Abstract: In a traction sheave elevator, the elevator car is suspended on hoisting ropes by means of a diverting pulley. The diverting pulley used to suspend the elevator car on the hoisting ropes is mounted on one side of the elevator car.

Abstract: A full disk brake for a vehicle includes a rotor disk, which is attached to the vehicle wheel. Two friction disks are installed within a brake-clamping unit, facing each side of the rotor disk. The friction disks are secured in the direction of rotation, but are capable of being shifted in an axial direction. Brake lining segments are attached to both sides of the rotor disk. When the brake-clamping unit is actuated, a friction connection is established between the rotor disk and the friction disks. Air cooling channels, located between the brake lining segments, provide cooling air between the rotor disk and the friction disks directly at the point of origination. Moreover, the brake lining segments act as heat-insulating elements between the friction disks and the rotor disk, thus further reducing the heating of the rotor disk.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a brake caliper (16) and a brake mechanism for a brake disc received in said caliper (16). The brake mechanism comprises a brake lever (1), a cross bar (3), one or more thrust plates (5) and a cover (7). The caliper (16) is of an open design having an opening (17) in the wall furthest from the brake disc. A bearing bracket (2) is mounted from the inside of the caliper (16) in said opening (17).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a brake mechanism for a brake disc. The brake mechanism comprises a brake lever (1,21), a cross bar (3,23), one or more thrust plates (5,25) and a closing plate (7). The brake mechanism is of a modular form comprising two or more units.

Abstract: A brake cylinder device with an effective adjustment bolt processing and with an improved air bleeding effect, wherein an adjustment bolt (40) as a component of an automatic shoe clearance adjustment mechanism, wherein an external thread stem (40a) makes an irreversible engagement with a piston (22), performing brake shoe expansion, and a brake fluid feeding groove (40b) is formed on a periphery of the external thread stem (40a) is designed to be spiral.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake system for railway equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to brake devices and systems for pneumatically and manually actuating such devices on railroad train cars such as freight cars. The brake system can be integrated into modern trains without interfering with existing air brake systems. The brake system can be remotely operated, locally pneumatically operated and/or locally manually operated. Monitoring equipment for determining the status of the brakes from remote and local positions may also be provided. The invention may be configured to fit within the envelope of prior art handbrake systems.

Abstract: The drive assembly has: an input member and an intermediate shaft; an axial clutch device for connecting the input member and the intermediate shaft in rotary manner; and a pulley connected in rotary manner to the intermediate shaft and defined by two half-pulleys movable axially with respect to each other and engaging a drive belt, the distance between the half-pulleys determining the winding radius of the belt. A push member, movable axially, along the intermediate shaft, between two limit positions, exerts thrust on the two half-pulleys to determine, in direct relation with its own axial position, the axial distance between the two half-pulleys, and alternatively exerts thrust on the clutch device to release the clutch device when moved axially in the direction increasing the distance between the half-pulleys. A control device is also provided to vary, on command, the axial position of the push member.

Abstract: A clutch for use in an open faced fishing reel that when engaged operates as a conventional one-way clutch, with the pins or needles rolling with the shaft and allowing for movement in one direction but binding the shaft to an outer fixed surface, prohibiting rotation, when the shaft is urged in the opposite direction, but when is disengaged, is switchable from one-way action to freewheel action i.e. shaft motion allowed in both directions by separating the outer binding surface from the main housing of the clutch, allowing it to move radially and allow the surface required to bind the shaft to move away from contact with the pins and shaft, thereby allowing the shaft to freewheel. The clutch is particularly well suited for use in a fishing reel.

Abstract: A friction liner, for a dry friction device such as a clutch friction wheel, or a disk brake for a motor vehicle gearbox, is of flat, annular general form. It comprises a flat annular body of friction material having a cylindrical inner surface and a cylindrical outer surface. At least one annular reinforcing zone is incorporated in the body of the liner.

Abstract: A clutch disk has a hub area with a rotational axis, the hub area carrying a friction lining assembly radially outside of the hub area. A damper mass assembly can move circumferentially around the rotational axis relative to the hub area and the friction lining assembly against the action of an elastic support assembly.

Abstract: A clutch disk includes a hub area and a plurality of friction lining elements arranged in sequence in the circumferential direction relative to a clutch disk rotational axis, each providing at least part of an associated friction surface area. The friction lining elements are intended to make frictional contact with the associated opposing friction surface of a flywheel, a pressure plate, or the like. At least one of the friction lining elements is supported on the hub area in such a way that it can move in the radial direction.

Abstract: A paper discriminating apparatus is capable of discriminating different number bills. A paper, in which character strings inherent for each sheet are recorded on a plurality of character areas, is detected so that the paper is discriminated in accordance with image data obtained by detection of the paper. The paper discriminating apparatus has a character sensor for reading the plurality of character areas of the paper in form of an image, a character recognition unit for recognizing the character strings recorded on the plurality of character areas in accordance with image data obtained by the character sensor, and a character decision unit for deciding a coincidence between the character strings recorded on the plurality of character areas.

Abstract: A conveyor system having an automatic lubricating system for the conveyor chain and its associated guide track is provided. The conveyor system includes a conveyor chain, a guide track, a lubricator, and a support frame. The guide track is carried by the support frame, and has a bottom wall with a guide surface and an aperture. The conveyor chain has interconnecting links, and is supported by the guide track for movement. Each of the links of the conveyor chain has a lower surface that may contact the guide surface of the guide track when the conveyor chain is moved. The lubricator is mounted on the support frame, and includes a separator dividing the lubricator into a lubricant chamber and a gas compartment. The lubricator includes an electrochemical cell in the gas compartment for generating gas that flows against the separator to move the separator against the lubricant in the chamber to force the lubricant through an outlet.

Abstract: A high speed apparatus and method for reorienting and assembling individual ones of flat articles, such as envelopes, into horizontal rows of articles which are vertically oriented, on edge, and stacked in facing relation. Envelopes are delivered horizontally and seriatim, to an article rotation assembly. The rotation assembly reorients the envelopes into a vertical, on-edge orientation, and feeds them individually to a helical drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a pair of parallel, counter-rotating, helical screws, mounted on a pivotally suspended sub-frame. The screws transport the envelopes in spaced relation to an accumulating conveyor. The conveyor has movable brace plate, transversely positioned over a pair of conveyor belts. A roller on one end of the plate rests upon one of the belts. Successive envelopes are delivered to and stacked against the brace plate. As the pressure increases, the sub-frame pivots away from the plate until a predetermined limit is reached.

Abstract: The invention concerns a canceling device (10) for a blinker switch in motor vehicles for effecting automatic return of the blinker switch from one of the two switched positions into the neutral central position. Towards this end, a casing (12) having a catch profile (14) is provided as is a movable pretensioned trigger finger (16) which can be loaded by the cam (128) of a steering shaft (44) and with a pivotable switching part (26) having pretensioned catch elements (62, 64). To reduce the actuating forces, the catch profile (14) is provided with a movable locking section (54, 56). The trigger finger (16) should be connected to the movable locking section (54, 56) such that the locking section (54, 56) releases the catch element (62, 64) when the trigger finger (16) is actuated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet having moving contacts and a sheet switch that are constructed so as to contribute to lowering of costs by reducing the number of parts, provide satisfactory operation feeling when the moving contacts are pressed, and provide high contact reliability by preventing invasion of dust. The sheet having moving contacts comprises: a sheet having an adhesion face, made of an insulating film, which is coated with an adhesive on a lower face thereof; and a moving contact which has a domed expansion part and the upper face of which is covered with and stuck to the adhesion face of the sheet, wherein the sheet is formed with a linear slit extending toward the top of the expansion part across an outer circumferential edge of the moving contact.

Abstract: A liquid having certain undesired elements therein is distilled in a distillation column to form a vapor stream. This vapor stream is fed by means of an inert gas drive to a first container having an array of semi-permeable screens which are rotated at a speed of 3,000-10,000 rpm to generate vertical spiral vortexes which act on the vapor to separate out heavier impurities. An inert gas is employed to drive the vapor stream from the first container to the bottom of a second container having a narrower diameter array of semi-permeable screens, these screens being driven at a velocity of 6000-100,000 rpm. In the second container, the molecular species is separated from the main vapor stream by virtue of the exposure of the vapor to large centrifugal gravity forces generated by the horizontal velocity vectors of the rotating screens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing tocol acylate or tocopherol acylate having the following steps:

Abstract: An antireflection coating having a high abrasion and scratching resistance can be applied to natural glass by sputtering, the substrates being positioned closer to the target than usual in order to obtain an increased density of the applied layers. An irregular deposition rate can be compensated by moving the substrate, thus allowing to ensure a regular thickness and therefore a high optical quality of the antireflection coating in these conditions as well. On the preferred sapphire watch glass, SiO2 and Si3N4 resp. AlN and Al2O3 can be used for the individual layers, in particular. These layers do not have a noticeable color effect, but on account of their high hardness, their abrasion and scratching resistance is comparable to that of sapphire glass.

Abstract: A first Ti film is formed by sputtering with the space between a semiconductor substrate and a target provided at a greater distance such as 350 mm, subsequently, a second Ti film is formed again by sputtering with a shorter distance such as 80 mm, thereon a first TiN film is formed by sputtering with a greater distance such as 350 mm, and, subsequently, a second TiN film is formed again by sputtering with a shorter distance such as 80 mm. Then, these first and second Ti films and first and second TiN films are combined to provide a barrier layer.

Abstract: Atomic level surface smoothing utilizing GCIB to smooth and round the IOL's outer edges to reduce the “edge effect” and its resultant glare. In addition, the present invention provides, atomic level surface smoothing utilizing GCIB to smooth the IOL's posterior and/or anterior surfaces to improve the adhesion of the IOL to the capsule, preventing cell in-growth and their resultant secondary cataract. The GCIB smoothed surfaces will also reduce inflammatory response by reducing foreign particles on the surface and by reducing the micro-roughness normally inherent on the IOL surface.

Abstract: The application of gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) technology in order to modify the surface of a surgical implant such as the components of an artificial hip joint, thereby substantially reducing wear debris and osteolysis complications. The approach of the surface modification comprises an atomic level surface smoothing utilizing GCIB to super smooth the femoral heads and/or the surfaces of the acetabular cups to reduce frictional wear at the interface of the bearing surfaces. A reduction in polyethylene debris and metal debris by GCIB smoothing on one or both bearing surfaces of a surgical implant reduces osteolysis, results in a substantial cost savings to the healthcare system, and reduces patient pain and suffering.

Abstract: A system for electroplating a semiconductor wafer is set forth. The system comprises a first electrode in electrical contact with the semiconductor wafer and a second electrode. The first electrode and the semiconductor wafer form a cathode during electroplating of the semiconductor wafer. The second electrode forms an anode during electroplating of the semiconductor wafer. A reaction container defining a reaction chamber is also employed. The reaction chamber comprises an electrically conductive plating solution. At least a portion of each of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the semiconductor wafer contact the plating solution during electroplating of the semiconductor wafer. An auxiliary electrode is disposed exterior to the reaction chamber and positioned for contact with plating solution exiting the reaction chamber during cleaning of the first electrode to thereby provide an electrically conductive path between the auxiliary electrode and the first electrode.

Abstract: A corner insert for edge strips used with modified electrodes for electrolytic processes. An electrode that is at least partially submerged in an electrolyte is protected by edge strips to prevent depositions and metallic bridges. The edge strips are typically mitered to abut one another at the corners of the electrode and it is difficult to seal this junction. One solution is to remove the corners of the electrode, provide non-mitered edge strips, and close the gap at the corner with an insert adapted to seal to the additional edges of the electrode created by removing the corners. Another solution is to provide a corner insert having one or more anchors for anchoring the corner insert to the electrode and to respective adjacent edge strips, the corner insert sealing against the edge strips and against opposite sides of the electrode whether or not the corner portion has been removed.

Abstract: A sputtering target with a lowered oxygen content is provided which can prevent a deterioration in properties of a magnetic film caused by unavoidably included oxygen present in an alloy material system. The sputtering target contains an oxygen scavenger comprising an element capable of reducing metal components constituting the sputtering target, the lowered oxygen content of the sputtering target having been achieved by the oxygen scavenger.

Abstract: A pretreatment method for element analysis of metal samples removes contaminants on the surface of the metal sample by sputtering while at least one electrode for sputtering is cooled. A pretreatment apparatus for element analysis of metal samples for performing the method includes a cathode for holding the metal sample, anodes arranged to counter the cathode for sputtering, and a pretreatment chamber to store the cathode, anodes and metal sample under an inert gas atmosphere. The apparatus includes a cooling device for cooling at least one of the electrodes. The cathode and the anodes may be interchanged in the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for eliminating halide ions such as chloride ions from aqueous solutions having a hollow cylindrical sample holding chamber (2), the front end of which has an orifice (3) and in the vicinity of which is disposed a filter plate (4) that extends over the cross section of the sample holding chamber (2) and is liquid-permeable and essentially impermeable for solids and is inserted in a fixed manner into the hollow cylinder; a plunger (6) which can move to and fro in the sample holding chamber (2) and has a plunger stem (7) attached thereto engages in the open rear end (5) of the sample holding chamber, and, in the sample holding chamber (2) between the filter plate (4) and the plunger (6) is disposed a freely movable bed (7) of an adsorbent reacting with halide ions and forming a sparingly soluble compound, which bed fills a part of the sample holding chamber (2). The adsorbent is preferably charged with silver nitrate as compound reactive with halide ions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a NOx sensor for accurately detecting the total concentration of nitrogen oxides in a measured gas without being affected by interference gases. The sensor comprises a gas treatment chamber 5 arranged at the prior stage of the gas detection chamber 3, an inorganic porous member 25 loaded in the gas treatment chamber, and a NOx conversion pumping cell 14,15 and/or an oxygen supplying pumping cell which supplies oxygen into the gas treatment chamber. When the measured gas is introduced in the gas treatment chamber, the interference gases contained in the measured gas are effectively oxidized by the supplied oxygen under the assistance of the catalytic activity of inorganic porous member. The total amount of the nitrogen oxides is measured in the gas detection chamber while NOx in the measured gas are converted into a single component (NO2 or NO) by the NOx conversion pumping cell after the interference gases are oxidized.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for determining gas components and/or gas concentrations in gas mixtures using a sensor element is described; it has at least one electrode arranged on an ion-conducting solid electrolyte body bordering on a gas space in at least some areas. The electrode has at least two layers, the second layer which faces the gas space having a higher electron conductivity in comparison with the first layer which faces the solid electrolyte body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for deionization and hydrogen fuel production in a fuel generation mode, and electricity production in a power generation mode. In one embodiment, a capacitive deionization (CDI) device receives water and electrical energy to produce deionized water that is transferred to a proton electrode membrane electrolysis (PEME) device to produce hydrogen fuel by electrolysis. A storage system receives the hydrogen. The hydrogen is transferred from the storage system to a proton electrode membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) device that produces electrical energy. In another embodiment, the PEME and the PEMFC are functionally combined in a unitary regenerative fuel cell (URFC). In still another embodiment, a humidification unit and the CDI are functionally combined. In yet another embodiment, a CDI, URFC and the humidification unit are combined in a single unitary assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides for techniques for transporting materials using electrokinetic forces through the channels of a microfluidic system. The subject materials are transported in regions of high ionic concentration, next to spacer material regions of high ionic concentration, which are separated by spacer material regions of low ionic concentration. Such arrangements allow the materials to remain localized for the transport transit time to avoid mixing of the materials. Using these techniques, an electropipettor which is compatible with the microfluidic system is created so that materials can be easily introduced into the microfluidic system. The present invention also compensates for electrophoretic bias as materials are transported through the channels of the microfluidic system by splitting a channel into portions with positive and negative surface charges and a third electrode between the two portions, or by diffusion of the electrophoresing materials after transport along a channel.

Abstract: A plating apparatus and a plating liquid removing method removes a plating liquid remaining on the substrate-contacting portion or its vicinity of a substrate holding member. The plating apparatus comprising a head having a rotatable housing provided with a substrate holding member for holding a substrate, a plating process container, disposed below said head, for holding a plating liquid therein, and a plating liquid removing mechanism for removing a plating liquid remaining on a substrate-contacting portion or its vicinity at an inner circumferential edge of said substrate holding member.

Abstract: A first electrode layer and a second electrode layer cover the surface of an object. The electrode layers are separated by a relatively large interelectrode distance, usually not exceeding 10 mm. Conductive ice or liquid water fills the interelectrode space between the electrodes, providing electrical connection of the electrodes. A DC or a low-frequency AC voltage is applied across the electrodes. The applied voltage causes electrolysis of water molecules at the electrodes, resulting in generation of hydrogen and oxygen gas bubbles. Optionally, a DC power supply generates sparks that ignite a mixture of the hydrogen and oxygen gases.

Abstract: A nitrogen oxide concentration detector has a first measurement chamber 2 into which is introduced a measurement gas via a first diffusion resistance 1; an oxygen concentration detection electrode 7a for measuring the oxygen concentration in the measurement gas in said first measurement chamber 1; a first oxygen ion pump cell 6 for pumping out oxygen in the measurement gas from said first measurement chamber 2 based on the potential of said oxygen concentration detection electrode 7a; a second measurement chamber 8 into which the gas is introduced from said first measurement chamber 2 via a second diffusion resistance 3; and a second oxygen ion pump cell 8 having a pair of electrodes 8a,8b across which a voltage is applied to decompose NOx in the second measurement chamber 4 to pump out dissociated oxygen to cause a current Ip2 corresponding to the NOx concentration to flow in the second oxygen ion pump cell 8. Variation of NOx concentration is a function of variation of Ip2.

Abstract: Combined packages including a multi-pack carton of beverage containers and one or more complementary containers are disclosed. The multi-pack carton typically contains at least six or twelve beverage containers, which can be cans or bottles. A packaging material at least partially surrounds both the multi-pack carton and the complementary container, thus holding the multi-pack carton and the complementary container in mutual abutment. A combined package can also include an adhesive between the multi-pack carton and the complementary container that holds a face of the multi-pack carton and a face of the container in mutual abutment. To facilitate palletizing the combined packages, the surface areas of the faces can be approximately the same, and the overall shape of the combined package can be generally rectanguloidal. Apparatus and methods for manufacturing such combined packages are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cleaning member, specifically a pad or cloth which is preferably saturated with a wet cleansing solution and is retained within a sealed enclosure and attached to, embedded in or in some way captured by a food holding means to facilitate cleansing during and after consuming of said food.

Abstract: A merchandising system can display merchandise on a display rack. The system has a pair of articles to be worn by a person (for example, gloves). The articles have a right main body and a left main body, each with a user (or hand) opening. The pair of articles have an attachment subsystem for providing an outlying attachment locus for the articles. The attachment subsystem includes a right extremity and a left extremity secured at the user opening of the right main body and the left main body, respectively. The right and the left extremity are each able to reach out of the user opening. The attachment subsystem also includes a display arrangement including a panel. The attachment subsystem is arranged to detachably secure the articles together with the panel, and the right extremity and the left extremity. The attachment subsystem is adapted to hang on the display rack and support the articles.

Abstract: A golf bag assemblage which includes an elongated container for golf clubs, a bottom unit pivotally attached to the bottom of the elongated container so that the bottom unit pivots in relation to the bottom of the elongated container, and leg means attached by attachment means to the outside of upper portion of the elongated container. The attachment means are positioned diametric to the pivotal attachment of the bottom unit, the leg means include legs which are pivotally attached to the attachment means, and the push rod means are attached to the top region of the legs and to the bottom unit diametric to the pivotal attachment of the bottom unit. When the golf bag is tilted in direction diametric to the pivotal attachment of the bottom unit, the bottom unit, in effect, pivots in relation to the bottom of the elongated container, and the push rod means is moved towards the top of the elongated container, thereby pivoting the legs outward.

Abstract: In order to reliably configure the positioning of the clip in the cartridge in any phase, even during removal, in the case of a cartridge for receiving U-shaped clips having a web and two arms projecting therefrom, with a support abutting the underside of the web and with clamping members, which abut the web laterally at least on one side and are elastically removable from this web transversely to the plane of the clip, it is proposed that additional clamping members are provided, which abut the arms laterally at least on one side and are elastically removable from these arms transversely to the plane of the clip, and which are pressed elastically against the arms independently of the clamping members abutting the web.

Abstract: A unitary plastic fastener clip comprising a plurality of individual fasteners which are disposed in a substantially parallel, side-by-side, spaced relationship. Each fastener comprises an elongated flexible filament having a first enlarged end and a second enlarged end. In one embodiment, each of the first enlarged end and the second enlarged end is a substantially cylindrical transverse bar. In another embodiment, the first enlarged end is a transverse bar of non-uniform transverse cross-section and the second enlarged end is a generally knob-shaped head. A first connector post connects the first enlarged end of the first fastener to the first enlarged end of the second fastener at the approximate midpoints of their mutually-opposing sides. A second connector post connects the second enlarged end of the first fastener to the second enlarged end of the second fastener at the approximate midpoints of their mutually-opposing sides.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a head having a moving portion, a handle, and shaft between the head and the handle. An body portion is hollow and further includes a motor operative to generate motion for driving the moving portion. A battery is located within the hollow section for powering the motor. A First switch, operatively connected to the motor provides momentary operation of the toothbrush. Optionally, a second switch provides for continuous operation of the toothbrush. The first switch can be operated while the toothbrush is in a toothbrush package, such as, for example, a plastic blister pack. A consumer can momentarily observe the operation of the toothbrush before purchasing the toothbrush. The consumer cannot operate the second switch and is thereby prevented from leaving the toothbrush in a battery draining operational mode for extended periods of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing, transporting, and dispensing elongate material, such as wire. The elongate dispensing system includes a reusable, stackable, storage container for having a substantially circular inner channel to contain a coil of elongate material and a dispensing guide having a plurality of interior guide mechanisms through which elongate material is dispensed without tangles or over-spooling. The storage container further includes a fastening system through which the dispensing guide removably engages said container during operation, ergonomic handles, and wire containment recesses which contain the ends of elongate material when the apparatus is not in operation.

Abstract: An article carrier and a blank for an article carrier for holding articles with tapered sides, for example connected plastic cups, comprising a top wall, opposed side walls and a base wall hingedly connected together to form a tubular structure. An article retention structure is hingedly connected to one of the side walls and the base panel. The article retention structure is formed by a plurality of panels including a side end flap so constructed and arranged to taper inwardly towards the base wall to substantially conform to the shape of an adjacent article.

Abstract: A shipping and display assembly includes a display tray and a box. The display tray includes a first pair of opposed side panels, each panel of which includes outer substantially vertical panels, a first substantially horizontal panel, joining the outer vertical panels, and having an exterior surface, holding slots for holding displayed items, and securing slots. The box includes securing tabs that mate with the securing slots. The exterior surface of the first substantially horizontal panel is an enclosing surface of the shipping and display assembly when the tabs and the securing slots are mated.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electronic parts carrier tape in which a nesting phenomenon, in which superposed embossed portions are fitted together after winding the carrier tape on a reel, is less liable to occur. The electronic parts carrier tape includes a flexible, tape-like member having electronic part-storing embossed portions arranged at predetermined intervals in a longitudinal direction of the tape-like member. At least one rib is formed on and projects outwardly from an outer surface of a peripheral wall of each of the embossed portions. An outer dimension (X) of a bottom of the embossed portion, as seen in a cross-section of the embossed portion through the rib, is larger than a dimension (Y) of an opening in a top of the embossed portion.

Abstract: The present invention is to a method and apparatus for merchandising charcoal products in a box dimensioned for display on a store shelf. The box has a handle and preferably includes a merchandising window. Wood chip samples, such as hickory chips or mesquite chips, can be packaged with the tote box and the presence of the sample is preferably made known to consumers via the merchandising window. The tote box handle and size allows for easier consumer handling and the box form allows improved retail and consumer storage. Additionally, since boxes are inherently more stable than bags and are less prone to tipping over, consumers benefit from reduce spillage from opened containers. The box size combined with the merchandising window and wood chip sample provides retailers with improved marketing of charcoal products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a facility for the production of ultra-pure aromatics with 6 to 8 carbon atoms from a hydrocarbon mixture which consists of at least one aromatic compound, an olefinic compound, a paraffinic compound or a mixture thereof and which contains impurities consisting of water-soluble organic and/or inorganic substances. An extremely high degree of purity of the product obtained by said process can be achieved with regard to impurities in the form of organic or inorganic compounds of the elements sulphur, nitrogen, oxygen and chlorine.

Abstract: A card handling device having either a vertical stack of compartments or a carousel of compartments is used to receive individual cards from a card supply. The compartments may be moved relative to the card supply, preferably in two different directions, such as up and down or clockwise and counterclockwise. The card handling may include shuffling, sorting, validation, and other playing card processes.

Abstract: A method for sorting integrated circuit (IC) devices of the type having a substantially unique identification (ID) code, such as a fuse ID, includes automatically reading the ID code of each of the IC devices and sorting the IC devices in accordance with their automatically read ID codes.

Abstract: A floating mobile self-contained membrane filtration treatment vessel that is suitable for use in the treatment of contaminated marine waters and shipboard wastes including, but not limited to, ballast water, graywater, and blackwater and excess dredge waters. The mobile treatment vessel preferably includes a micro or ultrafiltration membrane treatment system for micron and submicron sized particulate removal.