Abstract: A process for producing liquid steel is disclosed. Carbon monoxide and oxygen may be combusted in a high temperature reactor. Iron and iron oxide materials, along with scrap steel if desired, may be placed in the high temperature reactor. Carbon dioxide produced in the high temperature reactor may be circulated through a back reactor vessel. Coke masses may be placed in the back reactor vessel. The coke may be formed by circulating heated carbon monoxide counter current to crushed coal in a rotary kiln. The carbon dioxide circulated through the back reactor vessel reacts with the coke to form carbon monoxide. The carbon monoxide may be conveyed to the high temperature reactor to be combusted with oxygen to produce the heat for forming the liquid steel.

Abstract: A method for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material to produce high quality cathode copper from a leach solution without the use of copper solvent extraction techniques or apparatus. A method for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore generally includes the steps of providing a feed stream containing comminuted copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material, leaching the feed stream to yield a copper-containing solution, conditioning the copper-containing solution through one or more physical or chemical conditioning steps, and electrowinning copper directly from the copper-containing solution, without subjecting the copper-containing solution to solvent extraction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to tools that are high quality, strong, and lightweight. For example, various tools such as clamps may be made using parts containing a compound or alloy including magnesium. Magnesium may be for cast or extruded parts. In one embodiment, an “F” style clamp may be made with one or both of the two cooperating jaw members or sections being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In one variation, the “F” style clamp may include a shaft made from extruded magnesium. In another embodiment, a “C” style clamp may be made with the “C” shaped frame being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In a further embodiment, a bar clamp having trigger indexing may me made with one or both of two jaw members or sections being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In a variation, the bar may be an extruded magnesium.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure A socket portion, a chuck device, a handle device, and a central member fixed to the socket portion, chuck device, and the handle device are provided. The handle device can be used to turn the central member in a first direction about an axis while the central member remains stationary. When the handle device turns the central member in the first direction about the axis, the socket portion turns such that the socket portion can be used to exert torque on a fastener. In addition, when the handle device turns the central member in the first direction about the axis, the chuck device turns such that the chuck device can be used to exert torque on a drill bit holding device.

Abstract: A rotation unit for a torque tong for making and/or breaking threaded connections between pipes and/or spinning pipes during screwing and/or unscrewing of pipes, primarily pipes used in petroleum production. The unit comprises a fixed part (41) and a rotary part (40) arranged to grip a pipe (70) to be rotated. The rotary part (40) comprises at least one movable gripping jaw (1, 2, 3) arranged to be moved into engagement with the pipe. The rotary part (40) comprises toothing (43) arranged to engage at least one chain (46, 47), which chain is operatively connected to an actuator (51) in order to move the chain and so impart rotary movement to the rotary part (40).

Abstract: A ratchet device comprises a ratchet body and an adjustable dimension opening member to accommodate varying size bolt heads or nuts. The adjustable dimension opening member is rotationally connected to the ratchet body. In one specific form, the adjustable dimension opening member comprises two opposing arms, with at least one of the arms being translatable toward the other arm thereby adjusting an opening between the two arms. In an alternative form, the adjustable dimension opening member is selectable between two configurations, with one configuration permitting exclusive clockwise rotation relative to the racket body and a second configuration permitting exclusive counterclockwise rotation relative to the racket body.

Abstract: A wrench includes a wrench body and an end stopper arrangement. The end stopper arrangement includes a turning head extended at a handle portion of the wrench body, wherein the turning head has a through turning cavity and a plurality of gripping muscles spacedly and inwardly protruded from a sidewall of the turning cavity for engaging with the corner portions of a bolt nut, and a plurality of blocking members integrally and inwardly protruded from each of the gripping muscles to partially cover an opening of the turning cavity such that when the bolt nut is inserted into the turning cavity to engage with the gripping muscles, the blocking members are adapted for biasing against a top side of the bolt nut for ensuring that the bolt nut is fittedly retained in the turning cavity without dislodgment of the wrench body.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench has a body, a movable jaw, a pinion, a sliding rack and a positioning device. The pinion is rotatably mounted between and engages the movable jaw and the sliding rack. The pinion longitudinally extends or retracts the movable jaw quickly when the sliding rack is moved. Moreover, the positioning device locks the sliding rack in position to keep the movable jaw stable in use.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench has a body, a movable jaw, a pinion assembly, a sliding rack and a positioning device. The pinion assembly has a first pinion corresponding to and engaging the sliding rack and a second pinion engaging the first pinion and the movable jaw. Thereby, the pinion assembly transversely extends or retracts the movable jaw quickly when the sliding rack is moved longitudinally. Moreover, the positioning device locks the sliding rack in position to keep the movable jaw stable during use.

Abstract: A multi-piece socket system having a large internal cavity to allow a protrusion of a long rod or other workpiece to extend into the socket. The socket section has at least two pieces: a drive adaptor and a socket. Optionally, one or more extension collars may also be used. When assembled, the socket, extension collar(s) if used, and drive adaptor form a long tubular body into which a rod or other central member may enter while the nut is being driven onto the rod. The drive adaptor, extension collars, and sockets preferably attach together using a plurality of interlocking teeth on the ends of each member. For further stability, a spring biased pin extends from the wall of one member and through a hole in the wall of the mating member. Additional attachments, such as a threaded rod and drill chuck, may also be used.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for installing an optional element to a portion of a frame of a bicycle. The apparatus includes an insert formed on the optional element and a socket extending from the portion of the frame of the bicycle in a longitudinal direction of the bicycle. The insert can be inserted into the socket so that the rotation and movement of the insert in the socket is allowed. A quick release is installed on the socket in order to cause the socket to clamp the insert so that the rotation and movement of the insert in the socket is restrained.

Abstract: A torque wrench having structure for facilitating manual rotation of the rotatable output shaft, for rotating the output shaft to an effective angular position which enables an internal ratchet mechanism to operate effectively. This structure preferably is a knurled thumbwheel which slip fits over the output shaft, which is preferably a removable bit. The wrench includes a handle, socket for receiving a bit, and an internal ratchet. The bit is configured to drivably engage the thumbwheel, and to present a non-circular distal terminal for engaging and driving a fastener. Optionally, the thumbwheel is removably secured to the bit by friction fit or in other ways.

Abstract: A working device of a noncircular workpiece, such as a piston of an internal combustion engine, is improved. A workpiece 10 is held by a work spindle and rotated. A noncircular working device 100 has a noncircular working unit base 110 and is provided with a servo motor 104. A noncircular working unit 120 is positioned along a Y axis, and an arbitrary cutting tool 133 is selected from a cutting tool group 130. A servo motor 112 reciprocates the noncircular working unit 120 on an X2 axis in synchronization with the rotation of the work spindle and performs noncircular working of the workpiece 10.

Abstract: Tool rest enabling tool holders to be installed quickly and easily onto, and precisely aligned with respect to, the tool-rest turret. The turret (30) is a rotatably supported, polygonal columnar component onto the peripheral surface of which the tool holders are detachably/reattachably mounted. A first key (32), second key (33), and third key (34) having parallel side engagement surfaces (32a), (33a), (34a) are formed protruding from the tool holder mounting surfaces (30a) on the outside of the turret 30. The engagement surfaces (32a), (34a) of the first key (32) and third key (34) are parallel to each other, and the engagement surfaces (33a) of the second key (33) are perpendicular to the engagement surfaces (32a) of the first key (32). Key slots in which the keys (32), (33), (34) are inserted and which engage the engagement surfaces (32a), (33a), (34a) of the keys are formed in the turret mounting face.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of processing, by machine, composite components (2) comprising at least a support device support device (3) and a stamp pad (4) by means of a processing device (1), whereby in order to process the composite component (2), at least one operating head (10) of a material-removing unit (6) and the composite component (2) are moved relative to one another, in particular in an XY plane, by means of a handling unit (7) controlled and/or regulated by means of a control unit (9), and material is removed from the composite component (2) by means of the material-removing unit (6). The stamp pad (4) of the composite component (2) at least partially joined to the support device (3) is divided into several mutually spaced pad parts (11) by means of a dividing gap (42) by the material-removing unit (6). The invention further relates to a processing device (1) for implementing the method.

Abstract: A one-step method and means for cutting and embossing die cuts comprising first and second die plates which are movable towards one another. Each of the first and second die plates includes first and second sides. The second side of the first die plate has a cutting land projecting therefrom and also has an embossing land projecting therefrom within the cutting land. The second side of the second die plate has an embossing recess formed therein which registers with the embossing land. When a sheet of paper stock or card stock is positioned between the first and second die plates and the die plates are moved towards one another, the cutting land cuts a die cut from the paper stock or card stock while the embossing land embosses the die cut. The cutting and embossing is achieved in a single step.

Abstract: A mechanism and method is provided for controllably loading multiple food loaves into the slicing station of a continuous slicing machine. The parallel loaves that are engaged by a common loaf feed drive or side-by-side, independent loaf feed drives are engaged by the loaf feed drive or drives simultaneously such that the interface or seam between a preceding loaf and a trailing loaf in different loaf feed paths are located substantially at the same location during slicing of two side-by-side loaf streams. A clamp device is provided that clamps multiple food loaves when loaded to move along the parallel food loaf paths together, wherein the clamp device can be released once the multiple food loaves are simultaneously engaged by the loaf feed drive.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding tool are disclosed for stamping or forming, by means of a high-speed press, parts from blanks, the parts having at least first and second perforations. The method comprises the steps of performing a first perforating operation to form a center hole in the blank and performing a subsequent perforating operation to form spokes in the blank. The spokes are radially disposed around the center hole and formed while the blank is held in position during the first perforating operation. The blank is held by the perforating tool for the subsequent perforating operation.

Abstract: A method of head trimming a fastener blank in a cold-forging process comprises placing a fastener blank into a bore of a punch having an end face; supporting an underside of a head portion of the fastener blank with the punch end face; moving a die having an internal passage and a trim plate with a cutting edge toward the fastener blank; shearing the head of the fastener blank with the cutting edge of the trim plate; stopping movement of the die at an extended trim position where the cutting edge lies beyond an underside of the head portion of the fastener blank; ejecting the fastener blank from the punch bore and through the die passage to an opposite side of the die; retracting the die; and removing a scrap ring from around the punch by a stripper sleeve.

Abstract: In a punch and die set, the punch includes an inner section and an outer section, wherein the inner section is higher than the outer section, a cutting die for receiving the punch, and a stripper die movable within the cutting die. Because the inner section is higher than the outer section, the stripper die engages a workpiece first as the punch enters the cutting die, producing a kiss cut. The punch can further enter the die to provide a blanking cut. A pressure pad within the stripper die holds a workpiece in place for cutting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for cutting an elastomeric laminate that may include a layer of reinforcement cords, into a desired length without cutting through the cords. The method includes the step of cutting through the gum portion of the elastomeric composite material at a desired skive angle, and then opening up the skived cut. Next, the cord reinforcement layer is cut without severing the reinforcement cords. An elastomeric composite strip cut to the desired length is produced and has cut ends. One of the cut ends has the gum portion cut at a desired skive angle adjacent an overhang portion of the reinforcement layer. The opposite end of the elastomeric composite segment also has a skived portion to mate with the skived portion of the first cut end, and a gap in the cord ply to mate with the cord overhang of the first end, resulting in a splice. An improved anvil having independently controlled vacuum zones and adjustable width vacuum zones is also provided, as well as improved cutting mechanisms.

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus with the touch control device is provided. The hand-held apparatus is to place the metal slice on the surface of the hand-held apparatus. When the user touches the metal slice, the backlight or the display in the hand-held apparatus turns on right away, or the hand-held apparatus unlocks the keyboard, and when the user leaves the metal slice (or touches the metal slice again), the backlight or the display in the hand-held apparatus turns off right away, or the hand-held apparatus locks the keyboard. Thus, the present invention has improved facility for the user.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus for slicing food into slices, strips and cubes comprises a frame, a first and second shaft and first, second, third and fourth subsets of blades. The first shaft is coupled to the frame for rotation relative to the frame about a longitudinal axis of the first shaft. The second shaft is coupled to the frame for rotation relative to the frame about a longitudinal axis of the second shaft. The longitudinal axis of the second shaft is disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first shaft and is displaced therefrom. The first and second subsets of blades are mounted to the first shaft. Each blade of the first subset of blades is displaced along the longitudinal axis of the first shaft from adjacent blades of the first subset of blades by a first displacement.

Abstract: An automated spiral potato slicer is described herein comprising: a rotating drum with cutting blade and holding vanes mounted on a housing (base); said holding vanes are supported by elastic bands that support the potato when loaded into the drum in a cutting position; a triangular shaped block attached to an air cylinder applies pressure to the potato as a drive belt makes contact with a drive pulley when the motor is engaged; the triangular block has prongs extending from it to secure the potato until its final turn in the apparatus; the thickness of the cut is controlled by the distance between the blade and the inside surface of the housing. The final result is a continuous spiral sheet with the core of the potato separated from the spiral sheet itself. The aforementioned cutting apparatus is designed to work either as a manually loaded single entry cutting devise or fully automated with the entry feeder which is longitudinally advanced to the loading feeder.

Abstract: A loaf end trimming station for a high speed food loaf slicing machine, includes a frame, a first knife and a second knife spaced apart along the frame and oriented in positions corresponding to a lead end trimming location and a trailing end trimming location of a food loaf. The trimming station includes a loaf cutting support for receiving the loaf, and a motive mechanism to move the loaf cutting support toward the knives to trim ends off of the loaf. The trimming station includes a loaf staging support, wherein the loaf cutting support deposits the loaves on the loaf staging support after being trimmed by the knives. The loaf staging support is tiltable between a staging position to collect trimmed loaves and a loading position to deliver trimmed loaves to the high speed food loaf slicing machine.

Abstract: A method (1) for classifying at least one audio signal (A) into at least one audio class (AC), the method (1) comprising the steps of analyzing (10) said audio signal to extract at least one predetermined audio feature, performing (12) a frequency analysis on a set of values of said audio feature at different time instances, deriving (12) at least one further audio feature representing a temporal behavior of said audio feature based on said frequency analysis, and classifying (14) said audio signal based on said further audio feature. With the further audio feature, information is obtained about the temporal fluctuation of an audio feature, which may be advantageous for a classification of audio.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus relates to a stringed practice device comprising: a neck with an upper end and a lower end; a headstock coupled to the lower end of the neck; and where the headstock comprises a plurality of tuning posts. The disclosed method relates to a using a stringed practice device. The method comprises resting a headstock against a thigh of the user; and fingering the strings on a neck of the stringed practice device with one hand of the user.

Abstract: A treated musical instrument string which has undergone the physical and chemical restructure of Cryogenic Thermal Cycling process to improve tonality and durability which is only achieved by combining both Cryogenic Thermal Cycling process and specially formulated coatings.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus, device or method for manufacturing a grip plectrum or pick formed from a first material (such as, for example, plastic or like material), the plectrum having in one embodiment a generally triangular shaped body with a broad top portion, an intermediate portion, and a narrow bottom portion, with the top and intermediate portion being substantially covered with a second material that has a greater degree of grip than the first material. The plectrum has a generally triangular (and preferably tear-drop) shaped body being made from a first material. A top and intermediate portion of the plectrum are substantially or completely covered by a second material on all four sides (front surface, back surface and both side surfaces) and is adapted to be gripped by the user between the thumb and index finger, with a bottom portion being used to pluck the instrument strings. In one embodiment, the second material is preferably a non-slip material such as rubber or the like.

Abstract: A trombone stand provides proper support to the weight of the trombone to prevent strain on the musician, and in particular the spine and connective tissues. The trombone stand generally includes a primary post and two support arms. The primary post supports the weight of the trombone, while the support arms provide lateral support and anterior/posterior support.

Abstract: A brass instrument with improved tonal characteristics that includes a tonal material attached to the brass instrument. The instrument may be a trumpet. The tonal material may have a Mohs hardness of greater than about 6, such as a semi-precious stone. Also disclosed is a method of improving tonal characteristics of a brass instrument by attaching a tonal material to the brass instrument.

Abstract: System and method for musical instrument education are provided. The system includes a lesson terminal which has a processor unit configured to evaluate performance musical data inputted from an electronic musical instrument, to enable a user feedback, and to enable determining new music training materials for a next lesson. The lesson terminal also has a data-receiving unit for receiving music training materials from an external music data source. The data-receiving unit may be a network connection port, such as an Internet connection port, for connecting to a server, or a local receiving port for connecting to a removable data storage. An electronic musical instrument and a method for evaluating performance musical data are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a device to selectively turn pages in a book, magazine, or other publication. The device includes a tapered projection covering a corner of a page with the tapered projection operable rotationally in a plane substantially parallel to the page. The page-lifting arm lifts the page from under the tapered projection such that the page is now on top of the tapered projection. The tapered projection then rotates and turns the page. The present invention also provides for a method of selectively turning pages in a book, magazine, or other publication.

Abstract: A music player comprising a driving mechanism configured to rotate a storage medium, and to read a music file out of the storage medium. A nonvolatile memory is configured to store the music file transferred from the storage medium. A processor is configured to read out the music file out of the nonvolatile memory, and to play the music file.

Abstract: An automatic player piano includes a voice recognizer and a piano controller; while a user is singing a song, the voice recognizer analyzes the voice signal representative of vocal tones so as to determine the loudness and pitch of each vocal tone, and successively sends music data codes each expressing a note-on event, key number closest to the pitch of vocal tone and a velocity and music data codes each expressing a note-off and the key number to the piano controller together with music data codes duplicated from a set of music data codes stored in the memory; and the piano controller selectively drives the black and white keys with driving signal produced on the basis of the music data codes so as to play the accompaniment of the song.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus comprises an operating member used for changing a sound volume, a display device which displays volume data of the sound volume changed in response to an operation of the operating member and a controller which changes the volume data. An indicator indicates level data changed in response to the operation of the operating member.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument device that functions as a peripheral for a computer or computing device, whereby electronic transducers placed inside and/or outside the instrument convert the vibrations of the strings and/or the instrument body from an analog electrical signals to digital signals. The digital signals are then transmitted via Class Compliant USB and/or FireWire-IEEE 1394 and/or IEEE 802.11 wireless and/or Bluetooth® wireless protocols to any computer or computing device that accepts data via those protocols. This device requires no external power, amplification, analog-to-digital conversion, software or hardware. This device is an improvement over the prior art in that it accurately and immediately represents on a computer or computing device the signals that are being sent from the instrument and reduces the number of devices needed to accomplish the task of sending digital signals to a computer or computing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controlling instrument which enables a mobile user to trigger electronic, electrical, acoustic, visual and mechanical events. In the musical domain, said instrument enable two handed playing which, depending on the variants, ranges over more or less five simultaneous octaves, whith further modulation possibilities without the addition of a pedal or a mouthpiece. The inventive instrument also comprises, as main characteristics, a prehension bar (1) that can be flexible and digital controls (3) which are adjacently arranged thereon, said flexible bar (1) controlling a sensor (5). The inventive device is especially suitable for shows and indutry.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of the protection of structures such as terrestrial buildings, vehicles or else ships, against attacks operated by means of hollow charges. It applies in particular to the protection of armoured vehicles. The subject of the invention is a module for embodying a lightweight and mobile reactive armour comprising at least one electrically conducting external wall and one electrically conducting internal wall and forming two electrodes between which is applied a very high voltage, the said walls defining an inter-electrode space, as well as an electrically conducting internal tridimensional mechanical structure, of low density, in electrical contact with the internal wall. The module according to the invention is intended to be placed between the object to be protected and the hollow charge, the internal tridimensional mechanical structure being positioned between the electrodes and the object to be protected.

Abstract: The invention is an actuator with simple means for a manual operation in case of emergencies. The invention is an actuator comprising a cylinder (100) in which the 1st fluid pathway (103) and the 2nd fluid pathway (104) having the different course are formed on the wall (110) of the cylinder (100); pistons (160) positioned in said cylinder (100) the 1st fluid pathway (103) and the 2nd fluid pathway (104); and the power transmission units (120, 130, 140) connected to one side of piston (160), and a pathway (210) is provided in the cylinder (100) to communicate the 1st space (101) with the 2nd space (102) in the cylinder (100), and on one side of the pathway (210) is provided a hole (212(, to cross the pathway (210) through which a valve (220)9 is engaged to open or close the pathway (210).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of rotary actuators. Specifically, the present invention relates to rotary actuators comprising a rotatable top piston assembly and a stationary bottom piston assembly wherein rotation of the top piston assembly can be caused by pressurizing one or more cavities between the top and bottom piston assemblies.

Abstract: A piston compressor has a cylinder including a traveling piston sealed therein. A drive motor acts on a crankshaft, a drive shaft thereof being received by a bore of the crankshaft. A connecting rod provides for articulated connection of a crankshaft-journal of the crankshaft with the piston in a connecting rod bearing. The connecting rod is disposed relative to the drive shaft in an angled orientation that counteracts bowing deflection of the drive shaft that occurs during operation to protect against undesirable wear of the piston seal and of the connecting rod bearing.

Abstract: A fluid power linear drive including a housing having an inner surface defining a piston receiving space, a piston reciprocally movable within the piston receiving space and a cooperative engagement means provided on the inner surface of the housing and an outer surface of the piston to prevent the piston from rotating relative to the housing. The cooperative engagement means may take the form of a projection means and a cooperating longitudinal groove, wherein the inner surface of the piston receiving space has the projection means extending radially inwardly into the piston receiving space and the piston has the groove cooperatively engaging the projection means for preventing the piston from rotating within the piston receiving space.

Abstract: This abstract discusses membranes needed to separate fluids for the production of oxygen-enriched air, nitrogen-enriched-air, for the separation of carbon dioxide from hydrocarbons, and the separation of hydrogen from various petrochemical and oil refining streams. Membranes are needed that provide a resistance to interaction with process components or contaminants, provide the mechanical strength required to withstand high membrane differential pressures and high process temperatures, and exhibit sufficient maximum strain such that membranes are not brittle and can easily be formed into desirable membrane forms. Membranes of polyimide polymers, particularly polyimide polymers sold under the trade name P-84, are annealed in a controlled annealing step to improve the mechanical properties of the polymers used to make separation membranes.

Abstract: A gas dryer is provided in which a flowing desiccant stream is utilized. Desiccant is provided in a vessel to dry compressed gas. The vessel includes an inlet for receiving dry desiccant and an outlet for removing wet desiccant from the tower. The desiccant is regenerated as it is transported to the inlet of the vessel.

Abstract: With the help of a method of selective removal of hydrogen sulphides, organic sulphur components and CO2 from crude gases, by using a first and second absorption stage (41 or 49) for separating almost pure CO2, a solution has to be found, with which, among other things, hydrogen sulphides and organic sulphur compounds can be removed in as selective a manner as possible. This is achieved as follows: the absorption agent coming out of the first absorption stage (41) and enriched with hydrogen sulphide and CO2 a.o.

Abstract: The invention proposes a method of destruction of volatile organic and inorganic compounds in wastewater, this method includes following stages: stripping the aforementioned volatile compounds in a stripping-chemisorption column; preliminary heating the gaseous medium containing these volatile compounds in a first heat regenerator; thermal, flare or thermo-catalytic oxidation of the volatile compounds in circulating gaseous medium; cooling the gaseous medium in a second heat regenerator; chemisorption of acidic gases from the gaseous medium in the stripping-chemisorption column with stripping at the same time additional amount of the volatile compounds from the wastewater. After specific period, direction of the gaseous medium flow is alternated. The proposed method can be executed at elevated temperature. The invention includes as well systems realizing the proposed method.

Abstract: Filter arrangements include a barrier media in the form of fluted media treated with a deposit of fine fibers. The media is particularly advantageous in high temperature (greater than 140 to 240° F.) systems. Such systems may include engine systems, gas turbine systems, and fuel cell systems. Filter arrangements may take the form of media packs having a circular cross-section or a racetrack shaped cross-section, or media packs formed in a panel configuration.

Abstract: An air purifier is disclosed having an electrostatic chamber and a germicidal chamber, wherein the two chambers are distinct and there is no air flow communication between the electrostatic and germicidal chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to remove adsorbates from a fluid is described. A fluid such as compressed air is passed over a desiccant in a drying tower to adsorb moisture from the compressed air. The desiccant is regenerated in a venturi. A pressure-equalization chamber can be located between the venturi and the drying tower, and a pressure-equalization chamber can be located between the drying tower and the venturi. In another embodiment, a heater is used to assist in regeneration. In yet another embodiment, a heat-of-compression dryer is used to assist in regeneration. In yet another embodiment, a storage chamber is used to store a batch of regenerated desiccant while a second batch of desiccant is being used.