Abstract: An improved method for processing of nickel-bearing ores, laterite ores, saprolite and limonite ores, oxidic and sulfide ores, metallurgical wastes, and other metal-bearing materials, to recover the valuable minerals contained therein, comprising comminuting ore to a desired size; leaching the ore at about 70 C to 130 C for about 30 minutes to 4 hours with nitric acid, raising the temperature of the solution to form a liquid/solid residue in which nickel, cobalt and magnesium values are in solution, and iron, manganese, and aluminum are solid residues in oxide form; conducting a liquid-solid separation and removing the solids; and recovering the nickel, cobalt, and manganese from the liquid-metal concentrate. The leachate is recovered and the nitric acid from the leachate is recycled.

Abstract: An integrated system for blast furnace iron making and power production based upon higher levels of oxygen enrichment in the blast gas is disclosed. The integrated system leads to; 1) enhanced productivity in the blast furnace, 2) more efficient power production, and 3) the potential to more economically capture and sequester carbon dioxide. Oxygen enhances the ability of coal to function as a source of carbon and to be gasified within the blast furnace thereby generating an improved fuel-containing top gas.

Abstract: A process for producing steel and for obtaining slag having a high content of additional elements such as vanadium in a two-step process. Liquid pig iron is initially blown onto a high-grade slag at a lower temperature, the slag being further processed separately after tapping, while the pig iron is supplied to at least one additional converter in which it is blown at a higher temperature to form steel. A high-grade slag is generated while shortening the steel production process using the process in that the intermediate metal product that is tapped from the first converter is subjected to a heating and/or holding phase before being supplied to the second converter.

Abstract: A cable end preparation tool for a coaxial cable may include a body having first and second opposing ends with a first recess in the first end, and a first blade carried by the body within the first recess for stripping an outer jacket of the cable to expose a portion of an outer conductor when the body is rotated relative to the cable. A second blade may be carried by the body within the first recess for stripping the outer conductor and a dielectric layer to expose a portion of an inner conductor when the body is rotated relative to the cable. The tool may further include a coring bit carried by the second end of the body for removing a portion of the dielectric layer between the inner conductor and the exposed portion of the outer conductor when the body is rotated relative to the coaxial cable.

Abstract: An adjustable ratchet head assembly has first and second jaw members that are connected using a pinion shaft and a cogwheel shaft. The pinion shaft has oppositely threaded end portions that engage oppositely threaded pinion shaft receiving bores in a central section of each jaw member. The cogwheel shaft has oppositely threaded end portions that engage oppositely threaded cogwheel shaft receiving bores in a proximate end of each jaw member. A pinion gear is concentric with and engages the pinion shaft. A cogwheel gear is concentric with and engages the cogwheel shaft, and is in driving engagement with the pinion gear. Driving the cogwheel gear will cause rotation of the cogwheel shaft, pinion gear and pinion shaft, and will cause the jaw members to move toward or away from each other. The ratchet head assembly is received in a cylindrical ratchet head body, which is received in a handle assembly.

Abstract: A socket for driving two different types of fasteners in one embodiment includes a driving portion with an outer surface and a driving bore, a base portion, a plurality of lands extending along the driving bore and configured to drive a first type of fastener, and a cradle positioned within the driving bore and defining a driving surface for a second type of fastener, the driving surface curved within a first plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the socket and curved within a second plane in which the longitudinal axis extends.

Abstract: An extension shaft for holding a tool for rotary motion of the tool includes a first end adapted to cooperate with a chuck of a handheld instrument and a second end including a tool holder for holding the tool for rotary driven motion thereof. The tool holder includes a base portion operatively connected to the extension shaft and a swivel portion capable of holding the tool. The swivel portion is pivotly coupled to the base portion through a pivot assembly, wherein the tool is capable of being rotated about an angle with respect to an axis of the chuck through rotation of the extension shaft in response to rotation of the chuck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pair of pliers (1) with two pliers legs (2, 3) crossing at a joint pin (4), one (3) of which legs is movable and the other (2) is fixed, and with a spring (13) between the fixed leg (2) and the joint pin (4) acting in such a way as to support interlocking engagement of the joint pin (4), wherein the pliers legs (2, 3) form gripping portions (5, 6) on one side of the joint pin (4) and a pliers mouth is formed on the other side of the joint pin (4), wherein furthermore the joint pin (4), through which a pivot axis (A) of the movable pliers leg at the same time extends, is adjustable in a longitudinal slot (9) of the fixed pliers leg (2), and wherein the movable pliers leg (3) can be optionally fixed in relation to the fixed pliers leg (2) by means of interlocking engagement between the joint pin (4) and the longitudinal slot (9) that takes place in the direction of a plane defined by the pliers legs (2, 3).

Abstract: A hand tool articulating apparatus has a pair of elongate members coupled for articulation about a pivot axis. Each elongate member has a clamping jaw on one side of the pivot axis and an arm extending to a handle on the other side of the pivot axis. One of the arms extends from the pivot axis along a first axis over a first distance to a first loop extending outwardly from the first axis and away from the other of the arms. The other of the arms has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends along a second axis from the pivot axis a shorter distance than the one arm. The second portion extends inclined to the second axis along a third axis away from the one arm to a second loop. The second loop extends outwardly from the third axis away from the pivot axis.

Abstract: A tool for removing conventional one way fasteners that includes, generally, a member, a collar, and, a shaft that can be removably received by the collar, wherein in the shaft is configured to engage regions of the fastener head. The collar is adjustable to fit fastener heads of different sizes. The member can be configured to correspond to a threaded portion of the outer surface of the collar. The collar may also have a bottom portion that includes multiple splines.

Abstract: A power driven tool for rotating a mechanical fastener including a housing with a motor positioned in the housing. The motor includes a drive shaft that rotates relative to the housing. An impact mechanism in the housing is operatively connected to the motor drive shaft. The impact mechanism has a base, an output and a cam. The output and cam are rotatably mounted on the base. A pair of hammers are pivotally mounted on the base and selectively positioned by the cam. The cam biases the hammers to intermittently impact the output. A ratchet head assembly is operatively connected to the output of the impact mechanism. The ratchet head assembly includes an output member rotatably mounted on the housing to rotate the mechanical fastener. The assembly also includes a ratchet operable to limit rotation of the output member in a selected direction.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a shank having a first end provided with a drive portion and a second end provided with a handle portion, and an antislip structure including an antislip member mounted around the handle portion of the shank. The antislip member of the antislip structure includes a bonding glue bonded onto an outer surface of the handle portion of the shank and a woven wool layer mounted on a surface of the bonding glue. Thus, the woven wool layer of the antislip member has a high friction, so that when the antislip member is mounted on the handle portion of the shank, the handle portion of the shank has a greater antislip feature, thereby facilitating a user holding the handle portion of the shank.

Abstract: A method of improving the control of a rotary cutting machine is disclosed. The cutting element of the rotary cutting machine being a filament which is rotated at high velocity under the control of a motor, such as powered by a battery or gasoline. The invention provides within the lower rotating head of the rotary cutting machine an optical source which illuminates the filament such that the distal rotating end of the filament provides a visual indication to an operator of the location of the rotating cutting element. In an embodiment of the invention the electrical power for the optical source is provided by providing an electrical generator within the rotary cutting machine such that for example the rotor is within the rotating head and the stator within the upper body of the rotary cutting machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microtome and a method for producing sections of a specimen. The microtome has a knife for sectioning the specimen, and a cooling apparatus for cooling a gaseous coolant. The cooling apparatus generates a coolant flow of the gaseous coolant. The specimen is arranged in the coolant flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tyre segmenting device capable of cutting tyres into two or more segments, the device including: a cutter for dividing the tyre into two or more segments; a positioning device on which the tyre is mounted, the positioning device positioning a tyre mounted thereon in alignment with the cutter; and a moving device operatively connected to the positioning device; wherein in use, the moving device moves the positioning device between a loading position in which a tyre can be loaded and unloaded from the positioning device and a cutting position where the cutter engages the tyre and divides the tyre into the two or more segments.

Abstract: A device for measuring distance includes in one embodiment an electronic rotary encoder having an input shaft, a distance-measuring wheel connected to the input shaft, a base structure connected to the distance-measuring wheel, a frame structure connected to the base structure, a processor in communication with the rotary encoder, and a housing having an electronic digital display for displaying the longitudinal distance traveled by the work piece with an alpha-numeric and graphical representation of the longitudinal distance traveled by the work piece. The distance-measuring wheel reciprocates along a plane that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the work piece. Advantageously, the display provides the longitudinal distance traveled by the work piece with an alpha-numeric and graphical representation.

Abstract: A bed slat cap is configured to protect a bed slat in a fluid jet cutting system. A fluid jet cutting system includes a plurality of bed slats, at least some of the plurality of bed slats being protected by one or more corresponding bed slat caps. A bed slat cap may include a hardened material to protect the bed slat. A bed slat cap may include a material softer than the bed slaps to protect the bottom of a workpiece. A fluid jet bed slat may be constructed as a composite assembly including a support portion and one or more fluid jet impingement portions.

Abstract: Device (1) for separating a strand (3) of plastic material, which can be moved along a conveying passage (2), into longitudinal portions (3a), having at least one notching device (5) which on all sides of the passage (2) comprises in each case a notching tool (8a to 8d) which can be moved by means of a tool drive (18) in a tool guide (17) between an initial notching position and a notching position, wherein the cutting device (4) comprises two cutting wire holders (24) which are disposed in mutually opposite-lying boundary regions of the passage (2) and which can be moved transversely with respect to the passage (2) by means of a cutting drive (26) in a cutting guide (25), and wherein the notching device (5) with its notching tools (8a to 8d) are disposed its passage (2) the support module (9) which is moveable forwards and backwards [sic].

Abstract: A food slicer includes a support member having a base portion and an upstanding portion. A rotatable cutting blade is secured to the upstanding portion for slicing food product. A food product table is mounted for movement past the cutting blade for holding product while being sliced by the cutting blade. A product fence assists in holding and stabilizing food product during slicing. An inner side of the food product table includes multiple spaced apart slots and the product fence includes an inner side with at least one finger extending downward within one of the slots of the food product table. Elongate protrusions may be provided at the bottom of the product fence for seating within grooves on a food support surface of the food product table. A food contact wall surface of the fence may be angled away from the food contact location and an inner faced of the food contact wall may be angled away from a gage plate of the slicer.

Abstract: A workbench system in one embodiment includes a first and a second plurality of dog holes in a planar work surface defining a first and a second axis extending in the work surface plane, and a plurality of cutting guides, each of the plurality of cutting guides including a body defining a first securing portion on a first side of the body and a second securing portion on a second side of the body opposite to the first side, a first stem extending downwardly away from the body and configured to fit into one of the first plurality of holes, and a guide member defining a guide plane which intersects the first axis and the second axis.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates a device for lacerating selected portions of link type foodstuffs such as frankfurters, sausage, pepperoni and the like. The device employs a cutter that has a set of cutting elements to form a desired pattern of lacerations on the surface of the foodstuff. The spacing of the cutting elements of the cutter, the depth of those elements, as well as the mass of the cutter may vary over a wide range. Typically, the pattern of cutting elements is configured to form polygonal type spacings between intersecting cutting elements. The pattern of elements, however, may be varied to form a broad range of spacings such as rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, triangles and the like between the elements.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument includes a string which, when vibrated, produces sound. Both ends of the vibrating portion of the string touch glass.

Abstract: A chin-rest of a violin is attached to an edge of the resonating box of a violin. An opening is provided in the chin-rest through which an elastic knot for stretching the strings can pass through. This is attached at one place to the string holder and is drawn in a stretched state through the opening of the chin-rest. The opposite end is attached to a fixed end pin so that it comprises a portion of the chin-rest attachment. The chin-rest does not rest on the upper panel of the resonating box of the violin, instead, it is above it by a specified distance “d” and above the string holder.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements to a stringed musical instrument, and more particularly to guitar design for use with transposing vibrato mechanisms. Vibrato devices for guitars are known. The present device and method improve the ability to of a player to bend entire chords in a manner that maintains harmonic relationship between the individual strings.

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, having components made from glass, and methods of manufacturing and assembling the same are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides for manufacturing a glass fretboard, manufacturing glass frets, assembling the glass frets to the fretboard, and assembling the fretboard to the neck of the stringed instrument. In addition to the fretboard and frets, other components of the stringed instrument may also be made from glass. For example, the present invention further provides a method for manufacturing glass saddles and top nuts to allow the strings of the stringed instrument to substantially entirely contact glass. This produces a clean, crisp sound and overcomes the problem of generating an inferior sound that results from the imperfections found in natural wood components, for example.

Abstract: A key leveler for leveling keys on the keyboards of musical instruments, a computerized key leveling system, and methods of use thereof. The key leveler includes a guide rail horizontally disposed above the keyboard supported by a pair of mounting clamps at opposite ends that grip the musical instrument. The guide rail is leveled over the keyboard using pairs of swing arms and draw devices. A bearing block is slidably connected to the guide rail to which a tubular gauge holder support of a gauge holder mounts. A longitudinal bore extends through the gauge holder support that slidably receives a mounting stem with stylus of a height indicator retained by a thumbscrew. A push rod closely slidably fits within the longitudinal bore extending downwardly past the gauge holder support having a top end that engages the stylus and a convex bottom end that contacts the keys. An index cylinder is slidably disposed about the gauge holder support and push rod.

Abstract: An electronic percussion musical instrument comprises a plurality of playing pads for playing music by striking the face of each pad. The pads are configured to work either as individual pads respectively for playing different percussion tones or as grouped pad zones by combining some of the pads, each zone playing a same percussion tone. Plural timbres of musical tones are stored in a storage unit and are respectively allocated to the individual playing pads or the grouped pad zones. The grouped pad zone can be handled just as a wide area pad. When an individual pad or a grouped pad zone is struck, the allocated tone will be generated. Some of the pads or grouped pad zones can be used as a special playing technique instruction pad to input an instruction to impart an effect of special playing technique to the tones to be generated.

Abstract: An electronic percussion musical instrument comprises a plurality of playing pads for playing music by striking the face of each pad. The pads are configured to provide ungrouped pad zones, each constituted by an individual playing pad and grouped pad zones, each constituted by combining plural playing pads into a grouped pad zone to work as an integral pad zone. Timbres of musical tones are allocated to the respective pad zones. A sequence of pad zones, each designating the allocated timbre, is set for a pad zone to represent a pad chain performance, so that plural music playing strikes on the same pad zone cause the generation of musical tones in the timbres allocated not only to the struck pad zone but also to the other pad zones in the order designated in the sequence for the pad chain performance on the struck pad zone.

Abstract: There are provided recording means for recording first data (12A) or (12B) used for dividing each of a first piece of content and a second piece of content into a plurality of blocks in accordance with each piece of contents and recording means (11A) or (11B) for recording second data indicating a sequence for arranging the plurality of blocks to create a new piece of content. The first piece of content and the second piece of content are mashed up using the first data and the second data, and a result of mashup processing is output. As a result, it is possible to mash up the first piece of content and the second piece of content without special knowledge.

Abstract: A modular controller system. The novel modular controller system includes a plurality of control modules, each module including a plurality of controls; a first mechanism for mechanically connecting the control modules; a second mechanism for communicating with a mobile device; and a program stored in and executed by the mobile device for receiving data from the control modules and in accordance therewith generating output data. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a docking module for holding and interfacing with the mobile device, and the docking module and control modules each include a housing having physical features for mechanically connecting the modules together and electrical connectors in the physical features for transferring data and power between modules. The program generates output data in response to the data received from the control modules to control an application running on the mobile device.

Abstract: A countermass weapon including a launching tube open or openable in both ends. The launching tube houses a launchable unit, a countermass, a pressure chamber, a propellant charge that upon firing and combustion of the charge in cooperation with the pressure chamber and the countermass accelerates the launchable unit forwards in the tube at the same time as the countermass accelerates backwards in the tube, and a firing and supporting unit connected to the outside of the launching tube. The countermass is designed such that a forward directed recoil is obtained and the launching tube is designed to be disengageable from the firing and supporting unit during the forward directed recoil.

Abstract: A vane type hydraulic rotary actuator incorporates a fail-safe brake for preventing movement of the device's rotor relative to a housing in which the rotor is journaled. The brake has a spring-biased piston that is forced to a locked condition whenever applied hydraulic operating pressure acting on the vane falls below a predefined limit. The rotary actuator also incorporates an improved sealing arrangement that prevents egress of hydraulic fluid from a high pressure chamber on one side of the vane to a low pressure chamber on the opposite side of the vane.

Abstract: An on-board inert gas generation system is disclosed that includes an air separation module that is configured to produce nitrogen enriched air from a non-enriched air. The non-enriched air to the air separation module has a desired operating temperature range. A compressor system is in fluid communication with the air separation module. The compressor system is configured to rotate at a speed and provide the non-enriched air to the air separation module. A controller is in communication with the compressor system and is configured to reduce the speed in response to a parameter reaching an undesired value, which would result in a non-enriched air temperature that would exceed the desired operating temperature range. The reduced speed is selected to maintain the non-enriched air temperature within the desired operating temperature range.

Abstract: A gas separation unit 102, 200, 300 for permeating a gas out from a pressurized feed mixture includes an input manifold 104, 204, an exhaust manifold, 106, 206 and a permeate assembly 108, 208, 303. The permeate assembly supports one or more permselective foils 130, 132, 218, 232, 318 over a hollow cavity 134, 272, 306 supported by a microscreen element 142, 144, 228, 230, 326. The microscreen element includes non-porous perimeter walls 190, 192, 278 supported on a frame surface and a porous central area 194, 280 supported over the hollow cavity. A porous spacer 138, 140, 174, 234 disposed inside the hollow cavity structurally supports the entire microscreen surface spanning the hollow cavity while also providing a void volume for receiving fluid passing through the porous central area and for conveying the fluid through the hollow cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous metal-organic framework material comprising a bidentate organic compound bound by coordination to a metal ion, the metal ion being AlIII and the bidentate organic compound being 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate, wherein the X-ray diffractogram (XRD) of the framework material has a first reflection in the range from 6.5°<2?<7.5° and a second reflection in the range from 13.8°<2?<15.0°, the area of the first reflection being greatest in relation to the area of all reflections in the range from 2°<2?<70° and the area of the second reflection being second greatest, and the sum of the areas of the first and second reflections giving at least 50% in relation to the total area of all reflections in the range from 2°<2?<70°. The invention further relates to shaped bodies comprising such a framework material, processes for production of the framework material and also to the use of the framework material or of the proposed shaped body.

Abstract: Ultra cleaning of combustion gas to near zero concentration of residual contaminants followed by the capture of CO2 is provided. The high removal efficiency of residual contaminants is accomplished by direct contact cooling and scrubbing of the gas with cold water. The temperature of the combustion gas is reduced to 0-20 degrees Celsius to achieve maximum condensation and gas cleaning effect. The CO2 is captured from the cooled and clean flue gas in a CO2 absorber utilizing an ammoniated solution or slurry in the NH3—CO2—H2O system. The absorber operates at 0-20 degrees Celsius. Regeneration is accomplished by elevating the pressure and temperature of the CO2-rich solution from the absorber. The CO2 vapor pressure is high and a pressurized CO2 stream, with low concentration of NH3 and water vapor is generated. The high pressure CO2 stream is cooled and washed to recover the ammonia and moisture from the gas.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide capture facility is disclosed comprising packing formed as a slab, and at least one liquid source. The slab has opposed dominant faces, the opposed dominant faces being at least partially wind penetrable to allow wind to flow through the packing. The at least one liquid source is oriented to direct carbon dioxide absorbent liquid into the packing to flow through the slab. The slab is disposed in a wind flow that has a non-zero incident angle with one of the opposed dominant faces. A method of carbon dioxide capture is also disclosed. Carbon dioxide absorbing liquid is applied into packing in a series of pulses. A gas containing carbon dioxide is flowed through the packing to at least partially absorb the carbon dioxide from the gas into the carbon dioxide absorbing liquid.

Abstract: Aspects include a valve comprising a flowing liquid, operable to control a flow of gas through a port. Certain aspects include reaction chambers operable to react gases, and in some aspects gases are substantially contained within an envelope comprised of a flowing liquid. Certain embodiments control gas entrance into a chamber with a valve comprised of a flowing liquid controlling gas flow through a port. Various gas scrubbing systems are described, including systems comprising reaction chambers operable to react gases that yield substantial amounts of solid reaction products. Methods for controlling gas flow are disclosed. Systems and methods include sequential steps of wet-scrubbing, reacting and further wet-scrubbing a gas stream.

Abstract: A gas liquid separator system for a hydrogen generating apparatus includes a collection area for collecting liquid from the generated gases. To empty the collection area occasionally so that liquid does not build up and become entrained again in the dried gas, a vent solenoid is provided in communication with the collection area and a pump is used to create a vacuum periodically on the electrolysis cells. Such arrangement is used to open the liquid gas filter and possibly just the sump to atmosphere occasionally and vacuum generated to draw the liquid from the sump back to the electrolysis cells.

Abstract: A method of separating a multiphase fluid, the fluid including a relatively high density component and a relatively low density component, that includes introducing the fluid into a separation region; imparting a rotational movement into the multiphase fluid; forming an outer annular region of rotating fluid of predetermined thickness within the separation region; and forming and maintaining a core of fluid in an inner region. Fluid entering the separation vessel is directed into the outer annular region and the thickness of the outer annular region is such that the high density component is concentrated and substantially contained within this region, the low density component being concentrated in the rotating core. A separation system employing the method is also provided. The method and system are particularly suitable for the separation of solid debris from the fluids produced by a subterranean oil or gas well at wellhead flow pressure.

Abstract: A fuel system includes a fuel deoxygenator for removing oxygen from a liquid fuel. A vaporizer is in fluid communication with the fuel deoxygenator. The vaporizer vaporizes at least a portion of the liquid fuel to produce vaporized fuel. At least a portion of the vaporized fuel pre-mixes with oxidizer to reduce formation of undesirable emissions.

Abstract: A device is provided that is capable of circulating air throughout a personal space as well as collecting and preventing the build up of dust and other particulate matter by drawing in air from the surrounding environment and removing some dust, allergens and other such particulate matter therefrom. The filtered air is then expelled out of the device and back into the surrounding environment. The device includes a housing defining an interior space having a motor and fan assembly disposed therein. The housing includes an inlet with a filter provided therein such that air drawn in through the inlet is filtered. The air is then expelled through a circumferentially disposed outlet. The filter element preferably includes a lock and key system configured to prevent operation of the device in the absence of a properly keyed filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to the food industry. A liquid product is treated and purified being passed through a mixture of sorbing components confined between filtering materials. Each portion of vodka poured from a bottle into a drinking vessel prior to be consumed is treated and purified by the consumer himself by pressing it from the bottle at an optimal flow rate through a primary filtering material, sorbing agent(s) and a secondary filtering material, which are placed in a cartridge body, using air pressure inside the bottle produced, as necessary, by means of a small-sized air pump which is arranged outside of the bottle in a body and is connected to an electrical micromotor.

Abstract: The removable infusion unit to produce hot beverages, in particular coffee, comprises a supporting structure (3, 5) mechanically connected to an infusion chamber comprising a first portion and a second portion, moving with respect to each other, and a mechanism for opening and closing said infusion chamber. The supporting structure and the opening and closing mechanism of the infusion chamber are made of materials that do not require external lubrication.

Abstract: A cup for preparing a liquid product, having an outlet opening for discharging the prepared beverage or dish, which outlet opening is sealed with a seal prior to use, and having a space around the outlet opening. The seal includes a piercable seal.

Abstract: A capsule, for example for brewing coffee, comprising a rotationally symmetrically formed capsule body having a side wall and having a base formed integrally therewith. The capsule is closed by a lid to form a sealed chamber for accommodating the substance contained in the capsule. The base and lid can be pierced in order that a liquid can be channelled through the capsule. The base is provided with an annular channel, of which the inner wall portion forms a stiffening zone. The base of the channel here forms a piercing zone which, as a result of the stiffening zone, can be pierced to better effect and without the capsule base as a whole being deformed.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine has at least one pinch valve (1) in the fluid line system, wherein the pinch valve (1) has at least two fluid passage lines (20, 21) and is designed to execute valve and/or control functions on the fluid passage lines (20, 21). The operating mechanism of the pinch valve (1) is set up for coupled activation of the valve and/or control functions and a drive with a stepper motor (25) is provided.

Abstract: Improved induction heating systems are provided for the cooking/heating of food products requiring stirring during preparation thereof, such as chilis or stews. The stems include an induction heating device (38) and an associated container-holding apparatus (32) having a cradle (52) operable to hold a food container (40) and allow shifting thereof between an upper loading/unloading positions and a lower cooking position. A drive mechanism (36) is provided for rotating the container (40) during induction heating thereof. The apparatus (30) and container (40) can be moved separately from the heating device (38), as required. The container (40) includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart temperature sensing assemblies (128) serving to wirelessly transmit temperature information to the heating device (38), in order to control the heating/cooking process.

Abstract: A cooker has a cooker main body and a discharged steam cooling unit placed at the top surface of the cooker main body. Inside the discharged steam cooling unit is a duct extending in the front/rear direction. The rear end of the duct is an inlet port connected to an outlet port of the cooker main body. A throat portion is formed in the duct. Air from a blower is blown into the throat portion through a nozzle to generate a suction force at the inlet port by an ejector effect. The duct is branched on the downstream side of the throat portion, and outlet ports are provided at the ends of the branched ducts. Ambient air is sucked in from a gap between the inlet port of the duct and the outlet port of the cooker main body.

Abstract: An apparatus for steaming shrimp, comprised of a plurality of air permeable shallow containers stacked on a central stand. The central stand has a number of legs which operate to support the apparatus and keep the containers from being immersed in water. By allowing for air permeable containers to stack around a central stand the user can efficiently steam a large number of shrimp or food items at once.