Abstract: In one embodiment, a bioremediation agent and method of bioremediation of an oil spill are disclosed. The bioremediation agent contains oil-digesting bacteria and bacterial nutrients in a buoyant water semi-insoluble and biodegradable casein product. The bioremediation agent may be distributed by boats or seeded by aircraft to remediate oil from coastlines after an oil spill.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system is provided having a reactor, first and second bio media and an aeration system. The first bio medium is located proximate an inlet end of the reactor and extends vertically between a top water level and the reactor's floor. The second bio medium is located proximate an outlet end of the reactor and extends vertically between a bottom water level and the reactor's floor. The media are adapted for retaining solids within the reactor as clarified water is withdrawn after treatment. The first bio media is further adapted to act as a baffle thereby causing wastewater to flow generally uniformly into a primary reactor zone. The aeration system includes a plurality of diffusers, some of which may be located adjacent or underneath the bio media and are adapted for promoting the shaking the bio media when activated in order dislodge excessive biomass therefrom.

Abstract: A method for the reduction or elimination of one or more components from a blood product or a fluid is disclosed. The method comprises continuous addition of the blood product to a filter containing an inlet and an outlet for the blood product in which one or more components have been reduced or eliminated. Hollow fiber membranes are arranged with a space between them and with pores through which one or more components and a blood plasma pass outwardly. A loop is arranged between a blood plasma inlet and an outlet. The space between hollow fibers and the loop contains an adsorbent which specifically binds one or more components. Pores of the hollow fibers do not allow passage of the adsorbent into the hollow fiber membranes and the blood plasma is continuously recirculated via the loop back to the space between the hollow fibers. The addition of blood product is stopped when the concentration of one or more components which exits the filter via the outlet reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a zero-emission dialysis clinic including a building envelope, daylight concept, lighting concept, mechanical ventilation (71), a chilled and heated ceiling (61) with capillary tubes (60), heat pump (50), and a photovoltaic system (80). Specifically, the present invention balances the energy consumption with energy generation by a photovoltaic system. The CO2 emissions are thus balanced and the building produces no net emissions.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for treatment of seawater RO system for recovering most of the water (i.e., 85-90%) from the concentrate of a brackish groundwater reverse osmosis treatment system that may use, e.g., a batch method. With proper pH control and antiscalant dosage, the batch-treatment SWRO system of the present invention can be used to recovery water from silica-saturated RO concentrate without fouling the membranes. Silica concentrations of over 1,000 mg/L are attainable with relatively minimal pre-treatment of the silica-saturated feed solution.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials. For example, equipment, systems and methods are described that can be used to treat feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials. Process streams can be upgraded, e.g., by removing undesired components utilizing simulated moving bed systems such as simulated moving bed chromatography, improved simulated moving bed chromatography, sequential simulated moving bed chromatography and/or related systems.

Abstract: A process for separating organic compounds from a mixture by reverse-phase displacement chromatography, including providing a hydrophobic stationary phase; applying to the hydrophobic stationary phase a mixture comprising organic compounds to be separated; displacing the organic compounds from the hydrophobic stationary phase by applying thereto an aqueous composition comprising a non-surface active hydrophobic cationic displacer molecule and about 10 wt % or less of an organic solvent; and collecting a plurality of fractions eluted from the hydrophobic stationary phase containing the separated organic compounds; in which the non-surface active hydrophobic cationic displacer molecule comprises a hydrophobic cation and a counterion, CI, having the general formula A or B, as defined in the disclosure:

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus that can be used to connect a flash chromatography instrument to a fraction collector and a mass detector to perform mass-directed flash chromatography.

Abstract: A method for removal of a hydrocarbon substance floating on a body of water, in particular petroleum and/or its derivatives, characterized in that it envisages the use of greasy animal wool, with a fibre having a diameter greater than 25 ?m, to absorb said substance.

Abstract: An adsorbent composition for removing heavy metals from contaminated water is described. The composition comprises of a mixture of kaolin clay, cellulose powder, silica powder, magnesite powder, bentonite powder and water. The adsorbent is mixed with contaminated water and allowed to react. Once the reaction is finished a reduced contaminant containing water is gathered and reused.

Abstract: A magnetic particle filter for a hydraulic control line is disclosed. A filter array is positioned to surround a portion of the hydraulic control line and includes alternating magnets and spacers having different interior diameters forming a ribbed interior surface. The corners between the spacers and magnets trap particles, magnetic and non-magnetic, thus removing them from the hydraulic control line.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating a liquid containing impurities may include a filtering chamber configured to permit granular media to interact with liquid containing impurities, thereby removing impurities from the liquid to produce filtrate; a filtrate section for receiving the filtrate; a gas supplying system for delivering gas to the granular media in the filtering chamber for transport of a portion of the granular media to a granular media washer; a reject section in fluid communication with the granular media washer for receiving a reject mixture comprising liquid and impurities from the granular media washer; and a control unit that is configured to determine whether the portion of the granular media is being transported properly based on an amount of reject mixture in the reject section.

Abstract: A device, an improvement upon a funnel, to enable immiscible liquids to be dispensed from an inverted bottle to augment a new, in-situ method to extract chemicals from water directly within sampling containers.

Abstract: A wash separator comprises a vessel containing a first fluid and a second fluid whereby the second fluid has a different density from the first fluid. The first fluid (3) is immiscible with the second fluid and the first and second fluids are separated from each other by an interface. A feed stream comprising a dispersion of the first and second fluid wherein the second fluid forms a disperse phase in the form of droplets is distributed within the first fluid in the vessel forming a continuous phase. A distribution element is provided in the vessel to distribute the feed stream into the second fluid. The feed stream after having been discharged from ,the distribution element has a retention time of at most 15 minutes in the feed second fluid in the vessel.

Abstract: A system and method for filtering fuel using a fuel filtration system are disclosed. The fuel filtration system may include a fuel filter, a siphon mechanism and a filter shaft. A first end of the filter shaft may be connected to the fuel filter and a second end of the filter shaft may be connected to the siphon mechanism, each of the fuel filter, the siphon mechanism and the filter shaft may be positioned within a fuel tank. Fuel within the fuel tank may be filtered using the fuel filtration system by a siphon action.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a bracket, a handle, and a latching member. The bracket is configured for receiving a data storage device. The handle is rotatably mounted to the bracket. The latching member is secured to the handle and includes an elastically deformable connecting piece and a latching block extending from an end of the connecting piece. The bracket defines a latching slot. A pressed portion extends downwards from the connecting piece. The handle is rotatable relative to the bracket to engage the latching block in the latching hole. The pressed portion is capable of being pressed to elastically deform the connecting piece to disengage the latching block from the latching slot.

Abstract: A stand for maintaining a bicycle in an upright position, wherein the stand consists of non-movable parts comprising a base having a front end, a back end, and a middle portion, wherein each of the front end, back end and middle portion comprise at least one inclined member and wherein the inclined members are configured along an axis of the base that bisects the front and back ends and middle portion, and wherein the inclined members are positioned relative to each other and in a shape that allows the distal ends of the inclined members to be tangent to the circumference of the tire of one of the wheels of the bicycle and to contact different portions of the tire thereby holding the wheel in place and maintaining the bicycle in an upright position.

Abstract: A bottle support system designed for commercial and residential storage of single bottles. The design consists of one or more wavy surfaces that have a section with the shape of a periodic wave, where the distance representing the period of the wave allows bottles to sit in secure manner. The first row of bottles sitting on the wavy surface, creates the base for the second row. Multiple rows can be stacked on each other creating an space efficient bottle storage. This simple and inexpensive design, allows transforming any horizontal surface like a wood shelf, wire-frame shelf or cabinet space into a high density bottle storage, adding strength to the structural base and creating a solid support for several rows of bottles. The bottle support system presented in this invention can accommodate bottles with different diameters and lengths using the same parts.

Abstract: A merchandise display system having a pusher structure slidably-coupled to a track. The pusher structure comprises a lock arm configured to selectively engage with a ratchet rack to allow for selective unidirectional motion of pusher structure upon application of a manual force to a pusher face of the pusher structure. Further, selective disengagement of the ratchet rack from the lock arm is facilitated by a manually-actuated pull strip having a ramp structure that slidably engages with the lock arm to lift a pawl out of the ratchet rack. This selective disengagement allows for bidirectional sliding of said pusher structure along said track, thereby allowing displayed products to be moved towards a front of a display shelf, or for products to be reloaded into the merchandise display system.

Abstract: A system for storing unfolded garments, such as shirts and sweaters, on multiple shelves. The shelves may be curved from side to side and raised in the middle. The shelves may be placed at intermittent variable points along a vertical support member which attaches to a wall or to a base. The multiple shelves attach to brackets which extend from the vertical support member at vertically spaced points along the length of the vertical support member. The system permits the shelves to slide out from the vertical support member for convenient access.

Abstract: A photovoltaic panel support system is provided. The panel support may include a surface frame and a support frame. The surface frame may be mounted to a surface. The support frame may be attached to the surface frame and may support photovoltaic panels. The present invention may further include a plurality of vertical posts. Each vertical post may include a top end and a bottom end. The top end may connect with the support frame and the bottom end is supported by at least one of the surface frame and the surface. At least a portion of the plurality of vertical posts includes a wheel on the bottom end.

Abstract: A shower storage caddy is provided that includes a frame with a top portion, a bottom portion, and two longitudinally extending sides extending therebetween. One or more trays are supported by at least a portion of the frame, each tray extending outward from the frame; and one or more removable baskets are configured to removably fit in one or more of the one or more trays. The baskets being removable allows for transporting the baskets and cleaning the baskets. The baskets have a drainage stop configured to drain fluid while in one of the trays and prevent fluid drainage when removed from one of the trays. Other features of the shower storage caddy include a pivoting hook for hanging the caddy, a flip-out base for supporting the caddy on the floor, movable suction cups for securing the caddy, and various shelves and hooks for holding items.

Abstract: A support bracket configured to be detachably connected to a vertical support post of a shelving unit and a crossbeam extending between two shelving units is provided. In one embodiment, the support bracket includes a first body portion having a front surface and a rear surface, a second body portion having a front surface and a rear surface, at least one interlocking member extending rearward from the rear surface of the first body portion, the at least one interlocking member configured to detachably engage at least one of a plurality of openings in the vertical support member, and at least one aperture in the second body portion, the at least one aperture configured to detachably receive at least one interlocking member on the crossbeam.

Abstract: Storage systems are described comprising wire shelves and brackets, which are configured to increase the storage capacity of a storage rack by utilizing or converting the space between adjacent shelves into additional storage space is provided. In one embodiment, a storage system utilizes a full-width wire rack and a partial-width wire rack to convert a space between a first shelf panel and a second shelf panel on a storage rack into usable storage space. The full-width wire rack comprises a plurality of longitudinal rods, at least one transverse rod interconnected with at least some of the plurality of longitudinal rods, and a plurality of downwardly turned prongs configured to detachably engage a plurality of keyhole-shaped openings in at least one of the first and second vertical support members to detachably connect the full-width wire rack to the storage rack. The partial-width wire rack is suspended from the full-width wire rack by at least one S-shaped bracket.

Abstract: A vessel (10) includes a crane (12) for positioning diver transfer equipment (36) and/or diver equipment (38) overboard the vessel (10) into a body of water (2). The crane (12) includes: a crane base (24) connected to the vessel (10); a crane arm (14) with a suspension point (16) that is movably connected to the crane base (24); and control elements (26) for controlling the crane arm (14) configuration. The control elements (26) are configured for: determining a change in position and/or orientation of the crane (12) resulting from vessel motion, and dynamically adjusting the crane arm configuration to change the position of the suspension point (16) with respect to the crane base (24) so as to at least partially compensate for the change in position and/or orientation of the crane (12).

Abstract: A coupler for a railway car including a coupler anchor, a coupler mechanism pivotable relative to the coupler anchor from an on-center position to an off-center position in a substantially horizontal plane, and a coupler positioning device for pivoting the coupler mechanism relative to the coupler anchor. The coupler positioning device includes a controller adapted for receiving signal information from a bogie relating to an angular position of the bogie relative to a body of the railway car, and at least one pneumatic cylinder for pivoting the coupler mechanism. The controller controls the operation of the at least one pneumatic cylinder in response to the signal information received from the bogie.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single-use feeding bottle (1) for dispensing an aqueous nutritional composition (5a) to a human from a powdered or concentrated liquid nutritional formula base (5) contained therein and being provided with means (2) for connecting the bottle (1) to external liquid dispensing means (20) adapted to supply liquid to the bottle (1), the bottle (1) comprising at least one compartment (3) forming a cavity for containing a predefined amount of powdered or concentrated liquid nutritional formula base (5) for the preparation of the nutritional composition (5a) upon hydration with the supplied liquid, a neck portion (4) in fluid communication with the compartment (3), and liquid inlet means (6) designed to be supplied with liquid from the liquid dispensing means (20), the bottle (1) furthermore comprising a filter assembly (7) in the flow path of the liquid from the inlet means (6) to the compartment (3), the filter assembly being configured to remove contaminants from liquid fed into the com

Abstract: A child-resistant closure system for a container includes an overcap having a pair of levers, each opposite the other and formed into a side facing of the overcap, each lever including a lower vertical member on a rear side thereof, the overcap including a pair of partial threads extending horizontally along an inner surface at the bottom of the overcap, each partial thread 180 degrees from the other, and a cylindrical collar configured to receive the overcap thereon, the collar having an opening configured to receive a dispenser tip and bottleneck of the container therethrough, the collar forming a mechanical bond with the bottleneck, the collar including a neck having a pair of neck threads formed around an external surface thereof, each neck thread 180 degrees apart from the other on the neck, each neck thread terminating at a truncated vertical wall formed on the neck external surface.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for deflecting an angle of a flexible suction tube of a spray dispenser (or bottle). In particular, an insert can be located between a cap and a neck of the spray dispenser to deflect, at an angle, the flexible suction tube makes as it descends into a body of the spray dispenser. The angle can be such that the flexible suction tube is directed toward an off-center portion of the bottom of the spray dispenser or to a bottom corner or rim of the spray dispenser. As such, the spray dispenser, as modified by the insert, can siphon the last remnants of liquid in the dispenser, which are often not accessible via traditional spray dispensers (e.g., when used in a tilted fashion) where the flexible suction tube is directed toward a bottom center of the dispenser.

Abstract: An insulated bottle container or “koozie” with a top or stopper that remains with or is attached to the container to prevent the top or stopper from being lost or misplaced. The top or stopper may be integrated with the koozie, such as at the end of a flap extending from the of the koozie, or may be removably attached by means of a strap, chain, string or cord that can be affixed or fastened to the koozie. The top or stopper has a friction fit with a plurality of flanges or ribs along the sides of the insertion element to resist accidental removal. The exterior element of the top may comprise a ridged or patterned element to assist with removing and inserting the top.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a liquid ejecting head having a flow path formation substrate that is provided with a liquid flow path communicating with a nozzle opening for discharging liquid and a piezoelectric element that is provided on the flow path formation substrate and applies pressure to the liquid flow path. The method includes forming a piezoelectric film for the piezoelectric element containing a perovskite oxide which does not contain lead and patterning the piezoelectric film by applying a resist on the piezoelectric film and wet etching the piezoelectric film with an etching solution containing either hydrochloric acid or hydrofluoric acid.

Abstract: A graphene transfer method comprising: attaching a first end of a first stacked structure, including a catalyst metal, graphene, and a supporting body stacked in the order stated, to a point of a target film that is transported in a roll-to-roll manner in a first direction; forming a second stacked structure by removing the catalyst metal of the first stacked structure, the second stacked structure having a surface whereon the graphene is exposed; and transferring the exposed graphene to a transfer surface of the target film by transporting the target film in a roll-to-roll manner and the second stacked structure in the first direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of fabricating test strips for measuring biological blood. The method comprises steps: preparing an insulating membrane material; printing a metallic circuit layer on the insulating membrane material by a metallic ionic ink; performing a surface treatment for the metallic circuit layer expose metallic ions of the metallic ionic ink; chemical plating for the exposed metallic ions of the metallic circuit layer to form an electrode section on the metallic circuit layer; providing a sensing reagent on the electrode section to form a sensing reagent layer; sequentially adhering an intermediate layer and a cover to the insulating membrane material to cover the metallic circuit layer and expose part of the metallic circuit layer; and cutting the insulating membrane material to form a plurality of insulating sheets. The test strip is provided to enhance the stability of resistance and the test accuracy.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator which is provided on the flow path formation substrate, and a protection substrate which is bonded to the flow path formation substrate on the piezoelectric actuator side, the method including: bonding the flow path formation substrate on which the piezoelectric actuator is formed, and the protection substrate to form a bonded body; bonding a sealing member to the protection substrate of the bonded body on the surface side opposite the flow path formation substrate, and disposing a protection material containing a nitro compound in a space between the sealing member and the protection substrate.

Abstract: A pattern forming material contains a block copolymer or graft copolymer and forms a structure having micro polymer phases, in which, with respect to at least two polymer chains among polymer chains constituting the block copolymer or graft copolymer, the ratio between N/(Nc?No) values of monomer units constituting respective polymer chains is 1.4 or more, where N represents total number of atoms in the monomer unit, Nc represents the number of carbon atoms in the monomer unit, No represents the number of oxygen atoms in the monomer unit.

Abstract: A focused ion beam system includes a focused ion beam irradiation mechanism which irradiates a sample, on which a protective film is formed, with a focused ion beam from above the sample, a processing control unit which performs a removal process on both sides of a region to be a thin piece portion of the sample by the focused ion beam and sequentially forms observation surfaces parallel to an irradiation direction of the focused ion beam so as to achieve the thin piece portion, and an observation surface image generation unit which generates an observation surface image. The processing control unit terminates the removal process when a height of the protective film in the irradiation direction of the focused ion beam becomes a predetermined threshold value or less in the observation surface image.

Abstract: There are provided a plasma etching method and a plasma etching apparatus, capable of suppressing occurrence of local bias in etching rate and suppressing occurrence of charge-up damage. The plasma etching method of etching a silicon layer of a substrate to be processed using the plasma etching apparatus sets the pressure in a processing chamber to 13.3 Pa or more and applies, to a lower electrode, a first high-frequency power with a first frequency and a second high-frequency power with a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency and is a frequency of 1 MHz or lower.

Abstract: A cement including: an alkali silicate; an organic silicate; a compound selected from a group consisting of Pozzolanic compounds and synthetic Pozzolanic substitutes; a metal oxide; an activator.

Abstract: A switch for, in particular, direct current operation, having at least one circuit breaker chamber, each circuit breaker chamber having two contact pieces having respectively a first contact area, an electrically conductive bridge circuit which can be moved by means of a contact bridge and which has two contact regions for establishing an electrically conductive connection between the first and second contact regions and for separating at least one of the two contact regions from the respective first contact region, in addition to at least two magnets for generating a magnetic field.

Abstract: The wire electric discharge machine determines whether machining is submerged machining or flushing machining. If the machining is the submerged machining, when a fluid level of working fluid is lower than a predetermined height, the wire electric discharge machine prohibits a machining power from being applied. Thus, it is possible to prohibit the machining power from applied in a state in which the working fluid is insufficient and the submerged machining cannot be appropriately performed, thereby preventing an electric shock due to contact with a wire electrode and machining parts of a workpiece and preventing the working fluid from scattering to the air, and improving safety.

Abstract: A consumable set is provided that is usable in a plasma arc torch to direct a plasma arc to a processing surface of a workpiece. The consumable set comprises a nozzle and an alignment surface. The nozzle includes: 1) a nozzle body defining a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and 2) a nozzle exit orifice disposed in the nozzle body for constricting the plasma arc. The nozzle exit orifice defines an exit orifice axis oriented at a non-zero bevel angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The alignment surface is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and substantially planar. The alignment surface is dimensioned to orient the nozzle exit orifice such that the plasma arc impinges on the processing surface of the workpiece at the bevel angle while the plasma arc torch is substantially perpendicular to the processing surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shaft of a surgical instrument including forming a proximal segment of the shaft to include one or more features for operably engaging the shaft to a first component of the surgical instrument, forming a distal segment of the shaft to include one or more features for operably engaging the shaft to a second component of the surgical instrument and forming an intermediate segment of the shaft. The proximal segment is welded to a proximal end of the intermediate segment; and the distal segment is welded to a distal end of the intermediate segment. The proximal and distal segments are welded to the intermediate segment such that the one or more features thereof are aligned in a pre-determined orientation relative to one another.

Abstract: A passenger compartment with an air distribution system for a means of transport and a method for regulating an air outlet temperature of an air distribution system in a passenger compartment of a means of transport are provided. In this arrangement the passenger compartment comprises a multitude of temperature zones in each case with several temperature regions with different heat loads. The air distribution system is designed to calculate the heating energy for a heating element in such a manner that the temperature in the entire temperature zone is as uniform as possible.

Abstract: A sensor element includes a sensor arrangement and a heating arrangement. The sensor arrangement can be heated by the heating arrangement. The heating arrangement has an electrically conductive heating structure which is at least partially electrically insulated from the sensor arrangement by electrical insulation having an electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material has gas-tight sintered particles which have forsterite particles, spinel particles, or a mixture of forsterite particles and spinel particles. Such particles may have an average size D50 of less than or equal to about 200 nm.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method of detecting a temperature through a pyrometer in a non-contact manner, and an apparatus for processing a substrate using the apparatus, and more particularly, an apparatus and method of detecting a temperature, which precisely measures a temperature without any effect by humidity, and an apparatus for processing a substrate using the same.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heater device. The heater device includes: a cylindrical insulating member; a heater element which is spirally wound plural times and disposed on an inner circumference side of the insulating member; and a supporting member having one or more first members disposed on inner circumference side of the heater element and extending in an axial direction of the insulating member, and a plurality of second members which extend from the first members to an outside of the insulating member in a radial direction and pass through gaps between turns of the heater element which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the insulating member such that end portions of the second members are formed to be embedded in the insulating member, in which the first members have expansion allowance portions which allow thermal expansion in the axial direction.

Abstract: Water heaters comprising: (A) a tank, (B) a layer of insulation, e.g., polyurethane foam, and (C) a polyurethane water heater jacket wrapped about the layer of insulation, exhibit less heat loss per unit length than water heaters alike in all aspects except comprising an ABS water heater jacket. The water heater jacket can be made using RIM technology.

Abstract: An electric heater includes a base, a bracket, a working head and a protecting structure. The bracket is disposed on the base. The working head is disposed on the bracket. The working head includes a supporter and a heating module. The heating module is disposed on the supporter. The heating module includes a heating element and at least two electrodes. The at least two electrodes are electrically connected with the heating element. The heating element includes a carbon nanotube layer structure. The protecting structure covers the heating module.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck 10 includes a disc-shaped alumina ceramic base 12, and a heater electrode 14 and an electrostatic electrode 16 that are embedded in the alumina ceramic base 12. An upper surface of the alumina ceramic base 12 functions as a wafer-receiving surface 12a. The heater electrode 14 is formed in a pattern shape, for example, in the manner of a single brush stroke so as to be arranged over the entire surface of the alumina ceramic base 12. When a voltage is applied to the heater electrode 14, the heater electrode 14 generates heat, and heats a wafer W. This heater electrode 14 contains TiSi2 as a main component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic annealing apparatus which performs a magnetic annealing on workpieces held in a workpiece boat by using a horizontal superconducting magnet as a magnetic field generating unit. The magnetic annealing apparatus includes a carrier configured to accommodate the workpieces before the magnetic annealing process; and a workpiece conveyance mechanism configured to convey the workpieces held in the carrier to the workpiece boat. The workpiece conveyance mechanism is capable of holding the workpieces in either a horizontal state or in a horizontal state.