Abstract: A fastening system for mounting on a substrate is described. The fastening system comprises a sleeve and an inner element, wherein the sleeve comprises a holding portion, a spreading zone and a drill opening at one of the two ends of the sleeve and a tool opening at the other end, wherein the spreading zone is arranged at least partially between the holding portion and the drill opening, and wherein the inner element is arranged at least partially within the sleeve and is movable relative to the sleeve, and wherein the inner element comprises a drilling portion and an spreading portion, wherein the drilling portion comprises at least one cutting element and the drilling portion projects at least partially out of the drill opening of the sleeve and the spreading portion of the inner element is adapted to expand the spreading zone of the sleeve during a movement of the spreading portion in the sleeve and relative to the sleeve in the direction from the tool opening to the drill opening.

Abstract: A system for the separation of rare earth elements, the system including a separation vessel, the separation vessel including an inlet configured to receive the aqueous solution, an interior configured to house the aqueous solution, where the interior is configured to receive a supply of air; the aqueous solution including one or more rare earth elements, a surfactant, and a complexing agent; a compressed air source, where the compressed air source is operatively coupled to the separation vessel, and configured to propel the supply of air through the aqueous solution; and the supply of air, where the supply of air is operable to induce a plurality of bubbles to form in the aqueous solution, and create a foam layer to form at and above the interface of the aqueous solution, wherein the foam layer comprises the one or more rare earth elements from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A system for recovering rare earth elements from coal ash includes a leaching reactor, an ash dryer downstream of the leaching reactor, and a roaster downstream of the ash dryer that is cooperatively connected to both the leaching reactor and the ash dryer. Coal ash is mixed with an acid stream such that rare earth elements present in the coal ash are dissolved in the acid stream, thereby creating (i) a leachate containing the rare earth elements and (ii) leached ash. The leachate is heated to obtain acid vapor and an acid-soluble rare earth concentrate. Mixing of the coal ash with the acid stream can occur in a leaching reactor and heating of the leachate can occur in a roaster. The acid-soluble rare earth concentrate can be fed to a hydrometallurgical process to separate and purify the rare earth elements.

Abstract: Methods of recovering rare earth elements, vanadium, cobalt, or lithium from coal are described. The coal is dissolved in a first solvent to dissolve organic material in the coal and create a slurry containing coal ash enriched with rare earth elements, vanadium, cobalt, or lithium. The enriched coal ash is separated from the first solvent. Residual organic material is removed from the coal ash. The rare earth elements, vanadium, cobalt, or lithium can then be recovered from the coal ash. The coal ash is mixed with an acid stream that dissolves the rare earth elements, thereby creating (i) a leachate containing the rare earth elements and (ii) leached ash. The leachate is heated to obtain acid vapor and an acid-soluble rare earth concentrate. The acid-soluble rare earth concentrate can be fed to a hydrometallurgical process to separate and purify the rare earth elements.

Abstract: An audio system may receive a media stream, via a first wireless connection, in an analog format. The audio system may digitize the media stream, as received via the first wireless connection, to provide a first sub-stream. The audio system may receive a media stream, via a second wireless connection, in a digital format. The media stream from the second wireless connection may be a second sub-stream. The audio system may compare at least one reproduction characteristic of the first sub-stream and the second sub-stream. The audio system may adjust at least one further reproduction characteristic of the second sub-stream based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method of making a zeolite comprises: adding a zeolite seed to a leach solution containing silicon and aluminum; and heating the leach solution to obtain the zeolite. The leach solution can be made by mixing coal ash with a basic stream, thereby creating (i) a leach solution containing silicon and aluminum, and (ii) leached ash; and separating the leach solution from the leached ash.

Abstract: People love fun fast paced family friendly party games having elements of skill and luck allowing everyone to get in on the fun. Fast paced game play can be a more hygienic alternative to beer pong with the receptacle target being portable, lightweight, durable, compactly storable, placeable for instance onto a table or a truck tailgate. Embodiments can be used as amusement games with players stacking game pieces on or tossing game pieces towards a receptacle target. Innovative elegant designs brings out the natural beauty of wood or other stylistic materials in a fun functional manner.

Abstract: A system for recovering rare earth elements from coal ash includes a leaching reactor, an ash dryer downstream of the leaching reactor, and a roaster downstream of the ash dryer that is cooperatively connected to both the leaching reactor and the ash dryer. Coal ash is mixed with an acid stream such that rare earth elements present in the coal ash are dissolved in the acid stream, thereby creating (i) a leachate containing the rare earth elements and (ii) leached ash. The leachate is heated to obtain acid vapor and an acid-soluble rare earth concentrate. Mixing of the coal ash with the acid stream can occur in a leaching reactor and heating of the leachate can occur in a roaster. The acid-soluble rare earth concentrate can be fed to a hydrometallurgical process to separate and purify the rare earth elements.

Abstract: Methods of recovering rare earth elements, vanadium, cobalt, or lithium from coal are described. The coal is dissolved in a first solvent to dissolve organic material in the coal and create a slurry containing coal ash enriched with rare earth elements, vanadium, cobalt, or lithium. The enriched coal ash is separated from the first solvent. Residual organic material is removed from the coal ash. The rare earth elements, vanadium, cobalt, or lithium can then be recovered from the coal ash. The coal ash is mixed with an acid stream that dissolves the rare earth elements, thereby creating (i) a leachate containing the rare earth elements and (ii) leached ash. The leachate is heated to obtain acid vapor and an acid-soluble rare earth concentrate. The acid-soluble rare earth concentrate can be fed to a hydrometallurgical process to separate and purify the rare earth elements.

Abstract: A system for recovering rare earth elements from coal ash includes a leaching reactor, an ash dryer downstream of the leaching reactor, and a roaster downstream of the ash dryer that is cooperatively connected to both the leaching reactor and the ash dryer. Coal ash is mixed with an acid stream such that rare earth elements present in the coal ash are dissolved in the acid stream, thereby creating (i) a leachate containing the rare earth elements and (ii) leached ash. The leachate is heated to obtain acid vapor and an acid-soluble rare earth concentrate. Mixing of the coal ash with the acid stream can occur in a leaching reactor and heating of the leachate can occur in a roaster. The acid-soluble rare earth concentrate can be fed to a hydrometallurgical process to separate and purify the rare earth elements.

Abstract: A method of making a zeolite comprises: adding a zeolite seed to a leach solution containing silicon and aluminum; and heating the leach solution to obtain the zeolite. The leach solution can be made by mixing coal ash with a basic stream, thereby creating (i) a leach solution containing silicon and aluminum, and (ii) leached ash; and separating the leach solution from the leached ash.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air vent for mounting directly to an exterior wall of a structure to allow air flow from an interior space of the structure to the ambient environment. The air vent comprises a body comprising an opening and a siding portion disposed below the opening. The air vent further comprises a first siding piece secured to the siding portion that is substantially similar to the siding of the exterior wall. The air vent further comprises a damper moveably engaged with the body between a closed position where the damper blocks air flow thru the opening and an open position where the damper allows air flow thru the opening. The air vent further comprises a second siding piece secured to the damper that is substantially similar to and overlaps the first siding piece in the closed position. Unlike conventional devices, the air vent of the present invention blends into the siding on the exterior wall increasing the aesthetic appearance of the siding.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air vent for mounting directly to an exterior wall of a structure to allow air flow from an interior space of the structure to the ambient environment. The air vent comprises a body comprising an opening and a siding portion disposed below the opening. The air vent further comprises a first siding piece secured to the siding portion that is substantially similar to the siding of the exterior wall. The air vent further comprises a damper moveably engaged with the body between a closed position where the damper blocks air flow thru the opening and an open position where the damper allows air flow thru the opening. The air vent further comprises a second siding piece secured to the damper that is substantially similar to and overlaps the first siding piece in the closed position. Unlike conventional devices, the air vent of the present invention blends into the siding on the exterior wall increasing the aesthetic appearance of the siding.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air vent for mounting directly to an exterior wall of a structure to allow air flow from an interior space of the structure to the ambient environment. The air vent comprises a body comprising an opening and a siding portion disposed below the opening. The air vent further comprises a first siding piece secured to the siding portion that is substantially similar to the siding of the exterior wall. The air vent further comprises a damper moveably engaged with the body between a closed position where the damper blocks air flow thru the opening and an open position where the damper allows air flow thru the opening. The air vent further comprises a second siding piece secured to the damper that is substantially similar to and overlaps the first siding piece in the closed position. Unlike conventional devices, the air vent of the present invention blends into the siding on the exterior wall increasing the aesthetic appearance of the siding.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat bottom adapted to mount to a vehicle. The seat assembly further includes a first seat back pivotally attached to the seat bottom defining a recline angle relative to the seat bottom, and a second seat back pivotally attached to the seat bottom proximate to the first seat back defining a recline angle relative to the seat bottom. A pin is pivotally connected to the second seat back, is sized to be received within a latch mechanism on the first seat back, and is operably connected to the second seat back to pivot to a stowed position when the first seat back is pivoted to a recline angle that is less than the second seat back recline angle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air vent for mounting directly to an exterior wall of a structure to allow air flow from an interior space of the structure to the ambient environment. The air vent comprises a body comprising an opening and a siding portion disposed below the opening. The air vent further comprises a first siding piece secured to the siding portion that is substantially similar to the siding of the exterior wall. The air vent further comprises a damper moveably engaged with the body between a closed position where the damper blocks air flow thru the opening and an open position where the damper allows air flow thru the opening. The air vent further comprises a second siding piece secured to the damper that is substantially similar to and overlaps the first siding piece in the closed position. Unlike conventional devices, the air vent of the present invention blends into the siding on the exterior wall increasing the aesthetic appearance of the siding.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air vent for mounting directly to an exterior wall of a structure to allow air flow from an interior space of the structure to the ambient environment. The air vent comprises a body comprising an opening and a siding portion disposed below the opening. The air vent further comprises a first siding piece secured to the siding portion that is substantially similar to the siding of the exterior wall. The air vent further comprises a damper moveably engaged with the body between a closed position where the damper blocks air flow thru the opening and an open position where the damper allows air flow thru the opening. The air vent further comprises a second siding piece secured to the damper that is substantially similar to and overlaps the first siding piece in the closed position. Unlike conventional devices, the air vent of the present invention blends into the siding on the exterior wall increasing the aesthetic appearance of the siding.

Abstract: A system for recovering rare earth elements from coal ash includes a leaching reactor, an ash dryer downstream of the leaching reactor, and a roaster downstream of the ash dryer that is cooperatively connected to both the leaching reactor and the ash dryer. Coal ash is mixed with an acid stream such that rare earth elements present in the coal ash are dissolved in the acid stream, thereby creating (i) a leachate containing the rare earth elements and (ii) leached ash. The leachate is heated to obtain acid vapor and an acid-soluble rare earth concentrate. Mixing of the coal ash with the acid stream can occur in a leaching reactor and heating of the leachate can occur in a roaster. The acid-soluble rare earth concentrate can be fed to a hydrometallurgical process to separate and purify the rare earth elements.