Abstract: There is provided a roller screw comprising a screw shaft 1 having an outer peripheral surface in which a spiral roller rolling groove 1a is formed, a nut member 2 having an inner peripheral surface in which a spiral loaded roller rolling groove 2a is formed so as to oppose to the roller rolling groove of the screw shaft, a return pipe 4 in which a roller return passage 5 is formed so as to connect one and another ends of a loaded roller rolling passage 3 between the roller rolling groove 1a of the screw shaft 1 and the loaded roller rolling groove 2a of the nut member 2, a number of rollers 6 disposed in the loaded roller rolling passage 3 and the roller return passage 5, wherein the roller return passage 5 is twisted so that an attitude of the roller 6 changes as the roller moves in an axial direction of the return pipe 4. Such roller screw enables to provide an easy assembling and compact structure and to realize smooth circulation of the roller.

Abstract: A rolling-element screw drive has a spindle having a spindle groove on an outer circumference surface of the spindle, a nut having at least one helical nut groove with a constant screw diameter and provided on an inner circumferential surface of the nut, the helical nut groove and the spindle groove defining a threaded channel, the threaded channel and a return channel in the nut forming an endless circulatory channel, a number of rolling elements accommodated in the endless circulatory channel, at least one separate deflection element in which sections of the endless circulatory channel extend, the nut groove having ends extending in the separate deflection element.

Abstract: An operating element for a vehicle steerable with a handlebar, in particular a motorcycle, having an operating ring in the area of a handle of the handlebar. The operating ring can be adjusted in multiple degrees of freedom, i.e., it can be rotated, shifted and depressed. Therefore, it can be used multifunctionally for triggering various functions in the vehicle.

Abstract: A shifting mechanism for an automated or automatic transmission includes a selection lever that can be shifted in a first shift gate between automatic selection stages. The selection lever can be shifted, via a first lateral gate, to a second shift gate in order to allow the manual selection of individual transmission gears, and via a second lateral gate, with which various modes, for example an automatic or a manual mode, can be activated using the selection lever. In addition to three stable positions for the selection stages, the selection lever has a fourth stable position, from which all driving modes can be set.

Abstract: A supporting unit in a moving table device, easily connected to a base and a table, is provided. A supporting unit (U?) has a pair of planar bearing plates. Inside the planar bearing plates are positioned spherical bearing plates, respectively. Further, a spherical axial member is sandwiched between the spherical bearing plates (34a, 34b). A planar bearing is formed between each of the planar bearing plates and each of the spherical bearing plates. A spherical bearing is formed between each of the spherical bearing plates and the spherical axial member. Thus, the supporting unit (U?) is provided with a certain degree of movability in five-axis directions. With the high degree of movability, the supporting unit (U?) can be easily connected to a base and a table.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ratio regulating mechanism for an manually actuated action lever, like a hand brake lever or a pedal, in particular for the use in a motor vehicle, which comprises a mounting (2), an action lever arm (20) and a rotational shaft (15) for rotably mounting of the action lever arm (20) at the mounting (2), wherein the rotational shaft (15) is relocatably mounted at the action lever arm (20) and relocatably mounted at the mounting (2). Further, the ratio regulating mechanism comprises a first adjustment means (19, 21) for the relocation of the rotational shaft (15) in relation to the action lever arm (20) and a second adjustment means (22, 23) for the relocation of the rotational shaft (15) in relation to the mounting (2).

Abstract: A gate latch includes a bracket that has flanges with a plurality of holes for receiving fasteners that enable the bracket to be mounted to a bracket mounting surface. The bracket has a raised portion joined with the flanges and cooperates with the bracket mounting surface to define a space therebetween. The latch also includes a latch arm having an end portion thereof pivotally joined with the raised portion and capable of limited pivotal movement relative to the bracket. The latch arm is received in the space between the raised portion and the mounting surface when the bracket is secured to the mounting surface. The latch further includes a catch to be mounted to a catch mounting surface adjacent to the bracket and the latch arm. The catch includes a latch arm receiving region and a movable lock.

Abstract: A products having at least a portion thereof with a nanocrystalline microstructure, and methods of producing such products. The method generally entails machining a body to produce a polycrystalline chip having a nanocrystalline microstructure. The chips produced by the machining operation may be in the form of particulates, ribbons, wires, filaments and/or platelets. The chips may be consolidated (with or without comminution) to form a product, such that the product is essentially a nanocrystalline monolithic material consisting essentially or entirely of nano-crystals, or of grains grown from nano-crystals. Alternatively, the chips may be dispersed in a matrix material, such that the product is a composite material in which the chips are dispersed as a reinforcement material. According to a particular aspect, a monolithic article can be formed entirely from a single chip by deforming the chip and/or removing material from the chip.

Abstract: Metallic iron nuggets made by reducing-melt of a material containing a carbonaceous reductant and a metal-oxide-containing material, the metallic iron nuggets comprising at least 94% by mass, hereinafter denoted as “%”, of Fe and 1.0 to 4.5% of C, and having a diameter of 1 to 30 mm are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing nanomaterials and related nanotechnology are provided.

Abstract: An improved heap leach process for the bacterial heap leaching of base metal sulphide ores, the process including the addition of elemental sulphur to the ore, whereby sulphur oxidising bacteria indigenous to, or added to, the ore may oxidise the elemental sulphur and generate heat within the ore heap.

Abstract: A tubular makeup and breakout assembly 10 includes a top spinner 20, an intermediate power tong 12 and a lower backup tong 14. The spinner comprises a frame 22 which houses a pair of hydraulic cylinders 24. A plurality of rollers 26 are each intended for frictional engagement with an outer surface of a tubular to rotate the tubular. Each roller 26 is powered by hydraulic drive motor 28. The roller receives a suitable drive shaft rotatably powered by the motor and having a polygonal cross-sectional configuration. The roller comprises segments which may be removed without removing the motor or the drive shaft.

Abstract: An improved die insert for gripping oil field tubular members in tubular handling systems such as power tongs, slips, safety clamps and the like. The die insert has a gripping surface which comprises a backing surface adapted to contact the tubular member. The backing surface may be smooth or it may have a series of teeth formed thereon. The backing surface further has a granulated particle coating applied thereto which forms the gripping surface of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the gripping surface will include a refractory metal carbide selected from the group consisting of the carbides of silicon, tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, tantalum, niobium, vanadium, titanium, zirconium, and boron.

Abstract: A power ratchet wrench assembly having a tensionless head wherein operation of the ratchet mechanism does not require a tensioning means for applying a frictional force against the ratchet mechanism to inhibit rotational movement of the ratchet mechanism. In one embodiment, the invention provides a first gear, a second gear, and a ratchet mechanism having a drive body; wherein the drive body is alternately: coupled to the first gear and ratcheting with the second gear, and coupled to the second gear and ratcheting with the first gear.

Abstract: A surgical ratchet assembly includes a handle, a driver, a ratcheting mechanism and a locking mechanism. The driver is received within the handle in a rotatable relationship with respect thereto. The ratcheting mechanism is interposed between the handle and the driver. Unlocking of the locking mechanism enables ready disassembly of the assembly for cleaning and component sterilization. A superelastic biasing means is used. The cap reverser further prevents rotation beyond the depressions therein.

Abstract: A driving tool includes a shank, a sleeve, and a return spring disposed therebetween. The shank has a ball recess with a ball received therein. The shank has an interior interface adapted for receiving a tool bit. The ball recess substantially extends into the interior interface. The sleeve mounts on the shank to slide between limits. The sleeve has a first interior ball release recess followed by an interior ball lock surface and then a second interior ball release recess. The release recesses and surface are oriented with respect to the ball recess so as to permit selective displacement of the same over the ball recess to unlock the ball with movement in either direction. A return spring is disposed between the shank and the sleeve. The spring has a first and second end.

Abstract: An apparatus for at least one of removing, repairing and replacing a toilet bowl seat comprising an elongated tubular type member having each of a predetermined configuration and a predetermined length. There is at least one pair of radially opposed wedge shaped slots formed in a sidewall portion of such elongated tubular type member adjacent a predetermined end thereof for engaging wing nuts. Such slots having a predetermined length and a wedge shaped which is wider adjacent the predetermined end of such elongated tubular type member. At least one predetermined fitting is engageable at a second end of such elongated tubular type member and having a predetermined configuration for engaging nut heads.

Abstract: A device to support the roof of a vehicle comprises a pair of clamping arms joined together by a pivot pin, a helical spring and a quick release mechanism similar to the structure of a conventional locking plier, with an elongated clamping arm having a pair of ends, a fixed jaw attached to the first end, a moveable jaw attached to a first end of the second clamping arm, an adjustment screw attached to the elongated arm at the elongated arm second end, the adjustment screw being threadably inserted into the second end, the adjustment screw terminating in an adjustment knob, the arms each having a length, the length of the elongated arm being at least twice the length of the second arm, and the jaws being sized such that after adjustment, the jaws firmly grasp the roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic wire stripper (100) comprises at least one knife unit (40) having at least one knife holder (41) and a knife carriage (45) articulated on the knife holder; a clamping arm unit (30) with at least one clamping jaw (31) disposed on the front end thereof; a housing base (20) having an upper clamping arm (25) in which the knife unit (40) is displaceably guided; at least one clamping jaw (21); a clamping arm bearing (23) whereon the clamping arm unit (30) can be pivotally mounted; a handle lever unit (60) which is pivotally connected to a housing base (20) on a handle lever bearing (61) and an articulated lever (70) having a first and a second articulated lever arm (72, 75) which are connected to each other in a pivotable manner by an articulated lever center axis (73).

Abstract: A digital torque wrench is disclosed having a transducer beam with a reduced thickness web therein. At least one strain gauge sensor is mounted to the internal web to measure the shearing stress within the web as the wrench is rotated. By using such a reduced thickness web, mounting the sensors in opposed orientations, mounting the transducer beam to the torque wrench handle using first and second longitudinal flanking pins, and providing the transducer beam in a tapered shape, the resulting measurement of the torque wrench is very accurate. Moreover, a rotational interface module with digital display is provided to facilitate reading of the display by the user.

Abstract: A nail dermis indicator for use with nails which have a dermis and an epidermis portion, the nail dermis indicator including a thin planar elongated indicator strip including a central temperature sensitive portion located centrally between a left adhesive portion and a right adhesive portion, wherein the adhesive portions have an adhesive layer on the bottom side of the indicator strip, wherein the indicator strip adapted and dimensioned to be releaseably adhesively attached around the outer circumference of a toe nail, such that upon the temperature sensitive portion of the indicator strip being heated by the toe nail, a colour change occurs indicating and delineating visually the extent of the dermis and the boundary between the dermis and the epidermis of the nail.

Abstract: A knife holder assembly for a knife cylinder configured to make incisions in a web material, and a method for installing knife blades on the knife cylinder. The knife holder assembly includes a knife holder having a first surface adapted for mating with an outer cylindrical surface of the knife cylinder, a second surface oppositely disposed from the first surface, a sidewall extending between the first and second surfaces, and a bore having an opening in the sidewall. An anchor is received in the bore, and a feature accessible through the second surface of the holder is provided for securing the anchor within the bore. A knife blade is secured to the knife holder with the anchor. Setup time for the knife cylinder can be reduced by moving and/or replacing blades on the knife holder instead of installing, removing, and moving the knife holder on the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting device having a cutting unit that divides a strip from a material web moving in a transport direction relative to the cutting device, and having a base support that defines a cutting section that supports the material web during the division of the strip, and a supporting section following in the transport direction, which is formed and arranged in such a way that it supports the cut material web and the strip as they are transported away out of the cutting section in the transport direction, wherein the supporting section has, at least in some sections, a transport surface that moves in the transport direction and which is formed and arranged in such a way that the cut material web and/or the strip is/are carried along on the transport surface in the transport direction, at least in some sections.

Abstract: The device for cutting continuous modules comprises means for feeding said continuous modules to cutting means arranged to cut said continuous modules in order to form a plurality of sheets of predetermined dimensions. The cutting means comprise two or more cutting units arranged to cut the continuous modules to simultaneously form two or more sheets of predetermined dimensions. The process for cutting continuous modules consists of feeding the continuous modules to cutting means and cutting the continuous modules to form a plurality of sheets of predetermined dimensions. Advantageously a plurality of transverse cuts are made simultaneously, to simultaneously form two or more sheets of predetermined dimensions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holder provided with an oscillatory movable ultramicrotome cutter which is arranged on a cutter holder and oscillatory movable by means of a piezo-electric element. Said cutter is supported by the piezo-electric element. The inventive holder can be easily produced with high dimensional accuracy. It makes it possible to oscillate the cutter blade at a high frequency.

Abstract: A universal machinery fence system includes an L-shaped fence or a box shaped fence and clamp block which clamps to a rail extrusion with a half dovetail on the front on the edge of a table saw, band saw, shaper, router table, mortiser, or other woodworking or metal working machines. A U-shaped front rail is provided for attaching the fence to the cast iron table of a table saw, shaper, or band saw. The band saw fence U-shaped rail is predrilled to fit the table fence mounting holes of the most popular 14? band saws. Optional extruded front rails are also provided for attaching the fence to shop made 0.750? tables such as used on a drill press. Also provided is a fence rail extrusion for mounting the fence on the front and back of the popular 1.125? size router table. An optional extruded front rail which is adjustable in height is also provided for attaching the fence to shop made tables between 0.750? and 1.5? in thickness.

Abstract: A rotary cutting apparatus comprises a cutter drum having at least one cutting member and an anvil drum having a rotary axis, arranged in a cutting relationship to one another, and a pressure actuating device for subjecting pressure on said cutting member in relation to the anvil drum. The pressure actuating device comprises a pair of levers rotatable about at least one hinge having a horizontal axis. The horizontal axis is parallel to but non-concentric with the rotary axis. In addition, a frame supports the cutter drum and the anvil drum in a rotatable relationship. The pair of levers are releasably connected to the bearing housing, respectively, in such a way that the anvil drum is allowed to be removed from the frame.

Abstract: A miter saw having a base assembly, a rotatable table rotatably disposed on the base assembly, and a saw assembly rotatably supported by the table. The miter saw also has a miter lock assembly for locking the rotational position of the saw of the table relative to the base assembly.

Abstract: A device (10) for processing side edges (2) of sheet shaped materials (1) or a sheet shaped component with the aid of at least one cutting tool unit, including at least one cutting tool such as for example a rotating cutting tool (3), which is adjustably received in a mount (4), wherein the cutting tool unit is adjustable with the aid of a first adjusting device (5), wherein the cutting tool unit is adjustable about the angle orientation ? with the aid of a second adjusting device, in particular the angle orientation ? of the rotation axis (9) of the cutting tool (3) relative to a surface (8) of the material (1) or the component.

Abstract: A puncher having a replaceable knife holder comprises a base, a knife holder, and a wastepaper-storing case. A cover is pivotally mounted in the front of the base. The front edge of the cover is extended to the knife-holding groove such that the knife-holding groove only provides the paper-only space for holding the paper. The paper is precisely punched by adjusting the adjusting knob mounted on a front panel of the cover. The knife holder is tightly fixed by a plurality of screwing knobs. A plurality of knives is mounted on a pressing plate that mounts on the backside of the knife holder. The knife holder is tightly fixed by the screwing knobs so the knife holder can be easily detached and replaced by another knife holder having different hole type and hole number. Besides, the cover also facilitates assembly and maintenance of the knife holder.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with providing a fret for a stringed musical instrument having strings containing ferromagnetic material, wherein the fret is arranged to be magnetic. Having a downward magnetic force exerted on the strings by a fret ensures full and consistent contact between a string and the fret when the string is pressed down against the fret. The invention has three embodiments that describe different ways of providing magnetism to the fret. In a first embodiment the fret is comprised of magnetic material. In a second embodiment a magnet is coupled to the fret to supply magnetic properties to the fret. In a third embodiment an electromagnetic coil is wrapped around a portion of the fret in order to induce magnetism.

Abstract: This invention is for a percussion instrument that when struck produces a sustained tone. The instrument is shaped to produce a harmonious tone by tuning the appropriate overtones. The fundamental tone generated by the instruments disclosed herein are controllably tunable to within fractions of a hertz (Hz). Also disclosed are instruments that minimize and dampen unwanted overtones to generate a substantially pure tone. Also provided are related methods for generating a sustained tone as well as methods and devices for generating a beat, wherein a pair of the percussion instruments of the present invention having different tone frequencies provide the beat.

Abstract: A drum of the invention has a tubular drum shell, a replaceable annular bearing edge, a spline interconnecting the shell and the bearing edge, and a membrane overlaying the bearing edge. The bearing edge may have any of various profile configurations. The bearing edge overlays a shell edge in releasable engagement. A spline extends from the bearing edge and engages a recess, including an annular rabbet between the wall edge and an inside wall surface, or an annular void, including an annular slot dado, in the shell wall, releasably coupling the bearing edge and the shell. The shell may include an aperture through the wall. An air valve may be provided to regulate passage of air through the aperture between open and closed positions. The air valve may support an audio reception device. A portion of the inside wall surface may have an acoustic pattern that influences the drum's sound. The drum may also have a flangeless hoop or arcuate portions of the hoop without a flange.

Abstract: A device for dampening sounds produced by a drumhead of a musical drum having a drumshell comprising a frame assembly having a first elongated bar member with a first channel and a second elongated bar member with a second channel. The two bar members are disposed in opposed spaced apart parallel relation. Mounting brackets are affixed and secured to the two bar members at their opposing ends. Attached, respectively, to the two mounting brackets between the two bar members are the opposing ends of an assembly of snare wires. The mounting brackets are also provided to connect the assembly to the drumshell and are vertically adjustable between a high tension position such that the snare wires are moved to press against the drumhead and a lower tension position in which the wires are caused to relax to enable the release of tension of the wires against the drumhead.

Abstract: A musical instrument bracket assembly is mounted on a top end of a post and has a base, a pivot bracket, a pivot pin, a compression knob and a standoff rod. The base has a tongue. The pivot bracket is mounted pivotally on the tongue and has a standoff hole, two pivot wings, a gap and a stationary compression fitting. The pivot wings extend down from the standoff hole and are mounted pivotally on opposite sides of the tongue. The stationary compression fitting is formed on one of the pivot wings. The pivot pin extends through the pivot wings and the base. The compression knob is attached to the pivot pin and has a rotatable compression fitting corresponding to the stationary compression fitting. When the compression knob is turned to an adjusting position, the compression fittings release the pivot bracket and the standoff rod with a single action.

Abstract: The present invention provides a training system for musical instruments. A method for using the system and the component devices are also provided. The invention facilitates a user's understanding of the proper finger positions required when instruments are played, without the need for written sheet music instructions.

Abstract: A system and method for an aircraft (10) that provides an IR decoy (12) for an incoming missile (18) to track instead of an engine (14) of the aircraft (10) is disclosed. The IR decoy (12) is deployed during or just after take off, and prior to landing to provide a signature (16) for any incoming missile (18). The IR decoy (12) provides a heat source (16) that has a higher radiant intensity than the hottest heat source on the aircraft (10), which is typically the engine (14), thereby providing a more attractive heat source for the missile (18). In another embodiment, a warning system (20) for an aircraft (10) detects an incoming missile (18), and deploys IR decoy (12) and creates an engine mask (22) by injecting an additive into the exhaust stream of the engine (14), thereby obscuring the radiation emanating from the engine (14).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention enable the dynamic discovery and operation of at least one over a public network such as the Internet. The system may comprise dynamically discoverable sensors such as a video camera or video surveillance system or any other type of sensor capable of detecting a target. Sensors may be collocated or distantly located from weapons and there may be a different number of weapons and sensors in a configuration. An operator may control more than one weapon at a time and may obtain sensor data output from more than one sensor at a time. One or more weapons may be aimed simultaneously by performing a user gesture such as a mouse click or game controller button selection with respect to a particular sensor data output. An operator user interface may be cloned onto another computer for real-time supervision or for later analysis or training for example.

Abstract: An arrangement for a weapon including a countermass for reducing the pressure around the weapon. The countermass is enclosed in a countermass container that can be opened at both ends. The invention aims to bring about a symmetrical opening with favorable recoil in a better way than in previous constructions. This is achieved by the countermass including elements that can bind and retain the liquid symmetrically in a desired geometry over the cross section of the barrel and the cross section of any following expansion part.

Abstract: A hierarchical composite armor is disclosed for protection against projectile impact comprising a plurality of platelets and a matrix substrate. The plurality of platelets are distributed in at least a first layer and in a second layer parallel to the first layer wherein the distribution of the platelets in the second layer is at least slightly offset from and overlaps the distribution of platelets in the first layer. The platelets are less thick than the overall thickness of the composite armor, and the platelets include a first material. The matrix substrate encapsulates the platelets, and the matrix substrate is different than the first material. The platelets and matrix substrate form an interactive network that dissipates a projectile's impact energy over an area much greater than the size of the projectile by synergistically transmitting the impact energy from platelets close to an impact location to platelets away from the impact location.

Abstract: A jungle fighter aircraft conversion kit comprised of a gattling gun works (1) that is mounted at the nose cone (3) under portion of an aircraft (2), avionics grayboxes (8), vibration trays (5), a hood (9) for enclosure and a machine gun (10). The gattling gun works (1) is designed for repeat fire power in intermittent operations while the air vents (4) in the gattling machine gun works (1) are designed for cooling the weapon. The grayboxes (8) are located within the gattling works weapon (1) and are designed for control within the cockpit (7) of the aircraft. Both the weapon and the grayboxes (8) have vibration trays (5) mounted at each equipment base. The machine gun (10) is preferably compact and lightweight and similar in design to those used by United States secret service agents.

Abstract: An improved firearm takedown mechanism is provided, which in a retention position prevents removal of both a slide and barrel assembly and a trigger assembly, but when manually positioned out of the retention position allows easy removal of both the slide and barrel assembly and the trigger assembly without the use of tools. A firearm takedown mechanism is provided having a first element with opposing ends separated by a longitudinal axis with a major and minor surface extending outwardly from the axis, and respectively adapted to prevent and allow removal of a slide and barrel assembly. An improved method for firearm takedown provides that after moving a takedown mechanism from a retention position, both a slide and barrel assembly and a trigger assembly are manually removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for controlling a hydraulically driven motor (2), forming part of a hydraulic system in which hydraulic fluid under pressure forms a main flow through a main duct (1) in which the motor is connected. The motor is adapted to drive a load with varying loading, and one or more valves (6, 7) are adapted for controlling the hydraulic fluid flow through the motor on the one hand during operation and on the other hand for starting and stopping of the motor. One of the valves consists of a flow control valve (7) which is connected in the main duct (1) downstream of the motor (2) and is adapted for on the one hand starting/stopping of the motor and on the other hand constant flow control of the hydraulic fluid flow through the motor.

Abstract: To simplify a circuit structure and a path structure in a hydraulic circuit having a pilot check valve and an overload relief valve and to reduce the size of a gear. The hydraulic circuit includes a pump port; a tank port; a first actuator port; a second actuator port; a first supply and discharge port; a second supply and discharge port; a direction changing valve; a first pilot check valve; a second pilot check valve; a first pilot path; and a first overload relief valve. The direction changing valve has a neutral position to communicate the first supply and discharge port with the tank port. The first overload relief valve is arranged in parallel with the first pilot check valve and is arranged between the first supply and discharge port and the first actuator port.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure actuator having an inner tube and a mesh sleeve covering the outer periphery of the inner tube and longitudinally extendable by pressure fluid fed into the inner tube, wherein a low friction body formed in an elastic cylindrical body by knitting fine fibers is disposed between the inner tube and the mesh sleeve, and the low friction body contributes to an increase in the life of the hydraulic pressure actuator repeatedly performing extension/retraction motions. The hydraulic pressure actuator is used as an actuator for driving a CPM device which supports the extremity of a human body by ay least one of a plurality of members combined with each other and performs the rehabilitation of the joints of a handicapped by operating the member.

Abstract: A solvent-resistant polyimide membrane comprising a cross-linked polyimide homopolymer or copolymer is described. The homopolymer or the copolymer is functionalized with a nucleophilic modifier, and the membrane has suitable permeability and is resistant to solvents. In addition, a process of preparing polyimide membrane free of macrovoids is also described.

Abstract: A method for regenerable adsorption includes providing a substrate that defines at least one layer of ultra short channel length mesh capable of conducting an electrical current therethrough, coating at least a portion of the substrate with a desired sorbent for trace contaminant control or CO2 sorption, resistively heating the substrate, and passing a flowstream through the substrate and in contact with the sorbent.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process and apparatus for separating a first fluid from a fluid mixture comprising the first fluid. The process comprises: (A) flowing the fluid mixture into a microchannel separator in contact with a sorption medium, the fluid mixture being maintained in the microchannel separator until at least part of the first fluid is sorbed by the sorption medium, removing non-sorbed parts of the fluid mixture from the microchannel separator; and (B) desorbing first fluid from the sorption medium and removing desorbed first fluid from the microchannel separator. The process and apparatus are suitable for separating nitrogen or methane from a fluid mixture comprising nitrogen and methane. The process and apparatus may be used for rejecting nitrogen in the upgrading of sub-quality methane.

Abstract: A gasification system having a combustor vessel, an optional scrubber vessel, an optional fixer vessel, an optional cyclone vessel and an optional demister vessel. A wide variety of possibly moist solid or semi-solid carbonaceous fuels may be partially combusted in the combustor to generate a combustible gas and a mineral ash. An improved ash support and removal subsystem reduces clogging and other problems. The combustible gas is conveyed by optional heavy-duty blowers through the optional vessels to remove liquids and particulates and to undergo catalytic chemical reactions to provide a relatively clean, dry, highly-combustible hydrocarbon gas that captures a relatively high fraction of the potential heating value of the fuel. Internal gases, liquids and particulates from the vessels may be recycled inside the system to improve efficiency and prevent liquid waste. A portion of the internal liquids may also be extracted for other uses.

Abstract: The invention uses helium and helium recovery purification equipment to remove impurities from the process enclosed equipment such as a melt chamber and atomization tower. An above atmosphere pressure argon/helium exchange can create the argon atmosphere needed for atomization.