Abstract: A process and gas generator is disclosed for generating by dry distillation of solids and gasification of solids, a fuel gas substantially free of condensable dry distillation volatiles which would interfere with the intended use of the gas, e.g. for powering an internal combustion engine. To achieve this, solids beds in distinct dry distillation and gasification zones are maintained under conditions favouring thermal cracking of condensable (tar) volatiles in the hot regions of both zones. For optimal control of these conditions these zones are physically separated by internals within a single reactor vessel and optionally by performing part of the dry distillation (pyrolysis) in a separate reactor vessel, in which case pyrolysis volatiles are fed in counter-current to the dry distillation bed, withdrawn from the top thereof and fed into and through the embers bed of the gasification zone.

Abstract: A transshipper for floating on water comprises a pair of elongate buoyant vessels arranged in parallel spaced relationship for receiving a feeder barge to be unloaded between the vessels. The platform is supported by the buoyant vessels in a raised position above the buoyant vessels. A transfer conveyor supported by the buoyant vessels extends transversely of the buoyant vessels in a raised position above the buoyant vessels. A first lifting conveyor is suspended from the platform and is movable longitudinally of the transfer conveyor for raising material to be unloaded from a feeder barge located between the buoyant vessels and for depositing the material onto the transfer conveyor. A second lifting conveyor is provided for receiving material from the transfer conveyor and an unloading boom is provided for receiving the material from the second lifting conveyor and for delivering the material to a receiving vessel located alongside one of the buoyant vessels.

Abstract: A Process for the treatment or removal of impurities, such as arsenic, antimony or bismuth, generated as by-products during smelting and refining of copper concentrates, comprises subjecting the by-products to pressure oxidation along with a copper concentrate in a hydrometallurgical copper extraction process or the treatment of impurities when present in a concentrate by subjecting the concentrate to a hydrometallurgical extraction process.

Abstract: A method of extracting zinc from a sulphidic ore is provided which comprises bioleaching the ore in a heap with acidophilic microorganisms to produce a pregnant leach solution which is recovered from the bottom of the heap. An integrated process which comprises subjecting the pregnant leach solution to neutralization and solvent extraction to produce a concentrated zinc solution is also provided. Zinc may be recovered from the concentrated solution by means of electrowinning, either in the absence or presence of manganese. Alternatively zinc may be recovered in the form of a zinc compound.

Abstract: A set of cards for playing a game is provided. Each card has items selected from a predetermined category printed thereon. The category is identified on the card and items are arranged in subgroups according to different degrees of difficulty regarding their perceived recognizability as being members of a set falling within the category. A board which may be used for playing a game using the cards is also provided.

Abstract: A shield panel support, for providing a vertical side edge support for a shield panel, comprises a transparent shield panel support pillar.

Abstract: A vessel for use on land for the storage and distribution of material such as a dockside storage terminal, comprises a hull which is subdivided into a plurality of hoppers. Each hopper is provided with a discharge opening at a lower end thereof for the gravity discharge of material from the hopper. A passageway is provided in the hull below the discharge openings for the passage of transfer vehicles along the discharge openings for receiving material discharged from the discharge openings. The hull is floatable for transporting the vessel on water from a location of construction to a location of use.

Abstract: A processs for the recovery of zinc from a zinc sulphide ore or concentrate comprises the steps of subjecting the concentrate to pressure leaching with an acidic solution containing at least about 15 g/L iron in solution to produce a zinc solution and a solid leach residue containing iron. The zinc solution is subjected to zinc solvent extraction to produce a raffinate and a pregnant zinc solution. A method of removing ion from an iron bearing raffinate is also provided which comprises pressure leaching a zinc sulphide ore with the iron bearing raffinate to produce a solid leach residue containing iron and a zinc solution.

Abstract: A pre-paid card system is provided for paying for purchases over an electronic or computer network, such as the Internet. The system includes a plurality of cards each having a unique identity number associated therewith. The cards have different purchasing values. The cards are for one-time use only with no declining balance. A purchase is made by providing the card identification number to a merchant who is registered with the system, whereupon the validity of the card is verified by a host database before the purchase is completed.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of copper from a sulphide ore or concentrate comprises the steps of subjecting the ore or concentrate to pressure oxidation in the presence of oxygen and an acidic solution containing halide and sulphate ions to obtain a resulting pressure oxidation slurry. The slurry is subjected to a liquid/solid separation step to obtain a resulting pressure oxidation filtrate and a solid residue containing an insoluble basic metal sulphate salt. The basic metal sulphate salt is leached in a second leaching with an acidic sulphate solution to dissolve the basic metal salt to produce a leach liquor containing a metal sulphate, e.g. copper sulphate, in solution and a resulting solid residue. The leach liquor is separated from the solid residue and subjected to a solvent extraction process to produce metal concentrate solution and a metal depleted raffinate. At least a portion of the raffinate is recycled to the pressure oxidation after being subjected to evaporation.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of nickel and/or cobalt values from a concentrate containing nickel or cobalt hydroxide comprises the steps of subjecting the concentrate to a leaching stage with an ammonium solution to produce a leach solution containing nickel and/or cobalt values and a residue. The nickel concentration in the leach solution is controlled to a maximum value of about 3 to 25 g/l, preferably 8 to 15 g/l and more preferably 10 g/l.

Abstract: In the non-destructive recovery of oil or other petroleum hydrocarbon from a contaminated substrate, the hydrocarbon is separated intact from the substrate by applying a hydrocarbon removing agent to the substrate and collecting the hydrocarbon separated from the substrate. The separation of the hydrocarbon is effected by applying a separation agent, such as an alkali, to the substrate to effect adhesion failure of the hydrocarbon, thereby to release the hydrocarbon intact from the substrate and applying a surfactant to suspend the hydrocarbon removed from the substrate. The separation agent and the surfactant collectively constitute the hydrocarbon removing agent which can be applied as an aqueous solution.

Abstract: A sea faring transshipper for transferring cargo from a bulk carrier to a secondary vessel comprises a pair of units provided with mutually engaging connectors for connecting the units together along a direction of travel of the transshipper. Each unit comprises a pair of spaced buoyant vessels, a platform supported by the buoyant vessels in a raised position above the buoyant vessels through wall members extending upwardly from the buoyant vessels and a hull contacting member extending between the buoyant vessels for contacting the underside of a bulk carrier being unloaded. The platform, wall members and hull contacting member define an opening for surrounding the bulk carrier being unloaded. The transshipper also includes a ballasting system for maintaining the hull contacting member in contact with the hull of the bulk carrier being unloaded. A method of unloading cargo from a bulk carrier using the transshipper is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for playing a game comprises a board and plurality of playing pieces for placement on the board during play of the game for tracking the progress of the game. The board is demarcated into a number of playing areas. Each playing area is subdivided into a plurality of abutting playing spaces. The playing areas are arranged in partially overlapping relationship so that the playing areas have at least some of the playing spaces in common. A set of cards for playing a game is also provided. Each card has a number of items selected from a predetermined category printed thereon. The category is identified on the card. The items are arranged in subgroups according to different degrees of difficulty regarding their perceived recognizability as being members of a set falling within the category.

Abstract: A timed electric battery charger 10 for the processing of non-lithium, small appliance and utility batteries 19 through a charging cycle comprising a current source having an alternating current input 11 and a direct current output 14 and a timer 16 for dividing the charging cycle into a plurality of successive, predetermined phases, each phase comprising a duty cycle wherein a charging current is delivered to the battery, alternated with a resting cycle during which a charging current is not delivered to the battery.

Abstract: A web (10) for an insulated concrete form (20) comprises a pair of opposed web elements (12) and a pair of connectors (14). The web elements (12) and the connectors (14) are provided with mutually interengaging formations, such as a non-circular tube (12.1) and V-shaped hook formations (14.1), whereby the web element (12) and the connectors (14) are rigidly connected together in a plane to form a stable structure.

Abstract: A method of transforming a molten material or melt into discrete solid particles comprises forming the melt into prills by passing the melt through a perforated member, dropping the prills onto a bed of powdered material, such as silica flour, to coat the prills with the material in the bed and permitting the prills to cool, thereby to solidify into discrete solid particles. In one embodiment, the melt comprises at least two components such as elemental sulphur and an olefinic hydrocarbon, which are subjected to a chemical reaction, such as the polymerization of the olefinic hydrocarbon with the sulphur to form a sulphur polymer stabilizer. A method of producing a sulphur concrete incorporating the sulphur polymer stabilizer is also provided.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of metal from an ore or concentrate which contains nickel and/or cobalt values and other metals, comprises subjecting the ore or concentrate to acid leaching under pressure at pH≦2 to obtain a liquor containing nickel and/or cobalt values, subjecting the liquor to a first precipitation stage at pH of about 5 to 6 to produce a solid containing non nickel and non cobalt metals and a resultant solution containing the nickel and/or cobalt values and subjecting the resultant solution to a second precipitation stage at a pH of about 7 to 8 to produce a solid containing nickel and/or cobalt.

Abstract: A method of crosstalk correction comprises producing a calibration image having different printed image densities in grayscale, measuring the printed image densities at the different light exposure values to obtain a correlation of printed density in grayscale as a function of light exposure value over a range of light exposure values, obtaining experimental analytical density values for a selected light exposure value within the range of light exposure values and using the correlation of printed density as a function of light exposure value and the experimental analytical density values to correct for crosstalk.