Abstract: A pedal includes a pedal body configured for engagement with a person and defining a first major side and a second major side of the pedal. A first plate member engages the first major side and has a first outer surface. Similarly, a second plate member engages the second major side and has a second outer surface. At least one of the first or second outer surfaces includes a graphic design feature. The first and second plate members may be coupled to each other through openings in the pedal body. The graphic design feature may be carried on a graphic design element which is coupled to the first and/or second outer surface.

Abstract: A method for producing a substantially metallic iron-containing product from iron oxide. The metallic iron produced according to the invention is non-pyrophoric and may be safely shipped and handled without additional process steps. The method of the invention is simple, economical, and produces high quality metallic product which may be used as a feed for Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), Blast Furnaces and Cupolas among other applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a high-quality reduced metal using an upgraded coal as a carbonaceous material to be incorporated. In the method, coal is first aged by heating in an organic solvent to produce upgraded coal for metallurgy having higher thermal plasticity than that of the coal. Then, a mixture of the upgraded coal for metallurgy and a metal oxide-containing raw material is agglomerated by an agglomerator, and the resultant agglomerates are reduced by heating in a furnace and then melted by further heating to produce a reduced melt. The reduced melt is cooled and solidified in the furnace to produce a reduced solid. The reduced solid is discharged to the outside of the furnace and slag is removed using a screen to recover a metal as a reduced metal.

Abstract: A method of treating a metalliferrous material source is provided. The metalliferrous material source includes at least one of nickel sulphide and cobalt sulphide, and also includes iron sulphide. The metalliferrous material source is leached with a preliminary leachant in a leaching zone to effect production of a preliminary leach product including a preliminary leach solution and a preliminary leach solid residue. The preliminary leachant includes an aqueous solution comprising ammonia and ammonium sulphate. The preliminary leach solution includes at least one of dissolved nickel comprising material and dissolved cobalt comprising material. The preliminary leach solid residue includes: (i) at least one of nickel sulphide and cobalt sulphide, (ii) at least one of other nickel comprising material and other cobalt comprising material, and (iii) other iron comprising material.

Abstract: There is also provided a method of treating a metalliferrous material. The method includes providing a metalliferrous material including nickel, cobalt, and iron. At least a fraction of the metalliferrous material is leached with an aqueous solution including dissolved sulphuric acid and dissolved sulphur dioxide in a reaction zone so as to effect production of a leachant including nickel sulphate, cobalt sulphate, and iron sulphate. The leachant is contacted with a reagent material in a reaction zone, wherein the reagent material is aqueous ammonia solution, so as to effect production of a reaction product including a product solution component and a solid residue component. The nickel and cobalt are concentrated in the product solution component, and the iron is concentration in the solid residue component.

Abstract: In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a method of recovering metals from a metals bearing material comprising: reducing the particle size of at least a portion of the metals bearing material; mixing the metals bearing material in an acid solution to form a first slurry containing at least alkaline earth metal compounds; separating the at least alkaline earth metal compounds from the first slurry to form a first filtrate and a metals bearing material; leaching metals from the metals bearing material to form a pressure leach solution containing transition metals; precipitating and recovering transition metals from the pressure leach solution. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for recovering metals from a deoiled and dried coal liquefaction residue that contains spent catalyst originating from a Group VIB metal sulfide catalyst.

Abstract: A tong assembly includes a case assembly having an enclosure defining an interior. A bearing assembly is disposed in the interior of the enclosure. The bearing assembly includes a first bearing member defining a first cavity and a second bearing member defining a first cavity. A tong head assembly is disposed in the interior of the enclosure of the case assembly. The tong head assembly includes a tong head engaged with an outer ring gear. The outer ring gear includes a first axial end portion, an oppositely disposed second axial end portion and a central portion. The first axial end portion is disposed in the first cavity of the first bearing member. The second axial end portion is disposed in the first cavity of the second bearing member.

Abstract: A positioning device for a hand tool includes a handle having a first connecting portion formed a chamber defined therein, a positioning member movably received in the chamber, and a tool head pivotally connected to the first connecting portion. The first connecting portion has a threaded hole. A rotatable plate has a threaded shank extended therefrom. The threaded shank passes through the threaded hole and abuts against the positioning member. The positioning member rigidly engages with the tool head. When the threaded shank is moved away from the positioning member, the tool head is available to be pivotally adjusted at a desired angle.

Abstract: The present invention is a screw holder that is useful for holding screws so that they may be started and conveniently screwed into the object or material without significant interruption of rotating motion. The present invention comprises a clear cylinder, along with end caps containing holes and radial slits. The screw is inserted in one end and the screw driving tool shaft is inserted in the other whereby the screw is conveniently held in place until it is properly started in the object or material.

Abstract: A wire processing machine having a cutting system, comprising a knife holder which carries a knife cooperating during a cut with a stationary counter-blade tool and is connected for performing a reciprocating motion by connecting means to an eccentric pin or a cam disk of a crankshaft, which on its part is driven by an electric motor, with the knife holder sliding in a guide during its reciprocating movement, which guide is arranged in a stationary manner or can be pivoted freely about an axis parallel to the rotational axis of the crankshaft in the case of a rigid connection of connecting means and knife holder, the crankshaft is driven directly by an asynchronous motor to which a gyrating mass is connected whose kinetic energy is released as a cutting force upon impingement of the knife on the wire, with the asynchronous motor performing precisely one rotation per cutting cycle and being controlled in such a way that it is accelerated up to the start of the cut and is braked after the cut has been performed

Abstract: A method of feeding packaging material (5, 11) between a punch form (1) and an anvil (12) and bringing the punch form (1) and the anvil (12) together so that the packaging material (5, 11) is die-cut in such a manner that a relative sliding (9) occurs between the packaging material (5, 11) and the actual sheet material (4) of the ejection rubber (3) during the die-cutting course, even when the clamping pressure (8) is applied.

Abstract: A machine tool safety device has a recognition unit which is provided for recognizing an application situation for a machine tool. The recognition unit includes an imaging unit for monitoring a first safety range, and a sensor unit, which is different from the imaging unit, for monitoring a second safety range.

Abstract: A machine tool, e.g., a sawing machine, has a work surface for placing a workpiece to be machined, and a tool support unit for supporting a tool, the unit being supported movably relative to the work surface. The machine tool includes a tool operation monitoring device for monitoring a tool range at least during a tool operation, which monitoring device includes an imaging unit.

Abstract: A rail-guided power tool (1) has at least one carrying handle (24) and one device head (2) arranged on a guide carriage (12). The guide carriage (12) can be moved by an adjustment mechanism (23) from a locked position—in which the guide carriage (12) is engaged with a guide rail (9) via at least one adjustable guide roller (22)—into a released position—in which the at least one adjustable guide roller (22) is at a distance from the guide rail (9). The power tool (1) also has an unlocking mechanism (25) including an actuator (30), a transmitter (31) and an unlocking device (32), whereby the unlocking mechanism (25) is configured in one piece.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an accurate method for marking substrates for individual substrate identification and tracking during a solar cell fabrication process. In one embodiment, each crystalline silicon ingot is marked on at least two sides via a scribing technique. In one embodiment, each crystalline silicon ingot is marked on three sides via a scribing technique. The ingots are then sliced into individual substrates, which retain the clearly visible and robust markings on the sides of the substrate. In one embodiment, the markings are detected by images captured by a moderate resolution camera at desired locations through a solar cell production line. In one embodiment, the markings are manually readable at one or more desired points throughout the solar cell production process. In general, the combination of markings uniquely identifies each individual substrate, the ingot from which the substrate was sliced, and the location within the ingot from which the substrate was obtained.

Abstract: A fingerboard (or fretboard) for use with a stringed instrument and light-system is disclosed and has a bottom surface adapted to mate or be attached to a neck of the instrument, and has wells extending from the bottom surface toward, but not through, a top surface. The wells are sized to receive a light-emitting device, such as LEDs, and are positioned along the fingerboard according to finger positions of the instrument. Illumination from the light-emitting devices is visible to a player of the instrument, however, when the devices are not illuminated, the fingerboard appears substantially as one made without the wells. The structure is useful for learning to play the instrument, while not appearing as a learning device.

Abstract: A system for stretching and tuning a drumhead includes a plurality of bolts each provided with a threaded shank and at least one associated nut threaded thereon. Each bolt is secured circumferentially and substantially equi-angularly about the periphery of the drum shell. The system includes a flexible, elongate member that is woven alternatively between the drumhead and each of the bolts until the elongate member is taut. Thereafter, the bolt shanks may be rotated relative to the bolt nuts so as to pull the elongate member into a more taut tension, whereby the condition of the drumhead increases. A drum including the system, a kit for implementing the system, and a method of implementing the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: CPU 11 reads from RAM 13 pitch information of each of musical notes composing the music, fingering information for playing the musical notes, and time information of the musical notes, thereby calculating a difficulty level of music. CPU 11 calculates a fingering difficulty level concerning fingering of playing adjacent musical notes based on the pitch information and fingering information, a rhythm difficulty level concerning musical-note duration and timing of key playing based on the time information, and a key difficulty level concerning a key of music based on the pitch information. Further, CPU 11 calculates the whole difficulty level of music based on the fingering difficulty level, rhythm difficulty level and key difficulty level.

Abstract: The invention relates to the automatic creation of a sound related to a lighting atmosphere, which is created with a lighting system. An embodiment of the invention provides a system (10) for automatically creating a sound related to a lighting atmosphere, comprising atmosphere analyzing means (12) being adapted for receiving a lighting atmosphere, for analyzing the received lighting atmosphere, and for outputting sound control signals based on the analysis, sound creation means (14) being adapted for receiving the outputted sound control signals from the atmosphere analyzing means (12), for processing the received sound control signals, for creating a sound based on the processing, and for outputting the sound as sound signals.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer program products, that provide a practice mode for multiple musical parts in a rhythm-action game. In one aspect this is accomplished by displaying, on a display in communication with a game platform, a first and second target musical data associated with a musical composition. The game platform receives a selection by the user of the first target musical data to be performed and produces an audio output associated with the first and second target musical data. The game platform also produces a synthesized tone associated with the first target musical data. In some versions, the target music data that is not selected is dimmed and made less visible.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer program products, for dynamically determining a musical part performed by a player of a rhythm-action game. In one aspect of a rhythm-action game, microphones are not tied to a particular part and therefore any player can play any of a number of parts, e.g., melody or harmony, lead or rhythm, guitar or bass, without switching instruments. This is accomplished by displaying, on a display, a plurality of target music data associated with a musical composition, receiving a music performance input data via the input device, determining which of the plurality of target music data has a degree of matching with the music performance input data, and assigning the music performance input data to the determined target music data.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer program products, for dynamically displaying a pitch range in a rhythm-action game. In one aspect this is accomplished by a game platform dividing a musical composition into a plurality of portions each comprising one or more notes. Then the game platform determines a pitch range between a highest note and a lowest note for each portion. Then the game platform determines a display density for each portion based on the pitch range of each portion, or alternatively, a display density for the entire song based on the greatest pitch range of all portions. Then, the game platform displays each portion within a viewable area. The viewable area has a density alterable based on the portion to be displayed or a position that is alterable based on the portion to be displayed, or has both an alterable position and alterable pitch density.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer program products, for selectively displaying song lyrics in a rhythm-action game. In one aspect this is accomplished by determining a number of vocal cues to be displayed on a display in communication with a game platform, where the vocal cues are each associated with a lyric. Provided a number of areas available to display a set of lyrics, either before run-time or determined at run-time, the game platform determines, based on a lyric priority associated with each lyric, which of the lyrics associated with each vocal cue to display when the number of vocal cues exceeds the number of areas available.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer program products, for preventing an unintentional deploy of a bonus in a video game. In one aspect this is accomplished by displaying, on a display in communication with a game platform, a target music data of a musical composition. The game platform receives a music performance input data via the microphone, and also determines if the music performance input data has a predetermined degree of matching with a vocal cue. If so, the performance input data is prevented from executing an improvisation deploy.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer program products, for scoring a musical performance after a period of ambiguity in a rhythm-action game. This is accomplished by displaying a first target music data and a second target music data where the first target music data's tolerance threshold overlaps with a second target music data's tolerance threshold. When a music performance input data is received, the game platform determines if the music performance input data is within both tolerance thresholds. Then scores are determined, based on a degree of matching between the music performance input data and the first target music data and between the music performance input data and the second target music data. The game platform then assigns the music performance input data to whichever target music data has the higher score when the difference between the first and second scores is greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer program products, for displaying an input at multiple octaves in a rhythm-action game. In one aspect this is accomplished by receiving by a game platform via a microphone, a music performance input data and displaying, on a display in communication with the game platform, a first pitch marker reflective of the music performance input data. Then substantially simultaneously with the display of the first pitch marker, displaying a second pitch marker at an offset, typically vertical, from the first pitch marker, the offset indicative of an octave difference between the first pitch marker and the second pitch marker.

Abstract: A beat analysis module is described for determining beat information associated with an audio item. The beat analysis module uses an Expectation-Maximization (EM) approach to determine an average beat period, where correlation is performed over diverse representations of the audio item. The beat analysis module can determine the beat information in a relative short period of time. As such, the beat analysis module can perform its analysis together with another application task (such as a game application task) without disrupting the real time performance of that application task. In one application, a user may select his or her own audio items to be used in conjunction with the application task.

Abstract: A technique for combining music and choreographed movement improves physiological and cognitive processes through purposeful movement to a steady beat. Users perform examples of the technique by purposefully executing one or more movement instructions in time with one or more musical selections. The movement instructions require concentration on both the beat pattern of the music and on the movement pattern to execute the movement instruction successfully.

Abstract: A combination distortion pedal and amplifier includes a foot pedal controls the distortion and the amplification of audio signals. The level of distortion and amplification are determined by the position of the foot pedal with a low level of distortion and amplification when the foot pedal is in a released position and a high level of distortion and amplification when the foot pedal is depressed. Various intermediate distortion and amplification levels are provided when the foot pedal is in positions between fully released and fully depressed.

Abstract: A technique for launching a missile that avoids some of the costs and disadvantages for doing so in the prior art. In particular, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention uses an electromagnetic catapult to throw the missile clear of the launch platform—with sufficient velocity to attain aerodynamic flight—before the missile's engine is ignited.

Abstract: Armor systems for protecting against various threats, including projectiles and explosive devices. An armor system includes one or more ballistic panels, one or more wire mesh layers and a backing on a side of the armor system facing away from potential threats that helps to absorb force impacting on the first ballistic panel. The first ballistic panel includes a core that provides strength and rigidity for the first ballistic panel and that distributes and dissipates force impacting on the first ballistic panel, a grinding layer comprising grinding media situated within and positioned on at least one side of the core facing towards potential threats, and a bonding layer that encapsulates the grinding layer. The one or more wire mesh layers contain the ballistic panel, increasing the durability and re-usability of the ballistic panel.

Abstract: A transparent laminated bulletproof and/or splinter-proof structure comprising three stacks of glass sheets (a, c; e, g, i; k) all connected together by adhesive interlayers (b, d, f, h, j), in which the first stack (a, c) is adjacent to and protrudes from the second stack (e, g, i), which is itself adjacent to and protrudes from the third stack (k), a liner (q, s, u) made of bulletproof and/or splinter-proof material is bonded to the laminated structure on the free peripheral surface of the first stack (a, c), the edge and the free peripheral surface of the second stack (e, g, i) and the edge of the third stack (k), and a transparent plastic sheet (m) is bonded to the liner (u) and to the free face of the third stack (k). A manufacturing process, the application of this laminated structure, and a glazing comprising it.

Abstract: A semi-automatic or automatic rifle is provided. The semi-automatic or automatic rifle includes a receiver having an integral hand guard portion, a barrel having a bore. The bore is removably connected to the receiver, the hand guard portion extending over and surrounding the barrel, an indirect gas operating system has a gas block and a piston. The gas block has a cylinder, the gas block is fitted to the barrel, the cylinder is in communication with the bore. The piston has a piston end and a striking end, the piston end is fitted to the cylinder and has a bolt carrier having a striking surface. When a cartridge is fired, gas displaces the piston end and causes the striking end to strike the striking surface displacing the bolt assembly, wherein, the cylinder and the piston are together removable as an assembly from the firearm without disassembly of the rifle.

Abstract: A firearm with an improved breech bolt assembly comprises a barrel (12), a breech bolt assembly (18, 21), a body (14) equipped on opposite sides with ports (15) for the ejection of a cartridge case, in addition to a magazine (17), wherein the breech bolt assembly, which is moveable with respect to the body (14) comprises a breech bolt-holder slide (21), a breech bolt (18) equipped with a rotating locking head (25), cam guide rails (26, 27) of the relative movement between the breech bolt (18) and slide (21), and also stopping means (28, 29) of the relative movement comprising a control pin (28) which can be moved vertically with respect to a first control seat (29), charged by a recoil spring (30) applied between the slide (21) and the pin (28), said pin (28) having a cocking handle (23), or reloading lever, rotatingly applied thereto, for the manual moving of the breech bolt assembly (10).

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator system designed to inwardly contain major portions of its control system. The system includes a unique non-vented and air tight sealed reservoir with expandable bladder. This inward control system and non-vented reservoir optimize space saving advantages and eliminate the need for external elements typically used in a hydraulic system, while extending fluid life, reducing cavitation and fluid oxidation, and increasing performance in the hydraulic system. The system configurations can work for both a single or dual acting linear actuator and further can involve a motor, hydraulic pump, and electro-hydraulic valve circuit used to control fluid throughout the system.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure multiplier having a housing, a bore in the housing and an outer piston slidably positioned within the bore. The pressure multiplier also includes an inner piston having a bore therethrough, the inner piston being positioned within a bore within the outer piston. An opening is provided through an end wall of the outer piston, and a mechanism is provided to selectively control hydraulic fluid flow into the bore within the outer piston. Hydraulic fluid first flows through the opening in the outer piston and through the bore through the inner piston to actuate a slave cylinder or a hydraulic piston within a brake. After a threshold pressure is reached within the slave cylinder, the valve closes and the outer piston is caused to move axially, thereby providing an increased hydraulic pressure within the slave cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retaining segment (17, 38) for retaining a back-up plate of a hydrostatic piston machine. The retaining segment (17, 38) has a recess (20) for an actuating element of an adjusting device and a retaining surface that extends along an arc section (48). A stop surface (26, 40) is formed on the retaining segment (17, 38).

Abstract: A linking arm conveying generally linear movement from a piston into generally radial movement of a crankshaft is disclosed. The linking arm includes a shaft extending between a piston pin end and a crankshaft pin end. The piston pin end defines a piston pin bore. A piston pin bore surface is defined by the piston pin bore, where the piston pin bore includes a non-circular transverse profile having at least two curved surfaces that each include a distinct radius, where the at least two curved surfaces are positioned in different locations around a periphery of the transverse profile.

Abstract: A pressure-receiving face plate 29 is mounted on one end face of a piston 12, and a support member 26 is raised on the end face of the piston 12. Disposed on the support member 26 with an allowance are, from the pressure-receiving faceplate 29 respectively, a disk spring 27, a plate 25, and a plunger 28. A flange 26a prevents these members from slipping off the support member 26. When the piston 12 approaches a stroke end, the plunger 28 is inserted in an oil passage 20b and applies a cushioning effect to the piston 12. In addition, a gap between the pressure-receiving faceplate 29 and the plate 25 brought into contact with a cylinder bottom 17 becomes narrow, and produces a squeeze effect such that oil escapes from the narrow gap. This makes it possible to provide a hydraulic cylinder that produces a sufficient impact force at the stroke end of the piston and also reduces noise emitted by the impact force, without increasing a length of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A system for controlling moisture content in ambient airflow in a substantially enclosed structure having components. The system includes at least one humidity control apparatus and a plurality of sensors for detecting moisture content in airflow in a plurality of locations of the substantially enclosed structure. The plurality of sensors are located remotely from the at least one humidity control apparatus and are situated in relatively close proximity to the components that the at least one humidity control apparatus is configured to affect. The system also includes a controller configured to receive moisture content levels detected by one or more of the plurality of sensors and to control the at least one humidity control apparatus based upon the detected moisture content levels to vary the moisture content in the ambient airflow around the plurality of locations.

Abstract: Provided herein are new compact and miniature oxygen concentrator apparatus, as well as methods incorporating use of the apparatus. The apparatus and methods utilize selected cycle times, adsorbent specifications and novel conditions to produce a fast Pressure Swing Adsorption (“PSA”) system. The oxygen concentrator apparatus and methods herein have significant utility in the fields of biotechnology, engineering, and medicine. A particularly advantageous use of this invention is as a “snap on” portable oxygen concentrator, where piped compressed air is already available such as in civil and military hospitals, ambulances, air craft cabins, mobile fish tanks, etc. Those embodiments eliminate the need for dedicated moving machinery (blower, compressor, vacuum pump) normally associated with a conventional PSA oxygen concentrator.

Abstract: Air scrubbers and approaches for removing CO2, SO2, and other gaseous contaminates from gas emissions. An approach for removing a gaseous contaminant from a gas emission may include providing a supply of an ionic liquid. The gaseous contaminant may be absorbable in the ionic liquid. The approach may also include spraying the ionic liquid into the gas emission. The gaseous contaminant in the gas emission may be absorbed in the ionic liquid. The ionic liquid having the gaseous contaminant absorbed therein may be collected on a counter electrode and separated from the gas emission. Spraying the ionic liquid into a gas emission may include ultrasound agitation of the ionic liquid. The approach may also include venting the gas emission having the gaseous contaminant separated therefrom.

Abstract: A slurried solid media for simultaneous water purification and carbon dioxide removal from gas mixtures includes the steps of dissolving the gas mixture and carbon dioxide in water providing a gas, carbon dioxide, water mixture; adding a porous solid media to the gas, carbon dioxide, water mixture forming a slurry of gas, carbon dioxide, water, and porous solid media; heating the slurry of gas, carbon dioxide, water, and porous solid media producing steam; and cooling the steam to produce purified water and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Guard layers are employed in the adsorbent beds of rapid cycle pressure swing adsorption (RCPSA) devices to protect the adsorbent therein from certain contaminants (e.g. water vapour). Conventional PSA devices typically pack the guard layer with as much guard material as is practical. In RCPSA devices however, the performance of the guard layer can be improved by using a reduced amount of guard material and increasing access to it. Such embodiments are characterized by guard layers with a channel fraction of greater than 50%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a hybrid composition membrane comprising the steps of preparing a sol comprising at least one poly(amino-alcohol) and at least one alkoxy silane, casting the sol on a surface and drying the casted sol to form the hybrid composition membrane. The hybrid composition membrane may be used for capturing and separating CO2 and/or H2S from a gas sample.

Abstract: Novel solvent composition for selective removal of COS from a gas stream containing same, said composition comprising a) at least one polyalkylene glycol alkyl ether of the formula R1O-(Alk-O)n—R2??(I) or 1,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2(1H)-pyrimidinone or a mixture of N-formylmorpholine and N-acetylmorpholine wherein R1 is an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R2 is hydrogen or an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; Alk is an alkylene group, branched or unbranched, having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and n is from 1 to 10; and b) at least one alkanolamine compound of the formula R3NHR4OR6??(II) or at least one piperazine compound of formula wherein R3 is hydrogen, an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or the R4OH group; R4 is a branched or unbranched alkylene group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R5, independently in each occurrence, is hydrogen or an hydroxyalkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and R6 is hydrogen, an alkyl gr

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas filter structure for filtering particulate-laden gases, of the honeycomb type and comprising an assembly of longitudinal adjacent channels of mutually parallel axes separated by porous filtering walls, in which: each outlet channel has a wall common to six inlet walls, each common wall constituting a side of said outlet channel; each outlet channel consists of six sides of approximately identical width a, so as to form a channel of approximately hexagonal and regular cross section; at least two adjacent sides of each inlet channel have a different width; at least two inlet channels sharing a wall with one and the same outlet channel share between them a common wall of width b; and in which the ratio of the widths b/a is greater than 1 but less than 13.

Abstract: A fan assembly is adjustable between two suction modes by alternating the position of the fan assembly on a flat surface, such as a table top. The fan assembly has two separate suction openings, one smaller than the other, which are selectively sealed by the flat surface. The suction openings are bounded by planar edges of an air guide that protrudes outward from a fan casing of the assembly. In one position, a first suction opening is unobstructed by the flat surface while the second suction opening is either partially obstructed or substantially sealed by the flat surface. In another position, the second suction opening is unobstructed by the flat surface while the first suction opening is substantially sealed by the flat surface.

Abstract: A bubble trap for separating and collecting air and bubbles from a high flow rate stream of infusate includes multiple flow chambers to collect air, a sensor support mounted to one of the chambers, an air vent disposed in one of the chambers, and a valve in fluid communication with the chambers to control the flow of infusate therethrough.

Abstract: A porous structure sealed at both ends for use in a gas separation module; and a method for separating components of a gas stream.