Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst comprising at least two catalytically active layers, A and B, wherein A contains a carrier oxide and components A1 and A2, and B contains a carrier oxide and components B1, B2, and B3, wherein A1, A2, and B1 to B3 are defined as disclosed in claim 1. The proportion of component A1 in layer A is thereby greater than the proportion of component B1 in layer B, wherein the proportion of layer A with respect to the total weight of layers A and B, is greater than the proportion of layer B. The invention further relates to a method for reducing nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases of lean-burn internal combustion engines and to an exhaust gas cleaning system.

Abstract: To reduce an OSC material, while maintaining necessary OSC capacity; and to improve heat resistance and reactivity of a precious metal. Proposed is an exhaust gas purifying catalyst which comprises a first catalyst layer that is formed on the surface of a substrate that is formed of a ceramic or a metal, and a second catalyst layer that is formed on the upper side of the first catalyst layer. The first catalyst layer comprises a precious metal, an OSC material and an alumina, and the OSC material and the alumina are comprised at a mass ratio of OSC material:alumina=1:7 to 1:3. The second catalyst layer comprises a precious metal, an OSC material and an alumina, and the OSC material and the alumina are comprised at a mass ratio of OSC material:alumina=1:1 to 10:0.

Abstract: A composite material type oxygen transport membrane and its preparation method are disclosed. The composite material that is an ionic-electronic mixed conducting material having high ionic conductivity is stirred into slurry and formed into a thin strip-shaped green tape substrate through tape casting to obtain a predetermined half-finished substrate, and then sintered to form the half-finished substrate into a conductive function type oxygen ion conducting substrate, followed by choosing small particle shaped highly catalyzed ionic-electronic mixed conducting material to be evenly adhered to at least one side surface of the conductive function type oxygen ion conducting substrate to form a reductive function type oxygen ion conducting layer. The reductive function type oxygen ion conducting layer and the conductive function type oxygen ion conducting substrate are then bonded to produce a composite material type oxygen transport membrane element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sulfur tolerant carbon monoxide shift conversion catalyst, prepared by the following materials: magnesium source, aluminum source, oxide flux, crystal growth agent, rare earth additive, CoO, MoO3 and an acidic aqueous solution. A preparation method of the catalyst is provided, comprising the steps of: S1, Adding an aqueous acidic solution and a specific amount of rare earth additive to a specific amount of magnesium source, aluminum source, oxide flux and crystal growth agent, followed by kneading to produce a mixture; S2, Extruding the mixture to obtain an extruded strip product; S3, Drying the extruded strip product to give a semi-finished product; S4, Calcining the semi-finished product to obtain a catalyst carrier; S5, Impregnating the catalyst carrier with the active components CoO and MoO3 by an incipient-wetness impregnation method to obtain an impregnated product; and S6, Calcining the impregnated product to obtain the catalyst.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification catalyst having a base and a catalytic coating layer formed thereon includes an alumina support, a platinum-group metal, an iron oxide-zirconia-based composite oxide, and a lanthanoid oxide in the same catalytic coating layer.

Abstract: Transition metal carbide, nitride, phosphide, sulfide, or boride nanoparticles can be made by transforming metal oxide materials coated in a ceramic material in a controlled environment. The coating prevents sintering while allowing the diffusion of reactive gases through the inorganic matrix that can then alter the metal nanoparticle oxidation state, remove oxygen, or intercalate into the lattice to form a carbide, nitride, phosphide, sulfide, or boride.

Abstract: An alkylation catalyst having a zeolite catalyst component and a binder component providing mechanical support for the zeolite catalyst component is disclosed. The binder component is an ion-modified binder that can include metal ions selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn, Ti, Zr, V, Nb, K, Cs, Ga, B, P, Rb, Ag, Na, Cu, Mg, Fe, Mo, Ce, and combinations thereof. The metal ions reduce the number of acid sites on the zeolite catalyst component. The metal ions can range from 0.1 to 50 wt % based on the total weight of the ion-modified binder. Optionally, the ion-modified binder is present in amounts ranging from 1 to 80 wt % based on the total weight of the catalyst.

Abstract: A new crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite comprising a MTT framework has been synthesized that has been designated UZM-53. This zeolite is represented by the empirical formula: M+mRrAl1-xExSiyOz where M represents sodium, potassium or a combination of sodium and potassium cations, R is the organic structure directing agent or agents derived from reactants R1 and R2 where R1 is diisopropanolamine and R2 is a chelating diamine, and E is an element selected from the group consisting of gallium, iron, boron and mixtures thereof. Catalysts made from UZM-53 have utility in various hydrocarbon conversion reactions such as oligomerization.

Abstract: The precursor of a hydroprocessing catalyst is made by impregnating a metal oxide component comprising at least one metal from Group 6 of the Periodic Table and at least one metal from Groups 8-10 of the Periodic Table with an amide formed from a first organic compound containing at least one amine group, and a second organic compound containing at least one carboxylic acid group. Following impregnation heat treatment follows to form in situ generated unsaturation additional to that in the two organic compounds. The catalyst precursor is sulfided to form an active, sulfide hydroprocessing catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photocatalyst for water splitting which includes barium niobium oxynitride and exhibits excellent water splitting performance and a production method for the same, and a water splitting photoelectrode. The photocatalyst for water splitting of the present invention is a photocatalyst for water splitting including: an optical semiconductor and a promoter supported by the optical semiconductor, in which the optical semiconductor includes barium niobium oxynitride, and the promoter includes at least one substance selected from a group consisting of cobalt oxides and metallic cobalt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst molded body for preparing maleic anhydride by gas-phase oxidation of a hydrocarbon having at least four carbon atoms using a catalytically active composition containing vanadium, phosphorus and oxygen. The shaped catalyst body has an essentially cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis. The cylindrical body has at least two parallel internal holes which are essentially parallel to the cylinder axis of the body and go right through the body. The catalyst molded body has a large outer surface area, a lower pressure loss and sufficient mechanical stability.

Abstract: The manufacturing method of the honeycomb structure includes a raw material preparing step of adding the powder of porous silica as the inorganic pore former to a forming raw material and kneading the forming raw material to prepare the kneaded forming raw material, an extruding step of extruding the obtained forming raw material to form a honeycomb formed body, and a firing step of firing the extruded honeycomb formed body to form a honeycomb structure containing a cordierite component, and an amount of oil to be absorbed by the porous silica to be added to the forming raw material is in a range of 50 to 190 ml/100 g, and a BET specific surface area of the porous silica is in a range of 340 to 690 m2/g.

Abstract: To provide a simple method whereby an ionic polymer membrane having a high ion exchange capacity and a low water uptake can be produced by converting a —SO2F group in a polymer to a pendant group having multiple ion exchange groups, while preventing a cross-linking reaction. At the time of obtaining an ionic polymer membrane by converting —SO2F (group (1)) in a polymer sequentially to —SO2NZ1Z2 (group (2)), —SO2N?(M?+)SO2(CF2)2SO2F (group (3)), —SO2N?(H+)SO2(CF2)2SO2F (group (4)) and —SO2N?(M?+)SO2(CF2)2SO3?M?+ (group (5)), the polymer is formed into a polymer membrane in the state of any one of the groups (1) to (4), and the polymer membrane is thermally treated in the state of group (4). Here, Z1 and Z2 are hydrogen atoms, etc., M?+ is a monovalent cation, and M?+ is a hydrogen ion or a monovalent cation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a micro-chamber plate with a built-in sample, including: settling a micro-chamber plate for sample injection at a micro-chamber plate receiving part formed with an upper opening; disposing a cover for micro-chamber plate receiving part to cover the upper opening, the cover for micro-chamber plate receiving part having a provisional storing part and an auxiliary covering part connected with the provisional storing part and formed with a through-hole for auxiliary covering part; and manufacturing a micro-chamber plate with a built-in sample by putting the micro-chamber plate receiving part, on which the cover is disposed, into a centrifugal separator which can apply vacuum, applying centrifugal force and injecting a sample solution provisionally stored in the provisional storing part into the micro-chamber plate through a vessel communication part which is formed at the provisional storing part to be communicated with the micro-chamber plate receiving part.

Abstract: The invention relates to microfluidic devices and array disks for “one-pot” isolated chemical reactions. The array disks comprise a plurality of sectors in which each sector comprises one microfluidic device. The microfluidic devices comprise a fluid delivery channel and an array of wells wherein the fluid delivery channel delivery fluid into the wells in a serpentine arrangement. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery channel is directly above the array of wells. In other embodiments, the fluid delivery channel is offset from the array of wells so that side channels branching from the fluid delivery channel delivers fluid into the wells. The well of the microfluidic device comprises a gas-permeable membrane that forms the floor, well, or at least a portion of the floor or wall of the well. In preferred embodiments, the well is cylindrical.

Abstract: Methods are provided for manipulating droplets. The methods include providing the droplet on a surface comprising an array of electrodes and a substantially co-planer array of reference elements, wherein the droplet is disposed on a first one of the electrodes, and the droplet at least partially overlaps a second one of the electrodes and an intervening one of the reference elements disposed between the first and second electrodes. The methods further include activating the first and second electrodes to spread at least a portion of the droplet across the second electrode and deactivating the first electrode to move the droplet from the first electrode to the second electrode.

Abstract: A fluidic device for a cartridge for testing biological samples is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the fluidic device includes a fluidic chamber, at least one microfluidic channel in fluid communication with the fluidic chamber, a venting port configured to apply a pneumatic force to the fluidic chamber, at least one passive valve located within the at least one microfluidic channel and configured to allow or stop fluid flow through the at least one microfluidic channel based on a pressure difference, and a controller configured to control the pneumatic force applied to the fluidic chamber via the venting port.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manipulating drops in microfluidic channels are provided.

Abstract: A sample vessel may include a segmented tubule having an opening for receiving a sample material and at least one compressible section, the at least one compressible section having a wall constructed at least partially from a material having sufficient flexibility to permit compression of opposed sections of the wall into contact, and at least two segments of the tubule being fluidically isolated from one another by a bonding of opposed sections of the tubule wall to one another. The sample vessel may also include an interface in fluid communication with the opening in the tubule, the interface facilitating delivery of a sample material to the tubule through the opening.

Abstract: A bale processor of a type having flail rotor providing an outer support surface with a plurality of flails mounted thereon are mounted for movement therewith around a flail rotor axis for engaging the bale and removing material from the outside of the bale. A plurality of depth control bars are disposed between adjacent flails for controlling the distance that the outer end of the flails extend into the outer surface of the bale. In one embodiment the depth control bars are positioned close to the outer support surface of the flail rotor whereby the depth control bars prevent a buildup of twine or netwrap on the outer support surface of the flail rotor. In another embodiment engagement members rigidly attached to the frame, separate from the depth control bars, are disposed between flails for preventing a buildup of netwrap/twine on the flail rotor.

Abstract: Impact shredder hammers having first and second major surfaces on opposing sides, and a circumferential edge. A mounting portion includes a mounting hole that extends from the first major surface to the second major surface, and is configured to receive a hammer mounting pin for mounting in a reducing system. A distal portion includes a primary impact face to initially impact materials to be reduced and a wear edge to subsequently compress, crumble, and/or shear the material against a wall of the equipment. The hammer is provided with a plurality of alternating protrusions and recesses in the distal portion.

Abstract: A system for processing a supply of post-consumer scrap linear low density or low density polyethylene film into near-virgin quality blown film product. The system includes tearing the supply of film in a shredder, wherein the surface area of the film is exposed, including delaminating the film. The torn supply of film is washed in a hot water bath including a surfactant. The film is agitated in the bath containing the surfactant wherein contaminants on the film are removed from the film. The washed film is ground into smaller pieces and additional washing of the ground film in a rotating friction washer occurs wherein additional contaminants are removed from the film. The ground film is then dried in a dryer and compacted in a compactor without addition of water into granulated objects of near-virgin quality blown film product.

Abstract: A separator comprises a housing and a separator chamber contained within the housing, an inlet and outlet to the separator chamber and a dividing member for substantially dividing the separator chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber. A flow path is provided between the first and second chambers for allowing flow to circulate between the first and second chambers, and guide means for creating opposing flow paths in the second chamber for slowing flow through the second chamber.

Abstract: A discharge electrode with equal or better performance to conventional discharge electrodes, but at significantly lower cost uses carbon fiber composite tapes suspended around support rings attached to a support at the top and a bias at the bottom. The tape is in a loop and extends around the support rings, causing the rings to be pulled apart in tension by the bias to keep the tape taut. The tape, and preferably the top ring, and alternatively the lower ring, are conductively connected to a power supply.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods to separate and concentrate target species. In some embodiments, a punctuated continuous microchannel or parallel processing (array-based) separations are provided, the microchannel having a plurality of sequential, constrictive insulating features to form a plurality of reservoirs including a first, second and third reservoir, and a plurality of constricted passageways including a first constricted passageway that connects the first reservoir to the second reservoir and a second constricted passageway that connects the second reservoir to the third reservoir. A voltage is applied to the microchannel to create different electrical fields and/or different dielectrophoresis (DEP) gradients at each of the plurality of constricted passageways in order to separate species that have differing ratios of electrokinetic mobility to dielectrophoretic mobility.

Abstract: A method is provided for continuously clarifying a flowable suspension with a discontinuously solid-discharging—self-discharging—separator, which has a rotatable drum with a vertical axis of rotation, a feed for the suspension to be clarified and at least one liquid discharge for continuously discharging at least one clarified liquid phase, and discontinuously openable solid-discharge openings for discontinuously discharging the solid phase. The method involves a) measuring one or more of the suspension parameters mass, mass of solid substance in the suspension, mass flow, temperature, density, cumulative density; and b) initiating a time-limited discharge of solid substance as a result of a repeated determination on the basis of step a) in the event of or after the exceeding of a limit value.

Abstract: Centrifuge vessels suitable for live cell processing include a bowl with a cap, and a tube inside the bowl extending between the cap and a lower portion of the bowl. The bottom of the bowl can have a closed annular ring surrounding a center mound. The vessels can be particularly suitable for processing low volumes of live cells for vaccines or other therapies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for processing an initial liquid medium (4) comprising cells in an initial concentration in order to obtain a product liquid medium (4?) comprising cells in a product concentration, the device (2) comprising a separator (6) adapted to separate the initial liquid medium (4) into various constituents, a first supply system (8) for supplying the initial liquid medium (4) to the separator (6), a first outlet system (12) for extracting the product liquid medium (4?) from the separator (6), a sensor (22, 22?) adapted to measure a physical parameter related to the concentration of the cells in the initial or product liquid medium (4, 4?), and a control unit (24) coupled to the sensor (22, 22?) and adapted to control at least one process of the device (2) as a function of the physical parameter measured by the sensor (22, 22?). The device is characterized by a second supply system (10) for supplying a solution (18) to the separator (6) with a given flow rate.

Abstract: Microfluidic laminar flow nozzle apparatuses are described herein. An example apparatus includes a base having a sidewall that forms a lower plenum chamber, and a micro-fluidic nozzle panel disposed above the base to enclose the lower plenum chamber, the micro-fluidic nozzle panel including a plurality of micro-fluidic nozzles, each of the plurality of micro-fluidic nozzles having a fluid output orifice for outputting a fluid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dual flow fitting that permits a user to select between a first, low flow rate and a second, high flow rate, as well as variable flow rates there between. The fitting includes a plunger within a housing body. A plurality of longitudinal grooves are defined along either the inside of the housing body or the outside of the plunger. At least one of the grooves has a varying portion along which the cross-sectional area of the groove varies over a length of the groove. This varying portion can be moved relative to a seal member positioned between the housing body and the plunger, thus allowing for variation of the flow rate through the fitting. The larger the cross-sectional area of the groove(s) at the point of contact with the seal member, the greater the flow rate through the fitting.

Abstract: An atomizing nozzle including a nozzle body, a flow orifice plate, a multi-stage decompression sleeve and a dual-conical surface nozzle head. One end of the nozzle body opposite to the dual-conical surface nozzle head is provided with an external thread; one end of the nozzle body close to the dual-conical surface nozzle head is provided with an internal hole and an internal thread. The external thread of the nozzle body is connected to external equipment. The flow orifice plate, the multi-stage decompression sleeve and the dual-conical surface nozzle head are arranged in the internal hole. The flow orifice plate is arranged on one end of the dual-conical surface nozzle close to the external thread of the nozzle body. The multi-stage decompression sleeve is arranged on the flow orifice plate.

Abstract: Described is a reusable fitting for attaching a conduit to a port. The fitting includes a housing, a spring, a retainer and a cap. The retainer is capable of locking and unlocking a conduit in the fitting. The fitting provides a high pressure fluid-tight seal and a substantially zero void volume at the junction of two fluidic conduits. The fitting is removable, reusable and replaceable, and allows a user to make and remake connections of a capillary to a fluidic port without permanently binding a ferrule to a specific capillary and thus to a specific port. The fitting can be replaced if part or all of the fitting is damaged during use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cosmetics container with a push button having a flexible upright nozzle in which a push button having an upright nozzle a discharge opening of which faces upwards is mounted to the cosmetics container such that the residual cosmetic contents left in the nozzle do not flow through the discharge opening and the flexible upright nozzle is easily bent during use thereof such that the discharge opening faces a lateral side.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device comprising: a reservoir (1) including a neck (12); a dispenser member (2) that is mounted in the neck (10), the dispenser member (2) being provided with a dip tube (23); and a cover tube (5) that surrounds said dip tube (23); the fluid dispenser device being characterized in that, in the proximity of its connection top end (52), said cover tube (5) includes at least one vent (55) having a total flow section (St) that presents a size that is sufficient to enable the fluid to rise in the cover tube (5) while the cover tube is being inserted quickly into the fluid reservoir (1) in the filled state, without being significantly disturbed by the air that is evacuated from the cover tube (5) through said at least one vent (55).

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for containing and dispensing metered amounts of fluid that includes a reservoir for containing fluid and a chamber positioned substantially within the reservoir for containing a quantity of the fluid. The fluid dispenser additionally includes a piston that is moveable within the chamber to draw fluid into the chamber when the piston is moved in a first direction with respect to the chamber, and to discharge fluid from the chamber when the piston is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction. Further, the fluid dispenser includes a user-manipulatable control coupled to the piston and rotatable about an axis to select one of at least two different metered quantities of fluid to be dispensed. The user-manipulatable control is further movable to move the piston relative to the chamber along the axis to selectively dispense the selected metered quantity of fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing fluids from a fluid container, comprising a dispenser head provided with a dispenser nozzle; a dispenser base, holding the dispenser head, provided with a coupling for connection to the fluid container; and a fluid feed leading from the dispenser nozzle into the dispenser base for connection to the fluid container; wherein the fluid feed is provided with at least one valve. The invention also relates to a fluid container provided with a dispenser as well as a method for dispensing fluids from a fluid container.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a selectively actuated fluid system having a plurality of selected fluid reservoirs, for example replaceable cartridge-type fluid reservoirs. A first subset of the reservoirs can be selectively actuated to dispense an individual fluid from the selected reservoir. A second subset of the reservoirs can be simultaneously actuated to dispense two or more fluids in mixed form.

Abstract: An applicator comprises a housing having a liquid input, a pump, a motor, and a power source; a trigger for providing selective control over the pump; a wand hingedly connected to the housing; and a nozzle coupled to the wand for discharging liquid from the applicator. The nozzle and the liquid input are in fluid communication via the pump and various conduits of the applicator.

Abstract: When a coating material is rolled between rolls to generate a a coating film, and the coating film is transferred onto the coating object, at first, a residual coating material layer based on a residual coating material is formed on each of the surfaces of the rolls, and supply of the coating material and transfer of the coating film are carried out in a state where the residual coating material layer is retained on each of the surfaces of the rolls, thereby suppressing abrasions between the rolls and the coating material.

Abstract: A jetting dispenser including an actuator housing, an actuator, a fluid body housing, and a fluid body. The actuator is located in the actuator housing and the fluid body housing is coupled to the actuator housing. The fluid body is coupled to the fluid body housing and includes a fluid inlet in communication with a fluid bore. The fluid body further includes a jetting valve having a movable shaft operatively coupled with the actuator when the fluid body housing is coupled to the actuator housing. The shaft is moved by the actuator to jet an amount of fluid from the fluid bore. The fluid body is capable of being removed from the fluid body housing when the fluid body housing is decoupled from the actuator housing.

Abstract: A spin chuck according to the present invention is provided and is configured to eliminate the wrap of chemical over the wafer edge. The dual speed wafer spin chuck apparatus acts to prevent liquids from affecting the backside of a wafer during processing. An outer ring is placed around the wafer with a narrow gap between the two such that drops of liquid on the surface of the wafer will touch the outer ring as they move to the outermost edge of the wafer. By spinning this outer ring at high speed, centrifugal force causes these drops to be pulled off of the wafer and flung radially outward, thus preventing the liquid from affecting the backside of the wafer.

Abstract: In apparatus and method according to example embodiments of the inventive concept, a substrate may be treated using two or more treatment solutions. The substrate treating apparatus may include a treatment vessel providing a treatment space, a substrate supporting unit provided in the treatment vessel to support a substrate, and a solution supplying unit supplying a treatment solution on the substrate supported by the substrate supporting unit. The solution supplying unit may include an etching solution supplying nozzle supplying an etching solution on an edge region of the substrate supported by the substrate supporting unit and an etch prevention solution (EPS) supplying nozzle supplying an etch prevention solution on a center region of the substrate supported by the substrate supporting unit. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the center region of the substrate from being dried.

Abstract: A fabrication assembly comprises an apparatus that receives a composite substrate and a glass substrate having a surface with a release coating layer. A resin layer is deposited between the composite and glass substrates such that a first portion of the resin layer is positioned adjacent to a surface of the composite substrate and a second portion of the resin layer is positioned adjacent to the surface with the release coating layer to prevent aperture(s) from forming. A curing of the resin layer is conducted using electromagnetic radiation. A post-processing chamber receives the resin layer positioned between the composite substrate and the glass substrate and conducts another curing of the resin layer. The resin layer and the composite substrate are released from the glass substrate. Another deposition apparatus receives the resin layer and the composite substrate. A metallic coating is deposited to form a composite mirror object.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a stencil mask includes a first opening and a second opening, the first opening is provided corresponding to a mark region in a template, the second opening is provided adjacent to the first opening, and the diameter of a circle circumscribing the second opening is smaller than the diameter of a circle circumscribing the first opening.

Abstract: A method of forming a layered coating film includes: coating a workpiece with an electrodeposition coating material to form an electrodeposition coating layer; applying a colored coating material including a white pigment over the electrodeposition coating layer to form two or more colored coating layers that are layered on the electrodeposition layer; and applying a clear coating material over the two or more colored coating layers. The colored coating material includes coating materials respectively applied to form a lower-side colored coating layer and an upper-side colored coating layer of the two or more colored coating layers. A concentration of the white pigment in the coating material applied to form the lower-side colored coating layer is equal to or higher than a concentration of the white pigment included in the coating material applied to form the upper-side colored coating layer.

Abstract: An ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer device includes a transducer array consisting of an array of vibrating elements, and a base to which the array of vibrating elements in the transducer array are attached. The base include integrated electrical interconnects for carrying driving signals and sensed signals between the vibrating elements and an external control circuit. The base can be an ASIC wafer that includes integrated circuitry for controlling the driving and processing the sensed signals. The interconnects and control circuits in the base fit substantially within an area below the array of multiple vibrating elements.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a tile device includes a plurality of piezoelectric transducers elements and a base adjoining and supporting the plurality of piezoelectric transducers elements. The base includes integrated circuitry programmed to successively configure operational modes of the tile, according to a pre-programmed sequence, to successively select respective subsets of the piezoelectric transducers elements for activation. The integrated circuitry includes pulser logic to selectively activate such subsets, and demultiplexer logic to communicate from the tile sense signals resulting from such activation. In another embodiment, the demultiplexer logic is part of a first voltage domain of the tile, and the pulser logic is part of a second voltage domain of the tile. The base may include circuitry to protect the demultiplexer logic from a relatively high voltage level of the second voltage domain.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a package sorting system has a sorting module that has a sorting station, an infeed conveyor, and first and second pairs of outfeed conveyors. The sorting station has a front end, a rear end, and first and second sides. The infeed conveyor conveys packages from an infeed end to the front end along a rearward direction. The first pair has first and second outfeed conveyors that adjoin the first side and that convey packages away from one another along the rearward and frontward directions, respectively. The second pair has third and fourth outfeed conveyors that adjoin the second side and that convey packages away from one another along the rearward and frontward directions, respectively. In operation, a person or machine at the sorting station receives incoming packages from the infeed conveyor and selectively places each package on one of the first, second, third, and fourth outfeed conveyors.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for an automated mailbox system. The automated mailbox system includes a personal device configured to manage a robot. The robot includes a base that forms a foundation for the robot and is coupled to a post. The robot includes a mailbox having a door. The mailbox is configured to receive documents when in the open position. The robot includes a transportation component that moves the robot in multiple directions among multiple locations. The transportation component is configured to move the robot in a first direction to a first location.

Abstract: A filling machine and a method for intermediate cleaning of a filling machine, where the filling machine comprises a hopper for filling in a pasty substance, a conveying mechanism for conveying the pasty substance in the direction toward an outlet opening. The filling machine comprises at least one spraying device above or within the hopper for distributing the cleaning medium onto the hopper inner wall.