Abstract: A method and system are provided for the creation of vertical and horizontal freeze wells, in a dome-like pattern around the ore body, as a hydraulic barrier to ensure the ISR mining solution and the mined minerals do not flow out of the ore body. A method to formulate a suitable mining solution used for ISR mining, where the lixivant does not freeze when using the freeze dome containment method and where the resulting PLS has a high concentration of dissolved minerals and thus eliminates the need for the solvent extraction/ion exchange step during processing is also described.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for the creation of vertical and horizontal freeze wells, in a dome-like pattern around the ore body, as a hydraulic barrier to ensure the ISR mining solution and the mined minerals do not flow out of the ore body. A method to formulate a suitable mining solution used for ISR mining, where the lixivant does not freeze when using the freeze dome containment method and where the resulting PLS has a high concentration of dissolved minerals and thus eliminates the need for the solvent extraction/ion exchange step during processing is also described.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided which is insertable through an endoscopic tube to enable a surgeon to perform a surgical technique inside a body cavity. The surgical instrument includes a shaft with a pivotally mounted tip attached thereto, the shaft extending from a handle for gripping the instrument for insertion to the body cavity. The tip of the shaft is adjustable to different angular orientations relative to the support shaft and is rotatable at any angular orientation of the tip. The support shaft may be rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the handle, or it may be fixed with respect to the handle, in which case the handle may be rotated to rotate the shaft inside the body cavity. In one embodiment, the surgical instrument comprises an endoscopic stapling device and the tip of the instrument comprises a staple cartridge which is rotatable 360.degree. about its axes after the cartridge has been articulated with respect to the support shaft.

Abstract: A paint roller frame and cage assembly mounted for rotation on a shaft portion of the roller frame. The cage assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending support bars joined together by a plurality of ribs providing an annular support for uniformly supporting a roller cover thereon. At the inboard end of the support bars is an annular flange having an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the annular support. Mounted on the annular flange is a retaining spring including a Belleville type spring washer having circumferentially spaced apart spring fingers extending radially and axially outwardly from the outer periphery of the washer for frictionally retaining the roller cover on the cage assembly. The Belleville type spring washer is retained on the annular flange by an end cap having a first annular sleeve telescopingly received over the annular flange.

Abstract: A paint roller frame and cage assembly mounted for rotation on a shaft portion of the roller frame. The cage assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending support bars joined together by a plurality of ribs providing an annular support for uniformly supporting a roller cover thereon. At the inboard end of the support bars is an annular flange having an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the annular support. Mounted on the annular flange is a retaining spring including a Belleville type spring washer having circumferentially spaced apart spring fingers extending radially and axially outwardly from the outer periphery of the washer for frictionally retaining the roller cover on the cage assembly. The Belleville type spring washer is retained on the annular flange by an end cap having a first annular sleeve telescopingly received over the annular flange.

Abstract: Quick release lock mechanisms for releasably connecting an extension pole to a tool handle include an adaptor attached to an end of the extension pole having a smooth cylindrical outer end portion axially slidable into and out of an internally threaded bore in the tool handle. A bearing support is provided for the cylindrical outer end portion when fully inserted into the bore. Also, a non-rotatable connection is provided between the adaptor and tool handle when the cylindrical outer end portion is fully inserted into the bore to prevent relative rotation therebetween, and a releasable latch prevents the cylindrical outer end portion from being withdrawn from the bore unless released.

Abstract: Adjustable roller frame includes a body member and clamp member having laterally spaced apart grooves in opposing surfaces thereof which cooperate to define a pair of laterally spaced generally parallel guideways for sliding receipt of a pair of roller support arms. The arms are made of metal tubing bent into a generally L-shape including a short leg and long leg. Each long leg is deformed from opposite sides over a portion of its length to form a pair of relatively sharp corners extending the length of the deformed portion while generally maintaining the radius of the tubing between the corners to minimize internal stresses in the tubing. Between the corners and normal tube radius is a radiused transition area.

Abstract: A method for reducing false positives and to assay background noise in solid phase immunoassays utilizes a matrix coated on a solid support, which matrix contains an effective amount of a noise reduction component and an effective amount of noise balancing component. Optimization of the matrix composition is obtained by measuring parameters for its effectiveness which include sensitivity ratio, noise balance ratio, and signal to noise ratio.