Abstract: A process for the selective recovery of precious metals from a medium loaded with precious metals and base metals. The selective recovery of precious metals is achieved by exposing the medium to an aqueous solution containing a complex of formula MX2—, wherein M is a metal of group IB or IIB of the Periodic Table of Elements, and X is a monovalent radical. A second invention relates to the removal of copper from the medium whereby elution of copper is achieved by exposing the medium to an aqueous solution capable of oxidising Cu(I) to Cu(II) whilst not eluting precious metals from the medium.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench or spanner is provided. It includes essentially an elongated handle element (1) with a convex urging portion (11) at one end, an upper jaw element (2) with a concave urging portion (21), a lower jaw element (4) with a protrusion portion (44) and a ratchet assembly (3). The upper jaw element (2) is movable with the assistance of the two engaging urging portions (11, 21) and the lower jaw element (4) is adjustable with the assistance of the ratchet assembly (3). Two jaw portions (22, 41) are operable in tightening or loosening positions, without having to be disengaged from a hexagonal nut. When the jaw portions (22, 41) are opened in a loosening position, gripping edges (23, 42) of the jaw portions (22, 41) are allowed to shift from one width across flats (f1) to another width across flats (f2).

Abstract: An articulation lock that includes a first housing, a second housing, and a lockable connection assembly for pivotably connecting the first housing and the second housing together. The lockable connection assembly includes a plurality of apertures arranged upon a portion of the second housing and at least two lock pins, where each of the lock pins is seated within a cavity located within the first housing. The assembly further includes at least one biasing element for creating a biasing force upon each of the lock pins such that each of the lock pins is biased toward the second housing to prevent relative rotation of the first housing with respect to said second housing and also with respect to an engaging member attached to the second housing. The engaging member includes a plurality of protrusions, with one of the protrusions corresponding to each of the apertures in the second housing.

Abstract: A new and improved hand tool device for use in the operation of quarter turn spring loaded self-ejecting or non spring loaded button type fasteners. A device that minimizes damage to costly painted, finished or non finished surface panel or parts due to it's radii and precise fit in the concave groove found in the head of quarter turn fasteners. Comprising of a blade design with specific radii and thickness to fit precisely in the concave grove found in quarter turn spring loaded self-ejecting or non spring loaded button type fasteners.

Abstract: A magnetic retaining device includes a barrel secured to one end of a flexible extension shaft or a driving shank, a pole slidably received in the barrel and having one end extendible outward of the barrel, a magnetic member secured to the outer end of the pole, and a retaining ring may be attached to the pole for limiting a movement of the pole relative to the barrel. The pole and the magnetic member may thus be moved relative to the barrel and may be moved inward and outward of the barrel, for attracting or driving the tool members in the deep grooves of the objects.

Abstract: A polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (cBN) cutting tool contains less than 70 volume-% cBN and is coated with a layer of hard refractory material.

Abstract: Some preferred embodiments of the present invention includes an apparatus and method employed for cutting a rotating log of rolled product into rolls, the apparatus and method utilized for preventing collapse of a longitudinally extending aperture in the log during the cutting process. The present invention includes a mandrel received within the aperture of the log to at least partially support the log and to preferably maintain the integrity of the aperture while the log is being cut by a saw blade. Preferably, the mandrel has at least one recess within which a saw blade can be received during cutting operations upon the log.

Abstract: A rotary assembly for traction drives, including a plurality of rolling elements having a rotation axis and traction contact surfaces around the rotation axis and associating with each other to transmit a motive power between the rolling elements via a traction oil film formed between the traction contact surfaces, in which at least one of the traction contact surfaces has a microstructure with irregularities which sizes are larger than a thickness of the traction oil film. The process for the traction contact surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a sheet of material along a preselected line. The apparatus includes a table having an upper surface sized and shaped for receiving the sheet of material. In addition, the apparatus includes a wire positionable adjacent the upper surface of the table and generally vertically below the preselected line on the sheet of material when the sheet of material is received by the upper surface of the table. Further, the apparatus includes an elongate guide positionable above the sheet of material when the sheet is received by the upper surface of the table for holding the sheet of material in position with respect to the wire and the upper surface of the table. The apparatus also includes a device engageable with the wire for pulling the wire upward through the sheet of material to cut the sheet of material along the preselected line.

Abstract: A slicing machine has a blade having an edge, and a carriage adapted to carry a foodstuff to be sliced and displaceable past the blade edge in forward and reverse directions. A reversible drive on the support is connected to the carriage for displacing it in both directions. A sensor on the support generates an output when the foodstuff on the carriage is generally engaged by the blade edge. A controller connected between the sensor and the drive serves, on forward displacement of the carriage and foodstuff thereon, to forwardly displace the carriage and foodstuff thereon by the drive on generation of the output and subsequently, when the sensor means stops generating the output, displaces the carriage and the foodstuff thereon in the reverse direction by the drive.

Abstract: A reinforcing steel bar cutter includes a base, a pair of bearing plates erected on the base, a handle shaft pivotally attached to one of the pair of bearing plates, a stationary blade and a movable blade provided with depressed parts and interposed between the pair of bearing plates, and a posture-retaining wall formed on at least one of the pair of bearing plates for preventing the reinforcing steel bar inserted into the depressed parts from warping while the reinforcing steel bar is being cut. The stationary and movable blades have opposed cutting blade parts to each of which a relief angle is imparted. The movable blade is connected to the handle shaft and rotated relative to the stationary blade by rocking motion of the handle shaft to cut the reinforcing bar.

Abstract: A panel saw machine (1) is equipped with a rear table (4) for feeding panels (3) to a cutting station (2) installed along one edge (7) of the feed table (4), and a table (6; 6′) for the manual handling of the panels (3) by an operator; the handling table (6; 6′) is located in the same plane as the feed table (4), at the front end relative to the cutting station (2), and comprises a plurality of peninsulas (9, 10, 11; 9′, 10′, 11′) on which the panels slide and are supported, and a connecting portion (12; 12′) joining the peninsulas (9, 10, 11; 9′, 10′, 11′) to each other.

Abstract: This invention relates to structure of a connection seat and an improved structure of a suspension seat of a connection seat for a suspension round saw. The connection seat formed as one unit will not product error when the left-right angle of the sawing blade is adjusted and/or when the sawing blade moves up and down. The middle position of the suspension seat is provided with a plurality of securing sections so as the weight of the connection seat is distributed equally to the plurality of securing sections.

Abstract: A miter cut fine adjustment mechanism for use with a cutting tool for finely adjusting the angle of cut. The miter cut fine adjustment mechanism has a yoke mounted to a lever, the lever attached to a cutting tool for moving the cutting tool into a different angle of cut. An insert is movably secured between the opposing side walls of the yoke for detachably securing the lever to a worktable and the insert is laterally movable for finely adjusting the angle of cut.

Abstract: Tool elements and methods. In some constructions and in some aspects, a tool element includes a main body and an indicator positioned on the main body for indicating the position of the tool element relative to a workpiece. In some constructions and in some aspects, a tool element is useable with a power tool, which has a guide. The tool element includes a main body connectable to the power tool and an indicator positioned on the main body for indicating the position of the guide relative to the workpiece. In some constructions and in some aspects, a method of manufacturing a tool element includes providing the tool element and producing an indicator on the tool element for indicating the position of the tool element relative to a workpiece.

Abstract: A cutting machine for food including a motor housing with one blade which is rotationally held on or in it, a carriage which is used to support the material to be cut and which can be moved parallel to the cutting plane of the blade, and means for carriage guidance to which the carriage is attached or can be attached, and a base plate which is used directly or indirectly for holding the motor housing, the cutting machine having a base part which encompasses the base plate and a carrier part which is made essentially in one piece with it, and the motor housing being held on the carrier part. Furthermore, this invention relates to a base part for one such cutting machine.

Abstract: A method for singulating a substrate containing semiconductor components is performed using a nest for holding the substrate, a prestage alignment base for aligning the substrate during a prestage alignment step, and a vacuum cutting base for holding the nest and the substrate during a cutting step. The prestage alignment base includes locator pins configured to engage locator openings on the substrate to align the substrate on the nest. As the cutting base does not include the locator pins, the cutting step can be performed without saw scrap collecting on the locator pins. A system for performing the method includes the nest and the prestage alignment base having the locator pins configured to engage the locator openings on the substrate. The system also includes the sawing base which includes pedestals with vacuum conduits for holding the substrate stationary on the nest for sawing.

Abstract: A drum pillow for use in a bass drum is disclosed herein. The drum pillow can be permanently or removably inserted into the interior of the bass drum shell. The preferred embodiment of the drum pillow is used to “deaden” or modify the sound, esp. overtones, of the bass drum during live performances, particularly when the drum is being struck by a typical foot-operated bass beater. An alternate embodiment is designed for use in studio recording sessions, where the situation calls for an even “deader” sound. Also disclosed herein is a method for using the drum pillow for the purposes described.

Abstract: An easy install musical instrument string system having a substantially rectangular holder strip with a front surface, a back surface, a top end and a bottom end. A plurality of channels are defined in the front surface of the holder strip running from the top end to the bottom end of the strip. Musical instrument strings are disposed in each channel in the order the strings would be attached to the particular instrument for which the strings area adapted. A sheet covers the strings and the front surface of the strip and attaches to the back surface of the strip. The ends of the strings extend past the ends of the holder strip far enough to be attachable to the head and body of a particular stringed musical instrument.

Abstract: There is provided an Ebook. The Ebook includes a memory device, a text-to-speech (TTS) module, and a music module. The memory device stores files. The files include text and music. The TTS module synthesizes speech corresponding to the text. The music module plays back the music. The at least one speaker outputs the speech and the music.

Abstract: A sound control apparatus is provided in a portable terminal for sounding a music tone in association with operation of the portable terminal, which is controlled by a main CPU. In the sound control apparatus, a memory memorizes music information representing a music tone and configuration information associated to a timbre of the music tone. An information acquiring section acquires the music information and the configuration information from the memory. A tone generating section is configured by the acquired configuration information to create a timbre specified by the configuration information. The tone generating section operates according to the acquired music information to generate the music tone being represented by the music information and having the specified timbre. A dedicated CPU is provided separately from the main CPU for controlling the memory, the information acquiring section and the tone generating section.

Abstract: An electronic percussion instrument is constituted by a hi-hat, a stand, and a foot pedal, wherein the hi-hat is interlocked with the foot pedal via a movable shaft. In the hi-hat, a core plate (and a core) is arranged in the upper portion, and membrane switches are arranged in the lower portion and are covered with a rubber block, which is gradually brought into contact with membrane switches when depressed by the core plate, which is moved downwards upon depression of the foot pedal. In response to a depressed position of the foot pedal, membrane switches are sequentially turned on or off, thus producing a control signal whose value is varied to control an electronic sound in tone color. Thus, it is possible to produce various hi-hat sounds such as an open hi-hat sound, a closed hi-hat sound, and a foot hi-hat sound as necessary.

Abstract: An armor system useful, for example, as a shroud, comprising a first pliable, cut resistant fibrous layer and a second pliable fibrous layer is disclosed. The first layer is arranged to receive an impact from a large projectile prior to the second layer and engages the projectile to slow its velocity. The second layer is substantially coextensive with the first and dissipates the incoming energy of the impact to resist complete penetration of the second layer by the projectile, preferably by deforming in response to the impact. Both layers comprise fibers having a tensile modulus of at least about 200 g/d, and an energy-to-break of at least about 8 J/g and a tenacity equal to or greater than about 10 g/d. In another embodiment, the layers are reversed relative to the impact face of the system so that the second layer becomes the first layer and is resistant to projectiles impacting the system, while the first layer becomes the second layer and resists deformation of the system by projectile impacts.

Abstract: A recoil mitigation apparatus for a projectile-firing device, such as an explosives disrupter, is provided. At least one brake shoe is positioned proximate the projectile-firing device and means are provided for urging the at least one brake shoe toward the projectile-firing device. The urging of the at least one brake shoe provides a frictional force to mitigate the recoil of the projectile-firing device. In a preferred embodiment, at least one pair of brake shoes are provided. In a further preferred embodiment, the each of the at least one pair of brake shoes are positioned in a facing, spaced apart relationship and the at least one pair of brake shoe combination is positioned in a coaxial relationship to the projectile-firing device.

Abstract: A collapsible push rod for a brake booster in a vehicle is provided, having first and second telescoping members, and retractable locking means for selectively locking the first and second members together against telescoping. During a frontal impact collision, the members telescope into one another to shorten the length of the push rod and compensate for rearward movement of the brake booster and forward movement of the driver. The push rod is operable in the collapsed state. The push rod is also re-settable after the collision, and includes features for returning the push rod to its normal un-telescoped length following the collision, if the push rod is not damaged in the collision. The retractable locking means includes an electrically actuated solenoid for selectively locking and unlocking the first and second members against telescoping, in response to an electrical signal applied to the solenoid.

Abstract: An acoustic agglomerator for agglomerating constituents in a fluid is provided. The acoustic agglomerator includes an area containing a fluid having constituents and an acoustic generator operable to generate a modulated acoustic field to enhance agglomeration of the constituents in the fluid. In one aspect the acoustic field is frequency modulated and in other aspects the acoustic field is amplitude modulated, while yet in other aspects the acoustic field is both frequency and amplitude modulated. A method for agglomerating constituents in a fluid is also provided. The method includes providing a fluid with a constituent and applying an acoustic field to the fluid. The method provides for modulating the acoustic field to cause the constituent to agglomerate.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption apparatus for producing a gas mixture with a higher concentration of a particular gas such as oxygen from ambient air, in which the noisier components of the apparatus are contained in an internal removable module that is separated by sound insulation from the balance the apparatus to attenuate structure borne vibration, reduce radiated noise, and to absorb airborne sound.

Abstract: A method for removing a first and a second minor component from a gas mixture comprising the first and second minor components and one or more major components. The method comprises providing a first adsorbent zone containing a first adsorbent material and a second adsorbent zone containing a second adsorbent material wherein the selectivity of the first adsorbent material for the first minor component relative to the second minor component is greater than the selectivity of the second adsorbent material for the first minor component relative to the second minor component. The average particle diameter of the first adsorbent material and the average particle diameter of the second adsorbent material preferably are substantially the same. The gas mixture is passed through the first adsorbent zone and subsequently through the second adsorbent zone. A purified gas containing the one or more major components and depleted in the first and second minor component is withdrawn from the second adsorbent zone.

Abstract: A method for avoiding the spontaneous ignition of combustible dusts in process off-gases, wherein during the process the dusts are retained, without adversely affecting the process parameters, at least one sintered filter element which is arranged in a pressure vessel and is able to withstand temperatures of up to at least 250° C. and after the process has ended the dusts are inerted by blasting oxygen-containing gas back into the pressure vessel, and to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microporous filter medium treated with a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic chemical having a medium to high charge density and a molecular weight greater than about 5000 Daltons, adsorbed on at least a portion of the microporous structure, and a biologically active metal in direct proximity to the cationic chemical and also on at least a portion of the microporous structure, wherein the flow of fluid through the filter medium decreases in response to an amount of polyanionic acids present in an influent. Robust microbiological interception is still maintained due to the extended empty bed contact time as a result of the diminished flow rate.

Abstract: An ionizer plate design for an ionizing wet scrubber which reduces the size of a scrubber for a given mass flow, reduces the number of parts and complexity of the ionizing plates from previous designs, and utilizes components which have a low electrical conductivity.

Abstract: Granita ices or chilled drinks made from water and a liquid flavoring are mixed in a dispenser equipped with an autofill device that comprises a module packaged in a housing positionable directly on top of the bowl from which the iced or chilled product is dispensed. Water is directed into the module through first feed pipelines, and flavoring through second feed pipelines, whereupon the two liquids are directed along a further pipeline from the respective feed pipelines into the bowl. The presence of the water and flavoring is detected by sensors located on the feed pipelines or the outlet pipeline, or both, and further sensors monitor the level of the mixture in the bowl; a control unit interlocked to the presence sensors will activate a solenoid valve on the first pipelines, and a pump on the second pipelines, to replenish the bowl with the requisite quantities of water and flavoring automatically.

Abstract: A device for the preparation of many different beverages simultaneously in one machine. The device comprises a housing containing a primary reservoir for holding a liquid that is used to make a beverage. Disposed within the housing is a rotatable tray and a motor for driving this tray. The rotatable tray contains a plurality of receptacles. These receptacles are for receiving a concentrate solution for flavoring the liquid. In addition, disposed within the housing is a conduit for transporting the liquid from the reservoir to the rotatable tray. In this case the conduit allows the reservoir to be in fluid connection with the tray.

Abstract: The upper lid of a coffee includes an upper lid body, which is provided inside with a rotatable receiving unit having a female-threaded portion and a central through hole. A support post fitted with a prop member is inserted upward through the central through hole of the rotatable receiving unit and fitted around with a safety valve unit. Then, the rotatable receiving unit and the upper lid are combined together, and the top end of the support post is fitted with a warning member movably positioned in the central through hole of the upper lid. Thus, the steam produced by boiling water inside the coffee maker can push up the safety valve body to force the warning member to protrude out of the through hole of the upper lid, manifestly warning a user not to directly open the upper lid to avoid scalded.

Abstract: A cheese cooker and mixer includes a tank containing heated water. The tank has an outer cylindrical housing with an concentric inner cylindrical screen. An inlet proximate to a top of the tank provides an opening by which cheese curds are introduced within the cylindrical screen. The heated water is fed into the tank tangentially to the curvature of the cylindrical screen to create a vortex therein which aids in directing the cheese downward in the tank. After melting and forming a large mass, the cheese is extracted through an outlet proximate to a bottom of the tank. A conveyor with counter rotating augers mixes the cheese exiting the tank.

Abstract: Vacuum producing appliance and associated food and beverage holding vessels, the vacuum producing appliance with a hollow housing, the housing enclosing a vacuum pump, a pressure switch, a vacuum holding tank, a solenoid valve, a power switch, and associated tubing to attach the components to each other. A conical shaped concavity built into the bottom of said housing capable of drawing air from a vessel and passing it through said vacuum. A plurality of vessel sealing lids interact with the vacuum producing appliance, said lids having a convex conical shape at their top surface that can interface in an air tight way with a mating concave conical shape located in said main housing, said lids having a check valve that allows air to leave said lid but not reenter it. The lids are capable of interfacing in an air tight way with the mouth of a jar, bottle, can or the like so that a vacuum can be drawn in said jar, bottle or can.

Abstract: The ground meat separator is manually usable. It comprises of a blade assembly and a handle which are secured together with supports located on two opposite sides for improving mobility with its structure. The ground meat separator comprises of a heat shield located between the blade assembly and handle to prevent burns. The side supports means a specific space between the handle, heat shield, and the blade assembly. The blade assembly includes two sets of two blades that criss-cross with one another perpendicularly with an octagonal shaped frame holding all the blades in a specific placement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously sterilizing and cooking packaged products. The packages are drawn through a hydrostatic-pressure cooker utilizing a cable-driven drive mechanism where clipped-packages are attached to the cable. As the package is maneuvered through the hydrostatic-pressure cooker heated water and steam may cook the contents of the package while sterilizing the exterior surface of the package. Batch sterilizing techniques are thereby avoided.

Abstract: A press has a feeding device for feeding material to be machined. The feeding device has at least two motor-driven feeding rollers between which the material to be fed is guided through. The motor drive of the feeding rollers is housed in the feeding rollers. At least one of the feeding rollers can be lifted off the material to be fed and can be placed back onto the material to be fed. The feeding device is arranged on the press such that the feeding device has a degree of freedom in the vertical direction relative to the press.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanical press with a low height. A sliding guide mechanism and a position adjusting mechanism are provided on the upper and lower sides of an adjustor member, respectively. The sliding guide mechanism converts the rotating motion of an eccentric part of a crankshaft into a reciprocating linear motion and is provided above the adjustor member. The position adjusting mechanism adjusts the position of the slide adjustment and is provided below the adjustor member.

Abstract: A die height adjusting device for a pressing machine, which withstands high vibrations and high impacts during pressing work, and is capable of realizing high precision of a slide position, is provided. For this purpose, the die height adjusting device includes an induction motor (9), which performs die height adjustment of a slide (3), and an inverter (17) which performs a speed control of the induction motor. Voltage is applied to the induction motor for a predetermined period of time, and thereby a predetermined amount of die height adjustment is performed.

Abstract: A press with a capability to adjust for multiple roll diameters, comprising: a frame; a mounting assembly with at least one adjusting arm for mounting a roll therein, the adjusting arm being moveable to change position relative to the frame in correspondence to a change in diameter of the roll; a guard assembly that provides a guard across a pinch point between a roll and another element, the guard assembly being moveably attached to the at least one adjusting arm and to a portion of the frame to automatically adjust a position of the guard when the at least one adjusting arm is moved in order to maintain a spacing between the guard and the roll within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A form dampening roller driving apparatus in which to obviate a hickey a slip is caused to occur between a form dampening roller and a plate cylinder in their mutual area of contact by rotationally driving the form dampening roller and the plate cylinder so they rotate having a difference in peripheral speed between them, and wherein the peripheral speed of the form dampening roller is made variable as desired to make the slip ratio between it and the plate cylinder in their mutual area of contact variable as desired. To this end, the form dampening roller is geared to a vibrator roller, and independent of the main motor for rotationally driving the plate cylinder there is provided a further motor for rotationally driving the form dampening roller independently of the plate cylinder at a rate of rotation that is made arbitrarily variable.

Abstract: A printing machine having at least one printing unit whose image cylinder is driven by friction by an element to which the image is transferred. The influence of a change in the application of print is kept as small as possible, by the width of image cylinder and element being at least so much wider than the maximum width of the image to be transferred that the rotational speed of the image cylinder remains essentially constant in the event of a change in the image.

Abstract: A printing press includes a cylinder, rollers each being selectively displaceable into an active position on the cylinder, a roller magazine for the rollers, and a protective cover for the roller magazine. The protective cover is mounted so as to be adjustable movably between the roller magazine and a respective one of the rollers that has been displaced into the active position.

Abstract: The invention comprises a precursor to an imaged member comprising a dimensionally stable substrate including an imagable coating, on a surface thereon, wherein the non-coated dimensionally stable substrate comprises dimensionally stable paper comprising at least one of the following characteristics: (i) an elastic yield such that the tensile force required to exceed the elastic yield is greater than 60 Nmm−2; (ii) a percentage elongation of the paper under a tensile load or strain at the elastic yield point smaller than 1%; and (iii) a Young's Modulus under tensile load greater than 7 GPa. The invention further extends to a method of manufacturing an imaged member from an imaged member precursor of the invention.

Abstract: The presence of unwanted ink-receptive sections on developed positive-working lithographic plates due to shading by plate-holding clamps during imaging, is avoided by the use of clamps that are substantially transparent to the imaging radiation. In the case where the plate precursors can be imaged by heat, the presence of unwanted unexposed sections can also be avoided by selectively heating those sections shaded by the clamps, while avoiding heating the image section of the plate.

Abstract: A negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed which comprises a grained and anodized aluminum support having a hydrophilic surface and a heat-sensitive coating provided on the hydrophilic surface, the coating comprising hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles which are capable of forming a hydrophobic phase in the coating by heat-induced coalescence of the polymer particles. The support is characterized by a surface roughness, expressed as arithmetical mean center-line roughness Ra, which is less than 0.45 &mgr;m. The smooth surface enables to prepare a lithographic printing plate from the mentioned precursor, which is characterized by a high run length during printing.

Abstract: Novel magenta and cyan colorants for utilization within water-based inks are provided which exhibit improved chromatic properties. In particular, such colorants provide magenta or cyan colorations that exhibit increased color space characteristics, high water solubility, excellent compatability with impurities, and correspondingly cost-effectiveness for flexographic printing procedures. The methods of utilizing such colorants within flexographic printing processes are also encompassed within the invention.

Abstract: A patch measurement device which is capable of accurately detecting the position of a patch in a control strip is provided. In a patch measurement device 27, a data storage section 271 stores printed-image data containing a control strip printed on a printed material. A reference mark detection section 272 detects the positions of cross points P corresponding to reference marks rm contained in the printed-image data. An inter-mark distance calculation section 273 calculates a measured shortest distance with respect to the cross point P. An inter-mark distance correction section 274 calculates magnification correcting coefficients k, by utilizing theoretical shortest distances among the cross points P in deployed position information and the measured shortest distance. Based on the magnification correcting coefficients k and the values of pixels constituting the printed-image data, a patch position detection section 275 finalizes the patch position.