Abstract: A deconstituting device for the preparation of biological samples comprising: a container (2) in the form of a for holding the tissue to be deconstituted; a shaft (26) mounted for rotation inside the said container (2) with a blade (28) on the end inside the container, the said shaft (26) being supported axially by ball coupling means (30, 34) and having engagement means (36) on its end outside the container for coupling the said shaft to motor means; the device being used in automatic apparatus, which includes: at least one support element (54) with a plurality of housings for receiving the container; a deconstitution station (50) which includes at least one motor (52) with a drive shaft (55) for engaging the said engagement means (36) of the shaft (26) of the deconstituting device, this motor being movable between a position disengaged from the said shaft (26) and one engaging it, and; conveyor means (66, 68 and 78) for transporting the said support element (54) to the deconstitution station.

Abstract: An electrode for a crusher and a crusher capable of increasing energy utilized for crushing are obtained. The electrode 1 for a crusher comprises a central conductor (12, 17) extending along a central axis and having an outer peripheral surface, an insulating member (13, 18) arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the central conductor (12, 17) and a peripheral conductor (15) arranged to enclose the insulating member (13, 18). The peripheral conductor (15) includes a first conductor (14a) and a second conductor (14b) arranged at a space from the first conductor (14a) in the extensional direction of the central axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to recycling wornout tyres and other industrial and domestic wastes. According to a method for shredding wornout tyres a package of wornout tyres is formed as a number of closely compacted layers. The package is subjected to primary destruction in an armored chamber under conditions of free extension until the package outside layers are destroyed. The overall dimensions of the armored chamber in any cross-section thereof square with the chamber axis and passing through the package of the compacted tyres varies within the range of from 2 to 7 package diameters in such section. The compact package of tyres is formed from a few coaxial helical twists having an axial hole. According to the invention, a stress-strain state is established upon free extension of a rubber layer without its contacting with the walls of the armored chamber, whereby efficient destruction and disintegration of the rubber, metallic and textile cord of a tyre is attained.

Abstract: Method of shaping solid, particulate materials, which comprises forming a raw slurry of the starting material, in a liquid which is a partial solvent of said material, and submitting the slurry to treatment by ultrasound generators to produce therein ultrasonic vibrations which shape and grind the starting, particulate material to produce a shaped slurry of ground and shaped particles. The shaped particles may be separated from their slurry by removing the partial solvent by decantation and/or filtration. The partial solvent may be a liquid in which the material to be shaped has a solubility comprised between 1 and 10, wherein the solubility is expressed as grams of material that are dissolved in 100 ml of the liquid at a temperature of 20° C. The partial solvent can be chosen from among acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and mixtures of said solvents with one another or other solvents and/or a minor amount of water, and may also be an organic solvent.

Abstract: An apparatus for disintegrating waste matter preferably comprising a holding area for holding waste matter; and a fluid delivery mechanism for applying high pressure fluid to the holding area, wherein the high pressure fluid disintegrates the waste matter and applies a force sufficient to hydromechanically sever the waste matter. The holding area preferably includes a container bin having a bottom surface and an outer wall. Alternatively, the apparatus is a hand held device. An outlet port coupled to the bottom surface, wherein the disintegrated waste material exits the container bin via the outlet port. A fluid source coupled to the fluid delivery mechanism. The fluid delivery mechanism comprises at least one nozzle for applying a stream of highly pressurized fluid to the waste. The nozzle preferably includes a zero degree nozzle tip The fluid delivery mechanism comprises a column or a disk manifold, wherein the nozzle extends therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a containment chamber, a foam inlet, a vacuum port, and an air inlet. The containment chamber is a walled structure having a foam inlet. The surrounding of the foam inlet is shaped to correspond to the internal dimensions or surface structure of an aircraft fuselage or other aerospace structure. Because the surrounding of the foam inlet corresponds to the shape of the insulated structure, the containment apparatus may be mated with the portion of the structure having the insulation removed or captured. The vacuum port of the apparatus is connectable to a vacuum source, and the apparatus is utilized to suction particulate foam material from the insulated structure.

Abstract: A horizontal shaft impact rock crusher having breaker plates which are adjustable by hand, using a novel tension rod adjustment nut locking device which employs several loose-fitting retaining devices which, in combination with a bridge to a frame member or another tension rod, hold the tension rod adjustment nut in place.

Abstract: A method for the removal of a spent catalyst from a fixed-bed reactor is disclosed, wherein a suction hose, in which a high pressure hose comprising a high-pressure nozzle is integrated, is introduced into the reactor, the catalyst is then size-reduced by water under high pressure passed through the nozzle, the catalyst/water mixture is removed under suction and is optionally collected in a separator.

Abstract: Disclosed is an impact shoe system generally for use in rock crushers, namely centrifugal rock crushers. This impact shoe system generally includes a plurality of wear inserts patterned within the impact shoe to substantially reduce the wear on the impact shoe, as well as to increase the useful life of the impact shoe.

Abstract: Throw shoe with one or more pockets, which is intended for centrifugal-type crushers with a vertical shaft provided on its working face of a composite reinforcing structure (6) made of wear-resistant ceramic which has been infiltrated by an iron-based alloy and which is created in situ when the throw shoe is being cast.

Abstract: A plant waste disposal system is further includes a wood chipper apparatus having plant waste fragmenting elements and having a plant waste receiving hopper; an elongate push member having a member first end for gripping by hand and having a member second end of at least twice the width of the member first end for abutting and pushing plant waste into the plant waste receiving hopper. The elongate push member preferably is formed of tool material which is biodegradable. The elongate member preferably is constructed to fracture when subjected to tensile force in excess of five pounds, for preventing the elongate member from pulling a worker hand into the plant waste fragmenting elements.

Abstract: The present invention is a test milling method to determine the suitability of a grain for use in the derivation of desired end products. A full scale mill is simulated through a bench scale application wherein only a small portion of grain is required to conduct the test in contrast to testing protocols which employ full scale equipment. By utilizing the small scale simulations, hybrid varieties may be tested for total grit extraction and total yield well in advance of the many seasons that it takes to develop market quantities of a hybrid. The invention also relates to a method for determining which items of data collected are needed to accurately predict the total yield and grit extraction % and subsequently applying these limited data points in a shortened simulation to reduce the number of steps required in the test protocol. Data obtained from such tests may be used to direct hybrid research and select the best hybrids and shipments for the desired milling process.

Abstract: A method and device for performing lysing on a cell-containing fluid, in which the fluid flows through a vibrating micromachined tube to physically rupture the cell walls (mechanical lysis), and/or to mix, agitate or homogenize the fluid during chemical lysis, and/or to mix, agitate or homogenize the lysate for analysis or other processing after lysing. The tube includes a freestanding portion spaced apart from a surface of a substrate on which the tube is formed. The device further includes means for vibrating the freestanding portion of the tube at a level sufficient to rupture the walls of cells in a fluid flowing through the freestanding portion (for mechanical lysing) or to mix the fluid and a chemical lysing additive within the freestanding portion (for chemical lysing).

Abstract: A grinding mill assembly includes a mill shell, a pair of mill bearings supporting the mill, a motor configured to drive said mill shell, and at least one of a noise sensor and a vibration sensor. The at least one sensor generating an output signal indicative of whether a charge within the mill shell has cascaded. In addition, the grinding mill assembly includes at least one position sensor to determine a position of the mill shell. The grinding mill assembly also includes a solidified load panel comprising a controller configured to receive and process the output signal to determine if the charge within the mill has cascaded prior to the mill shell reaching a predetermined location.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of disintegrating or reducing the particle size of elemental materials, such as various forms of carbon, and organic crystals that contain minerals and that do not contain minerals. The method include the steps of entraining the material in a gas flow through an inlet of a housing, subjecting the flowing material to a plurality of alternating pressure increases and decreases within the housing, disintegrating the flowing material with the pressure increases and decreases, thereby reducing the mean particle size of the material, and discharging the disintegrated material though an outlet of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tire comminution apparatus that is of simple construction and that can be operated without excessive maintenance. According to the present invention, a vehicle tire of any size or composition can be comminuted with essentially the same comminution apparatus. The comminution apparatus includes a freely moving lance with a nozzle for transforming a liquid into a high velocity liquid jet. The lance is positioned and controlled such that the liquid jet impacts the tire thereby separating it into its component parts. The comminution apparatus may be computer controlled.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for disrupting cells or viruses to release the nucleic acid therefrom. The apparatus includes a container having a chamber for holding the cells or viruses. The apparatus also includes an ultrasonic transducer for contacting a wall of the chamber and for transmitting ultrasonic energy into the chamber through the wall. A support structure holds the container and the transducer against each other such that the transducer contacts the wall of the chamber. The support structure includes an elastic body, such as a spring, for applying to the container or to the transducer a substantially constant force to press together the transducer and the wall. The chamber also preferably contains beads for enhancing the disruption of the cells or viruses. The apparatus performs rapid and consistent lysis of cells or viruses, often in as little time as 5 to 10 seconds.

Abstract: An adjustable tension feed wheel assembly for wood chipper includes a first feed wheel and a movable second feed wheel movable relative to the first feed wheel. The adjustable tension feed wheel assembly also includes a spring operatively interconnecting the first feed wheel and the second feed wheel to urge the second feed wheel toward the first feed wheel. The adjustable tension feed wheel assembly further includes an adjustment mechanism to delay a tension of the spring to allow the second feed wheel to move away from the first feed wheel against a force of gravity before the spring applies a spring force to the second feed wheel to urge the second feed wheel toward the first feed wheel.

Abstract: A device to prevent inadvertent introduction of metal material into a household garbage disposer grinder. The device comprises a flexible magnetic whose ends are retained in an H-shaped retainer and which is disposed around the entrance to the disposer to form a magnetic field across the entrance so that ferrous metals will be attracted to the magnet and therefore will stick thereto, and thus not fall into the hopper of the disposer.

Abstract: A capture system to receive, store and transport chips and debris discharged from the discharge tube of a chipper-shredder. The capture system includes a rigid housing forming an enclosure. The entry end wall of the enclosure has an opening disposed to receive the discharge tube of the chipper-shredder. An interior baffle extends from the opposite end wall at an angle of about 10° to 15° below horizontal. The baffle has an end spaced vertically above and horizontally in from the opening in the entry end wall to form a passageway to the top wall of the housing. The top wall has a solid section directly above the passageway and an open mesh section directly above the baffle. The airstream with entrained chips and debris is propelled from the discharge tube of the chipper-shredder and impacts the opposite end wall and continues up to the underside of the baffle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved cutting-and-transferring system for cutting and separating a workpiece into pellets. The workpiece is held by a holder member. The system comprises: a holding table for holding a workpiece to be cut; a cutting unit including at least cutting means for cutting the workpiece on the holding table into pellets; a transferring unit including at least transferring means for picking up the pellets from the holder member and for transferring to a selected carrier tray; and a shuttle transfer unit for transferring a selected cut workpiece from the cutting unit to the transferring unit. All these parts work automatically in unison, thus reducing the length of time involved for cutting workpieces into pellets and for loading carrier trays with pellets to possible minimum.

Abstract: An apparatus for breaking garbage bags comprises a bag breaking and a liquid waste processor. The breaker mechanism breaks the input garbage bags containing waste materials. The liquid waste processor includes a removable liquid waste absorbent sheet. This liquid waste absorbent sheet is arranged to absorb liquid waste coming out of the broken garbage bags. The liquid waste absorbent sheet containing the liquid waste is removed for appropriate treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and method for the treatment of recyclable materials from solid waste. The material is introduced into a pressure vessel where it is heated and shredded. Fluid jets within the vessel produce a cutting/agitating action on the waste material as it flows through the vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved cutting-and-transferring system for cutting and separating a workpiece into pellets. The workpiece is held by a holder member. The system comprises: a holding table for holding a workpiece to be cut; a cutting unit including at least cutting means for cutting the workpiece on the holding table into pellets; a transferring unit including at least transferring means for picking up the pellets from the holder member and for transferring to a selected carrier tray; and a shuttle transfer unit for transferring a selected cut workpiece from the cutting unit to the transferring unit. All these parts work automatically in unison, thus reducing the length of time involved for cutting workpieces into pellets and for loading carrier trays with pellets to possible minimum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for crushing glass bodies, in which the glass body 18 is arranged in a microwave field 4, so that the said glass body 18 is crushed on account of the resulting thermal stresses. In addition, a local plasma 20, which results in further thermal stresses, is produced on the surface of the glass body 18. Since the glass body 18 to be crushed does not come into contact with crushing means, for example rollers or the like, the pieces of broken glass 22 cannot be contaminated by abrasion particles of the crushing means. The plasma 20 permits a rapid and economic crushing of the glass bodies.

Abstract: A system (100) for recycling the components of defective or spent fluorescent tubes (3) comprises a conveying device (15), on which the fluorescent tubes (3), which are arranged parallel to each other, adjacent to each other and perpendicular to the conveying device, can be conveyed past processing stations (22, 28, 36, 38, 40) in a substantially horizontal manner. There is a feed station (5) for feeding the delivered fluorescent tubes (3) to the conveying device (15).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of particle treatment providing a stream of particles in liquid applying said stream to an ultrasonic probe wherein said stream has an orifice surrounded by a plate that is generally parallel to the emitting surface of said probe and wherein said plate is adjustable to vary its distance from said emitting surface.

Abstract: An apparatus pulverizes material composed of wet or dry discrete objects into relatively smaller particles with shock waves created by flowing the material through a housing having alternating rotors and orifice plates. The housing includes a first end having a feed chute for introducing the material into the housing, a second end having an opening for removing the smaller particles, and internal sides meeting in corners, which extend longitudinally between the first and second ends. A rotatable shaft extends substantially along a longitudinal central axis of the housing. Rotors each include a hub coupled to the shaft for rotation therewith, a substantially polygonal-shaped rotor plate centrally fixed to the hub and having apices, and a plurality of vanes each vanes extending approximately radially inward on a side of the rotor plate from an apex. Each orifice plate extends inwardly from the internal sides of the housing to a central aperture which provides an orifice around the shaft.

Abstract: In a method for granulating and comminuting liquid slags, especially metal-oxide-containing slags, coal, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide (CO2) and/or coal/water mixtures or coal slurries are driven into the slag or the slag jet. The liquid slag is transferred into an expansion and granulation chamber and subsequently into a mill, especially a jet or impact mill. In the device for carrying out the method provided with a slag tundish and a lance arranged coaxially to the axis of the tundish tube the tundish tube is designed as a hole-type nozzle. Devices for applying carbon carriers and/or water nozzles are arranged radially outside of the mouth of the tundish tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting a horizontal shaft impact crusher for efficient crushing of different types of material are provided. At least two feed plates are provided. The feed plates each have a different feed angle adapted for use with a predetermined type or types of aggregate material. The feed plates can be interchangeably mounted on the crusher to adapt the crusher for enhanced crushing efficiency with respect to the type of material to be crushed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for lifting a glass container hammermill to enable a holding and storage receptacle to be placed beneath the hammermill is disclosed. The apparatus and the method may utilize a variety of lifting and locking mechanisms to lift and then lock the hammermill in the upper or release position so that the glass cullet holding and storage can be removed and replaced. Providing a user a mechanical means of lifting a hammermill high enough to place a storage receptacle below the break area allows for faster glass crushing and greater receptacle storage capacity.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing ice from an electric cable is disclosed. This apparatus comprises an impact actuator, an impact member in the from of a rod, and a fastener to hang the apparatus from the electric cable. The apparatus can be remotely activated and can be activated many times before reloading. Triggering of the impact actuator produces an impact between the rod and the electric cable suitable to produce a shock wave that propagates along the electric cable to cause the accumulated ice to break and fall on the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus pulverizes material composed of wet or dry discrete objects into relatively smaller particles with shock waves created by flowing the material through a housing having alternating rotors and orifice plates. The housing includes a first end having a feed chute for introducing the material into the housing, a second end having an opening for removing the smaller particles, and internal sides meeting in corners, which extend longitudinally between the first and second ends. A rotatable shaft extends substantially along a longitudinal central axis of the housing. Rotors each include a hub coupled to the shaft for rotation therewith, a substantially polygonal-shaped rotor plate centrally fixed to the hub and having apices, and a plurality of vanes each vanes extending approximately radially inward on a side of the rotor plate from an apex. Each orifice plate extends inwardly from the internal sides of the housing to a central aperture which provides an orifice around the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for devulcanizing vulcanized rubber or crosslinked polymeric material has an ultrasonic exposure portion including a body forming an exposure channel through which particles of the material flow and an ultrasonic generator including a horn extending generally traverse to the direction of the material flow. The apparatus also has a preconditioning portion for feeding the particles to the ultrasonic exposure channel. The method for devulcanizing vulcanized rubber or crosslinked polymeric material comprises the steps of preconditioning and feeding particles of the material, including heating the particles; feeding the particles through a pressurized exposure channel; and exposing the particles to ultrasonic energy within the exposure channel with an ultrasonic wave propagated in a direction traverse to the direction of the channel to effect devulcanization by breaking chemical bonds in the material.

Abstract: The method for shredding wornout tire cases comprises exposing wornout tire cases to the effect of an explosion exerted thereon in a closed circular system so as to establish a directional circulating flow of explosion products. The device for carrying the method into effect comprises a chamber (1, 2) and a piping (3, 4) which forms, together with the chamber, a circular closed system, the chamber has a portion shaped as a cone-frustum shell (1), wherein shredding members (7) and a fixing unit of the explosive (13) are accommodated; a the smaller-diameter portion of the cone-shaped shell (1) communicates with one end of the piping (4) through a valve appearing as, e.g., a grid established by plates (7) in the area of the smaller base of the shell (1), while the other end of the piping (3) communicates with the chamber (1, 2) from the side of the larger-diameter portion of the cone-shaped shell (1).

Abstract: A pulverizer which reduces solid materials having moisture content to a powder-like material in a single pass through the pulverizer. The pulverizer of this invention utilizes a plurality of radially extending flexible chains associated with anvils oriented outwardly and above the ends of the chains for disintegrating solid materials into fine aggregate material similar to dust or powder. The chains and anvils produce a kinetic energy and standing sound waves to fracture materials and vaporize moisture in the materials with the characteristics of the kinetic energy and standing sound waves being varied depending upon the structural characteristics of the rotatable chains and anvils, the spatial relationship between the chains and anvils, the angular position of the anvils and the rotational speed of the chains.

Abstract: A method and device for fragmenting semiconductor material, comprising at least two spaced-apart electrodes, which consist of the semiconductor material which is to be fragmented. Each electrode has a heating device. The electrodes pass high voltage current through the semiconductor material to fragment it. The device eliminates the risk of contanimation of the semiconductor material as compared with conventional methods.

Abstract: A hood assembly for wood chipper includes a housing and a cutting assembly partially disposed within the housing. The hood assembly also includes a first hood partially enclosing the cutting assembly and fixedly connected to the housing and a second hood pivotally connected to the housing and having a closed position covering the cutting assembly and an open position extending away from the cutting assembly. The hood assembly further includes a removable hood pin to secure the first and second hoods together in the closed position and a hood pin plunger assembly connected to the first hood and cooperating with the hood pin and having a bent handle to allow an operator to actuate the hood pin plunger assembly to remove the hood pin after the cutting assembly has stopped rotating to move the second hood to the open position.

Abstract: A self-lubricating vertical shaft impact crusher having a housing, lubricating assembly, and a motor wherein the lubricant cools and lubricates the bearings of the rotating shaft and is circulated by using the hydraulic pressure associated with the height of the lubricant reservoir and propellers located on the vertical shaft itself within the shaft housing wherein the propellers provide additional driving force for the lubricant as the vertical shaft rotates.

Abstract: A method for rupturing microalgae in an aqueous suspension is disclosed. In one embodiment the aqueous suspension is passed through a constriction into a liquid phase at a pressure sufficient to rupture the cells by circulating the aqueous suspension through a constriction in a pump loop at a pressure and a percent recycle sufficient to rupture the cells. Cells of the alga Dunaliella salina can be ruptured by the method of the invention to promote froth flotation and mechanical filtration of the cells for recovery of mixed carotenoids.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for recovering mixed carotenoids from the alga Dunaliella salina. The harvested cells are ruptured, typically by circulating the algal suspension at high pressure through a pump loop. The cells can then be dewatered by absorptive bubble separation techniques, including a froth floatation circuit that has a roughing zone and a concentrating zone. If further concentration is desired, the algal concentrate can be mechanically filtered in a cross flow microfiltration unit in the absence of flocculating agents with substantially no loss of carotenoids in the permeate. Various methods for extracting mixed carotenoids and other components from the algae are disclosed, including dense gas extraction, and extractions with natural and synthetic flavorants, and edible oils.

Abstract: A method for chopping a body consisting of explosives is described, by which a high-pressure water jet emerging from a nozzle is directed against the body of solid explosive and in which the nozzle and the body carry out a movement relative to each other during the chopping. Preferred fields of use are composite rocket fuels. There is also described a device for carrying out the process, in which the body of composite rocket fuel to be decomposed or divided into portions is secured on a chopping bench, and a nozzle fastened to a nozzle holder for the high-pressure water jet as well as at least one means for producing a relative movement serving as chopping advance movement between the nozzle and the body of composite rocket fuel are provided.

Abstract: Method and device for separating harder from less harder substances of a compact mass block (1) consisting of hard and less hard substances, such as magnesium or aluminum from slag and refuse containing magnesium or aluminum, thereby directing at least one fluid beam having at least 400 bar pressure against the mass block (1) for separating the harder from the less harder substances by breaking out pieces from block, whereby the nozzle or nozzles (11) and the mass block (1) are moved in relation to each other and the substances are cooled with water to reduce metal loss by oxidation.

Abstract: A clearing system for a cone crusher used to crush rock. The clearing system includes an actuating member which engages and lifts a lower push rod which is guided through a lower rod boss so as to remain axially aligned with an upper push rod, which in turn is guided by an upper rod boss. The upper push rod engages an adjustment ring which allows the crushing chamber sections to be separated to allow clearing of foreign material from the crusher. A preferably removable intermediate guide engages the lower push rod between the lower rod boss and the actuating member so that the lower push rod remains axially aligned with the actuating member and the upper push rod.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement are provided for breaking up composite material comprised of elastic materials combined with metallic materials. The composite material is placed into an insulated vat holding liquid nitrogen via a transporting device and is positioned below a unipolar electrode arrangement. An energy source generates high-energy pulses that are applied to the composite material by the electrode arrangement. The composite material is torn apart by the high-energy pulses and is separated by a subsequently resulting pressure pulse.

Abstract: An apparatus for grinding specimens, comprises a container, a grinder, a closure for the container, and a seal contained in the closure. The container has an interior grinding surface and contains an opening through which specimens are introduced for grinding. The grinder has a grinding head and an actuator arm extending from the grinding head. The grinding head is adapted to engage the interior grinding surface of the container. Grinding is effected by moving the grinding head against the grinding surface, using the actuator arm. The closure is adapted to close the container and enclose the grinding head therein. The closure contains a passage through which the actuator arm extends when the closure is enclosing the grinding head. The seal is contained in the closure and coaxially aligned with the passage of the closure, such that the actuator arm slidably engages the seal when the arm passes through the closure.

Abstract: A device for holding the grates or backside plates of a partition in a tube mill, the partition being made of a frame that is flame cut or cast, in steel or iron. The frame is provided with anchor holes. The holding device is made of a perforated plate held on the partition frame, and is perpendicular to the mill axis, the perforated plate being provided with anchor holes for the grates or backside plates, the holes being, for a given diameter, always identically positioned so that for the given diameter, the same grates or backside plates are always used irrespective of the shape of the partition frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a material disposed inside a metal casing from the metal casing. A composite is provided including the metal casing and the material disposed inside the metal casing. An electrode system distinct from the metal casing is arranged inside a liquid. A high energy pulse is generated on the electrode system through spark discharge in the liquid thereby generating a pressure pulse. The material disposed in the metal casing is separated from the metal casing by effecting an absorption of the pressure pulse by the composite thereby breaking up the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for devulcanizing vulcanized rubber or crosslinked polymeric material has an ultrasonic exposure portion including a body forming an exposure channel through which particles of the material flow and an ultrasonic generator including a horn extending generally transverse to the direction of the material flow. The apparatus also has a preconditioning portion for feeding the particles to the ultrasonic exposure channel. The method for devulcanizing vulcanized rubber or crosslinked polymeric material comprises the steps of preconditioning and feeding particles of the material, including heating the particles; feeding the particles through a pressurized exposure channel; and exposing the particles to ultrasonic energy within the exposure channel with an ultrasonic wave propagated in a direction transverse to the direction of the channel to effect devulcanization by breaking chemical bonds in the material.

Abstract: A method and system for re-using and recycling garment hangers which is applicable to localized or world wide geographic areas and which (a) eliminates sorting at the collecting point for used hangers, usually a retail store, (b) handles re-usable, recyclable and scrap hangers without restriction on mix components of a given batch, (c) renovates and returns the re-used hangers and recycled hanger material to points of need, and (d) can be physically located at a location dictated solely by convenience considerations without mandatory reliance on the physical proximity of hanger manufacturing facilities. The recycled hanger material may be sorted into a first part suitable for recycling and a second part suitable for scrap by manual and/or non-manual means.