Abstract: A polluted soil remediation apparatus comprising a treatment tank in which pollutants degradable with light irradiation in the presence of chlorine is extracted as a gas containing the pollutants from polluted soil and a mixture of the gas containing the pollutants and chlorine-containing air is irradiated with light to degrade the pollutants, wherein the apparatus comprises a unit for aspirating the gas containing the pollutants from the polluted soil, a chlorine-containing air generation unit for generating the chlorine-containing gas, a mixing unit for mixing the gas containing the pollutants extracted by the aspiration unit and the chorine-containing air generated by the chlorine-containing gas generation unit to form a mixed gas, the treatment tank comprising a treatment region where the mixed gas is introduced and a light irradiation unit for irradiating the treatment region with light to degrade the pollutants contained in the mixed gas, and an exhaust unit for exhausting the degradation-treated gas fr

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for treating sewage or similar organic sludge to produce a pasteurized and dried product comprising the steps of:

Abstract: An adjustable frame for carrying vehicles between elongate upright sides includes, on each side, a forward end and a rearward end, each end including an upper and lower rail section joined by elongate brace members, where the respective ends are separated from one another and a length-adjusting insert is carried between such ends to selectively permit adjustment of the position of the forward end relative to the rearward end while maintaining the ends in end-to-end alignment. On each side of the frame, preferably at least one of the upper rail sections has an end portion defining an open-ended hollow tube extending lengthwise of that side within which an elongate arm of the length-adjusting insert is slidably moveable so that structures on the outside surfaces of the rail sections will not interfere with length adjustment.

Abstract: A retainer member for use in either an articulated coupling arrangement and/or a slackless drawbar arrangement for retaining a spherical member in an operating position within a male connection member for connecting together adjacently disposed ends of a pair of railway vehicles in a semi-permanent manner is provided. The retainer member comprises a one piece circular member which is engageable with at least a portion of an inner surface formed by an aperture in a modified male connection member. The circular member is engageable within this aperture of the male connection member to hold the spherical member within the aperture of the male connection member and to form a substantially spherical surface upon which the spherical member rotates against, enabling the male connection member to rotate with respect to the female or car connection member of the railway coupling device.

Abstract: A magnetic data storage medium includes a dedicated transducing head contact zone for engaging an air bearing slider, primarily when the disk is stationary and also during disk accelerations and decelerations. The contact zone has a dual baseline texture, formed by first creating a recessed region within the transducing head contact zone, and then by forming multiple nodules or other texturing features within the recessed region. The texturing features project upwardly from a recessed surface of the recessed region, and also project above an upper surface of the disk by an amount less than the texturing feature height. Consequently, the texturing features are large enough to counteract stiction due to liquid lubricant meniscus formation, yet also have heights sufficiently low relative to the upper surface to allow reduced transducer flying heights.

Abstract: This power supply apparatus comprises a charging circuit for charging a capacitor. The charging circuit includes a transformer, a rectifying circuit, a switching element, an inductance coil and a freewheeling diode. The rectifying circuit full-wave rectifies an AC power supply voltage acquired on the secondary side of the transformer to provide a DC voltage as its output. When the switching element is turned on or becomes conductive, a DC current is allowed to flow through a circuit extending from a positive output terminal of the rectifying circuit through the switching circuit and the inductance coil to a negative output terminal of the rectifying circuit. Once the switching element is switched from its ON state to OFF state, a current based on the inductance coil flows in the forward direction of the diode through a closed circuit consisting of the inductance coil, capacitor and the diode such that the capacitor is charged with the freewheeling current.

Abstract: A laser marking apparatus for marking a moving workpiece such as a wire or cable directs a substantially constant rapidly pulsed beam of laser radiation in the U.V. band towards a low inertia, low mass rotatable mask with character apertures disposed around its periphery. The mask is driven asynchronously and slaved to the laser to present successive character apertures in the beam at each pulse. The drive system has a prestored drive profile for each possible angular increment to ensure that mask is very rapidly indexed between characters. Also disclosed is an optical transformation scheme for optionally transforming the mask characters to reduce the mask size, and a solid state spatial light modulator for obviating the need for a rotatable mask.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the surface working of a tribological coating of a supereutectic aluminum-silicon alloy or an aluminum-silicon composite material with a coating structure, wherein the surface is reworked after the production of the coating. Provision is made according to the invention that the surface is machined dry, without lubricant, in a one-step process, a cutting tool with a cutting material containing diamond being used. This can be followed by an additional working process. Preferably a combination process of dry machining and one-step finish honing or one-step texturing by radiation is provided.

Abstract: The instant invention discloses a method of ablating holes in a material, using a laminated material comprising first and second layers, said first and second layers having different coefficients of thermal expansion, said first layer having within it a hole, wherein a target region of said second layer in said laminated material is not laminated to said first layer but is surrounded entirely by laminated regions wherein the first layer is laminated to the second layer; providing a laser source producing energy of a wavelength and a power level that can ablate material from said first layer; changing the temperature of the laminated material so as to place said target region under tension; and directing said laser source onto said target region and ablating a portion thereof.

Abstract: A laser machining apparatus capable of performing a laser machining with an increased rate of operation. A plurality of laser generators are provided to be environmentally separated from a machining station, and temperature, humidity, vibration, cleanliness and the like are detected by a sensor, and displayed. When an abnormal environment is detected, machining operation is stopped immediately or after a predetermined time elapsed. The laser generators are grouped according to each machining tool, and fiber-optic cable switching devices FC3 and FC4 are arranged for each group. By the switchover of the laser generator, and the selective connection of a fiber-optic cable by using the fiber-optic cable switching device, the degree of freedom in selecting the laser generator and the fiber-optic cable is produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the laser machining of workpieces, a laser beam being two-dimensionally positionable with the aid of a laser machining head with respect to a surface of a workpiece and it being intended for the machining of the workpiece to take place with predeterminable contours. According to the object, it is to be possible for the forming of the contours to be realized with high positional accuracy at low cost and with little effort. To achieve this object, the laser beam is correspondingly guided by means of a laser machining head, in which at least one two-dimensionally pivotable scanner mirror is accommodated. The scanner mirror or two scanner mirrors is/are connected to an electronic evaluation and control unit. Before the actual machining, a set-actual value comparison is carried out with respect to the position of the workpiece with at least one predetermined contour with respect to the laser machining head.

Abstract: A flux-cored wire for welding shielded by a flow of gas, in particular of the rutile or slag-free type, composed of an outer metal sheath and a central core comprising filling elements, and an MAG gas-shielded welding process using such a flux-cored wire for producing a welded joint on a steel construction, such as an offshore platform or a storage tank. The welded joint obtained has improved impact strength and improved toughness, and contains less than 65 ppm nitrogen, from 300 ppm to 0.12% carbon, from 0.01% to 0.6% silicon, from 0.9% to 1.9% manganese, from 20 ppm to 0.08% titanium, from 1 ppm to 80 ppm boron, from 5 ppm to 150 ppm alumin from 10 ppm to 0.02% niobium and from 10 ppm to 0.02% vanadium.

Abstract: An oven view window comprising a glass substrate, and having disposed on a major surface thereof, a thermally activated, light-scattering coating which, when at a temperature below the activation temperature of the coating is translucent-to-opaque in appearance, but when at a temperature above the activation temperature of the coating is essentially transparent in appearance. Optionally, an infrared reflective coating and a color suppressing coating may also be deposited, in a variety of configurations, onto the oven view window carrying the thermally activated, light-scattering coating.

Abstract: A cooking device with a curved-shaped bowl having an inner surface that surrounds a cooking space. To allow such a cooking device to be used in a user-friendly way, the bowl is of a hard glass or a glass ceramic, and the bowl bears an edge that surrounds in a region of a bowl edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature-preserving electrically heated cooker comprising a body comprising a housing and a container between which a first temperature-preserving chamber is constituted; a lid connected to the upper part of said body; heating means for heating said container; a controller for controlling a heating time and a heating temperature of said heating means; and a base positioned under said body and connected separately thereto. The temperature-preserving electrically heated cooker according to the invention is of a simple structure, and can be used not only to cook, but also to keep the food warm.

Abstract: A radiant electric heater comprises a base (2) of thermal and electrical insulation material, an electrical heating element (3) supported on or adjacent to the base and having a terminal region (7) at a location in the heater remote from a periphery of the heater, and a rod-like temperature-responsive device (9) extending at least partly across the heater from the periphery thereof at least to a region proximate the terminal region of the heating element. Electrical connecting means extends from the terminal region (7) of the heating element (3) to the periphery of the heater by way of the rod-like temperature-responsive device (9).

Abstract: On an electric cooker the sensor circuit (1) detects the presence of a pan (2) on each heater (F1-F4) and comprises a microcontroller (4) and a generator (6,7) that supply a high-frequency current (Ig) to a respective sensor loop (E1-E4) of each heater which generates a magnetic field, and two maximum and minimum reference signals (Vr0,Vr1) for all the heaters (F1-F4) obtained in the working temperature condition and a circuit (9-13) for measuring and evaluating the voltage (Vs) produced in each sensor loop, with a circuit part (11,11′) for demodulation into low frequency of the measuring and reference signals (Vs,Vr0,Vr1), and their differential amplification (Vm,Vrr).

Abstract: An electro-welding device for electrically welding plastic elements together, comprising: a power source for having an AC current in circulation, an electrical converter AC/DC, heating means electrically connected to the converter for heating the weldable elements, electrical regulating means interposed between the electrical converter and the heating means, the electrical regulating means comprising switching means having successive electrically passing and electrically non-passing phases, the electrical regulating means being subjected to the switch-over rhythm of said switching means for generating a switched over electrical signal.

Abstract: A package is provided with a lid and container that are heat sealed together. A multi-ply sheet material is provided for being thermoformed to define the container which has a tapering wall and bulge-resistant bottom end. Prior to thermoforming the container from the sheet, the sheet is heated with oval pads on a plurality of plates which are arranged in a configuration to facilitate control of the sheet temperature. A plug is used in the thermoforming process to contact the sheet and position the sheet within a die. A lid sheet is heat sealed to the container sheet over the thermoformed containers so as to produce a pair of spaced-apart, annular bead heat seals. The package is completed by severing the sealed-together sheets at the periphery of the container with a punch and die set that produces and clean, smooth cut surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to drinks receptacles and novelty attachments for drinks receptacles, particularly suitable for containing drinks for children .

Abstract: A holder for a beverage container has a receiving chamber for insertion of a beverage container, a further container, for example an ashtray, and a guide with which the further container is removable from the receiving chamber and turnable to a side, so that the receiving chamber can be used for insertion of a beverage container, and when the beverage container is not inserted, it can be used for receiving of the ashtray.

Abstract: A method and means of dispensing T-shirt type plastic bags from a rack mounted beneath a counter from a tray which slides horizontally into an existing industry standard rack which interlocks with the rack but when needed for loading, can be pulled forward, tilted downward, and loaded with bags and slid back into the rack, where it will align, hold and dispense bags. Optionally, a new frame can be mounted under the counter and a second tray (similar to the first tray) is held within the same frame so that it can hold two different size bags, allowing one frame to dispense two different size bags. Alternatively, a frame can be made to hold only one tray if space is limited. In all three forms the horizontal tray slides forward and tilts downward to receive pads of plastic bags. Only the T-shirt handles and the upper half of the bags are contained within the frame or rack. The lower half of the bags drape over and downward from the front of the rack.

Abstract: An element for adjusting the width of the outlet (11) in paper towel dispensers (10) consists of a single piece molded in a plastic material having resilience features, in two specular left (1a) and right (1b) versions, which is substantially C-shaped with two lugs extending from a central body. Said lugs are parallel and spaced by a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the bottom wall (12) of the dispenser (10) in the area where the outlet (11) is formed, so as to enclose said area between a first lug of smaller extension on the outer side and a second lug of greater extension on the inner side. The inner lug carries a securing member suitable to couple with any of a plurality of mating fixing members provided close to the outlet (11) of the dispenser (10), so as to reduce by an adjustable extent the free width of the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical delivery systems and methods for delivery of liquid chemicals. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to systems having multi-reservoir load cell assemblies for delivering chemicals used in the semiconductor industry. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-reservoir load cell assembly, including a controller, a buffer reservoir, a main reservoir, one or more load cells, coupled to the assembly and to the controller, operable to weigh the liquid in the reservoir(s), a plurality of supply lines, each supply line having a valve and connecting one of the supply containers to the main reservoir, and a gas and vacuum sources for withdrawing the liquid from the assembly when demanded by the controller and for refilling the assembly from the supply containers.

Abstract: An electrically operated fluid dispenser for dispensing a pattern of viscous fluid onto a substrate during a run mode. The dispenser is turned off and does not dispense the viscous fluid during a standby mode of operation. The dispenser includes a dispenser body having an outlet and an armature disposed in the dispenser body for movement between an opened position allowing a fluid flow from the outlet and a closed position preventing the fluid flow from the outlet. A coil is mounted adjacent the armature and selectively generates an electromagnetic field for moving the armature between the opened and closed positions. A controller includes different apparatus and methods for using the coil as a heater as well as providing other heat transfer devices on the dispensing valve to maintain a constant temperature either, during only the run mode or, during both, the run and the standby modes.

Abstract: An inverted aerosol dispensing device is disclosed comprising an aerosol container extending between a top portion and a bottom portion for containing an aerosol product and an aerosol propellant therein. An aerosol valve is located at the bottom portion of the aerosol container. The aerosol valve has a valve stem for displacing the aerosol valve from a biased closed position to an open position to discharge the aerosol product from the valve stem. An undercap is secured to the bottom portion of the aerosol container for supporting the aerosol container on a supporting surface. An actuator is movably mounted relative to the undercap for moving the valve stem upon displacement of the actuator for discharging the aerosol product from the valve stem in a generally downwardly direction through the undercap. The invention is particularly useful in the dispensing of viscous aerosol products.

Abstract: A system combining a fluid dispenser (10) and a pop-up sheet dispenser (12). The fluid dispenser is a bottle (14) with a spray pump (18), while the sheet dispenser (12) is a tub (28) with an opening (30) through which sheets pop out. The two dispensers snap together to trap and store sheets from a longitudinally folded web ready for pop-out dispensing.

Abstract: Dispenser pump shroud has a forward T-shaped tongue which slides up an incline on rails atop the pump body distorting the nozzle cap and snaps down in front of the forward end of rails leaving an upward hook extending through an opening in the cap.

Abstract: An electrically operated fluid dispenser for dispensing a pattern of viscous fluid onto a substrate during a run mode. The dispenser is turned off and does not dispense the viscous fluid during a standby mode of operation. The dispenser includes a dispenser body having an outlet and an armature disposed in the dispenser body for movement between an opened position allowing a fluid flow from the outlet and a closed position preventing the fluid flow from the outlet. A coil is mounted adjacent the armature and selectively generates an electromagnetic field for moving the armature between the opened and closed positions. A controller includes different apparatus and methods for using the coil as a heater as well as providing other heat transfer devices on the dispensing valve to maintain a constant temperature either, during only the run mode or, during both, the run and the standby modes.

Abstract: A device for dispensing fluid foodstuffs, particularly for automatic or semiautomatic hot or cold beverage vending machines, comprising a hollow body inside which there is a chamber connected to an intake which is connected to a duct for introducing a fluid to be dispensed and to an outlet which is connected to a fluid dispensing duct. A flow control element connected to actuation means is arranged in the chamber and can move on command, through the action of the actuation means, in order to interrupt the connection between the intake and the outlet. The flow control element is arranged proximate to the intake and can move on command in order to open or close the intake.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tape dispenser, and in particular to a tape dispenser for use in binding horticultural produce and the like. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a tape dispenser having a housing adapted to locate a spool of tape, the housing having an opening through which the tape can pass and blade means for cutting the tape, the housing being formed from separable housing parts which are retained together by a removable handle. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a tape dispenser having a housing adapted to locate a spool of tape, and a handle connected to the housing, the housing having an opening through which tape can pass and blade means for cutting the tape, the housing being substantially waterproof.

Abstract: A device for spreading, compressing or guiding a running material web formed by a rotatably supported roll. The roll has a number of slats distributed over its circumference which can be displaced transversely to the direction of the web. The slats are actively connected with control devices that cause a longitudinal displacement of the slats. Alternating slats are actively connected to different control devices. Half of the slats have an adhesive surface and the other half has a sliding surface.

Abstract: The invention provides an electric wire feeding apparatus which can be easily changed at a low cost and without a great design change from the roll feeding type apparatus to the belt feeding type apparatus. In an electric wire feeding apparatus having an electric wire base table (21), a pair of rotary shafts (25, 26) arranged in both sides of an electric wire (W) of the electric wire base table (21), and rotating bodies (47) fixed to the respective rotary shafts (25, 26) via attaching and detaching means (27), there are provided a pair of belt feeding units (C), each having a belt feeding table (45), a driven pulley (46) rotatably supported to the belt feeding table (45), a drive pulley (47) having a rotational position restricted by the belt feeding table (45), and a belt (48) wound between the drive pulley (47) and the driven pulley (46).

Abstract: In a recording and/or reproducing apparatus (1) having at least one guide arrangement (23, 24), preferably in the form of a tape guide roller, for guiding a record carrier (4) in the form of a tape the guide arrangement (23, 24) has at least one damping projection (41, 42) in the area of its guide surface (28), which damping projection extends in tangential directions of the guide surface (28) and is adapted to damp axial relative movements of the record carrier (4) with respect to the guide arrangement (23, 24).

Abstract: A stapler made with an upside down structure and used in downside up position in which loading of the cartridge is easily attained, is provided. The stapler comprises a base plate 21 which is fixed on a top board 13, a bracket 30 which is rotatably attached to an arm board portion 25 of the base plate 21, a stapler body 40 which is attached to the bracket 30 and a stopper 70 which fixes the stapler body 40 in its downside up posture.

Abstract: A motor driven stapler in which there are no fears of cutting off and need for loosed part of the lead wires of photo sensor for detection of sheets to be bundled, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a welding method for materials to be welded which are subjected to fluoride passivation treatment, and a fluoride passivation retreatment method, wherein, when fluoride passivation retreatment was conducted after welding, there is no generation of particles or dust, and superior resistance is provided to fluorine system gases.

Abstract: A method of interconnecting components (10, 16) of aluminum having a purity of at least 95%, the method comprising brazing the components (10, 16) together and then surface treating the assembled components (10, 16) by subjecting them to a Bohmitting procedure.

Abstract: A cylindrical body of a fiber drum comprises a roll of a paper material having two opening ends, a curled portion formed by curling the edge of at least one of said two opening ends and a protective material for covering outer surface of the curled portion. A method of fabricating a cylindrical body of a fiber drum comprises the steps of winding a length of paper sheet in layers, between which an adhesive is applied, to form a roll of the paper sheet having two opening ends, providing a protective material on an opening edge at either of the two opening ends of the roll, and curling inwardly or outwardly the opening edge at said either of the two opening ends of the roll together with the protective material before the adhesive is cured between the layers to form a curled portion covered at an outer surface with the protective material.

Abstract: A flexible bladder is enclosed within a plurality of overlapping plastic sheets, with the ends of the sheets being secured in place by the weight of the flexible bladder, when filled. The preferred plastic is an extruded, twin-walled, fluted plastic based upon a polypropylene copolymer. In a alternative embodiment, a pair of hexagonal, coaxial sleeves of the preferred plastic have an internal bladder for shipping materials. With both embodiments, hot chocolate is pumped into the bladder and cooled, in situ, to stop the chocolate from cooking further. The container is shipped, and then the chocolate is heated to facilitate pumping the chocolate out of the container. The cooling and heating processes involve the use of a heat exchange pad located between the bladder and the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A computer system (10) that allows a user to automatically access one of a plurality of Internet Service Providers which require information specific to the user and/or the ISP (12) to be accessed. A smart card (14) contains the information specific to the user and/or the ISP (12) to be accessed, and a smart card reader (18) reads the information contained on the smart card (14) when inserted into the recess 16 of the smart card reader (18). A computer (24) is provided having a Central Processing Unit CPU (22) that is in communication with the smart card reader (18) and which is also adapted to be connected to the ISP (12) via telephone line (30).

Abstract: There is provided a network of self-service terminals, in the form of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs): the ATMs comprising a printer and a means for communicating with a remote database. The printer is arranged to print first information onto a token, which includes a unique bar code.

Abstract: A light source module has a laser diode, and a circuit board. The circuit board includes the laser diode, a driver circuit for the laser diode, and a connector for receiving a power supply for driving the laser diode from an electric power source. A lens and an aperture shapes the laser beam emitted from the laser diode. A housing made of electrical insulating material contains the lens, the aperture and the circuit board except for a portion of the circuit board where the connector is mounted.

Abstract: A telephone calling card or debit card is formed as a planar card member having front and rear surfaces. A scratch-off label strip is adhered to one of the surfaces and includes an opaque label strip applied onto the surface of the card. A PIN code is applied onto the opaque label strip. A scratch-off layer is applied over the opaque label strip and over the PIN code to obscure from viewing the PIN code. The scratch-off layer can be included on a second label strip applied onto the opaque label strip for covering at least the PIN code.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to techniques for determining the presence, orientation and location of features in an image of a two dimensional optical code. The techniques are adapted for use in mapping data in an image pixel plane with grid locations in a grid-based two dimensional code to account for size, rotation, tilt, warping and distortion of the code symbol. Where such a code is a MaxiCode, techniques are disclosed for determining the presence and location of the MaxiCode bulls-eye, orientation modules, primary data modules and secondary data modules.

Abstract: A supporting system supports a rail of a rail track above a substrate. The system includes a support having an upper surface for supporting the rail and a lower surface facing the substrate. The system also includes means for maintaining support between the lower surface and the substrate in response to separation of the rail and the substrate and inhibiting movement of the rail towards the substrate.

Abstract: A rail pad (1), for electrically isolating a railway rail (2), comprises a rail seat portion (11) for supporting a foot of the rail (2), a pair of upstands (12) joined to opposite edges of the rail seat portion (11) of the pad (1) by respective webs such that respective channels (13) for directing water away from the rail are defined between the rail seat portion (11) of the pad (1) and each adjacent upstand (12). Such a pad provides improved wet electrical resistance.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a straw tube capable of preventing reduction of pressure inside a drinking container when sucked, an apparatus, and a method for producing the straw tube and for using the apparatus. A straw tube has a tube body having a plurality of grooves extending in the longitudinal direction and a convex streak sandwiched by these grooves and projecting outward from the datum level of the outer circumferential wall. An apparatus has a rotating drum having tube loading grooves, a female rod having grooves and capable of reciprocating within the tube loading grooves by a cam mechanism, and a male roller having convex streaks corresponding to the grooves of the female rod so that the grooves of the female rod engage with the convex streaks through the tube and the female rod and the male roller are synchronized.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering, mixing, and spraying liquids is provided. The apparatus includes a first storage chamber and a second storage chamber connected to one another via channels that permit the free flow of air between the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber so that the pressure in each of the chambers is equal. The channels are fitted with liquid flow limiting members for preventing the flow of liquid from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber and from the second storage chamber to the first storage chamber. Liquid delivery tubes associated with each storage chamber permit liquid from the storage chamber to flow into a mixing chamber. In the mixing chamber, the two liquids combine to form a solution. The concentration of that solution is variably adjustable by means of a flow restriction member associated with the first storage chamber.

Abstract: A shower head having a plurality of spray modes and unique controls to allow the selection of the desired mode. The shower head includes several unique features to allow the inclusion of several different spray modes, such as wide spray, medium spray, center spray, champagne spray, high speed pulsating spray, low speed pulsating spray, and mist. A waterfall mode can be implemented. The shower head includes a flow control valve that controls the pressure of the water flow, and acts to divert water to a mode selector or to a separate spray mode, such as the mist mode. The flow control valve diverts water between the mode selector and the separate spray mode. It also allows a combination of the modes controlled by the mode selector and the separate spray mode. The shower head also includes a mode selector. The mode selector transfers or routes fluids from the flow control valve to any number of individual or a combination of flow spray mode outlets.