Abstract: The invention relates generally to a method of determining the presence of a mineral within a material, such as a rock, a rock fragment, soil, sand or other geological material including: applying pulsed microwave radiation to the material; detecting radiation emitted from the material after the application of the pulsed microwave radiation; and analysing the detected radiation to determine the presence of mineral within the material. The invention also provides a method of sorting rock fragments into at least two streams using this method and an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining relative and/or absolute axial position of a conduit end within a fluid coupling includes application of input ultrasonic energy in the form of transient shear waves and analyzing the reflected energy. Application of the input energy collected at different radial positions about a first axial location is used with wavelet based correlation techniques to better analyze the reflected energy signals. Quality of the abutment between the conduit end and a surface associated with the coupling may also be determined as a separate or combined feature of the axial position determination.

Abstract: The present invention is seen to provide a new methodology, testing system designs and concept to enable in situ real time monitoring of the cure process. Apparatus, system, and method for the non-destructive, in situ monitoring of the time dependent curing of advanced materials using one or more differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probes. A differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probe in direct contact with the material to be cured and providing in situ monitoring of the cure process to enable assessment of the degree of cure or cure level in a non-cure related signal variances (e.g., temperature) independent calibrated response manner. A differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probe including a transducer coupled to a waveguide and incorporating correction and calibration methodology to accurately and reproducibly monitor the cure process and enable assessment of cure level via ultrasonic reflection measurements.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe carrier includes a base, a first side arm having a first end thereof attached to the base and a second end thereof extending outwardly from the base on one side of a tube, and a second side arm having a first end thereof attached to the base and a second end thereof extending outwardly from the base on an opposite side of the tube, at least a portion of the first and second side arms being biased towards each other to removably secure the carrier around at least a portion of a circumference of the tube. An ultrasonic probe is attached to the base, and the carrier and ultrasonic probe are rotatable around the tube to scan at least one of: the circumference of the tube and a weld disposed around the circumference of the tube.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for determining a property of construction material. According to one aspect, a material property gauge operable to determine a property of construction material is disclosed. The gauge may include an electromagnetic sensor operable to measure a response of construction material to an electromagnetic field. Further, the electromagnetic sensor may be operable to produce a signal representing the measured response by the construction material to the electromagnetic field. An acoustic detector may be operable to detect a response of the construction material to the acoustical energy. Further, the acoustic detector may be operable to produce a signal representing the detected response by the construction material to the acoustical energy. A material property calculation function may be configured to calculate a property value associated with the construction material based upon the signals produced by the electromagnetic sensor and the acoustic detector.

Abstract: An induction sensor measures vibrations of a turbo-machine fan blade. The induction sensor comprises a magnet and an induction coil wound upon the magnet transversely to the lines of the magnetic field generated by the magnet.

Abstract: A method for identifying an unfolded non-synchronous blade vibration frequency in blades on a rotating rotor using a plurality of probes spaced from each other about the rotor. A set of data is acquired from the probes during a predetermined number of rotor revolutions and is processed using a Fourier analysis to generate an output representative of frequencies and phase shift angles corresponding to blade vibrations. The phase shift angles are used to identify a subharmonic for a blade vibration frequency to provide an output identifying the vibration frequency. A space dispersion and time dispersion of probes is described to increase the accuracy of the subharmonic determination using the phase shift angles.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a field device is disclosed that includes a housing defining a fluid cavity and a sensor cavity and having an isolation barrier to isolate the fluid cavity from the sensor cavity. The field device further includes a pressure sensor disposed within the sensor cavity. The pressure sensor includes at least one pressure inlet. The field device also includes a capillary tube extending from the at least one pressure inlet to the fluid cavity through the isolation barrier. The capillary tube includes a lumen having a non-cylindrical shape.

Abstract: A compact absolute and gage pressure transducer consists of two sensors made from the same silicon wafer and selected to be adjacent to each other on the wafer. The transducer contains a common header which has a first input port for receiving a first pressure and a second input port for receiving a second pressure. The second input port is directed through a reference tube into the hollow of the housing to apply the pressure from the reference tube to the common sensor arrangement. The first input port is directed from another surface of the housing to direct that pressure to both sensor devices. One sensor device operates as a gage sensor which produces an output proportional to the difference between one input pressure and the other input pressure while the other sensor on the same chip produces an absolute output. The sensor chip is associated with a sensor header, which header is positioned in the housing and which header is fabricated from glass.

Abstract: A pressure sensing device package including a circuit substrate, a pressure sensing device, a molding compound, and a flexible protection layer is provided. The circuit substrate has an opening. The pressure sensing device is flip chip bonded to the circuit substrate and has a sensing region facing toward the opening. The molding compound encapsulates the pressure sensing device but exposes the sensing region. The flexible protection layer is disposed on the sensing region and exposed by the opening of the circuit substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor for a pressure sensor device has a pressure detection element which includes a membrane made of semiconductor material, particularly silicon. The sensor includes a support having a three-dimensional body passed through by a detection passage. The detection element is made integral with a first end face of the three-dimensional body, substantially at a respective end of the detection passage. The support is configured to serve the function of a mechanical and/or hydraulic adaptor or interface, with the aim of mounting the sensor into a pressure sensor device, particularly to allow mounting the pressure sensor into a pressure sensor device configured for mounting a sensor of the type referred to as monolithic or ceramic.

Abstract: A method of detecting excessive strain in an elongated flexible member comprising: (a) applying at least one strain-detecting strip to the flexible member in an area that will be subject to bending in installation or use; (b) installing the flexible member in place; and (c) after installation, inspecting the strain-detecting strip for signs of excessive strain in the flexible member.

Abstract: An entrapment prevention and detection device for an opening/closing mechanism detects entrapment with a simple structure and does not occupy much space. When a foreign object, such as a human body part approaches a window glass, such as an automobile window, the capacitance of a capacitive sensor increases. A control circuit compares a most recent capacitance obtained by a capacitance detection circuit with a previous value and if the most recent capacitance value is greater than the previous value, when the glass is being raised (closed), the control circuit determines that a foreign object has approached the glass and then stops or lowers (opens) the glass.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for testing components comprising a loading system capable of applying and reducing mechanical loads on a test specimen, the loading system comprising a fluidic mechanical muscle coupled to a lever arm, the fluidic mechanical muscle having a sheath and a bladder disposed within the sheath and a control system that controls the operation of the fluidic mechanical muscle. An apparatus is disclosed comprising a frame, a lever arm associated with the frame, a fluidic mechanical muscle coupled to the lever arm, the fluidic mechanical muscle having a sheath and a bladder disposed within the sheath; and a control system that controls the operation of the fluidic mechanical muscle.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for controlling a mechanical test comprising a flow control valve that controls a fluidic mechanical muscle having a sheath and a bladder disposed within the sheath, and a servo-controller that controls the operation of the flow control valve based on an output signal from a master controller based on an input signal corresponding to a desired test profile. A method of controlling a component test is disclosed comprising the steps of programming a test profile in a logic controller, supplying a signal to a master controller, supplying a signal from the master controller to a servo-controller, and controlling the flow of a fluid into a fluidic mechanical muscle having a sheath and a bladder disposed within the sheath for applying and reducing mechanical loads on a test specimen.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, device and system for determining a flow rate of an excretion stream within an excretion collection assembly. According to some embodiments of the present invention, one of the constituent elements of the collection assembly includes a sensing module which includes an electrical and/or electromechanical component.

Abstract: A flow monitoring system includes a pipe for transporting a fluid therethrough. An optical fiber generally spirals about the pipe along a longitudinal portion having a predetermined length to serve as a single transducer for detecting flow information from the longitudinal portion. A linear polarizer/analyzer circuit communicates with the optical fiber. A light source communicates with the linear polarizer/analyzer circuit and generates a light signal along the optical fiber at a frequency greater than a period of a disturbance to flow past the predetermined length of the transducer. A reflector is disposed along the optical fiber for reflecting the light signal along the optical fiber. An optical detector communicates with the linear polarizer/analyzer circuit. The optical detector determines from the light signal dynamic events along the optical fiber indicative of flow disturbances passing by the transducer.

Abstract: A torque transferring and monitoring device includes a coupling having a hub portion, a first rim portion, a first set of spokes radially extending between the hub portion and the first rim portion, a second rim portion spaced apart from the first rim portion and a second set of spokes radially extending between the hub portion and the second rim portion. The second set of spokes are axially spaced apart from the first set of spokes. A plurality of pins are fixed to the first rim portion. Each pin has a portion positioned in an aperture formed in the second rim portion. The pin is clear of the second rim portion when the coupling is in an unloaded state. The pin engages the second rim portion to transfer load between the first and second rim portions when a torque exceeding a predetermined magnitude is transferred through the coupling.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to using surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors mounted on a disc coupling component in a powertrain to measure the torque generated by an automobile engine. The sensor may be positioned and oriented on the disc coupling component so that the phase velocities of SAWs propagating through active elements of the SAW sensors are aligned with principal strain components due to torque in the disc coupling component. The torque may be calculated by determining the difference between resonant frequencies of the active elements to suppress common-mode interference factors. In addition, SAW resonant frequencies may be communicated in a non-contacting manner by utilizing rotary and stationary couplers employing radio frequency (RF) signals. Moreover, SAW sensors may be activated and interrogated by employing targeted RF pulses having different carrier frequencies at or near respective resonant frequencies of each resonator in a SAW sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments for a capacitive sensing apparatus with attenuated electrical interference across a plurality of routing traces are provided. One embodiment forms a first sensor electrode on a substrate. In addition, a first routing trace is formed on the substrate, the first routing trace coupled with the first sensor electrode. One embodiment additionally forms a second sensor electrode on the substrate. A second routing trace differing in length from the first routing trace is also formed on the substrate, the second routing trace coupled with the second sensor electrode. To attenuate electrical interference, the second routing trace is formed having an approximately equal RC time constant characteristic as the first routing trace.

Abstract: The invention describes a diagnostic device in a substantially fluidtight housing in which a diagnostic or test material is transported via an aperture in the housing for (multiple, continuous or discontinuous) measurements of a compound or condition of the environment, e.g. a liquid medium. Preferably the measurement is an optical or electrical measurement. Data from the measurement are transmitted wirelessly to a receiver station which is connected to a computer (network) for further processing and/or display of the data.

Abstract: An environmental mechanical test apparatus includes a pressure generation source and an isolation cylinder in fluid communication with the pressure generation source. The test apparatus further includes a pressure containment cell configured to receive a test specimen, an environmental chamber disposed about the pressure containment cell, and a load frame operably associated with the pressure containment cell. The pressure containment cell is in fluid communication with the pressure generation source and the isolation cylinder and includes a viewing window.

Abstract: A power take-off includes an input mechanism that is disposed within an input mechanism housing and is adapted to be connected to a source of rotational energy. A clutch assembly is disposed within a clutch assembly housing and is adapted to be connected to a rotatably driven device. A driveshaft connects the input mechanism to the clutch assembly. The driveshaft may be disposed within a driveshaft housing that is connected to the input mechanism housing and forms the clutch assembly housing.

Abstract: An interface module for connecting a motor and a gearbox is disclosed. The interface module includes a gearbox cover for covering the gearbox and a connecting member disposed therein. The connecting member has a first face and a second face. The first face and the second face connect to an output shaft of a motor and a torque converter of the gearbox, respectively. The modulized interface can simplify components matching the motor and gearbox when their specifications change. For example, the motor does not need to change when specification of the gearbox changes. Thus compatibility of gearbox or motor can be improved with less limitation of changing different makers or specifications.

Abstract: A power transfer unit is provided with a torque limiting assembly that limits the torque transferred to driveline components when torque peaks occur. The power transfer unit can include, a first shaft, a second output shaft receiving drive torque, a second output shaft, and a torque transfer mechanism. The torque transfer mechanism includes a coupling member and a biasing member. The coupling member is located between a driving member and a driven member and provides selective engagement therebetween when in an engaged position. The driving member and/or the driven member includes a recess therein receiving a portion of the coupling member when in the engaged position. The biasing member urges the coupling member and the driving member and/or driven member into the engaged position.

Abstract: A linear unit, having a drive unit which is mounted in a guide tube (1) and supports a guide carriage (5) for holding a workpiece, a tool or the like, composed of a threaded spindle (2) and a spindle nut (4), wherein the guide carriage (5) or the spindle nut (4) is guided in a longitudinal groove (3) of the guide tube (1) in a rotationally fixed and axially movable manner, is embodied in such a way that the guide tube (1) is composed of a sheet metal strip which is curved around an imaginary longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A robotic gripping apparatus includes one or more constraining plates each having a plurality of holes formed therethrough and a plurality of elongate members. The elongate members are independently movable relative to one another. Each elongate member extends through a respective hole or set of aligning holes in the constraining plate(s). A distal end portion of one or more of the elongate members is capable of exerting a force for drawing an object against the distal end portion to thereby hold or grip the object.

Abstract: A clamp changing apparatus includes a coupling device capable of being secured on a robot arm and a clamp-holding device. The coupling device includes a main body defining a blind hole, a connecting portion defining a through hole communicating with the blind hole, and a piston. The connecting portion has a ring-shaped protrusion aligned with the through hole facing away from the main body. The protrusion defines a plurality of holes running through the lateral wall thereof, each of the holes receives a rigid ball in which the diameter is bigger than the depth of the hole. The piston is received in the blind hole and the through hole, and is slidable along them to push the rigid balls out of the protrusion. The clamp-holding device is capable of being fixed to a clamp and defines a latching hole corresponding to the protrusion.

Abstract: A zero backlash mechanism for a worm, spur or helical gears, using a spring loaded mechanism that tightens the meshing gear surfaces, thus eliminating the backlash between them.

Abstract: An oval gear set for use in a flow meter comprises first and second gears that are identical to each other and that are configured to engage at a fixed center-to-center distance such that the first and second gears mesh at all angular positions. Each gear of the oval gear set comprises a hub and a plurality of gear teeth. The hub comprises an oval body having a major axis and a minor axis extending through a center of the hub, and a root profile wall circumscribing the major and minor axes. The plurality of gear teeth extend from the root profile wall. Each of the gear teeth has a pair of contact surfaces with circular involute curve profiles.

Abstract: A rotational joint assembly and a method for constructing a rotational joint assembly are provided. The rotational joint assembly includes a first rotational component, a second rotational component coupled to the first rotational component such that the second rotational component is rotatable relative to the first rotational component in first and second rotational directions about an axis, and a flexure member, being deflectable in first and second deflection directions, coupled to at least one of the first and second rotational components such that when the second rotational component is rotated relative to the first rotational component in each of the first and second rotational directions about the axis, the flexure member is deflected in the first deflection direction and exerts a force on the second rotational component opposing the rotation.

Abstract: A bicycle component positioning device is provided with a support member, a positioning element, a position maintaining member, a winding element, a release member and a spring member. The winding element is movably between a winding position and a disengaging position. The release member is movably between a neutral position and a position releasing position. The spring member is arranged with respect to the support member to move the winding element from the winding position to the disengaging position in response to movement of the release member from the neutral position to the position releasing position and to return the release member to the neutral position after movement of the release member from the neutral position to the position releasing position. The spring member applies a biasing force to the release member without the biasing force being transmitted through the position maintaining member.

Abstract: A multi-degree-of-freedom motion mechanism comprises a first linkage unit, a second linkage unit, a driven unit, a connection block and a third linkage unit; the first linkage unit and the second linkage unit are respectively disposed with a first curved projecting section and a second curved projecting section; a driven rod of the driven unit is respectively movably coupled to the first curved projecting section and the second curved projecting section; the connection block is respectively pivotally coupled to a first pivot element of the driven unit and a second pivot element of a third linkage unit. Whereby, the driven unit can then be nimbly controlled to move up and down as well as left and right and rotate relatively to a geometric center point of the connection block through few drive mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a worm-like mechanism comprising a support structure (10), which extends in the longitudinal direction of the mechanism, and at least two actuating units (14), which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the support structure (10) and each of which has two supporting elements (11), which while extending transversely in relation to the longitudinal direction of the support structure (10) are attached to the latter at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction, and at least one actuating element, which is arranged between the supporting elements (11) and by which the supporting elements (11) can be moved in relation to one another. In order to provide a further worm-like mechanism, which provides precise open-loop or closed-loop control of its movements while in particular being of a simplified, slender construction, it is provided that the actuating elements (12) can be activated individually or in groups by way of a central line (31, 35).

Abstract: A robot arm for an industrial robot, comprising a first arm part and a second arm part, wherein the second arm part is rotatably journalled in the first arm part for rotation about a first axis of rotation, characterized in that the second arm part comprises a tubular member, rotatably journalled in the first arm part, whereby the tubular member is configured to support the robot arm.

Abstract: A tilting and telescopic apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a column housing surrounding a steering shaft, a telescopic tube coupled, on a first end, to the column housing, a telescopic bracket surrounding a second end of the telescopic tube so as to slidably move along the telescopic tube, a tilt shaft provided in the telescopic bracket, a tilt bracket rotatably coupled to the tilt shaft, an adjusting bolt passing through one side of the telescopic bracket and the tilt bracket, a cam provided on one end of the adjusting bolt, an adjusting lever driving the cam, and a tilt locking member provided on the other end of the adjusting bolt. In the apparatus, no cable is necessary and the adjusting lever is provided on the telescopic bracket, thereby smoothing the tilting and telescoping operations thereof.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for adjusting the tension of a cable used in a parking brake and a parking brake apparatus using the apparatus. The apparatus for automatically adjusting the tension of a cable in a parking brake includes: a rod which includes saw teeth in a portion of an outer circumferential surface thereof and has an end connected to the cable; an elastic member which, when the cable is loosened, moves the rod with an expansive force thereof to stretch the cable; and a pawl which engages with the saw teeth of the rod to hinder the rod from moving in a direction that contracts the stretched cable; wherein the elastic member provides the expansive force to the rod, and the rod is moved by the expansive force to stretch the cable, thereby maintaining the tension of the cable.

Abstract: An annular isolator (68, 70) is disposed in an open ended bore (66) of a support body (58) and surrounds an end fitting (26, 28) for attenuating vibrations therebetween. A cap (74) is disposed on the support body (58) to close the open ended bore (66). An inflexible compression ring (76) is sandwiched axially between the isolator (68, 70) and the cap (74) and in abutting engagement with a stop (78) to limit compression of the isolator (68, 70) from the cap (74). The compression ring (76) is inserted into the bore (66) prior to molding the cap (74) to limit compression of the isolator (68, 70) during fabrication.

Abstract: This inventions involves a type of multi-node operating handle and elastic connecting device for non-cylinder shear jack; the front node handle is provided with two perforated holes used for locking of pin to facilitate the axle and hole coordination; the rear node handle is provided with three prefabricated holes for rivet joint, which makes use of two rivets to realize the serial connection of elastic metal sheet with locking pin and rear node handle as well as the pressing rivet joint of rivets; furthermore, both front and rear node handles have non-cylinder coordination available for better transfer of torsion moment, which can be used to shape the locking pin on the body of elastic metal sheet through pressing. Favorable effects of this invention are stated as follows: the handle structure and connecting device as described in this proposal can facilitate the length combination of operating handle in accommodation with lifting under different loads, which can ensure the reliability of the handle in use.

Abstract: A hand guard for a grip and lever terminal (2) of a motorcycle handlebar (3), including a convex outer surface (lout) guard (1) having a bracket protrusion (4) extending from its rear surface for fixing the guard (1) to the handlebar (2), comprises a monodirectional, limited rotation joint (5) between the fixing bracket (4) and the guard (1) for allowing downward rotation by at least 80°, contrasted by an elastic element (6). The hand guard may optionally further comprise a second monodirectional, limited rotation joint allowing a relative rotation of the first joint (5) and guard (1) assembly around a vertically oriented axis of rotation monodirectionally toward the front wheel fork head of the motorcycle.

Abstract: Ergo grip mountain bars comprising of an inverted ‘U’ shaped handle bar, ergo curves, and screws at either end of the handle bar, to provide safety and stability to the snowmobiler while making hard turns and side hilling in the mountain slopes. The ergo grip mountain bars provide the snowmobiler the necessary space to accommodate his fingers covered by snow gloves.

Abstract: Side-hill extreme ergo grip bar ends comprising of an upright or ‘L’ shaped handle bar, ergo curves, and a screw attached to the handle bar, to provide safety, stability and additional leverage to the vehicle rider such as a snowmobiler while making hard turns and side hilling in the mountain slopes. Each bar end grip can be outfitted with an auxiliary throttle trigger. The auxiliary throttle mount is capable on either bar end grip or both bar end grips The ergo grip bar ends provide the snowmobiler the necessary space to accommodate his fingers covered by snow gloves and also provides space for attaching both from auxiliary throttle which can be triggered on inside grip of bar end or outside at bend of ‘L’ for safety and increased mobility. The ergo grip bar ends are made of stiff and strong material to accommodate heavy weight bearing. The top of the bend of ‘L’ contains a soft tip option to avoid discomfort if rider's leg were to come into contact.

Abstract: A steering wheel is provided for a motor vehicle, having a hub area, a steering wheel rim, which is situated at least partially around this hub area, and a spoke for connecting the steering wheel rim to the hub area, the hub area, the spoke, and the steering wheel rim each being molded essentially from a high-strength plastic material and the steering wheel rim is implemented around the circumference of the steering wheel at least sectionally as a self-supporting hollow profile. Alternatively or additionally, the steering wheel rim is implemented around the circumference of the steering wheel at least sectionally as a self-supporting hollow profile made of a high-strength plastic material and is at least partially encapsulated with a steering wheel cover.

Abstract: A vibration damper and/or isolator for a rotating shaft is provided comprising a hub, an inertia element, a magneto-rheological elastic element interposed between the hub and the inertia element to non-rigidly couple the inertia element to the hub, and an electromagnet operable to produce a magnetic field across the elastic element when energized. The magneto-rheological elastic element, which may comprise a composite of magnetic-responsive particles dispersed within an elastic material, possesses a variable shear modulus that is dependent, at least in part, on the strength of a magnetic field applied to the elastic element.

Abstract: A linkage arrangement is disclosed to provide an articulated machine with an arrangement that allows two frame structures to both articulate and oscillate relative to one another. The linkage arrangement includes a three point pivot arrangement with an angled link. Two of the pivots provide for articulation while two of the pivots provide for oscillation. The two pivots involved for oscillation are of lower overall height than the overall height for the two pivots providing the articulation, thereby reducing overall machine height while maintaining structural integrity.

Abstract: A counterbalance mechanism counterbalances an eccentric mass on a rotating shaft supported by a frame. A first pulley is coupled to and concentric with the shaft. An arm is coupled to the shaft to rotatably support a second at a first distance from the first pulley. A third pulley is fixedly coupled to the frame at a second distance from the first pulley. A fourth pulley is rotatably coupled to and concentric with the third pulley. A spring is fixed at a first end to the frame and has a second end that is coupled to the fourth pulley such that the spring provides a restoring force as the fourth pulley is rotated. A first cable has a first end that is coupled to the fourth pulley and a second end that is coupled to the frame through the third pulley after passing over the first and second pulleys.

Abstract: A housing assembly for a gear drive is provided. The housing assembly includes an end member having a mating surface, and a body member extending from the end member. The body member includes a mating surface coupled to the end member with a mating arrangement and forming a joint.

Abstract: An apparatus for cranking an engine that includes a starter motor that includes an armature shaft, a pinion connected to the armature shaft for rotation about an axis, the pinion being able to translate along the axis relative to the armature shaft toward a fixed surface that limits said translation, an engine crankshaft, a ring gear engaged with the pinion and driveably connected to the crankshaft, and a first spring for urging the pinion elastically toward with the fixed surface and the ring gear and elastically resisting axial translation of the pinion away from the ring gear.

Abstract: A method for recycling a battery pack includes steps of: roasting the battery pack that houses a battery assembly that is in a charged condition, as it is, dismantling the roasted battery pack and separating the battery pack into unit cells and parts other than the unit cells, comminuting the unit cells obtained by separation, washing and screening the comminuted cells, dehydrating a slurry below a sieve after screening and recovering metals used for positive and negative electrodes, and recovering metal containing nickel by magnetically separating metal remaining on the sieve after screening, using a magnet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating of oil contaminated, metal-containing solids, in particular spent catalysts. The solids are cleaned with a dense phase gas and then metal is recovered from the cleaned solids.