Abstract: A ramp assembly is provided. The ramp assembly includes a frame, a ramp platform, a reciprocating mechanism and first and second levers. The ramp platform is mounted in the frame and defines trailing and forward ends. The reciprocating mechanism extends and retracts the ramp platform along a length of the frame between stowed and deployed positions. The ramp platform is arranged when deployed such that the forward end extends down toward the ground. The first lever has a distal end attached to a first side of the trailing end of the ramp platform. The first lever is configured to rotate as the ramp platform is extended, thereby lifting the first side of the trailing end upward. The second lever includes a distal end attached to a second side of the trailing end of the ramp platform. The second lever is configured to rotate as the ramp platform is extended, thereby lifting the second side of the trailing end upward.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low fat spread with low water content for application in baking without effecting organoleptic properties for cold use, (that is, spreads). The compositions of the invention are good quality spreads at low fat levels in the range of about 30-60% fat. The compositions of the invention comprise non gelling hydrocolloids to provide optimum viscosity to the aqueous phase at a concentration which results in a fat continuous emulsion.

Abstract: A sheet cleaning apparatus having sets of cleaning rollers, wherein the rollers are integrated into a removable cartridge structure. Couplers are provided at roller shaft ends to connect to the roller drive. The cartridge is received in a slide carriage, permitting the cartridge to be readily removed from the apparatus by sliding the carriage out, and lifting the cartridge out from the slide carriage. With this arrangement, the down time for the sheet cleaning apparatus is minimized, since the sheet cleaning apparatus can be provided with two cartridges, and the cartridge needing maintenance can simply be quickly removed and replaced with a fresh cartridge. The production line can quickly be put back into operation, and the removed cartridge can be serviced off line for subsequent use.

Abstract: A dual-hopper system for liquid/abrasive jet material cutting systems wherein a primary hopper provides a reservoir and source for abrasive particles for mixing with high pressure liquid, and wherein a secondary hopper is interposed between the primary hopper and the nozzle for controlling the flow of abrasive particles from the primary hopper to the nozzle. The secondary hopper comprises a vertically disposed elongated vessel with opposed end walls and with an annular divider plate interposed between the end walls. The annular divider plate is provided with an orifice in the form of an elongated tube which projects into the lower vessel chamber. Particulate material is forced through the tube into the lower chamber, and a column of particles is formed which creates a floating air lock between the chambers. Particulate falls by gravity from the lower chamber and into the cutting head.

Abstract: A process for the production of a frozen food product comprising anti-freeze peptide (AFP), wherein the product is at least partially pre-frozen in the substantial absence of free AFP, followed by including the free AFP therein.

Abstract: The conditioning performance of small particle size emulsified silicone in a surfactant-based shampoo composition can be significantly boosted by the inclusion in the shampoo composition of an amino functionalised silicone. Accordingly, the invention provides an aqueous shampoo composition comprising, in addition to water: i) at least one surfactant chosen from anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants or mixtures thereof; ii) an amino functionalised silicone; and iii) emulsified particles of an insoluble, non-amino functionalised silicone, in which the average silicone particle size of the emulsified non-amino functional silicone in the shampoo composition is less than 2 microns.

Abstract: A conveyor system especially suitable for transfer and spacing of articles in a smooth distortion-free manner and controlled acceleration/deceleration is provided. An endless transfer belt is driven by an endless drive belt selectively engaging the lower return run thereof. An actuator assembly including a pneumatic motor lifts a pressure roller mounted in a cradle to provide the driving function in response to one or more controllers. A plurality of transfer belt modules, all driven by the single drive belt, are aligned to form an accumulation conveyor system for establishing zero pressure between the articles. Each transfer run is supported and guided along a flat plate to provide the smooth conveying surface and to steady the articles. In the related method, the drive belt selectively drives the transfer belt or belts of the single or modular conveyors by lifting the driving run into engagement with the return run. The spacing of the articles is controlled by the one or more controllers.

Abstract: A particulate detergent composition having a bulk density of 700 g/l or less and containing at least 10 wt % (preferably at least 15 wt %) of organic detergent surfactant comprises a base powder composed of at least two granular components. Less than 80% by weight, preferably less than 66% by weight, of the base powder has a compressibility (measured at 20-25° C. and about 40% relative humidity) of 17% or more. Preferably one of the components of the base powder is a granule containing a high level (at least 60 wt %) of anionic surfactant.

Abstract: A portable concrete plant capable of producing up to 240 to 300 cubic yards or more of concrete per hour is disclosed in which two hauling trailers, a mixer trailer and an aggregate trailer, both serve as the transport vehicles and as foundation for the completely erected plant. The aggregate trailer includes three bins used respectively for sand, fine aggregate and course aggregate. Weigh belts convey weighed and humidity measured amounts of sand and aggregate from discrete open top bins to a batch aggregate loading belt for batch loading of a compulsory mixer on the mixer trailer. The side of the aggregate trailer is provided with a bulkhead for an earthen or gravel ramp with large width bins enabling a single loader to supply the high volume of sand and aggregate required. The mixer trailer supports a twin shaft compulsory mixer on a foundation pad which is top loading for concrete constituents and bottom emptying to an elevating and concrete discharge point to awaiting trucks.

Abstract: A ramp assembly (20) for mounting in a low floor bus (22) or other vehicle. The ramp assembly (20) includes a rectangular enclosure (24) that fits underneath the chassis of the low floor bus (22). The ramp assembly (20) includes a reciprocating mechanism (26) for moving a ramp platform (28) between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. During this movement, the reciprocating mechanism (26) raises the trailing end of the ramp platform (28) in one translational movement with the extension of the ramp platform, such that the trailing end of the ramp platform, when deployed, is raised to the floor level of the low floor bus (22).

Abstract: The present invention is directed, inter alia, to a switch comprising: (A) a superconducting material whose field cooled and zero field cooled ac permittivities differ from each other, and whose field cooled and zero field cooled ac susceptibilities differ from each other, in a range of temperature below the superconducting transition temperature of the material; (B) means for applying a static magnetic field to said material; (C) means for controllably applying to said material an oscillating magnetic field of a magnitude effective to convert said material from a state exhibiting filed cooled permittivity to a state exhibiting zero field cooled permittivity; and (D) means for applying to said material a heat pulse effective to convert said material from a state exhibiting zero field cooled permittivity to a state exhibiting field cooled permittivity, said switch operating between a superconducting zero field cooled state and a superconducting field cooled state.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named ‘Balfansami’, characterized by its numerous semi-double light salmon pink-colored flowers; upright growth habit; basal branching and vigorous; and medium green leaves with a distinct zonation pattern.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named ‘Balgalsofi’, characterized by its numerous single light pink-colored flowers with reddish purple central splotches and spots; floriferousness; upright, mounding and spreading growth habit; basal branching; vigor; and dark green leaves.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Geranium plant named ‘Balfanfaro’, characterized by its numerous semi-double salmon-colored flowers; floriferousness; upright growth habit; basal branching and vigor; and medium green leaves with a faint zonation pattern.