Abstract: In the process of recovering platinum group metals from platinum group metal- and base metal-containing materials, the present invention uses reductants and a sulfur-deficient matte to aide the separation of the furnace matte from the furnace slag and therefore improve recovery of platinum group metals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to parasite astacin metalloendopeptidase proteins, nucleic acid molecules having sequences that encode such proteins, antibodies raised against such proteins and compounds that can inhibit the activities of parasite astacin metalloendopeptidases. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such nucleic acid molecules, proteins, antibodies and inhibitors. The present invention also includes therapeutic compositions comprising such nucleic acid molecules, proteins, antibodies and inhibitors as well as their use to protect animals from disease caused by parasites, such as heartworm infection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for recovering metal from dross. The apparatus comprises a chamber having an opening to receive the dross and an agitating member mounted in the chamber. The agitating member is driven so that it agitates the dross in the chamber so as to release the metal from the oxide of the dross. The chamber also has an outlet through which the recovered metal and residual oxide are discharged.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjunct (add-on) therapy of painful syndromes comprises an implantable lead-receiver, an external stimulator having controlling circuitry and a power source, and an coil to inductively couple the stimulator to the lead-receiver. The external patch contains means for compensating for the change in axis of external transmitting and internal receiving coils. The external stimulator emits electrical pulses to stimulate a cranial nerve such as the left vagus nerve according to a predetermined program. The pre-determined programs include both short term and long term stimulation.

Abstract: A visual display device is provided for delivering a generated image, preferably combinable with environment light, to the eye of a user. The device is lightweight and compact but yields a high quality image. In one embodiment, a color shutter provides a high-density color image. In one embodiment, a shroud protects from stray light and holds optical elements in desired alignment. In one embodiment an image generator is masked by at least two masks to provide for a high quality image without waste. In one embodiment, a removably mounted shield or activatable device can convert the apparatus from a see-through device to an immersion device and back again. In one embodiment, the device can be comfortably mounted to the user's head while still allowing for use of conventional eyeglasses. In one embodiment various controls, such as a mute button, volume control and the like can be provided, such as by mounting on the head-mounted display device.