Abstract: A process for the recovery of nickel and/or cobalt from an impure nickel, cobalt or mixed nickel/cobalt material including the steps of: a) providing a nickel, cobalt or mixed nickel/cobalt material; and b) contacting the nickel, cobalt or mixed nickel/cobalt material with a feed ammoniacal ammonium carbonate solution and a reductant in a leach step.

Abstract: A method is provided for compressing data from a stream of values using one or many distinct memory addresses as workspace, each memo address containing one or many values. The method works by reading two contiguous data values, of length K and N bits, from the stream, as a memory address reference (MAR) and a symbol, respectively. If the symbol does not match any of the values in the memory address pointed by MAR, the symbol replaces one of those values, and a MISS code, followed by the symbol, is appended to the compressed stream. Otherwise, a HIT code is added appended directly to the compressed stream, the code representing the location, of the matched value in the memory address. Advantageously, the workspace behaves analogous to a cache memory used in computer architecture, allowing it to be implemented using content addressable memory or associative arrays in hardware or software implementations, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, media and compositions capable of modulating the differentiation of stem cells. Applicants have discovered that agonists of lysophospholipid receptors and ligands of class III tyrosine kinase receptors are useful in preventing the spontaneous differentiation of stem cells. The ligands and agonists may be used alone, or in combination where they have a synergistic effect. Also provided are cells produced using the methods and media, and methods of treating stem cell related diseases using the compositions described herein. Methods of identifying compounds useful in finding other agents useful in the modulation of stem cell differentiation are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrode additive comprising an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion, wherein the aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion is stabilized by the use of a surfactant that does not substantially remain in an electrode coating film after a drying step during electrode production.

Abstract: A carboxylic acid molecule (R COOH) is subjected to an electric field in a micro-reactor. The molecule decarboxyles to form a radical (R•). Two radicals (R•) can dimerise to form the product (R—R). It is believed that the reaction occurs away from the electrodes used to apply the electric field (but may also occur at the electrode surfaces).

Abstract: A system for automated high-pressure synthesis and more particularly a high-pressure reactor assembly comprises a reaction block and a pressure manifold for the introduction of pressure to the reaction wells of a reaction block. The reactor includes one or more pressure resistant reaction wells or vessels disposed in the reaction block.

Abstract: In a transport system for a mould-string casting plant comprising a moulding machine (1) delivering a plurality of uniform mould parts (3) to a string of moulds on the transport system transporting the moulds from the moulding machine (1) to a pouring station (4) and further on to a solidification and cooling section (II, III, IV) and ending at a knock-out station in which the castings are taken out of the moulds (3), the transport system comprises in combination—a second section (II), in which the moulds (3) in the string are transported slidingly by means of movable longitudinal side rails (8) applying a positive lateral force on each side of the mould string (3) and moving in an advancing and longitudinal stepwise manner synchronised with the movement provided by the pressure plate (2) of the moulding machine (1), and—a third section (III), in which the transport is effected by means of a walling beam system (6, 7).

Abstract: An expander roll that has a plurality of metallic, cylindrical roll members is constructed to obtain sufficient liquidtightness, wherein a gap-facing concave portion 19 is formed in the outer circumferential surface of a ring-shaped elastic packing 17 with which a gap 18 between adjoining, cylindrical roll members 6A and 6B is closed, in addition, a required number of concave portions 21 are formed in both side parts of the gap-facing concave portion 19 so as to form pleat-like portions 22 and the outer circumferential surface of the pleat-like portion 22 is fixed to the inner circumferential surfaces of the cylindrical roll members 6A and 6B on the same side as the side of the outer circumferential surface of the pleat-like portion 22.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical power transmission equipment, consisting of casing (3–3d) and inside the casing (3–3d) the power transfer arrangement having the power-in-axle (1) and the power-out axle (8), and between them an electricity generating and torque-transferring main generator arrangement (17,20,21,22) rotated by the axle (1), and an electric motor arrangement (29,30,31,31) that rotates axle (8), and the incoming rotational power is divided by the first planetary gear set (e.g.2b,4,5,6,7) between power-out axle (8) and the electric power transmission.

Abstract: A shopping trolley (10) has a basket (11), handle (12) and front and rear wheels (13, 14). The basket (11), tapered in plan view, has side walls (15, 16) interconnected by a front wall (17). The rear wall (19) is hingedly connected to the side walls (15, 16) and engages the rearward end of the floor (22), which is hingedly connected to the side walls (15, 16) or front wall (17). The floor (22) is downwardly inclined from the rearward end to the forward end. When the trolley (10) is nested with a similar trolley, the rear wall (19) is swung inwardly and upwardly, causing the floor (22) to be swung upwardly to be behind the front wall (17). Alternative the floor (22) may be folded e.g. in a concertina-like fashion, to be behind the front wall (17).

Abstract: Method and apparatus is disclosed to enhance the quality and usefulness of picture taking and other image acquisition for pleasure or business purposes. In a preferred embodiment, stereo photogrammetry is combined with digital image acquisition to acquire or store scenes and poses of interest, and/or to interact with the subject in order to provide data to or from a computer. This data may be utilized to maximize the effectiveness of photographic sessions, particularly digital still photography or cine-photography. A further embodiment discloses associated displays and teaching apparatus.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for pumping the tire of a vehicle while the vehicle is travelling. The device is mounted on the wheel axle and, apart from a hanging counterweight (226) which remains stationary, the entire device rotates with the axle and wheels. Tire pressure is sensed and, when below a predetermined level, a piston (22) moves axially to press a rotating clutch plate (260) against the stationary counterweight (226). The clutch plate (260) thus stops rotating. Part of a pump drive structure (216) stops rotating with the clutch plate (260). Relative rotation between this part of the pump drive structure and the remainder of the pump drive structure causes air to be pumped to the tire. When tire pressure has been restored the piston (22) moves back, the clutch plate (260) is released, and the pumping action ceases.

Abstract: The invention concerns a variable timing device for reciprocating engines with, at least two cam shafts (AC1, AC2) comprising, at least an intake valve (A) and at least an exhaust valve (E) actuated by said shafts, and means for shaft angular offset D1, D2). The invention is characterised in that at least a common valve (A) is actuated by hydraulic transmission means (4, 9, 10) adapted to transmit to said valve the movement of at least two cams (A1, A2) belonging to the shafts with distinct cams (AC1, AC2) capable of being offset relative to each other. The invention also concerns engines comprising said timing system and a timing and turbocharging method capable of using said distribution.

Abstract: 1. Roll paper feed device (1) for a printing machine (2), comprising a cradle (3) provided with side cheeks (4), means (5, 7) at the bottom of the cradle for supporting a freely rotating paper roll (6) whenever the free end of the paper web (10) is subjected to a traction (9), braking means (13) for the rotating roll (6), which are joined to the cradle and have at least one elastic bearing member (14) against a side of the roll, which member comprises at least one elastically deformable arm (19) joined to the cradle and a protruding zone (16) situated at the free end of the arm and engaged through an opening (17) in the cheek and protruding relative to the inner face of the latter; the protruding zone is in the form of a protruding stub having a flat bearing surface (18) peripherally surrounded by an inclined surface (24, 25) suitable for sliding over the sides of the roll when this is introduced in the cradle.