Abstract: An industrial centrifuge for extracting one or more compounds from biomass includes a centrifuge basket disposed within a cylindrical vessel. The centrifuge basket includes a cylindrical sidewall comprising an upper perforated portion and a lower solid portion and a basket baseplate coupled to the sidewall between the upper perforated portion and the lower solid portion. The centrifuge includes a spindle coupled to the basket baseplate, a spindle bearing assembly, and a contact seal disposed between the spindle bearing assembly and the basket baseplate. The lower solid portion of the sidewall, the spindle, and the basket baseplate define a skirted volume. During operation of the industrial centrifuge, air trapped within the skirted volume provides an air seal between an extraction fluid in the cylindrical vessel and the contact seal, spindle bearing assembly, or both, to prevent extraction fluid from contacting the spindle bearings and causing damage thereto.

Abstract: Cryocooler assemblies are provided that can include: a first mass configured to generate mechanical responses; a second mass operably engaged with the first mass; and an assembly between the first and second mass, the assembly configured to allow movement of the first mass in relation to the second mass. Methods for isolating mechanical responses within a cryocooler assembly are provided. The methods can include: generating a mechanical response about a first mass within a cryocooler assembly; suspending the first mass in relation to a second mass of the assembly; and operatively engaging the second mass as a cold source for the cryocooler assembly.

Abstract: A sealing bellows made of an elastomeric material includes: a first end face; a second end face; and a casing having a central axis, the casing being arranged in an axial direction between the first and second end faces, the casing including at least one torsion-compensating element for absorbing torsional movements introduced into the sealing bellows substantially without torsional stress. The first end face includes a first static seal and the second end face includes a second static seal. The sealing bellows is made of a TPE material.

Abstract: The present invention provides allergen detection molecules and devices useful in on-site and rapid detection of allergens, including food allergens.

Abstract: A washing machine appliance and method of operation are generally provided herein. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a first pair of diagonal feet, a second pair of diagonal feet, a tub, a basket, a measurement device, a motor, and a controller. The motor may be configured for selectively rotating the basket within the tub. The controller may be in operative communication with the motor and the measurement device. The controller may be configured for rotating the basket for a first period, monitoring movement of the cabinet between the first pair of diagonal feet and between the second pair of diagonal feet during the rotating, determining a first diagonal movement value, determining a second diagonal movement value, evaluating one or both of the diagonal movement values against a predetermined value, and transmitting a stability signal.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator, such as a spin dryer that separates water from wet clothing includes a stationary chamber. A perforated basket is arranged to spin within the stationary chamber. A DC or AC motor is arranged below the bottom floor fastened to a mechanical floor. A driveshaft can be connected to the motor output shaft via a flexible coupling and passes through the bottom floor and is connected to the basket. A brake disc is operatively fixed to the output shaft, and a brake caliper is fixed to the mechanical floor to stop the brake disc. A balance ring, having an annular chamber holding a balance fluid, is mounted to an outside of the basket. The centrifugal separator can include a cycle controller that can ramp up or down the basket speed and reverse spinning direction of the basket.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant termination connector for connecting to a steel wire rope and a modular fitting for use on a magnetic influence minesweeping cable is provided. The connector body is made of a high strength composite material, and has a common channel. The body has three sections: A ribbed annular stem, an abutment band with uniform edges for forming sealing occlusions, and an externally threaded spelter socket with a conical channel. Strands of the wire rope are splayed and adhesively joined with a mixture of thermosetting resins forming a conical wedge that secures the rope within the conical channel. The modular fitting is screwed on the elongate socket section, and includes a pin with a thimble. A molded insular cover seals the steel wire rope and the ribbed stem.

Abstract: A balance ring for an appliance, such as e.g., a washing machine, is provided. The balance ring can reduce or eliminate features such as sink marks that might otherwise impede the movement of counterweights in the balance ring. The counterweights are used to stabilize a rotating element of the appliance.

Abstract: A suspension unit assembly comprises a strut having a first end and a second end and a coupling disposed at the first end of the strut. The coupling has a strut part connected to the strut and a mounting part configured to tilt relative to the strut part of the coupling. A spring is disposed about the strut, one end of the spring being restrained relative to the mounting part of the coupling so that tilting movement between the strut part and the mounting part of the coupling causes the spring to deform and provide a return force that acts to return the coupling to an equilibrium position.

Abstract: A home appliance, such as a clothes washing machine, has a source of noise and an acoustic insulator. The source of noise moves between a first position and a second position during operation of the appliance. The acoustic insulator has a movable portion that moves with the source of noise between the first position and the second position during operation of the appliance and an interface that remains substantially stationary as the source of noise moves between the first and second positions.

Abstract: Simultaneous source-sink flow, or radial counterflow, is driven by a centrifugal pump disposed within a casing. Radially outward source flow of brine goes into a shrouding tank and concentrates while a radially inward sink flow of fresh water flows back over the pump to axial extraction. An axial pump drives sink flow and axial extraction. Convergent sink flow passes under an inductor to an axial exhaust port. Induced viscosity and inductive repulsion hinder the passage of brine in sink flow, so only fresh water can reach the axial exhaust port. Crystallization of scale-forming salts is aided by Joule heating from the inductor. Solvent and gases are continuously axially extracted in sink flow, favoring crystallization. Sodium chloride is cooled and crystallized in the shrouding tank. Brine comprising other salts flows out of the tank to treatment by suitable means. Thus brine is separated into fresh water, crystallized salt, and concentrated brine.

Abstract: A filter includes a crucible, a filtering container, and a receiving tank. The crucible has a heater for heating a pre-filtered object to comprise a primary material in liquid and at least one other material in solid. The filtering container has a body, a sieve, and a press rod. The body connects with the crucible for receiving the heated pre-filtered object in a channel and provides a guide-out member; the sieve is disposed in said channel; and the press rod movably received in the channel for pressing the primary material of the pre-filtered object to flow through the sieve and to the guide-out member. The receiving tank has an entrance facing the guide-out member of the filtering container to receive the filtered primary material.

Abstract: In an embodiment, axially-fed slurry can be continuously separated into clarified liquid, stripped gas, and thickened sludge in radial counterflow between counter-rotating coaxial centrifugal impellers. One impeller comprises an annular crossflow filter through which liquids are extracted. At the periphery of the impellers, where they are narrowly separated, the sludge is shear thickened into an extruded paste. Suspended solids in the feed pass over the surface of the rotating annular crossflow filter by the shear lift effect, and the vortex-wall interaction jets water radially inward from the periphery, dewatering the sludge. Evolved gases, oils, and fractions lighter than water flow radially inward to the impeller axis through radial vortices in a shear layer between the impellers, and are extracted through an axial exhaust conduit. Feed has long residence time so that separation is complete and continuous. Municipal wastewater, produced water, beverages, food, and scrubber sludge are discussed.

Abstract: The combined centrifugal separator with supplementary work units is an autonomous stationary or mobile complex apparatus, which is related to the separation of non-uniform granular or fibrous product, such as manure pulps, fruit pulps, sugar contained pulps, pulps for the medicine, etc., from the liquid in which it is carried. The screen, the screen scraper, and the driving shaft, which has the screw, the crusher and the mixer located on it, all have one common axis. However, all three rotate with different speeds around it. They are connected to one motor, and have a transmission system using pulleys and gears. Part of the liquid remainder may be used for internal recycling.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively assaying one or more target molecules in a sample uses a nucleic acid aptamer that is specific for each target molecule. A quantitative replicative procedure is used to determine a quantity of aptamer specific for each molecule.

Abstract: A biodegradable, non-toxic firefighting concentrate composition. The preferred compositions include 4 to 40 parts of a C.sub.16 -C.sub.18 tertiary amine having 2-10 ethoxy or other solubilizing groups per mol, 1 to 15 parts of a carboxylic acid having 6 to 16 carbon atoms; 1 to 6 parts of a C.sub.6 -C.sub.16 alcohol and 0 to 10 parts of C.sub.4 -and lower alcohols, and enough water to create a total of 100 parts by volume. The concentrate is usually diluted up to 100 times (v/v) with water, and is also effective when mixed with foam-forming materials. In addition, the composition is useful with soil bacteria for remediating soil contaminated with hydrocarbon fuel and for facilitating fuel dispersion and degradation within bacterial-action sewage systems.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for the removal of solid contaminants which utilizes at least one rotating mesh screen container designed to pass the food therethrough while trapping the solid contaminant. The rotation of the cylindrically-shaped mesh screen causes the food to pass through because of the centrifugal force. The addition of a second mesh or membrane-like placed around the first screen but rotated in the opposite direction is also utilized to trap solid contaminants which are large enough to be trapped by the mesh screen when it is not oriented so as to pass through the screens along its length. Different spacings in mesh and different rotation velocities are utilized to change contaminant screen characteristics.

Abstract: A filtration unit for the separation of substances from liquids utilizes a rotatable cylindrical module with a permeable wall disposed within a housing. A filter element which has at least one band of microporous membrane adsorber having a specific adsorption affinity for the substances to be separated is disposed within the cylindrical module so that the membrane absorber is abutted to the cylindrical module. The filter element encircles the feed inlet and can be in the form of an endless loop. A permeate plenum lies between the cylindrical module and the housing. The cylindrical module includes a liquid impermeable end cap which is provided with a coupling member adapted for connection to a drive of variable rotational speed.

Abstract: A method for the removal of solid contaminants which utilizes two rotating mesh screen containers designed to pass the food therethrough while trapping the solid contaminant. The rotation of the first cylindrically-shaped mesh screen causes the food to pass through because of the centrifugal force leaving behind a portion of the solid contaminants. The second mesh or membrane-like placed around the first screen but rotated in the opposite direction is also utilized to trap solid contaminants which are large enough to be trapped by the mesh screen when it is not oriented so as to pass through the screens along its length. Different spacings in mesh and different rotation velocities are utilized to change contaminant screen characteristics.

Abstract: A flattened end portion of flighting is added to the conventional auger flighting at the output end of an auger separator. A plug zone is created in the inner perforated tube between the flattened flighting and pressure end gates, which normally close the inner tube. The auger shaft extends beyond the flattened flighting to the end of the inner tube, forming a stub shaft which centers the auger in the inner tube when the plug zone is filled with material around the stub shaft. The material functions as a bearing to center the auger shaft. The material in the plug zone is pressed against the perforated inner tube, causing the bonded water to be removed. The flattened end portion flighting extends circumferentially approximately 70.degree. to 80.degree. around the auger shaft, adding an axial length of approximately 1/4 to 3/8 inch.

Abstract: In an apparatus for separating particulate material from a particle-containing liquid, at least the section of the cylindrical housing (10) provided with perforations (5) is designed as a driveable drum sieve (2') so that the solid materials are optimally separated from the liquid phase and are at the same time freed from particulate impurities.

Abstract: The present invention is a centrifuge device which separates chips or shreds of containers from whatever liquid residue remains within the containers. The device is suitable for many applications, including the separation of the recyclable plastic of a motor oil container from the remaining re-usable motor oil within the container after the container has ostensibly been emptied. The device may be utilized as a compact, free-standing size reduction and reclaiming device at the location where the container is used, such as in automotive service stations, and the like, or production units may be used in plastic reclaiming plants where large quantities of a given plastic container are being centrally processed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the separation of a dispersed phase in emulsion or in suspension in a continuous phase of a different density. The process comprises causing the emulsion to circulate in a coalescing enclosure (1) containing a filling (11) having an inherent volume of particles or fibers which is slight with respect to the useable volume of the enclosure, and causing the filling to move with respect to the emulsion in such a manner that the particles or fibers thereof sweep the enclosure with an average speed which is high with respect to the flow speed of the emulsion in the enclosure. The invention is particularly applicable for the separation of hydrocarbons or fatty bodies dispersed in an aqueous effluent.

Abstract: A disk shaped cassette for centrifugal fluid separation, particularly blood separation, and a drive system for high speed rotation of the cassette. The cassette is driven at speeds which permit very rapid separation of the blood in times on the order of seven (7) to twenty (20) seconds by an automated control. The cassette is supported by a flexible support coupling and mounting system that permits the entire rotating mass to spin about the center of mass unique to the particular cassette as filled. The cassette typically includes a peripheral collection chamber which may be either annular, lobed or channel shaped. A cassette enabled to hold plural separation tubes is also shown. A gel can be placed in the cassette with a density between the fluid components to be separated and after centrifuging maintains the component separation that centrifuging creates.

Abstract: A liquid bearing for use in rotary devices processing biological fluids is disclosed. The device has a stationary housing and a rotating cartridge. One end of the cartridge is rotatably connected to the housing. The other end is not directly connected to the housing, and, thus, is free to move laterally during rotation. The liquid bearing tends to recenter the free end of the cartridge during rotation.

Abstract: In apparatus for removing water and impurity components from sand, there are provided a rotary member having an opening at one end for charging and discharging sand and a filter for passing water. The rotary member is supported by a support and driven by a variable speed motor. Piston-cylinders or the like are provided for tilting the support. In a modified embodiment, two of the rotary bodies are juxtaposed with their openings faced each other. A peripheral wall of the rotary member is provided with a member of perforations for discharging water separated from sand.

Abstract: In apparatus for removing water and impurity components from sand, there are provided a rotary member having an opening at one end for charging and discharging sand and a filter for passing water. The rotary member is supported by a support and driven by a variable speed motor. Piston-cylinders or the like are provided for tilting the support. In a modified embodiment, two of the rotary bodies are juxtaposed with their openings faced each other. A peripheral wall of the rotary member is provided with a member of perforations for discharging water separated from sand.

Abstract: A sieve drum (2) for drying solid materials such as, for example, brown coal is rotatably supported for being rotated around its axis (8). A conveying screw (3) is arranged within the interior of the sieve drum and can be rotated independent from the rotation of the sieve drum (2). The sieve drum (2) is designed as a slot-sieve drum, the slots (26) of which extend within the mantle of the drum from one front end (7) of the drum to its other front end (5). The sieve drum (2) and the conveying screw (3) are arranged within a tightly closable pressure resistant housing (1), steam supply openings (22) being connected to the housing (1) outside of the sieve drum.

Abstract: An improved continuous centrifugal machine includes a rigid base structure, a bearing housing, a normally vertical basket shaft journalled for rotation on bearings in the bearing housing, an upwardly open frusto-conical centrifugal basket secured to the upper end of the basket shaft for rotation therewith, a stationary curb wall mounted on the base structure and surrounding the basket, buffering assemblies for resiliently mounting the bearing housing on the base structure to permit gyration of the basket, and a motor mounted to one side of the curb wall and connected by an improved system to the lower end of the shaft for rotating the basket. In accordance with improvements in the machine an annular support ring is mounted on the base structure within the curb wall and has an upwardly facing surface.

Abstract: A centrifuge, preferably of the type having an upright axis, e.g. a wobble centrifuge, is provided with a distributor for the product to be centrifuged. The distributor, which is rotatable with the shaft, e.g. by being connected to the drum or basket or to the drive shaft proper, is formed with a circular array of ribs which are concave in the direction of rotation and form acute angles with a circle centered on the axis of the distributor along the inner portion of the array, thereby improving the distribution of the product to the drum and accelerating the product in the direction of rotation while directing it outwardly onto the drum.

Abstract: A centrifugal microstrainer includes a closed cylindrical vessel with a cylindrical screen within, both rotating about a hollow shaft forming a common central axis. Liquid-solid admixture introduced through the shaft is flowed radially outward subjected to centrifugal acceleration, and forced back through the screen under pressure with particles too large to pass the screen remaining on its outboard side. The centrifugal force applied by the rotation of the vessel acts on these larger particles pushing them away from the screen thus preventing clogging and permitting substantially continuous operation. The device may be operated as a classifier by providing a plurality of concentric screens of decreasing mesh size spaced outwardly from one another in conjunction with properly sized chokes.

Abstract: The disclosure sets forth blood processing apparatus of the general type which employs a cylindrical rotor with a semi-permeable membrane at its outer surface, rotatable within a surrounding stationary casing or housing, blood being supplied and discharged at angularly spaced loci of the casing, a secondary fluid being supplied to the interior of the rotor, effecting a cross-transfer of a component in the blood, and a secondary fluid, or a component thereof, across the membrane, sometimes referred to as a "journal machine" to distinguish such type from others which differ basically therefrom. The basic environment is like that of certain patents, identified hereinafter, and incorporates, by reference, features thereof insofar as they are applicable to the present disclosure.

Abstract: A wobble centrifuge has a housing in which a tube shaft is rotatable about a first axis, this tube shaft having a lower tube part centered on the first axis and an upper tube part centered on a second axis that crosses the first axis at an intersection. An at least partially flexible core shaft has a lower core part rotatable in the lower tube part about the first axis and an upper core part rotatable in the upper tube part about the second axis. A downwardly flared sieve drum is carried on the upper core part and is centered generally on the second axis, this sieve drum having a wall tapered upwardly from a lower edge spaced below the intersection in a direction parallel to the second axis by a predetermined distance. A suspension to be centrifuged is introduced into the drum generally radially of the axes at a location spaced above the intersection in a direction parallel to the second axis by a spacing equal to substantially more than the spacing between the lower end of the drum and the intersection.

Abstract: A centrifuge for the dewatering of a fine grained material having a downwardly flaring frusto conically shaped porous sieve cage rotatable about its axis and axially oscillatible with a preacceleration frusto conically shaped cone within the sieve cage with its larger end upwardly and a central material delivery means for supplying material to the cone and an annular spoked mounting means extending between the base of the cone and sieve cage with a drive connecting to the mounting means and an elastic connection between the rotatable drive and sieve cage and an elastic connection between the oscillatible drive and sieve cage and an annular downwardly extending solid collection housing mounted at the lower end of the sieve cage and an annular housing surrounding the sieve cage for the collection of water with the oscillatible drive and rotatable drive mounted at the base of the unit coaxial with each other.

Abstract: A filter has a housing defining a closed chamber around a hollow shaft which is rotatable in the housing and which carries a plurality of filter elements so that fluid can be pumped through the filter elements into the hollow interior of the shaft. The shaft is rotatable with the filter elements relative to the housing for cleaning filter cake off the filter elements between filtering operations. An annular and hollow bellows-type seal surrounds the shaft and has one axial end secured to the housing and an opposite axial end engageable with the shaft for sealing the shaft relative to the housing. This bellows-type seal is made of thin and flexible stainless steel. The inside of the seal may be pressurized by a liquid or gas to force the end of the seal against the shaft and form a tight connection therebetween.