Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for flocculating and/or agglomerating oil sand solids during solvent extraction, the process using a mixing tank comprising a vertical baffle-free cylindrical vessel having at least one impeller mounted vertically therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved systems and methods for flushing out animal footbaths at remote locations which do not have a reliable or high pressure water supply. Embodiments of the flushing systems of the present invention preferably include at least one fluid pressurizing pump and one or more large fluid storage tanks which receive water from a source and place it under pressure for use in the system.

Abstract: A sample take-off system incorporating a small volume pump with a speed loop for pressurizing excess extracted sample for return into the process stream using a single multi-channel probe for both take-off and return of the excess extracted sample is illustrated and described.

Abstract: Built-up roofing surfacing sheets that include a white, resin coated aluminum foil adhered to one side of an asphalt-impregnated fiberglass mat and sand adhered to the other side of the asphalt-impregnated fiberglass mat, the surfacing sheet being compliant with the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 24 in effect as of Sep. 11, 2006, and methods of manufacturing the built-up roofing surfacing sheets.

Abstract: A method for dispersing an additive from an additive cartridge disposed in a housing of an oil filter is provided herein, the method includes using stagnation pressure to disperse the additive from the additive cartridge; and regulating a flow rate of the additive from the additive cartridge by restricting an inlet opening of an outlet tube of the additive cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter assembly containing a filter element and a container as a depot for a liquid additive. The container can include an inlet and an outlet, which are configured to allow a liquid to flow into the container mix with the contained additive and then flow out into the system. It has been observed that a liquid flowing through a filter assembly exhibits a pressure gradient within the filter. Consequently, the inlets and outlets to the container can be positioned to take advantage of the pressure gradient to enhance the addition of the additive to the liquid in the filter assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter assembly containing a filter element and a container as a depot for a liquid additive. The container can include an inlet and an outlet, which are configured to allow a liquid to flow into the container mix with the contained additive and then flow out into the system. It has been observed that a liquid flowing through a filter assembly exhibits a pressure gradient within the filter. Consequently, the inlets and outlets to the container can be positioned to take advantage of the pressure gradient to enhance the addition of the additive to the liquid in the filter assembly.

Abstract: An chemical dispensing apparatus, which has a dispenser head member and a chemical holding container for holding chemical, the dispenser head member having a flow entry means for directing fluid flow into the chemical holding container and a flow exit means for directing fluid flow out of the chemical holding container, the flow entry means being in fluid connection with a center-mounted, elongated perforated tubular member extending at least partway into the chemical holding container, the chemical holding container having an opening which is releasably engageable with the dispenser head member for refilling.

Abstract: A method for casting-in-place composite and/or non-filled structures which are useful as sorptive or reactive media or for size-based separations. Any particular housing size or configuration can be used, and the inclusion of a large amount of adsorptive particles in polymer is achieved while still maintaining the membrane three dimensional structure. In a first preferred embodiment, the composite structures comprise particles entrapped within a porous polymeric substrate, and are cast in-place into a housing such as a pipette tip, thereby providing an effective platform for micromass handling. With the appropriate selection of particle chemistry, virtually any separation or purification operation can be conducted, including selective bind/elute chromatography operations, on sample mass loads less than 1 microgram in volumes of a few microliters, as well as larger mass loads and volumes. The present invention also encompasses the composite structures as well as sample preparation devices containing the same.

Abstract: “Plug-in” fluid flow diverters are disclosed. Additionally disclosed is water purification equipment adapted to communicate with the diverters. Such equipment is especially (although not solely) useful in connection with circulating streams of water present in systems associated with swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas, as the circulating nature of the water permits more of its volume ultimately to be diverted into the equipment for purification. The diverters, furthermore, may have entrances oriented to receive fluid travelling in only one direction through a conduit and be keyed to one or more components of the equipment for purposes of identification, inventory control, or otherwise.

Abstract: A fluid injector made of pressure rated components that attach to a fluid flow line so that flow is transferred from the flow line, into the injection unit and back to the fluid flow line. The inlet flow is used to pressurize the storage tank and provide a solution to mix with injection solutions in the tank to provide an accurate preset or adjustable injection rate into the fluid flow line. Venproportioner ports provide an internal air release port and set injection ratios.

Abstract: A chemical delivery system having a body defining a main fluid flow passage through which a fluid passes and a storage tank for holding a chemical. An inlet nozzle delivers a quantity of the fluid in the main fluid flow passage to the storage tank to be mixed with the chemical and an outlet nozzle return a quantity of the fluid mixed with the chemical from the storage tank to the main fluid flow passage. An adjustment dial having a plurality of orifices of varying diameter that are capable of being individually placed into relation with the inlet nozzle may be used to control the amount of fluid that enters the first inlet nozzle from the main fluid flow passage. Furthermore, an outlet nozzle trap in fluid communication with a vent port of the outlet nozzle may be placed in fluid communication with a fill control port of the inlet nozzle. The fill control port is used to direct fluid to the outlet nozzle trap to control venting of air from the storage tank to the main fluid flow passage via the vent port.

Abstract: A fluid injector made of pressure rated components that attach to a fluid flow line so that flow is transferred from the flow line, into the injection unit and back to the fluid flow line. The inlet flow is used to pressurize the storage tank and provide a solution to mix with injection solutions in the tank to provide an accurate preset or adjustable injection rate into the fluid flow line. Vent/proportioner ports provide back flow protection, prevent fluid from siphoning from the storage tank, provide an internal air release port and set injection ratios. A mixing control valve adjusts the injection ratios by mixing outgoing injection solutions with incoming fluid from the fluid flow line. Flexible bladders isolate one or more injection solutions within one storage container which are injected simultaneously at independent injection rates.

Abstract: Describes a chemical feeder that supplies treating agents, e.g., calcium hypochlorite, to a liquid stream, e.g., an aqueous stream. The chemical feeder is operated in a substantially flooded condition to provide a useful and safe pressure feeder, and optionally uses cyclonic flow to be relatively self-cleaning. One or more tablet canisters are utilized within the substantially flooded interior of the chemical feeder, and expose the lowermost tablets to the turbulent flow outside of the tablet canister. A substantially uniform chemical distribution rate over tablet life is provided by the chemical feeder.

Abstract: Nestable canisters for use in a dispersal valve that normally holds only a single canister with the nestable canisters suitable for replacing single canisters to enable a fluid mixing stream to be bifurcated and simultaneously but separately treat the water with different materials. The fluid mixing stream which normally flows through the set of ports that are used for dispensing only one solid chemical into the liquid stream flowing through the dispersal valve is bifurcated to provide for both dispersant type bacteria killing as well as in situ bacteria killing. In addition the nestable canisters are provided with an improved bactericide and algaecide for killing algae in the water and absorbing acids that might be generated by use of chlorine in the dispersal valve.

Abstract: Described are novel methods for producing microporous elements and microporous elements obtainable by such methods. Provided are also microporous elements including solid microparticles, which preferably modify the adsorptive properties of the microporous element. Described are also microporous elements which are linked to a support and/or a retainer as well as methods for their production. Filter elements comprising the above-described microporous elements are also provided. Furthermore, kits, diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned microporous or filter elements are described. Furthermore, uses of the aforementioned microporous and filter elements in microfiltration, chromatography, adsorption/immobilization of organic and inorganic compounds as well as for the preparation and/or detection of such compounds are disclosed.

Abstract: Invention performs an assay to determine presence or quantity of specific analyte in fluid sample. Representative device has two separate flow paths established sequentially in device with a single user activation step. First flow path delivers sample, and conjugate soluble binding reagents to solid phase. If analyte is present, an analyte:conjugate complex is formed and immobilized. Sample volume delivered by first path determined by absorbent capacity of solid phase, and not by amount of sample added to device. User need not measure sample volume. Sample/conjugate mixture is prevented from entering second flow path because capillary and surface energy of second flow path prevent it from being wetted by this mixture. Second flow path allows wash reagent to remove unbound conjugate and sample from solid phase to the absorbant, and optionally deliver detection reagents.

Abstract: A potassium permanganate feeder has an inlet container and an outlet container disposed in an outer container. An inlet tube disposed in the inlet container supplies fill water which flows out of the inlet container through a porous screen to dissolve potassium potassium crystals. The resulting potassium permanganate solution flows into the outlet container through a porous screen where it may be withdrawn through an outlet tube disposed therein.

Abstract: Nestable canisters for use in a dispersal valve that normally holds only a single canister with the nestable canisters suitable for replacing single canisters to enable a fluid mixing stream to be bifurcated and simultaneously but separately treat the water with different materials. The fluid mixing stream which normally flows through the set of ports that are used for dispensing only one solid chemical into the liquid stream flowing through the dispersal valve is bifurcated to provide for both dispersant type bacteria killing as well as in situ bacteria killing. In addition the nestable canisters are provided with an improved bactericide and algaecide for killing algae in the water and absorbing acids that might be generated by use of chlorine in the dispersal valve.

Abstract: An automated tablet dissolution apparatus adapted for use with tablet sinkers. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a dissolution vessel and an automated mechanism for agitating the contents of the dissolution vessel. The apparatus also includes an automated mechanism for measuring a desired volume of media, heating and degassing the volume and then dispensing the volume into the vessel, an automated mechanism for sampling the contents of the dissolution vessel, an automated mechanism for dispensing a tablet (and sinker, if desired) into the dissolution vessel, an automated mechanism for heating the dissolution vessel, and an automated mechanism for imaging the contents of the dissolution vessel. In addition, the apparatus includes an automated mechanism for emptying the contents of the dissolution vessel.

Abstract: A device for introducing substances into water in bathing, showering and similar systems has a body, a water inlet passage, a water outlet passage, an element for connecting the body to a container which accommodates a substance to be introduced to water, an opening communicating the water inlet passage with an interior of the container so that water flows into the interior of the container from the water inlet passage to be enriched with a substance, an opening communicating the interior of the container with the water outlet passage so that the water enriched with the substance can flow from the interior of the container into the water outlet passage, and a resistance between the water inlet passage and the water outlet passage so that a pressure in the water outlet passage is lower than a pressure in the water inlet passage and therefore a suction is created in the water outlet passage so as to aspirate the water enriched with the substance from the interior of the container into the water outlet passage.

Abstract: A lawn treatment apparatus (10) for an underground sprinkler system (12) on a lawn (14). The system (12) is fabricated out of a durable plastic material (15) and includes an inlet pipe (16) with a water control valve (18) connected to an outlet pipe (20) with an anti-siphon valve assembly (22), having an anti-siphon valve housing (24) with an externally threaded mouth (26) and an internally threaded anti-siphon valve cap (28) carrying an anti-siphon valve (30). The apparatus (10) comprises a body member (32) having an open bottom end (34) and an open top end (36). A structure (38) is for securing the open bottom end (34) of the body member (32) to the externally threaded mouth (26) on the anti-siphon valve housing (24).

Abstract: A flexible medical packaging unit designed as a bag (14) including a single connector (18) containing a powdered salt concentrate (16), i.e. bicarbonate, with a volume sufficient for one dialysis treatment. The bag (14) has such a capacity that the powdered salt concentrate (16) will only partially be dissolved even when completely filled with water.

Abstract: A multiple product dispensing system includes a plurality of use solution dispensers and a controller for selecting one of the dispensers according to a preset regimen, e.g., selecting different dispensers on different days of the week. Each dispenser dispenses a controlled concentration of use solution using a diluent delivery apparatus that delivers a diluent to form a liquid concentrate from a solid chemical composition, and to form make-up diluent for diluting the liquid concentrate and forming a use solution of controlled concentration. A foam reducer reduces the kinetic energy of the make-up diluent prior to mixing with the liquid concentrate to reduce foaming. An unskilled operator may operate the dispensing system to dispense a use solution of carefully controlled concentration, and the controller will automatically select the proper dispenser according to the preset regimen, without any additional input on the part of the operator.

Abstract: A liquid fertilizer dispensing device comprising a container adapted to hold liquid fertilizer solution; means at the top thereof to connect to a water faucet and to dispense a stream of water therefrom; feeder tube means extending from the interior base of said container to a point adjacent the stream of water passing through said top means so that the venturi effect of the passing stream of water will suck the fertilizer solution up through said feeder tube means and inject the same into the passing stream of water; valve means to adjust and control the rate of flow of said fertilizer solution into and through said feeder tube means; and preferably additional means to constantly indicate the level of fertilizer solution within said container and to permit the addition of more solution or granulated fertilizer to said container.

Abstract: An automatic fertilizing device for introducing lawn care chemicals such as fertilizer, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides into a sprinkler system, comprising a container having a control plate insert to divide the container into an upper and lower volume, wherein the container and control plate are mounted to a flow head, such that the flow head controls the amount of chemicals drawn from the container and dispersed into the main water line. This device may also be employed in pool systems for dispersing chlorine.

Abstract: A dip pipe apparatus is disclosed which comprises in combination: first (inner) and second (outer) tubular pipes having about parallel longitudinal axes; the second (outer) pipe having upper and lower pipe portions and means for connecting the same, wherein the diameter of the upper pipe portion is greater than the diameter of the lower pipe portion; the first (inner) pipe being delimited by a first outlet for liquids within the upper portion of the second pipe, which first pipe is defined by a diameter less than the diameter of the lower portion of the second pipe; a second outlet for the subsurface addition of liquids to a reaction mass in the lower pipe portion of the second pipe; and a means for venting gases displaced by the flow of liquids within said apparatus.

Abstract: A water treatment dispensing apparatus for an engine cooling system, such as in a diesel locomotive, includes one or more probes for measuring the conductivity of the fluid circulating in the system. From the conductivity of the fluid, a determination of the level of concentration of treatment chemicals in the fluid can be ascertained. A comparator is utilized for determining whether, based on the conductivity readings of the fluid, the level of concentration of treatment chemicals in the fluid is at or above a desired level. When it is determined that the level of concentration has fallen below the desired level, a valve is actuated so as to divert a portion of fluid from the system to a chemical treatment dispensing apparatus. Simultaneously, an outlet valve is actuated to allow mixed fluid and chemical treatment to be routed back into the circulating system. The dispensing apparatus includes a housing adapted to receive a container for containing a quantity of chemical treatment therein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite material composed of carbon as a matrix and carbon fiber as a reinforcement, and also a process for producing the same. The composite material is produced by coating nonwoven fabrics of carbon fiber or a blend of carbon fiber and organic fiber with a filler-containing liquid, laminating the nonwoven fabrics one over another, and subjecting the laminated nonwoven fabrics to needle punching repeatedly with a plurality of needles, thereby yielding a prepreg of three-dimensional structure, and carbonizing and calcining the thus obtained prepreg.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sample preparation chamber for a system for preparing samples of various compositions for assay by liquid chromatography. The sample preparation chamber is a container having a threaded cap and a threaded, lightweight, translucent plastic cup. A stirred/grinder shaft driven by a motor and connected to a propeller/grinder passes through the cap. The cap has a sloped bottom with a sump region, and a fill/empty pipe passes through the cap and has its outlet at or near the sump. A nozzle fill pipe arrangement allows the walls to be washed down as liquid is pumped into the cup. A second fill pipe with its outlet spaced up from the bottom of the cup is also used, and a sample metering valve having an inlet in said cup is present. The sample metering valve is used to isolate a known volume of the sample from the rest of the sample for release back into the cup after the remaining sample has been pumped to waste for purposes of diluting the known volume of sample to a known concentration.

Abstract: A pressure feeder for controlled addition of dissolvable agent into a flowing liquid has been designed which provides constant concentration of the agent in the treated liquid. This concentration is independent from the flow rate and the pressure of the liquid and also slugging of the agent at zero flow rate is avoided. A feeder according to the invention comprises a dissolution chamber connectable to a point of slightly increased pressure in the main circuit in which dissolution chamber the liquid is brought in controlled contact with stacked tablets of the agent. A linear weir controls the height of the liquid level in the dissolution chamber such that is proportional to the flow rate. The provision of a holding chamber for treated liquid which is connected to the dissolution chamber incorporates a gas volume that automatically adjusts for pressure differences and enables the liquid level in the dissolution chamber as well as the concentration of the agent in the treated liquid to be pressure independent.

Abstract: A material feeder device is provided for containing a material that is soluble in water and through which a water stream passes to thereby dissolve the material and deliver it to a lawn or garden through a sprinkler system. The feeder includes a housing open at its top and bottom, which contains the material to be dissolved. The open bottom of the housing provides an outlet for the water stream. A lid assembly is connected to the housing for closing the top of the housing when it is in a first position and for opening the top of a housing when it is in a second position, so that the material to be dissolved can be placed into the housing. A hollow conduit having an inlet connected to a water supply line outlet is provided. The conduit extends upwardly from its inlet through the open housing bottom with the conduit outlet being below the housing top. The only connection between the water supply line and the housing outlet is through the conduit.

Abstract: A system and process for preparation of dialysis concentrate solution from dry chemicals and water. The source of hemodialysis chemicals for a batch is a drum selectively filled with dry chemicals such that an inner core region therewithin is loaded with chemicals which slurry and dissolve the least readily. The required amount of water is metered into a mix tank. Water is pumped from the tank into a spray head fitted over the selectively filled drum. Water is injected onto the chemicals within the inner core region by the use of a nozzle having a narrow spray angle. The chemicals within the inner core region are preferentially dissolved or slurried before the other chemicals within the drum. The slurried and dissolved chemicals are removed from the drum by a suction wand and are entirely solubilized in the tank. Cycling of fluid continues from the drum to the tank and vice versa until all of the chemicals in the drum have been removed. Circulation of the fluid is continued until a uniform solution results.

Abstract: A double tube sealed sampling device adapted to be incorporated into a dip tube for sampling the contents of a chemical reactor on a continuous or intermittent basis. In a preferred form, the device may be maintained in a sealed relationship to the reactor to avoid any contact with the contents of the reactor with the outside environment. In installed condition, the two tubes which are of relatively small diameter are shielded from turbulence within the reactor by the larger diameter hollow cylinder of the dip tube, thereby permitting the smaller diameter tubes to be formed from unreinforced polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) or similar material.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge comprises a substantially rigid envelope of plastics material which contains a dose of water-soluble granular, powdery or similar particulate matter adapted to produce a beverage by brewing with hot water. The envelope has an inlet endwall with one or more water inlet through holes close to, and radially inside a peripheral region thereof, the inlet end-wall being otherwise imperforate. The envelope has an opposite outlet endwall which has, within the envelope, a substantially axial tubular appendage which extends from the inner face of the outlet wall towards the inlet wall and which defines a beverage outlet conduit with an intake orifice near the inlet wall and an out-flow orifice in the outer face of the outlet wall.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating coarse sand particles from fine sand particles in a slurry of sand and a solution such as results from the solvent extraction of tar sand, such method comprising causing flow of such slurry in a generally horizontal direction and then causing upward flow at a rate such that coarse particles settle out and fine particles move upwardly to a slurry outlet. The apparatus preferably comprises a tubular duct for downward flow, bottom openings in the duct for outward flow, a lower receptacle for coarse particles and an annular space surrounding the duct for upward flow of slurry of solution and fine sand particles.

Abstract: Core sandwich structure comprised of a lightweight core material in the form of a low density thermosetting resin matrix composition containing glass microballoons, particularly an epoxy resin containing glass microballoons, sandwiched between high strength fiber-thermosetting resin matrix outer sheets, particularly woven graphite-epoxy sheets. Employing epoxy resin as the preferred thermosetting resin, the epoxy core material is B-staged, placed between sheets of pre-preg woven graphite-epoxy material, and the assembly co-cured under pressure to form the core sandwich structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting bitumen from tar sand utilizes a plurality of individually sealed pressure adjusted interconnected extraction chambers in which the tar sand flows countercurrent to the flow of solvent with mixing in each extraction chamber of solvent and tar sand. Tar sand is provided to the first of the extraction chambers and after removal of a portion of the bitumen is carried by a conveyor and disposed into the next chamber where further bitumen is extracted and so on through the plurality of chambers until all the bitumen is extracted and the sand and remaining solvent then conveyed into a last chamber where the sand and solvent is treated with hot water to remove solvent and pure sand is discharged.

Abstract: A chlorinator (10) for chemically treating with tablets (T) water in a swimming pool having a water recirculating system with a pump with output and input sides including, a cannister (11) having a bottom (12), a top (13) with an opening (15) and connecting sides (14), a lid (20) for effecting fluid-tight sealing of the top opening of the cannister, an inlet (25) supplying water to the cannister from the output side of the pump, an outlet (40) transferring treated water from the cannister to the input side of the pump, a support (75) angularly disposed between the bottom of the cannister and the connecting sides to submerge a substantially uniform quantity of the tablets in the water, and a controller (45) adjustable relative to the cannister to establish the water level (L) in the cannister and supply uniformly treated water through the outlet.