Abstract: A gyratory crusher hydraulic pressure relief valve includes a hydraulic fluid vestibule arranged to be fluidly connected to a hydraulic fluid space. A logic element is arranged to dump hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid space, which includes a plunger having a first plunger surface and a second plunger surface, and a control pipe arranged for fluidly connecting the second plunger surface to the hydraulic fluid vestibule. A supply orifice restricts the flow of hydraulic fluid from the vestibule towards the second plunger surface to make the time TC it takes for the logic element to switch from open position to closed position exceed the time TF it takes for a closed side setting position of the crusher to make one full round.

Abstract: Improved free-swinging hammermill hammer configurations are disclosed and described for comminution of materials such as grain and refuse. The hammer configurations of the present disclosure are adaptable to most hammer mill or grinders having free-swinging systems. The configurations as disclosed and claimed are non-forged and incorporate a saddle or hammer mouth. The merging of a hammer and saddle improves strength to reduce or maintain the weight of the hammer while increasing the amount of force delivered to the material to be comminuted. The improved configurations incorporate comminution edges having increased hardness for longer operational run times. The improved configurations improve installing, removing, and cleaning hammer components within the hammermill. The improved configurations may incorporate hammermill rod hole of varying shapes and sizes and saddles of varying shapes and sizes or the use of non-planar hammer bodies that have a recessed or protruding surface.

Abstract: A portable grinder for herb or vegetative material comprises a top section having a motor and disc with a plurality of top grinding knives protruding downward, a middle section having a plurality of bottom grinding knives protruding upward and a plurality of apertures, and a bottom section. In one embodiment, ground material is discharged through apertures in the middle section, where the size is regulated by a screen, and/or is retained in the middle section until the top section is removed. In a further embodiment, the grinder may be operated electrically or manually.

Abstract: A system and method directed to the economical recovery of valuable iron constituents from iron blast furnace and steel-making slag fines wherein the slag is obtained and subjected to a series of classification steps which progressively sort the slag fines by various physical characteristics, including magnetism, size, and density, into relatively iron-rich and relatively iron-poor classifications, resulting in the isolation of iron-rich commercial byproduct at one or more of the classification steps.

Abstract: A device for manipulating magnetic particles, and the method of fabricating and use thereof. The device includes a substrate; a conductive element formed onto the substrate in a pattern shaped to enhance a magnetic field generated in response to an applied current; an insulating layer to isolate the conductive element from a magnetic element; and a magnetic element formed onto the insulating layer to enhance a magnetic force resulting from the magnetic field generated by the conductive element. The magnetic element can be shaped similarly to the conductive element, and edges of the magnetic element are substantially aligned with edges of the conductive element. During fabrication, the substrate and the conductive element can be heated to cause the substrate to shrink thereby resulting in a wrinkled structure at the conductive element. The device can be used to manipulate the magnetic particles within a biological sample, such as cells and/or biomolecules.

Abstract: Provided is a solvent separation method and a solvent separation apparatus that make it possible to efficiently retrieve the thermal energy possessed by an exhaust atmosphere released in a solvent-removal step to suppress reductions in a temperature of the exhaust atmosphere. In the solvent separation method and the solvent separation apparatus, a vaporized solvent is removed from a gas while heat exchange between the gas within a condensation part and the gas within a dust-collection part is conducted by using a heat exchange part that is placed between the condensation part that introduces the gas into a first direction and the dust-collection part that introduce the gas into a second direction opposite to the first direction the gas discharged from a downstream side of the condensation part.

Abstract: Collector compositions C for mineral flotation, which include at least one of a hydroxamic acid A, and/or a salt S of a hydroxamic acid A solubilized in a water-soluble organic solvent L, and processes for using same for recovering sulfide and/or oxide minerals in mineral flotation processes are provided herewith.

Abstract: What is claimed is a flotation separation system for partitioning a slurry. The slurry includes a hydrophobic species that can adhere to gas bubbles that form within the slurry. The flotation separation system includes a flotation separation cell. The flotation separation cell has a sparger unit and a separation tank. The separation tank is constructed to allow the bubble dispersion to form a froth at the top of the slurry contained in the separation tank. The sparger unit includes a slurry inlet, a slurry outlet, a sparging mechanism, a high shear element, and a gas inlet.

Abstract: A bioluminescent tornado maker system for creating a pleasing, glow-in-the-dark tornado. The bioluminescent tornado maker system generally includes a base that supports a transparent vessel having a liquid within it. The liquid may be salt water, and may contain bioluminescent organisms, such as dinoflagellates. An impeller in the base in contact with the liquid causes a rotational flow of the liquid, creating a visible vortex and also a mechanical disturbance that causes the bioluminescent organisms to emit a visible light, resulting in a glow-in-the-dark tornado.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to devices and methods for treating a mixture of expansion gas and filling product foam in a beverage filling plant, comprising the steps of introducing the mixture of expansion gas and filling product foam into a closed separation container and extracting the expansion gas out of the closed separation container via suction.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system, a fluid processing apparatus and a method of treating a mixture are provided in which a separator has two outlets for different components of mixed fluid.

Abstract: A foam dispensing container (100) has a container body (40) that reserves a liquid agent (L); a head part (30) that has an outlet (20), and dispenses the liquid agent (L) delivered from the container body (40) through the outlet (20) into foam; and a pump head part (32) that allows dispensing of a predetermined amount of the foamy liquid agent (foam) through the outlet (20) each time it accepts a user's operation. The outlet (20) is formed with a contiguous geometry narrowed from an intended shape. A foam, dispensed through the outlet (20) as a result of a single or multiple operations of the pump head part (32), is built up into the intended shape in a plan view seen in the dispensing direction.

Abstract: A nozzle and methods of gas stripping utilizing the nozzle are provided. A nozzle is provided comprising a ceramic nozzle assembly comprising an inlet at one end of a cylindrical portion, an outlet at one end of a conical portion; the cylindrical portion transitioning to the conical portion at an end of the cylindrical portion distal from the inlet; the conical portion transitioning to the cylindrical portion at an end of the conical portion distal from the outlet; and a ceramic vane assembly within the cylindrical portion; the vane assembly comprising a central vane support located substantially concentrically within the cylindrical portion, and a plurality of angled vanes extending from the central vane support to an inner wall of the cylindrical portion; wherein the ceramic nozzle assembly and the ceramic vane assembly are manufactured such that the two assemblies comprise a single piece of ceramic.

Abstract: A water output device capable of regulating water output spray, comprising: an outer chamber; an inner chamber, disposed inside the outer chamber; an upper chamber, used to supply water to the inner chamber and the outer chamber; a water output panel, disposed on the outer chamber; a plurality of rotation panels, disposed evenly on the water output panel to form into a ring, on the respective rotation panels is provided with water output holes, and water is supplied to the rotation panel from the inner chamber; a driving mechanism, disposed in the inner chamber, to drive all the rotation panels into rotation synchronously; and a water channel switching mechanism, disposed in the upper chamber, to control switching of water supply to the inner chamber and the outer chamber, and when the water channel switching mechanism rotates, it brings the driving mechanism into rotation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a method of producing a massaging spray mode for a showerhead. The method includes fluidly connecting a plurality of nozzles to a fluid source where each of the first plurality of nozzles are opened substantially simultaneously and fluidly disconnecting the first plurality of nozzles from the fluid source where each of the nozzles within the first plurality of nozzles are closed substantially simultaneously. Additionally, the present disclosure is related to a method of assembling a showerhead. The method includes connecting together two or more flow directing plates to create an engine for the showerhead; placing the engine within a spray head a number of degrees out of phase from an operational orientation; rotating the engine the number of degrees into the operational orientation; and connecting the engine to the spray head by a fastener received through a back wall of the spray head.

Abstract: A centrifugal water spray structure is provided. The centrifugal water spray structure includes: a chamber having a chamber axis and an opening, a water jetting device for jetting water into the chamber in a direction not parallel to the chamber axis, thereby creating a vortex flow in the chamber, and a rotary plug received in the chamber. One end of the rotary plug abuts an edge of the opening of the chamber in a manner that sealing is formed between the rotary plug and the edge of the opening, and the other end of the rotary plug is a free end so that the rotary plug is able to be driven to rotate about the chamber axis by the vortex flow. A plug water passage is formed inside the rotary plug. Further, a showerhead using the centrifugal water spray structure is provided.

Abstract: A portable ultrafine nebulizer comprises a housing, an atomizing nozzle located at the front port of the housing, an air turbine deposited inside the housing, an air flow guide device fixed at the front port of the housing, and a water pump for pumping liquid; the air flow guide device is provided with a plurality of air flow guide blades distributed uniformly around the periphery of the atomizing nozzle, and each of the air flow guide blades is provided with a guide surface; in the atomizing nozzle is provided with a spiral channel and a fluid channel communicated with the water pump, the atomizing nozzle is provided with a spray port at the front end, and the spray port is communicated with the fluid channel through the spiral channel; the air turbine, the air flow guide blades and the spray port are distributed successively along the airflow direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for mixing and atomizing a hydrocarbon stream is disclosed. The apparatus comprises of an inner conduit having a first inlet for receiving the hydrocarbon stream, and a second inlet for receiving a primary dispersion stream. The inner conduit produces a primary mixture comprising the hydrocarbon stream and the primary dispersion stream. The apparatus further includes an outer conduit having a third inlet for receiving a secondary dispersion stream. Further, said inner and outer conduits together define an annular passage. The distal end of the annular passage defines a second set of orifices for allowing the secondary dispersion stream flowing there-through to come in contact with the primary mixture and thereby dispensing the secondary mixture so obtained through an outlet.

Abstract: A modular sprayer system for use with heavy-lift unmanned aerial vehicles includes a liquid storage tank for receiving and storing any type of agricultural products. A mounting unit is located along the top of the tank and includes hardware for securing the system to a UAV. Skid-type landing gear is permanently secured to the outside of the tank, and an electric pump is disposed within the tank. The location of the pump dampens movement of fluid within the tank during flight. One or more elongated booms are in fluid communication with the pump and terminate into dispensing units having one or more nozzles for releasing the fluid. A control unit is in electrical communication with one or both of the UAV to which the system is secured and a system operator. A tank level sensor and imaging systems are communicatively linked with the control unit.

Abstract: An auto-open compact container has an outer container having a button formed on one side thereof, an outer container lid hinge-coupled to one side of the outer container to be opened/closed, and an inner container which is mounted inside the outer container. An air inlet protrusion is formed in the button such that external air is introduced into the inner container simultaneously while the button is pressed to open the outer container lid. Therefore, an inside of the inner container, which is sealed and evacuated, communicates with the outside, thereby making an operation of pressing the discharge plate smooth.

Abstract: A liquid hand wash container includes an outer casing, a rear casing, a liquid storage bottle, a liquid discharging pump module, a pressing plate, a pressing base, two thrust arc plates and a compression rod module, wherein the outer housing and the rear housing are connected with each other to form an accommodating cavity through a buckle; all of the liquid storage bottle, the liquid discharging pump module, the pressing base (6) and the compression rod module (8) are disposed within the accommodating cavity; all of the liquid storage bottle (3), the liquid discharging pump module and the compression rod module are fixedly disposed on the rear housing; an upper portion of a liquid discharging pump is connected with the liquid storage bottle through a liquid discharging tube, a lower portion of the liquid discharging pump is movably connected with the pressing base.

Abstract: An actuator includes a nozzle; a valve; and a trigger operatively connected with the valve, wherein the trigger comprises an elastomeric material, wherein the trigger is configured to reciprocate from a forward position to a rearward position and back to a forward position upon actuation, wherein upon actuation from a forward position to a rearward position the trigger comprises a changing moment arm.

Abstract: A remote activation dispenser for dispensing fluids. An actuating device positioned on a dispensing tube is operably connected to a flexible link that is operably connected to a valve in a dispenser by a rigid link. Upon manipulation of the actuating device, the valve is actuated for passing or cutting off fluids from the dispenser to the dispensing tube.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system comprises a robot, a spray gun coupled to the robot and operable to spray a first predefined number of passes of a material onto a substrate at a first flow rate, and a measurement device operable to measure one or more properties of the material sprayed onto the substrate while the material is wet. The system further comprises an analyzer operable to determine a thickness of the wet material based on the one or more measured properties and calculate a second flow rate required to achieve a cured thickness of the material within a second predefined number of passes. The calculated second flow rate is based on the first predefined number of passes, an expected thickness of the wet material for one pass of the first predefined number of passes, the determined thickness of the wet material, and the first flow rate.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an operating method for a coating system, in particular for a painting system, for coating components (2), in particular motor vehicle body components (2), having the following steps: conveying, by means of a conveying device (3), the components (2) to be coated in a conveying direction through a coating booth (1), coating the components (2) in the coating booth (1) with a coating product by means of an application device (17-19) which applies a spray jet of the coating product, a portion of the applied coating product being deposited on the components (2) to be coated while another portion of the applied coating product floats into the interior of the coating booth (1) as an excess coating product mist (21), and reducing the excess coating product mist (21) from the interior of the booth by means in addition to or other than the downwardly directed air flow generated by a filter ceiling. In addition, the disclosure includes a correspondingly designed coating system.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a cover from being drawn into a joint of a paint robot includes a circular ring member mounted to the paint robot proximate the joint. The circular ring member may include first and second blocking members. The paint robot includes first and second portions rotatable relative to one another about an axis of the joint. The circular ring member circumferentially surrounds the first portion of the paint robot such that the axis of the joint passes through the circular ring member.

Abstract: A nozzle auto-cleaning device and a nozzle auto-cleaning method are disclosed. The nozzle auto-cleaning device includes a base and a cleaning piece feeding unit disposed on the base, the base has a bearing surface on which the cleaning piece feeding unit is disposed, the cleaning piece feeding unit is configured to transport a cleaning piece installed inside the nozzle auto-cleaning device along a first direction intersected with the bearing surface so that a first portion of the cleaning piece is protruded in a direction away from the bearing surface and inserted into a nozzle, and the base is configured to move along at least one direction of the first direction, as well as a second direction and a third direction intersected in a plane of the bearing surface, so as to drive the first portion of the cleaning piece to move inside the nozzle.

Abstract: At the rear end, the powder cup spray gun has an injector, a powder cup and a receptacle for the powder cup. The powder inlet of the injector is connected to the receptacle. The powder cup and the receptacle are designed in such a way that the powder cup can be fitted into the receptacle. In addition, a grip with a connection for conveying air, a connection for atomising air, and a connection for metering air is provided. The connection for the conveying air and the connection for the metering air are connected to the injector via lines running in the grip.

Abstract: An applicator for a fluid ingredient includes at least one storage chamber, at least one first predetermined breaking point or line configured in or at the storage chamber, and an actuation mechanism. The storage chamber has an outlet end with an initially sealed outlet via which a fluid ingredient can be output. The actuation mechanism is arranged at the storage chamber, and has at least one activation part capable of being displaced relative to the outlet end and by which at least one part or section of the storage chamber is capable of being axially displaced to activate the at least one first predetermined breaking point or line, on an activation of the applicator.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a material has a container for holding the material, a piston movably arranged within the container and a spindle in cooperation with the piston. The device is configured such that the spindle and the container are rotatable relative to each other to move the piston for dispensing the material. The piston and the spindle are adapted to anti-twist lock against each other in a first axial position of the piston relative to spindle. And in a second axial position of the piston relative to spindle the anti-twist lock between the piston and the spindle is suspended. The device helps minimizing any residual dental material upon attempting to empty the device.

Abstract: Web lifter and/or stabilizer and method of lifting and/or stabilizing a travelling web and coating a web. The device creates a web hold down force via a negative pressure slot at its exit side, which draws the web down against the surface on the entry side. The device can be actuated to move the web relative to slot die coater off the die lips and stop the application of slurry to the web, thereby creating uncoated regions on the web surface. The device can be actuated to move the web back into contact with the coater to start the application of slurry to the web, creating coated regions on the web surface. Web lifting can be accomplished by rotating the device in first and second directions to lift the web off of the slot die coater and return the web back into contact with the coater.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of making a gypsum panel includes depositing an aqueous liquid containing a wetting agent onto a fiberglass mat, such that the aqueous liquid penetrates an entire thickness of the fiberglass mat, and depositing a gypsum slurry onto the fiberglass mat onto which the aqueous liquid has been deposited, such that the gypsum slurry penetrates at least a portion of the fiberglass mat. In another aspect, a method of making a gypsum panel includes depositing an aqueous liquid containing a wetting agent onto a fiberglass mat, and depositing a gypsum slurry onto the fiberglass mat onto which the aqueous liquid has been deposited, prior to drying of the aqueous liquid, such that the gypsum slurry penetrates at least a portion of the fiberglass mat.

Abstract: A linear vibration motor, including: a base, a vibrating unit, an elastic member, a first stopper and a second stopper. The elastic member includes two elastic members mutually spaced and arranged by stacking. Each elastic member includes a fixing arm fixed on the vibrating unit, two elastic arms bending and extending from the fixing arm, and two connecting arms respectively bending and extending from ends of the elastic arms, the connecting arms are respectively fixed on the base; the first stopper is fixed at a side of the fixing arm away from the vibrating unit; the second stopper is fixed on a side of the connecting arm close to the vibrating unit; the first stopper and the second stopper are mutually spaced and an orthographic projection of the first stopper along the vibrating direction at least partially falls into the second stopper.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a linear vibration motor, including: a base, a vibrating unit and an elastic member. The elastic member comprises a first elastic member and a second elastic member. The first elastic member comprises a first fixing arm, two first elastic arms respectively extending from the first fixing arm, two first connecting arms respectively extending from the two first elastic arms, and two first avoiding holes penetrating through the first fixing arm; the second elastic member comprises a second fixing arm, two second elastic arms respectively extending from the second fixing arm, and two second connecting arms respectively extending from the two second elastic arms, the first avoiding holes are respectively arranged directly facing the two second connecting arms. Comparing with the prior art, the linear vibration motor of the present disclosure can be conveniently assembled, and has good vibration property and high reliability.

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: A piezoelectric micromechanical ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) includes a multilayer stack disposed on a substrate. The multilayer stack may include an anchor structure disposed over the substrate, a piezoelectric layer stack disposed over the anchor structure, and a mechanical layer disposed proximate to the piezoelectric layer stack. The piezoelectric layer stack may be disposed over a cavity. The mechanical layer may seal the cavity and, together with the piezoelectric layer stack, is supported by the anchor structure and forms a membrane over the cavity, the membrane being configured to undergo one or both of flexural motion and vibration when the PMUT receives or transmits ultrasonic signals.

Abstract: In one aspect, matching layers for an ultrasonic transducer stack having a matching layer comprising a matrix material loaded with a plurality of micron-sized and nano-sized particles. In another aspect, the matrix material is loaded with a plurality of heavy and light particles. In another aspect, an ultrasound transducer stack comprises a piezoelectric layer and at least one matching layer. In one aspect, the matching layer comprises a composite material comprising a matrix material loaded with a plurality of micron-sized and nano-sized particles. In a further aspect, the composite material can also comprise a matrix material loaded with a plurality of heavy and light particles. In a further aspect, a matching layer can also comprise cyanoacrylate.

Abstract: Polycrystalline silicon fragments are sorted into defined particle fractions in a flexible manner independent of initial particle size distribution and desired fraction size by a first mechanical screening into a fine fraction and residual fraction, followed by optoelectronic sorting of the residual fraction.

Abstract: A system (1) for analyzing and sorting material (2) including a feeder (10) for transporting at least one piece of material along a feeding surface (15) towards and onto an upper portion (21) of a chute (20), a sorting device (50), a laser device (30), a spectrometer (40) configured to detect an emission from the piece of material and to produce an output signal corresponding to the emission, and a controller device configured to receive the output signal and to operate the sorting device. The laser device and the spectrometer are both provided on a level below the feeding surface. Also, the laser device is configured to produce a laser beam that can be incident on the piece of material when the piece of material is at least partially protruding from the chute or has fallen off from the chute via the lower edge of the chute and is airborne.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while intentionally creating and utilizing known signal interference to enhance contrasts when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.

Abstract: A method of sorting is described and which includes a step of acquiring a multiplicity of synchronized image signals of a product stream which is to be sorted; generating a multiplicity of fused sensor signals; forming an image model previously acquired from the objects to be sorted; identifying objects in the product stream, and generating object presence and defect signals; determining a spatial orientation of the objects in the product stream; detecting the defects and removing the defects from the product stream.

Abstract: A food article defect removal apparatus includes a manifold that defines one or more chambers for holding pressurized fluid. First channels extend from a first side of the manifold into fluid communication with the chambers. Second channels extend from the first side of the manifold to a second side of the manifold. Valves selectively connect corresponding first channels and second channels together to dispense the pressurized fluid from the manifold. The manifold can have an exterior wall that at least partially defines a first chamber and a second chamber, with an interior wall disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber. The interior wall can define the second channels. The valves can be included with a valve assembly, which includes a driver operably coupled with the valves. The valves can be pluggably coupled with the driver.

Abstract: Fibrous structures containing solid additives, and more particularly, fibrous structures containing two or more regions that comprise different average weight % levels of solid additives and methods for making same are provided.

Abstract: A cleaning system, including a vessel with an inside for storing fluid under pressure (the vessel including a first connection point for dispensing fluid from the vessel that is configured to be in a closed position when not connected and a second connection point for pressurizing the vessel that is configured to be in a closed position when not connected), an outlet autoclave stem for installing in the cleaning system so that steam may pass through the first connection point during autoclaving, and an inlet autoclave stem for installing in the cleaning system so that steam may pass through the first connection point during autoclaving.

Abstract: A treatment liquid supply device and a wet treatment device with which an extremely small quantity of the treatment liquid can be accurately supplied, as a method for supplying a treatment liquid to an extremely small wafer of half inch size, including: a syringe that sucks and discharges the treatment liquid; a treatment liquid bottle that is filled with the treatment liquid; a suction hose that has one end connected to the treatment liquid bottle and the other end connected to the syringe, and sucks the treatment liquid inside the treatment liquid bottle to the syringe; a supply hose that has one end connected to an intermediate section of the suction hose and serves to supply, to the surface of the wafer, the treatment liquid discharged by the syringe; and a three-way solenoid valve that controls opening/closing of each of the suction and supply hoses.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to a particle collection apparatus and probe head for the collection of particles on process tool components. In one embodiment, a particle collection apparatus for counting particles present on a processing tool component is disclosed herein. The particle collection apparatus includes a particle collector. The particle collector is configured to scan a processing tool component and collect particles collected from the processing tool component. The particle collector includes a body and a probe head coupled to the body. The probe head has a probe body and a controlled spacing element. The controlled spacing element is coupled to the probe body and is configured to form a uniform manifold between the probe body and the processing tool component.

Abstract: Described herein are various methods, systems, and apparatus for reducing and eliminating biofilms from hydrocarbons. A combination of oxidizing agents and radiation of certain wavelengths forms a synergistic reaction. The synergistic reaction generates EMODs, which are effective in reducing microbial count and eliminating or blocking biofilm formation, particularly in anaerobic environments. This synergistic reaction has a relationship to EMOD creation and has a detrimental effect on Microbial Contamination (MC), Microbial Influenced Corrosion (MIC) and biofilm creation. MC, MIC and biofilm can be eliminated or greatly reduced with the treatment methods in or on equipment including pipelines, storage tanks, and refinery processing equipment.

Abstract: Material lining the inside surface of a section of pipe is removed by a hydrodemolition nozzle assembly mounted on a working end of an elongated boom. The opposed end of the boom is supported outside the pipe on a movable support for inserting and retracting the boom from the inside of the pipe. The nozzles remove the liner while the working end of the boom is supported by a wheel resting on the liner that has not yet been removed and that rolls along the inside liner as the pipe is made to revolve around the boom. The nozzles are oriented to eject the liner and water downstream and away from the boom.

Abstract: A side-opening sleeve valve having an inner barrel with a shaped opening through its cylindrical wall having a longer size along the axis of the inner barrel, and a co-annular outer barrel having shaped opening through its cylindrical wall having a longer size along the axis of the outer barrel. The inner barrel is rotatable relative to the outer barrel between a first open position where the shaped openings overlap to form a side opening into the sleeve valve, and a second closed position where the shaped openings do not overlap. The side opening has an effective axial opening size and an effective lateral opening size in a ratio of at least about 2:1. The side-opening valve is useful with water-less toilet that can empty into the side-opening valve when opened, and when closed, a pigging fluid flush system pushes the waste in the side-opening valve to a sewage system.

Abstract: A method for treatment of a plastic transport box for conveyance and atmospheric storage of substrates including walls bounding a volume intended for storage of substrates, and a station for treatment of transport boxes for conveyance and atmospheric storage of substrates, the method including: at least one plasma treatment in which at least one interior wall of the transport box is subjected to a plasma of a treatment gas at a gas pressure lower than 10000 pascals.