Abstract: A hollow profile (1, 15), in particular crane girder for a crane (14), wherein the hollow profile (1, 15) has a cavity (2) and an outer wall (3) bounding the cavity (2), and at least one fastening element (4) protruding from the outer wall (3) for the, preferably re-releasable, fastening of at least one add-on part (5) to the hollow profile (1, 15), wherein the outer wall (3) has at least one passage opening (6), which opens into the cavity (2), for the fastening element (4), and an intermediate space between that portion (36) of the outer wall (3) which bounds the passage opening (6) and the fastening element (4) which is guided through the passage opening (6) is sealed with a sealing compound (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a large manipulator (1), in particular a truck-mounted concrete pump, having a mast pedestal (3) which is rotatable about a vertical axis by means of a rotary drive and which is arranged on a chassis (2), having an articulated mast (4) which comprises two or more mast arms (5, 6, 7, 8), wherein the mast arms (5, 6, 7, 8) are connected, so as to be pivotable by means of in each case one pivoting drive, to the respectively adjacent mast pedestal (3) or mast arm (5, 6, 7, 8), having a control device, which actuates the drives, for the mast movement, and having a mast sensor arrangement for detecting the position of at least one point of the articulated mast (4) or a pivot angle (?1, ?2, ?3, ?4) of at least one articulated joint. The large manipulator is characterized in that the control device (17) is designed to limit the speed of the mast movement on the basis of the output signal from the mast sensor arrangement.

Abstract: A deck hoist tractor (DHT) for an unmanned platform (1) comprising an elongated base frame structure (12) carrying respective caterpillar drives (18) on each side enabling the tractor (2) to move forward and rearward, characterised in that the tractor (2) further comprising a tower frame structure (10) extending in substantially vertical direction from one end section of the base frame structure (12), which tower frame structure (10) is carrying a cantilevered top frame structure (11) carrying a lifting apparatus (22, 21), said caterpillar drives (18) are located at the same end section as said top frame structure (11), that said base frame structure (12) is extended by respective cantilevered beams (12a) space apart with an opening between them, each cantilevered beam (12) having an adjustable support structure (19) adjacent to their distal end (12b) from the caterpillar drive (18), said cantilevered top frame structure (11) is extended to vertically correspond with said respective cantilevered beams (12a),

Abstract: The invention provides a bearing. In particular, the invention provides a bearing for allowing a column of a davit to be rotatably mounted on a substantially upright shaft. The bearing has a body shaped to correspond to an internal profile of the column. The body has a first bore for receiving a component on which the bearing bears and a first pair of parallel, spaced second bores, narrower than the first bore, which extend across the first bore in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the first bore and are configured to receive retaining pins which engage with a groove in the component received in the first bore. A single bearing can be used to rotatably couple the davit to the shaft, or king post, with a plurality of different-spaced bores to account for different diameters of shaft. This improvement allows the davit to be manufactured easily and erected easily by users.

Abstract: Crane of a wind turbine (200), comprising a fixed part (1), a pivoting part (2) which is attached with rotational freedom to the fixed part (1), a support (3) which is attached to the pivoting part (2), a winch (4), a wiring system between the winch (4) and the support (3), and a guide for guiding the wiring system along its path. The wiring system comprises a single wire (6), and the guide comprises a pulley (52) in the fixed part (1) for guiding it through said fixed part (1), and a pulley (53) in the pivoting part (2) for guiding it through said pivoting part (2). The wire (6) comprises a section (60) between the two pulleys (52, 53), which goes through the center of rotation of the pivoting part (2) with respect to the fixed part (1) connecting both parts (1, 2).

Abstract: A compressible stop for use in a crane has a housing, a rod slidably mounted within the housing, a floating piston, and a valve assembly. The floating piston divides the housing into a gas portion biasing the floating piston towards an end of the housing and a liquid portion containing a hydraulic fluid. The valve assembly divides the liquid portion into a support portion and a reserve portion. The valve assembly includes a check valve allowing a liquid to flow from the reserve portion into the support portion, a pressure sensitive valve inhibiting the liquid from flowing from the support portion into the reserve portion unless the pressure is above a threshold pressure, and a frangible divider configured to rupture when the liquid pressure exceeds a rupture pressure.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a winch including a rotatable tie structure. In one example, a winch may include a tie structure coupled to a top side of a winch. Notches formed in main cross rails of the tie structure enable rotation of the tie structure relative to a housing of the winch.

Abstract: A windlass system and method in which an inertial force resulting from an abrupt removal of primary operating power from a primary source of power during a lifting operation being carried out by a windlass of the windlass system is attenuated to reduce load forces generated by the inertial force.

Abstract: A lifting device for lifting shipping containers has an end frame configured to engage with a shipping container. An extension member is rotatably connected to the end frame at a rearward upper pivot point. A support frame is rotatably affixed to the end frame at a rearward lower pivot point. The support frame is further rotatably affixed to the extension member at a forward upper pivot point. Extension of the extension member rotates the support frame with respect to the end plate, causing the support frame to move the end plate upwards, the end plate then lifting the shipping container. A roller wheel is affixed to the support frame and allows the shipping container to be rolled on a surface when multiple devices are used to lift the shipping container off of the surface.

Abstract: A remote control system for remotely controlling a vehicle lift. The remote control system may comprise a lift control module and a remote computing device. The lift control module may be configured to receive information indicative of an instruction to pair the lift control module with a computing device and to present a validation code. The remote computing device may be configured to receive information indicative of an instruction to pair the remote computing device with the lift control module and to receive the validation code presented by the lift control module. Upon validating the received validation code, the remote computing device may be configured to be paired with the lift control module.

Abstract: A rise prevention device for a vehicle body and a vehicle assembly system including the same are provided. The a rise prevention device for a vehicle body includes an elevation device that is configured to move up and down and a power base that is configured to move up and down on the elevation device. In addition, a pressing device is configured to move up and down, is supported by the power base and is configured to press against the vehicle body to prevent the vehicle body from rising.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes a holding portion for holding a load, a raising/lowering portion for raising/lowering the holding portion, a control valve for controlling the amount of hydraulic oil supplied to or discharged from the raising/lowering portion, and a control device for supplying an energizing current to the control valve. The control device includes a speed calculation unit for calculating first and second speed command values for an ascending/descending speed, a current calculation unit for calculating first and second current command values for the energizing current, and a current supply portion for supplying first and second energizing currents to the control valve, thereby offsetting a first vibration generated in the load upon start of supplying the first energizing current, by a second vibration generated in the load upon start of supplying the second energizing current.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a puncture device that is adapted to puncture an array of beverage cans with a single actuation. A pivot arm rotates relative to a base that holds the array of beverage cans. The arm may include teeth that may be advanced or pushed into the array of beverage cans when the arm is rotated, thereby forming auxiliary openings in each of the cans. The punctured cans may be removed from the device and opened by a tab at a top end. This may create a vent that allows fluid to quickly expel from the auxiliary opening.

Abstract: A method for filling a container to be filled with a filling product includes accommodating a container to be filled in a treatment chamber, sealing a filling device to the container, rinsing the container with a rinsing gas introduced into the container through a rinsing gas channel, filling the container with the filling product, pre-pressurizing the treatment chamber with a pressurization gas through a pressurization gas channel, removing the filling device from the container, closing the container with a container closure, relieving the pre-pressurization pressure in the treatment chamber, and removing the container from the treatment chamber. The pre-pressurization pressure that is present in the treatment chamber is at least in part relieved into the rinsing gas channel.

Abstract: Drinks dispensing system (10) comprising a first syrup pump (20) being controllable to deliver a predetermined dose of syrup from a first syrup container (22) to a dispensing valve assembly (16), a second syrup pump (20) being controllable to deliver a predetermined dose of syrup from a second syrup container (22) to the dispensing valve assembly (16), a control system (200) configured to control the operation of the first and second syrup pumps (20) by setting a first electrical power parameter of electrical power to be supplied to drive the first syrup pump (20) independently of a second electrical power parameter of electrical power to be supplied to drive the second syrup pump (20); and a water delivery system (14) configured to deliver water to the dispensing valve assembly (16), wherein the dispensing valve assembly (16) is operable to mix and dispense syrup and water.

Abstract: A front push tap dispenser has a flow configuration and a sealed configuration. The tap comprises a tap body, a spring button member and a valve seal member, with the two members connected by a flexible stem having two ends, each end connected to the spring button member and the valve seal member. When in the sealed configuration the spring button holds the flexible stem and the valve seal member so the valve seal member is sealingly engaged to the inner wall of the dispensing port. When in the flow configuration the spring button is depressed, which causes the flexible stem and the valve seal to move downwardly to unseal the dispensing port to allow fluid to be dispensed. When the spring button is released, it elastically springs back to the undepressed position, causing the valve seal member to sealingly engage with the inner wall of the dispensing port.

Abstract: A channel forming member is attached to a filler neck on a nozzle insertion side where a fueling nozzle is to be inserted. The channel forming member includes a barrier section that forms an insertion flow path section for the fueling nozzle in the fuel flow path on the nozzle insertion side, while forming an annular channel surrounding the insertion flow path section so as to separate the channel from the insertion flow path section. The channel forming member further includes the following provided to the barrier section: an atmosphere communication hole for making the channel communicate with the atmosphere; a flow path communication hole for making the channel communicate with an insertion end flow path section downstream from the insertion flow path section; and a valve mechanism that prevents passage of the atmosphere through the channel in a fueling period. This contributes to reduction in introduction of the atmosphere into the fuel flow path through the channel in a fueling period.

Abstract: A fluid fill tool for filling a reservoir on a vehicle includes a main body defining a cavity therein and a housing coupled to the main body and defining an opening therethrough. The housing is coupled to the main body such that the cavity is in flow communication with the opening. The fluid fill tool further includes a support mechanism coupled to the housing. The support mechanism is selectively moveable between a first position and a second position such that the support mechanism is configured to contact a wall of the vehicle to reduce movement of the reservoir.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a microelectromechanical transducer includes a displaceable membrane having an undulated section comprising at least one undulation trough and at least one undulation peak and a plurality of piezoelectric unit cells. At least one piezoelectric unit cell is provided in each case in at least one undulation trough and at least one undulation peak, where each piezoelectric unit cell has a piezoelectric layer and at least one electrode in electrical contact with the piezoelectric layer. The membrane may be formed as a planar component having a substantially larger extent in a first and a second spatial direction, which are orthogonal to one another, than in a third spatial direction, which is orthogonal to the first and the second spatial direction and defines an axial direction of the membrane.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical device formed in a monolithic body of semiconductor material accommodating a first buried cavity; a sensitive region above the first buried cavity; and a second buried cavity extending in the sensitive region. A decoupling trench extends from a first face of the monolithic body as far as the first buried cavity and laterally surrounds the second buried cavity. The decoupling trench separates the sensitive region from a peripheral portion of the monolithic body.

Abstract: In a method of inferring ambient atmospheric temperature, an acoustic signal is emitted from a speaker. A first sample of the acoustic signal is captured with a first microphone spaced a first distance from the speaker. A second sample of the acoustic signal is captured with a second microphone spaced a second distance from the speaker. The second distance is greater than the first distance, and a difference between the first distance and the second distance is a known third distance. A time delay in the acoustic signal is determined between the first sample and the second sample. An ambient temperature of the atmosphere through which the acoustic signal traveled is inferred based on a relationship between the time delay and temperature for the acoustic signal over the third distance.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes receiving a first wafer having multiple predetermined die areas. The method also includes forming a recess in the first wafer, and the recess extends in a direction substantially parallel to an edge of one of the predetermined die areas. The method further includes receiving a second wafer. In addition, the method includes bonding the first wafer and the second wafer at an elevated temperature after the recess is formed.

Abstract: An integrated MEMS electronic circuit that comprises a circuit wafer; a micromechanical structure being attached to a first surface of the circuit wafer and electrically coupled to an integrated circuit formed under said first surface. A capping chip having side surfaces substantially perpendicular to its main surfaces comprises a recess and is bonded to the first surface of the circuit wafer such that said micromechanical structure is enclosed in a cavity comprising the recess in the capping chip. Both the circuit wafer and the capping wafer can be further thinned while exposing at least one connection pad on the first surface of the circuit wafer that is not covered by the capping chip and that is coupled electrically to the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a lid, and method of making a semiconductor device having a lid is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a substrate. A device is positioned at the substrate. A lid made of a semiconductor material is positioned over the device to form a protective cavity about the device. The lid is formed using a semiconductor process. In other examples, the lid may be made of a nonconductive material, such as a polymer material. The lids may be formed as part of a batch process.

Abstract: A photo-patterned fluorocarbon monolayer directly grafted to Si surface atoms provides anti-wetting performance at controlled locations, wherein the Si surface oxide is etched and reacted with fluorocarbon chains with a terminal C—C double bond, resulting in Si—C surface. As the direct Si—C linkages are chemically robust, and much more resistant to decomposition than Si—O—C bonds, the resulting surface does not suffer from the shortcomings of current MEMS dispensers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reactor tubes packed with a catalyst system employed to deliberately bias process gas flow toward the hot tube segment and away from the cold segment in order to reduce the circumferential tube temperature variation.

Abstract: A process has been disclosed for preparation of hydrobromic acid from bromine, sulfur dioxide and water, which involves in situ generation of bromine from bittern for the production of hydrobromic acid and separation thereof from co-products, viz., sulfuric and hydrochloric acids. The invented process obviates the need for double distillation or precipitation step for removal of sulfate impurities. The concentration of the product obtained by the disclosed process is about 48% and it contains <15 ppm sulfate and chloride impurities.

Abstract: A composition and method for chlorine dioxide production through reaction-diffusion chemistry that facilitates the in situ generation of chlorine dioxide, wherein a dry solid composition of hydroxymethanesulfinic acid monosodium salt dihydrate (abbreviated HMS) and a chlorine dioxide precursor are activated via the addition or absorption of water to produce chlorine dioxide. The dry solid chemical composition comprises dry, safe, transportable reagents that integrate with polymeric materials such as packaging and superabsorbent and stimuli-responsive hydrogel polymers to combine with water to produce chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing aluminum nitride, the method includes: preparing mixed powder containing 0.5 to 8 wt % of zinc powder, 0.01 to 2 wt % of magnesium powder, 0.01 to 1 wt % of silicon powder, 0.01 to 1 wt % of copper powder, and a balanced amount of aluminum powder; preparing a feedstock of the mixed powder blended and filled with thermoplastic organic binder, by pressured kneading the mixed powder and the thermoplastic organic binder; forming granules of the feedstock by crushing the feedstock or forming a molded body of the feedstock via a powder molding method; and debinding the granules or the molded body by heating under a nitrogen gas atmosphere, and then performing direct nitridation between aluminum and a nitrogen gas at a temperature higher than a debinding temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of concentration of colloidal silica in geothermal fluids. More particularly, although not exclusively, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for concentrating silica by ultrafiltration to produce a substantially monodisperse colloidal silica concentrate.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preparing mesoporous and/or mesostructured materials from low SAR zeolites are provided herewith. In particular, methods are provided that involve: (a) providing a low SAR zeolite, (b) optionally subjecting the low SAR zeolite to an acid framework modification, and (c) subjecting the framework-modified zeolite to a mesopore formation treatment. The resulting mesoporous zeolites can have bi-modal mesoporosity and higher aluminum contents relative to existing mesoporous zeolites.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of lithium from a brine, wherein a solution of the brine is contacted with a titanate adsorbent such that lithium ions are adsorbed thereon whilst rejecting substantially all other cations. The adsorbent is provided in the form of either a hydrated titanium dioxide or a sodium titanate. The process in turn produces a substantially pure lithium chloride solution.

Abstract: Methods for preparing solid metal oxide nanoparticles via controlled oxidation comprising preparing a plurality of metal nanoparticles, contacting the plurality of metal nanoparticles with an aqueous agent to provide metal oxide nanoparticles having a desired particle size, and removing the resulting metal oxide nanoparticles from the aqueous agent. Aspects of the present disclosure also relate to solid metal oxide nanoparticles obtained by this method.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus for chemical precipitation and rapid filtration of water samples. The invention relates to an apparatus for chemical precipitation and filtration of water samples. The integrated apparatus includes a reaction vessel, a lid of reaction vessel, a opening for reagent addition and gas leakage, an aerating tube, a support, a liquid phase remover, a solid phase collector, a control cover of the liquid phase remover, and a control cover of the solid phase collector.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and an apparatus for reducing the amount of waste, requiring special handling and possible destruction, in a process involving vaporization, in an evaporator apparatus (1-6, V1-V6), of a water solution containing environmentally hazardous substances. A considerable amount of the water content of said water solution is vaporized in a reusable vaporization chamber (2a). At a certain time, the vaporization process is stopped, so that the remaining water content is 70% to 5% of the initial water content. Thereafter, in a second step, the remaining water solution in the reusable vaporization chamber (2a) is transferred into a separate waste isolating container (6), where the remaining water is subjected to at least one further water-reducing process. The remaining waste, including the environmentally hazardous substances, is left in the waste container for separate handling and possible destruction.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a nozzle for injecting pressurized water containing a dissolved gas, said nozzle comprising: a cylindrical intake chamber (20) for said water; a cylindrical expansion chamber (30) comprising a part (301) communicating with said intake chamber (20) by an orifice (401) and an outlet; a diffusion chamber (60) of truncated conical section communicating with the outlet of said expansion chamber (30) and widening out from said expansion chamber; said nozzle comprising means for putting the stream of water that flows out of said expansion chamber (30) into rotation.

Abstract: Provided is a water-purification cartridge to be replaceably accommodated in an accommodating portion of a water purifier. The cartridge includes activated carbon that removes impurities from water, forms, within the water purifier, a raw water flow path through which raw water flows downstream without passing through the activated carbon and a water purification flow path through which raw water flows downstream while passing through the activated carbon, and further includes a buffer portion that is disposed, within the water purifier, at a position upstream of flow path switching valves for selecting discharge from the raw water flow path or discharge from the water purification flow path and downstream of the activated carbon and that cuts off a water hammer propagating from the flow path switching valves to the activated carbon.

Abstract: A multifunctional membraneless boiled water electrolysis machine comprises a container (21) for containing raw water, and a water electrolysis apparatus. The water electrolysis apparatus is mounted outside the container (21) for containing raw water and comprises an electrolysis power supply (9), an electrolysis water tank (10) and an electrolysis electrode assembly (18) located in the electrolysis water tank. A water outlet at a bottom of the container for containing the raw water is connected with a water pump (24) through a pipeline. The water pump (24) is connected with a water inlet (15) of the electrolysis water tank (10) through the pipeline. The raw water in the container can flow into the electrolysis electrode assembly (18) from the water inlet (15) of the electrolysis water tank (10) after being heated or boiled by a heater (16). The water is electrolyzed through the gaps between the electrodes of different polarities in the electrolysis electrode assembly (18).

Abstract: An electrode formed of synthetically produced, electrically conductive, doped diamond particles embedded in a carrier layer formed of electrically non-conductive material, wherein the diamond particles protrude on both sides of the carrier layer and come from a grain size range of 170 ?m to 420 ?m, wherein the diamond particles in the electrode have grain sizes which differ from one another by at most 50 ?m. At most 10% of the diamond particles have a grain size outside the particular grain size range.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a porous carbon material possessing a hierarchical porosity, the method comprising subjecting a precursor composition to a curing step followed by a carbonization step, the precursor composition comprising: (i) a templating component comprised of a block copolymer, (ii) a phenolic component, (iii) a dione component in which carbonyl groups are adjacent, and (iv) an acidic component, wherein said carbonization step comprises heating the precursor composition at a carbonizing temperature for sufficient time to convert the precursor composition to a carbon material possessing a hierarchical porosity comprised of mesopores and macropores. Also described are the resulting hierarchical porous carbon material, a capacitive deionization device in which the porous carbon material is incorporated, as well as methods for desalinating water by use of said capacitive deionization device.

Abstract: Anion exchange membranes may include a polymeric microporous substrate and a cross-linked anion exchange polymeric layer on the substrate. Anion exchange membranes may have a resistivity of less than about 1.5 Ohm-cm2 and an apparent permselectivity of at least about 95%. The anion exchange membranes may be produced by a unique, two step process.

Abstract: Electromagnetic processing of fluid materials is disclosed. Separation of one or more ionic components of a fluid, and combination of one or more ionic components in a fluid, are discussed.

Abstract: A method of separating sludge which involves adding an insoluble mineral colloidal suspension into an industrial sludge to destabilize the industrial sludge and separating destabilized components of the industrial sludge. The insoluble mineral colloidal suspension includes magnesium hydroxide. In an alternative embodiment dry finely divided magnesium hydroxide can be added and then dispersed into an industrial sludge. Conventional flocculants and/or coagulants can also be added. Conventional physical separation processes can be used to separate the destabilized industrial sludge.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment device has: an ozone generator which supplies ozone; a mixer which mixes ozone supplied from the ozone generator with wastewater and supplies ozone mixed wastewater; an ozone oxidation unit which progresses ozone oxidation in the ozone mixed wastewater while passing the ozone mixed wastewater therethrough and discharges wastewater in which the ozone has been consumed; a biological treatment unit which performs biological treatment on the wastewater discharged from the ozone oxidation unit using microorganisms; and an adjusting device which adjusts the amount of ozone to be mixed with the wastewater by the mixer so that ozone in an amount that inhibits the microorganisms of the biological treatment unit does not remain in the wastewater discharged from the ozone oxidation unit.

Abstract: There is described a bioreactor comprising a perforated tube for inputting wastewater therein, a textured wall, such as a geotextile membrane, and an oxygenating unit comprising a pressurized air bubble diffuser. The wall is spirally installed around the perforated tube, defining a passageway fluidly connected to the perforated tube and along which the wastewater inputted in the perforated tube is forced to travel. The membrane is adapted for hosting aerobic bacteria at a surface thereof. The oxygenating unit is provided at a bottom of the passageway for oxygenating the passageway. The bioreactor can be included in a treatment apparatus comprising primary treatment chambers and a decantation chambers, forming a standalone unit which is compact and easy to install.

Abstract: A carrier element (1; 10; 20) for growth of biofilm thereon is designed for free-flowing in liquid to be purified and has surfaces (3; 13) for biofilm growth which are protected from the abrasion from other carrier elements or surfaces in a container containing the liquid to be purified by ridges (4; 12) having a height corresponding to a desired thickness of a biofilm intended to grow on the protected surfaces (3; 13). The ratio between the surfaces (3; 13) for biofilm growth and the area of the ridges ranges from 1:1 to 1:20.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) for sewage treatment. The SBR is applicable to an energy-producing sewage treatment system. The SBR includes a treatment tank and a hybrid bacterial strain screening tank. The treatment tank removes ammonium contained in supernatant liquid using anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria. The hybrid bacterial strain screening tank screen anammox bacteria granules out by passing the supernatant liquid discharged from the treatment tank through the hybrid bacterial strain screening tank. The SBR generates biogas using the anammox bacteria and reduces the nitrogen content in the supernatant liquid. The SBR can separate the anammox bacteria granules with high separation efficiency, thereby shortening sewage treatment time and recycling activated sludge, resulting in a dramatic decrease in the amount of waste sludge.

Abstract: A hyper-oxygenated water composition comprising water and 10 ppm to 50 ppm of molecular oxygen, methods and systems of making and using the hyper-oxygenated water composition are described. The hyper-oxygenated water composition was made by pre-filtering and filtering by reverse osmosis of a source water, ozonolyzing and vortexing with oxygen with the water, ultraviolet irradiating and treating with hydrogen peroxide the water. The hyper-oxygenated water composition can be used for general improvement of human well-being and prevention and treatment of diseases by oral or transcutaneous administration of the hyper-oxygenated water composition.

Abstract: An aqueous solution flows through a desalination system that separates the aqueous solution into purified water and concentrated brine. The concentrated brine is directed into an electrodialysis system that includes an anode and a cathode and at least two monovalent selective ion exchange membranes between the anode and the cathode. At least one of the monovalent selective ion exchange membranes separates at least one diluate channel from at least one concentrate channel in the electrodialysis system, and this membrane selectively allows at least one monovalent ion to pass through the membrane while blocking or inhibiting the transport therethrough of multi-valent ions. The concentrated brine flows through at least the concentrate channel while a voltage is applied to the anode and cathode; and additional aqueous solution flows through the diluate channel.

Abstract: Apparatus for shaping at least one glass sheet wherein a lower press ring and an upper press ring are configured to clamp a perimeter section of the glass sheet between the lower press ring and the upper press ring. The apparatus also includes an upper press at least partially disposed within the upper press ring and configured to shape at least a section of the glass sheet inside the perimeter section of the glass sheet, including forming by use of applied vacuum. The inner press may include openings that apply vacuum in selected areas of the inner press to vacuum form the ply within the selected areas. To control the ply on the upper press assembly, vacuum that is applied though passageways in the upper press ring to the gap between the upper press ring and the inner press is controlled through a seal in the gap. The upper press ring includes pivotal joints that increase adjustability of the forming surface of the upper press ring to the face surface of the inner press.