaining tabs. The retaining tabs are moved to their extended positions when the merchandise storage container is formed. The retaining tabs are disposed at the corners of the container so that a belly band used with the container can slide up and down along the length of the container while encountering at least some resistance at the corners before the band separates from the container. The retaining tabs are flexible so that a person can intentionally remove a belly band by pivoting the tabs out of the way or by forcing the belly band over the tabs.

Abstract: A printed packet adapted to hold a transaction piece such as a hotel key card in conjunction with an information enclosure. The transaction holder is comprised of two layers of material bonded with a glue pattern to form a pocket designed to hold a transaction piece. The information enclosure includes an information piece, consisting of a sheet, multiple sheets, a folded pamphlet, or booklet. The information piece is secured to a base layer of the packet by means of a self-adhesive overlaminate enclosure disposed over the information piece and extending beyond two opposing edges of the piece. The enclosure is designed to hold expansive amounts of printed information in a secure, protected manner. The information enclosure and the transaction holder share the same base layer sheet of material.

Abstract: An improved sealable pouch has an interior volume for receiving products for sterilization and an integral, foldable flap sealable to the pouch to provide a fully enclosed interior volume. Included on one or more portions of the pouch are indicia, preferably at least a first and second spaced apart indicia, to aid in proper folding of the flap. The indicia provide alignment means so that when the flap is properly folded to provide a leak proof seal, a predetermined portion of the indicia is covered by the flap. An improper seal can be visually determined to exist if all of the indicia or none of the indicia is visible after the seal is made. A proper seal is evidenced by only a portion of the first and second indicia being covered by the flap.

Abstract: An absorbent sheet product dispenser comprising: a dispenser body for holding a stack of said absorbent sheet products; and a stand for supporting the dispenser body on a supporting surface, the stand being engageable with the dispenser body, wherein the dispenser body is configurable in at least two configurations relative to said supporting surface when engaged with the stand.

Abstract: A combination packaging container includes a beaker-shaped inner container with a container jacket, a base and a flange projecting out from the container jacket in the region of its open end, as well as a sleeve-shaped outer part surrounding the inner container at its container jacket with end regions spaced apart from one another in the direction of a longitudinal axis. The inner container is laid against and molded onto an internal face of the sleeve-shaped outer part. The sleeve-shaped outer part is of a single-layered design between its end regions spaced apart from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis. An end face of the outer part lying opposite the flange constitutes a standing surface for the combination packaging container.

Abstract: A glass enclosure article is provided that includes color and patterned decoration and a process of making thereof. The glass enclosure article has a desired color and appearance and also a durable impact resistance. The glass enclosure article includes a glass enclosure having an inner surface, an outer surface and a rim and a coating. The coating is made of colored thermoplastic elastic material that covers a whole or a part of the inner surface of the glass enclosure.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to holders for scoops, spoons, ladles, or other bulk good moving tools (generally, “scoops”). In particular, this disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for retaining a scoop in the lid of a container.

Abstract: The invention provides a housing adapted to provide for the juxtaposition of an oral hygiene device, such as a toothbrush, with an inhaler medication device, such as a metered dose inhaler (MDI) or dry powder inhaler (DPI). Also provided is an assembly including a housing, an oral hygiene device and an inhaler medication device wherein, in use, the housing and inhaler medication device together secure the oral hygiene device in the housing such that the oral hygiene device cannot be removed for use without first removing the inhaler medication device.

Abstract: A portable article, which may be a portable tote for use in traveling or otherwise non-permanent use, is provided. The article includes first and second sections that may be foldably connected to allow for an open and closed configuration. Handles and snaps or other connection members are connected to the sections to allow for carrying and holding the article closed, which will aid in the mitigation of items falling out of the article. One of the sections includes one or more protrusions extending therefrom. Attached to the one or more protrusions is a tube for holding a product. The tube includes an aperture through a portion thereof to allow for the protrusion to extend at least partially therethrough, which will at least temporarily hold the tube in place and connected to the article. Other holders may be included to hold additional items within the article as well.

Abstract: A container for harvested fruits and vegetables is shown. The container comprises a bottom and sidewalls supported on a base structure. The sidewalls are formed from side structures. The bottom may be integrally formed with a side structure. A rim and rib may be integrally formed in a side structure. The base structure comprises a slot or pocket that may be integrally formed from a side structure. The slot or pocket may be configured for engagement with a lifting apparatus for the container (e.g. forks of a fork lift). The base structure may comprise a bracket. The bracket of the base structure may be configured to facilitate stacking of one container securely on the rim of another container.

Abstract: A substrate transport system includes a carrier having a housing forming an interior environment having an opening for holding at least one substrate and a door for sealing the opening from an outside atmosphere where when sealed the interior environment is configured to maintain an interior atmosphere therein, the housing including a fluid reservoir exterior to the interior environment and configured to contain a fluid, forming a different atmosphere in the fluid reservoir than the interior atmosphere, to form a fluidic barrier seal that seals the interior environment from an environment exterior to the carrier.

Abstract: A carrier for receiving one or more electronic modules includes a carrier member having one or more receiving receptacles, each of the one or more receiving receptacles being shaped to match an outline shape of an electronic module having at least one corner thereof chamfered.

Abstract: A demulsifying agent may be added to a hydrocarbon stream in an effective amount where the hydrocarbon stream includes a plurality of phosphorous-containing solids. The demulsifying agent may be added to the hydrocarbon stream at a location that is upstream from a desalter. The demulsifying agent may water-wet at least a portion of the phosphorous-containing solids for subsequent separation of the phosphorous-containing solids from the hydrocarbon stream. The demulsifying agent may be or include but is not limited to at least one maleic acid derivative, such as di-lauryl succinate, dioctyl succinate, di-hexyl succinate, octyl pheno succinate, dodecyl diphenyl succinate, ditridecyl succinate, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, diammonium 1-icosyl 2 sulfosuccinate, ammonium 1,4 didecyl sulfosuccinate, dihexyl sodium sulfosuccinate, sodium dinonyl sulfosuccinate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, salts thereof, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: We provide a process to manufacture a base stock, comprising hydrocracking, separating, and dewaxing, wherein the base stock has a ratio of Noack volatility to CCS VIS at ?25° C. multiplied by 100 from 0.15 to 0.40. We also provide a base stock made by a process, and a base oil manufacturing plant that produces the base stock.

Abstract: A simplified process is provided for creating hybrid crude oils and hybrid crude fractions with characteristics superior to the original. The process uniquely combines gases with crude oil or crude fractions in an effervescent turbulent manner at low temperatures and pressures and without the further aid of catalysts. The process breaks large chain hydrocarbons into smaller chain hydrocarbons, molecularly combines carbon, hydrogen, and/or hydrocarbon molecules from the gases with and into hydrocarbon molecules of the crude or crude fraction, and separates contaminants and impurities.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for processing diesel fuel from petroleum-based waste oil on a small scale compared to conventional methods for re-refining waste oil to a valuable product. In an embodiment, the method comprises dehydrating waste oil to remove water from the waste oil, and operating a thermal reactor to induce thermal pyrolysis of the dehydrated waste oil and convert it into a hydrocarbon vapour phase. The hydrocarbon vapour derived from pyrolysis is condensed and distilled using a distillation tower to produce diesel fuel, heavy liquid hydrocarbon, light liquid hydrocarbon and light hydrocarbon vapour. A filtering step cleans the processed diesel fuel to obtain a clean diesel fuel product.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for enhancing the separation of oil-water micellar emulsion, such as those found in production fluid. Specifically, an embodiment of the invention is separating oil and water phases in recovered production fluid by adding an ionic salt such as sodium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and/or a high-molecular weight alcohol, such as 2-ethyl hexanol or decanol, to the production fluid. The production fluid may include fluids produced from an enhanced oil recovery method.

Abstract: In a process for destabilizing bitumen-water emulsions to facilitate bitumen recovery therefrom, bitumen-water interfacial tension is increased by reducing or eliminating the activity of functional groups acting as surfactants by treating the emulsions with one or more additives of ionic base to increase the hydrophobic characteristics of bitumen droplets in the emulsions and thus increase their attraction to each other and to gas bubbles. Additives effective for this purpose include salts of the Periodic Table's Group II earth alkali metals cations such as magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium, and Group III metals cations such as aluminum. Mechanical agitation or injection of a gas stream into the destabilized bitumen-eater emulsion may be used to form bitumen-rich froth. The additives used for destabilization of the emulsions also promote flocculation of clay-size particles in the froth and improve the chemistry of the recovered water.