Abstract: Embodiments of an punch machine and a quick-change die assembly are shown and described. The die assembly may be quickly installed and removed from the punch machine, without bolting or unbolting of either machine housing or the die assembly itself. The die assembly is slid into the machine through a hole in the machine housing and into a position which mates part of the die assembly with the push-bar. A clamp, with a handle outside the machine, is then pivoted against the die assembly. The push-bar is adapted to be self-supporting without being bolted to the die assembly, keeping the push-bar in place without manual adjustment and alignment. The die assembly preferably includes a die, pin retainer, and punch pins, and preferably includes a flexible, pivotal, or hinged pin strap to secure the pins to the retainer.

Abstract: A filter assembly (20) is described that includes a sub-stantially recyclable filter cartridge (30) inside a pressure vessel (22). The invented filter cartridge comprises substantially non-pressure bearing walls, except for a pressure-bearing neck (44) that is adapted to with-stand high pressures preferably in the range of about 500 psi (34,47. 105 Pa) from the inside. The walls of the filter cartridge that are incapable of withstanding significant internal pressure are surronded on the outside by a pressure vessel (22). The invented cartridge need not seal et the pressure vessel, because the cartridge neck (44) protrudes outside of the pressure vessel (22) to seal directly to a filter head. The, cartridge preferably includes a quick-disassembly mechanism for allowing quick and non-destructive access to the internal components and media of the cartridge.

Abstract: A solid material for recovering metal ions from aqueous streams, and methods of making and using the solid material, are disclosed. The solid material is made by covalently bonding a chelating agent to a silica-based solid, or in-situ condensing ceramic precursors along with the chelating agent to accomplish the covalent bonding. The chelating agent preferably comprises a oxime type chelating head, preferably a salicylaldoxime-type molecule, with an organic tail covalently bonded to the head. The hydrocarbon tail includes a carbon-carbon double bond, which is instrumental in the step of covalently bonding the tail to the silica-based solid or the in-situ condensation. The invented solid material may be contacted directly with aqueous streams containing metal ions, and is selective to ions such as copper (II) even in the presence of such ions as iron (III) and other materials that are present in earthen materials.

Abstract: A cone-shaped nozzle for an aerosol spray can is disclosed. The nozzle preferably has a top end, or tip, and an opposing end, or stem, that removably connects to the can. Through the nozzle from the top center of the tip to the bottom center of the preferably cylindrical stem is a central cylindrical passageway. The top end of the passageway is the tip orifice, through which is discharged the contents of the can, and the bottom end of the passageway is the stem orifice, which receives the contents of the can for passage to the tip. The bottom of the stem and the stem orifice cooperate with the top of a release valve in the top of the aerosol can, so that the nozzle is supplied through the stem orifice. The stem is long enough to permit the cone-shaped nozzle to be depressed on its top, and travel downwardly far enough to activate the release valve.

Abstract: A complete integral pelletized animal feed which is easily and economically prepared with a potato component. This invention combines hay, oats, and potato waste with a vitamin supplement premix. The potato component acts as a binder which makes it possible to pelletize the combined components. The composite animal feed is a complete food requiring no further supplementation. The instant invention provides an economical, one-step, integral, composite animal feed which incorporates potato waste and a vitamin supplement premix forming a complete animal feed. The instant invention is economically produced using potato waste, and economical to use since no further supplementation is necessary.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand-held tool for embossing a sheet of paper or other media, and a method for performing the embossing. The tool is preferably a two-ended embossing tool, wherein each end has differently-sized roller ball that rotates/rolls in all directions inside a retainer. Each roller ball is biased outward, for example, by a detent-style spring unit. The preferably spring contacts the ball, so that the ball(s) and the spring(s) is/are the only moving parts of the tool. To use the tool, preferably the user applies pressure to the tool over paper or other media on top of a template with open channels in the shape of a desired design. The ball is received in the channel with the paper or other media lying between the exposed ball surface and the template. A guide surface extends out from the ball to be generally parallel to the surface of the paper beside the channel area.

Abstract: A process for treating earth materials such as rock heaps to prevent acid rock drainage therefrom is disclosed. First, the oxygen concentration in the gas-phase of the rock heap is decreased, that is, displaced and/or depleted. This first step may be accomplished physically, chemically or biologically. Then, the gas-phase oxygen concentration in the heap is maintained at a low level. This second step may be provided for in a self-sustaining manner, like, for example, by covering the rock heap with soil and vegetation so that acid rock drainage is prevented indefinitely. Alternatively, the density of the gas-phase of the rock heap may be increased, and maintained at an elevated level indefinitely. The process is applicable to waste heaps from mining and industrial operations such as power generation and minerals processing, and to rubble collections in open and closed mines.

Abstract: Embodiments of an punch machine and a quick-change die assembly are shown and described. The die assembly may be quickly installed and removed from the punch machine, without bolting or unbolting of either machine housing or the die assembly itself. The die assembly is slid into the machine through a hole in the machine housing and into a position which mates part of the die assembly with the push-bar. A clamp, with a handle outside the machine, is then pivoted against the die assembly. The push-bar is adapted to be self-supporting without being bolted to the die assembly, keeping the push-bar in place without manual adjustment and alignment. The die assembly preferably includes a die, pin retainer, and punch pins, and preferably includes a flexible, pivotal, or hinged pin strap to secure the pins to the retainer.

Abstract: Embodiments of a remediation reactor and mixer/contactor blade for the reactor are shown and described, the reactor (11) being for containing a liquid slurry, suspension or settled bed of solid particles containing microorganisms. Inside the vessel is a supply conduit and at least one generally horizontal stirrer blade (27) in fluid connection with the supply conduit. The stirrer blade is a mixer/contactor which has a leading side having openings through which fluid may pass. The stirrer blade rotates in the vessel, and this rotation is made easier by the hydraulic forces of fluid flowing out from the stirrer blade. The flowing fluid creates a fluidization zone in the slurry, suspension or settled bed at or near the leading edge of the stirrer blade. The fluidization zone is less dense than the rest of the sediment bed, and the stirrer blade tends to rotate into the fluidization zone.