Abstract: Plasma-treating small particles, such as carbon nanotubes, are disclosed. The technical aim is to achieve a controllable degree of treatment which is reasonably uniform in the mass of particles treated. The proposed method uses a low-pressure plasma (glow discharge) generated in a rotating treatment drum (4). The drum (4) has an axial electrode (3), internal vanes (44) and a sealable cover or lid (5). It can be evacuated via a port (52) having a particle-retaining filter. Process gas can be fed into it to maintain the plasma, e.g. through a feed opening (32) in the central electrode (3). An outer electrode may be provided as a separate surround (8) or as a conductive outer cylinder wall of the drum (4). Glow discharge is created along the central electrode, and the drum rotation speed adjusted so that the particles fall through the plasma zone. The drum (4) may have a port (51) through which fluid can be introduced to disperse the particles safely.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the calcining and manufacturing of synthetic pozzolan with desirable color properties. Feed material is dried, crushed, and preheated in a drier crusher. The dry, crushed material is collected and fed to a calciner where it is heated to become a synthetic pozzolan. The synthetic pozzolan is then fed to a cooler where it is maintained for a least a portion of the cooling step in a reducing atmosphere.

Abstract: “Green” cements, which can be carbon neutral or negative, can be prepared at lower temperatures (450° C.-500° C.) by utilizing feed compositions comprising (i) TiO2, TaOxNy, TiOxNy, RuO2, Pt, TaO, band gap materials, or a first mixture thereof; (ii) AI2O3; and (iii) Ca2SiO2, MgSiO2, MnSiO2, or a second mixture thereof; and spent wash with melanoidin as a binder.

Abstract: The invention provides a cementitious composition comprising a cement component comprising (i) an accelerant, (ii) a calcium sulphate source and (iii) an ettringite forming cement; an aggregate; and optionally water; wherein the cement has a minimum unconfined compressive strength of 1500 psi when tested in accordance with ASTM C1140 and/or C1604 at 15 minutes after placement; methods for its use and concrete formed from it.

Abstract: A composition includes at least, in % expressed by mass relative to the total mass of the composition, from 0.01 to 3% of polycarboxylic acid or salts thereof, the polycarboxylic acid including 2 to 4 carboxyl groups per molecule; and from 97 to 99.99% of a Belite-Calcium-Sulphoaluminate-Ferrite clinker (BCSAF clinker).

Abstract: Engineered cements are described that include an engineered clinker fraction designed for use with one or more supplementary cementitious material (“SCM”) fractions. The engineered clinker fraction has a narrow particle size distribution (“PSD”) with a relatively high tricalcium silicate (“C3S”) content as compared to traditional ordinary Portland cement (“OPC”). The high C3S content and narrow PSD provide desired reactivity and set time when combined with the one or more SCMs. The clinker fraction may be combined with one or more ultrafine SCM fractions and/or one or more coarser SCM fractions to achieve a desired wide particle size distribution. By engineering the chemistry and the particle size of the clinker fraction and the SCM fraction to work together, the engineered cements can have superior packing density, water demand, reactivity, set time, sulfate resistance, and strength development as compared to conventional OPC-SCM blends.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods including hydraulic cement, supplementary cementitious material, and/or self-cementing material. Methods for making the compositions and using the compositions are provided.

Abstract: A collapsible computer desk includes a desktop, a left frame, a right frame, two inner side-plates, a lower frame, plural middle support plates, a back plate and a drawer. The inner side-plates are secured to the desktop and also secured to the both ends of the lower frame. The back plate is connected to the back portion of the lower frame and the bottom surface of the desktop. Further comprised is a plurality of assembled closures. Each assembled closure is constructed of a male closure and a female closure. The male closures of the plurality of the closures are fixedly secured onto vertical plates of the left and right frames respectively, while the female closures are fixedly secured onto the both ends of the lower frame respectively. Each male closure detachably engages the corresponding female closure.

Abstract: A brace attachment device for wooden pallets having a pair of assemblies attachable to opposing sides of a pallet, each assembly having a pair of legs connected by a cross-brace and a mounting bracket associated with each leg. The mounting brackets are structured such that the legs can be repositioned between a generally horizontal and flat storage position substantially parallel with the top of the pallet, and a vertical support position to maintain objects or boxes upright on the pallet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating a fluid and treating a combustion products waste stream includes two or more nozzles discharging into a mixing chamber, and an outlet of the mixing chamber discharging to a gas-liquid separator. A liquid output of the gas-liquid separator may be treated to remove carbonaceous or other impurities. The nozzles may include an annular nozzle, Fisenko nozzle, and/or Laval nozzle arranged in a transonic jet module. A heated input liquid may be accelerated to sonic velocity in a main nozzle, causing boiling due to pressure drop prior to mixing with a combustion product stream in the mixing chamber. Heat may be recovered from a mixture discharged from the mixing chamber. Carbonic, sulfuric, or other combustion impurities may be captured by dissolving in water or other solvent in the transonic jet module and then recovered or otherwise used in a liquid stream from the separator.

Abstract: A system and method of integrated waste management having a source of a combustible waste material, a separator for separating the combustible waste material from a recyclable material, an airless drier for drying the combustible waste material to generate a pyrolysis feedstock, and a pyrolyser for pyrolysing the pyrolysis feedstock to form char and pyrogas. The system and method for power generation may also use an oxidiser for the high-temperature oxidation of syngas generated from the pyrolysis feedstock to generate heat for power production.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling the operation of an oxy-fired boiler; the method comprising combusting a fuel in a boiler; producing a heat absorption pattern in the boiler; discharging flue gases from the boiler; recycling a portion of the flue gases to the boiler; combining a first oxidant stream with the recycled flue gases to form a combined stream; splitting the combined stream into several fractions; and introducing each fraction of the combined stream to the boiler at different points of entry to the boiler.

Abstract: A method for safely disposing of medicines includes converting the medicines into a partially solid mass that may be incinerated. The medicines may be treated with a bittering agent capable of denaturing the stored medicines and with a coloring agent capable of providing a characteristic color to the denatured medicines. The medicines may also be treated with a thickening agent that is capable of converting the denatured medicines into a partially solid disposable mass, prior to incinerating the medicines.

Abstract: A method of generating heat in a boiler such as by combusting a fuel material which includes a plurality of densified fuel pellets is provided. The densified fuel pellets may be formed by a process which includes compacting a mixture which includes about 5 to 15 wt. % molten thermoplastic polymeric material and at least about 75 wt. % cellulosic material. Many embodiments of the method are suitable for use in a coal-fired furnace and/or in other industrial boiler applications.

Abstract: A coal nozzle for a burner on a pulverized coal fired furnace which includes an elongated tubular nozzle having an inlet for receiving a flowing stream of coal/air mixture and an outlet for discharging the flowing stream into a combustion zone of a furnace for combustion, and an inlet elbow connected to the inlet of the tubular nozzle. The interior outer surfaces of the elbow include a staircase surface configuration for engaging the incoming flowing stream whereby coal ropes in the stream are broken up for thereby improving flow distribution of the stream.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for interplanting a primary crop and an energy crop. In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes methods for preparing a plantation site for planting the energy crop. Plantation sites according to the disclosure may include a primary crop planted in a first row and in a second row, the first row being separated by an intermediate row. The intermediate row is divided into a center portion and two side portions (a first side portion and a second side portion). Methods according to embodiments of the disclosure include the steps of lifting a soil and plantation debris mixture from the intermediate area, redepositing a soil component of the soil and plantation debris mixture primarily into the center portion, and redepositing a plantation debris component of the soil and plantation debris mixture primarily into at least one of the two side portions.

Abstract: An opener assembly for an agricultural seeder has an opener disc attached to an opener subframe. The opener disc is angled to the direction of travel to create a furrow for depositing seeds. A boot is mounted to the opener subframe beside the opener disc for preventing loose soil from falling into the furrow ahead of seed deposited therein. A seed tube is mounted to the opener subframe by a two-part bracket. The bracket includes a first part attached to the opener subframe and a second part fixed to the seed tube. The first part has a channel structure for receiving and partially surrounding the seed tube, and a pair of slots formed in sidewalls of the channel structure. The second part has an L-shaped structure with a portion that mates with the pair of slots. A key ring mechanism is used to lock the first and second parts together.

Abstract: A decoration-making assist tool includes a first and a second plates. Each plate includes a straight base edge and a peripheral edge connected to the ends of the base edge. A connecting portion pivotally connects the two plates to each other so that they can be folded to overlap each other. The first plate includes recesses formed at the peripheral edge and N elongated holes. The second plate includes (N+1) elongated holes. The ends of these elongated holes are adjacent to the peripheral edges of the plates. When the two plates overlap each other, the recesses and the ends of the elongated holes of the first plate communicate with corresponding ends of the elongated holes of the second plate.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a bobbin case (5) is provided with a locking lever (35) supported pivotally in the bobbin cover (27). The locking lever is pivotal on a shaft (33). A hook-shaped end (51) is formed at the locking lever (35), which latches in the sleeve (9) in the hook and can hold the bobbin case (3) in the hook (1).

Abstract: A sewing machine is provided, which includes a table, support posts, upper and lower frames, a head unit, a bed unit, an X-axial head-unit-transport means and an X-axial bed-unit-transport means. An object is placed on the table. The support posts are provided on opposite sides of the table. The upper and lower frames connect the support posts to each other. The head unit is provided on the upper frame so as to be movable in an X-axis direction. The head unit has a head-unit-rotating means for rotating a sewing head. The bed unit is provided on the lower frame so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. The bed unit has a bed-unit-rotating means for rotating a sewing bed. The X-axial head-unit-transport means moves the head unit on the upper frame horizontally. The X-axial bed-unit-transport means moves the bed unit on the upper frame horizontally.

Abstract: A head unit fixed sewing machine is provided, which includes a table, support posts, an upper beam, a head unit and a bed unit. An object is placed on the table. The support posts are provided on opposite sides of the table. The upper beam connects the support posts to each other and is coupled to upper ends of the support posts. The head unit is fastened to the upper beam and has a head-unit-rotating means for rotating a sewing head within a predetermined range. The bed unit is provided below the head unit and has a bed-unit-rotating means for rotating a sewing bed within a predetermined range. Because the head unit and the bed unit can be rotated while sewing, the orientation of a sewn thread can be maintained constant. Hence, a perfect stitch can be realized over the entirety of the object.

Abstract: A steerable wing-type sail system for a wind powered craft. The system includes secondary airfoils that are spaced outwardly to the sides of the plane of a main sail, and rearwardly of the trailing edge of the sail. The secondary airfoils are pivotable s to steer the main sail in one direction or the other. The main sail is also provided with a flap at its trailing edge, that pivots simultaneously with the secondary airfoils. The secondary airfoils are carried on elongate booms mounted near the mid-span height of the main sail and are operated by cables that are retracted/paid out by linear actuators or similar mechanisms. The control mechanism for the secondary airfoils may operate in response to signals received from onboard sensors. The system is suitable for use on an autonomous unmanned surface vessel (AUSV).

Abstract: A generally triangular-shaped, radial-cut sail intended for use with a small sailing craft such as a Laser™ Class sailboat. A mast sleeve or “luff tube” is arranged or formed adjacent the luff area of the sail, extending from the head to the foot, and sized to accommodate a flexible mast formed of two or more mast sections. A luff tube patch is placed on the leading edge of the mast sleeve adjacent a point where the mast sections meet when the sailing rig is assembled.

Abstract: An intercepting vehicle, which is being towed by a towing vehicle, may home in on and attach to a retrievable vehicle that catches up to the intercepting vehicle from behind. Then, the intercepting vehicle, with the retrievable vehicle docked thereto, may be brought to the towing vehicle by reeling in the intercepting vehicle with the retrievable vehicle docked thereto.

Abstract: A boat hull (10) including a longitudinally extending side wall (12) and a longitudinally extending bottom wall (13). The side wall (12) has an internal surface (16), and the bottom wall (13) an internal surface (17). Fixed to the surface (16) and/or (17) is an insulation member (19) that inhibits the transmission of noise to the interior of the hull (10).

Abstract: High velocity subsurface craft, apparatus or method positively affecting propulsion and limiting drag by the use of a rotating body with selected Surface Treatment. The Active Hull Platform provides Apparent Flows that allow for shorter more dispersed blade arrays and boundary layer management that impacts vorticity on skin surfaces by controlling the angular momentum of the vortices formed. By converting drag forces into thrust, vortices need not be avoided and an even non pulsating distributed thrust is the result.

Abstract: A movable floating object includes a floatable body and water pumps mounted on the left and right sides of the body respectively. Intake tubes are coupled to the pumps through intake valves respectively. Discharge tubes are coupled to the pumps respectively. Exertion of force on the pumps forces water out of the pumps and through the discharge tubes, and release of the force creates a vacuum inside the pumps that sucks water into the pumps through the intake tubes and the intake valves respectively. The floatable body moves forwards when same force applied to the pumps and turns when the forces apply to the pumps are different.

Abstract: An apparatus of producing a silicon single crystal including: an imaging device; a heat shield that has a circular opening; a first operation unit that operates the imaging device and takes a real image of the heat shield and a mirror image of the heat shield reflected on a surface of the silicon melt, measures a spacing between the real image and the mirror image, and calculates a position of a melt-surface; a second operating unit that operates the imaging device and takes an image of a bright-zone in the vicinity of the solid-liquid interface, and calculates a position of the melt-surface based on the image of the bright zone; and a controlling unit that refers a data of the position of the silicon melt obtained by the first operation unit and the second operation unit, and controls the position of the silicon melt.

Abstract: Various single crystals are disclosed including sapphire. The single crystals have desirable geometric properties, including a width not less than about 15 cm and the thickness is not less than about 0.5 cm. The single crystal may also have other features, such as a maximum thickness variation, and as-formed crystals may have a generally symmetrical neck portion, particularly related to the transition from the neck to the main body of the crystal. Methods and for forming such crystals and an apparatus for carrying out the methods are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A process for advantageously producing a graphene/SiC composite material is provided in which a large-area graphene layer that is flat in an atomic level is formed on a SiC single crystal substrate. The process for producing a graphene/SiC composite material in which at least one graphene layer is formed on a SiC single crystal substrate, comprising the steps of: removing an oxide film that is formed by natural oxidation and covers a surface of the SIC single crystal substrate, thereby exposing a Si surface of the SiC single crystal substrate, heating the SiC single crystal substrate with the Si surface exposed under an oxygen atmosphere, thereby forming a SiO2 layer on the surface of the SiC single crystal substrate, and heating the SiC single crystal substrate under vacuum on which the SiO2 layer was formed.

Abstract: Provides are a system of controlling a diameter of a single crystal ingot and a single crystal ingot growing apparatus including the same. The system of controlling a diameter of a single crystal ingot includes: a diameter measuring sensor measuring a diameter of a single crystal ingot; a Low-Pass Filter (LPF) removing short period noise from measured data from the diameter measuring sensor; and an Automatic Diameter Control (ADC) sensor controlling the diameter of the single crystal ingot through controlling of a pull speed by using data having the noise removed as current data.

Abstract: A wire coloring apparatus including a roller is provided to prevent drag of a colorant, which is jetted on an electric wire and not dried yet, the guide roller is arranged at a downstream side of a coloring nozzle, which jets a colorant toward a highest point of an outer surface of the electric wire moving along a lengthwise direction thereof, in a moving direction of the electric wire. The guide roller is formed with a pair of tapered surfaces catching and supporting the electric wire and approaching to each other in accordance with nearing to a rotating axis. When a radius REW of the electric wire 3 is 1.2 mm, an angle ?T formed by the pair of tapered surfaces is designed at least 60 degrees and not more than ?X degrees.

Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus includes a treating block including a plurality of cells arranged one over another. Each cell has treating units for treating substrates and a single main transport mechanism disposed in a transporting space for transporting the substrates to the treating units. The treating units include solution treating units and heat-treating units. The solution treating units are arranged at one side of the transporting space, the heat-treating units are arranged at the other side of the transporting space, and the main transport mechanism and the treating units are in substantially the same layout in plan view for the respective cells. The solution treating units are in substantially the same layout in side view for the respective cells, the heat-treating units are in substantially the same layout in side view for the respective cells, and treatments of the substrates carried out in the respective cells are the same.

Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus includes a treating block including a plurality of cells arranged one over another. Each cell has treating units for treating substrates and a single main transport mechanism for transporting the substrates to the treating units. Each cell also has a blowout unit for supplying a clean gas into a transporting space of the main transport mechanism and an exhaust unit for exhausting gas from the transporting space. The blowout unit and the exhaust unit are arranged one over the other in the transporting space to separate the transporting space of each cell from that of another cell.

Abstract: A painting robot includes a fixing unit fixed to a sidewall of a painting booth; a swivel unit provided to swivel with respect to the fixing unit; an arm provided to the swivel unit; and a painting gun provided in a tip end portion of the arm. The fixing unit includes a fixing surface fixed to the sidewall of the painting booth; and a cable lead-in portion provided on the fixing surface to lead a cable into the painting robot therethrough.

Abstract: A mask frame assembly using a plurality of stick-shaped split masks. The mask frame assembly includes a plurality of split masks, each of which includes a deposition pattern corresponding to a unit screen. Each of the split masks is formed of a plurality of partial masks to form the deposition pattern corresponding to a unit screen. Accordingly, the split masks accommodating a pattern corresponding to a large screen may be easily manufactured without an increase in the amount of etching errors.

Abstract: An organic layer deposition apparatus for forming an organic layer while a substrate is being moved, in which an interval between the substrate and the organic layer deposition apparatus can be measured at a vacuum condition.

Abstract: A showerhead integrating intake and exhaust is provided for showering a gas. The showerhead at least includes a showerhead body that has a gas-active surface and a plurality of intake bores thereon. The showerhead body further includes a central exhaust vent disposed on the gas-active surface. The central exhaust vent may exhaust standing gas and further pre-exhaust byproduct from reaction process.

Abstract: A substrate processing chamber for processing a plurality of wafers in batch mode. In one embodiment the chamber includes a vertically aligned housing having first and second processing areas separated by an internal divider, the first processing area positioned directly over the second processing area; a multi-zone heater operatively coupled to the housing to heat the first and second processing areas independent of each other; a wafer transport adapted to hold a plurality of wafers within the processing chamber and move vertically between the first and second processing areas; a gas distribution system adapted to introduce ozone into the second area and steam into the first processing area; and a gas exhaust system configured to exhaust gases introduced into the first and second processing areas.

Abstract: A substrate support unit includes a support member configured to accommodate a plurality of substrate holders and a driving member configured to rotate the substrate holders and the support member on their respective axes.

Abstract: An insect feeder that allows membrane feeding with a membrane above a feeding medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a milking device, a method and software. The milking device includes a device for preventing contaminants in milk during the milking of an animal. The milking device includes a teat cup to be attached to a teat and to be connected to a milk collecting vessel for collecting the milk. The device further includes a detector for generating and transmitting a disruption signal as a result of the detection of a premature becoming detached of the teat cup, and/or as a result of the detection of the incorrect attachment of a teat cup. The device also includes a management system to separate, on the basis of the disruption signal, the milk from the animal into a first amount of milk, which is led to a first destination, and a second amount of milk, which is led to a second destination different from the first destination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a teat treatment device, as well as an automatic milking device, a method and a teat cup therefor. The present invention cleans or otherwise treats a teat by repeatedly placing a teat cup on the teat and removing it therefrom again, wherein the upper side thereof, in particular segments with projections on the inner side, around the teat-receiving opening scrub the teat clean under frictional contact. Nozzles which can spray a jet of liquid on, in particular, the projections in the inactive position, can assist this treatment.

Abstract: A milking inflation formed of a food grade approved thermoplastics material of a Shore A hardness of between about 60 to 90, the inflation (7) having a region (8) adapted to, in use, engage with the teat of an animal, this teat engagement portion (8) having a reduced wall thickness (12) to provide flexibility. A method of forming a milking inflation whereby the inflation is moulded in a mould (1, 2) which has a core (3) in a mould cavity (4). The moulded inflation (7) is separated from the core (3) by introducing air between the core (3) and inflation (7) to inflate the inflation and enable separation of the inflation from the core. A method of monitoring the age of an inflation by monitoring change in the colour of the inflation to determine ageing of the inflation.

Abstract: An automated feeding apparatus for animals comprises an inlet hopper having a discharge outlet provided with a feeder actuable in accordance with a predetermined feeding regime, the discharge outlet being of variable size. The discharge outlet is adjustable in length and depth to enable variation of volumetric flow therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to litter compositions including a litter substrate in the form of granules and a stable fragrance coating applied over at least some of the litter granules. The stable fragrance coating provides a fragrance litter composition exhibiting no or a reduced tendency for fragrance to be lost over time. Furthermore, the fragrant litter composition is able to reform a stable fragrance coating after being wetted, upon redrying. The stable fragrance coating comprises a nanoemulsion including an aqueous surfactant continuous phase and a dispersed phase comprising one or more fragrance oils. The fragrance oil is dispersed within the continuous phase as nano-sized droplets having an average diameter of no more than about 100 nm.

Abstract: A collapsible, mountable pet crate. A collapsible crate mountable to a wall such that the crate may be assembled for pet usage while mounted to the wall and collapsed into a compact package while mounted to the wall and not being used. A mounting bracket affixed to the wall receives a mounting rod (or mounting pins) integral with, or connected to, the crate to facilitate operation of the crate. The mounting bracket includes a first position for receipt of the mounting rod corresponding to the assembled or opened crate and a second position for receipt of the mounting rod corresponding to the collapsed or stowed crate. In another version, a pair of latches rotatably joined to a back wall for (i) joining said the wall to the bottom tray in a collapsed configuration and (ii) securing the foldable cage to the back wall in an assembled configuration.

Abstract: The invention features an animal carrier that is designed to more easily place an animal (e.g., a cat or dog) into the carrier. The carrier features a funnel that can be attached to the body of the carrier, that is sized to permit passage of the animal through the funnel, that is oriented to convey the animal by gravity into the carrier, and that can be removed once the animal has been delivered into the carrier. The invention also features a retrofit funnel that is adapted to be securely attached to an opening of a standard animal carrier.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a flexible body with rope support configurations. In one embodiment, the rope configurations include one or more loops that are exposed and one or more knots that are covered by an exterior plush component of the pet toy. In another embodiment, two or more strands of rope material are tied in a series of knots, and an additional strand of rope material may be tied to the other strands in a transverse fashion. Preferably, the exterior plush component includes fabric. One or more of the free ends of the strands of rope material may also protrude beyond the plush component. The fabric material is sewn over the exposed portions of the rope material. Enough fabric material is used such that twisting, extending and retracting the rope material does not transfer force directly to the exterior fabric, thereby preserving the exterior plush component. The knots provide internal bulk to the body of the toy eliminating the need for stuffing.

Abstract: Provided is an edible chew toy including a first toy member and a second toy member configured to be moveably engaged with each other. The first and second toy members may be configured to pivot and/or translate relative to each other to captivate a pet. In this regard, the toy members may move relative to each other as the pet gnaws on the toy, swipes at the toy with his paws, or lifts the toy in a manner to cause gravitational movement. The chew toy may be formed from 100% consumable material to allow the pet to easily digest the chew toy as it is chewed.