A system for preparing a pre-assembled hanger support. The system includes a bending tool operable to form a bight in the distal end of a structural wire, the bight having a transverse tail extending away from the shaft of the structural wire. The system also includes a wrapping tool having a drive rotor with a clip attachment interface that removably supports a hanger clip and provides selective rotation of the hanger clip and the structural wire, a wire support brace that supports the shaft of the structural wire in substantial alignment with the axis of rotation of the drive rotor, and a tail stop positioned to restrain the rotation of the transverse tail. The hanger clip is supported about the structural wire and positioned within the bight, and together the hanger clip and structural wire are installed onto the clip attachment interface, so that selective rotation of the drive rotor rotates the hanger clip and shaft of the structural wire causing the restrained transverse tail to wrap around the shaft and secure the hanger clip within an eyelet formed in the structural wire, thereby forming the pre-assembled hanger support.

Compounds of Formula I, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts, as well as compositions containing these compounds, have activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and may be useful in treating those infected with HCV:

A capacitive transparent conductive film comprises: a transparent substrate, comprises a first surface and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface; a light-shield layer, formed at the edge of the first surface of the transparent substrate, the light-shield layer forms a non-visible region on the first surface of the transparent substrate; and a polymer layer, formed on the first surface of the transparent substrate, and covering the light-shield layer, the surface of the polymer layer is patterned to form a meshed trench, the trench is filled with conductive material to form a sensing region on the surface of the polymer layer. The capacitive transparent conductive film can effectively protect the conductive material and has low cost and good conductivity. A preparation method of the capacitive transparent conductive film is also provided.

Embodiments of a tie plate sorter are disclosed wherein the tie plates are sorted and fed to an output device for further feeding to a tie plate distribution system. The tie plates may be oriented as needed. Exemplary methods are also provided.

Embodiments of a tie plate sorter are disclosed wherein the tie plates are sorted and fed to an output device for further feeding to a tie plate distribution system. The tie plates may be oriented as needed. Exemplary methods are also provided.

A radial shaft seal for separating two media includes two radial shaft sealing rings each including an axial surface and a sealing lip. The sealing rings are disposed with the axial surfaces facing one another and the sealing lips axially opposed to one another with a space between the sealing lips including a vent. At least one of the sealing rings includes clamping cams configured to grip an inner rim of the other sealing ring so as to join the sealing rings in a form-locking, rear-engaging position relative to each other.

A hybrid silencer in a fuel cell system includes an expansion chamber connected to a predetermined apparatus of the fuel cell system, where the expansion chamber reduces acoustic noise of a fluid discharged from the predetermined apparatus, a water-absorber disposed inside the expansion chamber, where the water-absorber absorbs a liquid component of a fluid which flows into the expansion chamber; and a perforated silencer which discharges the fluid from which the liquid component is removed by the water-absorber while reducing acoustic noise of the fluid discharged therefrom.

A multi-reel, line-handling apparatus can include a housing, a shaft located within the housing, the shaft defining a shaft axis, a first reel located within the housing, the first reel rotatably mounted to the shaft about a first reel axis angled with respect to the shaft axis, and a second reel located within the housing, the second reel rotatably mounted to the shaft about a second reel axis angled with respect to the shaft axis. The first reel and the second reel can be rotatable with respect to the housing about the shaft axis.

A device for separating clean litter from soiled litter comprising a receptacle with one inlet and two discharge outlets. Soiled animal litter enters the receptacle through the inlet and clean litter is separated out from the soiled litter. When the container is tilted in a first direction, feces exit the container through the first outlet and clean litter is retained in the receptacle. When the container is tilted in a second direction, clean litter exits the container through the second outlet and clean litter is retained in the receptacle.

A garment separator assembly is disclosed that includes at least two separators for maintaining even spacing between a plurality of clothing hangers on a clothing rod. The separators are spaced a distance apart that allows only a single clothing hanger to fit therebetween. Each separator includes a first member defining a first half of the separator and a second member hingedly coupled to the first member and defining an opposing second half of the separator. The second member, together with the first member, define a first inner-surface circumference and a second inner-surface circumference, wherein the second inner-surface circumference is adjacent the first inner-surface circumference. The first inner-surface circumference is larger than the second inner-surface circumference and both are sized and shaped to mate with clothing rods of various sizes and shapes.

A gas separation process that utilizes ejector recycle with a membrane separation step in combination with a second separation step. The second separation step may be a second membrane separation, or may involve a different type of separation process. At least a portion of the non-product (i.e. residue) stream withdrawn from the second separation step is directed back to the ejector to form a processing loop. The ejector drives the gas flow in the loop and recycles the non-product stream to the first separation step.

A novel crystalline hybrid solid with a mixed organic-inorganic matrix is described which has a three-dimensional structure containing an inorganic framework with metallic centers based on zinc connected together via deprotonated organic ligands constituted by the entity —O2C—C6H2—(O)2—CO2. This novel solid is termed IM-21 and has an X-ray diffraction diagram as given below.

The invention relates to a cyclonic fluid separator comprising a throat portion (4) which is arranged between a converging fluid inlet section and a diverging fluid outlet section. The cyclonic fluid separator is arranged to facilitate a cyclonic flow through the converging fluid inlet section and the throat portion towards the diverging fluid outlet section in a downstream direction. The diverging fluid outlet section comprises an inner primary outlet conduit (7) for condensable depleted fluid components and an outer secondary outlet conduit (6) for condensable enriched fluid components. The cyclonic fluid separator comprises a further outer secondary outlet conduit (16). The outer secondary outlet conduit (6) is positioned on a first position along a central axis (I) of the cyclonic fluid separator and the further outer secondary outlet conduit (16) is positioned on a second position along the central axis (I) of the cyclonic fluid separator.

Apparatus and methods for separating volatiles from particulates are provided. The apparatus includes a separator having an internal volume and a fluid discharge outlet, a particulate discharge outlet, a particulate inlet, and a fluid inlet disposed on the separator and in fluid communication with the internal volume. The particulate inlet is disposed toward a first end of the separator and the fluid inlet is disposed toward a second end of the separator. The fluid inlet includes one or more openings disposed through a sidewall of the separator.

A method and assembly for separating contaminants from liquids, such as condensates, or vapors at an evaporation plant. The contaminants are separated from liquids by stripping when bringing a contaminant-enriched liquid into direct contact with a vapor by spraying or distributing the liquid into the vapor flowing in a vapor duct or onto wall surfaces in the vapor duct thus reducing the contaminant-content of the sprayed liquid and producing a cleaner liquid. The contaminants are enriched in the vapor. From vapors contaminants are separated by absorption when bringing a contaminant-enriched vapor into direct contact with a cleaner liquid by spraying or distributing the liquid into the vapor flowing in a vapor duct or onto wall surfaces in the vapor duct thus increasing the contaminant-content of the liquid, but producing a cleaned vapor.

The present invention relates to a process for the production of a surface-treated calcium carbonate, the use of this surface-treated calcium carbonate in a process for the control of organic material in an aqueous medium, as well as to a composite of surface-treated calcium carbonate and organic material, such as a composite of surface-treated calcium carbonate and to the use of such a composite.

A process for preparing a seam area for a paper machine clothing (PMC) base fabric includes the steps of: forming the PMC base fabric by flat-weaving, the PMC base fabric including warp yarns extending in machine direction and weft yarns extending in cross machine direction and interwoven with the warp yarns, the weft yarns including first weft yarns and a second weft yarn, the second weft yarn being a multifilament yarn, the warp yarns, the first weft yarns, and the multifilament yarn being woven together on a loom in an original weaving process, the multifilament yarn being positioned in an anticipated seam area; and folding over the PMC base fabric, after weaving the multifilament yarn with the warp yarns, to form a seam loop of the PMC base fabric such that the multifilament yarn is a first one of the weft yarns on a sheet side of the seam loop.

The present invention relates to a process for the production of a surface-treated calcium carbonate, the use of this surface-treated calcium carbonate in a process for the control of organic material in an aqueous medium, as well as to a composite of surface-treated calcium carbonate and organic material, such as a composite of surface-treated calcium carbonate and to the use of such a composite.

The present invention relates to a process for the production of a surface-treated calcium carbonate, the use of this surface-treated calcium carbonate in a process for the control of organic material in an aqueous medium, as well as to a composite of surface-treated calcium carbonate and organic material, such as a composite of surface-treated calcium carbonate and to the use of such a composite.

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for separating droplets from vaporized refrigerant. The droplet separator according to the invention has a separation vessel, where the droplets gravitationally separate from the vaporized refrigerant. A partition plate has been arranged in the separation vessel, which partition plate divides the separation space into two separation parts. Thereby the refrigerant is arranged—to pass firstly through the first separation space on the first side of the partition plate, —then to transfer to the second side of the partition plate, i.e. to the second separation space—then to pass through the second separation space on the second side of the partition plate.

Separation method and apparatus for separating a gaseous mixture, for example, air, in a cryogenic rectification plant in which a compressed stream is divided into subsidiary streams that are extracted from a main heat exchanger of the plant at higher and lower temperatures. The two streams are then combined and expanded in a turboexpander to generate refrigeration for the plant. The flow rates of the two streams are adjusted to control inlet temperature of a turboexpander supplying plant refrigeration and to minimize potential deviation of the turboexpander exhaust from a saturated vapor state. Control of the expansion ratio can advantageously be applied to allow variable liquid production from the rectification plant.

A nickel base repair alloy comprises a blend of about 40 to 60 wt % of a first nickel based braze alloy containing boron, about 15 to 35 wt % of a first nickel based filler material, and the remainder consisting of a blend of a second nickel based filler material and a low melting eutectic braze nickel based alloy.

Methods of preparing nanowires having small diameters and large lengths are disclosed. Such nanowires are useful in electronics applications.

Nanomaterial preparation methods, compositions, and articles are disclosed and claimed. Such methods can provide nanomaterials with improved morphologies relative to previous methods. Such materials are useful in electronic applications.

Nanomaterial preparation methods, compositions, and articles are disclosed and claimed. Such methods can provide nanomaterials with improved morphologies relative to previous methods. Such materials are useful in electronic applications.

The present invention aims at improving a recovery rate of a positive-pole active substance and preventing a recovery loss of valuable metals when a positive-pole active substance is separated from a lithium ion battery. In the present invention, a material resulting from battery dismantling obtained by dismantling a lithium ion battery is stirred using a surfactant solution, whereby a positive-pole active substance is separated from a positive-electrode substrate. Also, it is preferable that an alkaline solution is added to a positive-electrode material of a material resulting from battery dismantling, thereby dissolving a positive-electrode substrate to which a positive-pole active substance adheres to obtain a slurry containing the positive-pole active substance, and a surfactant solution is added to the slurry to disperse the positive-pole active substance in the slurry, whereby the positive-pole active substance is separated from the alkaline solution.

Nanomaterial preparation methods, compositions, and articles are disclosed and claimed. Such methods can provide nanomaterials with improved morphologies and reduced nitric oxide co-production relative to previous methods. Such materials are useful in electronic applications.

An apparatus is configured to receive a tire having at least two bead portions, including a first bead portion and a second bead portion. The apparatus includes a plurality of members configured to engage the first bead portion of the tire, at least one expander configured to move the plurality of members outward, and a rotating device configured to rotate the plurality of members about an axis of the tire.

A sealing tube is wrapped around the rim and inflated such as to seal the gap between tire and rim if the seal between the tire bead and rim has lost its integrity. After this, the tire can be inflated to specified pressure at a slow rate using a portable compressor. The repair can be done at roadside on any vehicle using inflatable tires usually without demounting the wheel or even jacking up the defective wheel.

The invention relates to bicycle work stands for making repairs and changing and mounting tubeless tires. There is provided a one-sided wheel work stand with a pivotal upper wheel bracket which allows the user to work unobstructed on the wheel and then acts as a device to lay the wheel flat for better sealing. In related embodiments, the work stand is configured to assist a user in adapting 32 mm 15 QR axle hubs and in truing a bicycle wheel while attached to the work stand.

A high strength, corrosion resistant alloy suitable for use in oil and gas environments includes, in weight %: 0-12% Fe, 18-24% Cr, 3-6.2% Mo, 0.05-3.0% Cu, 4.0-6.5% Nb, 1.1-2.2% Ti, 0.05-0.4% 0.05-0.2% Al, 0.005-0.040% C, balance Ni plus incidental impurities and deoxidizers. A ratio of Nb/(Ti+Al) is equal to 2.5-7.5 to provide a desired volume fraction of γ' and γ″ phases. The alloy has a minimum yield strength of 145 ksi.

Processes comprising: melting a mixture comprising a valve metal precursor and a diluting agent in at least one first vessel under a first set of temperature and residence time conditions; transferring the mixture to at least one second vessel; and initiating, in the at least one second vessel, a reaction of the valve metal precursor to form a valve metal under a second set of temperature and residence time conditions; valve metal powder prepared thereby and uses therefor.

Provided is a method of preparing a nanocrystalline titanium alloy at low strain to have better strength. The present invention is characterized in that an initial microstructure is induced as martensites having a fine layered structure, and then a nanocrystalline titanium alloy is prepared at low strain by optimizing process variables through observation of the effects of strain, strain rate, and deformation temperature on the changes in the microstructure.

The invention is a process and apparatus for removing a contaminant from an aromatic selective solvent. A feed stream comprising an aromatic hydrocarbon and a non-aromatic hydrocarbon is contacted with the aromatic selective solvent in an extractive distillation zone to produce a raffinate stream comprising the non-aromatic hydrocarbon, and a rich solvent stream comprising the aromatic hydrocarbon and the solvent. The rich solvent stream is separated in a second distillation zone to produce an extract stream comprising the aromatic hydrocarbon, and a lean solvent stream comprising the contaminant and the aromatic selective solvent. At least a portion of the lean solvent stream is washed with a non-aromatic hydrocarbon to produce a clean solvent stream, at least a portion of which is passed to at least one of the extractive distillation zone and the second distillation zone.

The invention relates to a process for the purification of crude and apparatus for its implementation. This process comprises a separation into gas and degassed emulsion and separation of the degassed emulsion into water and oil. The invention also relates to a process of separating a hydrocarbon emulsion and apparatus for implementing this. This process comprises washing of the emulsion at an oil/water interface.

Split-shell fractionation columns and associated processes for separating aromatic hydrocarbons. A split-shell fractionation column includes a housing shell having a first height and a partition having a second height and disposed within the housing shell. The partition includes first and second vertically oriented baffles separated by a gap region, a seal plate connecting top ends of the baffles, a first input port formed to extend through the partition for the introduction of a gas into the gap region, and a first output port formed to extend outwardly from a bottom of the gap region and through the housing shell. The partition defines a first distillation zone and a second distillation zone within the housing shell.

A feed distribution device in separation columns and a method of operation for such a device. In particular, distillation columns in which the feed stream is substantially liquid phase, or a mixture of gas and liquid upstream of the column, but where the feed vaporizes or partially vaporizes prior to or as it enters the column. More specifically, the feed distribution device contains a plurality of opening which allow the feed to vaporize prior to or as it enters the column and where the openings are maintained in critical condition during operation. Significant advantage is achieved through the implementation and use of the present feed distribution devices.

Systems and methods for extracting recoverable materials from source materials are provided. Source materials are introduced into a furnace. A condition is created within the furnace in which a gaseous pressure within the furnace is less than an atmospheric pressure outside of the furnace by removing air from within the furnace with a vacuum pump. Hydrocarbons contained within the source material are separated from the source material without using a significant amount of water by heating the source material to a temperature sufficient to cause the hydrocarbons to liquefy or vaporize. The liquefied hydrocarbons or vaporized hydrocarbons are then captured.

The present invention relates to a feed distribution device in separation columns and a method of operation. In particular it relates to distillation columns in which the feed stream is substantially liquid phase, or a mixture of gas and liquid upstream of the column, but where the feed vaporizes or vaporizes more when it enters the column. More specifically, the feed distribution device contains a plurality of opening which allow the feed to vaporize inside the column and where the openings are maintained in critical condition during operation. Significant advantage is achieved through the implementation and use of the present feed distribution device.

An apparatus for preparing a melon juice concentrate, such as watermelon juice concentrate, includes a finisher with brushes for separating melon flesh from melon rind including leaving at least 1/16 inch flesh on the rind and screens for separating juice from flesh. The apparatus also includes a steamer to reduce bacteria count on whole melon, a chopper for chopping melons into pieces less than about 16 inches square, an extractor for extracting juice from the flesh, and an evaporator for concentrating melon juice to form melon juice concentrate. The steamer includes a cylinder frame, steam jets directing steam through apertures in the cylinder frame at whole melon therein, and a motivator to move the whole melon along the cylinder frame. The apparatus can also process cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and other melon.

An apparatus for preparing infant formula to be supplied to a bottle, and methods and circuits for operating the same, are disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having a shape for integrating together components of the apparatus. A fluid reservoir for holding fluid and configured to be coupling to the housing is provided. Further provided is a formula disc disposed at a first location of the housing. The first location defined above a dispense location of the bottle, and the formula disc having a top end and a dispense end, the formula disc further includes a plurality of slots for holding the infant formula in a powder state. The apparatus has an end plate that is coupled to the dispense end of the formula disc, and the end plate has a dispense hole, such that the end plate is rotatable relative to the formula disc.

The invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage. The capsule includes first and second covering walls connected for forming a cavity containing a beverage ingredient and a contactless identifying element for identifying the capsule by detecting the identifying element using the detector of a beverage producing device. The identifying element is preferably disposed in the cavity.

A system for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption, for instance coffee and/or tea, is disclosed. The system comprises an apparatus for dispensing beverage under pressure to a nozzle of the system, and at least one receiving chamber which is placeable or is placed downstream of this nozzle. During use, the nozzle spouts a jet of the beverage with relatively high velocity to and/or into the receiving chamber. The receiving chamber is provided with at least one outflow opening for dispensing beverage received in this chamber. The system is at least configured to substantially counteract or prevent formation of foam of this beverage, in particular when the beverage is spouted to and/or into the receiving chamber. Further disclosed is an assembly at least provided with a holder, to a holder, a receiving body, the use of a said system and to a method for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption.

The invention provides a new method for preparing ultra-small polymeric-lipidic delivery nanoparticles (USDNs) that were synthesized by a nanoprecipitation method followed by a layer-by-layer nanodeposition. The USDNs particle size can be controlled between 5-25 mn and provides loading capacities of 22.12% to 72.08%. Moreover, the USDNs platform provides pH controlled drug release, within a terminal release ratio of 68% at pH 5.0 and almost no release to pH of 7.5. Furthermore, based on their small sizes (5-25 nm) and unique composition, the USDNs penetrates the skin strata efficiently, release the payload at the target site as topical or transdermal treatment of a variety of skin disorders. Additionally the USDNs system can be used to treat and diagnoses other crucial diseases (Cancer, Alzheimer, etc) can be combined with various micro-needles or needles free array technologies for special application.

The invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation device. The capsule has a flange which is partially made of paper and partially made of polymer. The polymer is essentially arranged on the flange to cover at least partially the paper part and so to improve the inside tightness of the capsule, in particular, to prevent air enters inside the capsule via folds and creases.

Pancake mixes comprising at least one type of whole grain flour, at least one natural sweetener, at least one fat and a leavening system are provided herein. Packaged food products comprising single-serving containers containing said pancake mixes, as well as methods of preparing pancakes, are also provided. The pancakes described herein are preferably 100% whole grain and free from preservatives and/or artificial colorings.

A brewing system includes a brewing apparatus and a capsule containing a substance for brewing. The capsule has an opening on one side and a base on an opposite side. The base includes a light input surface, a light-output surface and a light conductor to conduct light from the light input surface to the light output surface. The apparatus includes: a brewing chamber including an inlet for heated water, an outlet for the brewed beverage, and an opening in communication with the opening of the capsule. A light source on the brewing apparatus emits light into the base via the light inlet surface of the capsule. The light conductor conducts the light to the light-output surface. A light detector of the brewing apparatus detects light emitted by light-output surface on the base of the capsule. A method of operating the brewing system and a capsule system are also described.

A cartridge (10) containing a dose (12) of at least one substance for preparing a liquid product, e.g., coffee, by means of liquid and/or steam introduced into the cartridge (10). The cartridge comprises a body (14) containing the aforesaid dose (12), with a bottom wall (142), through which the liquid product is able to flow out of the cartridge (10), and a cover (16) that closes the body of the cartridge (10) at the end of the body opposite to the bottom wall (142). The body (14) comprises a crushed-plant-fibre material (e.g., with a base of rice husk), which may also be used for producing the cover. Alternatively, the cover (16) may be made of paper material (e.g., filter paper). The body (14) and the cover (16) are connected together via purely mechanical connection, it thus being possible to avoid gluing or welding.

A capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product is disclosed. The capsule includes a circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, and a flexible sheet-shaped third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second, open, end opposite the second wall, the third wall being at least one of perforate and porous. The first, second and third wall enclose an inner space including the extractable product. The third wall forms an outermost boundary of the capsule in an axial direction thereof. The third wall includes a filtering material. The second wall is one of a flexible porous sheet, a flexible foil provided with a plurality of entrance openings, and a substantially rigid wall that comprises a plurality of entrance openings.

A method for fabricating a repair laminate for a composite part having an exposed surface includes applying a bonding material to the exposed surface and forming an uncured ply stack assembly on the bonding material. The uncured ply stack assembly is formed by forming and compacting a series of uncured ply stacks. The ply stack assembly and bonding material are then cured.