Abstract: A process for extracting technetium values from an aqueous alkaline solution containing at least one alkali metal hydroxide and at least one alkali metal nitrate, the at least one alkali metal nitrate having a concentration of from about 0.1 to 6 molar. The solution is contacted with a solvent consisting of a crown ether in a diluent for a period of time sufficient to selectively extract the technetium values from the aqueous alkaline solution. The solvent containing the technetium values is separated from the aqueous alkaline solution and the technetium values are stripped from the solvent.

Abstract: A method for in situ characterization of a medium of a dispersed phase in a continuous phase, including the steps of adding a fluorescent dye to one phase capable of producing fluorescence therein when the fluorescent dye is optically excited, optically exciting the fluorescent dye at a wavelength to produce fluorescence in the one phase, and monitoring the fluorescence to distinguish the continuous phase from the dispersed phase.

Abstract: A cermet crucible for metallurgically processing metals having high melting points comprising a body consisting essentially of a mixture of calcium oxide and erbium metal, the mixture comprising calcium oxide in a range between about 50 and 90% by weight and erbium metal in a range between about 10 and 50% by weight.

Abstract: An apparatus in which developer material is transported to a latent image so as to be deposited thereon to form a powder image thereof. The apparatus includes a mixer disposed interiorly of the transport, for mixing the developer material.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a latent image is developed with particles having low conductivity. The particles are attracted to a member vibrating relative to the latent image. This increases the bulk conductivity of the particles being deposited on the latent image so as to improve development thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus which develops a latent image by advancing a conductive developer composition comprising marking particles into contact therewith. The apparatus interacts with the developer composition causing the developer composition to have higher and lower regions of conductivity. In the regions of higher conductivity, development of the solid areas within the latent image is optimized. Development of lines within the latent image is optimized in the regions of lower conductivity.

Abstract: An apparatus which develops a latent image with magnetic particles. The apparatus includes a member having a multiplicity of magnetic fibers extending outwardly therefrom. At least a portion of the fibers have the free end regions thereof contacting the latent image. A magnet field attracts the particles to the member. Relative movement between the member and magnet field move the particles into contact with the latent image to form a substantially uniform particle image.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a latent image is developed with magnetic particles. The apparatus includes a magnetic member having a multiplicity of conductive fibers extending outwardly therefrom. Movement of the magnetic member advances the particles into contact with the latent image. As the particles are deposited on the latent image, the free end regions of at least a portion of the fibers contact the particles to aid in forming a substantially uniform particle image.

Abstract: An apparatus which cleans particles from a photoconductive member arranged to advance along a predetermined path. When the photoconductive member is stationary, the particle cleaner and photoconductive member are spaced from one another. The photoconductive member is deflected into engagement with the particle cleaner in response to the photoconductive member advancing along the pre-determined path. In this manner, the particle cleaner removes residual particles from the photoconductive member during the movement thereof along the pre-determined path.

Abstract: An optical system in which a movable photosensitive member is exposed to a light image of an original document. The optical system includes a light source which illuminates a screen having at least two adjacent spaced rows of opaque dots. Movement of the photosensitive member controls activation of the light source. The light source is activated periodically and responds to the photosensitive member moving a distance corresponding to the distance between adjacent rows of opaque dots on the screen.

Abstract: An apparatus in which lateral movement of a moving belt is controlled so that the belt moves in a pre-determined path. The apparatus includes at least one moving member having a plurality of spaced, flexible discs extending outwardly from the exterior surface thereof. The portion or segment of the disc contacting the region of the belt passing thereover provides support therefor. Preventing the belt from deviating laterally from the pre-determined path deflects the portion or segments of the discs providing support for the belt. The deflected portion of the disc returns to the undeflected condition when not supporting the belt. In this manner, the maximum force applied to the belt never exceeds the minimum force required to buckle the belt.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a sheet advancing along a pre-determined path is collected in one of a plurality of movable sheet receiving stations. One of the receiving stations is aligned with the sheet path. A guide moves from an inoperative position spaced from the receiving stations to an operative position coupling the aligned sheet receiving station with the sheet path. This enables the sheet to advance into the receiving station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use in which a first photoconductive belt arranged to move about an endless operative path in an electrophotographic printing machine is replaced by a second photoconductive belt. The leading marginal region of the second photoconductive belt is secured to the first photoconductive belt. As the first photoconductive belt moves about the operative path, it positions the second photoconductive belt thereabout. After the second photoconductive belt is positioned about the operative path, the first photoconductive belt is removed therefrom and separated from the second photoconductive belt. The leading marginal region of the second photoconductive belt is then secured to the trailing marginal region thereof.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus in which a sheet loading station is arranged to advance sheets into individual sheet receiving members of one of at least two groups of sheet receiving members. The other group of sheet receiving members is positioned at one of two sheet unloading stations. After loading and unloading sheets from the respective groups of sheet receiving members, the loaded group of sheet receiving members moves to the other sheet unloading station as the unloaded group of sheet receiving members returns to the sheet loading station.

Abstract: An apparatus in which an endless belt is supported for movement in a recirculating path. A pressurized fluid flows between a support post and the belt to reduce friction therebetween. The post is urged resiliently toward the belt to maintain the belt under substantially uniform tension.

Abstract: A belt assembly in which a sub-belt has a photoconductive belt secured releasably thereto. The sub-belt and photoconductive belt move in unison with one another about a defined path.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a belt is supported for movement in a pre-determined path. The lateral movement of the belt relative to the pre-determined path is controlled. A pneumatic system provides pressurized fluid to at least partially support the belt and control the lateral movement thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus in which articles are stapled to one another. A staple is driven through the article so that a portion thereof protrudes therefrom. The staple legs protruding through the articles are bent into substantial contact therewith so as to clinch the staples. In the clinched position, the staple legs are closely adjacent to one another and may be overlapping. During the clinching operation, the staple legs are guided by a groove in the surface affecting bending. Initially, the stapled leg is received in the central region of the groove. The central region of the groove has a greater cross-sectional area than the end region thereof.

Abstract: A photoconductor belt assembly employs a sub-belt having a photoconductive belt secured releasably thereto. The photoconductive belt is advanced from storage and positioned in contact with the sub-belt so as to be readily attached thereto. As the sub-belt advances, the photoconductive belt is positioned thereon in a substantially wrinkle-free condition.