Abstract: An apparatus includes an inlet chamber, a preparation chamber, an analysis element and a housing with an inner housing space in which a preparation element bounding the preparation chamber and an inlet element bounding the inlet chamber are arranged. The test strip is arranged in the housing so as to be visible from the outside. Test liquid can be brought from the inlet chamber via the preparation chamber onto the analysis element. The inner housing space is of cylindrical design and the preparation element is capable of being rotated with respect to the inlet element and the housing. Thus, a compact housing is possible, in particular, a compact housing with a cylindrical or parallelepiped-shaped outer contour.

Abstract: An assembly comprising at least one microfluidic device and a mounting piece, this microfluidic device comprising at least one material layer and at least one first fluidic port, which first fluidic port it situated at least partially in an end surface of the material layer and which mounting piece comprises at least one fluidic component, wherein the mounting piece is coupled to the microfluidic device by means of first coupling means provided for this purpose such that the fluidic component is connected to the first fluidic port. The invention also relates to such a mounting piece.

Abstract: A flow cell including inlet and outlet ports in fluid communication with each other through a flow channel that extends therebetween. The flow channel includes a diffuser region and a field region that is located downstream from the diffuser region. The field region of the flow channel directs fluid along reaction sites where desired reactions occur. The fluid flows through the diffuser region in a first flow direction and through the field region in a second flow direction. The first and second flow directions being substantially perpendicular.

Abstract: A fluid handling device includes a substrate, a film and a conductive layer. The substrate includes a through hole or a recess. The film includes first, second and third regions. The conductive layer is disposed on one surface of the film across the first, second and third regions. The first region of the film is bonded to one surface of the substrate such that one of openings of the through hole or an opening of the recess is closed to form a housing part, and that a part of the conductive layer is exposed to the inside of the housing part. The second region of the film is bent such that the conductive layer is located on an outside. The third region of the film is bonded to the first region of the film such that the conductive layer is exposed to the exterior.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic device includes a plurality of heaters on a substrate for heating the substrate. The plurality of heaters define a plurality of temperature regions having distinct temperatures on the substrate. A flow feature layer is formed above the substrate to define a channel extending across the substrate through each temperature region. As fluid is repeatedly pumped within the channel, it flows from one temperature region to a next temperature region to undergo thermal cycling.

Abstract: In a method of controlling a process in which the particle size of a material is reduced by passing the material through a nip between rollers at least one operational figure, such as the motor current, of at least one motor associated with at least one roller is continuously measured and the nip is adjusted by controlling the operational figure so as to match a target operational figure. A machine for reducing the particle size of a material by passing the material through a nip between rollers has a device for measuring at least one operational figure, such as the motor current, of at least one motor associated with at least one roller and a device for adjusting the nip on the basis of the measured operational figure matching a target operational figure.

Abstract: The invention relates to the granulation by agglomeration of ceramic compositions ground in dry phase. The invention proposes an alternative to the method of wet-phase grinding and drying by atomization. The method consists of dry-phase grinding and preparing argillaceous ceramic compositions without binders, additives, or deflocculants from argillaceous minerals (about 60%) mixed with inorganic materials, grain sizes of less than 120 micrometers, in a horizontal rotary cylindrical device with deflecting paddles, the intake of said minerals, powdery materials and water takes place at one end of said device; and granules that are moved by said deflecting paddles are formed due to the rotation of said device. The outlet of the granulated material is at the opposite end of said device. The invention offers the following advantages: energy savings of 80%; savings in water consumption during granulation of 75-80% and 10-20% of additional savings in the pressure for pressing the granules.

Abstract: A rotary drum apparatus comprising a drum rotatable around a longitudinal axis, and at least one electric motor for driving the drum in rotation around the longitudinal axis, each drive motor comprising a stator and a rotor, the rotor comprising at least one ring portion joint together with the drum and extending substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. The stator of each drive motor extending against a part of circumference of the drum perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A portable sluice box for efficient processing and classification of alluvial sand, gravel, detritus, or classification of rock that has been mined and crushed. Sluice having three stages of material classification including, a movable primary screen, viewable secondary screen, distributor box with flow control baffle, laminar flow stratification trough, and cleanable bottom riffle system.

Abstract: A method of extracting bitumen from oil sands having a transition temperature at which the oil sands solidify includes forming formable oil sands into pellets and cooling at least a surface of the pellets sufficiently to prevent the pellets from aggregating; cooling the pellets to below the transition temperature; fracturing the pellets to release the bitumen from the oil sands while maintaining the temperature of the pellets below the transition temperature; and separating the bitumen from the oil sands in a separator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting magnetic particles from a sample includes placing the sample near a liquid carrier, which is immiscible with it, in a configuration stable under the influence of gravity. The magnetic particles are moved by a magnetic field from the sample and into the carrier. The magnetic particles are non-wetting with respect to the carrier and will therefore form agglomerates in the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material and at least one second material, which comprises contacting of the mixture comprising at least one first material and at least one second material with at least one magnetic particle, or contacting of the mixture comprising at least one first material and at least one second material with at least one magnetic particle and at least one surface-modifying substance at the same time, contacting of the mixture from step (A) with at least one surface-modifying substance, if this has not been done in step (A), so that the at least one first material, the at least one surface-modifying substance and the at least one magnetic particle become attached to one another, and separation of the addition product by application of a magnetic field.

Abstract: A high-gradient permanent magnet apparatus for capturing paramagnetic particles, the apparatus comprising: (i) at least two permanent magnets positioned with like poles facing each other; (ii) a ferromagnetic spacer separating the like poles; and (iii) a magnetizable porous filling material in close proximity to the at least two permanent magnets. Also described is a method for capturing paramagnetic particles in which a gas or liquid sample containing the paramagnetic particles is contacted with the high-gradient permanent magnet apparatus described above; wherein, during the contacting step, the gas or liquid sample contacts the magnetizable porous filling material of the high-gradient permanent magnet apparatus, and at least a portion of the paramagnetic particles in the gas or liquid sample is captured on the magnetizable porous filling material.

Abstract: A collecting electrode for use in wet electrostatic precipitators, the collecting electrode being fabricated from an electrically-conductive, corrosion resistant and temperature and spark resistant composite material comprising carbon fiber and thermosetting resin so as to pro\ the collecting electrode with an improved arc resistance, as dictated by erosion density and direction, by controlling the weave pattern and/or fabric thickness of the carbon fibers.

Abstract: Methods, structures, devices and systems are disclosed for rapid enrichment and mass transport of biomolecules (e.g., such as proteins) or other small molecules and particles using electrodeless dielectrophoresis (eDEP). In one aspect, a device to aggregate molecules includes a substrate that is electrically insulating, an electrically insulative material formed on the substrate and structured to form a channel to carry an electrically conducting fluid containing particles, a constriction structure formed of the electrically insulative material and located in the channel to narrow a channel dimension and forming an opening with a size in the nanometer range, and a circuit coupled to the substrate to apply an ac electric field and a dc bias electric field along the channel, in which the constriction structure is structured to magnify the applied ac electric field to produce forces that operate collectively to aggregate the particles.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods, devices and systems for isolating nanoparticulates, including nucleic acids, from biological samples. In various aspects, the methods, devices and systems may allow for a rapid procedure that requires a minimal amount of material and/or results in high purity isolation of biological components from complex fluids such as blood or environmental samples.

Abstract: A method of using the synergy of multiple depressants to improve the depression of iron sulphide without compromising the recovery of the valuable sulphide minerals in the flotation of non-ferrous metal sulphides, while reducing or eliminating the use of environmentally problematic chemicals such as polyamines. The method has significant economic and environmental benefits. The multiple depressants comprise at least one organic polymer, at least one sulphur-containing compound and/or at least one nitrogen-containing organic compound.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a centrifuge rotor mounted to a spindle and includes a rotor casing enclosing a separation space. Peripheral ports extend from the separation space through the rotor casing. A valve slide is movable between a closed position closing the peripheral ports and an open position opening the peripheral ports. A closing chamber is provided between the valve slide and the rotor casing. An inlet channel supplies hydraulic medium to the closing chamber to hold the valve slide in the closed position. An outlet passage permits an outlet flow of the hydraulic medium for moving the valve slide to the open position. The outlet passage includes outlet channels extending though the rotor casing. A valve body is provided in each outlet channel and is axially movable from a closing position to an opening position against the direction of the outlet flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing droplets comprises a dispensing tip with an orifice having a cross sectional area in the range of 0.00002 mm2 to 0.03 mm2. An actuator assembly comprising an actuator element engages with and disengage from the tip and, when engaged, couples acoustic energy to liquid in the tip to expel the liquid through the orifice as a droplet. The actuator assembly includes one or more piezo elements, which may be in the form of piezo stacks. In some embodiments, the actuator assembly comprises a plurality of jaws adapted to move to engage with the dispensing tip for dispensing. This allows side loading of the tip followed by movement of the actuator assembly to engage the tip.

Abstract: A showerhead for personal hygiene is provided that includes a valve actuator that is powered mechanically or electrically to provide variation in spray pattern, variation in water flow, or a combination thereof upon a user initiating valve actuator operation. A power supply, with a recharge capability for the power source, is provided of a battery-electric motor or a spring, the power supply is in mechanical communication with the actuator. A user interface includes buttons corresponding to different multimodal operational programs for the showerhead. A user programmable keypad allowing selection between different spray modes, flow rates and a combination thereof is provided within an integral showerhead housing or a remote control. A user is able to change modes without intervening manual manipulation between modes; as a result an enhanced massage experience is provided. A timed shower period, reduced water flow patterns, or a combination thereof is also provided to save water.

Abstract: A sprinkler and side-loading nozzle insert assembly includes a sprinkler body provided with a flow passage, a bearing housing in a side wall of the sprinkler body, and a nozzle insert received in an access opening formed in the side wall of the sprinkler body substantially opposite the bearing housing. The nozzle insert includes an insert body having a bearing portion received in the bearing housing, a ball-valve portion connected to the bearing portion and provided with a nozzle bore having an inlet and an outlet orifice, and a lock/release portion connected to the ball-valve portion, the lock/release portion including plural, flexible spring arms extending away from the ball-valve portion. The nozzle insert is rotatable to plural operating positions by manipulation of the spring arms.

Abstract: A shower device, such as a hand shower, includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, the housing defining a first flow path and a second flow path between the inlet and the outlet, a first flow regulator positioned in the first flow path and limiting a flow of water therethrough to a first flow rate, and a second flow regulator upstream of the first flow regulator and limiting a flow of water therethrough to a second flow rate, the first flow path and the second flow path passing through the second flow regulator. A valve may be positioned in the second flow path and biased to close the second flow path and an actuator may be coupled to the valve and operable to open the valve, the actuator being positioned on the housing flush with or recessed from the housing surface.

Abstract: A rotating deflector for use with a rotary sprinkler in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a conical body, a plurality of channels formed on a bottom surface of the conical body and extending from a center of the conical body outward toward an outer edge of the conical body, and a deflector ring rotatably mounted on the conical body such that the deflector ring rotates from a first position in which the deflector ring provides additional rotational force for rotation of the deflector and a second position in which the deflector ring provides substantially no rotational force for rotation of the deflector.

Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus includes a discharge portion capable of discharging a liquid, a carriage movable along scanning directions between a first position and a second position, a tube that is connected to the discharge portion and that supplies the liquid to the discharge portion, a frame provided at such a position as to be able to contact the tube, and a tube support portion that is provided between the frame and the carriage and that has a supporting surface capable of supporting the tube. The carriage includes an inclined portion that is inclined so as to move the tube toward the supporting surface when the carriage moves along the scanning directions while the tube is not supported by the supporting surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disperser that gives a local dispersing effect and a homogenous dispersing effect and that achieves a more efficient dispersion. The shearing disperser comprising a rotor and an opposing member that is opposite the rotor, wherein the disperser disperses a slurry or liquid mixture by allowing the mixture to pass through the disperser and outwardly between the rotor and the opposing member by centrifugal force, and wherein the disperser further comprises a plurality of gaps that are provided between the rotor and the opposing member and lead the mixture outwardly; and a buffering space that is provided to connect an outermost gap to a gap located in a position inward from the outermost gap and that retains the mixture.

Abstract: The dispenser comprises an eductor for the drawing of a concentrate fluid from a liquid reservoir container into an input carrier fluid by means of the flow of the other fluid utilizing a venturi effect. In this dispenser the concentration of the concentrate fluid in the input fluid can be varied to differing preset amounts. The dispenser contains an elongated channel having an input for the input fluid and dispensing nozzle at an exit end for dispensing the chemical concentrate fluid in a diluted form. There is a transverse intersecting channel intermediate the input end and the exit end. The transverse intersecting channel has an insert that is moveable in the intersecting channel, apertures of the moveable insert being alignable with apertures in the transverse intersecting channel and the liquid reservoir container holding the concentrate fluid. One aperture is in alignment with the elongated channel and another aperture in alignment with a channel from the liquid reservoir container.

Abstract: A pump system may include a blown-in dip tube connected to a valve body and having a connection which may include an improved blown-in dip tube connector having one or more of a lip for sealing with a blown-in dip tube, a seal ring configured to mate with a blown-in dip tube and seal therewith, a dip tube lock for mating with a blown-in dip tube, or an o-ring for providing an improved seal with a blown-in dip tube.

Abstract: A flying insect spray apparatus includes a casing having upper and lower portions that define an interior area. The casing may be mounted to a wall or ceiling of an enclosed structure such as a garage. A reservoir configured to hold an insecticide is positioned in the interior area, the reservoir having an outlet such as a hose. A pump is positioned in the interior area and electrically connected to the reservoir and configured to cause the insecticide to be urged from the reservoir when the pump is electrically actuated. The outlet is in fluid communication with a plurality of nozzles spaced apart radially about a dispensing member such that the insecticide is dispersed in a 360 degree radius of the casing. The spray apparatus includes a controller electrically connected to the pump that includes a timer, the controller configured to actuate the pump at a predetermined time.

Abstract: Methods and systems of controlling the operation of a pump according to a pump operation schedule are described. In one constructions, a pump controller enters a programming mode and monitors a number of inputs received through a user interface while in the programming mode. The programming mode is then exited and a delay time is defined equal to one hour for each input received through the user interface while in the programming mode. A stored pump operation schedule is accessed and operation of the pump is initiated according to the pump operation schedule after a period of time equal to the delay time has elapsed since exiting the programming mode. Operation of the pump is again initiated according to the accessed pump operation schedule every twenty-four hours since the pump operation schedule was last initiated.

Abstract: A spray edger device, which is suitable for use with a material application apparatus, said spray edger device includes a planar blade member, a substantially V-shaped frame member for supporting the planar blade member, and a collar member configured for moveably connecting the planar blade member to a barrel portion of a material application apparatus.

Abstract: A cartridge dispenser generally includes an actuator, cartridge carrier, a removable cartridge, a dispenser head, and a cartridge piston. A sensor is configured to sense data and provide feedback data for controlling the actuator. The dispenser head is a multi-piece assembly allowing removal of an outlet flow tube for maintenance purposes. The tube may be a resilient tube and pinch valves are provided for fluid flow control from the dispenser.

Abstract: The disclosure provides materials, apparatuses, and methods for making multilayer coatings with a high degree of efficiency and control. In some aspects, for example, coatings are described having multiple layers of nanoparticles and a polyelectrolyte, wherein the nanoparticles form tightly packed monolayers. The interface between monolayers may include polyelectrolyte material. One or more aspects of such monolayers and interfaces are controllable.

Abstract: A process for preparing a ceramic body having a surface roughness, said process comprising the step of depositing particles of a ceramic material on the surface of a ceramic basic body. The process is characterized in that separate agglomerates comprising at least two particles and a binder binding the particles together are deposited on the surface of the basic body by projecting the agglomerates towards the basic body.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a water resistant optically anisotropic film capable of suppressing the generation of a defect such as a crack or separation is provided. The method for manufacturing the water resistant optically anisotropic of the present invention includes a water resistant treatment step of bringing an optically anisotropic film containing an organic dye having an anionic group into contact with a water resistant treatment liquid containing a multivalent cationic compound and a monovalent cationic compound, and the mass ratio of the multivalent cationic compound and the monovalent cationic compound contained in the water resistant treatment liquid, monovalent cationic compound/multivalent cationic compound, is 0.01 to 2.

Abstract: Methods and systems for coating articles are described herein. The methods and systems described herein include, but are not limited to, steps for actively or passively controlling the temperature during the coating process, steps for providing intimate contact between the substrate and the support holding the substrate in order to maximize energy transfer, and/or steps for preparing gradient coatings. Methods for depositing high molecular weight polymeric coatings, end-capped polymer coatings, coatings covalently bonded to the substrate or one another, metallic coatings, and/or multilayer coatings are also disclosed. Deposition of coatings can be accelerated and/or improved by applying an electrical potential and/or through the use of inert gases.

Abstract: A method for treating a piece (1) made of a first porous material (8) with a second material (2) when this second material is in liquid state, said second material (2) being suitable for infiltration when a predetermined temperature range (DTi) and a predetermined field of infiltration pressure (Dpi), comprises the steps of: —providing a crucible (4) suitable for containing the piece (1) and the second material (2) and capable of withstanding the temperatures and pressures for the infiltration of the second material (2) in the piece (1); providing a cover (5) for the crucible (4) suitable for closing the crucible creating a chamber (6) inside the crucible; placing the piece (1) and the second material (2) in said crucible chamber (6), when this second material is not yet in liquid state; —subsequently closing the crucible (4) with the cover (5); —at a pressure (pa or pa1)—unsuitable for the infiltrations of the second material in the first porous material, raising the temperature of the piece (1) and the seco

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus and method which facilitate to improve uniformity of thin film material and also facilitate to control quality of thin film by the use of plasma forming space and source gas distributing space separately provided from each other, wherein the substrate processing apparatus includes a process chamber; a substrate support for supporting a plurality of substrates, the substrate support rotatably provided inside the process chamber; and a electrode unit arranged above the substrate support and provided with the plasma forming space and the source gas distributing space, wherein the plasma forming space is spatially separated from the source gas distributing space.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously ablating and functionalizing a portion of a polymeric ophthalmic substrate surface, comprising the following steps: applying a CO2 particle spray against an unreacted portion of the substrate surface; and simultaneously projecting at least one source of ionizing-heating radiation into said CO2 particle spray flowing against said unreacted portion of the substrate surface, thus intersecting and mixing together to form an instantaneous surface treatment composition of ionizing-heating radiation and CO2 particle spray flowing against the substrate surface, and to form and remove a reacted portion of the substrate surface.

Abstract: In some examples, a method includes identifying a damaged area in a ceramic matrix composite coating of an in-service component; applying a restoration slurry to the damaged area of the ceramic matrix composite coating, wherein the restoration slurry comprises a liquid carrier and a restoration coating material; drying the restoration slurry to form a dried restoration slurry; and heat treating the dried restoration slurry to form a restored portion of the ceramic matrix composite coating. In some examples, an assembly may include a component including a substrate and a coating on the substrate, where the coating defines a damaged portion; masking around the damaged portion on undamaged portions of the coating; and a restoration slurry in the damaged portion, wherein the restoration slurry comprises a liquid carrier and a restoration coating material.

Abstract: A method for automatically setting the rider roll/glue applicator roll gap for the single face web on a glue machine senses a forward drag that the single face web, operating at corrugator speed, exerts on the glue applicator roll, driven at an underspeed, after bringing the flute tips of the single face web into contact with the glue applicator roll by adjusting the position of the rider roll. Changes in forward drag exerted on the glue applicator roll are monitored and related directly to glue applicator roll drive current to provide a slight compression of the single face web between the rider roll and the glue applicator roll. Preferably, the glue applicator roll uses a regenerative drive and the target drive current command in a feedback control system to cause the gap to be adjusted to achieve the desired slight compression of the web flutes and to maintain the glue applicator roll under speed.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer submersible in an immersion fluid (8) for underwater acoustic communications, includes two horns (3a, 3b), a counterweight (4), two electroacoustic motors (1a, 1b), aligned along an axis of symmetry (6), the opposite ends of the motors being respectively connected to a horn, the unit consisted by the electroacoustic motors, the counterweight and the horns being able to generate a longitudinal electroacoustic resonance mode. The transducer includes a rigid and hollow cylindrical part (5) extending around the counterweight, the cylindrical part having an axis merged with the symmetry axis of the transducer, the inside of the cylindrical part forming a fluid cavity able to be filled with the immersion fluid, the electroacoustic motors and the cylindrical part being so dimensioned that the fluid cavity forms an acoustic coupling between the longitudinal electroacoustic resonance mode and a circumferential resonance mode of the cylindrical part.

Abstract: A system includes a transducer configured to emit ultrasound in response to receiving an electrical signal from a driving circuit. The transducer includes a first dimension that determines a frequency of the ultrasound and a second dimension that determines an impedance of the transducer. The frequency is independent of the second dimension.

Abstract: An improved multi-disc assembly and method for releasable attachment to a shaft of a disc screen apparatus. A multi-disc hub includes multiple discs configured for use in a material separation screen of a disc screen apparatus, and has a through bore configured for direct engagement over the shaft of a material separation screen. The multi-disc hub is comprised of at least two parts that detach from each other, and at least one part comprises a portion of the through bore cross-sectional area that is less than or equal to half of the total through-bore cross-sectional area. A fastener is adapted to attach at least one hub part to the shaft, and the fastener provides a force that is greater than the force of gravity to temporarily retain the hub part onto the shaft when the shaft is rotated.

Abstract: A shaker for separating solids from a drilling fluid includes a top screening deck (130), a flow-back pan (160) positioned beneath the top screening deck (130) for receiving an initially separated drilling fluid from the top screening deck. The flow-back pan (160) is divided into a plurality of channels (A, B, C, D). The shaker further includes a fluid distribution box (210), which includes a plurality of conduits (A, B, C, D). Each channel (A, B, C, D) of the flow-back pan (160) corresponds to one of the plurality of conduits (A, B, C, D) in the fluid distribution box (210) and each channel communicates a stream of the initially separated drilling fluid to the corresponding conduit. The shaker further includes a middle screening deck (140) and a bottom screening deck (150). Each conduit (A, B, C, D) routes the stream of initially separated drilling fluid to a corresponding one of the middle screening deck (140) and the bottom screening deck (150).

Abstract: An automated object sorting system is provided. In various embodiments, the automated object sorting system includes an automated object extraction assembly and an automated object collection assembly. The automated object extraction assembly extracts one or more objects from an object sorting tray based on one or more attributes and/or traits of interest. The automated collection assembly selectively deposits the extracted objects in selected collection receptacles according to the particular attributes and/or traits of each respective object.

Abstract: A dewaxing device includes a dewaxing system which includes a rinsing device and a storage device connected with the rinsing device via a circulation pipe, and a recycling system which includes a containing trough connected with the storage device and a recycling trough connected between the containing trough and the storage device. The recycling system further includes a rotating device, a condensing unit and a heating unit which cooperate to treat mixed solution with wax into pure chemical solvent in the containing trough. The rotating device is rotatably mounted above the containing trough with the bottom half thereof being dived into the mixed solution. The condensing unit and the heating unit are disposed at two opposite sides of the top half of the rotating device. The rotating device is rotated towards the condensing unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are a liquid processing apparatus and a cleaning method which may perform cleaning on a portion which is not in the vicinity of a drain section in an exhaust route. The liquid processing apparatus includes an exhaust section provided in vicinity of the drain section, which is configured to exhaust a surrounding atmosphere of the substrate held by the substrate holding unit; an exhaust route forming member configured to form an exhaust route reaching the exhaust section; and a first cleaning unit configured to supply a cleaning liquid to the exhaust route forming member at the exhaust route side.

Abstract: A method of wet cleaning an aluminum part having bare aluminum surfaces and anodized aluminum surfaces. The method includes CO2 dry ice blasting the surfaces of the aluminum part at approximately 35 to approximately 45 psi, masking the aluminum part to conceal the bare aluminum surfaces, soaking the dry ice blasted and masked aluminum part in deionized water at or above approximately 60° C., scrubbing the aluminum part with an abrasive pad and deionized water after completion of the soaking in deionized water, and repeating the soaking and scrubbing in the recited order at least three additional times.

Abstract: A digitally controlled current to pressure converter (CPC) and method of controlling same is provided. The method of controlling includes the step of periodically imparting symmetrically-opposed movement of a control valve of the CPC to loosen and flush accumulated silt therefrom. More particularly, the method may include the step of periodically introducing a small-amplitude symmetrically-opposed impulse to a controller that actuates a hydraulic control shaft of a three-way rotary valve. Also provided is a method of preventing malfunction due to faulty input or feedback signals received by the CPC, and a method of detecting the health status of multiple CPCs when used in a redundant configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for rinsing plastics material containers, with a conveying device which conveys the plastics material containers along a pre-set conveying path, with a plurality of spraying devices which act upon an inner space of the plastics material containers with a gaseous medium and which are designed to be movable at least locally with the plastics material containers, with a reservoir for the gaseous medium and at least one connecting line by way of which the reservoir is connected in terms of flow to the spraying devices. The apparatus has an ionizing unit which is arranged between the reservoir and the spraying devices and which ionizes centrally the gaseous medium arriving at the spraying devices.