Disclosed is a method and apparatus for charging electrically powered devices. In accordance with the invention, the device is powered by two storage or charge receiving devices. One of these devices is capable of receiving a substantial charge very rapidly while the other device requires a longer time to receive a charge. The advantage is that the powered device can be used almost instantly and continually while at the same time rebuilding electrical charge. The present invention further relates to a system for protecting the charging device from being damaged from an electrical surge, such as from a lightening strike.

A linear actuator for a variable-geometry member of a turbocharger includes a piston/rod assembly that can axially translate and also pivot to a limited extent. A permanent magnet is mounted in a fixed position within the actuator. A non-magnetized flux carrier is mounted in the piston/rod assembly, and its movement alters the magnetic field of the magnet. A Halls effects sensor detects the magnetic field and the signals produced by the sensor are used for determining axial position of the piston/rod assembly.

A metallic protecting cover is formed from two axially split members, i.e. a first protecting cover member secured to a mounting eye, and a second protecting cover member having an overall length shorter than that of each of first and second cylinders and having a predetermined gap between itself and the second cylinder. The second protecting cover member is press-fitted into the first protecting cover member secured to the mounting eye to integrate the first and second protecting cover members into the protecting cover. Accordingly, the lower end of the second cylinder can be caulked in a state where the second protecting cover member has been temporarily assembled to the second cylinder. Thus, it is possible to ensure the required strength of the protecting cover and to increase the degree of freedom in assembly process.

High pressure pump systems with reduced pressure ripple for use with waterjet systems and other systems are described herein. A pump system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes four reciprocating members operably coupled to a crankshaft at 90 degree phase angles. The reciprocating members can include plungers operably disposed in corresponding cylinders and configured to compress fluid (e.g., water) in the cylinders to pressures suitable for waterjet processing, such as pressures exceeding 30,000 psi.

A piston engine may include a heat pipe capable of transferring heat away from a portion of the piston engine such as a combustion section. The heat pipe may be included as part of a piston assembly, a cylinder, or both. The heat pipe may be filled with a suitable heat pipe fluid that may undergo a phase change such as, for example, water, ethanol, ammonia, sodium, other fluids or combinations thereof. Boiling and condensing of the fluid within the heat pipe may utilize the latent heat of the fluid during heat transfer. Multiple heat pipes may be used in some instances.

The invention is an accumulator system in which multiple elastomeric accumulators are attached in series or parallel in order to generate total differential pressure in excess of that generated in a non-series system. Also disclosed is a “stacked” accumulator system. The system stores energy when the accumulators deform from their original shape in response to the flow of a pressurized fluid. The stored energy is available for use when the fluid is released from the accumulators and the accumulators return to their original shape.

Primer apparatus and methods are described herein. An example primer apparatus includes a flexible body defining an internal chamber to be fluidly coupled to a fuel system. The body includes a first layer material having a low permeation characteristic to substantially prevent diurnal emissions from escaping the fuel system, a second layer material adjacent the first layer material having a relatively high resiliency compared to the first layer material to enable the body to return to an uncompressed shape when the body is deflected and released by a user, and a third layer material adjacent to the first layer material such that the first layer material is disposed between the second layer material and the third layer material and having a relatively high resiliency compared to the first layer material to enable the body to return to the uncompressed shape when the body is deflected and released by the user.

A method of creating a bend in a construction component for use in a transportation vehicle. The method comprises providing a plurality of cuts in the construction component so as to create a region of increased flexibility in the construction component. The method further comprises bending the construction component in the region of increased flexibility so as to cause the construction component to acquire a bent shape, and then rigidifying the construction component in the region of increased flexibility so as to cause said construction component to maintain the acquired bent shape.

A bumper assembly includes a bumper beam having a bumper beam surface extending along a bumper plane X and a crash box including a crash box surface extending along a crash box plane Y. One of the bumper beam and the crash box includes an alignment joint to mate the bumper beam and the crash box and dispose the surfaces in abutting and aligned relationship relative to one another for establishing a linear load path extending linearly along the planes X, Y. A method of assembling a bumper assembly includes the steps of mating the bumper beam and the crash box about the alignment joint and connecting the bumper beam and the crash box together along the alignment joint. The step of connecting the bumper beam and the crash box includes friction stir welding the bumper box and the crash box together along the alignment joint.

A method of making a compressible elastomeric spring including at least one compressible elastomeric pad enclosed by a pair of metal plates includes the steps of forming plates with a center aperture and a plurality of prongs positioned about a peripheral edge thereof, forming each end of the pad with an axial projection and abutting groove, aligning the plurality of prongs with each respective projection and respective groove and applying axial force to one end of the spring to frictionally interlock the plurality of prongs with such projection and groove. The method also provides for making a multi-tiered stack of pads separated by plates in the above described manner and pre-shortening the spring prior to installation into the conventional yoke. The above described method additionally improves axial straightness and lateral stability of the multi-tiered spring assembly.

A method for manufacturing a railcar coupler knuckle includes providing a first mold section having internal walls defining at least in part perimeter boundaries of a first coupler knuckle mold cavity. The method includes providing a second mold section having internal walls defining at least in part perimeter boundaries of a second coupler knuckle mold cavity. The second coupler mold cavity of the second mold section is offset from the first coupler mold cavity of the first mold section. The method includes closing the first and second mold sections and at least partially filling the first and second coupler knuckle mold cavities with a molten alloy, the molten alloy solidifying after filling to form the coupler knuckle.

A method of casting a core includes the steps of preparing a first half of a corebox, preparing a second half of a corebox such that the parting line of a core formed from the first and second coreboxes runs along the vertical axis of the core.

A toy train car including a coupler or hitch. The coupler includes a first connector (e.g., socket) configured to be connected to the train car and a second connector (e.g., ball) configured to be connected to the train car. The first connector can be positioned in the front or rear of the train car. The second connector also can be positioned in the front or rear of the train car. Each train car can include a first connector and a second connector. The first and second connectors are configured to couple together to link a plurality of train cars together.

A device for coupling tilting railroad cars onto a high-speed railroad train comprises a coupler and a shock absorber held in a shock absorber frame, each joined by a coupling pin via a coupling joint. The frame includes a front inner surface with a front end wall opening and a cylindrical surface extending to a semi-circular concave inner surface. The joint includes a rounded convex surface engaged with a semi-circular concave surface, a circumferential surface of a short cylinder receiving the rear portion of the coupler, and an insertion hole which is provided in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the short cylinder. The frame has a removal hole and an air removal pin of the coupling pin facing each other at a position to rotate at a predetermined angle in a circumferential direction in the assembled state, and at a position coaxial with the coupling pin in the assembled state.

A railcar draft gear assembly including a housing, a spring sea, a spring and a friction clutch assembly in operable combination relative to each other within the housing. The spring includes a series of axially stacked elastomeric pads arranged between a closed end of the housing and the spring seat. An axially elongated guide rod is endwise passed through the spring seat and elastomeric pads for aligning the pads relative to a longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly. The guide rod is operably inhibited from axial shifting movements during operation of the draft gear assembly. A related method for assembling the draft gear is also disclosed.

Methods of reclaiming plastic from plastic medical waste containers containing medical waste and manufacturing recycled medical devices are described. Recycled medical devices made from plastic medical waste containers containing medical waste are also described.

A method of producing a semifinished confectionary product, such as chocolate or similar, using at least one centrifugal unit for simultaneously grinding and mixing at least some of the ingredients of the semifinished product, and which includes an elongated processing chamber with a substantially horizontal axis, at least one inlet for the ingredients to be processed and one outlet for the processed ingredients, and a powered shaft fitted inside the processing chamber, coaxially with the axis, and fitted with a succession of radial appendixes arranged between the inlet and the outlet; the method including the steps of loading at least a first ingredient of the semifinished product through the inlet; grinding the first ingredient inside the grinding and mixing unit by rotating the shaft at a first speed; loading at least a second ingredient through the inlet, after grinding; rotating the shaft at a second speed to grind and mix the ingredients to form a mixture of the same grain size as the semifinished product; loading at least a third ingredient through the inlet; mixing the third ingredient with the previously ground mixture to form a further mixture; bringing the further mixture to a given temperature to obtain the semifinished product; and transferring the semifinished product to a storage or packaging station.

A method for the operation of a jet mill with an integrated dynamic air classifier, wherein particles are fed as grinding stock into a grinding chamber of the jet mill and are ground there into ultra-fine particles by grinding, in that superheated steam or technical gases is/are used as working stock, wherein at least one surface-active additive is fed to the grinding stock for stabilization of the generated ultra-fine particles. A jet mill for performing this method, having an integrated dynamic air classifier, and a grinding chamber into which superheated steam or technical gases are provided as working stock via working stock feed devices as grinding stock and in which the grinding stock is ground into ultra-fine particles by grinding, and wherein feeding devices for at least one surface-active additive for stabilization of the generated ultra-fine particles are provided.

An apparatus and method is provided for organic material reduction and preparation for subsequent recycling or disposal in a self-contained system which is safe for equipment operators, and highly cost and floor-space efficient. The apparatus includes a preferably-shaped hopper for receiving organic materials to the reduced, preferably a floating auger, a solids pump and a macerator. The system preferably generates a processed organic material discharge with a particle size on the order of ⅛″ without concern as to the liquid content of the incoming organic material. The apparatus may be operated by a method which is completely automated following operator initiation, including automatically attempting self-clearing actions in the event of detecting clogs or jams in the processing components.

A pill crusher includes a base and a handle. The base has a bottom resting surface that includes an at least partially molded friction-enhancing portion. The handle includes an upper region, a gripping region, and a column. The gripping region includes an at least partially molded friction-enhancing portion. A method of crushing a pill includes placing a pill within a pill chamber, inserting a column into the pill chamber, and then crushing the pill by exerting force on the pill by the column. The handle and the base include at least partially molded friction-enhancing portions.

Method and device for preparing a paste by blending or mixing materials, in particular for making aluminum production electrodes. The method includes the following operations: a) introducing the materials to be blended or mixed into a vat (31) having an inner surface extending along a substantially horizontal axis of revolution (X), b) rotating the vat (31) about the axis of revolution (X) and urging the materials via centrifugation against the inner surface of the vat (31), and c) locally dislodging the centrifuged materials from the inner surface by rotating the vat (31) and causing same to fall onto a crumbling tool (40).

A method and system is used to process slag material to yield by-products including a finished iron rich product and a finished low iron fines product. The by-products may include a finished high iron product and a finished medium iron product. The method and system include size classifying the material into a plurality of sized groups prior to using magnetic separation to separate at least one of the sized groups into two portions having differing magnetic susceptibilities. The method and system may include more than one phase of size classifying the material into a plurality of sized groups and using magnetic separation to separate at least one of the sized groups into portions, where the average size of the material remaining after one phase is reduced prior to the subsequent phase.

The present invention may be embodied as a compounding system having a chamber assembly defining a working chamber; a shaft, a sleeve assembly, and a plurality of arms. The sleeve assembly has first and second sleeve members each defining at least one arm opening and adapted to be arranged in a first configuration in which the first and second sleeve members are detached from each other and a second configuration in which the first and second sleeve members are secured together around the shaft to support the sleeve assembly on the shaft. Each of the arms is configured to be inserted partly through one of the arm openings when the sleeve assembly is in the first configuration and held in a desired configuration relative to one of the first and second sleeve members when the sleeve assembly is in the second configuration.

The present invention relates to a method for preparing activated nano carbon from food waste material and a method for preparing a polymer nano composite, wherein the activated nano carbon at least one polymer are blended.

A self-contained automatic access port unit having a sensor that recognizes when refuse is approaching the cover, and to activate a direct current motor, solenoid, or drive cylinder which in turn moves a drive arm to open a cover to permit refuse to drop through the access port unit into a trash container therebelow, thereby avoiding the need for a user to make contact with the trash access port. A switch or timer causes the access port unit to close its cover. Motion of the drive arm is initiated by the motor, solenoid or drive cylinder, but continues through momentum imparted to the drive arm and cover. The cover engages a seal ring to provide a uniform impervious countertop surface.

A material reduction apparatuses and methods suitable for performing cutting operations on a variety of materials, including food and nonfood products. The apparatus includes a machine having a cutting head, an impeller adapted for rotation within the cutting head about an axis thereof, means disposed on the cutting head for reducing the size of a material forced therethrough by the impeller, and an electric motor unit disposed in-line with the axis of the impeller. The electric motor unit supports the cutting head and impeller and has a shaft coupled to the impeller to rotate the impeller within the cutting head. The apparatus further includes means physically coupled to the electric motor unit for supporting the machine within a duct in which the machine is entirely enclosed. The supporting means includes arms that extend from the electric motor unit.

Polymerization reactor systems providing real-time control of the average particle size of catalyst system components are disclosed. Methods for operating such polymerization reactor systems also are described.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for fuelizing inflammable waste capable of efficiently fuelizing inflammable waste while reducing facility and operation costs of the overall system and maintaining stable operation, and so on. More particularly, the apparatus 1 for fuelizing inflammable waste comprises: a primary crusher 4 for crushing an inflammable waste W containing as principal component at least one selected from a group comprising plastics, sponges, fibers, rubbers and wood materials; a foreign matter removing device 7 for removing foreign matters F contained in the crushed objects W1; a secondary crusher 9 for secondarily crushing the crushed objects W3 from which foreign matters I, M are removed; and an injecting device 11 for injecting the secondarily crushed objects W4 generated by the secondary crusher 9 into a burner 10, and so on. The apparatus 1 may be provided with an intermediate tank 8 for storing the crushed objects W3 from which foreign matters I, M are removed, and from the intermediate tank 8 is supplied the crushed objects W3 to the secondary crusher 9.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for filtering liquid products. The apparatus includes a filtration bell provided with filtering device and connected to an inflow circuit and a first outlet circuit of the retentate, and to a second outlet circuit of the filtered liquid. The apparatus can include a monitoring and control unit, a first and second sensing device suitable for detecting the value of a first pressure PT1 in the first outlet circuit and of a second pressure PT2 in the second outlet circuit, a flow rate detection device that detects the value of a first flow rate FIT in the second outlet circuit, and value device arranged in the second circuit downstream of the second sensing device. The monitoring and control unit includes a device to control the closure of the valve device and to start a process of backwashing the filtering device.

Adsorptive media for chromatography, particularly ion-exchange chromatography, derived from a shaped fiber. In certain embodiments, the functionalized shaped fiber presents a fibrillated or ridged structure which greatly increases the surface area of the fibers when compared to ordinary fibers. Also disclosed herein is a method to add surface pendant functional groups that provides cation-exchange or anion-exchange functionality to the high surface area fibers. This pendant functionality is useful for the ion-exchange chromatographic purification of biomolecules, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).

A method and device for the cleaning of spiral wound membranes. In the device two or more spiral wound membranes are included in series in pressure tubes. The membranes are cleaned by longitudinal rinsing with water, in which a well-dissolvable gas has been dissolved. In the device for the purification of an aqueous fluid with spiral wound membranes, the membranes can be longitudinal rinsed with water, in which a well-dissolvable gas has been dissolved. As gas that is well-dissolvable preferably CO2 gas or a mixture of gasses is used.

A method and apparatus of sanitizing drinking water to be dispensed from a water dispenser having a reservoir includes the steps of providing the ozone gas generator that generates an ozone gas stream, transmitting the ozone gas stream from the generator to the water dispenser reservoir, mechanically breaking up the ozone gas stream inside the reservoir to produce ozone gas bubbles, and using the ozone gas bubbles to disinfect water in the reservoir. The ozone gas stream can be mechanically broken up using a pump such as, for example, an impeller type pump.

Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method of increasing dialysis dose and waste removal with the introduction of mechanical energy, such as vibration, to a hemodiafiltration membrane The method generally includes providing a dialyzer that includes a vibration element in engaged vibratory communication with a hemodiafiltration membrane The method also includes enabling extracorporeal flow of pre-dialyzed blood and a dialysate through the dialyzer and respectively past opposing surfaces of a vibrating hemodiafiltration membrane to achieve a solute clearance from the pre-dialyzed blood that is at least about 10% greater than a solute clearance from the pre-dialyzed blood obtained in the absence of the engaged vibratory communication Various apparatus are also disclosed, each of which includes a vibration element in vibratory communication with the dialyzer.

A system for monitoring water chemistry of a recreational water installation includes a sensor configured to detect bather load in the recreational water installation and a controller configured to determine a required adjustment to the water chemistry of the recreational water installation based upon the detected bather load.

In an embodiment, a fuel decontamination unit comprises a decontamination region containing fuel; and an ultraviolet light located in the decontamination region; wherein the ultraviolet light is configured to irradiate the fuel. In an embodiment, a method of decontaminating fuel comprises flowing a contaminated fuel into a decontamination unit; irradiating the fuel with ultraviolet radiation that is emitted from the ultraviolet light such that the contaminated fuel becomes a purified fuel; flowing the purified fuel out of the decontamination unit; wherein a microorganism level in the purified fuel is less than that of the contaminated fuel.

The present invention describes a method of optimizing CO2 concentration to increase the specific growth rate of Anammox bacteria and methanogens in wastewater and sludge treatment, as well as novel systems and methods of treating wastewater and sludge. The specific growth rate or doubling time of the Anammox bacteria and methanogens were determined to be sensitive to dissolved CO2 concentration. Optimizing dissolved CO2 concentration increases the specific growth rate of the Anammox bacteria, which may be used as an alternative biological nitrogen removal process for the treatment of domestic wastewater. In the method and system of treating sludge, the CO2 stripper returns biogas with low CO2 concentration to the headspace of an anaerobic digester in order to lower the headspace CO2 concentration and therefore, the soluble CO2 concentration. The lower soluble CO2 concentration increases the specific growth rate of the methanogens for a more efficient anaerobic digestion process.

Different components of natural oils are separated by forming solid complexes of components of the natural oil with a solvent, and then separating the solid complexes from the remaining liquids. The natural oil is cooled in the presence of a solvent, and at least one component of the oil forms the solid complex with the solvent. This solid complex is separated from the remaining liquid portion of the oil solution, which also contains the solvent. Additional options concentration steps can further concentrate the components left in the liquid phase.

Separation processes using osmotically driven membrane systems are disclosed generally involving the extraction of solvent from a first solution to concentrate solute by using a second concentrated solution to draw the solvent from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. Enhanced efficiency may result from using low grade waste heat from industrial or commercial sources. Pre-treatment and post-treatment may also enhance the osmotically driven membrane processes.

The invention relates to a method for treating wastewater containing nitroaromatics and nitrohydroxyaromatics, as for example arises in the production of nitroaromatics or in the production of nitrohydroxyaromatics, by a two-stage method consisting of pre-reduction and wet oxidation.

A dispensing system includes a detection device and a dispenser configured to dispense at least one of ice and a liquid. The detection device is configured to detect a container positioned with respect to the dispenser and generate a first signal representative of the container position. The dispensing system also includes a controller coupled to the detection device and the dispenser. The controller is configured to determine a stability of the container and activate the dispenser to dispense at least one of an amount of the ice and an amount of the liquid into the container based on the first signal and the determined stability of the container.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for inflating a chamber within an inflatable avalanche safety system. The method includes providing an inflatable avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber; receiving a user-triggered action intended to activate the avalanche safety system; transmitting ambient air from an external region to within the inflatable chamber; and inflating the inflatable chamber entirely with the transmitted external ambient air to a particular internal pressure and shape configured to protect the user from burial during an avalanche. The transmission of ambient air within the inflatable chamber may be accomplished with a fan or an electrical component.

An apparatus and method are provided for filling multi-chamber containers with different loose bulk materials. The apparatus and method may be particularly well-suited to packaging at least one bulk material, which is susceptible to water, chemicals, or other contaminants, with at least one other bulk material. The apparatus is a machine that includes separate hoppers for handling the separate bulk materials, and directs the separate bulk materials into different chambers of a multi-chamber container, which is then transported away from the machine for storage or use. The machine may include one or more movable hoppers supported on tracks, for moving the bulk materials to the hoppers that direct the bulk materials into different chambers of the multi-chamber container. A controller and data logger may be provided to control the apparatus and record the quantity and/or weight of the contents of each multi-chamber container.

Method for filling containers with liquids, wherein the containers are filled using a plurality of controllable filling elements and the liquid is fed to these filling elements starting from a reservoir, common to the filling elements, for storing the liquid, wherein during the filling the containers are transported at least in sections along a circular track and wherein the filling of the containers by at least one filling element is controlled as a function of at least one first parameter characteristic of the liquid in the reservoir and this parameter is determined repeatedly at given intervals of time during the filling operation.

There is provided in one aspect a nozzle boot arrangement for supporting a nozzle of a fuel dispensing unit, the nozzle including a spout and a base portion including a grip. The arrangement includes a nozzle boot including means for supporting the nozzle at the base portion thereof, and a section for receiving at least a portion of the spout. The arrangement also includes a stopper provided at said receiving section and formed separately from said nozzle boot. The stopper is arranged to cooperate with the spout to prevent the nozzle from falling about from the nozzle boot arrangement by rotation of the nozzle about said supporting means. According to further aspects, there is provided a fuel dispensing unit, a nozzle boot module and method of manufacturing a nozzle boot arrangement.

Devices and methods for clamping a beverage extraction device to a beverage container, such as a wine bottle. One or more clamp arms may be arranged to clamp the extraction device to a wine bottle as well as allow the device to be supported upright on a table top. Clamp arms may include tab and ridge features that operate to properly engage and position a wide variety of different bottle neck shapes relative to the device. The one or more clamp arms may move the bottle neck distally, e.g., toward a resilient pad, so that the neck is suitably positioned relative to the device. Proper positioning and engagement of the neck may allow for desired piercing of a cork or other closure of the bottle by the device.

A gas filling system (1) includes a gas tank (30); a gas filling device (2) that fills gas into the gas tank (30); and a controller (24) that calculates a temperature increase ΔT and a pressure increase ΔP in the gas tank (30) during a predetermined period of time (t seconds) that elapses from a start of gas filling. The controller (24) selects a filling rate map (Ma, Mb) from a prepared filling rate map group on the basis of the calculated temperature increase ΔT and the calculated pressure increase ΔP. The gas filling device (2) carries out gas filling using the filling rate map selected by the controller (24).

A device, system and/or method for dispensing a fuel additive to a fuel tank that employs a fuel additive delivery device secured to an opening of the fuel tank. The delivery device is fluidly coupled to a fuel additive reservoir. The delivery device includes a cap that automatically opens or closes fluid communication with the fuel additive reservoir. The delivery device also includes a bore defined through the delivery device configured to receive a fuel filler spout with a fuel passageway outlet positioned in the bore such that, as fuel passes through the bore and into the fuel tank, the bore is configured to create a suction at the fuel additive outlet to pull fuel additive from the reservoir, through the delivery device, and into the fuel tank with the fuel.

A method to prevent gelation of an uncured gelcoat composition during storage is described. The method includes applying a gelation inhibitor to the surface of a gelcoat composition in the container to prevent premature gelation. The gelation inhibitor additionally prevents the formation of a crust on the inner surface of storage container lids.

An apparatus for safety-compliant emptying and filling of a reagent container (24, 40) for a tissue processor (20) comprises a suction line (30, 42) for aspirating a reagent out of the reagent container (24, 40) and a delivery line (32, 44) for filling the reagent container (24, 40) with the reagent, a terminating opening (31, 43) of the suction line (30, 42) being spaced away from a terminating opening (33, 45) of the delivery line (32, 44).

A machine for dosing a product in capsules, includes a rotating turret which has seats suitable for receiving empty capsules and a dosing device for dosing the product in the capsules. The machine further includes a feeding unit having a first weighing device for weighing empty capsules, a transfer arrangement for transferring empty capsules, when weighed, to predetermined seats of the turret for being filled with the product, a second weighing device for weighing capsules filled with the product, and a processing device connected to the first and second weighing device for receiving data relative to weights measured by the first and second weighing devices and for calculating for each capsule a difference between the weight measured before and the weight measured after filling. In this manner, a respective quantity of dosed product is calculated.