Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed towards calculating a remaining length of a cable on a cable reel. Generally, a first distance between a top edge of a first flange of the cable reel and a top portion of the cable remaining on the cable reel is received at a processor. A winding characterization indicating a configuration of the cable wound on the cable reel is also received at the processor. Dimensions of the cable reel are also received at the processor and include: a diameter of the first flange, a cable reel traverse distance, and a diameter of a drum of the cable reel. The cable reel traverse distance indicates a distance between the first and second flanges of the cable reel. The remaining length of the cable on the cable reel is calculated based on the first distance, the winding characterization, and the dimensions of the cable reel.

Abstract: A rewinding machine for convolutley winding a web material onto a core to is disclosed. The rewinding machine comprises a first winding drum rotatable at a first peripheral velocity, a second winding drum opposed to the first winding drum and rotatable at a second peripheral velocity, and a core support for gripping opposing ends of the core. The core support grips opposing ends of the core during winding of the web material about the core. The core support has first and second rotatable pins each having corresponding first and second ends capable of insertion into a respective end of the core. The first rotatable pin has a channel that provides fluid communication between a source of positive pressure disposed external to the first rotatable pin and the second end of the first rotatable pin to provide positive pressure to the interior portion of the core.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of operating an elevator system is provided. The method includes detecting, using a controller, when an external power source is unavailable. The method also includes controlling, using the controller, a plurality of components of the elevator system. The controlling comprises operating at least one of an elevator car, a drive unit, an inverter and a brake. The method further includes detecting, using the controller, an original direction of travel of the elevator car. The method yet further includes detecting, using the controller, a mode of the elevator car, wherein the mode includes at least one of a motoring mode, a near balance mode, and a regenerative mode. The method includes determining, using the controller, a target floor. The method also includes adjusting, using the controller, a velocity of the elevator car to reach the target floor in response to the mode detected.

Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, a plurality of storage media are arranged in a hoistway so as to be spaced from one another in a hoisting direction of a car. In the car, reading device that reads information stored in the storage media is mounted. The storage media are arranged in the hoisting direction at intervals different from one another. A safety monitor is configured to: execute an operation for detecting two storage media; measure an interval between the detected storage media based on a signal from movement detector; compare the measured interval between the storage media with stored intervals of the storage media: and to grasp the position of the car by using a result of the comparison and the information of the storage media, when a position of the car cannot be grasped.

Abstract: A safety system for an elevator is provided including a safety brake. The safety brake is operatively connectable to one of an elevator car or a counterweight. The safety brake includes a trigger configured to engage the safety when actuated. An actuation device is configured to be mounted to a guide rail. The actuation device includes an actuator movable between a first position and a second position. The actuation device is configured to not actuate the trigger of the safety brake when the actuator is in the first position. The actuation device is configured to actuate the trigger of the safety brake when the actuator is in the second position by physically contacting the trigger.

Abstract: A method of fault detection of a belt or rope includes interconnecting a plurality of cords of the belt or rope, the cords including a plurality of wires, to form a bridge circuit. A fault detection bridge circuit is subjected to a voltage excitation and outputs a voltage which is indicative of the belt or rope damage but remaining insensitive to other environmental noises.

Abstract: A tower crane, and in particular a hammerhead crane, having at least one crane operator elevator, wherein the at least one crane operator elevator is arranged inside the rectangular cross section of the crane tower.

Abstract: An elevator car includes a floor base, which is stiff in bending, with a metallic base structure in which a support element of plastics material is arranged. The support element is formed as an integral mold body and is produced by means of an injection-molding method.

Abstract: A method of constructing an elevator, the elevator including a hoistway, an elevator car, a first movable support structure in the hoistway above the elevator car, for supporting the elevator car with a roping, and a roof structure, separate from the movable support structure, in the hoistway above the support structure, where the elevator car is used for transporting passengers and/or goods, and thereafter the first movable support structure is lifted higher in the hoistway, and thereafter the elevator car is used again for transporting passengers and/or goods. The method includes lifting the roof structure higher in the hoistway so as to make more room below the roof structure, the roof structure being a movable roof structure, and in that the movable roof structure is lifted in the hoistway taking support for the lift from a second movable support structure mounted in the hoistway above the roof structure.

Abstract: Step for an escalator as well as the method for manufacturing the step, wherein the step is configured as a one-piece die-cast light metal part containing a step plate, a skirt, at least one transverse rib, guide lugs, wherein the guide lugs are fastened solely on the skirt, and drive lugs wherein the drive lugs are each arranged and fastened solely on the step with a connecting web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-speed brake apparatus for an escalator, comprising: a brake sprocket mounted on a drive shaft for a step; a driven sprocket connected to the brake sprocket through a brake chain to operate in conjunction with the brake sprocket; an electronic clutch that controls a connection between the driven sprocket and a transmission gear; a brake motor of which the central shaft is rotated by the transmission gear; a plurality of switching means connected to a plurality of winding wires that are stators of the brake motor; and a controller for supplying an operating pulse to a selected switching means. Therefore, when there is an abnormality in an escalator, it is possible to stop a step at a low speed according to an operating pulse supplied by the controller, thereby stably stopping riders standing on the step and thus protecting the riders.

Abstract: A protection sleeve is provided for a wire rope to prevent the wire rope from contacting other components in an oil and gas operation. The protection sleeve, in some embodiments, has a body that substantially corresponds to the wire portion of the wire rope, and the protection sleeve has specialized flaps at the ends of the body that correspond to thimble eyes of the wire rope. The protection sleeve may have a variety of configurations to accommodate different aspects of a wire rope or any other device that necessitates protection.

Abstract: Mounted support arms affixed to a fifth wheel pinbox and formed to receive booms provide a sturdy framework for a winch mounting plate. The winch actuates a hitch-hoisting cable which may be attached to a truck hitch to lift it from the bed of a truck and then lower it to a storage location. The hitch hoist may have two mounting arms, two booms, and a winch on a plate with width variability built into the bolting slot patterns. The booms extend from the mounting arms near the winch plate to form an obtuse angle between the booms and the arms. From the horizon, the angle may be viewed to be that of approximately forty-five degrees (45°). An axle is affixed near the end of the booms and holds a cable wheel which guides a cable and hook to raise and lower the hitch with the winch.

Abstract: A marine knuckle boom crane includes a crane housing which is rotational relative to a pedestal about a vertical rotation axis and a knuckle boom assembly attached to the crane housing. The knuckle boom assembly includes a main boom, the inner end of which is connected pivotably about a first horizontal pivot axis to the crane housing; and a jib, the inner end of which is connected pivotably about a second horizontal pivot axis to the outer end of the main boom, wherein the jib is pivotable at least between an extended position in which the tip extends mainly forward from the main boom, and a folded position in which the jib is folded back, essentially parallel along the main boom. In order to position the jib with respect to the main boom, a tensioning member is provided extending between the crane housing and a curved extension guide connected to the jib.

Abstract: The anchor and clevis system comprises a quick, tactical, and safe means to deploy a canine into an attic or other intended space to conduct a search and/or for the apprehension of a criminal suspect and comprises an anchor adapted to lock onto a support structure and a clevis attached to the anchor and threaded to accept a pole for remote deployment. Attached to the anchoring device by a carabiner is the top pulley. A lift rope is threaded through the top pulley allowing the user on the ground or lower floor to quickly lift a dog into an attic with minimal exposure to harm. The lift rope engages a lower pulley allowing a subject to be lifted by one user. Attached to the lower pulley by a second carabiner is a snap-shackle release system which allows the user to disengage the dog from the device remotely.

Abstract: An oil return mechanism includes a base, a control switch, a first blocking ball mounted in the base, an elastic member mounted between the first blocking ball and the base. The base has a liquid storing cavity, a liquid returning cavity, a communicating cavity, a first communicating opening communicating between the liquid returning cavity and the communicating cavity, and a second communicating opening communicating between the communicating cavity and the liquid storing cavity. The present invention can regulate a speed of a fluid flowing from the liquid returning cavity to the communicating cavity, and has the advantages of simple structure and great reduction of cost.

Abstract: A self-loading, human-powered pallet carrier is provided, the pallet carrier comprising: a first frame; a second frame; a drive train; a handlebar; a seat; and a braking system, one of the first frame or the second frame supported by a pair of driving wheels, the other of the first frame or the second frame supported by an at least one driving wheel, one of the pair of driving wheels or the single driving wheel pivotally mounted to the second frame with an at least one actuator, the other of the pair of driving wheels or the single driving wheel directly mounted to the first frame with an at least one actuator, the first frame including a pair of pallet forks, the second frame including a pair of beams, which, when mated, form a pallet loading zone, each pallet fork and each beam having an at least one dolly wheel, the drive train, the handlebar, the seat and the braking system mounted on the first frame. A method of using the self-loading pallet carrier is also provided.

Abstract: A stacker crane includes a first covering body covering a sliding section of a mast and an ascending and descending unit, and providing a first space extending vertically along the mast, a second covering body providing a second space extending vertically along the mast and partitioned from the first space by a first barrier, a plurality of exhaust holes that are vertically dispersed in the first barrier and cause the first space and the second space to be in communication, and an exhaust device that is attached to the mast and expels air in the second space at a portion in a vertical direction.

Abstract: An improved cart and pallet system and an improved compactly stackable pallet for use in the system are disclosed. The improved pallet has a central support extending beneath the pallet with channels on either side of the support. The support and channels are engaged by a ledged, generally U-shaped deck of a cart or pallet truck of the application.

Abstract: A device and appliance is provided for the high-speed decontamination of objects by means of pulsed light, including: an illuminating structure suitable for illuminating a decontamination area in which the objects are arranged, the illuminating structure being suitable for producing streams of light pulses having wavelengths of 200 nm to 300 nm and an adjustable pulse rate; and a positioner suitable for positioning the objects in the decontamination area according to a predetermined arrangement, also including a cooler suitable for maintaining the temperature of the decontamination area substantially below a predetermined temperature when the decontamination area is illuminated, the cooler including an apparatus for circulating a cooling fluid built into the positioner.

Abstract: A filling element includes an actuator, a liquid valve, and a gas tube on a plunger that extends into a container. The plunger and the gas tube define a first gas-duct that extends through the plunger and the gas tube. The first gas-duct has ends that extend respectively into a gas-space of a product vessel and the container's interior. A first gas-valve along the first gas-duct has a gas-valve body that interacts with a valve seat in the first gas-duct. The gas-valve body has a second gas-duct formed therethrough. This second gas-duct at least temporarily engages the first gas-duct in a fluid-tight manner. The gas-valve body has a valve face and a valve opening that cooperate to form a second gas-valve through which, when the second gas-valve opens, gas flows through the first and second gas-ducts and enters the container.

Abstract: A home beverage dispensing device for dispensing servings of a beverage, having a vessel for holding a volume of liquid. This vessel may be equipped with a refrigeration unit, or may be comprised of a removable pitcher that may be put in an external refrigerator. This invention is equipped with a radio communications controller to provide for the ability to communicate over radio frequencies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. A special disposable beverage cartridge or beverage pouch fits into the holder. This cartridge or pouch may have pressure rupturable seals or diaphragms and contain beverage concentrate. The mixing structure also receives the optionally chilled liquid from vessel for holding a volume of liquid, and ensures that the concentrate mixes with the liquid without contacting the walls of the mixing structure.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes: a cap, a container, a cover on the cap for regulating flow of fluid from the container on which the cap is secured through the cap; a seat for receiving the cap or the container to which the cap is secured therein; second securing means for securing either the cap or the container to which the cap is secured to the seat; a probe located within the seat for protruding through the cover when the cap or a container to which the cap is secured is received in the seat, and thereby permitting access to the interior of the container; a gas conduit for charging a container associated with the cap with gas; a gas valve for regulating flow of gas through the gas conduit; and a sensor for sensing whether a container or cap is secured to the seat which sensor causes the gas valve to open when the container or cap is secured to the seat; and close when the container or cap is not secured to the seat.

Abstract: A sanitary touch-free automatic condiment dispensing apparatus and method of use. The automatic sanitary touch-free condiment dispensing apparatus includes a two-stage detection process for detecting and automatically dispensing a pre-determined amount of a condiment/sauce (e.g., ketchup, mustard, mayo, food sauces, desert sauces, syrups, salad dressing, etc.) or another fluid (e.g., soap, shampoo, etc.). without accidental or wasteful dispensing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for conveniently holding a drinking cup while dispensing liquid from a dispenser such as a spigot, filling the cup, and collecting any drips and/or spillage from the dispenser or the drinking cup into a second drip collecting cup.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling a vehicle operator to select a desired amount of fuel to add to a fuel tank, and wherein overfilling of the tank is prevented by pressurizing the fuel system with an onboard pump. In one example, the tank may be sealed to induce an automatic shutoff of a refueling dispenser if the fuel level is below the capacity of the tank, and in another example, wherein it is indicated that the tank is full, the fuel system may be pressurized via the pump to induce automatic shutoff of the refueling dispenser and to prevent further overfilling of the tank. In this way, vehicle operators may add desired amounts of fuel to the tank wherein shutoff of the refueling dispenser is automatic, and wherein liquid fuel entering an evaporative emissions control system as a result of overfilling a fuel tank is prevented.

Abstract: A system and method for mixing and dispensing two substances are provided. The system includes: a first substance a first container for containing a first substance, a second container for containing a second substance, a feeding tube, and a pumping system connected to the first container, the second container, and the feeding tube; wherein the system comprises at least three modes of operation: combining the first and second substances into one combined substance, mixing the combined substance, and dispensing the mixed substance; and wherein the pumping system is adapted to perform the at least three modes of operation and dispense the mixed substance to the feeding tube.

Abstract: A multi-station liquid mixing and dispensing apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing that defines a first pocket for supporting a first container, a second pocket for supporting a second container, and a third pocket disposed vertically above at least one of the first pocket and the second pocket. The apparatus also includes a first door pivotably coupled to the housing and enclosing the first pocket, and a second door pivotably coupled to the housing and enclosing the second pocket. The apparatus also includes a valve coupled to the housing to control flow of chemical concentrate to at least one of the first container and the second container.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a MEMS device includes a deflectable membrane including a first plurality of electrostatic comb fingers, a first anchor structure including a second plurality of electrostatic comb fingers interdigitated with a first subset of the first plurality of electrostatic comb fingers, and a second anchor structure including a third plurality of electrostatic comb fingers interdigitated with a second subset of the first plurality of electrostatic comb fingers. The second plurality of electrostatic comb fingers are offset from the first plurality of electrostatic comb fingers in a first direction and the third plurality of electrostatic comb fingers are offset from the first plurality of electrostatic comb fingers in a second direction, where the first direction is different from the second direction.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for an electromechanical systems (EMS) assembly. The EMS assembly includes a substrate, an anchor disposed on the substrate, and a suspended planar body supported over the substrate by the anchor. The suspended planar body includes at least one depression extending out of a plane of the suspended planar body and protruding towards the substrate. The suspended planar body also includes a substantially horizontal portion corresponding to a gap in the at least one depression. An extent of the gap is up to 20% of a length of the suspended planar body.

Abstract: A semiconductor package and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor package. As a non-limiting example, various aspects of this disclosure provide a semiconductor package, and a method of manufacturing thereof, that comprises a first semiconductor die, a plurality of adhesive regions spaced apart from each other on the first semiconductor die, and a second semiconductor die adhered to the plurality of adhesive regions.

Abstract: A pressure sensor using the MEMS device comprises an airtight ring surrounding a chamber defined by the first substrate and the second substrate. The airtight ring extends from the upper surface of the second substrate to the interface between the first substrate and the second substrate and further breaks out the interface. The pressure sensor utilizes the airtight ring to retain the airtightness of the chamber.

Abstract: A micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device is provided. The MEMS device includes: a substrate having a first surface and a second surface and wherein the first surface is exposed to an environment outside the MEMS device; and a MEMS microphone disposed at a first location on the second surface of the substrate and having a diaphragm positioned such that acoustic waves received at the MEMS microphone are incident on the diaphragm. The MEMS device also includes: a first integrated circuit disposed at a second location of the substrate, wherein the first integrated circuit is electrically coupled to the MEMS microphone; and a MEMS measurement device at a third location, wherein the MEMS measurement device comprises a motion sensor and a pressure sensor.

Abstract: A display device capable of operating at high speed and with low power consumption is provided. A miniaturized display device occupying a small area is also provided. The display device includes a support; a display portion which includes a pixel; a light-blocking unit which is in the support and includes a light-blocking layer having a first opening overlapping with at least part of the pixel, and a movable light-blocking layer blocking light passing through the first opening; a transistor which is electrically connected to the light-blocking unit and includes an oxide semiconductor film; and a capacitor electrically connected to the transistor.

Abstract: A method and system for forming a MEMS device are disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises providing a conductive material over at least a portion of a top metal layer of a base substrate, patterning the conductive material and the at least a portion of the top metal layer, and bonding the conductive material with a device layer of a MEMS substrate via metal silicide formation. In a second aspect, the MEMS device comprises a MEMS substrate, wherein the MEMS substrate includes a handle layer, a device layer, and an insulating layer in between. The MEMS device further comprises a base substrate, wherein the base substrate includes a top metal layer and a conductive material over at least a portion of the top metal layer, wherein the conductive material is bonded with the device layer via metal silicide formation.

Abstract: A MEMS device includes a dual membrane, an electrode, and an interconnecting structure. The dual membrane has a top membrane and a bottom membrane. The bottom membrane is positioned between the top membrane and the electrode and the interconnecting structure defines a spacing between the top membrane and the bottom membrane.

Abstract: A process for making a nanoduct includes: disposing an etchant catalyst on a semiconductor substrate including a single crystal structure; heating the semiconductor substrate to an etching temperature; introducing an oxidant; contacting the semiconductor substrate with the oxidant in a presence of the etchant catalyst; anisotropically etching the semiconductor substrate by the etchant catalyst in a presence of the oxidant in an etch direction that is coincident along a crystallographic axis of the semiconductor substrate; and forming the nanoduct as the etchant catalyst propagates along a surface of the semiconductor substrate during anisotropically etching the semiconductor substrate, the nanoduct being crystallographically aligned with the crystallographic axis of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: In some examples, a method for treating a reforming catalyst, the method comprising heating a catalyst metal used for reforming hydrocarbon in a reducing gas mixture environment. The reducing gas mixture comprises hydrogen and at least one sulfur-containing compound. The at least one sulfur-containing compound includes one or more of hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, carbonyl disulfide and organic sulfur-containing compounds such as thiophenes, thiophanes, sulfides (RSH), disulfides (RS2R?), tri-sulfides (RS3R?) and mercaptans (RSR?).

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method for refining hydrogen with a hydrogen refining device in which the inside of a cell is divided into a primary side space and a secondary side space by palladium alloy capillaries each having one end being closed and a tube sheet supporting the open end of the palladium alloy capillaries, in which impurity-containing hydrogen is introduced from the primary side space to allow hydrogen to permeate the palladium alloy capillaries so as to collect pure hydrogen from the secondary side space. The method for refining hydrogen has a capability of decreasing the removed amount of gas containing impurities and efficiently collecting pure hydrogen from the secondary side space. From hydrogen with 1000 ppm or less of impurities as raw material hydrogen, gas containing impurities that does not penetrate the palladium alloy capillaries is removed from the primary side space at the flow rate of 10% or less of the introduction flow rate of the raw material hydrogen.

Abstract: A conductive material including a first element selected from a transition metal, a platinum-group element, a rare earth element, and a combination thereof, a second element having an atomic radius which is 10 percent less than to 10 percent greater than an atomic radius of the first element, and a chalcogen element, wherein the conductive material has a layered crystal structure.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a manufacturing method for a large amount of positive electrode active material with few variations, having a highly uniform surface condition, micro-size, and high performance. An aqueous solution of a compound, which becomes the source material for the positive electrode active material, is put in an airtight container and irradiated with microwaves, thus heating while water in the airtight container is evaporated and a high pressure is formed in the air tight container. A large amount of micro-sized positive electrode active material having a highly uniform surface condition can be formed. A compound, which becomes the source material for the positive electrode active material, is put in an airtight container and irradiated with microwaves, thus heating while water in the airtight container is evaporated and a high pressure is formed in the air tight container.

Abstract: The present invention is a carbon nanotube aggregate having a three-dimensional shape. The carbon nanotube aggregate having a three-dimensional shape includes a first surface, a second surface and a side surface, wherein a carbon nanotube of the first surface has a Herman orientation coefficient greater than ?0.1 and smaller than 0.2, a carbon nanotube of the second surface has a Herman orientation coefficient greater than ?0.1 and smaller than 0.2, and a carbon nanotube of the side surface has degree of orientation in which a Herman orientation coefficient is 0.2 or more and 0.99 or less, and the first surface and second surface are mutually arranged in parallel and the side surface is perpendicular with respect to the first surface and second surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a carbon nanotube aggregate whose bulk density is easily controllable. Therefore, the present invention provides a carbon nanotube aggregate suitable for use in various fields.

Abstract: A process for producing an integrated layer (10 nm to 500 ?m) of highly oriented halogenated graphene sheets, comprising: (a) preparing a graphene oxide (GO) dispersion having GO sheets dispersed in a fluid medium; (b) dispensing and depositing a layer of GO dispersion onto a surface of a supporting substrate under a shear stress condition that induces orientation of GO sheets to form a wet layer of GO on the supporting substrate; (c) introducing a halogenating agent into the wet layer of graphene oxide and effecting a chemical reaction between the halogenating agent and GO sheets to form a wet layer of halogenated graphene, C6ZxOy, wherein Z is a halogen element selected from F, Cl, Br, I, or a combination thereof, x=0.01 to 6.0, y=0 to 5.0, and x+y?6.0; and (d) removing the fluid medium.

Abstract: An electrically conductive thin film including a compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 and having a layered crystal structure Re2C??Chemical Formula 1 wherein Re is a lanthanide. Also an electronic device including the electrically conductive thin film.

Abstract: Titanium dioxide and an electro-conductive titanium oxide which each includes particles having a large major-axis length in a large proportion and comprises columnar particles having a satisfactory particle size distribution. A titanium compound, an alkali metal compound, and an oxyphosphorus compound are heated/fired in the presence of titanium dioxide nucleus crystals having an aspect ratio of 2 or higher to grow the titanium dioxide nucleus crystals. Subsequently, a titanium compound, an alkali metal compound, and an oxyphosphorus compound are further added and heated/fired in the presence of the grown titanium dioxide nucleus crystals. Thus, titanium dioxide is produced which comprises columnar particles having a weight-average major-axis length of 7.0-15.0 ?m and in which particles having a major-axis length of 10 ?m or longer account for 15 wt. % or more of all the particles. A solution of a tin compound and a solution of compounds of antimony, phosphorus, etc.

Abstract: The apparatus for filtering and dispensing drinking water is disclosed which includes a container having an interior space with a dividing wall defining a first chamber for receiving unfiltered water and a second chamber for storing filtered drinking water, wherein a passage is formed through the interior wall adjacent a bottom surface of the container to provide fluid communication between the first and second chambers, and wherein at least one multi-layered filter pack is disposed across the passage to filter water flowing from the first chamber to the second chamber under force of gravity.

Abstract: A desalination system, etc. of the present disclosure includes: a water tank; a water-repellent particle layer that is located below the water tank and contains a plurality of water-repellent particles; a liquefying layer that is located below the water-repellent particle layer and liquefies water vapor that has passed through the water-repellent particle layer, to obtain fresh water; an introduction channel of a liquid supply channel that supplies a liquid to the water tank; and a liquid speed reduction part that is located on the introduction channel of the supply channel, and includes a wall surface crossing a flow direction of the liquid in the supply channel, for reducing a flow speed of the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting algae from an open body of water includes a boat having a pair of spaced apart parallel flotation members and a deck disposed on and connected to the members. The spaced apart members define an area therebetween forming a process channel. A separating mechanism disposed on the boat separates the process channel into a plurality of process channel sections arranged in series. The process channel sections are disposed intermediate the flotation members. Each of the process channel sections include a deflector plate, a scum beach, a scum trough, and diffused air piping. The diffused air piping is in fluid communication with a dissolved air flotation system.

Abstract: An apparatus to remove sludge from a reservoir of liquid. A downwardly opening enclosure is positioned atop the floor of a reservoir with the enclosure having inlets for sludge and liquid to flow into the cavity. The cavity includes a channel for the sludge and liquid to flow upward in the channel which increases in size. Gas emitters on the edge portions of the enclosure assist the flow of sludge and liquid into the cavity.