Abstract: A spool assembly includes a drum having a first axial end and an oppositely disposed second axial end. The drum includes an inner surface that defines a bore that extends through the first and second axial ends. A drum support is disposed in the bore of the drum. The drum support includes a first end and an oppositely disposed second end. The drum support has an exterior surface. The exterior surface of the drum support and the inner surface of the drum define a plurality of channels. A first flange is engaged to the first end of the drum support. A second flange is engaged to the second end of the drum support.

Abstract: A set of blanks for being repeatedly assembled into a reel configuration. A flange blank has pass through slots angularly spaced apart from one another and interlocking apertures angularly aligned with the pass through slots. Each pass through slot is spaced radially from an interlocking aperture. A core blank has a hub portion that is folded toward a core configuration in which it has an annular shape. Push tabs extend outwardly from the hub portion. Each of the push tabs passes through a pass through slot. Each push tab includes a spine and a pair of wings extending outwardly from the spine. The wings of each push tab bend away from a coplanar position with respect to their spine as the push tab is inserted in an interlocking aperture. The wings lockingly engage the flange blank when each push tab is lockingly received in the interlocking aperture.

Abstract: A method of allocating calls of a lift installation with at least one lift and at least one car per lift to move passengers in a journey from at least one input floor to at least one destination floor, a system for executing the method and a computer readable memory with instructions for executing the method. The method includes receiving input calls from passengers travelling from an input floor to a destination floor, each call identifying at least one floor as an input floor or a destination floor. A start zone with identified input floors and a destination zone with identified destination floors are determined from the input calls and destination calls. Each identified floor within a corresponding zone is considered using at least one selection criterion and a stopping floor is selected which satisfies the criterion. The car is caused to stop at fewer than all the identified input floors and identified destination floors during the journey.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, from a portable recording device, multiple recordings of sounds made by an elevator during operation of the elevator, the multiple recordings generated at different times. The method includes analyzing, by a sound analysis circuit, the multiple recordings generated at the different times to detect changes in an elevator characteristic over time and generating, based on detecting the changes in the elevator characteristic over time, a notification to perform an action on the elevator.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for a lift system, the safety mechanism including a first motion retarder which operates frictionally between a load-carrying platform and a hoistway and a second motion retarder which operates by breaking a frangible element. The two motion retarders may act together so that when the frictionally engaging element is depleted, the frangible elements are then broken. In an embodiment, the frictional element is disengaged to engage the breaking of the frangible elements when the car is a predetermined distance above a floor of the hoistway, thereby ensuring that the load-carrying platform can be stopped prior to a collision with the floor or ceiling of the hoistway.

Abstract: A handrail drive inverter for an escalator can include a memory configured to store instructions, a processor coupled to the memory, an input configured to receive a main speed control signal that corresponds to the speed of a main drive motor of the escalator, and an output configured to provide a handrail speed control signal for a handrail drive motor based on the instructions in the memory. The processor is configured to calculate a torque output of the handrail drive motor and determine the handrail speed control signal as a function of the torque output and a feedback of the handrail speed control signal constrained by at least one of an upper limit and a lower limit, the upper limit and the lower limit being determined from the main speed control signal.

Abstract: A self-clamping handrail device includes a belt-handrail compound comprising a first belt, a second belt coupled to the first belt, and a handrail coupled to the second belt, a counter bar and a clamping frame configured to support the belt-handrail compound as the belt-handrail compound passes between the counter bar and the clamping frame, the clamping frame configured to move about a clamping curve based on a tension force applied to the handrail, and the first belt and the second belt applying a normal force to the handrail based at least in part on the tension force.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling the orientation of a crane load, wherein a manipulator for manipulating the load is connected by a rotator unit to a hook suspended on ropes and the skew angle ?L of the load is controlled by a control unit of the crane, characterized in that the control unit is an adaptive control unit wherein an estimated system state of the crane system is determined by use of a nonlinear model describing the skew dynamics during operation.

Abstract: A system (19; 19, 35) for reducing an amount of a counterweight for a crane comprises a crane (2) having a founding structure (3) being disposed on a base (20), a coupling unit (4), and a superstructure (5) being coupled to the founding structure (3) via the coupling unit (4). The system (19; 19, 35) further comprises a suspension device (21; 21, 36) for suspending the crane (2) at the base (20), said suspension device (21; 21, 36) having a guiding structure (22; 22, 37) defining a guiding direction (23; 23, 38), said guiding structure (22; 22, 37) being attached to the base (20), a displacement device (24) being displaceably attached to the guiding structure (22; 22, 37) along the guiding direction (23; 23, 38), and at least one suspension element (29) being connected with a first end to the crane (2) and being connected with a second end to the displacement device (24).

Abstract: A winch having a brushless DC motor, the brushless DC motor having a fixed, non-rotating shaft and a rotating housing; and a rotating drum mounted to the rotating housing, wherein the rotating housing is fully encased within the rotating drum.

Abstract: A labor-saving device for detection of no-load hand hoist motion, including a base, a stand pole, and a controller, a first cantilever beam, a second cantilever beam, a third cantilever beam, and a fourth cantilever beam being sequentially disposed in single vertical plane from top to bottom of the stand pole. Specifically, the electric hoist being disposed below the first cantilever beam; a pair of first guide unit being respectively disposed at two opposite laterals of the second cantilever beam; a driving unit including a motor, a stand plate, and an actuator being coaxially disposed in series from internal to external, being disposed above the third cantilever beam; and a pair of second guide unit are respectively disposed at two opposite laterals of the fourth cantilever beam.

Abstract: A device for opening an ampoule includes an ampoule holder configured to hold a body of the ampoule along a central longitudinal axis, a head holder configured to hold a head of the ampoule, and a guide engaged with the head holder and configured to direct the head holder from a first position on the central longitudinal axis to a second position offset from the central longitudinal axis when the ampoule holder is advanced in a first direction along the central longitudinal axis from an initial position. A method for opening an ampoule includes moving the ampoule in a first direction along a central longitudinal axis, directing the head of the ampoule laterally and/or obliquely away from the central longitudinal axis to break the head of the ampoule from the body of the ampoule when the ampoule is moved in the first direction, removing material from the body of the ampoule, and removing liquid from the head of the ampoule.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for conditioning a liquid stream with a liquid dispensing system associated with a refrigerator, preparing an enhanced beverage using one or more of the individually conditioned liquid streams and a liquid enhancement device and minimizing the potential for back contamination of the liquid dispensing system are provided.

Abstract: A bag-in-bag-in-bottle assembly formed by a flexible dispensing container with a dispensing fitment. The dispensing container is positioned adjacent or sandwiched between one or more flexible pressurization containers having a separate inlet/outlet path through a second fitment. The bag-in-bag assembly can then be placed in a containment vessel with the fitments mounted such that it is accessible on the vessel. A liquid can be extracted from the dispensing container by introducing a fluid into the pressurization container(s) with enough pressure to force the liquid out through the dispensing fitment. A contoured dispensing head may be coupled to the bag-in-bag-in-bottle assembly using a cam actuation arrangement for simultaneously locking the pressurization, vent and fluid extraction couplings.

Abstract: A conveying device for conveying liquids, comprising at least one container (9) in which the liquid is located and which is located on a pallet (1), and at least one pump (7) for conveying the liquid, wherein said pallet (1) can be introduced into said conveying device and the at least one pump (7) is connected to a follower plate (8) and height of said follower plate (8) can be adjusted, the follower plate (8) lying on the liquid surface and closing sealingly with the container (9).

Abstract: A seat support device for a riding animal or a pack animal, a saddle tree, and a saddle with such a saddle tree are disclosed. The seat support device comprises a right multi-linked lug arrangement with a first link section and at least a second link section and a left multi-linked lug arrangement with a first link section and at least a second link section. A pivoting device with a pivot axis is each formed case between two adjacent link sections, so that two adjacent link sections are pivotable towards one other around a pivot axis substantially within a pivot plane which penetrates the pivot axis substantially perpendicular.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a substrate structure for a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) device. The substrate structure includes a cap and a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) substrate. The cap has a cavity, and the MEMS substrate is disposed on the cap. The MEMS substrate has a plurality of through holes exposing the cavity, and an aspect ratio of the through hole is greater than 30.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a sensor device includes defining an in-plane electrode in a device layer of a silicon on insulator (SOI) wafer, forming an out-of-plane electrode in a silicon cap layer located above an upper surface of the device layer, depositing a silicide-forming metal on a top surface of the silicon cap layer, and annealing the deposited silicide-forming metal to form a silicide portion in the silicon cap layer.

Abstract: One or more stopper features (e.g., bump structures) are formed in a standard ASIC wafer top passivation layer for preventing MEMS device stiction vertically in integrated devices having a MEMS device capped directly by an ASIC wafer. A TiN coating may be used on the stopper feature(s) for anti-stiction. An electrical potential may be applied to the TiN anti-stiction coating of one or more stopper features.

Abstract: A three-dimensional nano-structure array includes a substrate and a number of three-dimensional nano-structures. Each three-dimensional nano-structure has a first peak and a second peak aligned side by side. A first groove is defined between the first peak and the second peak. A second groove is defined between the two adjacent three-dimensional nano-structures. A depth of the first groove is lower than that of the second groove.

Abstract: A method and system for changing a pressure within at least one enclosure in a MEMS device are disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises applying a laser through one of the at least two substrates onto a material which changes the pressure within at least one enclosure when exposed to the laser, wherein the at least one enclosure is formed by the at least two substrates. In a second aspect, the system comprises a MEMS device that includes a first substrate, a second substrate bonded to the first substrate, wherein at least one enclosure is located between the first and the second substrates, a metal layer within one of the first substrate and the second substrate, and a material vertically oriented over the metal layer, wherein when the material is heated the material changes a pressure within the at least one enclosure.

Abstract: A wafer-level packaging method for MEMS structures that are desired to be encapsulated in a hermetic cavity and that need the transfer of at least a single or multiple electrical leads to the outside of the cavity without destroying the hermeticity of the cavity. Lead transfer is achieved using vertical feedthroughs that are patterned on the capping substrate within the same fabrication step to produce the encapsulating cavity. Furthermore, the structure of the vertical feedthroughs and via openings to reach these feedthroughs are arranged in such a way that conventional wirebonding would be sufficient to connect the vertical feedthroughs to the outer world, without a need for conductor-refill inside the via openings. The method is compatible with low-temperature thermocompression-based bonding/sealing processes using various sealing materials such as thin-film metals and alloys, and also with the silicon-glass anodic or silicon-silicon fusion bonding processes.

Abstract: A method creates MEMS structures by selectively etching a silicon wafer that is patterned by using a masking layer. The method comprises depositing and patterning a first mask on a silicon wafer to define desired first areas on the wafer to be etched. First trenches are etched on parts of the wafer not covered by the first mask. The first trenches are filled with a deposit layer. A part of the deposit layer is removed on desired second areas to be etched and a remainder is left on areas to function as a second mask to define final structures. Parts of the wafer on the desired second areas is etched, and the second mask is removed. A gyroscope or accelerator can be manufactured by dimensioning the structures.

Abstract: For producing a structured coating, or for carefully lifting off a coating over a sensitive region, it is proposed that a release film be applied and structured under the coating in the region which is not to be coated. In a release step, the release film is reduced in the adhesion in the region which is not to be coated and is subsequently lifted off together with the coating applied over it.

Abstract: A porous composite metal oxide, including a mixture of first ultrafine particles containing alumina and second ultrafine particles containing zirconia, wherein the first ultrafine particles and the second ultrafine particles are uniformly dispersed in such a way as to satisfy a condition that standard deviations of content ratios (% by mass) of all metal elements contained in the porous composite metal oxide at 0.1% by mass or more are each 10 or less, the standard deviations being obtained by measuring content ratios of the metal elements at 100 measurement points within a minute analysis region of 20 nm square by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy using a scanning transmission electron microscope equipped with a spherical aberration correction function.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated method for gasification and indirect combustion of a solid hydrocarbon feedstock in a chemical loop, comprising: contacting solid hydrocarbon feedstock (1) with water (2) in a gasification reaction zone RG in order to discharge ashes (9) and to produce a gaseous effluent (3) comprising syngas and water, supplying reduction reaction zone RR of a redox chemical loop with at least part of gaseous effluent (3) produced in the gasification reaction zone in order to produce a CO2 and H2O-concentrated gaseous effluent (4), reoxidizing the oxygen-carrying solid particles from reduction reaction zone RR of the chemical loop in oxidation reaction zone RO by means of an oxidizing gas (6) and discharging fumes (7). The invention also relates to a plant allowing said integrated method to be implemented.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a tubular catalyst-containing reactor system is provided. The system includes a housing and a vaporizer unit in the housing comprising a helically wound tubular assembly for receiving and at least partially vaporizing a liquid chemical reactant stream. A reformer unit in the housing receives a vaporized chemical reactant stream from the vaporizer unit. The reformer unit comprises a helically wound tubular assembly connected to and positioned coaxially relative to the helically wound tubular assembly of the vaporizer unit. The helically wound tubular assembly of the reformer unit contains a catalyst for catalyzing formation of gas product stream from the vaporized chemical reactant stream. A burner unit heats the vaporizer unit and the reformer unit. The burner unit receives a fuel stream and an air stream and produces a flame generally inside the helically wound tubular assemblies of the vaporizer unit and the reformer unit.

Abstract: Process for producing a hydrogen-containing product gas suited for operating in regions where the ambient conditions are below freezing for extended periods of time during the winter and warm or hot during the summer months. Hot makeup water is provided to the process to avoid freezing. A portion of the hot makeup water stream is heated in a steam generator to make steam where the steam is used to heat incoming hydrocarbon feed for the process. Another portion of the hot makeup water stream may be heated by combustion product gases where the heated water stream is used to heat incoming combustion oxidant.

Abstract: A method and system for producing hydrogen using an oxygen transport membrane based reforming system is disclosed that carries out a primary reforming process within a reforming reactor, and a secondary reforming process within a reactively driven and catalyst containing oxygen transport membrane reactor with or without an auxiliary source of heat to support primary reforming process within the reforming reactor to first form a synthesis gas product. The auxiliary source of heat is disposed within the oxygen transport membrane based reforming system proximate to the reforming reactors and comprises an auxiliary oxygen transport membrane reactor or a ceramic burner. The synthesis gas product is further treated in a separate high temperature water gas shift reactor and optionally in a separate low temperature water gas shift reactor. Hydrogen is produced from the resulting hydrogen-enriched gas using hydrogen PSA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of generating oxygen. The method addresses the objects of reducing the servicing work and improving the purity of the generated oxygen. According to the invention, the method comprises the steps of: providing an oxygen comprising gas at a primary side of a dense voltage drivable membrane (12); applying a voltage between a conductive element at the primary side of the membrane (12) and a conductive element at a secondary side of the membrane (12), the conductive elements being electrically connected to the membrane (12), wherein a plasma (18, 20) is generated at at least one of the primary side and the secondary side of the membrane (12), the plasma (18, 20) being used as conductive element.

Abstract: A method for controlling an oxygen liquefaction device includes measuring a flow rate from an oxygen concentration subsystem to a liquefaction subsystem, comparing the flow rate to a flow rate setpoint, and adjusting a cycle timing of the oxygen concentration subsystem in accordance with the comparing. A device for producing liquid oxygen, includes an oxygen concentrator, a liquefaction system, that receives oxygen enriched gas from the concentrator, and condenses it to produce a liquid product. The device further includes a liquid product storage tank, a sensor, that measures a flow rate from the oxygen concentrator to the liquefaction system and a controller that adjusts an oxygen concentrating cycle time in response to the measured flow rate.

Abstract: A sulfur recovery unit for processing an acid gas feed to recover elemental sulfur, the sulfur recovery unit comprising a reaction furnace configured to burn the acid gas feed, an oxygen source, and a fuel gas to create a furnace outlet stream, the acid gas feed comprises hydrogen sulfide which is converted to elemental sulfur, a waste heat boiler configured to capture heat from the furnace outlet stream to create a cooled stream, a condenser configured to condense the cooled stream to produce a waste gas stream and a condensed stream comprising elemental sulfur, a thermal oxidizer configured to burn the waste gas stream to create a sulfur dioxide rich stream, and a sulfur dioxide scrubbing unit configured to remove the amount of sulfur dioxide from the sulfur dioxide rich stream to create an effluent stream and a recycle stream recycled to the reaction furnace.

Abstract: A method for production of various morphologies of solid carbon product by reducing carbon oxides with a reducing agent in the presence of a catalyst. The carbon oxides are typically either carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. The reducing agent is typically either a hydrocarbon gas or hydrogen. The desired morphology of the solid carbon product may be controlled by the specific catalysts, reaction conditions, and optional additives used in the reduction reaction. The resulting solid carbon products have many commercial applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to single walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs), functionalized CNTs and carbon nanotube composites with controlled properties, to a method for aerosol synthesis of single walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, functionalized CNTs and carbon nanotube composites with controlled properties from pre-made catalyst particles and a carbon source in the presence of reagents and additives, to functional, matrix and composite materials composed thereof and structures and devices fabricated from the same in continuous or batch CNT reactors. The present invention allows all or part of the processes of synthesis of CNTs, their purification, doping, functionalization, coating, mixing and deposition to be combined in one continuous procedure and in which the catalyst synthesis, the CNT synthesis, and their functionalization, doping, coating, mixing and deposition can be separately controlled.

Abstract: An expanded graphite sheet is provided that can remarkably improve the quality and yield rate by preventing chipping and cracks in the surface in molding the sheet into a desired shape by inhibiting degradation in the flexibility while reducing the ash content to a certain degree. An expanded graphite sheet (3) has a flexibility of 25 times or greater, as determined in a flexibility test in which the flexibility is defined as the number of times the expanded graphite sheet (3) can be bent using a flexibility testing device having a rotator (2) to which one end of a plate-shaped expanded graphite sheet (3) is fixed, a weight (7) fixed to the other end of the expanded graphite sheet (3), and a bending position determining member (5) for determining a bending position of the expanded graphite sheet (3) when the rotator (2) is rotated.

Abstract: An improved system for generating graphene involves a liquid reaction chamber configured to receive a working liquid source, a carbon atom source, and a catalyst to cause a chemical reaction in the reaction chamber and a resulting reactant liquid comprising ring structures having starved carbon atoms. The ring structures are provided to a graphene generation chamber having a magnetic structure that includes a two-dimensional array of alternating polarity magnetic sources that produce a magnetic field having a gradient sufficient to float graphene over the magnetic structure. The graphene generation chamber generates graphene from said ring structures over the magnetic structure such that the graphene floats over the magnetic structure due to said graphene being diamagnetic. The rate at which the ring structures are produced is controlled to control the rate of graphene generation.

Abstract: A particle formed of silica and carbon having a low impurity content and an excellent reactivity is provided. Also provided is a method of producing a silica and carbon-containing material including: (B) a carbon mixing step of mixing an aqueous alkali silicate solution having a silicon concentration within the liquid portion of at least 10 wt % with carbon so as to obtain a carbon-containing aqueous alkali silicate solution; and (C) a silica recovery step of mixing the carbon-containing aqueous alkali silicate solution with a mineral acid so as to cause carbon and silicon within the liquid portion to precipitate as particles formed of silica and carbon and thus obtaining a particle-containing liquid substance, then solid-liquid separating the liquid substance so as to obtain a solid portion of a silica and carbon-containing material which is an assembly of particles formed of silica and carbon and a liquid portion containing impurities.

Abstract: A device and method for separating boron from carbonate are provided. The device in some embodiments, includes a first half having a heating section, a second half having a cooling section and a plurality of vials disposed therebetween. The second half is opposite the first half. The plurality of vials are adapted to receive boron and an alkaline matrix such that, during heating of the first half and cooling of the second half, boron is sublimated and condensed on a closed end of each of the plurality of vials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a fluorine-containing complex salt, characterized by that, on a reaction mother liquor containing a plurality of cation species and a fluoroanion in a state that they have been dissolved in a solvent, a trigger for accelerating decomposition of the fluoroanion is allowed to act, thereby precipitating a complex salt containing a plurality of cation species and fluorine, as a solid, from the reaction mother liquor. According to this process, it is possible to produce a monodispersed fluorine-containing complex salt with uniform particle size and shape.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for the treatment of wastewater as to reduce the biological oxygen demand, total nitrogen, total suspended solids, and phosphorous, as well as the reduction of liquid water discharged. A wastewater inlet allows the wastewater to enter a first vessel where wastewater is separated based on density. The wastewater is then transferred to a second vessel attached with a pump that sprays the water onto a media. Various other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a unique water treatment system which incorporates a unique primary valve. The primary valve comprises an interconnected first part and second part. The first part attaches to a water source and provides untreated water to water treatment units which are controlled by the second part of the primary valve. Untreated water flows to a first water treatment unit and subsequently through a valve to the second part of the primary valve and to use or to a second water treatment unit. From the second water treatment unit the water flows to the second part of the primary valve and to use. The second part of the primary valve has a unique bore and slideable shaft valve structure. The water treatment units can purify the water and/or add substances to the water.

Abstract: A system is provided to control fluid flow in a wastewater treatment system through wastewater level manipulation. The wastewater treatment system may include a wastewater treatment plant connected to a plurality of pump stations by a main. Each of the plurality of pump stations may include a wet well with a pump therein. The system may include a central server in communication with a sensor to sense a level of wastewater within the wet well. The pump may be automatically moved to an on position when the level of the wastewater in the wet well is at or above a first level and may be automatically moved to an off position when the level of the wastewater in the respective wet well is at or below a pump cutoff level. The central server may systematically manipulate the first level to selectively set the level of wastewater within the wet well.

Abstract: Selective scaling in water treatment systems in which desalination is performed is generally described. According to certain embodiments, the location of the formation of solid scale within a water treatment system is controlled by adjusting one or more system parameters, such as the temperature and/or flow velocity of a saline stream within the water treatment system.

Abstract: A water pressure regenerated type water softener including: a timer control valve having a valve control unit rotated by a timer spring and into which raw water is supplied; a plurality of conduits into which the raw water selectively flows under the control of the timer control valve; a regeneration tank communicating with a regeneration tank inlet conduit of the conduits; and a resin tank unit receiving regeneration water flowing from the regeneration tank and containing an ion exchange resin therein. The water softener can be operated in one of stop mode, soft water mode, raw water mode and regeneration mode under the control of the valve control unit. When regeneration mode is selected, the valve control unit rotates to stop mode by the timer spring after a preset amount of time has elapsed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for acid regeneration of ion exchange resins are disclosed. Acid resins designed for use in a variety of cleaning application using a water source use a treated, softened, acidic water source according to the invention. Various methods of using the softened acidic water generated by acid regenerate-able ion exchange resins are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the desalination of seawater or brackish water for the purpose of obtaining potable water. Systems may include a combination of electrodialysis and electrodeionization modules. The system configuration and process controls may achieve low energy consumption and stable operation.

Abstract: The invention provides methods that use particles comprising a polymer to absorb and recover oil. The methods can be used for oil spill cleanup, oil recovery, extraction of oil from an oil-water emulsion, etc. In some embodiments, the particles are distributed to an oil spill site or another environment where oil needs to be separated. The particles may be retrieved after they have absorbed oil from the oil spill site. The oil may then be retrieved from the particles by compressing the particles or via other suitable oil removal methods.

Abstract: A membrane supported biofilm apparatus has a plurality of hollow fiber gas permeable membranes in a tank containing water to be treated. A biofilm supported on the membranes occupies between about 40% and 80% of the volume of water to be treated in a reactor. Wastewater treatment processes are described. A process to denitrify water or treat oxidized contaminants comprises introducing hydrogen into an inner volume of the membranes to grow autotrophic organisms in the biofilm near the membrane and heterotrophic organism near the water. Another process is operated as a biomass concentration of at least 10 g/L and up to about 40 g/L to maintain a biofilm having a surface area of over 1000 square meters per cubic meter of tank volume. A hybrid process has suspended biomass and a membrane supported biofilm.

Abstract: A device for gassing liquids, in particular for aerating sewage and the like, includes a lower housing element, which has a substantially round opening area and a gas inlet port, a disc-shaped upper housing element, corresponding to the opening area, for covering the opening area, the upper housing element having an upper side facing away from the lower housing element, a number of gas through-openings provided in the vicinity of a peripheral edge of the upper housing element, passing through the upper side, and a perforated gassing membrane, covering over the upper side of the upper housing element.

Abstract: A chain filter system established generally across a slope such as an agricultural field, residential area, reclamation site, industrial area, or municipal park, etc. The system comprises a series of basins oriented such that their upstream borders are aligned to capture variously directed stormwater runoff from the drainage area. Along each basin border opposite to the upstream border is extended a generally continuous berm to direct and contain stormwater movement, so as to avoid loss of runoff from and around the basins. The berm may include gates or scuppers for controlled release of captured stormwater runoff. This chain filter system serves to capture runoff for purposes of reducing pollution movement into state waters, flood control, creating wildlife habitats, enhancing aquifer levels in rural and urban settings, and avoiding downstream pollution.