Abstract: In a friction stir welding method for friction stirring and welding a material by using a rotating tool 2 having a shoulder 4 and a pin 5 at a front portion of a shaft portion 3 and injecting a cooling agent Ac from a cooling nozzle 11 to the tool to be cooled thereby, the cooling agent is injected to a middle portion in an axial direction of the tool 2 to thereby prevent thermal expansion in an axial direction of the tool.

Abstract: A device for positioning a shaped element on a surface of another element mounted on a mechanism to permit welding the element to the surface. An insulating fixture mounts the device on the mechanism and positions an extension having a clamp locating end that positions a clamp for holding the shaped element in a precise position in contact with the surface during welding. The clamp is conductive and directs current from the welding to the insulating fixture and prevent passage of current on the shaped element beyond the clamp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting device of the transport device of a soldering apparatus for the conveying of printed-circuit boards with at least two revolving, endless transport chains, said transport chains running in guide rails in the transport zone and each passing through two guide elements at the ends of the transport zone, wherein, for adaptation to the width of the respective printed-circuit boards, the guide elements are mounted on a carrier such as to be displaceable transverse to the conveying direction. The guide elements, each associated with a respective conveying chain, are interconnected by flexible tension elements, said tension elements being adjustable with regard to their tensile stress and running parallel to the respective conveying chain in the transport zone, the value of the tensile stress is being so highly adjusted that the tension elements prevent the guide rails from deviating from a straight line.

Abstract: A method and device to elongate a solder joint are provided. The method begins by forming an elongator on a first substrate. The elongator comprises an expander and an encapsulant to encapsulate the expander. A solder joint is formed to connect the first substrate to a second substrate. Thereafter, the encapsulant is softened to release the expander from a compressed state to elongate the solder joint. The device to elongate a solder joint comprises a substrate having an elongator formed on it. The elongator includes an expander in a compressed state and an encapsulant to encapsulate the expander.

Abstract: A method for making a backlight module frame includes: providing at least two starting components; welding the starting components at the edges to form a semi-manufactured frame; pressing the semi-manufactured frame to form a backlight module frame. The backlight module frame can be manufactured easily by said method and has smooth surfaces. Furthermore, the method can low the cost of material.

Abstract: In a heat exchanger, a core portion includes a plurality of plate fins each shaped like a flat plate and a plurality of tubes in which a fluid flows and each of which is inserted into each of the plate fins to be mechanically bonded thereto. Further, an end portion in a longitudinal direction of each of the tubes is bonded to a header plate which constructs a part of a header tank. In this heat exchanger, the tube is bonded to the header plate in a solid phase. Therefore, the plate fins are mechanically bonded to the tube and the end portion of the tube in the longitudinal direction of the tube can be bonded to the header plate without a furnace of a high temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a metal core sandwich structure that is lightweight and many times stiffer than regular sheet metal, and which is easily formable into curved structures as well as structures having compound curves. In one embodiment, a formed metal core includes a plurality of cells comprising alternating front and rear projections extending outwardly in front of and behind a median plane, with each projection having a bonding surface area or land configured to be brazed or bonded with corresponding external metal sheets on both sides of the formed metal core. A plurality of micro-abrasions or indentations are formed on the bonding lands, allowing stronger brazing or bonding joints to be formed between the metal core and the external metal sheets by facilitating improved capillary action by the metal core during the brazing or bonding process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a presentation folder that may be provided in a unique arrangement such as with a shipping package configuration thereby eliminating the need to provide a separate envelope and business communication piece. The construction is created from a relatively planar paperboard material that can be handled efficiently by courier or delivery companies in a folded or assembled state and which includes at least one and preferably two pockets that are adhered to separate faces of the paperboard blank. The assembly may include other arrangements such as a pocket on one face and a removable printed advertising piece on the other face. The pocketed faces of the paperboard blank are brought into contact with one another and through use of a closure portion, which may include foldable flaps or adhesive coated tabs, the closure portion is used to seal the construction into a parcel delivery configuration.

Abstract: A container blank comprises at least one substrate layer made of disposable material and at least one film layer disposed substantially over the substrate layer and having at least one portion adapted to shrink away from the substrate layer upon application of heat. The shrunk film layer portion is adapted to thermally insulate the substrate layer located substantially behind the shrunk film layer portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser for monetary items, in which the deposit and withdrawal module is mounted so that it can pivot in relation to the processing module, between a deposit and a withdrawal position and a processing position.

Abstract: A cooperating process between respective terminals (apparatuses) in a branch office system for a transaction for a customer who does not have an account or a customer who is supposed to open an account (namely, a customer who does not have a card) is disclosed. In the case where a customer does not have an account, executable transactions are extracted and authority (temporary authority) for the input transaction is issued. The authority is used to operate plural transaction terminals in a cooperating manner so as to enable the transactions. The authority includes issuing of a transaction card. Further, the authority includes using biological information including a vein of a finger or a palm in order to specify an individual.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for utilizing one-time, or temporary, “credit” card information for executing purchase transactions with a smart card or similar electronic data card device. The card is activated in an activation process with the issuer prior to receiving and utilizing temporary card information (numbers). Retrieval and submission of temporary card information is performed in an automatic process executed by application programming, such as within a web browser. By way of example, a user surfing the web commences a purchase transaction wherein their smart card communicates with the issuer of the smart card to retrieve one-time or temporary use card data which is submitted through the network for processing within the transaction. In one embodiment the programming is executed within a web browser which marks card data fields within transaction forms and automatically fills these fields with temporary card information received from the issuer.

Abstract: At least one of a card, product, key-chain fob, or any other tangibly manifested item or related mechanism is provided whereby a user can store a specific data set or predetermined order which is then scanned, read or otherwise interpreted at a point-of-purchase location and debited off of/or otherwise reduced from a stored balance on the device, for use at point-of-purchase transactions, whereby the quasi-personalized data, or quasi-customized information allows a purchasing or related transaction to be more efficient, faster, more expediently run or simply better for the retail establishment consumer or both. Gift-cards housing pre-ordained selections of goods, services or a particular type of item (eg. shoes) are likewise contemplated.

Abstract: [Problem] To output a proper statement of sale even if electronic tags are attached to both of a set product and individual products contained in the set product. [Solution] A database managed in a unified way comprises a product table having data of product codes and set flags each indicating whether it is a set product or not, and a set product table having data of product codes of the respective set products, and the product code and number of individual products contained in each set product. For each product ID provided, a POS terminal increments a cumulative count “Ni” of the product (S4). When determined that the product ID is of a set product with referring to the product table (S3, S5), the set product table is referred to subtract the number “nj” of individual products contained in the set product from the cumulative count “Nj” thereof (S6, S7). In response to the end of reading (S8, S9), output is information associated with a product identification code whose count is not zero and the count.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods which facilitate use of a commercial transaction system by service employees and by customer users. The system responds to the presence and motions of a user to effectuate selection of elements for the transaction—such as selection of products or services—and validation of payment.

Abstract: A method is disclosed with which a terminal (3) can retrieve information associated to an EPC code from an EPC network (4, 5, 6, 7). The EPC code is virtual, is generated independently of RFID tags and is stored permanently and is not—or not permanently—associated to an RFID tag. A terminal (3) sends a message with the EPC code over a telecommunication network (4) to an object name server (6), the server (6) replies with the address of the desired PML page and the terminal (3) access the content of said PML page. The invention also relates to a corresponding device.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of and system for capturing, storing and organizing serialized tracking information associated with products sold by a retail enterprise. The serialized tracking information, available through the use of RFID technology, is stored and organized within a relational database in accordance with a logical data model comprising a plurality of entities and relationships defining the manner in which serialized item tracking information associated is stored and organized within the relational database. The relational database, populated with serialized tracking information, provides the retail enterprise with the means to analyze and improve supply chain operations, to better manage store inventory, and more efficiently manage product sales and returns.

Abstract: An aircraft component identification and maintenance tracking system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of aircraft components, a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, and a transceiver operatively configured to transmit an activation signal to each of the RFID tags. Each of the RFID tags is associated with a respective one of the aircraft components and comprises identification and maintenance data information specific to the aircraft component to which it is associated. The transceiver is configured to receive information transmitted by each of the RFID tags which are configured to transmit identification and maintenance data information that is representative of a maintenance history for the aircraft component to which the RFID tag is associated.

Abstract: A system (1) for executing system functions, for example a PC system, contains, firstly, a contact-bound characteristics block-processing stage (9), which is designed to process a contact-bound characteristics block (ATR) transferable from a contactbound data carrier (40) to a contact-bound read-write station (16) and, as a consequence of this processing, to generate at least one control signal (CS 1, CS2, CS3), and, secondly, a contactless read-write device (14, 15) that is designed to co-operate with a contactless data carrier (20, 30) and which contains a contact-bound characteristics block-recognition stage (25, 35) for recognizing a contactless characteristics block (ATS, UID) transferred from the contactless data carrier (20, 30) to the contactless read-write device (14, 15), and, thirdly, a contact-bound characteristics block-generation stage (26, 36), which generates the contactbound characteristics block (ATR) by utilizing the recognized contactless characteristics block (ATS, UID) and feeds it to th

Abstract: A portable device includes an active device (communication station) configuration for contactless communication with at least one external data carrier and a passive device (data carrier) configuration for contactless communication with at least one external communication station. A detection circuit is provided to detect the presence of an external data carrier and/or the presence of an external communication station in a communication zone of the internal active device configuration and/or the internal passive device configuration. An activation circuit is coupled to the detection circuit to enable one of the two configurations based on the detection result.

Abstract: An encoder that includes a code strip and an emitter-detector module is disclosed. The code strip has alternating reflective and opaque stripes and an imaging element in contact with a surface of the code strip. The optical element directs light incident thereon to the code strip. The emitter-detector module includes a light source that generates light and directs a portion of the generated light to the imaging element. The emitter-detector module also includes a photodetector that generates a signal representing an intensity of light received by the photodetector. The imaging element images light reflected from the code strip onto the photodetector. The imaging element can include a lens having a planar surface in contact with the surface of the code strip. The imaging element can be structured such that the imaging element collimates light from the light source such that collimated light is incident on one of the reflective stripes.

Abstract: A programmable display unit for displaying barcodes or, as the case may be, a radio transponder coupled to a programmable display unit of the aforementioned type. The display unit has for the purpose a multiplicity of strip-shaped display elements arranged substantially parallel to and at a predetermined distance from each other. Each strip-shaped display element is controlled independently and can be switched independently. A respectively predetermined number of display elements are used for representing a strip in the barcode. A respectively predetermined number of display elements are analogously used for representing a space in the barcode. The barcode requiring to be represented is composed of a multiplicity of strips and spaces.

Abstract: A two-dimensional barcode includes a plurality of macro modules arranged in a two-dimensional array in a spiral sequence, each of macro modules includes a predetermined number of data unit modules for storing data codewords of a predetermined binary stream of bits, a predetermined number of cluster unit modules for storing a predetermined cluster number representing a location of the macro module, and a predetermined number of rim unit modules which possess a predetermined color to form a rim of the macro module. The rim unit modules of two adjacent macro modules are contrasting with each other to enhance identification of the respective macro module.

Abstract: There is described a compact laser module (1) for reading optical codes, comprising: a scanning illumination section having at least one source (8) for generating a laser beam, and a scanner (9, 10) for scanning the optical code (C) to be read with a laser spot, and a receiving section (20-24) for collecting at least a portion of the light diffused by the code (C) and detecting the collected light, the receiving section and the scanning illumination section being spatially distinct.

Abstract: A multi-mode laser-based bar code symbol reading device having a hand-supportable housing with a light transmission aperture, wherethrough visible light can exit and enter the hand-supportable housing. A laser scanning engine, disposed within the hand-supportable housing, is controlled to selectively operate in either an omni-directional reading mode or a uni-directional bar code reading mode. In the omni-directional bar code reading mode, the laser scanning engine projects pattern through the light transmission aperture, an omni-directional laser scanning pattern producing multiple laser scanning lines with substantially uniform spatial and temporal intensity characteristics at any given scanning plane parallel to the light transmission aperture within the working distance of the system, and detects and decodes bar code symbols on objects passing through the omni-directional scanning pattern, and produces symbol character data representative of decoded bar code symbols.

Abstract: A system for implementing an action based on written mark, including a writable surface having one or more predefined locations thereon for receiving a written mark, a device for making the written mark on the writable surface and reading information, the information including both the written mark and the location in which it is made, and software executing on a controller for implementing an action upon reading the information, the action being based on the read information and information from at least one other source.

Abstract: A card apparatus for promoting a customer to return to or visit or contact a business includes a card, indicia on the card indicating in some fashion that the card is not a functional card, and a removable covering attached to the card that covers the indicia. The card apparatus can be issued to a customer that has or has not visited or contacted a business. The customer is given an incentive to return to or visit or contact the business with the card apparatus to receive some benefit, such as a free gift. By promoting a customer to return to or visit or contact a business, the business increases its chances that the customer will purchase a product or service from the business or will otherwise make a transaction that will benefit the business.

Abstract: A water control fixture configured to be fluidly coupled to a cold water supply line and a hot water supply line of a water circulating system includes a housing having a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and an outlet. The fixture also includes at least one operating valve disposed in the housing for controlling the flow of water from the cold water inlet and from the hot water inlet to the outlet, and a thermostatically controlled bypass valve disposed in the housing. The bypass valve is configured to bypass water from the hot water inlet to the cold water inlet based on a temperature of the water at the hot water inlet.

Abstract: A thermostat providing modulated or analog control of valves or dampers of an air management system. This permits operating a single cooling or heating stage with partially open valves or dampers as needed, since one full stage that is either fully on or off may not be easy to manage for effective air management of a particular type of building, zone or facility. The thermostat may also provide non-modulated control of multi-stage cooling and heating systems. The thermostat may even be used to control a modulated system having more than one stage of cooling or heating.

Abstract: Method for controlling a HVAC system in a vehicular compartment includes monitoring temperature of an occupant in the compartment from a location apart from the occupant, and controlling the HVAC system based on the monitored temperature. Occupant temperature may be monitored by infrared sensors, each arranged in an orientation to receive electromagnetic radiation from one or more seating locations in which occupants are likely to be situated. The temperature in each seating location is independently monitored. The HVAC system is controllable for each seating location based on the monitored temperature in that area. When monitoring of temperature in an area in which a driver of the vehicle is likely to be situated indicates presence of the driver, and no other areas indicate presence of a human occupant, the HVAC system is controllable such that all heat or air-conditioning provided by the HVAC system is directed to the driver.

Abstract: A thermostat adjustment system for efficiently conserving energy within a thermostatically controlled zone. The thermostat adjustment system generally includes a transmitter unit having a toggle button in communication with a thermostat to toggle the thermostat set point between a normal set point and an alternate set point.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for remotely controlling the local environment of an animal cage at least includes: a housing unit; a display carried by the housing unit adapted to display animal cage environment information; an input device carried by the housing unit adapted to receive user input signals; a plurality of sensor inputs for receiving environment condition sensor information from environmental condition sensors; a power input carried by the housing unit; a controller subsumed by the housing unit; and a plurality of power receptacles carried by the housing, the power receptacles adapted to supply power to remotely located environment altering devices in a manner dictated by user input. The apparatus is adapted to control the local animal cage environment of a plurality of animal cages.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling an ambient temperature in a building is provided. The system comprises a thermostat, a computing device, and a thin client. The thermostat has one or more settings and is equipped for wireless communication. The computing device is equipped for wireless communication with the thermostat. The thin client device is remotely located from the thermostat and operatively coupled to the computing device through a wide area network. The thin client device permits manipulation of the one or more settings which are wirelessly communicated from the computing device to the thermostat such that the ambient temperature of the building is remotely controlled.

Abstract: A monitoring system that provides a display, either local or remote, of operation information regarding an outdoor furnace or boiler system. The monitor polls various sensors, including information relative to water temperature, draft fan operation, pump operation, various switch status, safety status, and emissions status. The various sensors may be operationally connected wirelessly with the monitor. The monitor displays operational status information, including indications requiring operator attention. Thus, operator maintenance is more effectively applied as needed rather than also on an information gathering basis.

Abstract: In combination with a water piping arrangement having a backflow preventer and a water heater with a standard temperature-pressure relief valve, an auxiliary pressure-relief device is installed in the cold-water supply line to the water heater and this auxiliary relief device is adapted to activate at a pressure slightly below that which activates the temperature-pressure relief device, thereby releasing water and excessive pressure buildup in the piping arrangement due to thermal expansion of water in the water heater. The water released in order to prevent the excessive pressure buildup is routed to a floor drain via flexible plastic tubing.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for the abatement of hurricanes and other atmospheric disturbances. The methods and systems comprise the delivery of various coolants in either their liquid, gaseous, or solid states and applying such coolants to energy feeding regions of the atmospheric disturbance identified by analytical modeling. The coolants are both cryogenic and non cryogenic. In addition to cooling, the cryogenic coolants create wind-sheer and large frozen objects in mesoscale model identified updrafts of an atmospheric disturbance from high altitudes down to sea level. All coolants bring about the abatement of the hurricane by the dehydration of the moisture laden air, the disruption of the stability of the hurricane winds, and the preemption of work by the hurricane's heat engine prior to land fall.

Abstract: The fuel injector for fuel-injection systems of combustion engines has an excitable actuator for actuating a valve-closure member, which forms a sealing seat together with a valve-seat surface. At least one spray-discharge orifice is formed downstream from the valve-seat surface from which fuel is output in the direction of a combustion chamber. In addition, the fuel injector has a nozzle body, which surrounds the valve-seat surface or accommodates a valve-seat body having the valve-seat surface. The nozzle body is introduced into a downstream thin-walled extension of a connection piece, which also serves as an inner pole of a magnetic circuit, and is fixedly connected to this extension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automotive radiator type cooling systems and the use of electric powered cooling fan incorporating a liquid misting unit consisting of a liquid holding tank, a spray nozzle or a series of nozzles, anti siphon flow valve, an electric liquid pump, heat sensor to automatically turn on the fan and misting unit or a manual on the off switch. When incorporating a liquid misting prior to the air entering the radiator allows cooler air to flow through the radiator making the radiator more efficient at cooling the vehicle's engine.

Abstract: A personal pressurized water misting apparatus with counter pressure delivery, comprising a rigid reservoir with a flexible bladder within, a filler with check valve, a flexible delivery hose with a misting nozzle and a spray nozzle, a pressure shelf within the reservoir, the pressure placed against a side of the bladder, at least one compression spring anchored within the reservoir and exerting pressure against the pressure shelf, such that pressurized filling of the bladder moves the pressure shelf, thereby compressing the spring, whereby counter pressure delivery is actuated with the on/off control.

Abstract: A portable direct-circuit sprayer includes a body. The body includes a water chamber therein for containing water, a component chamber therein and with two open sides, and an integrated floor between two portions of the water chamber between which the component chamber is positioned. A pump is installed in the component chamber in order to pressurize the water from the water chamber. A panel shuts one of the open sides of the component chamber. A cover shuts the other open side of the component chamber.

Abstract: A nozzle has a front, a back, and at least one flat surface extending therebetween. A door is coupled to the intersection of the front and flat surface by a live hinge. Optionally, the door has a portal within which a screen is mounted. The exterior surface of the door is provided with one or more curved hooks and the flat surface is provided with corresponding number of mating slots with which the hook(s) engage(s). Preferably, the interior of the door is provided with one or more curved hooks and a corresponding number of mating slots are provided on the front of the nozzle on an edge opposite the live hinge. Preferably, the door is provided with a tab which extends outward beyond the periphery of the nozzle on the edge of the door opposite the live hinge.

Abstract: A nozzle extension for use with a nozzle of a particulate spray machine features a first substantially linear section terminating in a curvilinearly angled output section having a passageway with a diameter larger than a passageway in the linear section. The larger volume of the output section induces peripheral turbulence in the particulate flow to minimize clogging of the output passageway.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device has a removable cartridge with a reservoir containing a volume of liquid compositions to be electrically sprayed on a user's skin. The device includes a nozzle for dispensing the liquid as well as an emitter electrode disposed adjacent to the nozzle for charging the liquid composition just being dispensed from the nozzle. A field electrode surrounds the reservoir in order to charge the liquid composition within the reservoir, thereby avoiding an occurrence of electric current which would otherwise flow in the liquid composition and would deteriorate the composition remaining in the reservoir. The reservoir is devoid of the field electrode, and therefore can be designed into a simple and compact structure without being restricted by the field electrode, assuring to have an enhanced liquid containing volume in relation to the bulk of the removable cartridge.

Abstract: A production apparatus 1A includes: a treatment chamber 3, containing a to-be-treated liquid 2, made up of water 4, which is a solvent, and raw material particles 5 of a substance; a laser light source 10, illuminating laser light for microparticulation onto the to-be-treated liquid 2; an ultrasonic transducer 20, irradiating ultrasonic waves for preventing aggregation of microparticles; and a controlling device 15, controlling the laser light illumination by the laser light source 10 and the ultrasonic wave irradiation by the ultrasonic transducer 20. A vibration amplitude of the treatment chamber 3 is monitored by means of a microphone 30 and a vibration amplitude measuring device 35 to set the frequency of the ultrasonic waves to a resonance vibration frequency. A microparticle production method and production apparatus that enable substances to be microparticulated efficiently by photo-pulverization, and microparticles are thereby realized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high pressure homogenizing apparatus and a method thereof for finely dividing a fine solid material or fibrous cellulose of chemical, medical, and resin products in a suspension as a dispersion or emulsification, or finely dividing by crushing cell membranes of fungi with high efficiency. The apparatus of the present invention is free from damage of valves so that its maintenance and control become easy. The high pressure homogenizing apparatus to finely divide a raw material in the suspension includes a high pressure homogenizing device having an orifice, a raw material receiving passage connected to the high pressure homogenizing device, a processing piston, and a processing recess disposed in a receiver.

Abstract: An air vortex mill (1) mill dries a flowable product in a gas-/air flow-through grinding chamber (3) with several grinding stages arranged in the grinding chamber. The grinding stages are formed by a rotor (4) with a multitude of grinding plates (9) and a stator housing. A device (12, 13) delivers preferably heated carrier gases, as a device (6, 15, 16, 18) delivers the product into the grinding chamber (3). In order to improve the product delivery to the mill (1), one component of the delivery device is a supply line (6) which encircles at least part the circumference of the grinding chamber (3). The supply line (6) is equipped with an inflow (15) for the product to be treated and a plurality of outlet apertures (18) distributed over the circumference of the grinding chamber, for delivering the product into the grinding chamber.

Abstract: A closed circuit, dry processing system for processing aluminum containing products and producing reusable particles of aluminum, and a process thereof. The aluminum containing products are crushed into chips which are then separated into iron-based and ironless chips. The ironless chips are further crushed into chip fragments which are controllably supplied into a granulation chamber where the chip fragments are granulated into spheroidal particles of aluminum and other particles of organic and carbonic materials. A controlled upward airflow produced in the granulation chamber draws those of the particles exceeding a desired granulation degree out of the granulation chamber. The particles are classified as a function of their sizes and then separated as a function of their weight so that the spheroidal particles of aluminum forming the reusable particles of aluminum and residues formed by the other particles are released separately.

Abstract: Various mechanisms for reducing food waste in a food waste disposer are disclosed. In each of the reduction mechanisms, structures are provided for shearing food waste as it passes through or past a rotating shredder plate of the disposer. In one embodiment, the reduction mechanism has a rotatable plate coupled to a rotational source and positioned for rotation relative to an inner wall of a stationary ring. The plate has a fixed lug attached to the rotatable plate and has a movable lug attached to the rotatable plate. In another embodiment, the reduction mechanism includes a rotatable plate coupled to a rotational source and a stationary plate disposed adjacent the rotatable plate. The stationary plate or impeller defines a plurality of apertures therethough. At least one first portion of the rotatable plate or impeller shears over at least some of the apertures in the stationary plate to shear the food waste.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stock re-pulper designed to macerate stock put into a stock tub. The stock re-pulper comprises first and second porous plate disposed in the stock tub and respectively having first and second holes, first macerating blades disposed to confront one surface of the first porous plate and made to be rotated in proximity to a first open area of the first porous plate, second macerating blades disposed to confront one surface of the second porous plate in proximity to a second open area and made to be rotated concentrically with respect to the center of rotation of the first macerating blades, and a pump blade disposed to confront the other surface of the first porous plate in proximity to the first open area and made to be rotated concentrically with respect to the center of rotation of the first macerating blades.

Abstract: An apparatus including a pair of substantially parallel shafts. Each shaft has a plurality of axially spaced cutting blades mounted thereon such that each blade forms an oblique angle with respect to a central axis of the associated shaft. Each cutting blade includes a central body having a plurality of teeth radially spaced thereabout. The apparatus further includes a conveying device fluidly coupled to the shafts such that materials cut by the cutting blades are conveyable in a downstream direction by the conveying device.