Abstract: The present invention is an adjustable sleeve barrel structure comprising of a sleeve head, a sleeve body, and a set of pawls. The sleeve head is coupled on the bottom with the sleeve body, and both of them can rotate freely. The sleeve body has multiple slide rails distributed on its inner wall evenly. The pawls slide in these slide rails, and the shafts on the top of these pawls extrude to the space designed between the sleeve head and the sleeve body. Connected to the shafts are corresponding connecting rods, which have corresponding pins fixed onto the sleeve head. When the sleeve head rotates, it drives the pawls through the connecting rods to open/close simultaneously. In this way, when the operator turn the sleeve barrel clockwise/anti-clockwise, the pawls will screw a nut down/up together, which is convenient and practical.

Abstract: The invention concerns multiple joint pliers comprising: a transversely retaining branch (2) which includes a first jaw (6), a first articulating intermediate zone (9) and a first handle (10), the first articulating zone defining a recess (12), and on either side thereof, a stepped portion (14), a transversely retained branch (3) which includes a second jaw (21), a second articulating intermediate zone (23) and a second handle (22), the second articulating zone being received mobile in rotation, and selectively in translation, in said recess, and a plate (4) maintaining the second articulating zone in said recess, the ends (27) of the plate being positioned on the respective stepped portions. The plate (4) is generally &OHgr;-shaped viewed laterally.

Abstract: The invention refers to the screwdriver shank with a detachable attachment that allows for easier tightening and loosening by application of a spanner. The shank (1) of the screwdriver with a detachable attachment (2), referred to in this invention is on one end flat (1a), provided for mounting of the detachable attachment (2), that is externally angular and whereof the opening (2a) is of such shape that conforms to the shape of the part (1a) of the shank (1) and that the detachable attachment (2) fits to the contact of the shank (1) and of the flat part (1a).

Abstract: A tool bit holding device comprises an inner tube, an outer tube, and a clip. The inner tube includes an end having a compartment. The end of the inner tube includes an annular groove defined in an outer periphery thereof. A bottom wall defining the annular groove includes at least one slot to thereby communicate the annular groove with the compartment. The outer tube is mounted around the inner tube and slidable along a longitudinal direction of the inner tube. The clip is mounted in the annular groove of the inner tube. The clip includes at least one rectilinear section that is received in the slot and thus partially received in the compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a molding article that is to be cut by a sawing device. The apparatus includes a bottom supporting surface having opposing front and rear edges and opposing first and second side edges. A first wall is included that is upstanding from the rear edge of the bottom supporting surface and substantially extends between the opposing first and second side edges of the bottom supporting surface. A second wall is upstanding from the bottom surface and at a location intermediate the first wall and the front edge of the bottom supporting surface. The second wall preferably extends between the opposing first and second side edges of the bottom supporting surface.

Abstract: A package opening cutter is provided which can accurately, safely and efficiently open the package without damaging the merchandise inside and in which the cutter will not come out during use. It comprises an angle ruler, retaining portions provided at both sides of the angle ruler, a clamp body provided so as to be pushed into and pulled out of the retaining portion for clamping a cutter, and means for preventing the clamp body from coming out of the retaining portion. The means for preventing the clamp body from coming out has a bolt slidably provided between the cutter retaining portion and the cutter clamp body. The bolt is operated by a knob provided on outer surface of the cutter retaining portion.

Abstract: A micro adjuster laterally moves a paper punch die. A modified fixed bracket with a larger fine-threaded hole is used to retain a hollow micro adjuster screw which is engaged by the fine threads of the bracket. The retaining screw that attaches to the die now does so by being inserted through the hollow body of the micro adjuster screw and out of a clearance hole at the distal end. Fine lateral adjustments of lateral alignment between the paper to be punched and the die can now be performed by moving the die laterally.

Abstract: A mat cutter includes a squaring fixture including a locator bar positioned on the work surface by an adjustment element coupled to the locator bar, a driver coupled to the adjustment element, and an electronic control coupled to the driver controlling the power supplied to the driver to locate the locator bar at a desired location relative to a guide bar supporting a manually movable cutting element. Additional adjustment mechanisms are employed to position stops limiting the movement of the cutter element along the guide bar. The adjustment mechanisms for the locator bar and stops are separate from each other, but can be controlled by a common electronic control of intuitive design, and can be uncoupled for fully manual operation.

Abstract: Brake pawls for use in safety systems for power equipment are disclosed. The brake pawls include an energy-absorbing region. The energy absorbing regions may include a deformable or collapsible region made from apertures in the brake pawl or from collapsible members or from materials of differing hardnesses, strengths, or structures.

Abstract: A device for trimming edges of belt materials containing inserts, especially nylon or steel corded belts, by cutting off an edge region of the belt material with a cutting device, which engages the belt material between the inserts, extending in the longitudinal direction (cutting direction) of the belt and is held in a seat, suspended so that it can swivel at a framework transversely to the conveying direction, corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the belt, of the belt material passed by it, wherein the axis of rotation of the swinging suspension is disposed at a carriage, which can be moved by a motor transversely to the plane of swiveling and a device is provided, which detects the deflection of the pendulum and, when a specified value is exceeded, causes the carriage to move in the direction of deflection.

Abstract: A saw guide pad seal enables recycling of the coolant/lubricant used in a lumber sawing operation. The saw guide pad seal directs the coolant to coolant return chambers. The coolant return chambers have a negative pressure developed from the motion of the saw blade or provided by a vacuum pump or blower, and return the coolant to the coolant tank. A heat-exchanger is optionally used to control the temperature of the coolant, providing more consistent operation of the saw, and a filter is optionally used to remove contaminants before the recycled coolant is provided to the saw blade(s).

Abstract: A rotary torsion cutting apparatus is provided for cutting an article. The cutting apparatus includes a first plate member having a front face, a back face and a side face. The first plate member further includes a central axis and a first opening extending from the front face to the back face of the first plate member. The first opening is shaped and dimensioned for receiving an article to be cut by the rotary torsion cutting apparatus. The cutting apparatus also includes a second plate member having a front face, a back face and a side face. The second plate member further includes a central axis aligned with the central axis of the first plate member and a second opening extending from the front face to the back face of the second plate member. The second opening is shaped and dimensioned for receiving an article to be cut by the rotary torsion cutting apparatus.

Abstract: The apparatus for dispensing a wiping material, of the type comprising a housing (2), a cover (3), a drum (4), a cutter device (5-6) built into the drum, and drum cocking and returning means incorporating, arranged on a lateral side of the drum, a crank (7) and a cocking spring (8), the side plates being constructed to support the reel holder, is noteworthy in that it comprises an anti-looping device for preventing looping of the material coming from the reel (B) of material including at least one mechanism acting on the reel holder to lock it in position, this mechanism being arranged on one of the side plates of the housing, and being actuated by a flyweight device (12) built into the movement of the rotating drum and either causing or not causing the reel holder (13) lock to be operated in the case of application of a large force and traction on the strip of material.

Abstract: A compliant workholder for use with woodworking, metalworking, or other machinery which pushes against a workpiece with substantially constant pressure while moving in and out to accommodate variation in the size of the workpiece. Preferably, the workholder uses a feather board mounted on one or more sliding guide rods. Rollers, a low friction shoe, or other elements may also be used to contact the workpiece. A pneumatic cylinder is the preferred mechanism for applying outward pressure to the feather board. The workholder will retract on activation of a momentary switch by the user and will remain retracted for an adjustable time period to allow positioning of the workpiece.

Abstract: A seamless type foldable precise cutting pad includes multiple cutting pad bodies, a shear-resistant fiber net, and a shear-resistant surface skin. The multiple cutting pad bodies are juxtaposed with each other, and each of the multiple cutting pad bodies is a plate having a predetermined thickness. The shear-resistant fiber net has a predetermined length, and is closely arranged and sintered on one side of each of the multiple cutting pad bodies. The shear-resistant fiber net is aligned with a predetermined cutting direction. the shear-resistant surface skin is sintered on the shear-resistant fiber net, and entirely covers the shear-resistant fiber net.

Abstract: A Venetian blind cutting machine comprises a machine base. At least two molds are disposed at the machine base in different height levels. Each of the molds has at least one receiving hole for receiving raw material therein. At least one cutter slidably is disposed at one side of the molds. The traveling distance of the cutter can cross the receiving holes of the molds. A cutter driving assembly is disposed at the machine base for driving the cutter traveling, and a work table is disposed at one side of the machine base, which has seats thereon corresponding to the molds respectively for putting the raw materials thereon.

Abstract: A removable storage compartment assembly for a material cutter comprising a compartment placement region and a removable storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a compartment lower portion removably engaged to the compartment placement region and a compartment upper portion removably and mateably engaged to the compartment lower portion. A biasing member is operatively connected to the compartment lower portion. When the compartment lower portion is disengaged from the compartment placement region, the biasing member biases the compartment lower portion away from the compartment placement region.

Abstract: A saw such as a chop saw, a circular saw, a compound miter saw or a sliding compound miter saw having a rotatable saw blade is provided with a laser arbor alignment system. The laser arbor may include a power generator that generates power as the saw blade and the laser arbor are rotated by a spindle. The generator may include a stator comprising an electrical magnet or a permanent magnet mounted on a fixed portion of the saw. The other portion of the generator is a rotor comprising a coil that is rotated with the laser arbor to generate power for the laser. Power may also be provided to the laser by slip ring contacts from a stationary source to the laser arbor.

Abstract: An improved sliding saw includes a base, a rotatable table rotatably disposed within the base, a first rail fixedly attached at least partially underneath and extending forwardly from the table, and a saw unit slidably disposed on the first rail, wherein a user moves the saw unit along the first rail towards the table to perform a cutting operation. A second embodiment of the saw includes a table having a top surface, the top surface having a first plane, a fence attached to the table, the fence having a front surface extending along a plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane, a first rail fixedly attached at least partially underneath and extending forwardly from the table along a first direction, and a saw unit slidably disposed on the first rail, wherein a user moves the saw unit along the first direction towards the table to perform a cutting operation. Preferably, the fence is rotatably attached to the table.

Abstract: A device is provided for cutting lengths of film from a roll of film such as thin plastic film. A roll retainer for the roll of film is provided, typically a box structure having a hinged lid. An inner platform is provided on which a first portion of film from the roll rests, plus a first film retainer for retaining the first film portion on the inner platform. A movable cutter member is for cutting off the length of the film from the roll. An outer platform is provided with a second film retainer for retaining a cut film portion on the outer platform, with the cutter member being positioned between the inner and outer platforms.

Abstract: A material trimmer comprising a base having a support surface and a cutting region having a channel. A plate is movably attached to the base and includes oppositely facing upper and lower surfaces, an elongated slot therethrough, an elevated portion proximate each side of the slot, and a distal second end with the elevated portion leading to an arcuate surface. A carrier includes a top flange having a pair of oppositely extending sides and a foot extending from the top flange. The foot is slidably received within the slot, and a portion of the pair of oppositely extending sides are arcuate in shape and slidably received within the arcuate surface of the elevated portion. A blade is attached to the carrier, a portion of which extends below the lower surface of the plate within the channel when the plate is disposed over the cutting region.

Abstract: The cutting tool for materials, in particular made of polyurethane elastomers, which is controllable manually or program-controlled, comprising a cutting head (10) with a driving device (20), a blade holder (30) with a cutting knife (35) has at least one cutting head, whereby the driving device (20) is configured in a way known in itself or consists of a driving motor (21) with a drive shaft (22) running in cutting head longitudinal axis (L), a cam disk actively connected with the drive shaft (22) of the driving motor (21), driven rotating about the drive shaft longitudinal axis (L2), with control surfaces (40, 41) configured on the side (25a) opposed to the driving motor (21) and lying in different planes, a roller (26) actively connected with one of the control surfaces (40.

Abstract: A device for protecting the finish applied to the wood and other component parts of stringed musical instruments is provided, consisting of a device made from static-cling vinyl or a material of similar properties. The device is readily shaped and sized to conform to the area requiring protection. Once attached, the device forms a second skin over the finish thereby preventing damage from abrasion, skin oils, and perspiration. The device will not alter the original appearance, feel, or tonal qualities of the instrument, and may be repeatedly attached and removed without damage to the instrument's finish, or degradation in its adhesive qualities.

Abstract: A tremolo block extends from the back of a base plate into a space formed in a body. The tremolo block pivots with the base plate. The tremolo block has a hook portion at its distal end. The base is located at the back of the body. Engaging sections are formed at a rear portion of the base and open rearward. A moving member is detachably located at the engaging sections. The moving member is moved between an engaging position, at which the moving member engages with the engaging sections, and a standby position, at which the moving member is separated from the engaging sections. A pair of first springs connect the base with the tremolo block to urge the tremolo block forward against the tension of the strings. The urging force of the first springs is adjustable. A pair of second spring connect the base with the moving member. The second springs urge the moving member toward the engaging position. In a normal state, the second springs hold the moving member at the engaging position.

Abstract: A molded fretboard according to the present invention has integrally molded frets. The frets are composed of a molded mixture including a higher proportion by volume of glass beads than resin, thereby providing abrasion resistant characteristics that are the same as or better than conventional steel frets. The glass beads are compacted such that each glass bead is in contact with at least one other glass bead. The fretboard itself may be composed of this molded mixture, providing increased abrasion resistance to the top working region of the fretboard, and an entire molded guitar may also be produced in accordance with the invention. A method of installing a fretboard on a guitar is taught which ensures the linearity of the fretboard, regardless of the curvature of the neck. This method provides solutions to the problem of having a bowed neck and the problem of having a non-straight fretboard simultaneously.

Abstract: A support mechanism adapted for connection to a stand member, and for holding an instrument support arm in a desired position relative to the stand member, includes a receiving member adapted with a first receiving feature for receiving the stand member. A first receiving feature is a through hole adapted for variable positioning along the stand member. The receiving member is further adapted with a second receiving feature for receiving a ball member to form a ball joint. The ball member includes a third receiving feature for receiving the support arm. The third receiving feature is a through hole adapted for variable positioning along the support arm. The stand member and support arm are cooperatively connected through the ball joint.

Abstract: A tuning device is provided, which allows comfortable tuning operation and easy storage and efficiently samples only a target sound to be tuned. The tuning device is structured such that a vibration sensor is provided to a clip and the clip and a tuning state display portion are connected through a flexible joint. A piezoelectric element is used as the vibration sensor and also serves as a reference sound generator.

Abstract: A device for visually displaying varying two-dimensional vector-type information, such as the frequency and amplitude of an audio signal. The device has an electroluminescent lamp and a supply voltage generator. The supply voltage generator receives an input signal including the vector-type information and provides an alternating supply voltage to the electroluminescent lamp. The amplitude of the supply voltage is representative of one dimension of the information and the frequency of the supply voltage is representative of the other dimension of the information. The first dimension, e.g. the audio signal amplitude, is displayed as a varying brightness of the electroluminescent lamp and the second dimension, e.g. the audio signal frequency, is displayed as a varying colour of the electroluminescent lamp. The device provides a simple, analogue visual display of the information.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and/or performing music via the Internet. The music is created and/or performed at a client system using a software application and sound tone-banks/loops delivered via a server system. The server system responds to an authorized user's request to transmit the necessary application and tone-banks/loops to the client, thereby creating a complete environment where the user can actuate the tones in the tone-bank or loops and store the actuation events locally or on a remote system for later retrieval.

Abstract: The apparatus (1) comprises a guitar (3) having strings (42) operable by a user to generate electric signals, a control unit (2), storage means for a simulation backing track in any desired multi-media file format and audio/audio-visual equipment for playing a main track. The control unit (2) has software for receiving and analyzing the electrical signals from the guitar (41) and for synchronizing the backing track with the main track during playback. The software of the control unit (2) opens the backing track multi-media file and streams the file in mute mode in synchronisation with the main track. In response to the electrical signals from the guitar (41), the control unit generates an output from the multi-media file to the audio/audio-visual equipment. Alternatively, the apparatus opens and plays extracts from the multi-media file and generates an output from the multi-media files to the audio equipment (4) together with the background track.

Abstract: When the inner product of signal eigenvalue vectors and azimuth vectors is transformed using an FFT and a MUSIC spectrum is calculated (Step 15), the inner product of noise eigenvalue vectors and azimuth vectors is transformed using the FFT and a MUSIC specturm is calculated (Step 17). A DOA is then estimated based on the MUSIC spectrum obtained (Step 16), thereby decreasing the quantity of calculations required for detecting a DOA of an incident wave using MUSIC algorithm.

Abstract: The method of making a non-lead hollow point bullet has the steps of a) compressing an unsintered powdered metal composite core into a jacket, b) punching a hollow cavity tip portion into the core, c) seating an insert, the insert having a hollow point tip and a tail protrusion, on top of the core such that the tail protrusion couples with the hollow cavity tip portion, and d) swaging the open tip of the jacket.

Abstract: Device and method for controlling a towed vehicle such as a bomb damage detector towed on a tether cord behind the bomb. The towed vehicle is ejected from the bomb at a selected release point in its trajectory. A tether cord is wound on a spool and dispensed from the spool longitudinally. The payout of tether cord is braked by a brake using the wrapping of the cord around a curved guide to increase the braking force supplied by an electric brake. The vehicle can be completely released from the cord prior to the bomb explosion to increase the viewing time without increasing the length of the cord. A vehicle towed by an aircraft can be recovered by use of a winch in the aircraft and anchoring the tether at the winch. A portion of the tether cord can be covered with a fire-resistant covering to protect it from the hot exhausts of jet or rocket engines on the aircraft.

Abstract: A method and device for judging the aiming error of a weapon system and a use of the device are disclosed. The weapon system includes a fire control device (F) for tracking a target (Z), a weapon (W) having a weapon barrel (B), aiming means for aiming the weapon barrel (B), and a data processing facility (EDV). The fire control device (F) tracks the target (Z), the data processing facility (EDV) continuously performs a lead calculation, and the weapon barrel (B) is aimed on the basis of the lead calculation. From the weapon (W), the data processing facility (EDV) receives a signal about the actual direction (&bgr;eff) of the aimed weapon barrel (B) from the view of the weapon (W). It calculates the intended direction (&bgr;*) for the weapon barrel (B) from the view of the weapon (W), as well as the aiming error (&rgr;) as a difference between the actual direction (&bgr;eff) and the intended direction (&bgr;*). An image recording device (V) records images of the target (Z).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sighting and targeting a controlled system from a common three-dimensional data set are disclosed. The method includes sighting a position correlated to at least a subset of a three-dimensional data set representing a field of view; and targeting a controlled system to the position from the three-dimensional data set. The apparatus includes a program storage medium, a controller, and a controller interface. The program storage medium is capable of storing a three-dimensional data set representing a field of view. The controller is capable of generating a presentation of the three-dimensional data set. A position represented by at least a subset of the three-dimensional data can be sighted and the position can be targeted from the subset through the controller interface.

Abstract: An arrangement for retrieving large-calibre ammunition from an ammunition magazine and transferring these to a loading and ramming position, in which the respective ammunition unit is located directly behind and coaxially aligned with a barrel of a large-calibre weapon mounted in such a way that it can pivot around a horizontal axis to assume different elevation positions. The transferring arrangement comprises a swing arm pivotably mounted around the horizontal axis between a retrieving position and a delivery position for each ammunition unit, and an ammunition pickup unit which is mounted on the swing arm in such a way that it can pivot. The ammunition pickup unit is arranged to assume a first angular position relative to the swing arm when this assumes its retrieving position, and to assume a second angular position relative to the swing arm when this assumes its delivery position.

Abstract: The invention provides a pneumatic servomotor for an assisted braking of a motor vehicle, of the type comprising a unidirectional clutch device, which includes a coaxial sleeve (58), sliding on a plunger (46), and axial-locking means, which are capable of locking said sleeve (58) in an end front axial position, in which it locks the piston (22) independently of the control rod (38), when an input force is applied at a given speed on the control rod (38) integral with the plunger (46), characterised in that the unidirectional clutch device comprises damping means, made of an elastomeric material and interposed between a stop-forming transverse intermediate face (59) of the plunger (46) and an opposite transverse face (76) of the sleeve (58), so as to permit, once the input force is released and when the locking means no longer lock the sleeve (58), the noiseless return of the sleeve (58) to its rear rest position.

Abstract: The double-acting hydraulic actuator (1) with an axial locking device comprises a cylinder chamber defined by two coaxial cylindrical walls (26, 27) of different diameters that are interconnected by a frustoconical wall (25). A guide piston (7) sliding in the smaller-diameter cylindrical wall (26) is fixed to the end of an actuator rod (9). The actuator rod (9) has an annular protuberance (33) of diameter equal to the diameter of the cylindrical wall (26). An annular stepped piston (40) providing sealing between the two cylinder chambers is slidably mounted on the middle portion (34) of the actuator rod to slide between the piston (7) and the annular protuberance (33). When the actuator is extended, the narrowed end (44) of the annular piston (40) bears against conical surfaces (46) of two half-rings (41a, 41b) and urges them outwards.

Abstract: A compressor for a vehicle air conditioning system comprises a front casing in which is mounted a swash or wobble plate arrangement operatively connected to a drive shaft and a plurality of pistons each provided with a piston body at one end and a foot portion at its other. A cylinder block is also provided defining a plurality of cylinder bores equally distributed circumferentially around the drive shaft, in each of which bores one of the piston bodies can be reciprocated by the swash or wobble plate, as the drive shaft rotates. The inner wall surface of the front casing defines a plurality of longitudinally extending recesses in positions apposed to each piston. The piston body and the foot portion of each piston are connected by a bridge that is bending resistant and projects outwardly into these apposed recesses. Also, at least one side of the bridge is provided with a laterally projecting wing that supports the piston against the adjacent inner wall surface of the front casing to one side of the recess.

Abstract: A crankshaft having at least two eccentric members of different diameter and a method of assembling a reciprocating compressor using a crankshaft having at least two eccentric members of different diameter are provided. A crankshaft having two eccentric members of different diameter is provided for more easily assembling a four-cylinder reciprocating compressor. The eccentric member having a smaller diameter is more easily inserted through apertures of connecting rods having a larger diameter than the eccentric member.

Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder with damping in the end position, also comprising a housing in which at least one slide rod element is mounted with at least one sealing element, in such a way that said slide rod element is linearly displaceable. At least one damper sleeve or its bearing arrangement is associated with the slide rod element, said bearing arrangement engaging with front-end bearing elements in the end positions. According to the invention, the damper sleeve or its bearing arrangement has at least one indentation for damping the end position and for ventilation.

Abstract: A linear actuator comprises a piston which is provided in an actuator body and which is displaceable under a pressure fluid, a slide table which is integrally connected to the piston and which is linearly displaceable, a rod which is engaged with the slide table and which has a shaft section inserted into an engagement hole of the piston, end blocks which are connected to ends of the actuator body, and stoppers which are provided on end surfaces of the end blocks and which adjust a displacement amount of the slide table.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator adapted for placement between a pair of spaced members for controlling relative movement between said members is formed of two different hardness plastic materials and includes a rigid base and a flexible top member forming an internal air chamber therebetween. The top member is movable between collapsed and expanded positions by pressurized air introduced into the internal chamber for relative movement of the spaced members. The base has a sidewall terminating in a peripheral edge on which the top member is sealingly secured by a hot welded joint. A central portion of the top member has a raised thickened portion which engages one of the spaced members. A stop is located within the internal chamber to maintain the central portion of the top member above the peripheral edge of the base to prevent contact of the spaced member with the sealed joint when the top member is in the collapsed position.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for fixing a piston (1), or a piston rod attachment, to a piston rod (5), one of the piston (1) and the piston rod (5) having a hole (2) running in its axial direction, and the other of these having a portion designed for being received by the hole (2) for connection of the piston (1) and the piston rod (5). The device includes an elongate locking means (10), at least one first opening (8a, 8b) in the piston and at least one second opening (9) in the piston rod (5), which openings (8a, 8b, 9) in the piston rod (5), which openings (8a, 8b, 9) extend in a different direction from the axial direction and are designed for receiving the locking means (10) for the purpose of bringing about the fixing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium comprising a microporous structure having a mean flow path of less than about 2 microns and made of an array of active particles. At least a portion of the surface of microporous structure has formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic material in combination with a biologically active metal. A microbiological interception enhanced filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.

Abstract: An exhaust heat utilization method for a carbon dioxide recovery process comprises heating returning hot water by at least one heat exchange selected from heat exchange with the regenerated absorbing liquid after heat exchange, heat exchange with carbon dioxide exhausted from the regeneration tower, and heat exchange with saturated water after heating the bottom of the regeneration tower, thereby obtaining hot water.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is provided a method of binding a gas or volatile compound in a cucurbituril, by contacting the gas or volatile compound with the cucurbituril to form a cucurbituril-gas/volatile complex. There is also provided a method of separating a gas or volatile compound from a mixture of compounds wherein the mixture is contacted with a cucurbituril and whereby at least some of the gas or volatile compound is bound to the cucurbituril to form a cucurbituril complex, followed by the release of at least some of the bound gas or volatile compound from that complex. The present invention is thus advantageous in that it allows use of cucurbiturils in binding gases and volatile compounds for storage, safety, delivery or other uses, such as the trapping of an unpleasant or toxic gas or volatile compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for separating dirt and debris in flowing media by making use of centrifugal forces, said device comprising a separation chamber (1), and a dirt collection chamber (3) connected with said separation chamber (1) by at least one dirt discharge opening (2). Arranged in the region of dirt discharge opening (2) within dirt collection chamber (3) are one or more flow guide elements (4, 5, 6), which make the backflow of dirt and debris into separation chamber (1) difficult.

Abstract: A composition of and a method of making high performance mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes is described. The membranes have a high resistance to plasticization by use of a predetermined amount of crosslinking. The preferred polymer material for the membrane is a polyimide polymer continuous phase comprising ester crosslinks and a molecular sieve material dispersed within the polymer continuous phase. The resultant mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane exhibits a high permeance of CO2 in combination with a high CO2/CH4 selectivity. Another embodiment provides a method of making the mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane from a monesterified polymer followed by final crosslinking after hollow fiber formation.

Abstract: Porous hollow polymer fiber membranes having convoluted inside and/or outside surfaces, as well as filter devices comprising a plurality of the hollow fiber membranes, the devices preferably being arranged to direct fluid flow from the inside surface of the membranes to the outside surface, methods of making the membranes, and methods of using the filter devices, are disclosed.