Abstract: A surface winder for winding a log of web material convolutely about a core is disclosed. The surface winder has a frame providing the web material with a path therethrough, a first winding roll rotatably mounted in the frame on one side of the path, a stationary finger mounted on the frame on the other side of the path adjacent the first winding roll and spaced therefrom a distance sufficient to receive the core to be wound in the path, the first winding roll cooperating with the stationary finger means to rotate the core, a cam-controlled core insertion device for a surface winder, and a second winding roll rotatably mounted in the frame on the other side of the path and downstream in the direction of web advance from the stationary finger means and forming a nip with the first winding roll.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a winding conveying unit for an electrode plate of a rechargeable battery for an electric vehicle which can manufacture electric rolls by conveying and winding an electrode from the electric rolls without breakage when the electrode rolls are manufactured by using electrode rolls in which an electrode is configured in a direction to fill the electrode rolls in a box at a high integration in a manufacturing process of a rechargeable battery for an electric vehicle that is configured by stacking electrode rolls in a sealed (cylindrical or angular) box. The present invention provides a winding conveying unit for an electrode plate of a rechargeable battery for an electric vehicle, which can prevent a breakage when an electrode is conveyed, by providing a guide roller at a moving position of the electrode on an external surface of a conveying roller.

Abstract: A paper-sheet counting machine (10) includes: a recognition and counting unit (24) configured to count paper sheets; a stacking unit (26) configured to stack therein the paper sheets that have been counted by the recognition and counting unit (24), an opening being provided in a front face of the stacking unit (26); a rotary guide unit (28) provided to the stacking unit (26) and configured to allow the paper sheets that have been counted by the recognition and counting unit (24) to be stacked in the stacking unit (26); a shutter (40) configured to close the opening provided in the front face of the stacking unit (26); a shutter drive unit (50) configured to drive the shutter (40) to open and close the opening provided in the front face of the stacking unit (26); and a control unit (70) configured to control the shutter drive unit (50).

Abstract: A finishing unit for applying a note onto a printed document that exits from an image forming apparatus is provided. The finishing unit, according to one embodiment, includes a note cutting unit for cutting a sheet of paper to a note of a desired size and a note pasting unit for applying the note onto the printed document that exits from the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus and method of applying a note onto a printed are also described.

Abstract: A drive unit is provided for powering a turret winding head for winding roving onto bobbin tubes. The drive unit comprises a closed housing, a first and a second spindle disposed in a turret base plate, wherein the turret base plate is formed as part of the housing and the spindles are disposed outside of the housing. A first drive is provided for the first spindle and a second drive is provided for the second spindle. The drives are disposed inside the housing, and the first and second drives are each provided with a fan wheel. An intake duct, through which air is drawn in by the fan wheel from outside of the housing, is in each case provided on the intake side of the fan wheel of the first and second drives.

Abstract: A cable reel that has first and second opposing flanges. The first flange has a first hub portion and the second flange has a second hub portion. The first and second hub portions are axial aligned and configured to mate with one another to support cable. The first hub portion includes an elongated wall extends from the first flange. The elongated wall is sized to support cable. The elongated wall defines an inner area that is configured to accept the second hub portion. The elongated wall includes a plurality of flexible segments. The second hub portion includes a truncated wall that is receivable in the inner area of the first hub portion. The truncated wall includes a tapered outer surface for engaging and expanding the plurality of flexible segments.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a group control device (12) and a destination call registration device (9). The group control device (12) performs group control of a plurality of elevator devices. Each of the elevator devices includes a plurality of cars which ascend and descend in the same shaft. The destination call registration device (9) is installed in an elevator hall. Moreover, the group control device (12) includes a first determination unit (15) and an assigned car determination unit (18). The first determination unit (15) tentatively assigns a call newly registered from the destination call registration device (9) to a first car, and excludes the first car from candidate cars of a first group in a case where a second car arranged above or below the first car stops at the hall before the first car. The assigned car determination unit (18) selects a car to which the new registration call is assigned from the candidate cars of the first group.

Abstract: With regard to the effect of a settling building, a connecting device for connecting a transmission device for transmitting information, wherein the transmission device is attached to a measurement tape for determining the position of a cab in an elevator shaft, wherein the connecting device is designed as a guide bracket for guiding and/or supporting the measurement tape, so that it at least partially surrounds the measurement tape, and wherein the guide bracket has at least one opening for reading out the marking unit, and wherein the connecting device has at least one connection contact for connecting to one of the communication lines and/or supply lines, wherein the at least one connection contact is movably supported in the connecting device.

Abstract: An elevator car guided at guide rails has a safety brake exerting a braking force on the guide rails in the event of non-compliance of a safety criterion. A housing of the safety brake has a wedge-shaped opening into which the guide rail is introduced, a brake body in the opening between a surface of the housing bounding the opening and a guide surface of the guide rail, an activating mechanism for transmitting an activation force to the brake body to press the brake body against the bounding surface and the guide surface, and a release mechanism connected indirectly or directly with the brake body for keeping the brake body in a rest position against the activation force. The release mechanism includes an articulated arm movable into an extended position for holding the brake body in the rest position and into a folded position for releasing the activation force.

Abstract: An elevator includes at least one elevator car and a counterweight which are at least partly suspended on hoisting ropes and a drive machine driving a traction sheave engaging the hoisting ropes for moving the elevator car along guide rails in an elevator shaft, which elevator further includes a compensation rope. The compensation rope is led upwards to an upper part of the elevator shaft and from there aside to a balancing area located aside of the travel paths of the car and counterweight. This solution is particularly adapted for high travel elevators facing horizontal forces during operation as e.g. ship elevators. Collision of compensation ropes are avoided in the area below the car and counterweight paths which could affect the elevator safety when subjected to high horizontal forces, e.g. during rough sea.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a handrail or support assembly for a stairway. More particularly, this disclosure describes a slidable holder or carrier automatically movable along the length of the handrail or support assembly to lift or carry objects for a user from one end of the stairway to another. In one illustrative embodiment, the assembly may include a handrail or support attached to a wall. A trolley assembly may be placed within the handrail or support and slidable along the length the handrail or support. An arm or extension may be coupled to the trolley assembly and connected to a carrier or holder. An actuator may slide or move the trolley assembly up and down the handrail or support assembly. Through the system described above, cargo may be lifted from one level to another level automatically.

Abstract: An elevator includes a car, a counterweight, a suspension working together with the car and the counterweight, and a wheel at least partially wound around by the suspension. The suspension includes a tie beam arrangement with two tie beams and an encasing shell wherein a ratio of the width of the suspension to the height thereof is in a range between one and three. The wheel includes a flute having a flat base for guiding the suspension. When the suspension is unloaded, there is an air gap between the suspension and a guide region of the flute. The suspension is ovalized under loading to close the air gap. The shell is coated, at least in areas, on the outer surface thereof, wherein the coating optionally has a friction-reducing, friction-increasing, and/or wear-detecting effect.

Abstract: An elevator door safety lock system ensures that an elevator door remains securely closed when it is not aligned with one of a plurality of floor openings. The safety lock system includes a vertical position sensor which includes an RFID reader disposed on the elevator and a plurality of RFID tags each disposed in the shaft at a different floor opening. The reader identifies when it is aligned or non-aligned with any tag indicating when the elevator is aligned and non-aligned with a floor opening. A control unit communicates with the safety lock system and an elevator controller. A door monitor indicates if the elevator door is open or closed and an engagement sensor detects whether the door lock is engaged.

Abstract: A method of checking the functional capability of at least one safety element of a safety circuit of an elevator installation utilizes a first processing unit and a second processing unit for the at least one safety element. The at least one safety element is connected with a control unit by a communications network. At least one signal is provided by the first processing unit on the basis of at least one communication from the control unit. The at least one provided signal is detected by the second processing unit connected with the first processing unit and is communicated to the control unit by way of the communications network. The at least one communicated signal is checked for the validity thereof by the control unit.

Abstract: An adjustable intermediate disk body of large double-layer cage comprises cage columns, a main intermediate disk body, and a chain block and a connecting piece. An intermediate disk guide rail beam is arranged on the inner side of the cage columns, wedge bases are symmetrically arranged on the two sides of the lower part of the intermediate disk guide rail beam, a limited block with a bolt hole is arranged on the upper part of the intermediate disk guide rail beam, and an anti-disengaging plate is arranged on the intermediate disk guide rail beam.

Abstract: Example drive systems for handrails of walkways and moving stairs may comprise a plurality of carriages. In some examples, each carriage may comprise a body with several leading rollers that roll along a guide that defines a handrail path. The carriage may further comprise a locking/release mechanism for selectively coupling the carriage to a drive chain of the handrail. The locking/release mechanism may comprise a hook configured to move between an engagement position wherein the carriage is coupled to the drive chain and a disengagement position wherein the carriage is uncoupled from the drive chain. In some cases, a position of the hook may be controlled by a wheel that travels along a cam profile.

Abstract: A suspension type lifting device includes a base unit, a bearing unit, a balance unit, a servo unit and a hanging unit. The base unit includes a first plate, a second plate and a third plate. The bearing unit includes a positioning piece and two forks. The balance unit is connected with the third plate of the base unit. The servo unit is connected with the first plate of the base unit. The hanging unit is mounted on the first plate of the base unit. When the servo unit detects that a foreign object is placed on the bearing unit, the servo unit calculates a value required for reaching a balance weight and transmits a power to drive the balance unit to swing leftward and rightward, so as to reach a balance state.

Abstract: A wheel lifting device comprising a first portion and a second portion is disclosed. Each of the first portion and the second portion comprise a vertical member, a horizontal member, and a plurality of rotatatable devices coupled to and spaced apart laterally on the horizontal member. The horizontal member of the first portion is generally parallel to the horizontal member of the second portion and both horizontal members are generally perpendicular to a plane defined by the two vertical members.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved garbage disposal jack for use in the installation and removal of sink mounted garbage disposals. The improved garbage disposal jack allows for rotation of the garbage disposal unit while maintaining the height during the installation or removal process.

Abstract: A method for selecting a trajectory for container locking uses at least one twistlock sensor on a machine to sense a location of a twist lock hole on an object. The sensed location is transmitted to a processor to calculate a sensed trajectory for a twistlock to engage the twist lock hole. At least one operator input sensor is used to sense an input from an operator moving the twist lock to engage the twist lock hole. The sensed operator input is transmitted to the processor to calculate an operator trajectory for the twist lock to engage the twist lock hole. The sensed trajectory is compared with the operator trajectory to determine which should be used.

Abstract: A load-supporting apparatus includes a pair of support assemblies each including a base, and a slide, formed with an abutment, mounted to the base for movement between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the base. The support assemblies extend in the same direction, and a linkage assembly interconnects the slides and enables adjustment of the support assemblies toward and away from one another. The abutments of the slides define contact points that engage and stabilize a load relative to the support assemblies, when the load is supported by the slides. The bases of the support assemblies are concurrently mountable releasably to a lift operable for raising and lowering the load-supporting apparatus between raised and lowered positions. The support assemblies are enabled for adjustment toward and away from one another via the linkage assembly, when the bases of the support assemblies are concurrently mounted releasably to the lift.

Abstract: A unique roadworthy boom trailer comprises a roadworthy wheeled chassis, four independently-adjustable trailer-leveling motorized legs attached to the bottom of the chassis, pneumatic-tool compressor built in the chassis, turret assembly attached to the top of the chassis, and on-site-extendable-interchangeable quick-release assemblies of boom, ladder, and catwalk rotatably attached to the turret assembly. The ladder assembly has safety rungs for safety cables to be hooked thereon. The catwalk assembly has adjustable telescopic safety handrails. The unique roadworthy boom trailer can work with suspension-cable-or-truss-type bridges, low-or-high-power-line bridges, short-or-tall-supporting-column bridges, single-or-multiple-lane bridges, and regular-or-rail-road bridges. The catwalk assembly can have multiple additional catwalk assemblies attached thereto to extend its width or length to generally equal the width or length of a bridge, respectively.

Abstract: A method for controlling an aerial apparatus with a telescopic boom, strain gauge sensors for detecting the bending state of the telescopic boom in horizontal and vertical directions, a gyroscope attached to the top of the telescopic boom and a control arrangement for controlling movement of the aerial apparatus on the basis of signal values gained from the sensors and the gyroscope, the method including the following steps: obtaining raw signals from the sensors and the gyroscope, calculating reference signals from the raw signals, reconstructing a first oscillation mode and a second oscillation mode from the reference signals and additional model parameters related to construction of the aerial apparatus, calculating a compensation angular velocity value from the reconstructed oscillation modes, and adding the calculated compensation angular velocity value to a feedforward angular velocity value to result in a drive control signal.

Abstract: A bottle cap remover includes a main body having an access opening therein, a bottle cap prying structure fixedly secured to the main body, and a magnet secured to at least one of the bottle cap prying structure and the main body. The bottle cap prying structure has a bottle cap receiving opening therein with opposing edge portions. The bottle cap receiving opening is exposed within the access opening of the main body. A bottle cap edge engaging portion of the bottle cap prying structure is defined by a first one of the opposing edge portions of the bottle cap receiving opening. The magnet is positioned adjacent to a second one of the opposing edge portions of the bottle cap receiving opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit, comprising: —at least one capsule (10) for insertion in a beverage production machine and containing nutritional ingredients, preferably infant formula ingredients, the capsule having a cup-like base body (10b) comprising an opening (11) being closed off by an outlet face (10c), and —at least one capsule opening device (1) provided separately to the capsule (10), the capsule (10) and the opening device (1) being provided with means for mechanically associating the opening device (1) to the capsule (10) by the consumer, preferably without using tools, the capsule opening device (1) comprising an integrally formed opening member (2) arranged to be operated by a user and designed for opening said outlet face (10c) of the capsule (10).

Abstract: A filling unit for contact or contactless filling an article is disclosed. The filling unit includes a tank comprising: a first valve, which may allow or prevent the fluidic connection between a first region of the tank and the article; a first fluidic line which extends from the tank to the article in case of contact filling; a second valve, which may allow or prevent the flow along the first fluidic line; and a control unit configured to set the first valve in a first closed configuration and the second valve in a second open configuration in case of contact filling. The filling unit further includes a second fluidic line distinct from the first fluidic line and extends from the inner volume of the article to a discharge area distinct from the tank; and a third valve, which may allow or prevent the flow along the second fluidic line.

Abstract: A container-processing machine includes a transfer star having container-engagement elements disposed along a periphery thereof. The transfer star moves containers past first or second sets of processing stations that are disposed along corresponding diametrically opposed arcuate processing paths.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a mixed drink includes a housing, a first single-serve beverage container, a second single-serve beverage container, an opening mechanism for opening the single-serve beverage containers, a chamber with an outlet, a water reservoir, and a pump. The first container holds a concentrate and the second container holds an alcohol. The chamber has an inlet for receiving the contents of the first and second containers and further includes an outlet. The water reservoir is positioned in the housing. The pump is coupled to the water reservoir for transferring water to the vicinity of the first and second containers. Water from the reservoir enters the chamber directly and/or through one or more of the containers.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing arrangement (10) for dispensing beverage into beverage cups (25) that are secured within a beverage cup carrying container (19). The arrangement (10) includes a dispensing bench (11) on which the cup and carrying container assembly (19) can be supported at a beverage dispensing assembly (20) for dispensing beverage into the cups (25) of the assembly (19). The assembly (20) includes at least two dispensing taps (28, 30) that are spaced apart relative to the spacing of the cups (25) of the container (19) to overlie the open ends of the cups (25) when the container assembly (19) is placed in a beverage receiving position.

Abstract: A filling device adapted for wetting or filling a component provided with an undercut, includes a mixing head for mixing a flowable, curable, filler and an outlet tube for feeding the flowable filler to or into a filling space in the component. An adjustable deflecting unit for changing the direction of flow F of the flowable filler is provided such that the filler emerging from the outlet tube can be deflected into an intended direction of flow.

Abstract: A system for accurately dispensing small amounts of custom blended liquids for vaporizing in an electronic cigarette device comprising a plurality of interactive display devices; a controller for relaying input from a first interactive device to a second and a third interactive device and a liquid dispenser. The dispenser in electronic communication with the second interactive device and controller and comprising a plurality of containers for holding liquids; a plurality of spouts, each spout for dispensing the liquids as a mixture; and a plurality of pumps for moving the liquids from the containers to the spouts. A plurality of calibrated delivery devices for further custom blending the liquid by addition of a liquid flavoring can also be used. The liquid dispenser is configured to eliminate cross-contamination of components when dispensing.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying viscous material out of a barrel-like container having a container bottom and a container wall that extends upward from the container bottom has a follower plate for closing off the container, which plate is movable in the direction toward the container bottom, lying against the inner surface of the container wall, which surface faces the container interior, and which plate has a dome that extends upward from an underside intended to lie on the viscous material, which dome opens, in the center, into a material exit opening. The apparatus has a pump for conveying the viscous material through the material exit opening. At least one displacement body projects into the dome through the material exit opening and is connected with the pump for displacement of the material situated in the dome and/or air situated in the dome, and at least one closeable venting opening vents the dome.

Abstract: A foldable stirrup for mounting animals such as horses has a support arm for engagement with a stirrup leather and a base pivotaly coupled to the support arm for supporting a rider's foot while mounting when the stirrup is in an open configuration. The base and the support arm are inwardly foldable together to a folded configuration. A mounting assist strap configured to engage the stirrup and provide a point of securement on the animal to be mounted is provided. Methods of mounting an animal using the foldable stirrup and mounting assist strap are provided.

Abstract: The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to micromachined resonator comprising: a first resonant structure extending along a first axis, wherein the first axis is different from a crystal axis of silicon, a second resonant structure extending along a second axis, wherein the second axis is different from the first axis and the crystal axis of silicon and wherein the first resonant structure is coupled to the second resonant structure, and wherein the first and second resonant structures are comprised of silicon (for example, substantially monocrystalline) and include an impurity dopant (for example, phosphorus) having a concentrations which is greater than 1019 cm?3, and preferably between 1019 cm?3 and 1021 cm?3.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to systems and methods for sealing one or more MEMS devices within an encapsulated cavity. A first material layer can be positioned on a substrate, the first material layer comprising a first cavity and a second cavity that each have one or more openings out of the first material layer. At least the first cavity can be exposed to a first atmosphere and sealed while it is exposed to the first atmosphere while not sealing the second cavity. The second cavity can then be exposed to a second atmosphere that is different than the first atmosphere, and the second cavity can be sealed while it is exposed to the second atmosphere.

Abstract: This application relates to MEMS transducer having a membrane layer (101) and at least one variable vent structure (301). The variable vent structure has a vent hole for venting fluid so as to reduce a pressure differential across the membrane layer and a moveable vent cover (302a, 302b) which, at an equilibrium position, at least partly blocks the vent hole. The vent cover is moveable from its equilibrium position in response to a pressure differential across the vent cover so as to vary the size of a flow path through the vent hole. In various embodiments the vent cover comprises at least a first flap section (302a) and a second flap section (302b), the first flap section being hingedly coupled to the side of the vent hole and the second flap section being hingedly coupled to the first flap section so as to be moveable with respect to the first flap section.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) package having two MEMS devices with different pressures, and an associated method of formation. In some embodiments, the (MEMS) package includes a device substrate and a cap substrate bonded together. The device substrate includes a first trench and a second trench. A first MEMS device is disposed over the first trench and a second MEMS device is disposed over the second trench. A first stopper is raised from a first trench bottom surface of the first trench but below a top surface of the device substrate and a second stopper is raised from a second trench bottom surface of the second trench but below the top surface of the device substrate. A first depth of the first trench is greater than a second depth of the second trench.

Abstract: A microphone system has a package forming an interior chamber, and a MEMS microphone secured within the interior chamber. The package forms an aperture for permitting acoustic access to the interior of the chamber and thus, the MEMS microphone. The system also has two dies; namely, the system has a primary circuit die within the interior chamber, and an integrated passive device die electrically connected with the primary circuit die. The primary circuit die is electrically connected with the MEMS microphone and has at least one active circuit element.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes a supporting substrate, an acceleration detecting element that is mounted on the supporting substrate, and a sealing substrate that is bonded to the supporting substrate, and seals the acceleration detecting element, in which a notch portion is formed in a portion of a bonded face to the supporting substrate, in the sealing substrate, and a filling material that is configured by a material which is different from a material configuring the sealing substrate, is arranged in the notch portion.

Abstract: A method for transferring a carbon nanotube array includes providing a substitute substrate, a growing substrate, and a carbon nanotube array. The carbon nanotube array is grown on the growing substrate. A carbon nanotube structure can be drawn from the carbon nanotube array. The carbon nanotube structure includes carbon nanotube segments joined end-to-end. The carbon nanotube array is transferred from the growing substrate onto the substitute substrate. During transfer, the structural integrity of the carbon nanotube array is maintained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel unit for a gas generator such as a hydrogen gas generator that can supply gas to a gas consuming system such as a fuel cell system. The fuel unit includes a housing containing a solid fuel composition and a heat producing material. The fuel composition contains gas releasing solid material that reacts to release gas when heated. The heat producing material reacts exothermically to produce heat. A plurality of quantities of the heat producing material are in thermal communication with corresponding portions of an unsegregated quantity the fuel composition such that, following initiation of a reaction of each quantity of the heat producing material, the quantity of heat producing material will heat the corresponding portion of the unsegregated quantity of the fuel composition, and the corresponding portion of the unsegregated quantity of the fuel composition will react to release a quantity of the gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for starting up and/or shutting down a plant for preparing nitric acid from ammonia and oxygenous gas may include at least one air compressor, at least one process gas cooler, at least one feed water preheater, and at least one residual gas turbine. The at least one process gas cooler and the at least one feed water preheater may include pipe coils, at least one of which is connected to a source for a heating medium such that the at least one pipe coil in the process gas cooler and/or the feed water preheater can be charged during startup and/or shutdown of the apparatus with the heating medium for heating the process gas flowing through the process gas cooler and feed water preheater. The apparatus may further include a heat exchanger downstream of the process gas cooler and/or the feed water preheater for transferring thermal energy from the heated process gas to the residual gas supplied to the residual gas turbine. Corresponding methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming a carbon nanotube film is provided. An elastic substitute substrate and a carbon nanotube array transferred on a surface of the elastic substitute substrate are used. The carbon nanotube array is configured for drawing a carbon nanotube film therefrom. The carbon nanotube film has carbon nanotubes joined end to end. The elastic substitute substrate is stretched along a first direction to increase a length of the carbon nanotube array along the first direction. The carbon nanotube film is drawn from the stretching carbon nanotube array along a second direction, the second direction is different from the first direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning carbon nanotubes comprising the following steps: provision of a carbon nanotube substrate, first washing of the carbon nanotube substrate by means of an acid and second washing of the carbon nanotube substrate by means of a solution, wherein the solution has replacement anions of at least one of the acid radical anions of the acid of different type, and the substance amount fraction of the replacement anions in the solution is greater than the substance amount fraction of the anions in the solution corresponding to the acid radical anions of the acid. The invention further relates to a carbon nanotube substrate which can be obtained by such a method.

Abstract: A process for producing fine particles with a high aspect ratio and/or a low specific surface area includes use of a jet mill. An alkaline grinding aid is added to a grinding gas before the grinding gas is fed into a grinding chamber of the jet mill. The process includes micronization of particles of layered structure material having an interplanar distance ranging from 0.30 nm to 0.40 nm as measured by X-ray diffraction method.

Abstract: Technologies described herein are generally related to graphene production. In some examples, a system is described that may include a first container, a second container, and/or a chamber. The first container may include a first solution with a reducing agent, while the second container may include a second solution with graphene oxide. The chamber may be in operative relationship with the first and the second containers, and configured effective to receive the first and second solutions and provide reaction conditions that facilitate contact of the first and second solutions at an interfacial region sufficient to produce graphene at the interfacial region.

Abstract: An Ultra High Purity (UHP) carbon dioxide purification system and a method for purification of UHP carbon dioxide is disclosed. The purification system includes supported nickel oxide and supported palladium oxide. An upper portion of the purification system is at least partially filled with supported nickel oxide, and a lower portion of the purification system is at least partially filled with supported palladium oxide. The upper and lower portions of the purification system have a physical separation but are in fluid communication. The method includes purification or pre-purification of High Purity (HP) carbon dioxide to Ultra High Purity (UHP) levels including feeding carbon dioxide of High Purity grade or better to an Ultra High Purity carbon dioxide purification system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing metal sulfate compounds and sequestering CO2. These systems and processes involve one or more electrochemical cells for producing an alkali-containing catholyte and involve a CO2 absorption reactor operatively connected to the electrochemical cell and to a CO2 source. The CO2 absorption reactor receives the alkali-containing catholyte and CO2 gas for forming an alkaline carbonate solution. The alkaline carbonate solution is directed to a vessel where it reacts with an acidic sulfate solution comprising metal ions resulting in precipitation of solid metal carbonate compounds. The acidic sulfate solution may comprise sulfide leachates from acid mine drainage, sulfide mine tailings and/or reacted pyrite concentrate. The acidic sulfate solution may be circulated through an optional SO2 reduction reactor prior to reaction in the vessel. The SO2 reduction reactor reduces trivalent metal compounds present in the acidic sulfate solution to divalent metal compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new phase of silicon, Si24, and a method of making the same. Si24 has a quasi-direct band gap, with a direct gap value of 1.34 eV and an indirect gap value of 1.3 eV. The invention also relates to a compound of the formula Na4Si24 and a method of making the same. Na4Si24 may be used as a precursor to make Si24.

Abstract: Methods of recovering hydrohalosilanes from reaction residues are disclosed. An inorganic halosilane slurry comprising (i) tetrahalosilane, trihalosilane, dihalosilane, or any combination thereof, (ii) silicon particles, and (iii) heavies is passed through a thin-film dryer to remove halosilanes and form a solid residue comprising silicon particles. Heavies also may be removed as the slurry passes through the thin-film dryer.