Abstract: A capacity control valve for a variable-capacity compressor such as used in an air-conditioning system in a motor vehicle is provided, wherein foreign matter is prevented from being caught in the sliding parts and leakage on the sliding parts is prevented from occurring by configuring the capacity control valve so that there are no sliding parts between the valving element and the housing (valve body).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for controlling the angle of a swash plate of a hydraulic pump, and more particularly, to an apparatus for controlling the angle of a swash plate of a hydraulic pump in order to fix the swash plate at a desired angle by using an electric motor and an electromagnet. The apparatus for controlling the angle of a swash plate of a hydraulic pump includes a swash plate and a swash plate shaft coupled to the swash plate to be rotatable, and the apparatus further includes: an electric motor which directly connects the swash plate shaft or transmits a rotating force through a link connected to the swash plate shaft to pivot the swash plate; and an electromagnet which generates a magnetic force so that the swash plate moving according to the operation of the electric motor is fixed at a target angle.

Abstract: Clean corona gas ionization by separating contaminant byproducts from corona generated ions includes establishing a non-ionized gas stream having a pressure and flowing in a downstream direction, establishing a plasma region of ions and contaminant byproducts in which the pressure is sufficiently lower than the pressure of the non-ionized gas stream to prevent at least a substantial portion of the byproducts from migrating into the non-ionized gas stream, and applying an electric field to the plasma region sufficient to induce at least a substantial portion of the ions to migrate into the non-ionized gas stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing waste effluent from a system including a boiler and a wet electrostatic precipitator, the waste effluent having blow down water discharged by the boiler during a blow down operation and bleed water discharged by the wet electrostatic precipitator. The method includes collecting the blow down water and providing the collected blow down water to the wet electrostatic precipitator as a makeup water supplement, evaporating a portion the bleed water and leaving residual bleed water, providing the evaporated bleed water to the wet electrostatic precipitator as a further makeup water supplement, and using the residual bleed water to quench ash produced by combustion of solid fuel by the boiler. The apparatus includes an evaporator that provides direct contact between hot boiler flue gas and the bleed water such that a portion of the flue gas is quenched before being provided to the wet electrostatic precipitator.

Abstract: A method is described for separating off trace components from a fraction (1) containing at least nitrogen and helium, wherein this fraction is partially condensed (E) before enrichment of the helium. The partially condensed fraction (2) is fed at least in part to at least one separation column (T) and separated therein into a helium-rich gas fraction (6) and a nitrogen-rich liquid fraction which also contains the unwanted trace components (5).

Abstract: The reaction exhaust gas from which chlorosilanes and hydrogen chloride have been removed in a hydrogen chloride absorption unit (30) is introduced to an adsorption unit (50) to recover a purified hydrogen (S105). Activated carbon is packed in the adsorption unit (50), the gas, which is mainly composed of hydrogen, is passed through the activated carbon-packed layer during which unseparated chlorosilanes, hydrogen chloride, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, and monosilane contained in the gas are adsorbed on the activated carbon and removed from the gas, and thereby the purified hydrogen is obtained. Nitrogen, carbon monoxide, methane and monosilane are a compressed gas in the state of adsorption, whereas hydrogen chloride and chlorosilanes are a liquid in the state of adsorption, and require a vaporization heat during desorption. Using these properties, the separation of hydrogen chloride and chlorosilanes from other impurity components is possible merely by separating the pathways for the desorbed gas.

Abstract: Provided is a method, liquid distributor and reactor for contacting a gas with a liquid in a rotating packed bed. The method comprises providing a rotating packed bed comprising two sets of rotatable packing rings disposed within a chamber and defining an interior region. The rotating packed bed also comprises at least one liquid distributor with an inlet for accepting a liquid, the inlet in communication with an exit port for infusing the liquid into the interior region. The liquid distributor also comprises at least one gas outlet for accepting gas which has passed through the packed bed and for removing the gas from the interior region. The two sets of rotatable packing rings are caused to rotate. Liquid is infused into the interior region by way of the liquid inlet, and gas is injected through at least one gas inlet into the interior region, with the liquid and gas passing through each of the packing rings in countercurrent flow.

Abstract: A two phase gas-liquid separation apparatus is provided that shapes the flow in a flow shaping line. Shaping the two-phase flow allows centrifugal force to send the heavier, denser liquid to the outside wall of the flow shaping line and allows the lighter, less dense vapor or gas to occupy the inner wall of the flow shaping line. With the gas positioned on the inner wall of the flow shaping line, an exit port on the inner wall will allow for the majority, if not all, of the gas, along with a low amount of liquid, to be sent to a conventional separator. A high ratio of vapor/liquid at a flow rate much lower than the total flow rate within the flow shaping line is sent to the conventional separator. This allows for efficient separation of the vapor from the liquid with the use of a smaller conventional separator.

Abstract: A moisture diversion system for a gas turbine inlet. The moisture diversion system comprises a housing that is operably connected with a gas turbine and defines an opening through which air flows to the gas turbine. A hood is attached to the housing adjacent the opening. The hood has a surface disposed at an acute angle relative to horizontal. A device is disposed relative to the hood to separate moisture from air flowing through the device. Separated moisture is directed onto the hood. A gutter is disposed adjacent an edge of the hood to collect moisture from the hood. A conduit is fluidly connected with the gutter to conduct water away from the gutter and the opening in the housing to inhibit separated moisture from re-entering the air flow through the opening to the gas turbine.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a filter having multiple layers including an odor suppressing layer for use with a plurality of different types of air flow inducing devices. One filter layer acts as a standard air filter to filter contaminants out of an air flow. Another filter layer serves as an odor suppressing layer to reduce odors in the air flow. An optional additional layer adds structural integrity to the filter while also supplying additional filtration of particulate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air distribution control unit or a filtration/ventilation unit which is portable and/or can be mounted on or integrated in furniture e.g. as a cabinet of at the head region of a bed. The filtration/ventilation unit cleanses air from a person/patient by aspirating the person's/patient's exhalation air into the filtration/ventilation unit. To construct an at least partly isolated area around the patient, filtered air can be directed e.g. vertically out of the filtration/ventilation unit to perform an air curtain. Use of the filtration/ventilation unit reduces the risk of dissipation of air-borne diseases and health hazardous matter, and reduces the amount of air to ventilate a room with patients.

Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane element, a gas separation device, and an internal combustion engine capable of improving gas separation performance. A gas separation device 1 including membrane elements 2 includes rigid members 32 arranged in a direction intersecting folds of a pleated structure 26 in open regions R1 and R2 of the pleated structure 26 surrounded by a reinforcement frame 27. The open regions R1 and R2 are each separated into a supply region and an exhaust region of gas by an elastic epoxy resin adhesive S provided between the rigid member 32 and the pleated structure 26.

Abstract: An ultraviolet lamp, and an ultraviolet-shielding member that covers at least a part of an ultraviolet emission portion are provided. The ultraviolet-shielding member includes an ultraviolet non-transmissive and visible light transmissive portion that blocks or absorbs ultraviolet rays. Further, an air passage in which air around the ultraviolet emission portion is provided between the ultraviolet lamp and the ultraviolet-shielding member.

Abstract: A dust bin for a robotic vacuum comprises a dust bin frame having a cavity defined therein to receive debris, a filter frame disposed within the dust bin frame and defining two filter openings at opposite sides thereof, and a central impeller disposed adjacent to or under the filter frame to draw air from outside of the dust bin into the dust bin. The dust bin also comprises two air filters, one air filter being located on each side of the central impeller, each air filter being inserted into one of the filter openings, each filter having an overhang around a perimeter thereof that includes a sealing face to form a vacuum-assisted seal with the filter frame when air is drawn into the dust bin.

Abstract: A device (1) for receiving an ingredient cartridge (2) and extracting the ingredient by passing heated liquid through the cartridge, has a cartridge seat (10) and a liquid injection arrangement (50, 60, 61, 70, 80, 81) for injecting heated liquid into the cartridge seat. The cartridge seat comprises a first cartridge support (20) and a second cartridge support (30) facing the first support. The first and second cartridge supports are arranged to be movable relative to one another from an open position for insertion or removal of a cartridge into the seat to a closed position for passing heated liquid through such a cartridge. At least one support (20) of the cartridge supports (20, 30) is hydraulically actuatable and movable into the closed position by the liquid injection arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a drip filter coffee maker that includes features to improve the taste of the brewed coffee and to enhance to ease of use. In one embodiment, an integral plate burr grinder sends coffee ground down a coffee chute that feeds the filter cone. A chute door at the end of the coffee chute prevents vapours or condensation from entering the coffee chute. In another embodiment, the eject tray that carries the filter cone may be coupled with a dampened spring biasing mechanism which moderates the eject motion. Further, a pivot float may be provided within the carafe so that the user may read the carafe fill level easily.

Abstract: Brewing unit (1) for use in a beverage maker which is adapted to make a beverage on the basis of interaction between a beverage extract and an extracting fluid, the brewing unit (1) comprising a chamber (2) for receiving and accommodating a quantity of beverage extract, a lid movable between an open and closed state for opening and closing the chamber (2), and outlet means (5) for letting out fluid from the chamber (2), wherein the outlet means (5) comprise a first outlet passage (6) and means (7) for restricting an outlet flow in the first outlet passage (6), wherein the outlet means (5) furthermore comprise a second outlet passage (8), and wherein the brewing unit (1) further comprises means interacting with the lid so as to block the outlet flow to the second outlet passage (8) when the lid is in a closed state and to allow a free outlet flow from the chamber (2) to the second outlet passage (8) when the lid is in an open state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing a drink extracted from a capsule, including a capsule mounting and a capsule housing, inside of which at least one water inlet and a capsule-boring means are arranged, characterized in that said housing is sized so as to at least partially deform any capsule, consisting of a material that is deformable when placed in contact with hot water and placed in the housing, such that the capsule is retained in the housing after the contact thereof with the hot water.

Abstract: An infusion device for infusion capsules, particularly for espresso coffee machines, comprising a filter basket holder cylinder and a piston which can move with respect to each other from a configuration for loading and unloading at least one capsule for infusions into or from the filter basket holder cylinder to a dispensing configuration and vice versa, the device comprising first elements for movement of at least one of the filter basket holder cylinder and the piston for their first relative movement from the loading and unloading configuration to an intermediate configuration that is comprised between the loading and unloading configuration and the dispensing configuration and vice versa, and second elements for moving at least one of the filter basket holder cylinder and the piston for a second relative movement thereof from the intermediate configuration to the dispensing configuration and vice versa.

Abstract: An automatic coffee maker comprises a tube valve which has a passage tube for liquids and/or gases and a control device for controlling a throughput through the passage tube. The tube valve is improved by a direction changing device which changes an orientation of the passage tube during operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerating wine includes a tap assembly connected to a wine container that maintains wine. Such an apparatus can further include a spout with at least one venturi, wherein said venturi aerates wine by puffing air into said wine. The wine container can be configured as a wine box with a wine bag. The spout with the venturi can be integrated with the tap assembly. Wine from the wine container flows generally through the spout. The tap assembly can include a knob that controls a flow of wine from the wine container.

Abstract: Apparatus manufactures thin confectionery products with uniform shapes and has first and second drying apparatuses between shape cutting and baking apparatuses for adjusting water content of raw dough pieces. The first drying apparatus has upper and lower levels, the upper level having conveyor belts at plural stages for transporting the dough pieces under hot air atmosphere and the lower level having conveyor belt for cooling, and conveyor belt for maturing the cooled pieces. The second drying apparatus has atmosphere at lower temperature than the first drying apparatus and plural rotary drums each having an inlet and an outlet and being rotatably mounted in the second apparatus. A chute transports the raw dough pieces from uppermost to lowermost ones of the rotary drums.

Abstract: A steam generation device is placed at a lower portion of a side wall of a heating chamber. A steam jet-out part is placed upper than the steam generation device of the side wall of the heating chamber with a distance from the steam generation device. Thus, even if bumping has occurred within a water storage part of the steam generation device, causing boiling water to rush out from a steam supply port into a steam supply pipe, the boiling water is prevented from intruding into a steam jet-out part.

Abstract: A griddle pan comprises a pan body having sides and an inside bottom defining a perimeter at which the sides protrude upward from the inside bottom. The inside bottom has a center and an upper face on which protrude upwardly rising ribs upon which food to be grilled is laid. The ribs have outside ends disposed at a distance from the sides. The ribs have upper surfaces all lying in a same horizontal, non-curvilinear plane and define intervening spaces therebetween. In the intervening spaces between the ribs, the inside bottom slopes from the center to the outside ends of the ribs and toward the sides.

Abstract: A machine for toasting a marshmallow loaded on a pick and concurrently melting at least a portion of a chocolate bar provided on a separate support. A housing has an internal heat source, a rotatable pick holder shaped to removably and securely receive a pick and support the marshmallow in proximity to the heat source, and a coupling to rotate a so engaged pick. The coupling can be a manual control gearingly coupled to the pick holder. A moveable cover can support the heat source and place it in proximity with a marshmallow-bearing portion of the pick when in a closed position yet move aside for loading and unloading ingredients. A method for making s'mores toasts marshmallows while actively melting chocolate and provides for selective rotation of the marshmallow within the housing during the toasting step by moving a control that is safely disposed exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a non-Newtonian fluid product including a non-Newtonian fluid base product including at least one second phase is disclosed. A second phase dispersion apparatus is disclosed which receives the at least one second phase and the non-Newtonian fluid base product and disperses the at least one second phase within the non-Newtonian fluid base product to produce the non-Newtonian fluid product.

Abstract: A spool of banding material orbits a product to be banded, with the banding material unwinding from the orbiting spool and about the product to form a band about the product As the spool unwinds banding material, the shaft or other structure supporting the spool continuously urges the spool in the rewinding direction, thereby enhancing the tension on the unwinding banding material When initiating a band, gripping fingers grasp an end of the unspooled banding material and hold it adjacent the object being banded as the spool orbits the object and wraps the object and the fingers The fingers then slip out from between the object and the forming band, preferably with the assistance of a blast of pressurized air, and grasp the unspooling banding material between the spool and the banded object The length of banding material extending to the object is cut.

Abstract: A flexible die (1) is for use in an embossing apparatus. The embossing apparatus includes a pair of flexible bases (2a, 2b) wound around a pair of respective cylindrical rollers disposed in opposing arrangement. A processed sheet (S) is passed through between the pair of cylindrical rollers so as to carry out Braille embossing. The pair of flexible bases (2a, 2b) include a female flexible base (2a) and a male flexible base (2b) that are configured to mate with one another. The male flexible base (2b) includes male projections (3b) corresponding to a Braille character to be formed on the processed sheet (S). The female flexible base (2a) includes female projections (3b) including depressions (30) configured to fit with the respective male projections (3b).

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment for printing on containers (B), such as bottles, having a printed design (D) on at least one printing machine having at least one print head (1), and is characterised in that the at least one print head (1) is automatically adjustable by means of an electrical controller. An adjustment value from the controller moves the print head (1) according to spatial co-ordinates and/or an angular position into a position that is determined or calculated by means of a measuring device having e.g. sensors from the surface contour and the position relative to the print head (1) of the container (B) to be printed upon.

Abstract: A state of a print head is checked by printing a plurality of images in order on a sheet fed from a sheet feeding unit, and reading the printed images. A region that is inappropriate for performing printing on the fed sheet is detected. When the inappropriate region has been detected, printing the images is stopped and the sheet is cut. Of the cut sheets, the sheet at an upstream is sent back to the sheet feeding unit. Subsequently, the sheet is again fed to perform printing and conduct a test.

Abstract: A screen printing mesh including a plurality of octagonal first openings and a plurality of polygonal second openings, each of the second openings being disposed between the first openings, wherein an inner angle between a first line segment of each of the second openings and an adjacent second line segment is 90 degrees or greater.

Abstract: A base material 10 for screen printing includes a screen 12, a resist layer 30 of resist material and a protective film 22.

Abstract: This invention discloses an offset printing press for printing securities, which includes an offset printing unit, inspection camera unit, and sheet quality determination unit. The offset printing unit prints a ground tint pattern on a transported paper sheet. The inspection camera unit is arranged upstream of the offset printing unit in the direction in which the paper sheet is transported, and captures an image of the paper sheet. The sheet quality determination unit determines the quality of the paper sheet based on image data output from the inspection camera unit.

Abstract: A printing apparatus sequentially prints a plurality of images on a first surface of a sheet, and then sequentially prints a plurality of images on a second surface that is a back surface of the first surface. When a state of a printing unit is determined not to be normal when printing on the first surface, the printing apparatus executes processing for maintenance by using a sheet different from the sheet used for printing on the first surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a negative lithographic printing plate precursor including a support and an image-recording layer, wherein a layer containing a star polymer is provided between the support and the image-recording layer, and the star polymer is preferably a polymer in which from 3 to 10 polymer chains are branched from a central skeleton.

Abstract: Negative-working lithographic printing plate precursors can be imaged and then processed using a single processing solution in a processing apparatus without rinsing or gumming before the resulting lithographic printing plates are used for printing. The single processing solution (developer) comprises at least 2.5 weight % of a nonionic surfactant having an HLB value greater than 15 and at least 5 weight % of a polar organic solvent. Processing is accomplished without replenishment and reduced sludge formation is seen at the end of the processing cycle.

Abstract: There is provided an intaglio printing ink that causes little set-off, exhibits improved chalking resistance, and attains improved print quality, and which permits low-cost prevention of blocking by low-dose irradiation with ultraviolet light. The intaglio printing ink comprises at least an ultraviolet curable composition, an oxidation polymerizable composition, a photopolymerization initiator, an oxidation polymerization catalyst, and a pigment. An acid-modified epoxy-acrylate prepared by reacting a polybasic acid anhydride with an epoxy-acrylate obtained by reacting an acrylate, having two or more acryloyl groups and one carboxyl group in one molecule, with an epoxy compound, having two or more epoxy rings in one molecule, is used as the ultraviolet curable composition.

Abstract: Embodiments of an initiator support assembly that includes an initiator housing including an initiator cavity system are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a bridge substrate is positioned within the initiator cavity. The bridge substrate includes a substrate base including a uniform first planar surface and an opposed second surface. The bridge substrate further includes a first bridge contact extending over the substrate base. The first bridge contact is substantially flush with the first planar surface. A second bridge contact extends over the substrate base. The second bridge contact is substantially flush with the first planar surface. The first and second bridge contacts and the uniform first planar surface form a continuous planar mounting surface. An explosive charge, positioned within the initiator cavity, includes a charge mounting surface that is continuously coupled in surface-to-surface contact across the continuous planar mounting surface.

Abstract: A perforating system having a perforating gun with shaped charges, a chassis sub, a communication line in communication with a controller and extending through the chassis sub and perforating gun, a selectively opened and closed continuity switch in the communication line, a lead line connecting the communication line to a detonator, and an arming switch in the lead line. A method of testing the detonator involves confirming electrical continuity through the detonator.

Abstract: A Safe-and-Arm system for the prevention of unintentional operation of an explosive device by interrupting a detonation train, the system employing an interruptive transfer assembly made of silicon and suitable for implementing in a MEMS device, the assembly including a silicon based transfer charge carrier on a porous explosive passageway made by etching, the passageway extending between at least two ports on the circumference of the transfer assembly, and a drive means that can mechanically bring about at least one armed state of a detonation train.

Abstract: Ammunition, consisting generally of a casing, propellant, projectile and primer, is entirely coated with a coating that renders the ammunition resistant to infiltration by moisture or deleterious matter, such as sand or salt, that have the effect of fouling the propellant or otherwise causing the ammunition to misfire or not fire properly. Methods of making ammunition in accordance with the invention are described.

Abstract: An aerodynamic projectile is provided having a shell with an aerodynamic structure and a controlled center of gravity, and which exhibits improved aerodynamics and resulting accuracy, and which is suitable for less lethal uses. The projectile shell has a closed front cavity housing a payload, such as a marking agent, therein. The projectile shell also has an open rear portion to provide access to the open rear cavity, and to decrease the weight of the projectile and appropriately locate the center of gravity. The projectile shell also includes a plurality of fins on a sidewall member to enhance the accuracy of the projectile.

Abstract: A segmenting slug has a body having a generally dome-shaped forward portion, a generally cylindrical rearward portion, and an opening in the rear of the body forming an interior chamber. There are a plurality of generally radially extending notches in the dome-shaped forward portion of the slug, and a longitudinally extending groove in the wall of the interior chamber substantially aligned with each notch.

Abstract: A metal-sealing material-feedthrough for igniters includes: a base body including a feedthrough opening, a front side, and a back side, the base body configured such that a ratio of a thickness of the base body to a maximum dimension of the feedthrough opening vertical to an axis direction of the feedthrough opening is in a range of approximately 0.5 to 2.5, the base body having a thickness between 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm; a sealing material; and a metal pin which is located in the feedthrough opening, the thickness being such that the base body is deformed under compression, the deformation adding an additional force to the sealing material such that the metal-sealing material-feedthrough is configured for avoiding a relative movement of the sealing material between the front side and the back side in a direction toward the back side relative to an inside circumference of the feedthrough opening.

Abstract: An anchor spreader apparatus and method for moving rail anchors, the anchor spreader apparatus has a mounting member, a rail clamp assembly and an anchor-engaging assembly. With the rail clamp assembly properly clamped to the rail, the anchor spreader apparatus is maintained in a proper and controlled position relative to the anchor as the anchor-engaging assembly is rotatably moved relative to the rail clamp assembly. The anchor spreader apparatus may be paired with a spike-pulling apparatus, whereby the anchor spreader apparatus and the spike-pulling apparatus simultaneously move the rail anchor and pull respective spikes.

Abstract: A system for guiding rails onto a rail train having rail cars with a plurality of vertically spaced rail support shelves includes upwardly opening guide channels extending from funnel members position at the end of the rail car to each shelf in alignment with the outermost rail receiving pockets of each shelf. A guide shoe with a horizontal roller recessed therein and projecting below the bottom of the shoe is mounted on the end of a rail threaded across the shelves and guide channels of the rail support car. An alternative guide shoe further includes vertically extending rollers projecting from the sides of the guide shoe.

Abstract: A drive system for a grid blower of a vehicle is provided. The system includes: an electrical bus, a grid of resistive elements connected to the electrical bus, the grid of resistive elements configured to thermally dissipate electrical power generated from braking of the vehicle, the electrical power being transmitted on the electrical bus to the grid of resistive elements, an electrical power modulation device configured to modify electrical power received from at least one of the electrical bus and the grid of resistive elements, and a grid blower motor coupled to an output of the electrical power modulation device, wherein a speed of the grid blower motor varies based on the electrical power that has been modified by the electrical power modulation device.

Abstract: A toy train car including a coupler or hitch. The coupler includes a first connector (e.g., socket) configured to be connected to the train car and a second connector (e.g., ball) configured to be connected to the train car. The first connector can be positioned in the front or rear of the train car. The second connector also can be positioned in the front or rear of the train car. Each train car can include a first connector and a second connector. The first and second connectors are configured to couple together to link a plurality of train cars together.

Abstract: A hopper car discharge section may be wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. Outflow is controlled by movable closure members. The hopper car has a plurality of hoppers of which two hoppers share a common ridge assembly. The ridge assembly forms a common mating and fit up location for the upper margins of the slope sheets of two lengthwise adjacent hoppers. The ridge assembly includes an horizontal center section and two end plates that angle upwardly outboard toward the top chords of the sidewalls. The ridge assembly stands proud of the upper margin of the respective adjacent slope sheets. A gusset is mounted between the adjacent slope sheets below the ridge plate such that the slope sheets and gusset form a reinforcement tube running across the car, the end plates forming the stems of a vertical T-section attached to the sidewall and overlapping the top chord.

Abstract: A railway hopper car is provided. The railway hopper car includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes first and second sidewalls, and first and second end walls. The lower portion includes at least two cargo wells and a longitudinal boundary extending between the cargo wells. The upper and lower portions define an interior volume of the hopper car. The railway hopper car further includes a roof panel and a first support assembly. The roof panel includes an access opening extending longitudinally over at least a portion of the cargo wells. The first support assembly is coupled to an inner surface of the first sidewall, and extends between a top edge and a bottom edge of the first sidewall. The first support assembly is positioned proximate to the longitudinal boundary, and is configured to only partially extend into the interior volume of the hopper car.