Abstract: There is provided a nanohair structure with the nanowires exposed on a nanotemplate; the method thereof; and a three-dimensional nanostructure-based sensor with ultra-sensitivity and greatly increased three-dimensional surface-to-volume ratio which immobilizes bio-nanoparticles to the nanohair structure and arranges antibodies to the nano surface with the controlled orientation by physical interaction.

Abstract: Certain embodiments herein relate to a method of electroplating copper into damascene features using a low copper concentration electrolyte having less than about 10 g/L copper ions and about 2-15 g/L acid. Using the low copper electrolyte produces a relatively high overpotential on the plating substrate surface, allowing for a slow plating process with few fill defects. The low copper electrolyte may have a relatively high cloud point.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns an electro-decomposition process wherein a cathode comprising a metal compound is contacted with a fused salt electrolyte in an electrochemical cell. The metal compound is a compound between a metal and another substance, and a voltage is applied between the cathode and an anode such that the substance is removed from the metal compound. In the improved method, the applied voltage increases with time, either continuously or stepwise, up to a predetermined maximum voltage. In addition, or in the alternative, the fused salt composition is selected so as to maintain a predetermined concentration of the substance in the fused salt during electro-decomposition.

Abstract: A photosynthetic system for splitting water to produce hydrogen and using the produced hydrogen for the reduction of carbon dioxide into methane is disclosed. The disclosed photosynthetic system employs photoactive materials that include photocatalytic capped colloidal nanocrystals within their composition, in order to harvest sunlight and obtain the energy necessary for water splitting and subsequent carbon dioxide reduction processes. The photosynthetic system may also include elements necessary to transfer water produced in the carbon dioxide reduction process, for subsequent use in water splitting process. The systems may also include elements necessary to store oxygen and collect and transfer methane, for subsequent transformation of methane into energy.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and method for remediating wastewater and human waste that is self-contained and that has no connection to a municipal wastewater system and no connection to an electrical grid. The domestic toilet and wastewater treatment system can be powered by a photovoltaic panel as a source of electricity. The system includes an electrochemical cell that allows a waste stream to be disinfected in a few hours to a condition where no viable bacterial colonies can be cultured. The system produces a liquid stream that is suitable for system flushing or for uses in which non-potable water is acceptable. The system can generate hydrogen as a product that can be used to generate power. The system can generate nitrate, urea, ammonia and phosphate for use as fertilizer. The disinfected residual organic solids are also completely disinfected for potential use as an organic soil amendment for agriculture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an electrochemical device comprising graphene material made using embodiments of the method disclosed herein. Also disclosed is a graphene electrode comprising the graphene material made using embodiments of the method disclosed herein. The graphene material disclosed herein for use in the disclosed electrochemical devices has superior properties and activity compared to carbon-based materials known and used in the art. The disclosed graphene material can be used in multiple different technologies, such as water treatment, batteries, fuel cells, electrochemical sensors, solar cells, and ultracapacitors (both aqueous and non-aqueous).

Abstract: An eye-mountable device includes an electrochemical sensor embedded in a polymeric material configured for mounting to a surface of an eye. The electrochemical sensor applies a stabilization voltage between a working electrode and a reference electrode to allow the amperometric current to stabilize before powering measurement electronics configured to measure the amperometric current and communicate the measured amperometric current. The electrochemical sensor consumes less power while applying the stabilization voltage than during the measurement. The measurement is initiated in response to receiving a measurement signal at an antenna in the eye-mountable device.

Abstract: The method includes: acquiring data a related to a temperature of a blood sample on a sensor chip, based on a dimension of a current flowing in the blood sample by applying a first voltage to the pair of electrodes in contact with the blood sample, the first voltage being set so as to reduce an effect of hematocrit on a temperature measurement result; acquiring data b related to the concentration of an analyte in the blood sample, based on a dimension of a current flowing in the blood sample by applying a second voltage that is equal to or less than the first voltage, utilizing a reaction mediated by an oxidoreductase that uses the analyte in the blood sample as a substrate; and measuring a concentration that determines the analyte concentration in the blood sample based on the data a and the data b.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for manufacturing an analyte detecting device. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a substrate, applying a plurality of layer of materials on said substrate; applying a layer containing at least one mediator; and screen printing a hydrogel on the layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a valproic acid biosensor. In some embodiments, the valproic acid biosensor may comprise a microcantilever, a self-assembly monolayer, and a valproic acid antibody layer. The self-assembly monolayer may immobilize on the microcantilever surface. The valproic acid antibody layer may immobilize on the self-assembly monolayer. The valproic acid antibody layer may be used to bind with valproic acid drug samples. The present disclosure further relates to methods for measuring the concentration of valproic acid drug samples.

Abstract: There is provided a sensor head which includes a mounting surface having insulation property. A first electrode and a second electrode are arranged on the mounting surface in a spaced-apart manner from each other. A liquid retaining material is arranged on the mounting surface in a state where the liquid retaining material covers the first electrode and the second electrode integrally. The liquid retaining material is impregnated with a standard liquid which is used as a reference in the electrochemical measurement.

Abstract: A detecting device and method applying an electrochemical detecting strip are disclosed. The detecting device is used to detect by applying an electrochemical detecting strip having at least one cavity on the upper surface thereof with the cavity being coated with reaction reagent. The detecting device is provided with an electrode assembly consisting of a plurality of electrode bodies. A working electrode and a counter electrode are disposed on the surface of each electrode body. Moreover, each electrode body is provided with an arm to be joined as a coupling port at the center of the electrode assembly such that all of the electrode bodies surround the coupling port.

Abstract: A jewelry storage organizer system is disclosed that provides for a more effective way to store and travel with a large variety of jewelry. The jewelry storage organizer system comprises a jewelry-organizing device, an earring-organizing device, and a necklace-organizing device. The jewelry storage organizer device comprises a singular sheet that comprises a plurality of tab closures, multiple ring bars, and at least one jewelry pocket for retaining jewelry. The jewelry storage organizer device can be hung on a door and rolled into a cylindrical configuration for storage or transportation. The earring storage organizer device comprises a singular sheet and a plurality of perforated tabs for retaining post earrings. The earring storage organizer device can be rolled up into a cylindrical configuration and can stand upright on its end. The necklace storage organizer device comprises a sheet and tab closures secured onto the front surface for retaining a necklace.

Abstract: A medicine bottle with a solid silica flaky drying agent is disclosed. The solid silica flaky drying agent is wrapped in a filter paper and packed inside a bubble cap on which a number of holes are provided for moisture absorption. The bubble cap containing the solid silica flake drying agent can be attached to the cap of the medicine bottle via a baseplate behind a circular locking notch for preventing the solid silica flake drying agent from falling off the cap, or placed at the bottom of the medicine bottle which has a circular locking notch to prevent the solid silica flake drying agent from falling out of the medicine bottle.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing record system that joins with a medicine container and records and displays content and administration information about a medicine to ensure the proper administration of the medicine. The medicine information that is recorded may be erased and updated when a subsequent dose of medicine is administered. The medicine dispensing system includes an identification portion that affixes to the medicine container and includes a dry-erase surface that provides a receptive and erasable surface for a user to record and review information about a last medicine dose with information such as: time and/or date the last dose was administered, amount of medicine administered, current daily intake amount, contents of the medicine container, scheduled administration of the medicine, and warnings about the medicine. The information displayed on the surface is constantly revised with each subsequent dosage of the medicine with an attached dry-erase marker.

Abstract: A cap for a container includes a depressible structure arranged such that, when the depressible structure is depressed, the depressible structure applies force onto a first compartment, thereby rupturing the first compartment and dispensing a first ingredient into a second compartment of the container. The depressible structure can include a pliant material. Also described is a solid material shaped to concentrate force applied by the depressible structure at a first location of the first compartment to facilitate rupturing the first compartment. Additionally described is an ingredient that includes an effervescent material.

Abstract: A novelty beverage container such as a mug or a glass that is coupled to a condom is disclosed herein. The condom may be coupled to the mug in a variety of ways and in at least one embodiment the condom is contained in a compartment that is attached to or integral with the beverage container.

Abstract: A viscous clutch head may be replaced by selecting a viscous clutch head and a mount adapter. The viscous clutch head and the mount adapter may be selected from a group of universal modular fan drives and from a group of mount adapters. The mount adapter of a threaded type or a flange and bolt type may be selected. Depending on the viscous clutch head to be replaced, a fan adapter and/or a pilot adapter may also be selected from a group of fan adapters and from a group of pilot adapters. Accordingly, a range of models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced by using a limited number of parts. These parts may be stored on a tool cart. As different models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced using a limited number of parts, the in-stock inventory of replacement parts may be reduced.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention relate to a rectangular-shaped garment and accessories organizer with a front layer and a back layer, each layer having an inner surface and an outer surface, with multiple compartments and pockets for storing, protecting, and carrying articles of clothing, shoes, and accessories. The organizer has a hook and a strap, and is constructed such that it either functions as a hanging organizer, or can be carried as a shoulder bag when folded. The pockets on the front layer of the organizer are made of a clear material so that their contents can be seen and located easily. In some embodiments, pouches containing an LED light are sewn into or otherwise attached to various parts of the organizer to allow the user to dress in dimly-lit and/or dark rooms and areas. In other embodiments, pouches containing non-breakable minors are also included.

Abstract: The present invention provides a powder bag. The powder bag having a top and a first mouth at the top includes a bag body configured to have an internal wall, a major space and a secondary space, wherein the major space and the secondary space is partitioned by a partition interface; and the secondary space configured to have a second mouth and a second switch element for opening and closing the second mouth, connected with the internal wall and used for containing a powdery substance, wherein the partition interface has a porous surface with a plurality of pores and each of the plurality of pores having a dimension which allows a part of the powder substance to transfer from the secondary space to the major space.

Abstract: A resealable closure for packages is provided which has a package integrity feature. The closure includes a two-ply material having an inner film layer and an outer film layer, forming a top of container. The outer film layer has a sealing panel completely covering a first panel and a second panel of the inner film layer. The sealing panel is permanently attached to the first panel and is releasably affixed a portion of the inner film layer around the perimeter of the first panel to form an opening in the top when the sealing panel with affixed first panel is peeled back from the top. The sealing panel is resealable against the top to seal the opening when the sealing panel is moved back against the top. The package integrity feature comprises the second panel of the inner layer which separates from the sealing panel to indicate that the container has been previously opened.

Abstract: A label assembly for a customizable gift box. The label assembly includes a label and a back sheet having alignment tabs for aligning the box blank to the label. The alignment tabs are raised to expose adhesive material of the label. The box portion is aligned on the adhesive with the tabs, and then the partially adhered label can be fully exposed and wrapped around the box portion. The label can be used as a box bottom or top wrapping, or can form a top for a bottom box portion.

Abstract: A blister pack and method for packaging an item in the blister pack includes a blister card and a blister retained on the card and defines a compartment for retaining the at least one item therein. The blister is slidable relative to the card between a closed position in which the at least one item is inaccessible and an opened position in which the at least one item is accessible for removal from the blister pack.

Abstract: An assembled blister package (1) has a blister sheet (11) formed with blisters (2) sealed by a foil backing sheet (4). The blister package (1) is sandwiched between opposite sides of a folded card (not shown) to stiffen it. Each of these sides has a rectilinear array of windows, the blisters protruding through one array of windows and the other array of windows defining discrete areas on which print describing the contents of the blisters beneath, is to be applied. A header sheet on which a bar-code is printed is attached to the backing sheet and a reader (23) is positioned to read the bar-code and extract from it information such as a description of the contents of each of the blisters and their respective positions in the package. Information relating to the identification of the contents of a particular blister and the identity of the patient is fed to an ink-jet printer (31) and two stepping motors (22 and 30) are used to control the position of the printer with respect to the backing sheet.

Abstract: A stackable pallet system for holding items has a stand and stackable pallets. The stand has a top end, a bottom end, and sides. Vertical corner pieces on the stand are connected to one another at intersections of the sides of the stand, and each corner piece has a toe disposed at the top end of the stand. The stackable pallets can stack one on top of the other and can stack on the stand. The stackable pallets each have a top end, a bottom end, and sides and each have corner pieces connected to one another at intersections of the sides. Similar to the stand, each corner piece of the pallets has a toe disposed at the top end and defining a receptacle at the bottom end. When stacking pallets, the receptacle of each corner piece on a top one of the stackable pallets can receive or fit on the toe of a corresponding one of the corner pieces on a bottom one of the stackable pallets.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a nestable containing for storing and dispensing wipes. The nestable container includes a container body comprising a bottom wall, side walls, and a corner region including an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface. The nestable container includes a first ledge and a second ledge. The first and second ledges each have a proximal end region and a distal end region. The proximal end region of the first ledge is connected with the exterior surface of the corner region. The proximal end region of the first ledge comprises a groove and the distal end region of the first ledge comprises a ridge. The proximal end region of the second ledge is connected with the interior surface of the corner region. The proximal end region of the second ledge comprises a groove and the distal end region of the second ledge comprises a ridge.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving the shelf life of a medical graft generally comprising a medical implant container having at least one graft cavity configured to hold at least one graft under a first vacuum and a needle entry port in fluid communication with the at least one graft cavity, the needle entry port being configured to receive and communicate a material to the at least one graft cavity and an outer chamber configured to hold the medical implant container under a second vacuum.

Abstract: An electrical component cover may include a first portion and a second portion which are hingedly attached to one another and at least one projection extending from one of the first portion and the second portion. A locking member engages the at least one projection so as to hold the first portion and second portion together to cover an electrical component disposed in a void defined by the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a case for an electronic device, for example a tablet computer. The case includes a housing for holding the electronic device, a connecting member foldably attached to a back of the housing and a support member attached to an edge of the housing. The connecting member has at least one magnetic element positionable to engage with one or more surface level discontinuities on the support member to maintain the housing at an angle relative to the support member.

Abstract: Systems and apparatuses directed to cartons with user selectable dispensing configurations. An example carton for dispensing a plurality of products stored therein includes a first removable feature configured to be selectively removed from a top surface to enable removal of a portion of a first end; a second removable feature configured to be selectively removed from the top surface to enable removal of a portion of a second end; and a third removable feature configured to be selectively removed from the top surface to enable removal of a portion of the top surface. The carton defines a closed configuration and a dispensing configuration that is defined by at least one of the portion of the first end being removed, the portion of the second end being removed, or the portion of the top surface being removed. Methods for manufacturing a carton with user selectable dispensing configurations are also contemplated.

Abstract: A packaging product and method of packaging items by using a flat stiff board having the general shape of each part to be bundled cut into the board. Preferably the board is joined with another backing board, the parts are placed within the cutouts, transparent tape may be optionally applied over one or more of the parts and a transparent wrap is placed over the board.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion catalyst composition which comprises dealuminated ZSM-48 and/or EU-2 zeolite and a refractory oxide binder essentially free of alumina, processes for preparing such composition and processes for converting hydrocarbon feedstock with the help of such compositions.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method for catalytic cracking or reforming of hydrocarbons comprising: supersaturating a hydrocarbonaceous liquid or slurry stream in a high shear device with a gas stream comprising one or more C1-C6 hydrocarbons and optionally hydrogen to form a supersaturated dispersion; introducing the supersaturated dispersion into a catalytic cracking or reforming reactor in the presence of a cracking or reforming catalyst to generate a product stream. In some embodiments, the catalyst is present as a slurry or a fluidized or fixed bed of catalyst. In some embodiments, the cracking or reforming catalyst is mixed with the hydrocarbonaceous liquid or slurry stream and the gas stream in the high shear device. Herein also disclosed is a system for catalytic cracking or reforming of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method for thermal cracking or steam cracking of hydrocarbons comprising: supersaturating a hydrocarbonaceous liquid or slurry stream in a high shear device with a gas stream comprising steam or hydrogen and optionally one or more C1-C6 hydrocarbons to form a supersaturated dispersion; and introducing the supersaturated dispersion into a thermal cracking or steam cracking reactor to generate a product stream. In some embodiments, the method further comprises contacting the supersaturated dispersion with a cracking catalyst in a slurry, a fluidized catalyst bed, or a fixed catalyst bed. In some embodiments, the cracking catalyst is mixed with the hydrocarbonaceous liquid or slurry stream and the gas stream in the high shear device. Herein also disclosed is a system for thermal cracking or steam cracking of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method for hydrogenation comprising: supersaturating a hydrocarbonaceous liquid or slurry stream in a high shear device with a gas stream comprising hydrogen and optionally one or more C1-C6 hydrocarbons to form a supersaturated dispersion; and introducing the supersaturated dispersion into a reactor in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to generate a product stream. In some embodiments, the catalyst is present as a slurry or a fluidized or fixed bed of catalyst. In some embodiments, the hydrogenation catalyst is mixed with the hydrocarbonaceous liquid or slurry stream and the gas stream in the high shear device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises recycling at least a portion of an off gas from the reactor, recycling at least a portion of the product stream from the reactor, or both. Also disclosed herein is a system for hydrogenation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are scavenging compounds and compositions useful in applications relating to the production, transportation, storage, and separation of crude oil and natural gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of handling a solvent-containing solids stream in a non-aqueous oil sand extraction process, the method including the steps of: (a) providing a solvent-containing solids stream at a first pressure; (b) depositing the solvent-containing solids stream provided in step (a) as a bed in a vessel; (c) discharging the solvent-containing solids stream from the vessel at a second pressure via an outlet, thereby obtaining a depressurized solvent-containing solids stream; wherein the solvent-containing solids stream in the vessel in step (b) is at a temperature above the boiling point of the solvent in the depressurized solvent-containing solids stream at the second pressure in step (c).

Abstract: Described is a method of processing a bituminous feed. The bituminous feed is solvent extracted to form a bitumen-rich stream and a bitumen-lean stream. Solvent is recovered from the bitumen-rich stream to form a bitumen product. Solvent and water are recovered from the bitumen-lean stream to form dry tailings with a moisture content of less than 40 wt.%. The dry tailings are separated into at least two streams, each stream having a moisture content of less than 40 wt. %, based on at least one physical or chemical property. At least one of the at least two streams is then used at an oil sands mine site. In this way, the dry tailings may be used more effectively.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method for coal liquefaction comprising: supersaturating a hydrocarbonaceous liquid stream in a high shear device with a gas stream comprising hydrogen and optionally one or more C1-C6 hydrocarbons to form a supersaturated dispersion; and contacting the supersaturated dispersion with coal in the high shear device or in a coal liquefaction reactor to generate a product stream. In some embodiments, the method further comprises utilizing a conversion catalyst, wherein the catalyst is provided as a slurry, a fluidized bed, or a fixed bed. In some embodiments, the method further comprises feeding a conversion catalyst into the high shear device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises recycling at least a portion of an off gas from the reactor, recycling at least a portion of the product stream from the reactor, or both. Herein also disclosed is a system for coal liquefaction.

Abstract: The method and systems efficiently extract recyclable materials from a mixed solid waste stream. The methods and systems use sizing, density and dimensional separation to produce intermediate waste streams that are enriched in particular recyclable materials. The recyclable materials can then be efficiently sorted from the individual intermediate streams using mechanized sorting equipment.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of blending a first part comprising a low-density fine particulate material additive with a second part comprising original regolith simulant material for producing a lower bulk density blended regolith simulant material having gravity-driven flow properties that resemble those that the original regolith material would have under a reduced gravity of a target extraterrestrial body. The blended regolith simulant material includes one part by volume of original regolith simulant material to N parts by volume of a low-density fine particulate material additive, where N is generally greater than one less than the ratio of the gravitational acceleration on the surface of the earth to the gravitational acceleration on the surface of the target extraterrestrial body.

Abstract: A dynamic baffle system for a magnetic separator includes a containment barrier secured to a frame and positioned between a rotary screen drum and a magnetic drum. The dynamic baffle system further includes a baffle configured to block an opening of the containment barrier. The baffle is movable between an open position in which media mixture is capable of flowing from the containment barrier to the magnetic drum and a closed position in which the media mixture is prohibited from flowing from the containment barrier to the magnetic drum and configured to evenly build up on the containment barrier. The dynamic baffle system further includes a sensor and a controller coupled to the sensor and the baffle to control the amount of media mixture flowing from the rotary screen drum to the magnetic drum.

Abstract: A dispersion nozzle for dispersing a liquid with a gas, has a gas feed nozzle and a tubular mixing arrangement which has an inlet zone for the gas and the liquid and an outlet zone for a gas/liquid mixture. The mixing arrangement adjoins the gas feed nozzle. The gas feed nozzle is tapered in the direction of the mixing arrangement and opens into the inlet zone. The mixing arrangement has at least one liquid intake opening in the inlet zone. In the inlet zone a ratio of a diameter DG of a gas outlet opening of the gas feed nozzle and an internal diameter DM of the mixing arrangement is in the range from 1:3 to 1:5. A gas regulating valve meters a quantity of the gas being supplied with the gas feed nozzle. The dispersion nozzle may be used in a flotation machine.

Abstract: A document handler is provided that comprises: a casing 1 disposed adjacent to a gaming table 9, a deposit chamber 11 formed on an external side of casing 1 for receiving bills, an escrow chamber 14 formed on the external side of casing 1 for receiving genuine bills sent from deposit chamber 11 and temporarily retaining them to allow players to observe and to allow a dealer to instantly remove bills in escrow chamber 14 from outside of casing 1, an escrow carrier 15 for transporting documents from deposit chamber 11 to escrow chamber 14, and a drive device 2 for driving escrow carrier 15.

Abstract: A blood purification apparatus which can maintain operability during a normal mode and visibility during a display mode, and which can smoothly and excellently confirm an operation status in any case of the normal mode and the display mode. The blood purification apparatus that performs blood purification treatment by purifying blood of a patient which is extracorporeally circulated includes a display device 2 which performs a display relating to the blood purification treatment. The display device 2 can switch the normal mode where an input operation relating to the blood purification treatment can be performed and a display relating to the blood purification treatment is performed and the display mode where the display relating to the blood purification treatment is exclusively performed. In the display during the display mode, a layout and a form of the display during the normal mode are maintained and enlargedly displayed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of providing at least one concentrate of at least one dissolved substance for producing at least one dialysis solution, with the method comprising the following steps: providing at least one container containing at least one solid to be dissolved; supplying water into the container for dissolving the solid; draining the concentrate of the dissolved substance from the container and topping up with water; measuring the concentration of the dissolved substance or of a parameter correlated with the concentration; and temporary or permanent suppression of the topping up of water into the container when the measured concentration value of the dissolved substance falls below a first limit value or the value of the parameter falls below or exceeds a first limit value or when the change in the concentration value of the dissolved substance or of the value of the parameter exceeds a first limit value.

Abstract: A system for treating fluid in a pool, spa, or other main fluid reservoir includes a side-filter tank located next to the main fluid reservoir. An ozone generator pumps a mixture of ozone and air into a lift tube containing fluid from the main fluid reservoir. The fluid flows through the lift tube due to the effect of ozonated air bubbles released by a diffuser at the bottom of the lift tube. Fluid is piped from the main fluid reservoir to the side-filter tank and lift tube and back into the main fluid reservoir. The fluid is caused to pass through the side-filter tank and back into the main reservoir as a result of the flow of ozonated air in the lift tube without the use of any fluid pump.

Abstract: A system for processing fluids comprising a fluid reservoir configured to contain a liquid. A float valve coupled to the fluid reservoir and configured to operate a fill valve. A condensation chamber. A thermal barrier disposed between the condensation chamber and the fluid reservoir. A first heat exchanger disposed within the fluid reservoir. A condensation unit disposed in the condensation chamber. A compressor coupled to the condensation unit. A second heat exchanger disposed within the fluid reservoir and coupled to the compressor. An expansion valve coupled to the second heat exchanger and the condensation unit, the expansion valve configured to receive the compressed coolant from the second heat exchanger and to expand the compressed coolant into the condensation unit.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater using a ballasted flocculation technique includes continuously measuring the concentration of suspended solids, organic matter or other impurities in the water to be treated prior to directing the water to be treated to a flocculation tank. Based on this measurement, the amount of ballast necessary to obtain treated water of a predetermined quality is then calculated. In the flocculation tank, ballast and a flocculating reagent are added to the water to form a water-floc mixture. The water-floc mixture is directed to a settling tank where a sludge-ballast mixture is settled. The sludge-ballast mixture is directed to a mixing tank and then to a separator to separate the ballast from the sludge. The separated ballast is directed to the flocculation tank. The separated sludge is directed to the mixing tank when the level of sludge-ballast mixture in the mixing tank is lower than a predetermined level.

Abstract: A filter plate for a filter press, having a main body and a diaphragm, on the periphery of which there is formed a fastening element, by means of which the diaphragm is fastened non-detachably to the main body, wherein an indentation is formed in the main body, said indentation at least partially accommodating the fastening element of the diaphragm, there being a welded connection between a fastening surface formed by the indentation and a fastening surface formed by the fastening element of the diaphragm.