Abstract: It is describes a material in the form of lithium fluoride powder containing colour centres and the method for its preparation, by the formation of colour centres based on irradiating the powder with synchrotron radiation (light). The method involves mechanically reducing the size of the particles that form the LiF powder and the formation of colour centres therein by its exposure to synchrotron radiation. The so activated powder, which maintains the transparency characteristics of the original material if exposed to sunlight, can find wide use as an additive both in common printing inks and in pigments used in the artistic field to be used for the formation of marks on artefacts for anti-counterfeiting/identification purposes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved molding sand performance through use of recovered additives from the existing waste stream in a foundry. Sand, clay, and carbon-containing organic components are wet recovered from a green sand mold foundry dust recovery system. The sand and non-sand fractions may be further treated to reduce water content or adjust the levels of various components to generate a pre-mix additive for the generation of new green sand molds, that may display improved properties at ambient and high temperatures when compared to commonly employed traditional pre-mix. In some examples, pre-mixes having reduced sulfur content are obtained. In several embodiments, the non-sand fraction obtained from bag house dust or dust from mechanical reclamation includes increased levels of bentonite claim and carbon.

Abstract: A heatless method of manufacturing cold asphalt, such as for road repair and construction, that may be easily produced at or near a job site. The method includes the introduction of RAP (recycled asphalt and a small amount of new asphalt), additive oil, and optional sand lime (limestone powder) into mixing apparatus. The mixing apparatus includes one hopper for RAP, a live feed for additive oil, and optional live feed for lime, conveyors, and a controller that is programmed to determine the correct proportion of RAP, oil, and optional lime The invention also includes a product-by-process in which cold asphalt mix is produced. The end product is essentially non-toxic with little to no VOCs and HAPs, has long shelf-life, and is produced, stored, used, and compacted at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A heatless method for producing cold asphalt at a job site, such as for road repair and construction. The method includes mixing apparatus having one hopper for receiving screened RAP (recycled asphalt and a small amount of new asphalt), a live feed for additive oil, and another for optional lime (limestone powder), conveyors in which to convey the RAP, oil, and optional lime to a mixer. The mixer is controlled through a controller that is programmed to determine the correct proportion of RAP (recycled asphalt and a small amount of new asphalt), additive oil, and optional lime The mixing apparatus is compact in size to mount atop of a wheeled trailer for use at a construction site. The end product does not quickly harden, like that of hot asphalt, and is essentially non-toxic with little to no VOCs and HAPs, and is produced, stored, used, and compacted at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A heatless method of manufacturing cold asphalt, such as for road repair and construction, that may be easily produced at or near a job site. The method includes the introduction of RAP (recycled asphalt and a small amount of new asphalt), additive oil, and optional sand (silicates and/or sieved RAP) and lime (limestone powder) into mixing apparatus. The mixing apparatus includes two hoppers: one hopper for RAP and a second hopper for RAP or sand; a live feed for additive oil; and another for optional lime; conveyors; and a controller that is programmed to determine the correct proportion of RAP, optional sand, oil, and optional lime. The invention also includes a product-by-process in which cold asphalt mix is produced. The end product is essentially non-toxic with little to no VOCs and HAPs, has long shelf-life, and is produced, stored, used, and compacted at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A process for hot shaping a workpiece of metal or an intermetallic compound at a temperature of higher than about 1000° C. The method comprises at least partially coating the surface of the workpiece with a coating agent that comprises an oxide phase and an additive and/or an adhesive before processing the workpiece into a formed body or a rolling product. A coating agent for reducing the heat emission from the workpiece comprises a predominant amount of an oxide phase. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A pulverulent and mineral oil-free composition which is present as binary system and contains as main constituents a) from 5 to 40% by weight of at least one fatty acid derivative and/or fatty alcohol derivative, b) from 0.5 to 10% by weight of at least one silicone oil and c) from 20 to 85% by weight of at least one support material, with the components a) and h) having been applied to the support material c), is proposed. Suitable components a) are, in particular, fatty alcohol alkoxylates comprising ethylene oxide units and propylene oxide units. Polydimethylsiloxanes are particularly suitable representatives of silicone oils b). The support material c) is selected from the group consisting of chalk, dolomite, shell limestone and silica. The composition has a bimodal particle size distribution in the range from 10 to 120 ?m. Such compositions are used, in particular, as antifoams for dry mortar applications.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of cementing comprising: placing a settable composition into a well bore, the settable composition comprising unexpanded perlite, cement kiln dust, and water; and allowing the settable composition to set. Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of cementing comprising: placing a settable composition into a well bore, the settable composition comprising ground unexpanded perlite, Portland cement interground with pumicite, and water; and allowing the settable composition to set. Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises a settable composition comprising: ground unexpanded perlite; cement kiln dust; and water.

Abstract: A cementitious composition including at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material and at least one desugared molasses. A method of preparing a cementitious composition including forming a mixture of water, at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material and at least one desugared molasses. An admixture for cementitious compositions including: (i) at least one desugared molasses; and (ii) at least one alkanolamine and/or at least one polyhydroxyalkylamine.

Abstract: A cementitious material manufactured by a process including adding, after pyroprocessing, at least one desugared molasses to at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material during manufacture of the at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material. A method of manufacturing a cementitious material including adding, after pyroprocessing, at least one desugared molasses to at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material during manufacture of the at least one cementitious and/or pozzolanic material.

Abstract: A stand for supporting sound amplifiers, wherein the stand has a base for resting on a floor, an amplifier support platform on the base, the plane of said platform being slanted downwardly from front to rear, a back rest pivotally mounted on the base for pivoting between 0° and 90° to the plane of the platform, and cooperating stop means on the base and said back rest for stopping pivoting motion of the back rest beyond 90° to the plane of the platform, wherein the plane of the platform is below the plane of the back rest when the back rest is in a stored position lying adjacent the platform.

Abstract: A concealed 180° hinge for the movable connection of two parts between a collapsed state and a fully opened-out state of the parts has at least two U-shaped pivoting brackets. The hinge, which has the highest possible strength and also allows the two parts to be moved in relation to one another without any risk of collision, includes rotary pins of the two pivoting brackets on the one hinge part that are arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the part, which can be connected to this one hinge part. The rotary pins of the two pivoting brackets on the second hinge part are disposed in a plane located substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the part, which can be connected to this second hinge part.

Abstract: An aircraft table system includes a table member configured to move reversibly from an undeployed position to a deployed position, coupled to a movable sled member. The system may further include one or more rollers in conjunction with one or more guide rails to facilitate the motion of the sled member. The system may further include a spine member with one or more holes in conjunction with one or more bolts and one or more cables to hold the sled and table members in place. The system may further include a spine member in conjunction with one or more spring reel elements and one or more cables to impart an assisting or resisting force on the sled member.

Abstract: A pallet assembly includes an upper deck having an upper panel portion from which a plurality of ribs extend downward. A plurality of channels are formed in an underside of the upper deck. The pallet assembly includes a plurality of columns below the upper deck. A plurality of reinforcement assemblies, including an inner reinforcement member, are each received within an outer case. The inner reinforcement members are received in the channels in the upper deck.

Abstract: A disaster-proof data safe with multiple, insulated, surrounding solid structural metal walls for housing functioning digital electronic computing, data processing, data storage, communications and high power density blade server systems has one or more coaxial helical coil coolant tubes circulating a coolant liquid encircled around an interior hexahedral, housing space for removing heat generated in the housing space and insulating the housing space from sources of heat external to the safe. Features of the safe include a plurality of longitudinal heat sink bars thermally coupled to the encircling helical coil coolant tubes supported either by the helical coil coolant tubes or the interior structural metal sidewalls of the housing space. The helical coil coolant tubes and the heat sink bars are preferably composed from metals such as copper, aluminum and their alloys that have a high thermal conductivity and that retain structural integrity at temperature ranging up to 500° C.

Abstract: An intrusion deterrence accessory device for an enclosure having an original door or panel for limiting access to the enclosure includes a replacement door or panel for the enclosure, the door or panel being directly substitutable for the original door or panel; a dispenser for a deterrence substance operably mounted to the replacement door or panel; and an intrusion sensor operably mounted to the replacement door, wherein the dispenser is operable to dispense the deterrence substance when an intrusion is sensed by the intrusion sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for constantly supplying pulverized fuel at ambient or increased pressure includes a restrictable pulverized fuel control valve in the pulverized fuel feed line connecting the swirl layer of a dispensing vessel with a pulverized fuel collector is provided. This pulverized fuel control valve effects a compensation for and also attenuation of the pressure fluctuations, as occur in the pulverized fuel feed line, particularly during refill processes of the dispensing vessel. Special embodiments relate to a further homogenization by a fixed throttle facility and also auxiliary gas feeds into the pulverized fuel feed line.

Abstract: An apparatus for constant feeding of pulverized fuels at ambient or elevated pressure having a fixed restrictor device in the pulverized fuel conveyor line connecting a metering vessel to a pulverized fuel consumer is provided. The restrictor device effects a compensation and also attenuation of pressure fluctuations such as occur in the pulverized fuel conveyor line, in particular during operations to replenish the metering vessel. Special embodiments relate to a further equalization by means of injections of auxiliary gas into the pulverized fuel conveyor line.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling air flow to a metering system is provided. One agricultural cart for distribution of an agricultural product in a field includes a metering system having a plurality of metering sections. At least one metering section is selectively controllable to not meter product while at least one other metering section is metering product. The agricultural cart also includes an air conveyance system having a blower and a conduit for producing and directing an air stream for moving the metered product toward a distribution device. The agricultural cart includes control circuitry configured to alter operation of the air conveyance system based upon whether the at least one metering section is metering or not metering product.

Abstract: A sectioned metering system and method is provided. One metering system for distributing an agricultural product in a field includes a drive input and a rotary shaft assembly coupled to the drive input and configured to be driven in rotation by the drive input. The metering system also includes a first metering section driven by the rotary shaft assembly and at least two additional metering sections. Each additional metering section is selectively engageable to drive the respective additional metering section by the rotary shaft assembly. Each additional metering section is also selectively disengageable to interrupt driving of the respective additional metering section by the rotary shaft assembly while the first metering section remains driven.

Abstract: A direct drive electric seed metering system is provided for use with a row crop planter or seed planter that intakes a volume of multiple seeds from a seed hopper, draws individual seeds from the volume of multiple seeds and discharges them into a seed furrow formed in an agricultural field. The direct drive electric seed metering system includes a meter assembly having a meter housing and a seek disk rotatably mounted concentrically in the housing for singulating the seeds. A direct drive mechanism is mounted to the meter assembly for interfacing and driving the seek disk at an angular velocity which corresponds to the travel velocity of the seed planter. A single seed planter can have multiple direct drive electric seed metering systems, and each of the multiple direct drive electric seed metering systems preferably has its own prime mover to effectuate driving the seek disk.

Abstract: A pair of paddle closing wheels are adapted to be coupled to a frame structure that is coupled to a planter unit pulled by a motive power source. The paddle closing wheels are rotatably attached to the frame structure and are adapted to engage the soil. Fingers extend from the paddle closing wheel in a radial direction and include paddles that are coupled to the fingers. Once the seed is deposited in the soil the paddle closing wheels move the soil to cover up the seeds.

Abstract: A tufting machine is configured with yarn drives having two spaced apart yarn bearing surfaces each substantially wrapped with a yarn and may have only half the needles and yarn drives customarily employed, with the needles being shifted to cover two gauge positions, thereby providing single and yarn control with reduced capital cost.

Abstract: A watercraft having a hull, a mast with sail, an aft rudder and a hydrofoil projecting below the bottom of the hull. The hydrofoil is pivotly connected to the hull enabling the hydrofoil to pitch on a pivot axis which is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hull. The hydrofoils have a vertical part which produces lateral forces to accelerate the boat in turns and resist lateral forces from the sail, and a vertical portion which curves into the horizontal portion which produces vertical lift. The angle of incidence of the hydrofoil is controlled by a sensor arm carrying a trailing sensor.

Abstract: A hull design configured for use in combination with at least one outboard motor disposed within a motor compartment formed at the stern of the boat to operatively enclose the outboard motor having an air flow system to direct the flow of air to the engine of the outboard motor during operation thereof and an idle exhaust system to direct the flow of exhaust gases from the motor compartment when the engine of the outboard is at idle while permitting the outboard motor to be trimmed or tilted and rotated for directional control of the boat and a directional fluid flow control to channel or direct water flow to the propeller of the outboard motor during operation thereof.

Abstract: Floating platform (1) having a flat cover element (2) and a sealing element (3), which is connected to the cover element (2), makes a sealing contact with a liquid surface (4) during operation and encloses a closed cavity (5) together with the cover element (2) and the liquid surface (4) or a bottom surface, in which cavity (5) an overpressure which supports the cover element (2) can be produced by a compressed-air production apparatus (5?), with at least one circumferential wall (6) being provided as the sealing element (3), and having a sealing section (3?) which projects into the liquid during operation.

Abstract: A film-forming apparatus and method comprising a film-forming chamber for supplying a reaction gas into, a cylindrical shaped liner provided between an inner wall of the film-forming chamber and a space for performing a film-forming process, a main-heater for heating a substrate placed inside the liner, from the bottom side, a sub-heater cluster provided between the liner and the inner wall, for heating the substrate from the top side, wherein the main-heater and the sub-heater cluster are resistive heaters, wherein the sub-heater cluster has a first sub-heater provided at the closest position to the substrate, and a second sub-heater provided above the first sub-heater, wherein the first sub-heater heats the substrate in combination with the main-heater, the second sub-heater heats the liner at a lower output than the first sub-heater, wherein each temperature of the main-heater, the first sub-heater, and the second sub-heater is individually controlled.

Abstract: An epitaxial substrate is provided, the epitaxial substrate is used to grow epitaxial layer. The epitaxial substrate includes a base having a number of grooves to form a patterned epitaxial growth surface. The patterned epitaxial growth surface is referred as an epitaxial growth surface. A carbon nanotube layer covers on the epitaxial growth surface, and the carbon nanotube layer corresponding to the grooves is suspended on the epitaxial substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cluster tool for processing semiconductor substrates. One embodiment of the present invention provides a mainframe for a cluster tool comprising a transfer chamber having a substrate transferring robot disposed therein. The substrate transferring robot is configured to shuttle substrates among one or more processing chambers directly or indirectly connected to the transfer chamber. The mainframe further comprises a shutter disk shelf configured to store one or more shutter disks to be used by the one or more processing chambers, wherein the shutter disk shelf is accessible to the substrate transferring robot so that the substrate transferring robot can transfer the one or more shutter disks between the shutter disk shelf and the one or more processing chambers directly or indirectly connected to the transfer chamber.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for targeted and individualized delivery of multiple skin benefit agents to the skin of a user. The image of a predetermined treatment area of the user's skin is first captured by an imaging device. The captured image data is then analyzed by a computing device to generate a unique skin profile for the user, which is indicative of the skin conditions at the predetermined treatment area. Based on such skin profile, a printing device prints out one or more cosmetic delivery sheets that can be applied to the predetermined treatment area. Each of the cosmetic delivery sheets contains a substrate with multiple isolate, discrete regions, while at least two of the regions are imprinted with different skin benefit agents for treating different skin conditions of the predetermined treatment area according to the unique skin profile of the user.

Abstract: A painting system according to the embodiments includes a painting booth surrounded by a ceiling and a sidewall, a conveyor line that is arranged in the painting booth and conveys an object to be painted, and a painting robot that performs painting on the object. The painting robot includes a base portion fixed on the sidewall side in the painting booth, and an arm portion that is connected to the base portion and has a seven-axis configuration.

Abstract: Provided is a mask frame assembly for thin-film deposition. The mask frame assembly including a mask frame having an opening defined therethrough, the mask frame configured to retain a mask, at least one supporter configured to contact the mask for supporting the mask, and a fixing unit coupled to the supporter and the mask frame.

Abstract: An electronic device having an electrode with enhanced injection properties comprising a first electrode and a first layer of cross-linked molecular charge transfer material on the first electrode. The cross-linked molecular charge transfer material may be an acceptor, which may consist of at least one of: TNF, TN9(CN)2F, TeNF, TCNB, DCNQ, and TCAQ. The cross-linked molecular charge transfer material may also be a donor, which may consist of at least one of: Terpy, Ru(terpy)2 TTN, and crystal violet.

Abstract: A batch type processing apparatus for simultaneously processing a plurality of target objects to be processed, includes a main chamber; a plurality of stages, arranged in the main chamber in a height direction of the main chamber, for mounting thereon the target objects; and a plurality of covers, provided to the stages, for covering the target objects mounted on the stages. The stages and the covers surround the target objects mounted on the stages, thereby forming small processing spaces each of which has a capacity smaller than a capacity of the main chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma processing apparatus which performs plasma processing under substantially atmospheric pressure to a non-planar subject to be processed. In the plasma processing apparatus, a pair of conductive wires are disposed at an interval of 1 mm or less on a dielectric board that conforms with the shape of the subject, the conductive wires are covered with a dielectric thin film having a thickness of 1 mm or less by, for instance, thermally spraying a dielectric material over the conductive wires, and plasma is generated along the shape of subject by applying high-frequency power to the pair of conductive wires.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a polymer layer containing nanomaterial on a substrate material includes a carrier for carrying the substrate material; a transport structure for providing a polymerization material near a surface of the substrate material and conducting a gas flow near the surface of the substrate material with the gas flow comprising a nanomaterial; and a plasma chamber wherein a plasma electrode structure is arranged for depositing the polymer layer containing nanomaterial on the surface of the substrate material by applying a plasma polymerization process.

Abstract: A method for positioning wafers in dual wafer transport, includes: simultaneously moving first and second wafers placed on first and second end-effectors to positions over lift pins protruding from first and second susceptors, respectively; and correcting the positions of the first and second wafers without moving any of the lift pins relative to the respective susceptors or without moving the lift pins relative to each other, wherein when the first and second wafers are moved to the respective positions, the distance between the first wafer and tips of the lift pins of the first susceptor is substantially smaller than the distance between the second wafer and tips of the lift pins of the second susceptor.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a gas distribution system may include a body disposed within a through hole formed in a process chamber body, the body comprising an opening, wherein an outer surface of the body is disposed a first distance from an inner surface of the through hole to form a first gap; a flange disposed proximate a first end of the body, the flange having an outer dimension greater than an inner dimension of the through hole; a showerhead disposed proximate a second end of the body opposite the first end and extending outwardly from the body to overlap a portion of the process chamber body, the showerhead configured to allow a flow of gas to an inner volume of the process chamber, wherein an outer surface of the showerhead is disposed a second distance from an inner surface of the process chamber body to form a second gap.

Abstract: The apparatus for producing a single crystal is an apparatus for producing a silicon carbide single crystal including the crucible configured to house the seed crystal containing silicon carbide and the raw material for sublimation arranged opposite the seed crystal and used for growing the seed crystal. The crucible includes the crucible body configured to house the raw material for sublimation and the lid configured such that the seed crystal is arranged on the lid, and the thickness of the lid at the center area thereof corresponding to the radial center portion of the seed crystal is set to be larger than the thickness of the lid at the peripheral area thereof corresponding to a portion located radially outside the radial center portion of the seed crystal.

Abstract: A flow inlet element (22) for a chemical vapor deposition reactor (10) is formed from a plurality of elongated tubular elements (64, 65) extending side-by-side with one another in a plane transverse to the upstream to downstream direction of the reactor. The tubular elements have inlets for ejecting gas in the downstream direction. A wafer carrier (14) rotates around an upstream to downstream axis. The gas distribution elements may provide a pattern of gas distribution which is asymmetrical with respect to a medial plane (108) extending through the axis.

Abstract: Compositions for nematode growth and methods for using the same for nematode viability are described. The compositions contain a solid matrix material that is dispersed in a liquid medium. The solid matrix can be immersed, bathed, and/or interspersed in a liquid medium to form a composite culture that is capable of maintaining or growing nematodes at unexpectedly high densities and/or with nominal stress pathway activity. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: There are provided a method of and arrangement for automatically milking an animal by use of an automatic milking system comprising a plurality of teat cups, a robot arm for automatic attachment of the teat cups and a control system arranged to control the milking system, wherein the teat cups are used, until a defect is established with a teat cup. In that case, milking of the non-milked teat is automatically taken over with the first teat cup that has stopped milking.

Abstract: A dip cup 10 comprises a cup 12 for receiving a teat, the cup 12 being connected or connectable to a supply of teat treating liquid including a foaming agent, foaming elements 34, 36 for mixing air and the teat treating liquid to produce foam, and a regulator device 16 for setting an air-to-liquid ratio. The regulator device 16 is selectable or adjustable based on the teat treating liquid, so that a specified air-to-liquid ratio is achieved.

Abstract: A milking liner for an automated milking machine includes a barrel that moves between an uncollapsed position and a collapsed condition when it is subjected to a vacuum milking condition. The barrel defines at least three parallel channels open to the inner surface of the barrel. The configuration of the sidewall of the barrel and the channels cause the barrel to uniformly collapse when the barrel is subjected to a vacuum milking condition. In one configuration, ribs protrude from the barrel sidewall and define channels with the same wall thickness as the sidewall segments disposed between the ribs.

Abstract: A system and method is described for determining, based on one or more variables, the appropriate amount of food to dispense in order to implement weight management individually tailored to one or more pets. Based on the one or more variables, a predefined weight of food is determined that should be dispensed in a container during a given time interval. If the current weight of the food within the container has reached a threshold weight, then no additional food is added to the container during the given time interval. However, if it is determined that the threshold has not been reached, then more food is added to the container. The process is repeated during the given time interval until the threshold is reached, and then optionally again for additional given time intervals.

Abstract: A pet feeding system that includes a dish assembly configured to regulate intake of food by a pet, such as a cat. The dish assembly includes a housing and a cooperating food-dispensing receptacle that dispenses food into a food-receiving chamber within the housing permitting a pet to access food in the chamber through at least one feeder port that only permits a paw of the pet to reach within the housing to get some food, while preventing direct access to the food by the head or muzzle of the pet. A lip can be provided adjacent the feeder port that provides an obstacle to free withdrawal of the food out of the feeder port.

Abstract: Embodiments of a portable and modular pet station include a mobile storage cabinet, an exterior surface, and a feeding unit. The mobile storage cabinet has at least one opening to access an interior storage space within the storage cabinet. The mobile storage cabinet has a plurality of wheels to facilitate movement of the mobile storage cabinet on an underlying surface. The exterior surface of at least one panel of the storage cabinet provides a mounting surface. The feeding unit is attached to the mounting surface of the exterior surface of the storage cabinet. The feeding unit includes at least one structural member to retain food in an accessible arrangement for access by an animal.

Abstract: A cat litter box assembly includes a plurality of stackable pans having sloped sides and a filtering mechanism for sifting pet waste from clean litter. The filtering mechanism includes a grate having offset openings in a bottom and side of each pan. The openings are staggered such that openings in an upper pan are on an opposite side from openings in a lower pan to ensure a solid structure which maintains both pet waste and litter therein.

Abstract: An absorbent pad which contains five separate layers of fabric which include as a central layer, bamboo ingredients that are instrumental in absorbing the moisture and eliminating odor and germs from animal urine and feces.

Abstract: A finfish aquaculture containment pen having a plurality of panels that when joined together form the majority of the exterior surface of the containment pen. The panels each comprise tension-hearing mesh material forming the exterior surface of the containment pen, a plurality of compression-bearing struts extending along the boundaries between panels, wherein the mesh material is attached to the struts along the lengths of the struts, and a plurality of hubs at which a plurality of struts and the corners of a plurality of panels abut each other. The panels can form a polyhedral structure. The mesh can comprise coated wire mesh. The struts can be curved members with convex curvature.