Abstract: A method of refining carbon black char, the method comprising removing particles greater than approximately 1 mm in size from a carbon black char feed.

Abstract: A lockable hub device having a base that accommodates about a central axis a ganged pair of lockable attachment rings, a corresponding pair of locking and release elements, and a top cap, the entire assembly being secured by means of an assembly element that engages both the base and the top cap. The articulating members to be adjusted, e.g., the legs of a table or other foldable device, are attached to one of the lockable attachment rings. For simplicity of use, it is intended that each of the locking and release elements be constructed to extend partly through lumens defined by the top cap such that they may lockably engage the cap while retaining their partial extension therethrough, and such that release of each element may be achieved in a similar fashion as the locking operation.

Abstract: An object storage receptacle having two articulating arm members movably attached to opposite sides of a receptacle member at a point at or above the center of gravity of said receptacle member. The articulating arm members are attached to the receptacle member such that in a first position the arm members form a handle by which the storage receptacle may be carried, in a second position the arm members form a stand sufficiently stable to support the storage receptacle in a free-standing manner, and in a third position the arm members together may be disposed laterally relative to the storage receptacle. The arm members may be capable of free movement throughout a continuous circle about the receptacle and/or capable of telescoping into a first position where the arm members are fully extended for use and in a second position where the arm members are fully retracted for storage.