Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing and controlling an elongate robotic instrument, or robotic endoscope, are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is a robotic link that can be easily manufactured and can withstand the forces related to use within a robotic instrument. Another feature is a joint on the link that increases compressive strength and minimizes stress between links. Yet another feature is an elongate robotic instrument that is constructed from a single type of link.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing and controlling an elongate robotic instrument, or robotic endoscope, are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is a robotic link that can be easily manufactured and can withstand the forces related to use within a robotic instrument. Another feature is a joint on the link that increases compressive strength and minimizes stress between links. Yet another feature is an elongate robotic instrument that is constructed from a single type of link.

Abstract: A spatial linkage including an inboard gimbal plate that provides a ground for the spatial linkage, an outboard gimbal plate, and at least three links that couple the outboard gimbal plate to the inboard gimbal plate. Each link has a longitudinal axis and two pivotal couplings disposed at opposite ends of the longitudinal axis. Each link is pivotally coupled to the outboard gimbal plate at a first end of the longitudinal axis and pivotally coupled to the inboard gimbal plate at a second end of the longitudinal axis opposite the first end. The pivotal couplings allow the outboard gimbal plate to move relative to the inboard gimbal plate and preventing relative rotation between the outboard gimbal plate and the inboard gimbal plate. Counterweight is coupled to at least one of the links on the opposite side of the inboard gimbal plate from the outboard gimbal plate.

Abstract: In this throttle control device, the device body secured to a steering wheel is provided with a throttle lever for pulling a control cable and the cover is attached to the upper part of the device body. The throttle control device includes a protruded rim that is formed on one of the outer surfaces of the upper both side walls of the device body and the inner surfaces of both side parts of the cover, a recessed groove capable of slidably engaging with the rim is slantingly formed in the other, the protruded rim is engaged with the recessed groove and slid, and the cover is locked to the device body at its slid end whereby the cover is fixed onto the device body.

Abstract: A push-pull cable having an inner member, an outer member surrounding and integral to the inner member and having an outer surface, and a sheath having an inner surface, wherein the inner surface is serrated. A push-pull cable including an inner member having an outside diameter of 360 degrees of frictional engagement surface and an outer member having an inside diameter of less than 360 degrees of frictional engagement surface, wherein the inner member outside diameter is frictionally engaged with the outer member inside diameter.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a vehicle includes a hollow shell with a first interior chamber. The steering wheel further includes an outer skin on an exterior of the hollow shell. An interior filler may be positioned in at least the first interior chamber. The hollow shell may be molded.

Abstract: A highly efficient universal connecting rod and method of manufacture of a highly efficient universal connecting rod comprised of an connecting rod having an offset longitudinal axis, a first circular aperture used for pivotally attaching the connecting rod to a wrist pin, and a second circular aperture used to pivotally attach said connecting rod to a crankshaft, and a force transfer area creating an angle of offset which directs the line of action to a point away from the center of said second circular aperture in the direction of normal crankshaft rotation.

Abstract: A transmission device (1) with a transmission housing (2) having at least one inside space (5) of a first transmission housing portion (3) that can be acted upon by hydraulic fluid and having at least one second transmission housing portion (4). An inside space (6) of the second transmission housing portion (4) is separated from the inside space (5) of the first transmission housing portion (3). A sealing system (10) is provided between the two transmission housing portions (3, 4) for at least sealing the inside space (5) of the first transmission housing portion (3) against the escape of oil from the transmission housing (2). The inside space (5) of the first transmission housing portion (3) is connected to the inside space (6) of the second transmission housing portion (4) by a venting system (12).

Abstract: A high-strength composition iron powder is prepared by mixing an iron base powder with 0.5 to 3.0 mass % of an Fe—Mn powder having a particle diameter of 45 ?m or less and a Mn content in the range of 60 to 90 mass %, 1.0 to 3.0 mass % of a Cu powder, 0.3 to 1.0 mass % of a graphite powder, and 0.4 to 1.2 mass % of a powder lubricant for die-forming while adjusting the ratio of the amount of Mn contained in the Fe—Mn powder to the amount of the Cu powder in the range of 0.1 to 1. The high-strength composition iron powder is press-formed and sintered at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of Cu to produce a high-strength sintered part having a tensile strength of 580 MPa or higher without using expensive alloying elements such as Ni and Mo.

Abstract: A preparation method of a copper particle composition includes dissolving a copper carboxyl compound, or a carboxyl group-containing compound and a copper salt, in a solvent to prepare a copper(II) precursor solution; putting a weak reducing agent with a standard reduction potential of ?0.2 to ?0.05V to the prepared copper(II) precursor solution to assemble a plurality of Cu2O fine particles having an average diameter of 1 to 100 nm with a standard deviation of 0 to 10%, thereby forming spherical Cu2O assembly particles having an average diameter of 0.1 to 10 ?m with a standard deviation of 0 to 40%; reducing the spherical Cu2O assembly particles into copper particles by using a reducing agent; and separating the copper particles from the result product. Thus, copper particles can be produced fast, economically, and the obtained copper particles have good crystallinity and good resistance against oxidation.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to recover and recycle the rare metals such as gallium and indium safely from the III-V group compound semiconductors. A method for recovering the metals according to the present invention is characterized by recovering at least one metal selected from the group comprising gallium, indium and aluminum from the III-V group compound semiconductors or the semiconducting materials of them containing at least one element selected from the group comprising arsenic, antimony and selenium, and comprising the step of adsorbing the arsenic, antimony and selenium selectively to an adsorbent containing the rare-earth metal compound with the use of the adsorbent.

Abstract: A system and method for leaching a metal from a base mineral rock includes a closed reactor vessel into which a slurry containing the ground base mineral rock is fed. The interior space of the vessel is then pressurized via an oxygen supply to a pressure P. The slurry is then agitated under pressure P and within the closed reactor vessel for a time “t”. A blower or compressor re-circulates the oxygen through the slurry. The required pressure P and time “t” are effective for obtaining a metal recovery of up to 98% of the total metal available in the base mineral rock. Tests demonstrate that a time “t” in a range of 8 to 14 minutes and a pressure P of 10 to 50 psi is effective for obtaining the desired recovery amount, depending on the concentration of attacking agent used.

Abstract: A process for extracting gold from a gold-bearing ore. The process includes, first, providing a leaching liquor with thiosulfate anion and ethylenediamine. Next, the leaching liquor is contacted with the gold-bearing ore to form a pregnant leach solution including gold dissolved from the gold-bearing ore. Finally, at least part of the gold in the pregnant leach solution is recovered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of recovering silver safely and efficiently from a chloride or bromide bath containing various metals. Specifically, a method of recovering silver from a hydrochloric acid solution containing alkali and/or alkali earth metal chloride, silver; copper and iron ions, comprising the steps of: (1) bringing the solution into contact with a strong-base anion-exchange resin to adsorb silver; copper, and iron on the anion-exchange resin; (2) then washing the anion-exchange resin with water to remove the adsorbed copper and iron; and (3) then bringing the ion-exchange resin into contact with a hydrochloric acid solution to elute the adsorbed silver, is provided.

Abstract: An earth-boring bit has a steel body and bearing pin for rotatably supporting a cone. The cone has an exterior surface containing rows of cutting elements. The cone and cutting elements are formed of cemented tungsten carbide. The cone may be manufactured by applying pressure to a mixture of hard particles and metal alloy powder to form a billet, then machining the billet to a desired over-sized conical shaped product. Then the conical-shaped product is liquid-phase sintered to a desired density, which causes shrinking to the desired final shape.

Abstract: A device for enabling the unscrewing of a cap from a bottle or jar is disclosed. The device is in the form of a somewhat elongated body in which a releasably engageable cam member and a torsion spring are located. The body is arranged to be grasped by a user of the device. The body includes a pair of cavities, each arranged for receipt of a cap of a bottle or jar therein. The cam member has a pair of ridged or serrated surfaces which are normally biased into the cavities by the spring to releasably engage a portion of the periphery of a cap disposed within either cavity.

Abstract: A hammer that that reduces vibration and provides advantageous balance and mass distribution having a handle portion comprising an I-shape sectional profile and a head comprising a cavity formed therethrough. The hammer may further comprise various nail or other fastener removal structures, such as a claw, slots, notches, or the like. The hammer may further include a nail-starter with magnetic nail retention.

Abstract: A ratcheting mechanism includes a main body formed with a cylindrical seat and adapted to receive pawls rotatablly urged outward by a biasing element to selectively engage ratcheting teeth. An adjusting ring is positioned over the main body. The position of the adjusting ring determines the operational direction by selectively disengaging one of the pawls. The main body has an engagement end fixing the ratcheting mechanism to a handle body.

Abstract: An anti-slip assembly element for hand tool includes an assembly element adapting to be detachably connected to a hand tool. The assembly element has a polygonal portion formed on one end thereof. A plurality of anti-slip portion is respectively disposed between every two adjacent side walls of the polygonal portion. Each anti-slip portion has a plurality of first grooves parallely defined therein and a plurality of second grooves parallely defined therein. The first grooves are crosswise of the second grooves. When a user grasps the polygonal portion of the assembly element, the anti-slip portions provides a friction for easily gripping. When the assembly element is dropped down, the anti-slip portions provide the friction for avoiding rolling away.

Abstract: A driving head of a wrench includes three engaging surfaces and three reception concavities alternatively defined in an inner periphery thereof. A recess is defined in a center of each of engaging surfaces and located between first and second engaging portions. The last reception concavity has one of two insides connected to the second engaging portions next to it, the other insides of the last reception concavity is connected with a third engaging portion. The recesses and the reception concavities are sized to accommodate protrusions of a star-shaped nut. The reception concavity is sized to accommodate one of protrusions of a star-shaped nut. The adjacent first and second engaging portions have a common tangent line and three respective common tangent lines are located on three sides of a hexagonal object. The wrench is able to drive the object in two opposite directions without removing the wrench from the object.

Abstract: Provided is a gas valve key having a valve engagement body including a stem receiving cavity sized and configured to receive a gas valve stem. The key includes a first elongate member including a first body having first proximal and distal end portions. The first distal end portion defines a first end face. A second elongate member is connected to the valve engagement body and includes a second body having second proximal and distal end portions. The second elongate member is slidably connected to the first elongate member. An extended portion of the second elongate member extends between the first end face and the valve engagement body and is extendable upon movement of the second elongate member from a retracted position towards an extended position. A locking element is engageable with the first and second elongate members when the second elongate member is in the extended position.

Abstract: Device (10, 20, 30) and method for tightening a bolt (2) or a nut (12) threaded on its end, which end extends through at least a first body (3) and screws into a hole (5) in a second body (4) or extends through the second body into another nut (13). The device has gripping means (7, 17) co-acting with the bolt-head or the nuts. Means (8) process a signal generated by sensor means (18) subject to the axial force exerted on the surface of the first body by the bolt-head or the first nut, or on the surface of the second body by the second nut, and control the device such that the bolt-head or a nut is tightened subject to the axial force exerted on the surface- of one of the bodies, which sensor means are in an annular body (16) around the threaded hole between the bolt-head or first nut and the first body or between the second nut and second body.

Abstract: An electronic torque wrench (10) offers a plurality of selectable functions. It includes a control unit provided with a memory card reader (14) and at least one removable memory card (15) equipped with preset activation codes. The control unit reads the activation codes of the memory card contained in the reading unit and enables the wrench functions selected among the many available ones according to the activation codes stored in the memory card.

Abstract: A utility tool handle is provided for use with a hand tool shaft including an upper shaft surface having an upper shaft plane, a lower shaft surface having a lower shaft plane, two side shaft surfaces having side surface planes and a shaft centerline. The handle includes a shaft engagement end, a handle termination end opposite thereto, an upper handle surface, a lower handle surface comprising a lower surface spline extending inwards from the lower shaft plane towards the upper shaft plane in a first lower handle surface beginning at the shaft engagement end. The lower surface spline extending outwards in the lower shaft plane direction in a second lower handle surface beginning at the first lower handle surface and extending towards the handle termination end. A curved stop element runs between the upper handle surface towards the lower handle surface at the handle termination end and is sized to fit within a human palm. Two handle side surfaces run generally parallel to the two side shaft surfaces.

Abstract: A screw driver with a variable handle has a body. One end of the body has a mounting part, and the other end is pivotally installed with an auxiliary handle. The body has an accommodating room for accommodating an accommodating box. The auxiliary handle covers the accommodating room when storing the screw driver. It is flipped open for holding when the screw driver is in use.

Abstract: Rotary transmission leadthrough with: a shaft (3) able to turn about a longitudinal axis running in the longitudinal direction (L) with at least one longitudinal borehole (26, 27, 28) running in the longitudinal direction (L), in which a push rod (43, 44, 45) is arranged and can move back and forth relative to the shaft (3) in the longitudinal direction (L), and with at least one opening (22, 23) in a lateral wall of the shaft which extends to a coordinated longitudinal borehole (26, 27, 28) and at least one push fork (12, 13, 14) which can travel in the longitudinal direction (L) outside the shaft (3) and is coordinated with one of the push rods (43, 44, 45), and an active connection running through the coordinated opening (22, 23) to the coordinated longitudinal borehole (26, 27, 28) between the coordinated push fork (12, 13, 14) and the coordinated push rod (43, 44, 45), which transmits a back and forth motion of the coordinated push fork (12, 13, 14) relative to the shaft (3) onto the coordinated push rod

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting device (1) with a first cutting blade (2) of an upper cutter and a second cutting blade (3) of a lower cutter, with a drive device with at least two rotatably driveable eccentric shafts (10, 11), which are connected at least to the first cutting blade by means of connecting elements (8, 9), wherein at least one of the connecting elements (8, 9) is formed such that it is variably adjustable in length.

Abstract: A slicer system and method is disclosed that cuts meat products from a primal. The system comprises an isolated chute that delivers the primal to a cutting area along a first direction, a shuttle that moves a portion of the primal in a horizontal plane that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, a conveyor that supports and carries a meat product cut from the primal in the cutting area, and a sprayer that applies a fluid to a cutting blade in the cutting area.

Abstract: A stepladder having a front side, a rear side and a top. The stepladder can include a conduit holder attached to the front side for holding conduit. The stepladder can include a first wire spool holder attached to the front side and a second wire spool holder attached to the rear side though which a conduit having a wire spool extends. The stepladder can include a hacksaw hook attached to the front side. A method for cutting a conduit. A method for using a hacksaw. A method for obtaining wire.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to enlarging a hole in a substrate such that the enlarged hole is centered on the existing hole. A knock-out punch and die tool for enlarging a knock-out hole in an electrical box includes a punch; a generally cup shaped die; a threaded central shaft supporting the punch on one end and the die on the other end; a removable centering element placed in a cup portion of the die; and a resilient element, such as a spring, urging the centering element in an axial direction along a length of the shaft outwardly of the cup portion. The centering element and the spring may be provided as a retrofitting kit for converting non-centering punch and die tools into centering punch and die tools.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus comprises a first conveyer roller pair and a second conveyer roller pair arranged sequentially from the upstream side to the downstream side along a sheet conveyance route of a sheet of paper along with a punching unit disposed between the first and second conveyer roller pairs. The punching unit includes a hole cutting blade that is capable of retractably projecting the hole cutting blade relative to the sheet conveyance route so as to control the position of the hole cutting blade of the punching unit according to the condition of the sheet of paper being conveyed. The apparatus further comprises a control unit adapted to cause the hole cutting blade to project across the sheet conveyance route before the leading end of the sheet of paper being conveyed gets to the punching unit so as to make the leading end of the sheet of paper abut the hole cutting blade and correct the skew, if any, of the sheet of paper.

Abstract: A laminate flooring saw system which can be used for both rip cuts and miter cuts in one embodiment includes a fence, a base including a first locking member configured to cooperate with the fence to lock the fence along a first fence axis, a second locking member configured to cooperate with the fence to lock the fence along a second fence axis, the second fence axis perpendicular to the first fence axis, and a support arm system positioned above the base for supporting a power tool.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to improve a precision of cutting operation for a cutting machine. Representative cutting machine includes a tool body with a blade and a base having an opening through which part of the blade protrudes downward. A blade cutting direction indicating member is provided on a front end of the base in a direction of movement of the base and can be adjusted in mounting position with respect to the base. The blade cutting direction indicating member also adapted as a blade positioning member for positioning the blade with respect to a cutting line marked on the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a quick-assembly/disassembly mechanism for the sawblade cover of a wood sawing machine, which permits to install shields and stoppers correspondingly on both sides of a U-shaped supporting rod, and arrange a mobile damper within the supporting rod; moreover, when the quick-disassembly poker of the mobile damper is disassembled or assembled into the entire cover assembly, the poker is pulled up or pressed down to realize quick screwing and releasing of the cover assembly.

Abstract: An eye-protection cover quick-release structure includes a spreader, which has a notch and a locating hole at the top side and a contracted passage connected between the notch and the locating hole, a bracket, which has a locating groove for accommodating a part of the spreader and an axle hole, an axle pin, which is insertable through the axle hole of the bracket and the locating hole of the spreader and has a shank and a shoulder, and a handle fastened to the shank of the axle pin and biasable between a pressed position where the shoulder of the axle pin is forced into the locating hole of the spreader to lock the bracket to the spreader and a lifted position where the shank of the axle pin is forced into the locating hole of the spreader and movable through the contracted passage for allowing the bracket to be separated from the spreader.

Abstract: A punch for punching a sheet of material the punch having a body formed with a fissure for receiving the sheet of material, a pivot shaft defining a pivot point and a lever retaining means secured to said body. A lever pivotably mounted about the pivot point of said pivot shaft, is provided, the lever having an open position when one end of the lever is elevated to a height above the pivot point, and the lever having a closed position in which the lever is positioned parallel to the fissure. A block is provided which is positionable between the lever and the body. The body is provided with longitudinal support ridges and the lever is provided with side ridges, with the pivot point positioned in substantially the same plane as the longitudinal support ridge so that when the punch is closed, the side ridges of the lever pass outside of the support ridges of the body in a nesting relationship, allowing the punch to form a flat profile when closed.

Abstract: A saw blade includes a saw blade body having a first face, a second face opposing the first face, and an axis of rotation extending between the first face and the second face. The saw blade includes a cutting element disposed about an outer periphery of the saw blade body. The saw blade includes a spline arbor interface portion disposed about an inner periphery of the saw blade body and having a peripheral face defining an eye disposed substantially collinearly with the axis of rotation of the saw blade body. The saw blade body defines a relief portion extending along at least a portion of an edge between the peripheral face of the spline arbor interface portion and at least one of the first face and the second face.

Abstract: A rotating shaft (23) is inserted through an axial center of a cutter wheel tip for scribing a brittle object. The rotating shaft (23) is integrally provided with the cutter wheel tip. The rotating shaft (23) is inserted into supporting holes (14) provided in side walls (11) of a tip holder (11) so as to be supported. A groove (13) is formed in an upper portion of each supporting hole (14) along an axial direction of the supporting hole (14).

Abstract: A hole punch includes a body having a punching end and a longitudinal extent defining a longitudinal axis, where the punching end defines a punching face that has a first surface substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first surface having a length substantially bisecting the punching face and a non-zero width, a second sloping surface with a slope starting substantially near an extent of and substantially near a plane of the first surface, sloping away from the first surface at a slope angle, and running in a direction of the length of the first surface, and a third sloping surface on a side of the first sloping surface opposite the second sloping surface and having a slope angle opposite the slope angle of the second sloping surface.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for separating a composite glass assembly comprising a plurality of organic light emitting diode devices into separate OLED devices. In one embodiment the composite glass assembly comprises two glass plates rigidly joined by a brittle sealing material, such as a glass-based frit. The brittle sealing material is positioned in the form of a plurality of picture frame-like walls that, in conjunction with the first and second glass plates, form a hermetic seal around organic light emitting diodes that comprise each OLED device. The method includes separating the glass plates of the assembly on a support plate comprising a free space channel below a score line formed in one of the glass plates.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus of producing vibrato on keyboard percussion/tone bar instruments such as the vibraphone and marimba are provided. Means are disclosed for real time control of the expressive qualities of both the speed and strength of the vibrato of such instruments, while eliminating the need for an electrical motor. According to certain embodiments, methods and apparatus are disclosed to easily produce a change of dynamic level (crescendo and diminuendo) after a single strike of a tone bar or chord.

Abstract: The inventive technology, in embodiments, relates variously to item support apparatus that offer one or more of a variety of operational benefits, including but not limited to independently operable force enhancers whereby various retention forces may be enhanced independently of one another, and side-assembly. The inventive technology presents, generally, two different types of apparatus—one featuring a ball having a passage through which an item support rack member (e.g., a drum rack member) may be slidingly passed, and a second featuring a ball without a passageway therethrough.

Abstract: Problems To provide a harmonic sound generator and a method for generating harmonic sound so as to obtain frequency components of non-integer multiples shifted back and forth from the frequencies of odd multiples and even multiples with a simple configuration. Means for Solving Problems A first harmonic sound generating unit 1 generates a first harmonic sound signal as a product of a multiplication of a signal of a specific frequency and a signal including frequency components of odd multiples of a music signal. Then, frequency components of non-integer multiples shifted back and forth in the specific frequency from the odd multiples are generated based on the first harmonic sound signal. A full-wave rectifying unit 21 rectifies the first harmonic sound signal to generate a second harmonic sound signal including frequency components of even multiples. An adding unit 4 adds the first harmonic sound signal and the second harmonic sound signal, and then adds the additional value to the music signal.

Abstract: A saddle of a multi-stringed instrument includes a highly efficient means of coupling to sensors, vibrations from plucked musical instruments strings. The saddle includes a downwardly extending body portion for mechanically conveying string vibrations to transducers by way of cavities beneath a string saddle that define a vertically compliant area of sensitivity. The vertically compliant area beneath each respective string is mechanically responsive to vertical string motion. These areas couple the strings to transducers mounted within said cavities, and are selectively sensitive to vertical string vibrations from the top of the saddle, beneath the string. The uni-directional sensitivity does not respond to vibratory information from beneath the saddle and is only sensitive from its top or positive Z axis direction. This eliminates the introduction of micro-phonic noise from the body of the instrument in the amplified signal.

Abstract: A top cover and safing blade assembly replaces the prior art top cover and safing sector in 7.62 miniguns. The top cover and aft camming portion of a longitudinal helical track are combined in a single unit, thus permitting the forward camming portion of the helical track, incorporated in the safing blade, to be removed separately. Safing the gun by opening the safing blade and rearming it by closing the safing blade can be accomplished in far less time than is required in prior art safing systems. Live cartridges can be quickly cleared from the minigun by electrically rotating the barrels after the safing blade has been locked in its open position.

Abstract: A power steering device for a vehicle which is disposed in the transmission path between a steering handle and a steerable vehicle wheel, comprises a servo cylinder having two pressure chambers, which are separated by a working piston and are each connected to a pressure supply unit. A valve plunger, which seals a bypass channel between the pressure chambers, is movably disposed on the working piston. Furthermore, an adjustment bushing comprising an adjustment section is disposed in the servo cylinder, the valve plunger being moved against this section upon approaching an axial limit position, thereby opening the bypass channel. The adjustment bushing is clamped into the servo cylinder, yet held displaceably, wherein, on the adjustment bushing, a sealing section is provided, which is to be moved into a sealing position with the working piston so as to interrupt the flow connection between the pressure chambers.

Abstract: A system is provided that prevents inhibition of adsorption of Hg and other heavy metals by activated carbon or other heavy metal adsorbent due to prior adsorption of sulfur trioxide (SO3) in an exhaust gas containing SO3. As it has been found that while SO3 is adsorbed, the adsorption of SO3 precedes the adsorption of Hg and other heavy metals onto activated carbon, a basic substance injection system is disposed along an exhaust gas flow channel at an upstream side of an activated carbon injection system, thereby attaining effective removal of Hg and other heavy metals from the exhaust gas by adsorption thereof onto surface pores of the activated carbon. The SO3 concentration after removal by basic substance conversion is computed from the SO3 concentration before removal, and the activated carbon injection rate can be controlled based on the concentration after removal.

Abstract: A system includes an electrostatic precipitator, an electromagnetic sensor and a processor to locate spark locations. The electromagnetic sensor is used at various locations of the electrostatic precipitator to obtain data and process the same for locating sparks in electrostatic precipitators.

Abstract: A liquid/gas separator device for separating the liquid and gaseous phases of a fluid, the device having first and second vertically-disposed elongate reservoirs. The first reservoir has a first bottom orifice connected to an arrival pipe for the fluid that includes a pressure-lowering device, at least one first top orifice, and a plurality of first intermediate orifices. The first reservoir is connected to a plurality of second reservoirs via a plurality of first transfer pipes, and via at least one second transfer pipe. Each of second reservoirs has a second top orifice connected to a common gas discharge pipe, and a second bottom orifice connected to a common degassed fluid discharge pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for absorbing acid gases from a synthesis gas prior to combustion. In one embodiment, a vessel is provided for receiving a synthesis gas and a physical solvent. The vessel includes one or more membrane contactors that provide an interface for physical absorption of one or more acid gases from the synthesis gas into the physical solvent.