Abstract: Inert gas blanket protects oxidatively labile substance from oxidation. For example, fuels and lubricants such as present in fuel tanks, bearings, crankcases, gear boxes, transmissions, and so forth, employed in or in conjunction with internal combustion, jet and turbine engines, or a combustible substance such as flour dust in a grain silo, can be protected with a nitrogen blanket provided from the separation of air with a membrane containing device, Useful life of oleaginous liquids and hydrocarbon-based lubricants can be extended. For example, with the practice of the present invention, it may be necessary to change automobile engine oil only after twenty to fifty thousand miles of use.

Abstract: A vehicle drive axle is provided that includes a housing having a longitudinal portion defining a cavity. An axle shaft is supported within the cavity for rotation about an axis. The cavity is at least partially filled with oil. A plurality of spaced apart noncontiguous projections extend from the axle shaft in a direction transverse to the rotational axis. During rotation of the axle shafts, the projections extend into the oil within the cavity and splash the oil onto the upper portion of the axle housing. Increased heat dissipation is achieved by dispersing the oil throughout the cavity, and in particular the upper portion of the axle housing, where it radiates into the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A non self-propelled mobile food service unit transportable to a desired location of service comprises computer controlled auxiliary systems for providing food service. The auxiliary systems including an environmental unit, a food preparation unit, a billing unit, a safety and security unit and a data communication unit.

Abstract: In relation with this mechanism for stopping an elevator car is, for the monitoring of the speed of the elevator car, an overspeed governor provided which works based on the swing lever principle, whereby the movement of the elevator car will be transferred by means of a governor rope to the overspeed governor. The governor rope extends itself over the entire shaft height and will be returned at the lower shaft end by means of a deflection sheave and stretched by means of counterweight as well as guided at the upper shaft end over a pulley of the overspeed governor. The ends of the governor rope are fastened on a release mechanics arranged on the elevator car and such release mechanics operates in an emergency a safety gear arranged on the elevator car. With the overspeed of the elevator car a rope brake is released upwards.

Abstract: A counterweight and an elevator car are suspended on a set of hoisting ropes. The elevator comprises one or more rope pulleys provided with rope grooves, one of said pulleys being a traction sheave driven by a drive machine and moving the set of hoisting ropes. At least one of the rope pulleys has against the hoisting rope a coating adhesively bonded to the rope pulley and containing the rope grooves, said coating having an elasticity that is greater in the edge portions of the rope groove than at the bottom of the rope groove. In a preferred solution, the traction sheave is a rope pulley like this.

Abstract: A self-balancing synchronization assembly has a support beam pivotally mounted on a guide rail adjacent a hydraulic elevator jack. A synchronization bracket is pivotally mounted at one end of the beam and a pair of synchronization cables is connected between the bracket and a telescoping part of the jack. A return cable is connected between the other end of the beam and the hoistway pit to balance the load and includes a turnbuckle for retensioning the synchronization cables. A second synchronization bracket can be pivotally mounted at the one end of the support beam to synchronize a three-stage jack.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly is disclosed which is attachable to the wheel supporting portion of the frame of a cycle and which allows the orientation of the planar braking surface of the brake pad assembly to be infinitely variable within a defined range The disc brake assembly consists of a disc fixedly attached to a wheel, a plurality of brake pad assemblies each having a planar braking surface facing the disc and a caliper retaining the brake pad assemblies in an operative position. When braking occurs, the caliper advances at least one of the brake pad assemblies to bring the planar braking surfaces of the brake pad assemblies into and out of contact with the disc. In addition, means is disclosed for attaching each of the brake pad assemblies to the caliper with an orientation of the planar braking surface of the brake pad assembly being infinitely variable within a defined range.

Abstract: The invention is a mold spring retainer that allows adjustment by simply pulling a lever. It contains the lever, a pivot point, and spring to hold the lever in place. Release of the lever allows the mold spring retainer to move along the mold knock-out rod.

Abstract: A vehicle brake assembly includes a disc that rotates about a lateral axis. A caliper is mounted to a non-rotating vehicle structure and supports a pair of brake pads that are positioned on opposing sides of the disc. An air chamber provides an actuation force for the brake assembly. A first actuator applies a force in a first direction parallel to the lateral axis to bring the brake pads into engagement with the disc during a braking operation. The air chamber includes a second actuator that applies a force in a second direction transverse to the lateral axis in response to a vehicle input. An adapter is operably coupled to the first and second actuators to translate the force applied in the first direction to the force applied in the second direction. The adapter includes a housing that is mounted to the caliper and a lever that pivots relative to the housing. The lever has one end connected to the first actuator and another end connected to the second actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting piece of a disc brake for bicycles which includes a main body and an extension arm at the top of the main body. The extension arm with arched projections has a through hole at both ends thereof, respectively. The main body has a connection recess, thereby creating a restricting wall between the extension arm and the connection recess. The main body further comprises a slide piece laterally disposed at the opening of the rear fork. The slide piece is divided into two parts by an indent with the opening directed downwards. And the slide piece adjacent to the opening of the rear fork has a threaded hole extended to the indent so that adjusting element (or screw) can be screwed into the threaded hole. Accordingly, the disc-brake system is optionally installable to achieve the fine adjustment of the hub axle.

Abstract: A slack adjuster with the capability of self-adjusting the position of the piston in the caliper within the predefined range is described. The slack adjuster has a cylinder, a piston and a resilient body. Due to the friction and resilience among the piston, the resilient body and shafts, the piston of the brake member can controllably drawn back into the cylinder according to a predetermined force to reduce vibration, noise and abrasion of a friction pad when the brake member is idle. The pull of the piston is allowed to be automatic adjusted into a balance position so that the distance between the friction pad and the disc is maintained in a predetermined range.

Abstract: A drum brake device prevents shoe clearance over-adjustment by means of a thermo-sensitive member with a lower leg opening force and provides a smaller thermo-sensitive member with a lower cost. A portion between both ends of the brake lever (50) in a direction of crossing the shoe return inhibitor (61) engages with one end of the shoe return inhibitor (61) automatically restricting the return position of the pair of brake shoes (20) and (30); the proximate portion (50a) of the brake lever (50) is pivotally supported on the brake shoe (20); and the free end (50b) side of the brake lever (50) is supported at the brake shoe (20) via the thermo-sensitive member (70).

Abstract: A corrugated ribbon assembly for absorbing energy from an impact. The assembly includes a corrugated ribbon that is embedded in a stabilizing foam. The corrugated ribbon has two sides that define an energy absorbing wall which extends between a first impact edge of the ribbon and a second impact edge of the ribbon. The wall undergoes buckling to absorb energy when the first or second edge is impacted in a direction that is substantially parallel to the wall. The foam provides structural support for the ribbon during buckling thereof.

Abstract: A damper system for hybrid vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine and an electrical motor, and the damper system is located between the gear system and the electrical motor. The damper system connects the electrical motor to a hub ring attached to a pair of cover plates, which are separated by a plurality of spacer bolts. A flange, which is placed between the cover plates, connects to a shaft attached to the gear system via another hub ring. The flange has a plurality of windows for locating coil springs. The inertia of the electrical motor is linked to the inertia of the gear system through the coil springs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supplying electrical energy to rail vehicles. An alternating-current supply (1) is thus connected to a rectifier (3a ). A connection (4) for a rail vehicle is arranged after the rectifier (3a). Several rectifiers (3) are arranged in parallel to the one rectifier (3a). A connection (4) for a rail vehicle is arranged after each rectifier (3, 3a). The rectifiers (3, 3a) are, for example, individually controllable.

Abstract: In a hydrodynamic clutch with a lockup clutch, a hydraulic fluid is in operative connection with a piston space outside of a driven shaft constructed as a hollow shaft by means of a plurality of fluid channels. The piston space adjoins an actuation piston by means of which the lockup clutch can be actuated. The fluid channels extend substantially axially in a partial portion. In the partial portion, the fluid channels are surrounded on the radial inside by the driven shaft and are surrounded on the radial outer side and in circumferential direction by a hub part.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus (416) is provided that is configured to transmit energy from a power source to a work device. Transmission apparatus (416) includes an input shaft (426) adapted to receive energy from the power source and an output shaft (434) adapted to transfer energy to the work device. Preferably, transmission apparatus (416) further includes a fluid coupling (25) configured to transfer energy from input shaft (426) to output shaft (434) and a mechanical coupling (24) configured to transfer energy from input shaft (426) to the output shaft (434).

Abstract: A dual mass flywheel and clutch system for minimizing torsional vibration levels during engine start-up and during low speed engine operation where the rotational moment of inertia of a clutch input assembly is minimized to raise the torsional natural frequency of the dual mass clutch system above the engine firing frequency when the clutch is disengaged to reduce the level of torsional vibration during engine start-up. After engine start-up, the dual mass clutch system is engaged and the torsional natural frequency of the clutch system returns to a lower frequency due to the rotation of the clutch output assembly thereby effectively reducing the torsional vibration levels in the vehicle driveline in a normal manner.

Abstract: A ratchet-type lever mechanism including two ratchet gear wheels and a bifurcated ratchet pawl member for selective meshed engagement with one of the two ratchet gear wheels. The bifurcated ratchet pawl member is simply bent from a plate material into such an offset configuration having a first toothed pawl portion and a second toothed pawl portion bent from that first one in an offset manner so that the two pawl portions are in correspondence with the respective two ratchet gear wheels. This ratchet-type lever mechanism has a simplified connection structure allowing both of the bifurcated ratchet member and an operating lever to be securely connected on an input shaft, whereby the input shaft is made short in length, thereby making thin a whole size of the lever mechanism. A restriction element for rotation of the bifurcated ratchet pawl member may also be mounted on that input shaft for that purpose.

Abstract: An RPM-responsive sprag overrunning clutch which includes a hub adapted to be attached to a drive shaft, a ring gear surrounding said hub and spaced therefrom, and a plurality of sprags positioned between said hub and ring gear. An actuator mechanism secured to the hub which includes a pair of movable segments and a pair of rollers which are free to move radially of said ring gear under the influence of centrifugal force as the clutch is rotated. Said movable segments being connected to an annular plate which is pinned to each of said sprags such that circumferential movement of the movable segments is transmitted to said sprags to shift them into or out of wedging relationship between the hub and ring gear.

Abstract: A compact dry power takeoff clutch unit is adapted for interconnection with a flywheel of an engine. A housing is adapted for attachment to the engine and has a plurality of interleaved friction and separator disks maintained therein. A drive ring is connected to the friction disks and to the flywheel for driving the friction disks by the engine. An output shaft is interconnected with the separator disks. A pair of anti-friction bearings are received by the housing and provide the sole support for the output shaft. A pressure plate is configured to be nestingly received by a cup-shaped flywheel in order to maintain certain standardized dimensional constraints. Actuation of the clutch is achieved by a rotary union interposed between the pair of support bearings. A quiescent position for the separator disks is achieved by the mounting of the separator disks between the head and spring of shoulder bolts secured to an output hub mounted upon the output shaft.

Abstract: A friction clutch is provided that includes a clutch cover, an intermediate plate that is spaced apart from an engine flywheel, a first friction disk positioned between the flywheel and the intermediate plate, a pressure plate spaced apart from the intermediate plate and a second friction disk positioned between the intermediate plate and the pressure plate. The clutch further includes a first drive strap for applying a load to the intermediate plate, a second drive strap for applying a load to the pressure plate and a separator arm attached to the intermediate plate. The separator arm engages the second drive strap such that axial movement of the intermediate plate relative to the clutch cover is a fraction of the corresponding axial movement of the pressure plate during engagement and disengagement of the clutch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for adjusting the stroke length of a slide in a press. A sleeve works as a fluid bearing in relation to a shaft. Upon applying pressure to the sleeve, the sleeve creates an interference fit with the shaft. Once the interference fit exists, the position of the shaft can be adjusted to change the stroke length of the slide in the press.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch for coupling a drive shaft (11) to a driven member (13) at rotary speeds above a predetermined threshold, comprising: a centrifugal slider (15) with a massive enlargement (155) at one end and a first coupling formation (156) preferably at the other end; a frame (12) formed to carry the centrifugal slider on formations (121, 122, 123, 124) to constrain it to sliding motion between an extended radial position and a retracted radial position, and to fit on the drive shaft to be driven by it, with the shaft at right-angles to the axis of sliding motion of the frame: an output drive member mountable for free rotation on the drive shaft and formed for driving engagement with the driven member in use, and formed with a second coupling formation (131) which connects drivingly with the first only when the centrifugal slider is at its extended position; and means (16) preferably located wholly within a recess (151) in the centrifugal slider, for biasing the centrifugal slider toward its retracted p

Abstract: An actuation module of a centrifugal clutch incorporates a plurality of actuating weights mounted on pivot links. The weights pivot radially outwardly under centrifugal forces induced by rotation of the actuation module. One weight is secured to each of the pivot links, and springs counter the radially outward movements of the weights. Each weight defines a slot; a roller is disposed in each of the slots. Each slot defines a pair of spaced walls; each of the rollers is rotatable on an axle secured between one pair of walls. The rollers engage cam ramps that rotate with the module but are axially displaceable with respect thereto for engagement and disengagement of the clutch. Each pair of walls is oriented in direction of pivotal movement of its associated weight. A roller thrust plate is secured between each roller and the wall of the slot spaced farthest away from the pivot link.

Abstract: A sintered selector or sliding sleeve, or gear shift sleeve, has internal claw toothing. The individual teeth are delimited on their ends with secondary surfaces having ends that extend radially inward and outward from the root circle of the inner tooth surfaces. The novel geometry of the secondary surfaces extending radially outward from the root circle provide advantages in the manufacture of such selector sleeves by powder metallurgy, compared with those having prior art tooth geometries.

Abstract: Moulded plastics bearing housing (10), receiving rolling bearing (26), is press-fitted into end (72) of conveyor roller tube (74). Body portion (12) of housing (10) extends radially inward as neck portion (46) terminating in two rims, one sealing against shaft (82) supporting the conveyor roller and the other sealing against inner race (30) of bearing (26). Both sealing rims are curved in section so as to make low angles with shaft (82) and bearing (26). The flexibility of this sealing arrangement absorbs axial movements between shaft (82) and the roller.

Abstract: In order to transfer articles such as edible ice products of different characters delivered from several parallel production or packing lines into packable groups of such articles it is known to convey the articles on respective accumultion conveyors and to collectively transfer the items from the respective end positions on these conveyors to a common conveyor system for bringing each set of articles thus transferred to be fed to a cartonizer line. According to the invention it is advantageous to use but a single accumulation conveyor, to which the articles are supplied in respective feeding stations arranged longitudinally interspaced along a rear feeding stretch of the conveyor, and to control the article supply in such a manner that each set of different articles is built up serially at a delivery end of the conveyor. The said collective article transfer may then be effected set by set in order to isolate successive groups of articles for cartonizing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sorting unit having tipable troughs that are selectively tipable by a combination of levers and cams running within predefined tracks. The tipping action can be selectively controlled so as to accommodate items within the troughs of varying weights, coefficient of frictions and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for spacing boards of lumber in transverse parallel contacting relation on an infeed conveyor comprising: (i) a rotatable lifting means adapted to receive said boards from said infeed conveyor, said rotatable lifting means including at least one arcuate camming element adapted to individually lift said boards at uniform intervals to a raised position by slidingly rotating beneath said boards; (ii) an outfeed conveyor for receiving said boards from said rotatable lifting system; and (iii) a rotatable advancing means located above said rotatable lifting means adapted to frictionally engage said boards when said boards are in said raised position and advance said boards onto said outfeed conveyor.

Abstract: Product is conveyed as a continuous stream by a meter conveyor (12) unto a transfer plate (32) and a transfer device (42). The transfer device (42) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position extending over a sweep conveyor (22). In a preferred form, the transfer device (42) is in the form of a thin piece of flexible material and is moved in the conveying direction from the retracted position to the extended position by engaging with the sweep conveyor (22) and is moved to the retracted position by being wrapped around a rotated roller (46). Product is transferred from the transfer device (42) to the sweep conveyor (22) as the transfer device (42) moves from the extended position to the retracted position and is engaged by a metering bar (52ba) which controls the product acceleration on the sweep conveyor (22) to match the meter conveyor (12) until the product group leaves the transfer device (42).

Abstract: A device (1) to feed work pieces in steps, for example within a press (2), using two gripping rails (3) that can be moved back and forth in the feed direction, that includes at least one feed traverse (8) that moves perpendicular to itself with which to uniformly feed and return the gripping rails (3). Coupled to this traverse is at least one tilt arm (9) that is driven by a servomotor (11) whose tilt motion is converted to the perpendicular motion of the feed traverse (8) and thus into the feed and return motion of the gripping rails (3). There can also be two tilt arms (9) arranged in a mirror-image fashion.

Abstract: The conveyor system (11) is used for transferring rows or large cycles (66) of sheet stacks (12) from the stacking station (20) of a paper converting machine, e.g. a small format cross-cutter to several parallel-running discharge conveyor belts (24, 25). For this purpose grippers or tongs (48) are provided, which are guided on gripper supports (39) and which can draw the stacks (12) from stacking station (20) via conveyor belts (24, 25). For each stacking position (21) there are two grippers (48, 48a), which in each case alternatively grip and transfer a stack, whilst the other gripper performs the return movement and passes into its waiting position upstream of the stacking station.

Abstract: A drive unit (10) for a continuous conveyance means of a transfer system has a housing part (16) comprising two side walls (17, 18), in each of which a recess (25) is formed. A bearing plate (31) is capable of being inserted into each of the recesses (25) from the top end face of the housing part (16). The drive shaft (37) of a drive wheel (38) for the conveyance means is supported in the bearing plates (31). The design of the drive unit (10) according to the invention allows for universal use of the drive unit (10) combined with easy assembly of its individual parts.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus transports materials along an incline. The apparatus includes an endless base conveyor belt that is tensioned between lower and upper end rollers and is aligned with the incline. A drive means drives the base belt at a selected speed and in a selected direction along the incline. An endless hanging overhead conveyor belt is provided above the base belt, and has a substantially flat conveyance surface for covering materials placed on the base belt. A drive roller of the hanging overhead belt is coupled to the upper end roller of the base belt so as to drive the hanging overhead belt at a speed and direction similar to that of the base belt. The hanging overhead belt extending toward and in proximity to an input transport conveyor for transporting articles at a speed slower than the speed of the hanging belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlled conveying of products (2), such as drinks cans or bottles from an intake (3) at a first height level to an outlet (5) at a second height level. The device comprises a substantially vertical conveyor duct (4) which is arranged to contain a plurality of axially stacked products (2), and which forms a transport path from the intake (3) to the outlet (5), a sensor device, arranged to provide a signal expressing that a product has been removed from the outlet (5), conveyor devices, arranged to perform a repeatable convey cycle for controlled conveying of a product to the outlet, and a control device, arranged to implement the convey cycle on the basis of the said signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a longitudinal conveyor for conveying electronic components (5) in bar stock magazines (2) along a conveying line (1) by means of a slide (3), which is inserted into the magazine and which is driven by a linear motor with stationary electromagnets (4) and with a permanent magnet placed on the slide. According to the invention, it is not necessary to transfer the components out of customary extruded magazines and into special conveying magazines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transport device for transporting to-be-processed elements through a high-temperature zone and a corresponding method. The transport device operates according to the walking beam principle, with thin, elongated carrier elements made of a flexible material, which are maintained under tensile stress along the longitudinal axis of the carrier elements, being provided instead of conventional walking beams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting a conveyor belt used in the continuously operated thermal treatment, i.e. sintering, of a material bed. According to the invention, in the top part of the frame structure (17) of the belt conveyor (14), there is installed at least one support element (1, 18), whereby an essentially smooth slide surface can be obtained for the conveyor belt (11), and in the interior of the support element (1, 18) there is made a channel system (8) in order to enable the flow-through of the intermediate agent fed into the support element.

Abstract: A conveyor construction that includes a conveyor frame assembly formed from a pair of spaced side frame members interconnected with each other by spaced cross members. The upper bed of the conveyor frame assembly is formed from individual bed plate strips attached to each of the cross members. The width of the conveyor frame assembly can be modified by the proper selection of the number of bed plate strips. The conveyor frame assembly includes a separate tensioning assembly and tracking adjustment assembly. The tracking adjustment assembly is adjusted separate from the tensioning assembly such that additional tension applied to the conveyor belt does not affect the previously selected tracking adjustment. The conveyor construction includes a center drive unit having only a single drive roller, a guide roller and a tensioning roller. The tensioning roller position is controlled by a pair of spaced tensioning cylinder.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transitioning articles between an external intermittent conveyor and an external continuous conveyor system includes an upper conveyor and lower conveyor. Each conveyor includes an infeed arm movable toward and away from the intermittent conveyor. Each infeed arm defines an infeed end that is movable along a common arc and rotatable about a common pivot point. With the infeed ends traveling along a common arc, each infeed end is easily moved to the same optimal receiving position for receiving articles from the intermittent conveyor. Each conveyor may switch between a continuous mode, wherein articles are continuously discharged onto the continuous conveyor, and an intermittent mode, wherein articles are intermittently received from the intermittent conveyor.

Abstract: A key top including a resin film, a key top body made of resin and being covered by the resin film except for the rear surface thereof, and a first extending portion extending outward from the peripheral surface of the key top body. A gate mark formed by a mold and a vent mark formed by a mold which are located on the rear surface of the first extending portion. The rear surfaces of the key top body and the first extending portion are flat and located rearward from the rear surface of the resin film.

Abstract: A first stationary contact is provided on the base body. A second stationary contact is provided on the base body. A conductive click spring is disposed over the first stationary contact and the second stationary contact, so as to be always electrically connected to the first stationary contact and so as to be away from the second stationary contact in a neutral position thereof. A push button includes a head portion which is depressed by an operator, and an actuator which pushes the click spring so as to be abutted against the second stationary contact when the head portion is depressed. The head portion and the actuator is integrally formed from rubber having elastic restorability.

Abstract: A switch apparatus includes a first layer and a second layer attached to one another via sets of fastening elements formed on the layers. The fastening elements may comprise hook-like elements that engage one another in an interlocking arrangement to attach the layers, or alternatively, the fastening elements may take other forms. The fastening elements may include flexible portions that flex when the first layer and second layer are forced together. The apparatus may be used within switch arrays, and can eliminate the need for dome spring elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a press-button switch which includes a control unit between a press button and a conductive switching element within a housing of the press-button switch. The control unit utilizes a push element and a hook member beneath the press button to push and pull, respectively, against a first and a second actuating element both of which are situated at different planes. Thus, the rotary body of the control unit can continuously rotate at an angle of 180 degrees in a single direction, and the eccentric hole will change its position between an upper point (H) and a lower point (L) in order to move the push-pull rod for displacing the switching element for the on-off control. Moreover, the press-button switch can be smoothly disconnected in off state for ensuring the electric safety in case of overload current.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a process for obtaining phenanthrene of about 95% purity from coal tar distilled fraction containing crude phenanthrene by performing fractional distillation at a reduced pressure of 50 mm mercury and at a temperature range of 160-180° C. to obtain first distilled fraction containing acenaphthene and fluorene; a second distillate fraction at a temperature range of 200-230° C. containing phenanthrene, anthracene and traces of carbazole; followed by re-distilling the second distillate fraction at a temperature range of 210-224° C. to finally obtain pure phenanthrene and a residue which is again used for the recovery of residual phenanthrene by re-distillation at a temperature range of 210-224° C.

Abstract: Improved coke chute systems (100) include a lock (130) that receives and automatically secures a coke-receiving conduit (110) to a coke vessel after the lock (130) is switched to a closed position. Contemplated systems may further be combined with a horizontally movable coke chute cover, or a cover that is moved by an actuator (114) that lifts and rotates the cover from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A distillation apparatus includes a column body; a partition for dividing the interior of the column body; a first distillation section composed of an enriching section and an exhaust section; a second distillation section composed of an enriching section formed above an upper end of the first distillation section, and an exhaust section located adjacent to the enriching section of the first distillation section; a third distillation section composed of an enriching section located adjacent to the exhaust section of the first distillation section, and an exhaust section formed below a lower end of the first distillation section; a condenser; a negative pressure generation system for generating a negative pressure to thereby withdraw vent gas; a gas cooler for cooling the vent gas; a first discharge system disposed at the side of the column body and adapted to discharge liquid rich in a medium-boiling-point component formed from a high-melting-point material; and a second discharge system disposed at the botto

Abstract: A process for purifying alicyclic alcohols by distillation, wherein the alicyclic alcohols are distilled in the presence of from 1 to 550 ppm of acidic compounds.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for purifying a gas containing contaminants are disclosed. The gas is irradiated with an ultraviolet ray and/or a radiation ray so as to produce microparticles of the contaminants. The resultant microparticles of the contaminants are contacted with a photocatalyst. Then, the photocatalyst is irradiated with light so as to decompose the contaminants held in contact with the photocatalyst. Organic compounds, organosilicon compounds, basic gas and the like can be decomposed by the action of the photocatalyst. Even when these species are present at a low concentration, they can be concentrated locally by transforming into microparticles, and hence can be removed.