Abstract: A process extracts and reclaims the components of an asphalt-based material having as constituents at least asphalt and one or more solid materials. A solvent for asphalt dissolves the asphalt constituent to form a slurry of asphalt-solvent liquid and the solid materials. The liquid and the solids in the slurry are then separated. The liquid is separated into solvent and asphalt. The solids, when of more than one type, are separated into at least one pure constituent solid. In a preferred embodiment, the process runs in a continuous mode with the various materials flowing as streams into spaces where steps of the process operate. The process can be used for both worn roofing shingles and for asphalt paving.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system or method for efficiently manufacturing construction materials using carbon nanomaterials. In one or more embodiments, the method comprises creating a blend of carbon nanomaterials, wherein the blend of the carbon nanomaterials includes at least one of a carbon nanofiber, a carbon nanotube, a graphite nanoparticle and an amorphous carbon. The method also includes dispersing the carbon nanomaterials and adding a plasticizer and a sand to the dispersed mixture within 3 minutes. The method also includes adding at least one of water and a cement binding agent to the dispersed mixture after the plasticizer and the sand have been added.

Abstract: A Performance Grade sulfur-extended asphalt binder emulsion is made by combining a viscosifier, an emulsifier, a Performance Grade sulfur-extended asphalt binder, optionally a saponification agent, and a base aqueous solution. During creation of the asphalt emulsion, none of the components or combinations of them exceeds 275° F. A Performance Grade sulfur-extended asphalt binder emulsion residue is made by treating the Performance Grade sulfur-extended asphalt binder emulsion using the Texas Department of Transportation Evaporation Recovery Procedure. A Performance Grade sulfur-extended asphalt binder composition is made by combining free or element sulfur, a linear alkane material, optionally a saturated-backbone polymer modifier, optionally a non-aqueous acid, and a base asphalt. During creation of the asphalt binder, none of the components or combinations of them exceeds 275° F.

Abstract: A composition used for high-strength impermeable concrete. The composition contains sand, stone, cement, water reducer, water and reinforced impermeable sand. The reinforced impermeable sand includes aeolian sand and binder covering the surface of the aeolian sand. The reinforced impermeable sand can fill the gap between the sand and the stone, and well combine various components in the composition, and suppress the seepage phenomenon of the molded concrete, thereby greatly improving the strength and impermeability of the concrete.

Abstract: Provided are cementitious compositions and related systems and methods. The cementitious compositions, or admixtures, according to the present invention generally comprise gypsum, a first alkaline component and glass. The admixture may further comprise fly ash, which is preferably obtained as a waste by-product from a coal-burning power plant. A method according to the present invention comprises an initial step of analyzing or receiving an analysis of a fly ash sample. Based at least in part on the analysis of the fly ash sample, a mix rate may be selected and an initial admixture can be formulated, which, when added to the fly ash sample, creates an alternative or additive to Portland cement for use in concrete, for example.

Abstract: A concrete mixture that includes aggregates, water and cement can include heavy oil ash instead of or in addition to a portion of the cement. In one embodiment, the heavy oil ash originates from heavy fuel oil burned in a power generation plant. The weight of the heavy oil ash used in the concrete mixture can be from greater than 0 to about 10% of the weight of the cement.

Abstract: A honeycomb table, including an upper skin tapped with holes for mounting equipments, a lower skin with a plurality of holes, a honeycomb core layer, connecting side walls, a number of cups and funnels in honeycomb core cells one-to-one. The cups are positioned on the holes in the lower skin. The cups and funnels prevent contaminants and residue from reaching the the interior of the honeycomb core, such that the honeycomb can be continuously maintained in a clean working condition.

Abstract: A convertible table has a modesty panel pivotally coupled to a tabletop by a hinge fixed to the tabletop. The modesty panel is slidably coupled to the hinge and movable towards and away from the tabletop.

Abstract: A folding table has a leg pivotally coupled to a bottom of a tabletop. A pair of links is pivotally coupled together and pivotally coupled in series between the tabletop and the leg. The pair of links, the tabletop and the leg form a four-bar, four-pivot linkage, including four pivots and four bars defined between the pivots. The bars of the linkage are sized and the pivots of the linkage are located to resist movement of the linkage through an intermediate binding configuration between open and closed configurations.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to burner assembly for use in an aggregate drying facility having requisite ultra-low nitrogen oxide emissions. In one embodiment, a burner assembly comprises a single burner apparatus having a centrifugal blower, a transition section, and a frustoconical stabilizer cone from which a flame may exit the burner assembly; a combustible fuel line having a first end connected to a fuel source, and a second end connected to a nozzle for delivering fuel to a combustion chamber within the single burner apparatus; a compressed air line having a first end connected to a compressed air source, and a second end connected to a nozzle for delivering compressed air to the combustion chamber; and a water line having a first end connected to a water source and a second end connected to a nozzle for delivering water to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a seeding implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame, and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, wherein the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool, wherein the packer wheel is positioned directly behind the ground engaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging a soil region. Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured to shift the packer wheel rearwardly upon the ground engaging tool encountering an obstruction and to shift the packer wheel forwardly after the obstruction has been passed by the ground engaging tool.

Abstract: Agricultural devices, row unit adjustment systems, and methods of adjusting a depth of a furrow are provided. In some aspects, an agricultural device is adapted to plant seeds and includes a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame and adapted to cut a furrow including a depth, a sensor adapted to sense a characteristic associated with planting seeds and generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic, and a processing unit receiving the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. The depth of the furrow is adjustable based on the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. Such characteristic may be a characteristic of the soil, a force applied to the agricultural device, or a position of a portion of the agricultural device.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for sensor-based sailboat sails, including a device to detect whether a flow on a sail is attached or separated including a flow separation sensor; a device using data from the separation sensor to trim the sail; a wind history device for storing a history of wind conditions on the sail; a UV-exposure sensor for measuring UV-exposure on the sail; an acceleration sensor to measure an attitude of the sail; a stress or strain sensor to measure stretch and loading of the sail; an energy supply to provide energy to the sensors; and a data display to show data from the sensors to a user.

Abstract: Clean energy powered surfboard having various advantages that make for easy to learn, easy to use, safe, exciting, high performance, environmentally friendly surfing on any ocean wave in the world. The various embodiments include novel motor, turbine, or electric motor generator surfboards comprising hydrogen or electric-powered motors, which can be switch-activated and which drives jet pumps. Energy can be stored as compressed gas, including air and hydrogen. Energy can be stored in novel capacitors that are incorporated in the body of the surfboard. Energy can be generated by solar or water power while surfing or by passing waves, for example, while waiting for a big wave. An output jet provides thrust to catch a wave, to return to the wave breaks, or to avoid a hazard. A novel fin output jet increase stability and maximizes thrust. Self-contained, self-recharging embodiments are low cost, lightweight, safe, and good for the environment.

Abstract: A portlight for a marine vessel including a lens having an outer surface, an inner surface and a first sealing surface disposed at a first angle relative to the outer surface, wherein the first angle is greater than ninety degrees, a portlight frame having a flange, an extension and a second sealing surface disposed at a second angle relative to an outer surface of the flange, wherein the second angle is less ninety degrees and supplementary to the first angle, a sealing gasket disposed between the first and second sealing surfaces, and a hinge rotatably secured to the extension and fixedly secured to the lens, wherein rotation of the hinge to a closed position causes the first sealing surface to compress the sealing gasket against the second sealing surface in the absence of undesirable shearing of the gasket.

Abstract: A shallow water anchor is provided. The shallow water anchor comprises a first anchor extension and a second anchor extension axially received by a housing. The first anchor extension is axially received by the second anchor extension such that the first and second anchor extensions are sequentially deployable from the housing using an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement is controlled by a control interface that is operable to detect when the shallow water anchor has reached a fully extended state and fully retracted state. The shallow water anchor further includes a biasing compensator that compensates for fluctuations in the overall depth of water the anchor is deployed in due to waves or other anomalies.

Abstract: A shallow water anchor is provided. The shallow water anchor comprises a first anchor extension and a second anchor extension axially received by a housing. The first anchor extension is axially received by the second anchor extension such that the first and second anchor extensions are sequentially deployable from the housing using an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement is controlled by a control interface that is operable to detect when the shallow water anchor has reached a fully extended state and fully retracted state. The shallow water anchor further includes a biasing compensator that compensates for fluctuations in the overall depth of water the anchor is deployed in due to waves or other anomalies.

Abstract: A transportation apparatus for use as a towable watercraft is provided. The transportation device comprises a watercraft component, a mounting component, and an axle component. The transportation apparatus allows a single user to tow and portage the transportation apparatus with a standard bicycle.

Abstract: A multi-purpose boat has a two angle V hull with a rounded fore-aft profile and slightly convex deck. The hull has steeply angled edge portions and shallowly angled center portions. The edge portions are sufficiently sloped away from vertical to allow the boat to be lifted and not pushed by waves. The rounded fore-aft profile allows the boat to slide over waves, especially during a beach entry. The boat includes a keel having a horizontal base and separating downward from the hull at the fore and aft of the boat to resist yawing. The dry weight of the boat is about 25 pounds with a foam core with a resin coating and the keel is preferably hollow and includes ports to allow water to enter the keel to add about 25 pounds after entering the water. Approximately four inches of freeboard is provided separating riders from cold water and predators.

Abstract: A lightweight tender comprising a hull constructed from substantially a single piece of composite material and a retractable pillar attached to the hull, wherein the retractable pillar defines a longitudinally extending channel. A retractable carbon fiber bimini cover is pivotingly attached to the retractable pillar, and defines a top deck when the pillar is retracted, and defines a bimini top extended. A first end of a brace is hingedly attached to the bimini cover and a second end of the brace travels within the longitudinally extending channel of the retractable pillar such that the angle between the bimini cover and the retractable pillar increases as the brace travels distally within the longitudinally extending channel.

Abstract: A swim platform lift mechanism is disclosed, the mechanism mounted between the transom of a boat and a bottom surface of a swim platform. The lift mechanism provides a powered lifting/lowering of the swim platform from a retracted position that is level with the deck of the boat to a deployed position in which the swim platform is below the surface of the water surrounding the boat and from the retracted position to an up-and-over position in which the swim platform and its contents are positioned above and forward of the rear edge of the deck. The up-and-over position provides for an improved center of gravity when transporting a dingy on the swim platform.

Abstract: A swim platform lift mechanism is disclosed, the mechanism mounted between the transom of a boat and a bottom surface of a swim platform. The lift mechanism provides a powered lifting/lowering of the swim platform from a retracted position that is level with the deck of the boat to a deployed position in which the swim platform is below the surface of the water surrounding the boat and from the retracted position to an up-and-over position in which the swim platform and its contents are positioned above and forward of the rear edge of the deck. When in the retracted position, an adjustable stop interfaced to the swim platform abuts rest areas on lower arms of the lift mechanism, thereby providing structural support to the swim platform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus related to a swallowing indicator for a solid object that is not intended to be ingested is disclosed. The indicator can be integrated with solid objects such as batteries or children's toys. The indicator stains the tongue, lips, or other areas of the mouth or throat when the object is swallowed, thus warning a caretaker. The indicator can be attached to or integrated with a solid object. The indicator may further comprise a bitterant.

Abstract: A forensic marker for marking a cementitious material is disclosed including a marker that is added to the cementitious material and is detectable for at least the expected life of the cementitious material. The marker is inert with respect to the cementitious material in that it does not significantly affect the desired qualities of the cementitious material (e.g. weight, adhesive properties, structural integrity, etc). The marker is detectable, for example, by instruments, during the life of the cementitious material. Sample markers are fluorescent polyamide fibers, rayon fibers, metallic fibers, etc.

Abstract: Generally, an avian flight diverter fixed to an aerial line to divert the flight of birds. Specifically, an avian flight diverter having a body coupled to an avian flight diverting member having a first component and a second component generally a mirror image of the other joined in opposed fixed angled relation, each of the components of generally flat material having a first face and a second face having a surface area sufficient to divert flight of an avian animal when secured to an aerial line.

Abstract: A shroud is provided. The shroud may include: a body defining a hollow space within the body, wherein the body is open at a bottom portion of the body to permit fluid communication between the hollow space and the outside of the body; an inlet and an outlet providing fluid communication through the body to the hollow space; a top portion of the body configured to provide a barrier between the hollow space and the outside of the body; and a baffle plate attached to the bottom portion of the body. A method for adding silicon to a silicon melt may be provided.

Abstract: A film-forming method and apparatus for performing vapor phase growth reaction avoiding a substrate becoming adhered to a substrate supporting portion, comprising: placing a substrate on a substrate supporting portion in a film-forming chamber, supplying a source gas into the film-forming chamber while the substrate is rotating on a cylindrical portion for supporting the substrate supporting portion thereon, supplying a purge gas into the cylindrical portion and forming a film on the substrate while at least a part of the substrate is vibrating up and down on the substrate supporting portion by discharge of the purge gas from between the substrate and the substrate supporting portion. The vibration allowing the substrate to not become adhered to the substrate supporting portion, and thus increase throughput of the operation.

Abstract: An evaporation coating device includes a hollow main portion, a loading rack, a source material, and a mask. The loading rack is received in the main portion and mounted on a top plate of the main portion for carrying workpieces to be coated. The source material for evaporation is arranged on a bottom plate of the main portion. The mask is positioned between the loading rack and the source material and includes a mounting rod, two masking plates rotatably mounted on the mounting rod and an adjusting element engaged with the mounting rod and positioned between the two masking plates. The masking plates cooperatively constitute a masking surface and the two masking plates can be rotated by the adjusting element to change the shape of a contour of the masking surface.

Abstract: A system for epitaxial deposition of a Group III-V semiconductor material that includes gallium. The system includes sources of the reactants, one of which is a gaseous Group III precursor having one or more gaseous gallium precursors and another of which is a gaseous Group V component, a reaction chamber wherein the reactants combine to deposit Group III-V semiconductor material, and one or more heating structures for heating the gaseous Group III precursors prior to reacting to a temperature to decompose substantially all dimers, trimers or other molecular variations of such precursors into their monomer forms.

Abstract: The thin-film forming apparatus includes: a deposition vessel that includes a deposition space in which the thin film is formed on the substrate in a reduced-pressure state; a raw material gas introducing section configured to introduce a raw material gas for the thin-film into the deposition space of the deposition vessel; and a plasma electrode section configured to generate plasma using the raw material gas for the thin-film in the deposition space. The plasma electrode section is a plate member in which a current flows from one end surface to the other end surface, the plate member provided with, as a plasma generating electrode, an electrode plate including an outward portion and a return portion which allow the current to flow in parallel to each other by bending a direction of the current flowing through the plate member in mid-flow.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus comprises a processing chamber in which a plurality of substrates are stacked and accommodated; a pair of electrodes extending in the stacking direction of the plurality of substrates, which are disposed at one side of the plurality of substrates in said processing chamber, and to which high frequency electricity is applied; and a gas supply member which supplies processing gas into a space between the pair of electrodes.

Abstract: An indexing system for an in ovo injection apparatus is provided. Such an indexing system provides a positioning scheme for an egg carrier carrying a plurality of avian eggs to an injection assembly for injection thereof. The indexing system includes an initial stop provided to abut the trailing end of the egg carrier to form a first egg carrier position such that a first subset of the plurality of avian eggs is injected. An intermediate stop is provided to abut the trailing end of the egg carrier to form a second egg carrier position such that a second subset of the plurality of avian eggs is injected. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A hybrid cover for use in the construction of a pet bed that may make use of a used pillow for a cushioning member in conjunction with the hybrid cover in constructing the pet bed. The hybrid cover includes a bed portion and a flap portion that may be disposed in an overlapping and non-overlapping position with respect to the bed portion. A pillow may be provided in an interior space of the bed portion. The pillow may have a scent that is smellable at an exterior of the hybrid cover when a pet bed is constructed using the hybrid cover and the pillow.

Abstract: An improved animal feed dispenser is provided having a slow speed paddle wheel and a high speed distributor wheel. The high speed distributor wheel transports feed out of an opening in the device to spread it on the ground. The slow speed paddle wheel moves feed at a measured rate from a storage hopper and feeds it to the distributor wheel. A detachable mounting plate is used to attach the dispenser to a storage hopper, and is releasable therefrom without emptying the hopper of feed. The slow speed paddle wheel is formed from a material flexible enough to prevent feed jams caused by water absorption of the feed and other events.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing viscous animal food includes a container and a dispensing sheet. The container includes a cavity formed by a sidewall, a concave bottom, and an open top. The sheet includes a perforated transverse wall or web with a downwardly curving profile that conforms to the concave bottom and a flange extending downwardly from the perimeter of the web. Rails are disposed along the sidewall to, along with conforming recesses in the perimeter of the sheet, guide movement of the sheet in the cavity. The flange interacts with the sidewall to resist pivotal movement of the sheet. A channel is provided about the perimeter of the concave bottom to receive the flange and enable receipt of the web on the concave bottom. Food disposed on the concave bottom is extruded through the sheet by downward forces applied by an animal during eating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for brooding or growing poultry, wherein eggs of the first 3-5 layings of young animals, preferably hens younger than 29 weeks, usually starting from about 26 weeks, are collected and are hatched together, directly after hatching the hatched chicks are provided in crates with about 10-500 animals arranged in stacks in an incubator chamber, in which incubator chamber food and drinking are provided to each crate and the temperature, humidity, CO2 level and flow rate of air are controlled.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an edible animal toy comprising: a body, wherein the body consists of animal edible material; wherein the body comprises at least one hole opening into a hollow interior, wherein the hollow interior is configured to receive edible treats. Also disclosed herein is an edible animal toy prepared by the process of: mixing two or more edible ingredients to prepare a dough; shaping the dough in a shape of a body having a hollow interior; and baking the shaped dough to obtain the edible animal toy. Also disclosed herein is a method of preparing an edible animal toy, the method comprising: mixing two or more edible ingredients to prepare a dough; shaping the dough in a shape of a body having a hollow interior; and baking the shaped dough to obtain the edible animal toy.

Abstract: An animal toy having two end portions and a shaft releasably connectable between the two end portions has a treat-retaining portion located on the shaft. A method for adjusting a toy for an animal having a muzzle, front teeth and back teeth adjusts the distance between opposing end portions such that during chewing, the treat portion can only come into contact with the front teeth of the animal.

Abstract: A system and method for treating pets, the system comprising: a content provider to provide video and audio content adapted for treating a pet; a video and audio output device for playing the video and audio content; and a feedback interface for providing indications to the content provider about behavior of the pet, wherein the content provider is to adapt the provided content according to the received indications. The method comprising playing video and audio content by a video and audio out-put device, the content comprising: an image adapted for treating a pet; and a sound adapted for treating a pet; receiving indications about behavior of the pet; and adapting the played content according to the received indications.

Abstract: A walking aid for a four-legged animal having disabled hind legs comprises an engagement member for engaging a body portion between fore legs and hind legs of the animal; a collapsible resting mechanism connected to the engagement member and to at least one wheel assembly in contact with an underlying surface; and a locking mechanism operatively connectable to the at least one wheel assembly in such a way that the at least one wheel assembly is freely rotatable during forward motion of said walking aid but is rotationally immobilizable following rearward motion of the walking aid. The resting mechanism is operational to facilitate movement from a walking state to a resting state or from a resting state to a walking state only when the at least one wheel assembly is rotationally immobilized.

Abstract: Hot water heater system (such as, for example, a gas-powered hot water heater system) that includes a self-powered automatic pilot light and which is not connected to any external source of electrical power.

Abstract: Disclosed is an economizer including a plurality of coil stacks. Each coil stack includes a tube coiled such that adjacent layers of the tube contact one another in a radial direction. Further, the coil stacks are axially spaced from one another to allow exhaust to flow between adjacent coil stacks.

Abstract: A system includes a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), a waste heat exchanger coupled to the HRSG and configured to transfer heat from the HRSG to a purge stream to generate a heated purge stream, and a heated purge stream path configured to transfer the heated purge stream from the waste heat exchanger to an inlet of the HRSG.

Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine structure, an air intake assembly and a crankcase ventilation assembly. The engine structure defines a cylinder bore, an intake port and a crankcase. The air intake assembly is in communication with the intake port. The crankcase ventilation assembly includes a housing and a baffle located within the housing. The housing defines an inlet in communication with the crankcase and an outlet in communication with the air intake assembly. Apertures in the baffle define a first characteristic flow rate and spacing between the baffles and housing defines a second characteristic flow rate. In one arrangement, the first and second characteristic flow rates are offset from one another. In another arrangement, the first and second characteristic flow rates are equal to or offset from one another and are each greater than a maximum blowby flow rate of the engine assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tappet (1) for a high-pressure fuel pump or for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine, comprising a housing (2) which has a cam run-on surface (4) on the drive side (3) thereof, wherein an output side (5) of the housing (2) rests on a lower face (6) of a bridge piece (8) that projects through an inner shell (7) of the housing (2), wherein an anti-turn lug (11) protrudes from the outer shell (10) of the housing (2) and is arranged in a window (9) in the latter, wherein said lug is substantially present as an upright body similar to a semi-cylinder in the region thereof protruding from the housing (2), and the outer surface (15) of said lug, in cross section, results in an ogival curve made up of two or more circular arcs (16).

Abstract: A continuously variable valve lift system for actuating a combustion valve of an engine includes a camshaft having a camshaft lobe rotatable about an camshaft axis of rotation. A rocker assembly is pivotable for providing reciprocating motion to the combustion valve. A control shaft is rotatable about a control shaft axis of rotation such that rotation of the control shaft about the control shaft axis of rotation changes the position of the rocker assembly to vary the lift of the combustion valve. An actuator selectively rotates the control shaft between a minimum lift position and a maximum lift position. A bias spring surrounding the control shaft axis of rotation biases the control shaft only from the minimum lift position to a predetermined position which is intermediate the minimum lift position and the maximum lift position upon failure of the actuator.

Abstract: In a valve timing control apparatus configured to enable rotary motion of a vane rotor relative to a sprocket in a phase-retard direction or in a phase-advance direction by controlling hydraulic-pressure supply-and-exhaust for each of phase-advance hydraulic chambers and hydraulic-pressure supply-and-exhaust for each of phase-retard hydraulic chambers, first and second lock pins are located in a large-diameter rotor portion rather than a small-diameter rotor portion. The rotary motion of the vane rotor relative to the sprocket from an intermediate lock position between a maximum phase-advance position and a maximum phase-retard position is restricted by engagement of the first lock pin with a first lock hole and by engagement of the second lock pin with a second lock hole. The vane rotor is held at the maximum phase-retard position by engagement of the first lock pin with the second lock hole.

Abstract: The roller finger follower employs two independent lost motion arms and a coupling device that locks both arms. A coupling element allows for changing from locked to unlocked mode. Components of the coupling element include a shuttle pin with a head, a shank and a cutout on which a rod is positioned, a coil spring which surrounds the outside diameter of the shuttle pin shank, and an end cap. By positioning the spring on the shuttle pin shank, a large spring diameter and short spring height can be used which allows for compact packaging. Also, a low spring rate is required.

Abstract: A camshaft adjustment mechanism is provided having a rotor adapted to be connected to a camshaft, a stator arranged around the rotor, and a cover associated with the stator. An advance chamber and a separate retard chamber are formed between the rotor and the stator and separated from each other by a vane extending from the rotor. The camshaft adjustment mechanism further includes a locking apparatus adapted to lock the rotor from rotation. A first oil control valve is associated with the advance chamber and the retard chamber to control oil flow to the advance chamber and the retard chamber. A second oil control valve is associated with the locking apparatus to control oil flow to the locking apparatus.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle camshaft adjusting device which comprises an open- and/or closed-loop control unit for adjusting the camshaft phase position in a normal operating mode to a temporarily intermittently constant phase position, the open- and/or closed loop control unit has an engine start operating mode in which the camshaft phase position is advanced during opening of the valve so as to provide a valve opening angle range which is smaller than a geometric normal opening angle range based on a crankshaft angle range.