There is disclosed a system and method for processing wine and/or a containing barrel, while keeping a volume of most of the wine in the barrel. The disclosed system and method can provide reduced mixing of different layers of wine in the barrel. An optional scrubbing mechanism cleans an interior surface of the barrel from encrusted matter, and an optional UV sterilization light source sanitizes an interior surface of the barrel that is alongside a cavity in the barrel empty of wine. In some embodiments a pumping and filtering system preserves non-mixing flow of wine in the barrel while effectively filtering wine optionally without the use of a filter cartridge or other interposing medium.

An air-conditioner unit comprising: a temperature regulation unit having an evaporator; a condensate filtration unit arranged to receive a condensate from the evaporator, and operable to filter the condensate; wherein the air-conditioner unit comprises a controller to operate the condensate filtration unit between a plurality of purging states, the plurality of purging states comprises a first purging state wherein the condensate is purged bypassing the condensate filter unit and a second purging state wherein filtered condensate is purged.

According to the invention, the compositions and methods provide for the complete removal of labels, synthetic glues and/or adhesives from a plurality of surfaces through the use of an aqueous or non-aqueous basic organic solvent and/or an amidine, optionally in combination with surfactants, chelants, acidulants and/or additional bottle wash additives. Beneficially, the compositions and methods are suitable for use at lower temperatures and pH conditions, along with under caustic-free and/or reduced caustic conditions to effectively remove such labels, synthetic glues and/or adhesives from a surface within less than about 30 minutes.

According to the invention, the compositions and methods provide for the complete removal of labels, synthetic glues and/or adhesives from a plurality of surfaces through the use of an aqueous or non-aqueous basic organic solvent and/or an amidine, optionally in combination with surfactants, chelants, acidulants and/or additional bottle wash additives. Beneficially, the compositions and methods are suitable for use at lower temperatures and pH conditions, along with under caustic-free and/or reduced caustic conditions to effectively remove such labels, synthetic glues and/or adhesives from a surface within less than about 30 minutes.

A machine for removing labels from reusable containers includes a support for at least one reusable container, to which at least one label to be removed is applied on its lateral surface, and is provided with at least one cutting device adapted to perform at least one at least partial cut of the label, and elements for removing the label from the container which include nozzles for emitting at least one high-pressure jet of fluid toward the label.

A simple hand held label degrading device and method employs a molded polymer ring (collar) having a plurality of molded hardened pointed teeth on the internal circumference projecting radially inward for degrading the label of a prescription bottle or the like inserted therein. A longitudinal slot in the collar allows it to be fitted over a bottle such that simple hand squeezing of the collar compresses the collar around the bottle and engages the pointed teeth against the label. Simple hand twisting of the collar around the bottle in a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation cuts through the plastic composite or paper label and shreds the label rendering sensitive information illegible thus protecting personal health information. The bottles can then be thrown away or recycled without fear of medical identity theft.

In one or more arrangements, a submersible robot system is presented with a head assembly having a motor, a pump assembly having a motor, a first drive member assembly having a motor, and a second drive member assembly having a motor. In one or more arrangements, the pump assembly is configured to pull material through the head of the assembly, and the first and second drive member assemblies are configured to drive the submersible robot system around a floor of an enclosed system to clean the floor of the closed system. In one or more arrangements, the submersible robot system is configured to enter the enclosed system through an opening in a wall of the enclosed system. In one or more arrangements, the opening is a circular, 24-inch diameter opening.

Disclosed are processes of removing layers from substrates using fluorinated reactants having the formula MF.sub.x(adduct).sub.n, wherein x ranges from 2 to 6 inclusive; n ranges from 0 to 5 inclusive; M is selected from the group consisting of P, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo, and W; and the adduct is a neutral organic molecule selected from THF, dimethylether, diethylether, glyme, diglyme, triglyme, polyglyme, dimethylsulphide, diethylsulphide, or methylcyanide. The fluorinated reactants dry etch the nitride layers without utilizing any plasma.

The present invention discloses a method of enabling the easy separation of labels, including wrap around labels and sleeve labels, particularly shrink sleeve labels, from containers during recycling through the use of a specially formulated coating to be applied in the seam area. The coatings ensure proper bonding, and shrink properties, of the labels, and have been designed to help de-bonding of the seam in a hot caustic wash step, or a solvent wash step. The method does not rely on floatation separation and therefore may be applied to any container/label material combination regardless of their specific gravity differences.

There is disclosed an in-mould labelling process for the manufacture of a labelled article comprising the steps of: feeding a labelstock web into a mould; forming an article in the mould such that the formed article contacts and effectively adheres to a label of the labelstock web; detaching the adhered label from the labelstock web; and removing the formed and labelled article from the mould.