Abstract: An industrial lift truck with a tilt measuring accessory, which provides an operator with a visual indication of the mast assembly tilt angle by means of a flexible cable operated sliding weight indicator mounted on the mast assembly. The flexible cable is fixedly mounted by a mounting device to a roll-cage and extends parallel, or substantially so, to the surface on which the lift truck is operating, before passing over a pulley mounted on the mast assembly to extend downwardly and parallel, or substantially so, to the mast assembly. The sliding weight is received for sliding engagement within a guide, wherein, when the mast assembly is tilted, movement of the flexible cable causes a corresponding movement of the weight relative to the guide thereby giving the visual indication of the angle of tilt of the mast assembly.

Abstract: A lateral stability system for a telescopic handler (1), whose telescopic boom (11) is fitted with equipment (12) suitable for lateral translation of a load (10), comprising a processing unit which includes at least a first enabling module, configured to enable or inhibit movements of said boom (11), according to one or more safety parameters. The system comprises first sensing means for determining the position of the load (10) relative to a center plane (M) of said equipment (12), connected to the processing unit, wherein a first safety parameter is a function of a value of an imbalance signal produced by the first sensing means.

Abstract: A rotating plant for the application of protective membranes of a stretchable plastic polymer on the upper rim of beverage cans includes equal operating devices movable along radial trajectories of a turntable that provide for the circular movement, the radial movement and the vertical movement required and sufficient for applying the membranes.

Abstract: An ampoule opener (1) has a cylindrical body portion (10) with a cavity (11) at an end thereof adapted to receive at least part of the head portion (53) of an ampoule (50). A retaining mechanism, such as an resiliently expandable O-ring (30), is provided at the entrance to the cavity (11) for retaining the head portion (53) at least partially within the cavity (11) after it has been inserted therein. The head portion (53) may be detached from the remainder of the ampoule (50) by holding the ampoule (50) in a first hand with the head portion uppermost, holding the cylindrical body portion (10) having the head portion (53) retained therein in the other hand with the thumb uppermost, and causing relative movement between the body portion (10) and the ampoule (50). The ampoule opener (1) includes a plunger (20) for ejecting the head portion (53) from the cavity after it has been detached.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enhancing presentation of a beverage, particularly adapted for adding a longer lasting, creamy foamed head to a beer or other malt beverage, which enhancing can be done when the beverage is served or later, and separately of dispensing the beverage. The enhancement provided by the creamy foamed head can increase aroma, and customize or change flavor and appearance, including by the addition of design and/or marketing features, to increase perceived value. As another advantage, the apparatus of the invention can be provided in advance of the dispensing of the beverage, and separately, including in a disposable, hand held container.

Abstract: A water dispenser is provided in which a when turned on, timer control of a sterilization operation is automatically started. If an initial input of a predetermined signal by a user is confirmed, after the sterilization operation, an energy saving operation in which the heater is maintained off for a limited time; and a reservation control in which reserved times determined by the timer control are updated based on the time when the input is made; are carried out. If a second or subsequent input is confirmed, the elapsed time since the last sterilization operation until the second or subsequent input is compared with a threshold. If the elapsed time is longer than the threshold, the sterilization operation, the energy saving operation, and the reservation control are carried out. If not, the energy saving operation is carried out without performing the sterilization operation and the reservation control.

Abstract: Disinfecting devices and related methods are provided that apply germicidal ultraviolet light to disinfect dispensing components of food and beverage dispensers. A disinfecting holster for a bar gun includes a support surface configured to interface with a bar gun to support the bar gun when stowed in the holster, a housing coupled with the support surface and surrounding a dispensing nozzle of the bar gun when the bar gun is stowed in the holster, and an ultraviolet light source configured to emit germicidal ultraviolet light onto the nozzle. The housing substantially contains the ultraviolet light within the housing during the application of the ultraviolet light to the dispensing nozzle. The ultraviolet light can be periodically applied to maintain the nozzle in a disinfected state.

Abstract: A container for holding and dispensing substances which is enabled into a dispensing position by moving it and which can be enabled and used with one hand.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sealable bottle. The bottle includes a pouring spout portion which projects from the bottle and has an interior surface defining a fluid flow passage in communication with the interior volume of the bottle. The spout may have a length and diameter sufficient to activate filler neck closure members (e.g. flaps, valves, or other closure members). At least a portion of the spout may be devoid features which could compromise the operation of the closure mechanism in a fuel tank filler neck. The spout may include threads operable to engage a cap on the end of the spout. The threads may be separated by clearance features operable to avoid interference with a capless fuel system.

Abstract: Certain microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, and methods of creating them, are disclosed. The method may include forming a structural layer over a substrate; forming a mask layer over the structural layer, wherein the mask layer is formed with a material selective to an etching process; forming a plurality of nanoclusters on the mask layer; and etching the structural layer using at least the etching process.

Abstract: Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) structures, methods of manufacture and design structures are disclosed. The method includes forming at least one fixed electrode on a substrate. The method further includes forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) beam with a varying width dimension, as viewed from a top of the MEMS beam, over the at least one fixed electrode.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus including microelectromechanical system microphones. In one aspect, the systems include a substrate made of a low dielectric material, such as glass. A layer of semiconductor material extends, substantially continuously over a surface of the substrate and includes an array of display elements that modulate light to form an image and a movable diaphragm that detects acoustic signals. The diaphragm is held away from the substrate by springs that include beams having an aspect ratio of about four to one.

Abstract: A micromechanical structure includes a substrate and a functional structure arranged at the substrate. The functional structure has a functional region configured to deflect with respect to the substrate responsive to a force acting on the functional region. The functional structure includes a conductive base layer and a functional structure comprising a stiffening structure having a stiffening structure material arranged at the conductive base layer and only partially covering the conductive base layer at the functional region. The stiffening structure material includes a silicon material and at least a carbon material.

Abstract: MEMS device for low resistance applications are disclosed. In a first aspect, the MEMS device comprises a MEMS wafer including a handle wafer with one or more cavities containing a first surface and a second surface and an insulating layer deposited on the second surface of the handle wafer. The MEMS device also includes a device layer having a third and fourth surface, the third surface bonded to the insulating layer of the second surface of handle wafer; and a metal conductive layer on the fourth surface. The MEMS device also includes CMOS wafer bonded to the MEMS wafer. The CMOS wafer includes at least one metal electrode, such that an electrical connection is formed between the at least one metal electrode and at least a portion of the metal conductive layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure for a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device is provided. A first substrate region includes an electrical isolation layer arranged over a top surface of the first substrate region. A second substrate region is arranged over the electrical isolation layer and includes a MEMS device structure arranged within the second substrate region. The MEMS device structure includes a fixed mass and a proof mass. A dielectric region is arranged over the electrical isolation layer around the fixed mass. A fixed mass electrode is arranged around the dielectric region, and extends through the second substrate region to the electrical isolation layer. An isolated electrode extends through the second substrate region and the electrical isolation layer to the first substrate region on an opposite side of the proof mass as the fixed mass electrode. The method of forming the semiconductor structure is also provided.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) structure is provided. The IC structure includes an IC substrate including active devices which are coupled together through a conductive interconnect structure arranged thereover. The conductive interconnect structure includes a series of horizontal conductive layers and dielectric regions arranged between neighboring horizontal conductive layers. The conductive interconnect structure includes an uppermost conductive horizontal region with a planar top surface region. A MEMS substrate is arranged over the IC substrate and includes a flexible or moveable structure that flexes or moves commensurate with a force applied to the flexible or moveable structure. The active devices of the IC substrate are arranged to establish analysis circuitry to facilitate electrical measurement of a capacitance between the uppermost conductive horizontal region and the flexible or moveable structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a bottom substrate, wherein a front-end device including a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device and an inductor is disposed on the bottom substrate, and a top substrate bonded to the bottom substrate so as form a cavity enclosing the front-end device. The semiconductor device further includes an adsorption layer disposed on a portion of the top substrate facing the front-end device, wherein the adsorption layer and the inductor do not overlap in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A semiconductor device may include an enclosure structure. The semiconductor device may further include a getter for absorb gas molecules. The getter may be positioned (and enclosed) inside the enclosure structure and may overlap a first portion of a surface of the enclosure structure. The semiconductor device may further include an inductor. The inductor may be positioned (and enclosed) inside the enclosure structure and may overlap a second portion of the surface of the enclosure structure without overlapping the getter in a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the enclosure structure.

Abstract: Microelectronic devices and methods for manufacturing microelectronic devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing microelectronic devices includes forming a stand-off layer over a plurality of microelectronic dies on a microfeature workpiece, removing selected portions of the stand-off layer to form a plurality of stand-offs on corresponding dies, cutting the workpiece to singulate the dies, attaching a first singulated die to a support member, and coupling a second die to the stand-off on the first singulated die.

Abstract: The present application discloses an active ingredient generator including a first discharger defining a discharge space in which a first discharge having first energy is generated; and a second discharger which causes a second discharge having second energy larger than the first energy in a passage space through which allows passage of fluid flowing from the discharge space. The second discharge may be a glow discharge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing purified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) comprising mixing starting CNTs with an organic solvent in the presence of sonication; substantially removing the organic solvent to obtain a CNT composition; and heating the CNT composition at 200° C. or higher to obtain the purified carbon nanotubes. The present invention further relates to the purified CNTs and cohesive CNT assemblies prepared from the method described herein, and articles (e.g. capacitor, energy storage device or capacitive deionization device) comprising the purified CNTs.

Abstract: A method of reducing a gaseous carbon oxide includes reacting a carbon oxide with a gaseous reducing agent in the presence of an intermetallic or carbide catalyst. The reaction proceeds under conditions adapted to produce solid carbon of various allotropes and morphologies, the selective formation of which can be controlled by means of controlling reaction gas composition and reaction conditions including temperature and pressure. A method for utilizing an intermetallic or carbide catalyst in a reactor includes placing the catalyst in a suitable reactor and flowing reaction gases comprising a carbon oxide with at least one gaseous reducing agent through the reactor where, in the presence of the catalyst, at least a portion of the carbon in the carbon oxide is converted to solid carbon and a tail gas mixture containing water vapor.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods of forming graphene films by: (1) depositing a non-gaseous carbon source onto a catalyst surface; (2) exposing the non-gaseous carbon source to at least one gas with a flow rate; and (3) initiating the conversion of the non-gaseous carbon source to the graphene film, where the thickness of the graphene film is controllable by the gas flow rate. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to graphene films made in accordance with the methods of the present disclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing high quality graphene, a method for manufacturing the same and graphene manufactured by the method are disclosed. The apparatus for manufacturing graphene includes a first chamber for supplying a carbon source under a first condition, a second chamber for supplying a carbon source under a second condition, a connector for connecting the first chamber to the second chamber, and a feeder for continuously supplying a catalyst metal to the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A method of producing high grade activated carbon is introduced. The method entails providing soft wood biomass material pretreated to result in a mass of fermentation residual solids having a desired content of lignin. The material is pyrolyzed/carbonized in an inert environment at a temperature rate of 10° C./min up to an upper temperature range and held at the upper temperature range for up to one hour to produce char. Thereafter, the char is activated by changing the inert environment after about one hour at the upper temperature range to an oxidizing environment at a desired oxidizing gas flow rate for a predetermined time period. The environment is then switched back to an inert environment and allowed to cool until room temperature is reached so as to produce the activated high grade carbon. Applications for the material include but is not limited to: carbon electrodes in supercapacitors and mercury adsorbent material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for process for the preparation of a zeolitic material which process comprises (i) providing a boron-containing zeolitic material and (ii) deboronating the boron-containing zeolitic material by treating the boron-containing zeolitic material with a liquid solvent system thereby obtaining a deboronated zeolitic material, which liquid solvent system does not contain an inorganic or organic acid, or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for producing zeolite or zeolite-like crystals using a composition comprising one or more fluorine-containing compounds as a mineralizing agent. Crystals produced by such a method are smaller in size than crystals available in the art and contain few defects. The invention also relates to zeolite and/or zeolite-like crystals obtainable by a method as provided herein as well as crystals defined by any of the structural characteristics provided herein, and the usage thereof such as in the manufacture of thin films and membranes, absorbents, catalysts etc.

Abstract: There is provided a process for extracting Carnallite from an aqueous solution, the process comprising steps of pre-heating the solution comprising said Carnallite in a series of at least two heat exchangers, thereby obtaining a pre-heated solution; and concentrating said pre-heated solution in a series of at least two evaporation units, whereby forming a concentrated solution and hot vapors; wherein at least one of said evaporation units employs steam for indirect heating, and wherein at least one of said heat exchanger units employs the heat of said hot vapors formed in said evaporation units.

Abstract: A reagent is provided for removing mercury (Hg). The reagent contains metal carbonates compound with layers structure. The contents of metals of reagent can be adjusted using this method. The reagent can be manufactured with kilogram grade per batch. The common ions, like Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, etc., can be contained in the reagent. The manufacture method provides a low-cost way for the Hg sorbent and the content ratio of metal oxides can be higher than 50 wt %. The manufacture is operated at a temperature more than 200° C. and can be integrated with existing technology such as denitration catalysts in industry for removing Hg. In another word, the present invention fabricates a mercury-removing reagent of metal-M/aluminum carbonates (M-Al—CO3), which can be potentially combined with commercially selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts for developing medium-high-temperature mercury-removing reagent with mercury-removing efficiency further enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing trimanganese tetroxide with low BET specific surface area and methods for controlling particle size of trimanganese tetroxide and trimanganese tetroxide product.

Abstract: A collapsible water filter has a telescopic container and a filter cartridge. The telescopic container has a telescopic segment and a connection segment, and the telescopic segment having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The telescopic segment defines a holding space, and the holding space has a first opening adjacent to the first end of the telescopic segment. When the first end and the second end of the telescopic segment are under a force such that the first end and the second end approach each other, the volume of the holding space is reduced. When the first end and the second end of the telescopic segment are under a force such that the first end and the second end move away from each other, the volume of the holding space is increased.

Abstract: A roll-up water bottle comprises a hollow cylindrical opening adjacent one end thereof. The opening retains a removable closure/filter assembly. That assembly includes a filter retained within a bottle cap. The cap is positioned within a bottle opening support member retained within the hollow cylindrical opening. The filter housing is generally cylindrical but also includes an outer profile that includes a pair of opposed flat walls. When the filter is secured within the bottle cap and the cap secured within the bottle opening support member, a pair of water flow channels are created. Upon the user applying suction or pressure from squeezing the bottle, water contained with the bottle flows through vent openings in the filter, but also up through the water flow channels. The result is a more even distribution of fluid across a greater portion of the filter.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods of filtering water utilize an integrated gravity-fed, dual ion-exchange filtration bottle. Flow-through multi-stage filtration technology is applied to a personal water bottle. The system filters water from an upper unfiltered water reservoir through a multi-stage filter to a lower filtered water reservoir. A user then drinks from the lower reservoir. The bottle includes a cap with a filtered water outlet through which filtered water in the lower reservoir is accessed with a straw, spout, or other access device. The cap includes an unfiltered water inlet to allow filling and refilling of the upper reservoir without disassembling the bottle. The bottle includes a filter vent that eliminates air locks and partial vacuum that can develop when unfiltered water drains from the upper reservoir through the filter to the lower reservoir. This gravity-fed dual ion-exchange filtration system allows for more complete removal of dissolved solids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treatment and/or purification of water, in particular wastewater or drinking water, preferably for the adsorptive removal of inorganically based or organic, in particular organically-based, impurities, such as trace substances and/or micropollutants, wherein, in a counterflow filter device, in particular a counterflow adsorption filter column, the water that is to be treated and/or that is to be purified firstly, and, secondly, an, in particular particulate, adsorption material are conducted in counterflow and/or in opposite direction to one another.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a horizontally extending buoyant member and a filter panel that extends vertically from the buoyant member, the filter panel defining a tortuous path for passage of water and a surface area for biofilm growth and capture of particles in the biofilm, the filter panel being flexible from a neutral shape and position under force, and being resilient to return to the neutral shape and position by structural rigidity after cessation of the force. The titter panel includes multiple parallel sections defined between parallel vertically extending slits. The parallel sections are flexible permitting opening of the slits. A protective cover faces away from the buoyant member opposite a direction in which the filter panel extends. The filter panel is folded over the buoyant member and the cover is folded over the filter panel.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods of filtering water include a dome shaped lid and middle disk to separate filtration media materials. The domed shaped lid eliminates air locks in the filter media that can slow or stop the filtration process. A flow control output port regulates the flow level and flow speed of the filtered water. An angled flow output port improves flow by accelerating flow at an angled bottom section of the filter. Water permeable filter bag materials house the filter media. An additional washing process improves the taste of the filtered water. A color change resin in the mixed bed resin indicates expiration of the filter. Similarly, a filter expiration indicator assists users in determining when a filter should be replaced. An integrated TDS meter is used for testing the filtered water. The devices can be used individually or in combination to provide performance improvements.

Abstract: A water treatment assembly comprising a spiral wound hyperfiltration membrane module connected to: i) a feed line adapted for connection to a source of pressurized feed water, ii) a permeate line adapted for connection to a dispenser of treated water and iii) a concentrate line adapted for connection with drain; wherein the assembly further includes a pressurizable reservoir with valves for selectively diverting flow of pressurized feed water along the feed line, through the reservoir and returning to the feed line prior to passing through the hyperfiltration membrane module.

Abstract: A membrane filtration system with reverse osmosis (RO) or nanofiltration (NF) elements is adapted to provide high recovery from difficult wastewater. The system has a plurality of stages. The system is configured to provide concentrate staging. The last stage also has concentrate recirculation. The valves and pumps of the system are arranged such that the order of flow and a recirculation pump may be switched between the first stage and the last stage at some times.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment method for purifying heated wastewater produced when recovering bitumen from an oil sand layer by an in-situ recovery method for reuse as steam is provided. The method includes extracting bitumen from a bitumen-mixed fluid recovered by injecting high-temperature steam into the oil sand layer, and subjecting separated heated wastewater to membrane distillation using a hydrophobic porous membrane provided in a membrane distillation module to recover treated water from which an oil component, a salt component, and an organic matter contained in the heated wastewater have been reduced/removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting a fluid has a fluid-containing structure; an inward-facing first electrically conductive cylindrical body contained within said fluid-containing structure; an outward-facing electrically conductive second cylindrical body disposed within said first cylindrical body, in mutually facing parallel and coaxial relation thereto, and spaced apart therefrom to define a fluid-occupiable cavity; a power supply electrically coupled between said first cylindrical body and said second cylindrical body, said power supply producing therebetween an electric field, the field having a waveform approximating a series of alternating square wave pulses of opposite polarity, said pulses having a maximum absolute value of approximately 60 volts per centimeter, a complete cycle of said waveform has a first pulse and a succeeding pulse of opposite polarity, recurring with a frequency of between about 1 kHz and and about 5 kHz and providing about 2 amps to about 4 amps.

Abstract: A water treatment method for improving the water quality of a body of water is disclosed. A water treatment mineral is also disclosed. The water treatment mineral includes a third period electrolyte component comprising magnesium chloride and sodium chloride. The magnesium chloride is more than about 15% by weight of the third period electrolyte. The water treatment mineral may be used with existing water treatment equipment by adjusting the concentration to a level suited to the effective production of hypochlorite anions at a concentration sufficient to sanitize the water. The method includes adding the water treatment mineral to the body of water at a concentration of about 1200 ppm to about 9600 ppm. The water is passed through an electrolytic cell and an electrical potential is applied, sufficient to produce a predetermined concentration of hypochlorite anions in the mineralized water passing through the electrolytic cell to produce chlorinated water.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a deionization chamber having a plurality of electrodes corresponding to a plurality of register levels thereby forming a gradient of electrical amplitudes and frequencies within the deionization chamber.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed including increasing the rate by which a dissimilar material separates in an aqueous-based mixture, comprising passing a first aqueous-based mixture through a magnetically conductive conduit having magnetic energy directed along the longitudinal axis of the magnetically conductive conduit and extending through at least a portion of the first aqueous-based mixture thereby providing a conditioned aqueous-based medium; and separating the conditioned aqueous-based medium into at least two distinct phases in at least one separation apparatus downstream of the magnetically conductive conduit, wherein the at least one dissimilar material separates from water in the conditioned aqueous-based medium at an increased rate as compared to a rate of separation of the at least one dissimilar material from water in the first aqueous-based mixture.

Abstract: Novel devices for synthesizing ferrate and uses thereof are described. One aspect of the invention relates to devices and systems for synthesizing ferrate at a site proximal to the site of use.

Abstract: A fluid purification system (FPS) is provided and includes a fluid inlet, an injection manifold defining at least one manifold fluid flow path and at least one gas/fluid flow path. The injection manifold is configured to receive a fluid flowing into the fluid inlet such that the fluid flows through the manifold fluid flow path, wherein the injection manifold is configured to controllably divert at least a portion of the fluid to flow through the fluid/gas flow path and back into the manifold fluid flow path. The FPS further includes a singlet oxygen generator for generating singlet oxygen O1 communicated with the injection manifold such that the singlet oxygen O1 is controllably injectable into the gas/fluid flow path and a contact chamber, wherein the contact chamber is in flow communication with the manifold fluid flow path to receive the fluid flowing within the manifold fluid flow path.

Abstract: A water closet for disposing of human waste includes a septic system, a toilet, a floor, and an enclosure. The septic system includes a primary chamber, a secondary chamber spaced a distance laterally from the primary chamber, a fluid communication member extending between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber, and an outlet member extending away from the secondary chamber. The septic system further includes an anaerobic bacterial treatment that processes excretory material disposed in the primary chamber into effluent which is transferred out of the primary chamber via the fluid communication member and into the secondary chamber before it is transferred out of the secondary chamber via an outlet member that extends towards either a leach field or a third chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, apparatuses, and systems for treating water. The methods, apparatuses and systems reduce scaling associated with solubilized water hardness using a sequence of water treatment agents, including a first threshold agent shedding weak cation exchange resin and a second magnesium compound conversion agent water treatment. The system or apparatus and methods according to the invention provide synergistic reduction of hard water scaling and elimination of cementing on the insoluble magnesium compound.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing, without using a mold, a shaped green glass or glass ceramic article having a predefined geometry, which method permits to produce fine local textures of high surface quality and with homogeneous properties, in particular with respect to homogeneous nucleation or crystallization.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for producing, without a mold, a shaped glass article having a predefined geometry.

Abstract: A process using a three-piece mold for making a three-dimensionally shaped glass article having a flat area and a curved/bend area is disclosed. The process includes placing a glass sheet on a mold having a shaping surface with a desired surface profile for the shaped glass article including a flat area and a bend area, moving a flat area plunger toward the glass sheet to compress the glass sheet, heating a portion of the glass sheet corresponding to an area above the bend area of the mold to a temperature above a forming temperature, and moving a bend area plunger toward the heated glass sheet to compress the heated glass sheet. A temperature of the glass sheet in the area above the bend area of the mold is higher than a temperature of the glass sheet in the area above the flat area of the mold when compressing the heated glass sheet with the bend area plunger.