Abstract: The process of the present invention begins with a source of silicon and silicon carbide from wafer production. The silicon/silicon carbide waste material is dewatered as need be and passed to a mixer where the waste material is agglomerated. A binder is applied to the waste material either during agglomeration or during pelletizing. A variety of organic binders may be used such as polyvinyl alcohol, molasses, sodium silicate and polyethylene glycol; however, the preferred binder is a lignosulsulfonate. The amount of binder used will depend upon the particular binder and the feed material used. The silicon/silicon carbide-containing waste material is pelletized. The invention also provided silicon/silicon carbide-containing pellets that may be used as reduction material in smelting furnaces for the production of metals and alloys.

Abstract: The process of the present invention begins with a source of silicon and silicon carbide from wafer production. The silicon/silicon carbide waste material is dewatered as need be and passed to a mixer where the waste material is agglomerated. A binder is applied to the waste material either during agglomeration or during pelletizing. A variety of organic binders may be used such as polyvinyl alcohol, molasses, sodium silicate and polyethylene glycol; however, the preferred binder is a lignosulsulfonate. The amount of binder used will depend upon the particular binder and the feed material used. The silicon/silicon carbide-containing waste material is pelletized. The invention also provided silicon/silicon carbide-containing pellets that may be used as reduction material in smelting furnaces for the production of metals and alloys.

Abstract: A retractable writing instrument that includes a barrel, a writing tip, an actuating mechanism that includes a plurality of parts for extending and retracting the writing tip upon actuation of the actuation member, and a cushioning device enabling a retraction of the writing tip when an excessive pressure is exerted by a user. The cushioning device includes a spring member elastically deformable, which is integrally formed with a movable part of the actuating mechanism, the part being movable relative to the barrel. The spring member has a free end abutting the barrel toward its rear end and has a through hole. A stem extends within the spring member's hole and connects the actuating member to the actuating mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for removing metal oxide soils from surfaces. The compositions include an anionic surfactant and a pH adjuster at an acidic pH. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method of removing a metal oxide soil from a surface by (1) applying a use composition to the surface, the use composition having a pH adjuster in an amount sufficient to provide a use pH at or below 7, an anionic surfactant in an amount to remove a portion of the metal oxide soil, and a carrier, (2) removing the metal oxide soil from the surface with the use composition, and (3) rinsing the surface to remove the use composition and the metal oxide soil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid enzyme cleaning composition in which the enzyme is stable at alkaline pH and: at high concentration of boric acid salt; in the absence of sodium ion; and/or in the presence of at least about 40 wt-% water. In an embodiment, water is present at concentrations of at least about 60 weight percent. The present enzyme cleaning composition typically yields superior soil (especially protein soil) removal properties. In an embodiment, the composition of the invention stabilizes the enzyme with potassium and/or alkanolamine borate.

Abstract: A method and system for downloading high volumes of content from the Internet without adversely affecting the source of the content or being detected. A director server processes data received from a data source to generate a list of addresses for content to download. The director server assigns a portion of the list of addresses to one or more puller servers. Puller servers initiate requests to download content that corresponds to their assigned list of addresses. A proxy gateway server receives the download request for content, and downloads the content via various Internet Protocol addresses.

Abstract: An integrated computer control process is used for a decoking cycle that takes into account all affected process variables including temperature, pressure, flow rates, and time related functions. Manual operator input is limited to setting the basis of the decoking cycle, which can include temperatures and pressure ranges, and monitoring key parameters, such as pressure tests.

Abstract: An automated process for manufacturing smart labels having a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder. The inventive method accurately and reliably inserts RFID transponders into labels onto tags in one pass on a label press equipped with an in-line insertion station. The transponders may be provided In continuous supply reel and singulated as needed to form discrete terms transponders or single transponders may be provided in the hopper. The label is delaminated and the transponders are individually applied directly to the adhesive side of the labels in the machine direction of the moving web. The label liner is then relaminated back onto the label face stock sandwiching the RFID transponder between the liner and the label stock.

Abstract: An automated process for manufacturing smart labels having a radio frequency identification transponder (RFID) transponder. The inventive method accurately and reliably inserts RFID transponders into labels on onto tags 70 in one pass on a label press 100 equipped with an in-line insertion station 120. The transponders may be provided in continuous supply reel and singulated as needed to form discrete terms transponders or single transponders may be provided in the hopper. The label is delaminated and the transponders are individually applied directly to the adhesive side of the labels in the machine direction of the moving web. The label liner is then relaminated back onto the label face stock sandwiching the RFID transponder between the liner and the label stock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a lamina stack having laminas with a plurality of outer perimeter configurations. Each of the outer perimeter configurations has at least one common choke surface. The common choke surfaces form, when the laminas are stacked, a choke contacting surface on the outer perimeter surface of the lamina stack which extends continuously in the axial direction from the top lamina to the bottom lamina. The invention provides a method for manufacturing interlocked lamina stacks using a selectively actuated punches in a die assembly to stamp laminas with a plurality of outer perimeter configurations and to stack the laminas in a choke barrel with an alignment surface which cooperates with the common choke surface and securely holds the stamped laminas in position while the stack is being formed. Rotation of the choke barrel compensates for strip thickness variations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a lamina stack having laminas with a plurality of outer perimeter configurations. Each of the outer perimeter configurations has at least one common choke surface. The common choke surfaces form, when the laminas are stacked, a choke contacting surface on the outer perimeter surface of the lamina stack which extends continuously in the axial direction from the top lamina to the bottom lamina. The invention provides a method for manufacturing interlocked lamina stacks using a selectively actuated punches in a die assembly to stamp laminas with a plurality of outer perimeter configurations and to stack the laminas in a choke barrel with an alignment surface which cooperates with the common choke surface and securely holds the stamped laminas in position while the stack is being formed. Rotation of the choke barrel compensates for strip thickness variations.

Abstract: A sputtering target assembly is disclosed having a sputtering gun with an inner and outer annular wall, where the inner annular wall has a plurality of radially projecting set screws, threadably movable within threaded apertures in the inner annular wall. A mounting ring is profiled to fit over the inner annular wall, the mounting ring having a recessed grove, into which the set screws are received, to secure the mounting ring. The mounting ring includes a plurality of radially disposed spring plungers which are threadably installed in threaded apertures in the mounting ring. The target has a grooved inner annular surface for receiving the spring ball plungers, whereby the target is retained to the sputtering gun.

Abstract: Two carriages are roller mounted to allow relative motion between them while maintaining precise relative positioning. Rollers engage precision ground spaced surfaces of a C-shaped hangar configuration, and wear compensation is provided by a spring bias arrangement maintaining conformity between the rollers and guide grooves in the underside of the rails.

Abstract: An improved drive for a scanning optical system in a photocopier is disclosed. The drive incorporates an adjustable capstan and precision tapes as well as cables. The precision tapes are used between the two carriages which mount the optics because precise control of length in this portion of the system is critical. Cables are used in the remainder of the drive where flexibility in all directions is important. There is also a single drive embodiment. Also disclosed is a method for proper alignment of the carriages after field replacement of a broken cable.

Abstract: A continuously variable reduction optical system for document copiers including various embodiments. A scanning optical system embodiment is disclosed for corner referenced documents. Full-exposure optical system embodiments are disclosed for both single-edge referenced and corner referenced documents. The systems can make use of single focus lens or variable focus lens. Specific mechanisms are disclosed for continuously variable adjustments to magnification, to total conjugate length, to image position, to scan speed and scan length and to leading edge registration. All adjustments are tied together under the control of the machine operator.