Abstract: The temperature of shelves used in a food holding cabinet are measured using a transistor. The voltage across a PN junction being known to be temperature dependent, the shelf temperature can be inferred from a calculated temperature of a PN junction of a transistor thermally coupled to a heated or refrigerated shelf. No calibration of the measurement device is required since the PN junction voltage, current and temperature relationship is well known.

Abstract: An assembly includes a plurality of core retention elements for transferring cores to a tablet press turn table. The core retention elements may each include a core receptacle that selectively receives a core. The core retention elements may transfer the core into one of a plurality of die bores in the press turn table.

Abstract: Some embodiments concern an apparatus configured to label one or more boxes supported by a pallet. In various examples, the pallet can have a pallet label. The apparatus can include: (a) a reading mechanism configured to read first information from the pallet label; (b) a computing system configured to determine one or more markings to apply at one or more predetermined locations to the one or more boxes at least partially based on the first information; (c) a marking mechanism configured to apply the one or more markings to the one or more boxes at the one or more predetermined locations; and (d) a first movement mechanism configured to at least partially position the marking mechanism to apply the one or more markings at the one or more predetermined locations. The marking mechanism is configured to mark each of the one or more boxes without removing the one or more boxes from the pallet. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A reusable stencil apparatus and methods for making and using same are provided. In a general embodiment, a stencil apparatus includes a body having front and back sides and at least one design cutout formed in the body, a removable adhesive on the back side of the body, and a release coating on the front side of the body. The stencil apparatus does not require a backing layer to prevent the adhesive from sticking to a front side of the body when the stencil apparatus is rolled up. The stencil apparatus may be removably adhered to a surface and a transfer medium applied to the stencil apparatus and surface to leave an image of the design cutout on the surface when the stencil apparatus is removed from the surface.

Abstract: To provide a screen printing apparatus and a screen printing method which can enhance a plate separating property after a printing operation regardless of a type of a mask, thereby suppressing occurrence of printing failure. A screen printing apparatus includes mask supporting means 6 for supporting a mask 2 from the rear surface thereof, holding means 20 for holding a printing medium 3, posture changing means 30 for changing a posture of the printing medium 3 held by the holding means 20 between a parallel posture parallel to the mask 2 and a tilted posture tilted about the mask 2, and lifting means for lifting the holding means 20 so as to contact and separate the surface of the printing medium 3 with or from the rear surface of the mask 2. Here, the printing medium 3 having been subjected to a pattern printing operation is separated from the mask 2 from one end of the printing medium to the other end thereof.

Abstract: A method for automatic axis correction in a processing machine for processing a product web, wherein the product web is subdividable into at least two web tension sections, a web tension section being delimited by two clamping points formed as transport or processing devices. An axis deviation of at least one clamping point formed as a processing device is determined. The at least one clamping point is then opened, the axis thereof is automatically corrected on the basis of the axis deviation determined and the clamping point is closed after the axis correction.

Abstract: A printing relief plate, within a screen tint region, includes main halftone dot convexities, halftone dot convexities, and other halftone dot convexities, in which the heights of printing surfaces of the halftone dot convexities to which ink is applied differ from each other in a plurality of halftone dot convexity height levels.

Abstract: The PB Reader solves the problem that the e-reader presents: the e-reader has a non-paper screen and printed documents need assembly, binding, and page turning via hands. This is an electronic, mechanical device that can quickly search, review and print documents and that has text-to-speech and remote control functionality. The unit is rectangular in shape similar as a traditional book, including a viewing window for reading and printing. The unit is fed by two paper-belt rollers, across which images and printed text are displayed. The two paper-belt rolls, which are held by two square axles that are driven by the stepping motor through multiple reduction gears. A pattern of round dots is printed on the bottom side of the paper belt, which can be decoded by a photoelectric sensor to take action of reeling pages. The signals control the stepper motor, allowing the reader to reel the page forward or backward, or jump directly to a specific position.

Abstract: A method for operating a web printing system enables web and roller changes arising from temperature changes to be identified and used to adjust operation of the reflex registration system. The method includes identifying a temperature change for at least one roller in a web printing system, identifying a temperature change for a web moving through the web printing system at one or more locations in the web printing system, modifying web velocity computations for a reflex registration system with reference to the identified temperature change for the at least one roller and the identified temperature change for the web, and operating printheads to eject ink onto the web at positions identified with reference to the modified web velocity computations.

Abstract: Photopolymerizable flexographic printing elements which contain cyclohexanepolycarboxylic esters as plasticizers and also their use for producing flexographic printing forms for printing with UV inks, in particular for UV narrow web printing.

Abstract: An inertial igniter including: a housing; a striker mass movable relative to the housing; a biasing element for biasing the striker mass towards a percussion primer; one or more movable members each having one or more stops, the one or more stops having a first position for preventing a portion of the striker mass from striking the percussion primer and a second position allowing the portion of the striker mass to strike the percussion primer; wherein the movable members move the one or more stops to the second position when subjected to a predetermined acceleration profile.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controlled deceleration projectile, in particular, a projectile having a nose-mounted fuze thereon, which initiates an ignition/expulsion charge via an ignition shaft in the interior portion of the projectile body at a preset distance from target impact, resulting in inflation of the projectile body with propellant gases to a level sufficient to either expand same, rupturing of a rupture ring, or sliding of the hollow projectile body rearwards relative to the ignition shaft, so as to create an annular opening between the projectile body side wall and projectile body forward end. The payload, which is preferably non-lethal, is then ejected from this annular opening, the resulting forward velocity of the expelled payload and propellant gases producing a rearward thrust on the projectile, and a concomitant deceleration thereof.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a dart that contains an HE payload, two time-delay fuses, one providing a relatively longer delay and the other providing a relatively shorter delay and two triggering mechanisms for triggering the fuses. The first triggering mechanism, which triggers on contact with a mine lid, triggers the relatively shorter time-delay fuse. The second mechanism, which triggers on overburdening exposure to water, sand, or soil, triggers the relatively longer time-delay fuse.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a “two-part bullet” consisting of a projectile body and penetrator. In an embodiment the penetrator is composed of steel, hardened steel or tungsten carbide. The bullet projectile body is homogenously composed of copper, gilding metal alloy (copper and zinc), brass, bronze, or similar material.

Abstract: The cartridge ammunition (1) comprises a projectile (11) and a cartridge shell (10) receiving the same. The cartridges of the ammunition are magazined in a belt (31) and are pulled out of the belt by means of an unbelting device and transferred into the lock of the automatic firearm so that the individual projectiles (11) can be shot from the automatic firearm at a high shooting frequency. To minimize the forces abruptly exerted on the bottom flange of the cartridge shell (10) by means of the removal of the cartridge ammunition from the belt, at least one recess (33) is provided in the bottom flange (32) of the cartridge shell (10), thus increasing the bending elasticity of the bottom flange, e.g. by reducing the thickness of the bottom flange. The recesses (33) may e.g. be designed as a groove (33a) or as a series of blind bores (33b) that extend in parallel to the edge of the bottom flange.

Abstract: Marking cartridge for conventional firearms that deposits marking media on impact with a target. The marking cartridge generally comprises a marking projectile containing a quantity of marking media beneath a frangible cap portion and having a more durable exterior surface adapted to engage the rifling of the barrel when fired. The marking projectile also may comprise a receptacle for marking media having a curled lip adapted to remove air during assembly and excess marking media to insure a consistent quantity of marking media is contained within the marking projectile. The receptacle defining a marking media cavity radially spaced from exterior bearing portion wall and having a mushroom shape. The marking cartridge also may comprise an extendable casing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filterless gas generator, including a housing having a closure shell, a diffuser and a flange portion, an inner tube member accommodating an igniter coaxially with the central axis of the housing, an opening end of the inner tube member located in a bottom plate of the closure shell and a ventilating portion formed at the opening end, the inner tube member fixed to an igniter attaching portion, being a cylindrical portion projecting inwardly in the closure shell, and a passage being formed between the inner tube member and the igniter attaching portion to reach the ventilating portion, one end opening of a outer circumference cylindrical member provided in the combustion chamber being located at the bottom plate of the closure shell, the annular porous member disposed and defining a space above the combustion chamber, the space communicating to a gas discharge path between the outer circumference cylindrical member and a side surface of the diffuser shell through a communicati

Abstract: A system and method is provided for pivoting a pilot on a model train, thereby allowing the model train to maneuver around a section of a model train track having a relatively small radius. In one embodiment of the present invention, the model train includes a frame, a shell connected to the frame, at least one truck assembly, at least one pilot and at least one coupler, wherein the coupler includes a coupler assembly and a coupler arm. The pilot is connected to a pilot arm, and the pilot arm, the coupler arm and the truck assembly are pivotally attached to the frame (e.g., via common or different pivots). In another embodiment of the present invention, the model train shell includes an aperture configured to receive a pilot arm. The pilot arm is connected to the pilot, which includes an aperture adapted to receive a coupler arm. The shell aperture is sized to allow the pilot arm to pivot from side to side, and the pilot aperture is sized to allow the coupler arm to pivot from side to side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drag reduction device between carriages of high-speed multiple units for reducing air drag, which belongs to the technical field of railway carriages. The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: a drag reduction device between carriages of high-speed multiple units comprises side windshields arranged on side edges of each end wall of a carriage body. Each of the side windshields includes a bar rubber capsule and a rubber capsule frame whose shapes are matched with a curve of the side edge of the end wall of the carriage body. The rubber capsule is connected with the end wall of the carriage body by the rubber capsule frame. The device is simple in structure, convenient and quick to install, and the multiple units need not to be broken up or made up. Furthermore, the device can effectively reduce the air drag resulting from the impact of the airflow on the end wall of the carriage body and increase the running speed of the train.

Abstract: A bogie (1) for a railway vehicle includes a motor (4) having a casing (6) fastened to two beams (2) of the bogie, the motor shaft (12) being arranged parallel to these beams (2), secondary suspensions (14) and a weight-bearing crosspiece (16) resting on the secondary suspensions (14). The bogie (1) includes a set of end supports (24) and stops (26) arranged on the casing (6) of the motor (4) and on the weight-bearing crosspiece (16).

Abstract: A railcar primary suspension is configured to couple an axle box to a truck frame by a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism includes: a radius arm including a tubular part which has openings at both sides thereof; a shaft inserted into the tubular part and provided with projecting portions formed at both side surfaces of the shaft; a pair of receiving seats including fitting grooves in which the respective projecting portions are fitted; cover members configured to support the respective projecting portions; and fastening members configured to fix the cover members to the respective receiving seats. A portion of each fitting groove and a portion of the corresponding projecting portion, the portions contacting each other, respectively have arc surfaces, and a portion of each projecting portion and a portion of the corresponding cover member, the portions contacting each other, respectively have flat surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of railroad passenger car, and more particularly relates to a sleeper compartment of a railroad passenger car. The sleeper compartment may be an open type or a private booth type, comprising: sidewalls, partition walls, and two columns of longitudinally arranged sleepers that are parallel with each other; each column of the longitudinally arranged sleepers is formed by no less than two sleepers that are joined together, the sleepers comprise an upper-sleeper layer and a lower-sleeper layer; one partition wall is provided between adjacent sleepers; the length direction of the longitudinally arranged sleepers is consistent with the length direction of the railroad passenger car; the longitudinally arranged sleepers at two sides are fixed to the sidewalls respectively, and a corridor is provided between two adjacent columns of longitudinally arranged sleepers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a side wall of railway wagon and a boxcar of railway wagon. The side wall of the railway wagon comprises an upper side plate, a lower side plate, an inner side stake and an outer side stake, wherein the said inner side stake is arranged at the inner side of the said upper side plate and the said lower side plate, and the said outer side stake is arranged at the upper part of the said side wall of railway wagon and is arranged at the outer side of the said upper side plate. By applying the side wall in the form of internal stakes, the side wall of railway wagon and the boxcar of railway wagon of the present invention can make full use of the width space between the outer surface of the side plate and the outer surface of the side stake on the basis that the external dimension of the railway wagon is not changed, thereby effectively improving the volume of the railway wagon and the transporting capability of the train.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least two fluorosilanes and at least one aminosilane, a condensation product of said fluorosilanes and said aminosilane, and a surface protective agent made thereof.

Abstract: A carbon black aqueous dispersion that is suitable as an aqueous black ink for inkjet printers, and a method of producing the same are disclosed. A surface-treated carbon black aqueous dispersion includes an aqueous medium and surface-treated carbon black that is dispersed in the aqueous medium, the surface-treated carbon black having been chemically modified by causing a hydrophilic surface functional group of the carbon black and an amino group-containing compound to undergo a dehydration-condensation reaction in the presence of a triazine condensing agent to form an amide bond.

Abstract: According to principles of this invention, flour can be used as a filler for either an oil-based or PEG-based paintball fill material. In one embodiment of the present invention, a paintball fill material preferably comprises flour. More particularly, a paintball according to principles of the present invention can comprise a gelatin capsule defining an interior chamber which, upon formation of the paintball, houses a fill material. The fill material can comprise, for instance, 1%-65% polyethylene glycol, 25%-45% flour, and up to 0.5% dye, with the balance water. Accordingly, unlike conventional paintballs, the paintball fill material of the present invention preferably contains flour rather than starch to reduce the amount of polyethylene glycol required for the fill material. In alternative formulations, an oil can be used in addition to, or instead of, polyethylene glycol. According to another aspect of the present invention, the gelatin capsule for the paintball can also utilize flour in its composition.

Abstract: An aqueous paint formulation composed of an aqueous basecoat and an aqueous dispersion of an at least partially neutralized ethylene copolymer wax which is selected from ethylene copolymer waxes comprising as comonomers in copolymerized form: (A) 12% to 40% of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid of the formula I, where R1 and R2 are hydrogen and/or C1-C10alkyl; (B) 60% to 88% of ethylene; (C) 0% to 10% of a further comonomer; or (A?) 5% to 50% of a comonomer of the formula II where R1 and R2 are hydrogen and/or C1-C10alkyl, R3 is hydrogen, C1-C10alkyl and/or C3-C12cycloalkyl, where two radicals R3 may be joined to form a ring, X is oxygen, sulfur and/or N—R4, R4 is C1-C10alkyl or hydrogen, and A1 is a divalent group; (B?) 50% to 95% by weight of ethylene, and (C?) zero to 20% by weight of a further comonomer; where the ethylene copolymer waxes (A)(B)(C) and (A?)(B?)(C?) have a molecular weight 10 000 to 100 000 and 5000 to 40 000 g/mol, respectively; and the use thereo

Abstract: A coating for an animal decoy or fishing lure with a surface reflection which closely matches the spectral reflectance pattern of the animal that it is designed to mimic, including both human-visible and ultraviolet wavelengths, with the intent of making the decoy or fishing lure appear more realistic to animals that can see in both the human-visible and ultraviolet spectrums.

Abstract: A titania composite and a preparing method thereof are provided. The titania composite comprises an inner core and a coating film layer, wherein the inner core is a barium sulfate crystal and/or a strontitum sulfate crystal with subsphaeroidal shape, having a particle size of less than 1 ?m and whiteness of more than 98%, and the coating film layer is nano rutile titania. The preparing method thereof comprises the following steps: (a) preparing barium sulfate or strontium sulfate; (b) coating treatment; (c) subjecting the titania composite to a high-temperature heat treatment; and (d) subjecting the titania composite to a post treatment. The subsphaeroidal titania composite is obtained by chemically synthesizing a subsphaeroidal submicron barium sulfide or strontium sulfide, and then hydrolyzing and coating thereon to form a coating film layer of titania to make titania grow evenly.

Abstract: Synthetic fibers, such as polypropylene fibers, are mixed in a shrinkage compensating concrete to provide restraint in lieu of conventional steel reinforcement used in a shrinkage compensating concrete. While the synthetic fibers have a low elastic modulus and low strength, they act to restrain expansion of the concrete in the same way that conventional steel rebar does. In addition, only a small amount of the synthetic fibers are needed to restrain the expansion. As a result, shrinkage compensating concrete can be used in more varied applications, and can be provided more quickly, easily and inexpensively. Construction time requirements and expenses of concrete structures are correspondingly reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for grinding a material, for example, cement or cement additive. The method according to the present invention includes at least one step of mechanical grinding the said material in a grinding apparatus, wherein grinding apparatus comprises grinding bodies, wherein the method further includes a step of neutralizing a debris-layer formed at the pre-surface layer of the grinding bodies by using in combination, in any order, simultaneously or sequentially, the following operations: a) applying electric potential to the grinding bodies in the said at least one grinding step, and b) applying a surfactant to the said non-conductive material in the said at least one grinding step, wherein the amount of surfactant is from 50% to 100% of the normative amount.

Abstract: A table includes a tabletop and legs for the tabletop. The tabletop includes a blow-molded structure and components coupled to the blow-molded structure to rigidify the tabletop.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems, methods and apparatus for pallets that may be assembled for reliable use, and then easily disassembled into component parts that take up less space during storage and/or shipment. Embodiments of the present invention include an upper platform portion and a lower support portion, in which the upper portion has a plurality of downwardly oriented legs that engage corresponding openings in the lower portion, creating a completed pallet having a vertical space between the upper and lower portions through which the arms of a forklift or other transporting device may be inserted. In some embodiments, the lower portion is made up of a single component part, and in other embodiments the lower portion is made up of a plurality of component parts. The upper and lower portions may be separated after use by applying a separating force, and are separately stackable and therefore take up less space during storage and transport.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a bustle pipe arrangement (10) of a shaft furnace, in particular for feeding hot gas into the shaft furnace such as e.g. a blast furnace, wherein the bustle pipe arrangement (10) comprises a circumferential bustle pipe (12) arranged along the outer casing (14) of the shaft furnace, the bustle pipe (12) being arranged at a certain distance form the outer casing (14). The arrangement (10) further comprises a plurality of first arms (22) connecting the bustle pipe (12) to the outer casing (14) of the shaft furnace on a first level; and a plurality of second arms (24) connecting the bustle pipe (12) to the outer casing (14) of the shaft furnace on a second level, the first level being different from the second level. First and second blow channels (26, 30) are respectively arranged through the first and second arms (22, 24) for fluidly connecting the bustle pipe (12) to the interior of the shaft furnace.

Abstract: An air-cooled grate block of a grate for the thermal treatment of waste, in which the grate blocks are arranged so as to rest one on top of the other in a step-like manner. The block body designed as a cast part has a top wall, forming a bearing surface, and a front wall, on which a foot is integrally formed. A first cooling passage section runs from a wall inlet, arranged on the underside of the top wall, through the top wall and the front wall to an outlet opening arranged in the front wall. A cooling passage wall which starts from an inlet opening arranged adjacent to the foot and to the front wall and is at a distance from the front wall and the top wall forms a second cooling passage section fluidically connected to the first cooling passage section at the wall inlet. A grate which consists of the abovementioned grate blocks is likewise described.

Abstract: A single-grain sowing machine having a sowing disc (3) forming a front wall of a seed hopper (2) is described, which comprises a fixed disc body (4) suctioned on the side facing away from the seed hopper (2) having at least one guide slot (5), and a conveyor disc (6), pressing against the disc body (4) on the side of the seed hopper (2) and drivable around a horizontal axis, having driver slots (7) distributed around the circumference and extending over the radial extension area of the guide slot (5), which form intake openings (8) for the seed grains dispensable from the seed hopper (2) along the guide slot (5) in the overlap area with the guide slot (5). In order to be able to perform simple residual emptying of the seed hopper (2), it is proposed that the seed hopper (2) have a floor in the form of an emptying flap (17), which is pivotable coaxially to the sowing disc (3) between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A reusable marking system for use in visualizing, designating and synchronizing the rows, columns or blocks of fabric used in quilt designs is disclosed. The marking system utilizes a plurality of pre-sequenced, pin-type, marking tools to designate the specific order of quilt designs for final assembly. The present invention also includes a kit for receiving, organizing and storing the marking tools.

Abstract: A guide is mounted to a rotary member which is freely rotatable about the axis of a needle bar, and guides a sewing material to a needle drop position of the sewing needle. A cutter device is mounted to a side of the rotary member opposed to the guide in such a manner that the cutter device is rotatable together with the rotary member for cutting the sewing material, having been paid out from the guide, at a predetermined cutting position. A retention mechanism is incorporated in the cutter device for retaining an end portion of the sewing material, at a position closer to the guide than the predetermined cutting position and in interlocked relation to cutting, by the cutter device, of the sewing material. Thus, upon restart of sewing of the sewing material, the retention mechanism retains an end portion of the sewing material.

Abstract: A head scarf with a crown portion and a tail portion is made by stitching together overlying front margin areas of body and lining pieces. This stitching is done along oppositely convex lines on both pieces, and these lines are brought into registry for sewing. One of the pieces is then folded to provide a convex edge of the stitched-together assembly, to place the pieces in face-to-face relation, and to give the assembly a three dimensional forehead-receiving shape in the vicinity of the front margin areas. A semicircular drawstring channel is formed, and the upper regions of the tail portion are drawn together while drawing the crown portion into a shape conforming to a wearer's head.

Abstract: A platform for offshore drilling and/or production operations comprises an equipment deck. In addition, the platform comprises a buoyant hull coupled to the equipment deck and configured to extend below the surface of the water. The hull comprises a first column having a central axis, an upper end coupled to the deck, a lower end distal the deck, and a plurality of axially stacked cells between the upper end and the lower end. Each cell defining an inner chamber within the cell and an exterior region outside the cell. The plurality of cells includes a first cell extending from the upper end of the first sub-column and a second cell axially positioned below the first cell. The first cell is water-tight. Further, the second cell includes a gas port configured to supply a buoyancy control gas to the inner chamber of the second cell.

Abstract: An anchor comprising a container having: a size of at least 3 m×3 m×3 m; a plurality of chambers; at least one valve in each chamber to selectively allow and prevent fluid communication between each chamber and a surrounding environment. Exemplary embodiments also include pressure release valves provided the chambers. The pressure release valves are adapted to allow transfer of fluid between the chamber and the environment when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the chamber exceeds a predetermined level such as 0.5 bar or 1 bar; typically to allow fluid release from the chamber when the pressure inside the chamber exceeds the pressure outside the chamber by a predetermined level. A method of deploying and manufacturing are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method are provided for remotely deploying a waterborne object utilizing a submerged launch canister including a remotely-triggered deployment system. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of placing the remotely-triggered deployment system in a launch-ready state, and positioning the submerged launch canister within a body of water. In a further embodiment wherein the waterborne object assumes the form of an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle, the method includes the step of transmitting a wireless signal to the remotely-triggered deployment system to initiate launch of the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle after the submerged launch canister has been positioned on the seafloor.

Abstract: Embodiments of a submerged launch canister are provided for the remotely-initiated deployment of a waterborne object. In one embodiment, the submerged launch canister includes a pressure vessel and a remotely-triggered deployment system. The pressure vessel has an open end portion and a storage cavity configured to receive the waterborne object therein. The remotely-triggered deployment system is configured to propel the waterborne object from the storage cavity, through the open end portion, and into a body of water when remotely triggered.

Abstract: Disclosed is a buoyancy device for tensioning an elongate vertical (or quasi vertical) subsea structure at a point below the sea surface, anchored at its bottom. The device comprises as its main buoyancy elements a plurality of hollow elongate objects, and further comprises at least one auxiliary buoyancy element comprising a solid buoyant material. Ideally, the solid buoyant material provides enough uplift to maintain the device afloat should the main buoyancy elements be flooded. A riser apparatus comprising such a buoyancy device is also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a naval rescue vessel, comprising a propulsion unit (1) powered by a water jet and a hull unit (200), wherein said hull unit is at least partly flexible and wherein said propulsion unit (100) is arranged to form a rigid unit, and wherein the two units (100, 200) are interconnected to form a naval rescue vessel intended to be handled/manoeuvred by a single rescuer, wherein the interconnection (130, 205) between the two units (100, 200) is arranged to provide a releasable connection of the units.

Abstract: An architectural sign useful to the visually impaired, with tactile components that are resistant to daily wear, cleaning, and vandalisms, and a method of producing such a sign with interlocking solid color components is disclosed. The sign comprised of a planar sign plate or base routed therethrough forming one or more sockets to receive one or more tactile text plugs and one or more Braille plugs. These plugs when inserted, pressed and friction fit through the back of the base until flush therewith, protrude at least 1/32nd inch above the front surface of said sign base. The plugs being fabricated from solid color materials that contrast with the base by at least 70% without painting. The Braille plug provides all the Braille pins for the sign on an integrated base.

Abstract: A cooking vessel sidewall cover is provided with an opening therein and a screen is placed over the opening, with the screen including a layered structured between the cover opening and the vessel to include a non-opaque substrate, a layer of thermochromic colorant that changes from a opaque color to a non-opaque color when exposed to a predetermined temperature, and a layer of indicia material which is visible from an outer side of the substrate opening when the thermochromic ink changes to a non-opaque color. The cover may also include protective transparent or translucent window members on either side of the opening, and the substrate may be attached by way of an adhesive.

Abstract: Following steps are implemented: a melting step in which aluminum oxide within a crucible is melted to obtain an aluminum melt; a shoulder-portion formation step in which a seed crystal brought into contact with the aluminum melt is pulled up to thereby form a shoulder portion below the seed crystal; a body-portion formation step in which single-crystal sapphire is pulled up from the melt to form a body portion; and a tail-portion formation step in which a mixed gas including oxygen and an inert gas and having an oxygen concentration set at not less than 1.0 vol % nor more than 5.0 vol % is supplied while the single-crystal sapphire is pulled away from the melt to form a tail portion. Thus, when single-crystal sapphire is obtained by growth from a melt of aluminum oxide, formation of a protrusion in the tail portion of the single-crystal sapphire is more effectively inhibited.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technology of producing quantum dots that are nano-size semiconducting crystals. A quantum dot producing apparatus includes a mixer for mixing precursor solutions, and a heating furnace with a plurality of heating areas providing different temperature conditions to heat the precursor mixture. Between the heating areas, a buffer may be installed which provides a low-temperature condition to prevent addition nucleation. Through this configuration, nucleation is separated from nuclear growth, uniformity in particle size of quantum dots is improved, which enables the mass-production of quantum dots, rather than a quantum dot producing apparatus with a single heating area that provides a constant temperature condition.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for growing crystals. The method includes substantially fully covering a seed crystal in a charge material, using a heat source to melt the charge material, cooling the seed crystal to keep the seed crystal at least partially intact as the charge material melts, allowing at least a portion of the seed crystal to melt into the molten charge material, and continually growing the crystal by reducing the temperature of the heat source, moving the molten charge material and seed crystal from the heat source, and increasing a rate of cooling of the seed crystal.