Abstract: A bag cutter for opening a sealed package using at least one of a blade and a piercer. Preferably, at least one blade is disposed partially within a cutout of an arm in a manner that exposes an edge of the blade. A piercer can comprise an extension of a cutout edge or be located on any other suitable portion of an arm. Another blade can be provided that is substantially perpendicular to the blade within a cutout, and juxtaposable against a cutting surface.

Abstract: A flat piece of material in a predetermined shape convertible to a funnel, the flat piece of material comprised of an outer edge, a hole in the middle of the flat piece of material, a line cut from the hole to the outer edge, a first tab on a first side of the line and a second tab on a second side of the line, a first notch in the first tab, a second notch in the second tab, and where the flat piece of material is adapted to be converted into a funnel by moving the first and second tab portions in opposite directions and interlocking the first and second notches. To disassemble the funnel back to the flat shape, the tabs are unhooked from each other allowing the funnel to spring back, or relax, into the original flat piece of material. In the flat state, the material is much easier to clean and can be stored easily without taking as much space when compared to the funnel shape.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispenser includes a dispenser head, a diffuser, and a spout. The bottom of the dispenser head includes an outer wall and an inner wall that defines a channel therebetween which allows for the spout to be coupled thereto. The dispenser head includes a dispenser base formed with the inner wall and defines a diluent port and a concentrate port where the concentrate port is centrally positioned. The diffuser includes a cylindrical wall having a base extend inwardly from wall and which defines a channel within the middle of the base. The channel is aligned with the concentrate port and a portion of the base is aligned with the diluent port. The diffuser is designed to dispense agitated, whipped, foamed or frothed beverages by allowing the diluent to exit the diluent port and hit the base, thereby scattering the diluent into the concentrate stream at a high velocity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a valve device (1) for a container (100) for supplying and dispensing gaseous beverages, comprising a main valve body (1) connected to said container (100) by means of a connecting member (101), said main valve body (1) comprising a supplying and 0 dispensing port (10) of said beverages to/from said container (100), sealing means (2) arranged onto said dispensing port (10), elastic means (3) cooperating with said sealing means (2), beverage dispensing means (4) arranged internally to said main body (1), and pressure controlling means (5,40,41) for controlling a pressure threshold value within said container (100), the valve device it is characterized in that said dispensing means (4) and said pressure threshold value control means (5,40,41) comprises a single member (4,40,41) mounted in a movable manner inside said valve device (1), the arrangement being such that said dispensing means (4) are movable from a first position wherein they cooperate with said sealing means (2) for s

Abstract: A system and method a method may include receiving (i) beverage composition data of a requested beverage, and (ii) a user identifier of a user requesting the beverage. Responsive to receiving an instruction to dispense the requested beverage, the requested beverage may be dispensed. The beverage composition data may be stored in a dispensed beverage data record. A verification as to whether or not the dispensed beverage is a qualified beverage pour may be performed. Responsive to determining that the dispensed beverage is a qualified beverage pour, a counter may be increased. Responsive to determining that the counter value crosses a threshold value, a first message may be communicated to a mobile electronic device of the user, otherwise, a second message may be communicated to the mobile electronic device.

Abstract: A consumable item dispenser and method may include an ingredient storage unit configured to store a consumable ingredient used to produce consumable items by the dispenser. A sensor may be configured to sense an amount of consumable ingredient remaining to be dispensed. An input/output unit may be configured to communicate data over a communications network. A processing unit may be in communication with the sensor, and be configured to authenticate an electronic device associated with an operator and register the electronic device associated with the operator. A determination as to whether an amount of the ingredient in the ingredient storage unit is at or below a threshold level. The processing unit may generate a notification indicative that the ingredient is at or below a threshold level, and communicate the notification to the operator in response to being generated.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods for providing hydration to a user from a fluid reservoir or bladder, where the fluid is provided on demand by the user activating and controlling a user interface that communicates wirelessly with a control assembly operably connected to a pump and, the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A metered tap includes a pouring spout and a sliding section. The spout accurately dispenses, from an internal reservoir of a container, a predetermined one or one-and-a-half ounce volume of alcohol in a controlled single pour with precision. The metered tap is movable between retracted and extended configurations. The sliding section has an internal chamber to contain the volume, and a top portion with fill openings into the internal chamber. In the retracted configuration, the sliding section is within the container, and the alcohol flows from the internal reservoir into the internal chamber through the fill openings. In the extended configuration, the sliding section is extended relative to the retracted configuration, and blocks flow of alcohol from the internal reservoir. When the pouring spout is selectively actuated, the alcohol is dispensed and empties from the internal chamber by gravity flow. Also disclosed are a dispensing stand and method of use.

Abstract: A fluid nozzle includes an inlet housing configured for connection with a tanker aircraft boom, an outlet housing connected with the inlet and configured for connection with a receiving aircraft receptacle, and/or a sensor configured for determining at least one of a ready status, a contact status, and an articulation angle. The sensor may include a ready sensor, a contact sensor, and/or an articulation angle sensor. A method of connecting a fluid nozzle with a receptacle may include providing a fluid nozzle, providing a receptacle, moving the fluid nozzle toward the receptacle, sensing contact between the fluid nozzle and the receptacle via a contact sensor, and/or sensing, via a ready sensor, that the receptacle is latched with the fluid nozzle.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an apparatus for replacing transmission fluid of an automatic gear shift, including: a first tube and a second tube, operatively coupled to two different access points of the automatic gear shift; a first tank containing the fresh transmission fluid; a second tank which receives the exhausted transmission fluid; a first three-way electro valve which establishes selective communication between the first tube and the first tank or between the first tube and the second tank; a second three-way electro valve comprising a selective communication between the second tube and the first tank or between the second tube and the second tank; a first pressure gauge and a second pressure gauge operatively coupled to the first tube and to the second tube, respectively, to detect the pressure of the transmission fluid, wherein an oleodynamic manifold comprises a box-like casing housing for the three-way electro valves and the pressure gauges; and a first calibrated throttling is present between the fi

Abstract: A gravity-fed fuel delivery system is provided. A central storage tank holds fuel to re-supply a number of pump trucks or other mechanized equipment, such as on a hydraulic fracturing location, and can be selectively raised or lowered. Hoses or other conduits extend from the central storage tank to individual engines of the equipment to be refueled. Adapters allow connection of the distal end of each hose or conduit to an inlet of the suction side of the engine. Adaptors also allow connection of the return side of the engine's fuel system back to the central storage tank. Thereby mechanically allowing flow from the central storage tank, through the engine's fuel system, supply fuel for the engine to burn and allowing the return or unburned fuel a path back to the central storage tank.

Abstract: An auxiliary distribution station is configured to be used in cooperation with a primary distribution station. The auxiliary distribution system includes a mobile vehicle, an auxiliary hose reel and auxiliary hose, a lift, a tank, a pump, an auxiliary meter, and a tank hose. The auxiliary hose is configured to be fluidly connected with a hose of the primary distribution station. The lift is configured to move and deploy the auxiliary hose reel from the mobile vehicle. The pump is operable to pump fluid from the tank, through the meter, and through the tank hose.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques for labeling a refill contain and/or for enabling operation of the refill container by a dispensing system based upon one or more indicia of the label satisfying a dispensing key are provided. In an example, a label may be applied to a refill container. The label may comprise a first region having a first indicia that may correspond to a shape, color, and/or texture (e.g., a yellow star indicia). A dispensing system may enable operation of the refill container (e.g., installation and/or dispensing of material from the refill container) based upon the first indicia satisfying a dispensing key (e.g., a yellow key component and/or a star shape component). Otherwise, the dispensing system does not enable operation of the refill container (e.g., the refill container is not genuine or is not an appropriate refill container type).

Abstract: A micromechanical component having a mount, an adjustable element, which is connected via at least one spring to the mount, and an actuator device, a first oscillatory motion of the adjustable element about a first axis of rotation and simultaneously a second oscillatory motion of the adjustable element, which is set into the first oscillatory motion, being excitable about a second axis of rotation in response to the actuator device; and the adjustable element being configured by the at least one spring to be adjustable on the mount in such a way that the adjustable element is adjustable by a resulting angular momentum about a rotational axis, which is oriented orthogonally to the first axis of rotation and orthogonally to second axis of rotation. Also, a method for manufacturing a micromechanical component. Moreover, a method for exciting a motion of an adjustable element about a rotational axis.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor includes a MEMS layer that includes fixed and movable electrodes. In response to an in-plane linear acceleration, the movable electrodes move with respect to the fixed electrodes, and acceleration is determined based on the resulting change in capacitance. A plurality of auxiliary electrodes are located on a substrate of the MEMS sensor and below the MEMS layer, such that a capacitance between the MEMS layer and the auxiliary loads changes in response to an out-of-plane movement of the MEMS layer or a portion thereof. The MEMS sensor compensates for the acceleration value based on the capacitance sensed by the auxiliary electrodes.

Abstract: A mixed-signal multi-chip package comprises a lead frame, a first die, and a digital die. The first die can provide an analog signal in an analog chip pad of the first die. The digital die can receive the analog signal from the first die through an analog chip pad. The analog input chip pad is coupled with the respective analog output chip pad of the first die by a first bonding wire. The digital die is configured to communicate with external circuitry using a digital signal-bearing signal exchanged via at least one first bond pad of the lead-frame. A second bond pad of the lead frame configured to be coupled to a DC voltage extends laterally along a plane of the lead-frame between the first bond pad and the first bonding wire, to form a DC guard between the first bond pad and the first bonding wire.

Abstract: A MEMS assembly includes a package, wherein the package includes a substrate and a cover element, wherein a through opening is provided in the cover element, a MEMS component within the package on the cover element, an integrated circuit arrangement within the package on the substrate, and a support component within the package on the substrate, wherein the support component on the substrate is electrically coupled, by first electrical connection lines, to the MEMS component on the cover element and is electrically coupled, by second electrical connection lines, to the circuit arrangement on the substrate in order to produce an electrical connection between the MEMS component and the integrated circuit arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of method of etching a substrate (W), in particular a wafer, in order to produce a grid of micro-protrusion. Such grid of micro-protrusion is generally made using UV photolithography followed by wet and chemical engraving with an etching solution. Most of the currently available methods do not lead to an even attack of the wafer surface by the etching solution because the reaction produces a release of micro-bubbles which, if not properly evacuated, disturb the etching process. In the present invention, substrate(s) (W) are disposed on a magnetic supporting device (1) which is driven in rotation in the etching solution via a magnetic agitator external to the etching solution, so that the magnetic supporting device (1) causes the substrate to rotate at least in a same direction the magnetic supporting device (1). The present invention makes it possible to obtain substrates with good homogeneity.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel diamine-monoborane liquid organic hydrogen carriers with hydrogen storage capacities at least equivalent to prior art hydrogen carriers. The novel diamine-monoboranes of the invention provide advantages over the prior art including low cost due to the simple one-step chemical synthesis method between a diamine and a borane complex, and that the starting materials are inexpensive compared to the prior art. The novel diamine-monoboranes of the invention provide excellent dehydrogenation performance. With the presence of inexpensive and readily-available commercial catalysts, dehydrogenation occurs at ambient temperatures and pressures with high hydrogen purity. The resulting 1,3,2-diazaborolidines (cyclic diaminoboranes) are readily hydrogenated to produce the novel diamine-monoboranes of the invention.

Abstract: Steam reforming system having a steam cracker and a steam reformer. The steam cracker includes a steam cracking unit to steam crack a feed stream to produce a stream comprising hydrogen, methane and C2+ hydrocarbons; a heat exchanger for cooling the steam cracking product stream; a separation unit for separating the cooled steam cracking product stream into a gas stream including hydrogen and methane and a liquid stream including methane and C2+ hydrocarbons, a demethanizer which is fed the liquid stream producing a third stream containing at least 95% methane and a fourth stream comprising C2+ hydrocarbons. The steam reformer includes a feed preheater which is fed the third stream and steam to provide a preheated stream and a steam reforming unit arranged for heating the preheated stream to at least 800° C. to steam reforming the heated stream and obtain a product stream containing hydrogen and CO2.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for the bromine-facilitated synthesis of fluoro-sulfur compounds, that include SF4, SF5Cl, SF5Br and SF6. The methods described herein generally require lower temperature and pressure, produce higher yields, require less time, do not use corrosive or costly reactants and solvents that are commonly used in the synthesis of the fluoro-sulfur compounds, and do not produce deleterious waste products when compared to previously-used methods.

Abstract: A system suitable for oxidizing ammonia with oxygen in the presence of catalysts is described. The system includes a reactor equipped with at least one supply line for a reactant gas mixture and at least one discharge line for a process gas; a catalyst comprising at least one transition metal oxide that is not an oxide of a platinum metal; and a device for adjusting a molar ratio of oxygen to ammonia of less than or equal to 1.75 mol/mol in the reactant gas mixture by mixing an oxygen-containing gas stream having an O2 content of <20% by volume with a chosen amount of ammonia. The oxygen-containing gas stream is produced by a device for: diluting an air stream with a gas stream comprising less than 20% by volume oxygen; or depleting oxygen from an oxygen-containing gas mixture, preferably from air; or by a combination thereof.

Abstract: A carbon material has at least either a peak related to diamond bonds, or a peak related to diamond-like bonds, appearing in a range of 1250 to 1400 cm?1 in a spectrum measured by Raman scattering spectrometry, and a full width at half maximum of a maximum peak, or each of full widths at half maximum of the maximum peak and a second largest peak, among peaks appearing in the range of 1250 to 1400 cm?1, has a signal less than 100 cm?1.

Abstract: A method of reducing a carbon oxide to a lower oxidation state by providing a solution of a metal acetate in a solvent in a reaction vessel, evaporating the solvent to leave a film of the metal acetate on an interior surface of the reaction vessel, and reacting a carbon oxide with a gaseous reducing agent in the reaction vessel to produce a solid carbon product on the metal acetate is disclosed. Another method includes dispersing particles in a gas. The particles include a solution of a metal acetate in a solvent. The solvent is evaporated to form particles including the metal acetate. An apparatus includes a capillary tube configured to receive and emit a solution, an electrode, and a voltage source connected to the capillary tube, the voltage source having a higher potential than the electrode.

Abstract: Provided is a graphene additive, having a viscosity between 1000 and 40000 cps and a grind fineness not greater than 15 ?m, and comprising: nano-graphene sheets and a silane coupling agent, wherein a weight ratio of the nano-graphene sheets to the silane coupling agent is 0.1-15:99.9-85, and carbon atoms on a surface of the nano-graphene sheets form chemical bonds Si—O—C with oxygen substituents of the silane coupling agent. The present application further provides a method of preparing the graphene additive.

Abstract: A method for treatment of a hexachlorodisilane and its hydrolyzed product is disclosed. It comprises adding a hexachlorodisilane or its hydrolyzed product into a sulfuric acid solution for reaction.

Abstract: A method for producing a liquid dispersion containing irregular-shaped silica particles in which two or more primary particles are linked together, by simultaneously adding a liquid A containing silane alkoxide and a liquid B containing an alkali catalyst and water to a liquid I consisting substantially of an organic solvent to cause hydrolysis and polycondensation of the silane alkoxide, wherein the period from the start of the addition until the silica concentration of the reaction system at the end of the addition reaches 70% is 20% or less of the full reaction time period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sheet silicate lamellae of a 2:1 sheet silicate with a high aspect ratio, to a method for producing these sheet silicate lamellae and to an aqueous dispersion which comprises the sheet silicate lamellae. The present invention further relates to the use of the sheet silicate lamellae of the invention for producing a composite material, and also to a corresponding composite material comprising or obtainable using the sheet silicate lamellae, more particularly for use as a diffusion barrier or as a flame retardant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing an MFI zeolite with a microporous and mesoporous hierarchical structure in which a non-benzene-based first structure-directing agent, which provides ordered microporous pore sizes and a framework of MFI zeolite seed crystals, and a second structure-directing agent containing one benzene ring and an ammonium ion, which functions as a mesopore-directing agent without interfering with the function of the first structure-directing agent, are simultaneously used; an MFI zeolite with a microporous and mesoporous hierarchical structure, which is prepared by the method, and a catalyst use thereof for a reaction of converting acetylene into an aromatic compound; and a method of preparing an aromatic compound from acetylene using the catalyst.

Abstract: A dual pressure process for the synthesis of ammonia from a make-up gas, wherein the make-up gas is reacted in two steps in series, the second step operating at a greater pressure than the first step, and wherein a portion of the effluent of the first step is recycled back to the first step, said portion containing unreacted make-up gas.

Abstract: Compositions comprising calcium carbonate, methods of preparation thereof, and methods of use thereof are discussed. The particulate mineral may be prepared by a precipitation process and/or by a grinding process, for example. The composition may comprise a particulate mineral that comprises calcium carbonate and magnesium, wherein the particulate mineral comprises from about 7% to about 80% magnesium by weight, with respect to the total weight of the particulate mineral. The bulk chemical composition of the particulate mineral may have a magnesium content within 5% of the magnesium content of the surface of the particulate mineral, and/or the particulate mineral may have a steepness value ranging from about 20 to about 80.

Abstract: To a co-precipitating aqueous solution, aqueous solutions containing (a) Tb ions, (b) at least one other rare earth ions selected from the group consisting of Y ions and lanthanoid rare earth ions (excluding Tb ions), (c) Al ions and (d) Sc ions are added; the resulting solution is stirred at a liquid temperature of 50° C. or less to induce a co-precipitate of the components (a), (b), (c) and (d); the co-precipitate is filtered, heated and dehydrated; and the co-precipitate is fired thereafter at from 1,000° C. to 1,300° C., thereby forming a sinterable garnet-type complex oxide powder.

Abstract: Ternary precursor particles used for a lithium-ion battery, the ternary precursor particles having a NixCoyMnz(OH)2, wherein, x+y+z=1, 0<x<1, 0<y<1, 0<z<1; each ternary precursor particle is a spheroidal structure, and comprises a shell, a transition layer and a particle core; the shell is a dense structure, the particle core is a porous structure, the transition layer surrounds the particle core and is sandwiched between the shell and the particle core; each ternary precursor particle is a mixture formed by mixing the nickel hydroxide, the cobalt hydroxide and the manganese hydroxide at the atomic level; a crystallinity of the shell is greater than a crystallinity of the transition layer, and the crystallinity of the transition layer is greater than a crystallinity of the particle core.

Abstract: An active material precursor having a hollow structure is represented by Formula 1: NiaMnbCocMd(OH)2??Formula 1 where, in Formula 1, 0<a?1, 0<b?1, 0<c?1, 0?d?1, and a+b+c=1; and M is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of titanium (Ti) vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), zirconium (Zr), and boron (B). A method of the active material precursor includes: mixing a nickel precursor, a manganese precursor, a cobalt precursor, a metal (M) precursor, and a solvent to prepare a precursor mixture; and mixing the precursor mixture and a pH adjusting agent to adjust a pH value of the resultant to be in a range of about 11.0 to about 11.2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixture and a method for cleaning a drinking water purification system including the following steps: removal of a filter cartridge from a cartridge holder of a filtering unit in a cold water line, insertion of a connection adapter into the cartridge holder to form a fluid connection with the cold water line, connection of a connecting piece of a hot water line to the connection adapter, heating of water with a heater interconnected with the hot water line, delivery of heated water via the connecting piece of the hot water line and the connection adapter into the cold water line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning the settled solids in the bottom of a wastewater filtration tank to reduce the acidification of the sludge and prevent the excessive growth of undesirable biological growth.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a method for producing porous granular composite iron having high permeability, hydrophilicity, reactivity, and capacity for treatment of inorganic and organic contaminants. The method may include the steps of: mixing iron powder, or iron/metal mixture and adsorbent powders, with surface modifier and binder compounds to form a granular material. This granular material is used in a filter, vessel, and in situ permeable reactive barrier by passing a contaminated liquid stream through a bed of the granular product for removal of the contaminants. The porous granular iron materials have low bulk density, do not fuse together and can be regenerated for reuse.

Abstract: A beauty water generator with a high performance filtering function includes a housing portion used as a body of the beauty water generator; a mounting portion provided inside the housing portion; and a filter unit having a first filter part that purifies introduced raw water through bottom-up movement and discharges purified water and a second filter part that, when the purified water is introduced therein, imparts functionality to the purified water through bottom-up movement and discharges beauty water, and provided inside the housing portion such that the first filter part and the second filter part are mounted and removed by rotating through the mounting portion.

Abstract: Provided is a dispersion liquid for water purification, including: water; a powder of Corchorus olitorius; and a polymeric flocculant, wherein the powder of Corchorus olitorius and the polymeric flocculant are contained in a total amount of from 0.01% by mass through 0.5% by mass relative to the water, wherein the dispersion liquid for water purification has a viscosity of from 20 mPa·S through 500 mPa·S, and wherein a median diameter of a solid in the dispersion liquid for water purification is from 100 micrometers through 400 micrometers.

Abstract: A piping device for strengthening effects of irradiating fluid comprises a body, an irradiation module, and a transparent lid. The body is formed as a tube, and has an installation base, at least one passage, and a groove. The installation base is located inside the body. The at least one passage is located between the installation base and an inner surface of the body. The groove is disposed on the installation base, and has an opening facing one of two ends of the body. The irradiation module is mounted in the groove of the body, and has multiple light-emitting elements disposed toward the opening. The transparent lid is mounted with the opening of the groove of the body, and covers the groove.

Abstract: A piping device for improving effects of irradiating fluid has a body, a passage module, and multiple light-emitting elements. The body has a cavity and multiple slits. The cavity is disposed inside the body. The multiple slits are disposed through the body at spaced intervals, and communicate with the cavity. The passage module has a transparent tube and a guiding component. The transparent tube is disposed in the cavity of the body. The guiding component is spiral, and is disposed in the transparent tube. The multiple light-emitting elements are mounted to the body in the multiple slits separately, and surround the passage module.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a capacitive deionization (CDI) system for desalinating salt water. The system may have a capacitor formed by spaced apart first and second electrodes, which enable a fluid flow containing salt water to pass either between them or through them. An input electrical power source is configured to generate an electrical forcing signal between the two electrodes. The electrical forcing signal represents a periodic signal including at least one of voltage or current, and which can be represented as a Fourier series. One component of the Fourier series is a constant, and a second component of the Fourier series is a sinusoidal wave of non-zero frequency which has the highest amplitude of the additive components of the Fourier series. The amplitude of the sinusoidal wave component is between 0.85 and 1.25 times the amplitude of the periodic signal.

Abstract: A system for filtering fluid that includes a start tank, a finish tank, and a polisher. The polisher includes an inlet, a first outlet fluidly coupled to the finish tank, a second outlet fluidly coupled to the start tank, a filter unit, and one or more transducer coupled to an outer surface of the polisher. The one or more transducers to induce at least one of an electric field or a magnetic field across the filter unit. The start tank is fluidly coupled to the inlet of the polisher.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a pH to a neutral range (pH 6 to 8) by adding an alkali or an acid to decarbonated water, including controlling the amount of the alkali or the acid added using an electrical conductivity meter. The decarbonated water is, for example, water obtained by decarbonating industrial water or groundwater so that the concentration of carbonic acid is 10 ppm or less. The method may further have a step of producing pure water by RO treatment of the decarbonated water with a pH adjusted to 6 to 8 by the pH control.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reduce the installation load, or the maintenance or the management load of a measurement device for ballast water that is measured for plural times, and to simplify the linkage between ballast water process equipment and a ballast water measurement device that are installed in a ship.

Abstract: In a cooperative optimal control system, firstly, two-level models are established to capture the dynamic features of different time-scale performance indices. Secondly, a data-driven assisted model based cooperative optimization algorithm is developed to optimize the two-level models, so that the optimal set-points of dissolved oxygen and nitrate nitrogen can be acquired. Thirdly, a predictive control strategy is designed to trace the obtained optimal set-points of dissolved oxygen and nitrate nitrogen. This proposed cooperative optimal control system can effectively deal with the difficulties of formulating the dynamic features and acquiring the optimal set-points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-processing system configured to produce purified waste water. The system comprises an inlet for waste water, one or more biological water-treatment units, and an outlet for purified water. The one or more biological water-treatment units are fluidly connected to the inlet and the outlet. Each of the one or more biological water-treatment units comprises: an inlet for receiving water to be treated, a reactor, an outlet for treated water, and ventilation means configured to provide ventilation to the reactor. The reactor is divided into two or more compartments by one or more screens. Each compartment is in fluid communication with the ventilation means, and comprises a biofilm on one or more surfaces. The reactor is configured to expose at least a portion of the waste water to the biofilm in the presence of air supplied by the ventilation means.

Abstract: A system includes an ion exchange softener fluidly coupled to a wastewater treatment system. The first ion exchange softener may receive a first brine stream from the wastewater treatment system and to remove a plurality of minerals from the first brine stream to generate a second brine stream including the plurality of minerals and a third brine stream. The system also includes a mineral removal system disposed downstream from the ion exchange softener and that may receive the second brine stream and to generate a sodium chloride (NaCl) brine stream and an acid and caustic production system disposed downstream from and fluidly coupled to the mineral removal system. The acid and caustic production system includes a first electrodialysis (ED) system that may receive the NaCl brine stream from the mineral removal system and to generate hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) from the NaCl brine stream.

Abstract: A product, including digestate, that has been pasteurized through thermal hydrolysis, thermal alkaline hydrolysis, or thermal carbonization is cured to enhance its marketability. Variations of this disclosure include embodiments where pasteurized material is inoculated to further enhance marketability where the inoculation is performed by injecting a fungicide, other means of inoculation by injecting beneficial microorganisms to produce characteristics in digestate that are anti-fungal or produce suitable enzyme cofactors or nutrients to stabilize digestate, injections of vitamins to enhance the ability of plants grown using select digestate to thrive in adverse conditions, injection of chemicals to enhance the ability of digestate to retain heat and prevent freezing during wintry conditions, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Separation lines are formed in a glass plate having first and second main surfaces by irradiating with laser light. The separation lines are configured of a product line corresponding to an outline of a glass article to be separated from the glass plate; and a release line. The product line includes a first in-plane void array configured of in-plane voids arranged on the first main surface. A maximum distance between centers of the adjacent in-plane voids arranged on the first main surface falls within a range of 1 ?m to 10 ?m. The release line includes internal void arrays for release line, which are arranged along lines connecting the first and second main surfaces, respectively. A maximum distance between centers of the adjacent points, at which extension lines extended from the internal void arrays for release line cross the first main surface, is greater than 10 ?m.