Abstract: Elevator systems are disclosed which comprise an elevator cabin configured to perform an up and down movement along an elevator path, and a traction wire rope for driving the elevator cabin in the up and down movement and/or a safety wire rope and may further comprises a wire guiding system including a transverse element provided above the elevator cabin in the elevator path where, the transverse element is adapted to be guided along the traction wire rope and/or safety wire rope and the wire guiding system may further comprises a pulley cable system operationally coupled to the elevator cabin and to the transverse element such that along at least a portion of the elevator path, the transverse element moves in the same direction as the elevator cabin.

Abstract: A construction site elevator system temporarily bridges at least part of the distance between the top stop of a jump lift and the top work level on the construction site. The construction site elevator system includes a frame structure and an elevator within the frame structure, the frame structure being configured to be insertable into an elevator shaft and being mountable at different positions in the elevator shaft.

Abstract: An elevator renewal construction method includes steps of: replacing an old control panel of an existing elevator with a new control panel; installing an auxiliary panel, which includes a communication converter to be connected to the new control panel, and which is formed separately from the new control panel; and connecting an old device including at least any one of an old hall device and an old car device, which has been placed in a communicable state with the old control panel of the existing elevator, into a communicable state with the new control panel via the communication converter, wherein the new control panel is configured to be communicable with the old device through an old communication system converted via the communication converter included in the auxiliary panel, the communication converter being configured to mutually convert a communication system between a new communication system and the old communication system.

Abstract: A truck-mounted vacuum material handler and quick disconnect for use on a truck with a with a boom for handling plate steel. The handler includes a coupler [32] that has a boom connector [44], a removable carrier [36, 38] with a carrier connector [60], and a base [34] located between the boom connector and the removable carrier. A locking mechanism [66] located in the base is arranged to move between an unlocked position and a locked position relative to the carrier connector. In the unlocked position the carrier connector is removable from the base. In the locked position the carrier connector is secured in the opening and opposing face surfaces [48, 50, 62] of the base and removable carrier are mated to one another. The removable carrier may include a rotator-receiving recess [42] or a rigging hardware eyelet [40] arranged opposite the carrier connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a demounting aid (2) for demounting a hoisting fitting (3) from a workpiece (4), preferably from an aircraft structural component, comprising a first connector (5) and a second connector (6), a force measurement device (7) for measuring the force (F) applied between the first connector (5) and the second connector (6), a, preferably remote, display (8) for displaying an information corresponding to the respective force (F) applied between the first connector (5) and the second connector (6) and at least one elastic member (9) which allows a relative movement oft he first connector (5) to the second connector (6) when an increasing force (F) is applied tot he first connector (5) and the second connector (6).

Abstract: Provided is a crane with a main boom and a back mast, of which at least one comprises a first mast upper part comprising at least one mast section and a first mast lower part comprising at least one mast section, and a first mast tilting. The first mast tilting member is arranged between the first mast upper part and the first mast lower part, and has a straight hoisting state wherein the first mast upper part and the first mast lower part are essentially in line with each other, and a tilted hoisting state wherein the first mast upper part is tilted with respect to the first mast lower part.

Abstract: A stirrup hoist system for hoisting a person onto a saddle includes a motor and a spool configured to be rotated by the motor. A strap is configured to be selectively rolled on, and selectively rolled off, the spool. A support configured to receive a portion of a person's body and slidingly engages the strap. The support selectively moves toward the spool, and selectively moves away from, the spool.

Abstract: In a lifting and transporting device for lifting a load (13) and for transporting the same transversely to the lifting direction (8), for use in the production of a screwed flange connection (35), in order to bring a tensioning tool (13) into a tensioning position in which it is in engagement with a screw bolt connection (18) to be pretensioned, or into a transport position in which it is out of engagement with a screw bolt connection and can be transported to the next screw bolt connection, wherein the flange (36a, 36b) extends horizontally, comprising a frame (2) for picking up and for lifting a load (13), a holding device (3) for holding the load, wherein the holding device is movable relative to the frame in the lifting direction (8), and comprising a hoisting device (4) for lifting and lowering the holding device (3) with the load (13) attached thereto, wherein the frame (2) is mounted on a first and a second support bearing (5, 6) and the first support bearing (5) is designed for abutment against the fl

Abstract: An improved turntable, adapted to detect, correct and/or adjust wheel alignment of a vehicle, includes a fixed base to be positioned on a surface; a movable assembly, mounted onto the fixed base so as to rotate and translate with respect thereto and having an upper plate that receives and supports a wheel and a lower disk integral with the upper plate; a locking mechanism associated with the fixed base, which interacts with the lower disk of the movable assembly; an actuator that causes the locking mechanism to pass from a first condition, in which the mechanism limits and counters translations of the lower disk in a lying plane while allowing rotations of the disk about an axis perpendicular to the lying plane, to a second condition, in which the mechanism allows free translations of the lower disk in its lying plane and free rotations of the disk about such axis.

Abstract: In combination, a storage unit storable within a three-dimensional storage system and a storage/retrieval vehicle navigable through the three-dimensional storage system to storage locations therein at which the storage unit is selectively storable and retrievable. The storage/retrieval vehicle comprises a frame conveyable through the three-dimensional storage system, a platform atop the frame for receipt of the storage unit on the platform, and a loading/unloading mechanism operable to load and unload the storage unit to and from the platform at four different sides thereof. The storage unit and the storage/retrieval vehicle are configured to enable unloading of the storage unit from the platform in any one of four different directions at four different respective sides of the vehicle regardless of an original orientation in which the storage unit was previously loaded onto the platform and without reorienting the storage unit from the original orientation.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to an interchangeable hitch mechanism that is coupleable to a pusher device. Other implementations relate to a pusher device having such an interchangeable hitch mechanism that can be removably coupleable to a manual jack pallet.

Abstract: In certain examples, a cart is for lifting a load and the cart has a base frame, a lifting frame pivotally coupled to the base frame with a link arm, a handle pivotally coupled to the base frame at a first pivot axis, and a brace. The brace has a first end pivotally coupled to the handle at a second pivot axis that is spaced apart from the first pivot axis along the handle and an opposite second end pivotally coupled to the lifting frame at a third pivot axis that is between the link arm and the first pivot axis along the lifting frame to thereby achieve a mechanical advantage for pivoting the lifting frame relative to the base frame as the handle is pivoted about the first pivot axis.

Abstract: A rack for supporting containers upside down for drainage. The rack includes container holders for maintaining the containers in a desired orientation during the drainage process.

Abstract: A dispense control system for a dispensing assembly of a refrigerator appliance and a method for operating the same are provided. The dispensing assembly defines a base plane for receiving a container. A dispense control system includes an emitter for directing a beam of energy toward the container and the base plane and a receiver for detecting a projection of the beam of energy in an image plane of the receiver. The dispense control system may be configured to obtain a measured displacement of the projection when the container is positioned on the base plane, and an actual height of the container or a liquid level within the container may be determined from the measured displacement of the projection.

Abstract: Various exemplary devices and methods for heating fuel hoses and nozzles are provided. In general, the devices and methods for heating fuel hoses and nozzles can be configured to heat fluid dispensable by a user into a fuel tank or other type of container. In some embodiments, a fuel dispensing device can include a first passageway configured to pass fluid therethrough and can include a second passageway configured to pass heated air therethrough. The heated air passing through the second passageway can be configured to heat the fluid passing through the first passageway. In some embodiments, a fuel dispensing device can include a single hose configured to pass fluid and heated air through separate passageways therein, and the device can include a manifold configured to facilitate passage of the fluid and the heated air from separate sources into the single hose.

Abstract: A semiconductor sensor, comprising a gas-sensing device and an integrated circuit is provided. The gas-sensing device includes a substrate having a sensing area and an interconnection area in the vicinity of the sensing area, an inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer formed above the substrate in the sensing area and in the interconnection area, and an interconnect structure formed in the interconnection area; further includes a sensing electrode, a second TiO2-patterned portion, and a second Pt-patterned portion on the second TiO2-patterned portion in the sensing area. The interconnect structure includes a tungsten layer buried in the IMD layer, wherein part of a top surface of the tungsten layer is exposed by at least a via. The interconnect structure further includes a platinum layer formed in said at least the via, a TiO2 layer formed on the IMD layer, a first TiO2-patterned portion and a first Pt-patterned portion.

Abstract: A MEMS device with teeter-totter structure includes a mobile mass having an area in a plane and a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the plane. The mobile mass is tiltable about a rotation axis extending parallel to the plane and formed by a first and by a second half-masses arranged on opposite sides of the rotation axis. The first and the second masses have a first and a second centroid, respectively, arranged at a first and a second distance b1, b2, respectively, from the rotation axis. First through openings are formed in the first half-mass and, together with the first half-mass, have a first total perimeter p1 in the plane. Second through openings are formed in the second half-mass and, together with the second half-mass, have a second total perimeter p2 in the plane, where the first and the second perimeters p1, p2 satisfy the equation: p1×b1=p2×b2.

Abstract: In described examples, a bondline structure is arranged along a periphery of a cavity. The bondline structure extends from a first substrate and is configured to bond with an interposer arranged on a second substrate. A diffusion barrier is arranged on the first substrate for contacting the interposer. The diffusion barrier is arranged to impede a contaminant against migrating from the bondline structure and entering the cavity.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a dual-cavity structure and a dual-cavity structure, including: etching on a semiconductor substrate to form a first trench array, tops of the first trench array being separated from each other and bottoms thereof being communicated with each other to form a first cavity; growing a first epitaxial layer on the semiconductor substrate on which the first trench array is formed, to cover the first trench array by the first epitaxial layer; etching on the first epitaxial layer to form a second trench array; tops of the second trench array being separated from each other and bottoms thereof being communicated with each other to form a second cavity; growing a second epitaxial layer on the first epitaxial layer on which the second trench array is formed; and etching the first epitaxial layer and the second epitaxial layer to form a straight groove.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of fabricating a micro machined channel, comprising the steps of providing a substrate of a first material and having a buried layer of a different material therein, and forming at least two trenches in said substrate by removing at least part of said substrate. Said trenches are provided at a distance from each other and at least partly extend substantially parallel to each other, as well as towards said buried layer. The method comprises the step of forming at least two filled trenches by providing a second material different from said first material and filling said at least two trenches with at least said second material; forming an elongated cavity in between said filled trenches by removing at least part of said substrate extending between said filled trenches; and forming an enclosed channel by providing a layer of material in said cavity and enclosing said cavity.

Abstract: In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, a production method for a double-membrane MEMS component comprises the following steps: providing a layer arrangement on a carrier substrate, wherein the layer arrangement has a first and second membrane structure spaced apart from one another and a counterelectrode structure arranged therebetween, wherein a sacrificial material is arranged in an intermediate region between the counterelectrode structure and the first and second membrane structures respectively spaced apart therefrom, and wherein the first membrane structure has an opening structure to the intermediate region with the sacrificial material and partly removing the sacrificial material from the intermediate region in order to obtain a mechanical connection structure comprising the sacrificial material between the first and second membrane structures, which mechanical connection structure is mechanically coupled between the first and second membrane structures and is mechanically decoupled from the cou

Abstract: A MEMS device includes, in part, first and second conductive semiconductor substrates, an insulating material disposed between the semiconductor substrates, a cavity formed in the second semiconductor substrate, and at least first and second drive masses each of which includes a multitude of beams etched from the first semiconductor substrate and is adapted to move in the cavity in response to an applied force. At least a first portion of the first substrate is adapted to move in response to the applied force and causes the at least first and second drive mass to be in electrical communication with the first substrate. The device may further include, in part, a coupling spring disposed between and in electrical communication with the first and second drive masses. The coupling spring is adapted to provide electrical communication between a second portion of the first substrate and the first and second drive masses.

Abstract: A method for fabricating three-dimensional microstructures is presented. The method includes: disposing a substantially planar reflow material between two molds; heating the reflow material while the reflow material is disposed between the two molds; and reflowing the reflow material towards the bottom surface of one of the molds by creating a pressure gradient across the reflow material. At least one of molds includes geometrics features that help to shape the reflow material and thereby form a complex three-dimensional microstructure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing ammonia (1), wherein a carbon-containing energy carrier flow (2) and an oxygen flow (3) from an oxygen-producing assembly (4) are fed to a synthesis gas reactor assembly (5) for obtaining a synthesis gas flow (6) with hydrogen and carbon oxides, wherein the synthesis gas flow (6) is fed to an adsorption device (7) for separating the synthesis gas flow (6) into a hydrogen flow (8), which comprises hydrogen, and a purge flow (9), and wherein the hydrogen flow (8) and a nitrogen flow (10) are fed to an ammonia reactor assembly (11) and converted into ammonia (1) there. The method is characterized in that the purge flow (9) is fed to a recovery device (12), which obtains a hydrogen-containing recovery flow (13) from the purge flow (9) and discharges a waste gas flow (14) therefrom, and that the hydrogen of the recovery flow (13) is at least partly fed to the ammonia reactor assembly (11) for conversion into ammonia (1).

Abstract: A reactor containing a heat exchanger is disclosed, which can be operated with co-current or counter-current flow. Also disclosed is a system that includes a reactor having a reformer and a vaporizer, a fuel supply, and a water supply. The reactor includes a source of combustion gas, a reformer operative to receive reformate, and a vaporizer operative to receive water. The reformer and vaporizer each include a stack assembly formed by a combination of separator shims and channel shims. The separator shims and channel shims are stacked in a regular pattern to form two sets of channels within the stack assembly. One set of channels will have vertical passageways at either end and a horizontal flowpath between them, while the other set of channels has only a horizontal flowpath.

Abstract: Chlorine dioxide gas is generated at a stable concentration from a liquid composition. The composition is obtained by mixing an aqueous chlorite solution, an activator that immediately adjusts a pH of the aqueous chlorite solution, thereby causing the aqueous chlorite solution to generate chlorine dioxide gas, and an activation inhibitor that slowly mitigates an action of the activator.

Abstract: A process includes converting dioxygen in oxygen nanobubbles to ozone by exposure of the dioxygen to UV light in a UV reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of cyclododecasulfur, a cyclic sulfur allotrope wherein the number of sulfur (S) atoms in the allotrope's homocyclic ring is 12. The method includes reacting a metallasulfur derivative with an oxidizing agent in a reaction zone to form a cyclododecasulfur-containing reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present application relates to boron nitride nanotube (BNNT)-nanoparticle composites, to methods of preparing such composites and their use, for example, in metal/ceramic matrix composites and/or macroscopic assemblies. For example, the methods comprise subjecting a source of hydrogen, a source of boron, a source of nitrogen and a nanoparticle precursor to a stable induction thermal plasma and cooling the reaction mixture to obtain the composite.

Abstract: An efficient method of producing a carbonate apatite is provided. The method comprises: a first step of calcining animal bone; and a second step of reacting a bone calcined product obtained in the first step with a basic carbonate compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon material coated with tantalum carbide and, more specifically, to a carbon material coated with tantalum carbide, comprising: a carbon substrate; and a tantalum carbide coated surface formed on the carbon substrate, wherein the carbon material coated with tantalum carbide has, as main peaks, X-ray diffraction peaks of the (111) plane, the (200) plane, the (220) plane and the (311) plane, of the tantalum carbide coated surface, and the peak of the (111) plane among the peaks has the maximum diffraction intensity. The present invention can provide the carbon material coated with tantalum carbide, having excellent chemical and physical resistance and extended lifespan.

Abstract: A method for carbon nanotube purification, preferably including: providing carbon nanotubes; depositing a mask; and/or selectively removing a portion of the mask; and optionally including removing a subset of the carbon nanotubes and/or removing the remaining mask.

Abstract: In order to provide a means for industrially producing a fibrous carbon nanohorn aggregate (CNB), a production member is used which is a combination of a plurality of carbon targets containing a metal catalyst selected from Fe, Ni, Co or a single substance or a mixture of these two or three substances capable of generating carbon nanohorn aggregates including the fibrous carbon nanohorn aggregate by laser irradiation, and a target fixing jig for fixing the carbon target, wherein the target fixing jig has a plurality of grooves for fixing the target to a plate-shaped member, the carbon target has a thickness of a height equal to or greater than the top surface of the fixing jig from the groove, and the width of the carbon target is larger than the size of the spot of the laser beam in the width direction.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a silica aerogel blanket and an apparatus for producing the same, which are capable of easily controlling the physical properties of a silica aerogel blanket by separately injecting silica sol and a gelation catalyst to control gelation time, improving aerogel pore structure to be uniform and improving thermal insulation performance by sufficiently and uniformly impregnating the silica sol and the gelation catalyst into a blanket, reducing the loss of silica sol and gelation catalyst by allowing the silica sol and the gelation catalyst to pass on an ascending slope before gelation to remove any excessive silica sol and gelation catalyst exceeding an appropriate impregnation amount, and providing a silica aerogel blanket having less process trouble, and less dust.

Abstract: Methods for cost effectively transforming lower quality silica sands into higher quality silica sands for use as proppants in fracking operations involving subterranean hydrocarbon formations. A process of exposing silica sand proppants to locally-sourced electromagnetic radiation, and systems therefor, are disclosed and shown to increase the performance of those silica sands as proppants in hydrocarbon formation fracturing operations.

Abstract: A method of producing a complex of a lamellar inorganic compound and an organic compound includes: heat-treating a particular non-swelling lamellar inorganic compound within a pyrolysis temperature range of the non-swelling lamellar inorganic compound; and intercalating an organic compound into the non-swelling lamellar inorganic compound in a dispersion liquid in which the heat-treated non-swelling lamellar inorganic compound is dispersed in a medium, thereby inserting the organic compound into an interlamellar space of the non-swelling lamellar inorganic compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process for synthesizing zeolite X crystals comprising at least one step of adding seeding agent(s) into a synthesis gel and at least one step of forming zeolite X crystals at a temperature strictly greater than 120° C., preferably equal to or greater than 130° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new process for synthesising a crystalline material comprising structure Beta zeolite in nanocrystalline form, and which can comprise at least the following steps: (i) preparing a mixture comprising at least one source of water, at least one source of a tetravalent element Y, at least one source of a trivalent element X, at least one source of an alkali cation or alkaline earth metal cation (A), and at least one organic molecule selected from a monocyclic quaternary ammonium R1R2CycloN+, and a quaternary ammonium substituted with a cycloalkyl group R3R4R5R6N+. The molar composition of the mixture is: n X2O3:YO2:a A:m OSDA1:z H2O; ii) crystallising the mixture; and iii) recovering the crystalline material.

Abstract: Provided is a method for separating copper from nickel and cobalt with which it is possible to selectively and efficiently separate copper, as well as nickel and cobalt, from an alloy including copper, nickel, and cobalt such as an alloy having high corrosion resistance that includes copper, nickel, and cobalt obtained by dry treatment of waste lithium ion cells. An alloy including copper, nickel, and cobalt is brought into contact with sulfuric acid in the joint presence of a sulfurizing agent, and a solid containing copper and a leachate containing nickel and cobalt are obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a rodlike magnetic ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4) material and use thereof. The preparation includes the following steps: step 1: magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticle preparation; and step 2: self-assembly of magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles into a rodlike magnetic material. When in use, the rodlike magnetic Fe3O4 material prepared by the process according to claim 1 is used in micro- and nano-motors, which can implement rotation and deflection in an external magnetic field. The present invention provides a process for preparing a rodlike magnetic Fe3O4 material. The rodlike magnetic ferroferric oxide material prepared by the process is suitable for mass production on an industrial scale, featuring identifiable direction of the magnetic moment, strong magnetism, good magnetic response, simple process, and low cost.

Abstract: A system for reducing an amount of volatile organic compounds which includes: a water-storage tank having a tank containing water, a roof positioned over the tank, and a headspace region formed between the roof and a surface of the water contained in the tank; an air exchange system positioned at least partially in the headspace region that is configured to exchange air exterior to the tank with air inside the tank; and a water conveyance device located at least partially in the water of the water-storage tank and which is configured to convey water in a manner that produces a surface flow velocity. A method reducing an amount of volatile organic compounds is also included.

Abstract: A conventional media filter such as a gravity sand filter is converted into a membrane filter. The media is removed and replaced by immersed membrane modules. Transmembrane pressure is created by a static head pressure differential, without a suction pump, thereby creating a membrane gravity filter (MGF). Preferred operating parameters include transmembrane pressure of 5-20 kPa, 1-3 backwashes per day, and a flux of 10-20 L/m2/h. The membranes are dosed with chlorine or another oxidant, preferably at 700 minutes*mg/L as Cl2 equivalent per week or less. The small oxidant does is believed to provide a porous biofilm or fouling layer without substantially removing the layer. The media filter may be modified so that backwash wastewater is removed from near the bottom of the tank rather than through backwash troughs above the membrane modules. Membrane integrity testing may be done while the tank is emptied after a backwash.

Abstract: Provided is a water purifier. The water purifier includes a water purifier body including a housing defining an outer appearance and a filter provided in the housing to filter raw water introduced from the outside, a water discharge module including a water discharge nozzle that protrudes forward from the water purifier body to supply the water passing through the filter to the outside of the water purifier body, and a tray disposed below the water discharge nozzle. The water discharge module includes a case having a lower end through which the water discharge nozzle is exposed, an ultraviolet (UV) lamp disposed above the water discharge nozzle in the case to emit ultraviolet rays to an inner surface of the water discharge nozzle, a protection window made of a light transmission material and disposed below the UV lamp to protect the UV lamp against water, and at least one light source that irradiates light to the inside or outside of the water discharge nozzle according to turn-on/off of the UV lamp.

Abstract: A UV sterilization cup includes a cup body with a first opening thereof, a cup shielding covered on the first opening, a filter matched with the first opening, a UV sterilization member received in the cup shielding for sterilizing water and a waterproof transparent member received in the cup shielding for sealing the UV sterilization member. The UV sterilization member includes a UV PCB and a UV light source connected to the UV PCB. The UV PCB includes a UV generating circuit formed thereon to drive the UV light source to emit ultraviolet ray so as to sterilize water received in the cup body. The compact structure can achieve a reliable sterilization effect with 99.9% by setting the UV light source, and water fetched in outdoors can reach the standard of healthy drinking water that it is first filtered by the filter and then sterilized by the UV light source.

Abstract: A method of treating water in a water treatment system after a replacement of an ion exchange bed includes introducing water to be treated into the ion exchange bed of the water treatment system to produce treated water, calculating a current exchange daily average flow rate of water through the water treatment system, calculating a cumulative daily average flow rate of water through the water treatment system, and determining an estimated number of days remaining to exhaustion of the ion exchange bed based on the current exchange daily average flow rate and the cumulative daily average flow rate.

Abstract: A method of filtering a colloid in a diffusiophoretic water filter including adjusting the pH value of the colloid by adding at least one of an acid or a base upstream of the diffusiophoretic water filter and filtering the colloid in the diffusiophoretic water filter to produce a waste stream and a filtrate is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable mist device which can spray sterilized hydrogen water in a mist form through an ultrasonic vibrator, thereby aiding beauty care. The portable mist device includes an upper container having a raw water inlet, a lower container having a sterilized water outlet formed at the side, and a pole plate unit for generating sterilized water through underwater discharge of the raw water by a pair of electrode plates. The electrode plates of the pole plate unit are mounted vertically and are located parallel with the sterilized water outlet. Therefore, the portable mist device can enhance mist discharge efficiency, and be easily connected with a battery arranged at a lower portion without the need to bend electrode connection terminals extending from one end of each electrode plate. So, the portable mist device can reduce costs required for bending the electrode connection terminals and facilitate production of standardized products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell producing oxidants that utilizes a vacuum venturi system to meter saturated brine to the water stream to produce the correct conductivity electrolyte for operation of the electrolytic cell. The present invention comprises a venture eductor configured to accept brine from a brine source and to communicate brine to the chlorine generation system, a first control device to discourage communication of brine from the venture eductor to the brine source, and a second control device to control the rate of flow of brine from the brine source to the venture eductor.

Abstract: The present inventors have developed systems and processes that improve sulfate removal from a fluid stream (14), such as a wet air oxidation (WAO)-treated spent caustic.

Abstract: A condensate neutralizer for connection to an appliance that discharges an acidic condensate liquid includes a reservoir containing a neutralizing media. An input conduit receives the acidic condensate liquid, and is connected to a reservoir inlet and a reservoir outlet is connected to a drain such that acidic condensate liquid flowing through an operating path flows through the neutralizing media to the drain. A bypass path connects the appliance directly to the drain such that acidic condensate liquid does not flow through the neutralizing media when flow through the operating path is restricted. A float is configured to move to a raised position where the float provides an alert visible to an operator when the acidic condensate liquid flows through the bypass path, and a float lock is operative to lock the float in the raised position.