Abstract: To fully secure the precision around an output shaft, an electromagnet is axially held in position between a center bracket and a front bracket which form an enclosing member for a starter.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for adjusting parts in furniture for sitting and lying down includes parts activated via a shaft being provided with a control lever. Adjusting mechanisms which can be driven by an electromotor are provided for driving purposes. The invention provides a drive mechanism which is compact especially with the shafts arranged close to each other. An adjusting mechanism is positioned so that the longitudinal side facing away from the shafts is opposite the longitudinal side of the other adjusting mechanism facing the shafts.

Abstract: A multi-stage gearbox has at least one shifter rod which may be engaged and locked in a predetermined position by at least one locking element. The locking element is coupled to a setting element such that the setting element can be set in at least two different positions relative to the locking element by a control device. A method of controlling such a gearbox includes the step of moving the setting element from a retention position into a shift position by actuating a push-button.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes first (20) and second (40) meshing gears, a rotatable eccentric (50), a torsion spring (70), and a rotation blocking member (80). The first gear (20) is rotatable about a first axis (22) and the second gear (40) is rotatable about a second axis (42). The rotatable eccentric (50) supports the first gear (20) for rotation about the first axis (22). Rotation of the eccentric (50) in a first direction (54) causes the first axis (22) and the first gear (20) to move toward the second axis (42). The torsion spring (70) biases the eccentric (50) for rotation in the first direction (54). The rotation blocking member (80) prevents rotation of the eccentric (50) in a second direction (56) opposite the first direction (54).

Abstract: A locking device for a rotatable latching element with a bending spring is provided for a gear selecting system of a motor vehicle. In order to improve such a locking device in terms of the structural cost required, it is proposed to locate the bending spring on the latching element. A first end of the bending spring is mounted in a fixed location on the latching element and the bending spring rests at a distance from its second free end on a support located on the latching element. Corresponding to the free end of the bending spring, a shoulder is provided in the vicinity of a rotational axis of the latching element on the housing of the selecting device. To unlock the locking device, an actuating element engages between the fixed bearing and the support for the bending spring.

Abstract: In a flexible type transmission device, an angular ball bearing is interposed between an output member and a fixed case so as to support the output member and the fixed case while permitting relative rotation between the output member and the fixed case. The loads acting on the output member and fixed case are received using the rolling contact of steel balls included in the angular ball bearing.

Abstract: A full-locking differential drive mechanism, comprised of an input drive which is composed of a pair of opposed spaced drive races, each having an inner diameter, a coupling block disposed between the races for coupling them to drive together, output driven means comprising a pair of co-axially disposed coupler members, each having an outer diameter disposed within the drive races inner diameters, which produces a bi-directional roller clutch disposed between the inner diameters and the outer diameters and operative to couple the drive races to the coupler members enabling driving engagement therebetween.

Abstract: A vehicle which can achieve high speed traveling performance as achieved by a normal vehicle, and which can be continuously driven at inching speed with a traveling prime mover of high revolution speed and high output. The vehicle includes a power train including a primary power transmission for normal traveling, which is connected to a prime mover for normal traveling, for transmitting a rotational torque of the traveling prime mover to driving wheels, through a rotary power transmission shaft, a drive shaft speed reducer and drive shaft, an external power takeoff mechanism incorporated in the primary power transmission, a hydraulic pressure generator connected to an external power takeoff shaft of the external power takeoff mechanism, and a hydraulically controlled power transmission for traveling at inching speed, which includes a hydraulic motor connected to the hydraulic pressure generator.

Abstract: To provide a way to use a ceramic alloy as a material for producing a cutter knife to be mounted on a thermoplastic resin pelletizer easily, with reduced costs, and also eliminating the possibility of breakage.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench (1) with a single-piece jaw (3) having two positions for driving a hexagonal head (4), in particular of a screw or a nut. In each driving position, two opposite surfaces of the head (41,42) are driven by respective protuberances (P2, P7) of the two grips of the jaw, and a supplementary protuberance (P5) is urged in localized support in the front half of an intermediate surface (43) of the head located immediately in front of the rear surface. Thus, the inner profile of the jaw has six main protuberances, with an angular offset of 24 to 28° between two groups of three protuberances.

Abstract: A high-torque fastener having a threaded shaft and a star-shaped head is disclosed. The high-torque fastener is made of a resorbable or other non-magnetic material. A mating driver snugly fits around the star-shaped head of the fastener, to thereby apply torque to the perimeter of the star-shaped head. The driver can be made disposable, and the driver and fastener packaged together in a single, disposable, assembly. Additionally, the driver can be color coded to indicate the size of the fastener which is pre-attached to the driver in the packaging.

Abstract: A tool for receiving adapters and sockets of various sizes. One embodiment includes a first receiving end having outer and inner cavities being substantially rectangular with the inner cavity having a smaller diameter than the outer cavity. A second extension end is positioned opposite the first receiving end and includes outer and inner extensions being substantially rectangular shaped with the outer extension having a smaller width than the inner extension. Another embodiment includes a first end having at least two receiving cavities axially aligned. A first receiving cavity is positioned proximate the first end and has a larger diameter than a second distal receiving cavity. A second end includes at least two receiving cavities axially aligned including a third receiving cavity positioned proximate the second end having a larger diameter than a fourth distal receiving cavity.

Abstract: A platform for supporting an engraving head in a manner accommodating translational movement without any associated rotation. The platform has a deck which is supported by a pair of flexible support columns. In operation the platform is situated alongside a rotating printing cylinder. The engraving head is mounted on the deck of the platform and is provided with a guide shoe which rides against the surface of the printing cylinder. As the cylinder rotates to angular positions having different radii, the engraving head responds with a purely linear reaction. Consequently the engraving head is able to engrave uniform-depth cavities in the surface of the printing cylinder. In two alternative embodiments the deck is driven by a resilient link arrangement which is coupled to a leadscrew and carriage assembly.

Abstract: A machine for cutting damaged ends off of rolls of wound sheet material includes a saw that moves in a circular motion about the circumference of one end of the roll of material. The circular motion of the saw is coupled with a movement of the saw radially inward toward the center of the axis of the circular movement. The roll is thereby cut in ever increasing depths about its circumference. The machine is mounted on a portable hydraulic lift and controlled by a remote controller positioned a safe distance away from the saw. The machine and the roll of material can be more easily aligned through the use of an alignment track.

Abstract: Laminated elements, which may be constituted, for example, by labels to be applied to articles while in movement, are formed from a strip provided by a feeding device. The strip moves forward onto a reception unit, passing through a cutting zone. The individual laminated elements are formed by causing the cutting unit to come into action when the length of the strip paid out by the feeding unit is equal to the desired length of the labels. The cutting unit preferably includes a revolving knife and a counterknife, where the latter consists of a non-driven roller supported in a cradle that is lubricated and exerts an elastic force against the cutting unit. Preferably, the reception unit realizes the step of applying the individual laminated elements to their respective articles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric paper punch (hole puncher) with a reinforcement mechanism. The paper punch comprises a module with a paper slot and punch pin, an axle, a connecting module connected to the punch pin, and a motor. The connecting module has a rear wall that is arc-shaped and works in conjunction with an eccentrically shaped wheel to drive the punch pin forward and backward as the eccentrically shaped wheel rotates within the wheel groove. The arc-shaped wall of the connecting module is reinforced to prevent distortion from repeated pressure exerted during movement of the punch pin.

Abstract: A metal cutting bandsaw blade includes a strip and a recurring group of teeth projecting therefrom. The recurring group of teeth has a setting pattern and a height pattern. The setting pattern has at least three units selected from the following setting types: (a) unset teeth (b) teeth set to the right (c) teeth set to the left. The setting pattern includes at least one of each of the setting types. The height pattern has at least two selected from the following height types: (a) high teeth (b) low teeth. The height pattern includes at least one of each of the height types. The total number of teeth in the recurring group is the product of the number of setting units and the number of heights units. The number of setting units is incommensurable with the number of height units. The number of teeth set to the right in the recurring group is equal to the number of teeth set to the left. All of the set teeth in the group have substantially equal setting widths.

Abstract: A punch guide/receptacle for a dambar-removal tool set has a mounting fixture and an insert adapted to mount to an adaptive region of the mounting fixture. Apertures for punch teeth in the guide/receptacle are a part of the insert. In practicing the invention inserts may be removed and repaired. In one embodiment the insert has an upper and a lower row of apertures, and repair may be accomplished in some instances simply by reversing the insert in the mounting block.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a continuous web of material from a block of material is disclosed. The block is preferably a cylindrical block having a base and a generally vertical central axis extending generally orthogonally from the base. The apparatus comprises a rotatable platen such that the block may be rotatably supported, and a milling cutter for displacing portions of the block defining a displaced portion near the base of the block. A blade is positioned generally parallel to the central axis of the block, the blade positioned to cut into the block a predetermined distance from the central axis. The blade has a portion operatively disposed within the displaced portion of the block. The apparatus also comprises a drive mechanism for rotating the platen; as well as a linear drive mechanism for linearly decreasing the predetermined distance of the blade from the central axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for disarming improvised bombs are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a fluid-filled bottle or container made of plastic or another soft material which contains a fixed or adjustable, preferably sheet explosive. The charge is fired centrally at its apex and can be adjusted to propel a fluid projectile that is broad or narrow, depending upon how it is set up. In one embodiment, the sheet explosive is adjustable so as to correlate the performance of the fluid projectile to the disarming needs for the improvised explosive device (IED). Common materials such as plastic water bottles or larger containers can be used, with the sheet explosive or other explosive material configured in a general chevron-shape to target the projectile toward the target. In another embodiment, a thin disk of metal is conformably mounted with the exterior of the container and radially aligned with the direction of fire of the fluid projectile.

Abstract: An armored, motorized unit incorporating a gimbaled gun sighted video camera and an attached multi-shot TASER® cartridge firing system to remotely fire one cartridge at a time at a remotely selected target. A remotely located operator rotates the unit in azimuth and elevation to aim at a target within the range of the firing system. The firing system has multiple cartridges that can be rotated into a boresight position, one at a time, and armed, one at a time, for firing a pair of wire-tethered contacts such as darts at the selected target.

Abstract: With respect to hand-held firearms, in particular automatic rifles, it is possible to eliminate the disadvantageous jump and to strongly reduce the recoil by a vertically disposed deflection plate that is provided with an opening for projectiles to pass through, that is mounted crosswise or transverse to the weapon barrel in front of the muzzle, and that is attached to the barrel via sheet metal guide plates disposed on respective lateral sides of the barrel to form open areas or surfaces toward the bottom and top. According to one embodiment the lower open surface is partially closed in its rear region. Instead of the partially closed area, a blocking surface or plate may be installed at a distance below the lower edge surface of the guide plates so that the combustion gases exit laterally. As an additional effect, the visibility of the muzzle flash is also reduced strongly, as well as the possible whirling up of leaves and dust.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inductive ignition system, in particular for infantry weapons, having a primary coil (2) which cooperates inductively with a secondary coil (3) in the ignition system of cartridge (4) and which transmits the firing energy that is required for the ignition. For the necessary firing energy to be produced and made available internally, that is with additional supply, the invention proposes fitting a weapon breechblock component (5), displaceable from a cocked position to a firing position, in the weapon housing (1) in which is located the primary coil (2), and that, for production of the ignition energy, an inductive power generator (6) is provided whose coil system (7) is fitted in the weapon breechblock component (5) and whose magnet system (8) is fitted in the weapon housing (1).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for separating consecutive cartridge-receiving cells of a driven magazine for an aircraft-mounted machine gun or cannon. The apparatus includes an elongated, substantially cylindrical shaft constructed of a fiber-reinforced plastic, wherein the shaft has end portions designed for attachment to a movable transport chain, and a middle portion defined by a driver constructed of an elastomer. The driver preferably dampens the gravitational forces introduced to the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a powered aiming platform for pointing devices such as firearms, illumination devices, or sensing instruments, remotely controlled by a hand-controller device, with video feedback of the aiming position and audio feedback of the exact direction and speed of positioning movements. The present invention overcomes the safety and accuracy limitations of manual and conventional remotely-controlled aiming mechanisms, thereby allowing operators to point devices accurately and quickly with predictable, precise control. In the case of firearms, the present invention maintains a steady position after repeated firing.

Abstract: A pneumatic booster operated by a plunger (8) located in a piston (5) with a rear section (82) which operates a valve (91,92,93) to develop a force on the piston (5) to apply a boost force to force-transmission members (12,14). The plunger (8) has a first section (81) connected to the rear section (82) by a spring (15). The front section (81) and the force-transmission members (12,14) defining a retention assembly (16,17) for securing the front section (81) to the piston (5) when a boost force exceeds a predetermined threshold while the plunger (8) is in a maximum actuating position to allow for extended actuation of the booster following a sharp braking action.

Abstract: A pneumatic booster includes a valve mechanism for introducing atmospheric air into a variable-pressure chamber in accordance with the movement of a plunger, propelling a power piston due to differential pressure generated between the variable-pressure chamber and a constant-pressure chamber and transmitting force by which the power piston is propelled through a valve body to an output shaft. The valve mechanism includes a poppet valve mechanism including a seal surface capable of abutting against an annular atmospheric valve seat formed in the plunger and a seal surface capable of abutting against an annular negative pressure valve seat formed on an inner surface of the valve body. The annular atmospheric valve seat of the plunger is located in a position forward in a direction of propelling of the power piston relative to the negative pressure valve seat and is substantially aligned with the negative pressure valve seat in an axial direction.

Abstract: A hydraulic force servo system provides apparatus for compensating for unequal loading forces applied to an actuator piston, and for unequal areas on opposite faces of the piston. Asymmetric nonlinear differential hydraulic force feedback from the output side of a force servovalve is summed with the hydraulic control signal inputs to the output stage of the servovalve at hydraulic summing junctions. Impedances offered by orifices in the feedback lines determine the amount of feedback. Nonlinear characteristics of the feedback method serve to compensate for nonlinearities in the servo actuator and system. The impedance ratio of the orifices is selected as a function of the known or postulated asymmetry of the loading forces to be applied to the actuator piston, and the ratio of the areas of the opposing faces of the actuator piston. Hydraulic damping further improves linearity and stability.

Abstract: It is frequently important for the piston of a hydraulic piston-and-cylinder assembly, in particular the brake piston of a disc brake, which is slidably arranged within a cylinder bore to ensure a true-to-size mounting position of the piston inside the cylinder bore. Especially in the case of brake pistons of a disc brake, this determines the efficiency of provisions on the brake piston for reducing the occurrence of brake noises. According to the present invention, a key-type accommodation is provided on the piston which permits engagement by a matingly configured mounting means or mounting tool and, thus, renders possible the defined positioning of the piston within a cylinder bore.

Abstract: A watertight enclosure is presented which has the capabilities of housing not only coffee brewing apparatus but also a liquid detector for the prevention of leaking water from the inside of the housing if some abnormally is present in the liquid system. The enclosure (20) consists of a base (22), configured with an extended portion (24) suitable for receiving a coffee server, a top (26) with an overhanging shelf (28) aligned with the base extended portion for dispensing brewed coffee into a coffee server, an integral front (30), back (32), and a pair of sides (34). The top and back each have a removable portion (36) and (40) for access into the enclosure to house brewing apparatus. A liquid detector (46) may be disposed within the enclosure with sensors between the base and the access opening for recognizing the presence of liquid allowing its internal system to de-energizing the brewing apparatus within the enclosure.

Abstract: A disposable infuser for brewing beverages within an associated container. The infuser includes a centrally located well portion for receiving a charge of particulate flavoring material, like tea leaves. The well includes a filter portion which has a plurality of openings. The openings are formed without scrap “flash” or waste by shearing a tab or flap of material away from the filter portion of the well or piercing the filter portion of the well with a needle-shaped or knife-shaped protrusion in the mold. The resulting tabs or punctures serve to keep the particulate flavoring material out of the brewed beverage.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a container, a spigot, a lid, and a food support. The container has a bottom surface and a side wall that extends upwardly from the bottom surface to a top edge of the side wall. The spigot is attached to the container side wall and has a valve member that is selectively positionable between opened and closed positions. The spigot valve member allows liquid contents of the container to drain from the container when in the opened position, and prevents the contents from draining out of the container when in the closed position. The food support is comprised of a perforated horizontal member with a perforated side wall extending upwardly from the horizontal member. A plurality of vertical members spaced around the periphery of the horizontal member extend upwardly from the horizontal member.

Abstract: A grill device includes an annular bottom wall adapted to be placed above a flat support, and outer and inner annular walls which extend uprightly from outer and inner annular peripheries of the bottom wall to form outer and inner upper annular edges and which cooperate with the bottom wall to confine an annular fluid collecting groove. A lower cooking member includes upper and lower major walls normal to a central line. The upper major wall includes an outer circumferential area integrally formed with and extending inwardly from the upper inner annular edge, and a central area that is raised so as to be higher than the outer circumferential area. The lower major wall is punched upwardly to form a plurality of first and second ridge portions respectively in the central and outer circumferential areas. The first and second ridge portions are of such heights so that the respective first ridge portion is not higher than the respective second ridge portion.

Abstract: A food product breading machine comprising a breading material reservoir, a breading station, a food product loading location, a discharge location from which breaded food products are discharged from the machine, and a perforate conveyor belt extending through the reservoir, the loading location, the breading station, and the discharge location. Breading material exiting the breading station falls through the conveyor and a reservoir intake opening below the conveyor belt between the breading station and the discharge location. Breaded food products remain on the belt and are conveyed to the discharge location. A breading support member is movable to a position beneath the conveyor belt between the breading station and the discharge location for preventing breading material from falling from the conveyor through the reservoir intake opening so that breading material is conveyed to the discharge location and the reservoir is emptied.

Abstract: A spiral meat slicing apparatus and method having a lower meat support assembly including a rotatively driven lower shaft and an upstanding lower spike for receiving the major longitudinal end of a cut of boneless meat, the lower spike being carried by the lower shaft. An upper meat support assembly is provided and includes a rotatively driven, vertically adjustable upper shaft and an upper spike for receiving the minor longitudinal end of a cut of boneless meat, the upper spike being carried by the upper shaft. The upper spike is in coaxial alignment with the lower upstanding spike to thereby define an axis of rotation for a cut of boneless meat supported therebetween. A vertically indexable knife is positioned relative to the axis of rotation so as to enable a continuous spiral cut to be made therein.

Abstract: Olive or other fruit paste from which oil is to be recovered is spread upon and sandwiched between two filter mats which are in turn sandwiched between two filter plates. Filter plates have slots extending from within the plate to the outer edges. Additional layers of paste between filter mats and a filter plate between each layer may be added to form a stack which is then placed on a press. As pressure is applied, juice containing the oil to be recovered flows out of the paste, through the filter mats and out of the stack through the conduits formed by the slots in the filter plates. By providing conduits, flow length and flow resistance is dramatically reduced resulting in more efficient and faster juice extraction. Filter mats can be economically fabricated to any size or shape, have selectable flow rates to match the properties of a particular paste, can be repeatedly reused, and can be washed at the end of the season for storage.

Abstract: A stencil for use in fabricating semiconductor devices is disclosed that has an aperture having a first portion extending from a first side thereof and a second portion extending from a second side thereof to minimize the shear stress between the material extruded therethrough and the stencil. The stencil allows for material to be extruded through the top of the stencil to the surface of the substrate and not contact the wall of the second portion of the aperture of the stencil. Since the material only contacts a small area of the first portion of the aperture near the top of the stencil, the material remains on the substrate and not in the aperture of the stencil.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted sheet transfer assembly has an array of support bars which support the unprinted side of a freshly printed sheet along a sheet transfer path. The support bars overlie the airflow inlet of a manifold housing, with the longitudinal axis of each support bar extending across the sheet transfer path. The support bars provide smooth surfaces for engaging and supporting the unprinted side of the sheet material as it is pulled along the transfer path while simultaneously limiting the flow of inlet air through elongated inlet apertures. As air is drawn through the inlet apertures, the unprinted side of the sheet is sucked into engagement with the support bars as it moves along the sheet transfer path. The sheet transfer assembly eliminates the need for conventional skeleton wheels and the like. Marking, smearing and smudging are prevented since the printed side of the sheet is not handled or contacted in any way as the sheet is conveyed along the sheet transfer path.

Abstract: A device for filling with printing ink a respective ink duct of various printing units of a printing press, provided with an ink cartridge reciprocatingly movable on a crossbar above the respective ink duct, includes a container system provided with a plurality of ink cartridges, the container system being mounted so as to be movable along the printing press, a control unit for controlling the container system, and a gripper system disposed in the container system for changing the ink cartridges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical fuse element (1) which comprises at least one fusible conductor (3) and a carrier (2). The object is to provide a fuse element (1) for all known tripping characteristics in a cost-effective production technique for the middle and low-current range. Furthermore, by means of a small outer geometry, the fuse element (1) is to be adaptable to modem methods of insertion. The way in which this object is achieved according to the invention is that the carrier (2) consists of a material of poor thermal conduction, in particular of a glass ceramic.

Abstract: A disarm mechanism to maintain a safe work area for individuals that may be working in such area which allows for the remote disarming of an article of explosive equipment by remotely shifting a switch of an explosive circuit to an off or non-operative position. Said switch is connected in series with a detonator and along with an explosive charge housed within an extinguishant container from which extinguishant would normally be dispelled when the explosive circuit is activated. After switching, a lock-out device is secured to the disarm mechanism such that the switch cannot be shifted to the on or operative position without removal of such lockout. Visual indicia is provided to alert the operator as to the position of the control switch.

Abstract: A training rocket for smoke development. The training rocket includes a rocket tube which contains powder and constitutes a propulsion motor for the rocket. The rocket includes a forward training head which contains a smoke composition adapted to emit visible smoke upon impact. An igniter charge, such as a tracer charge, which can be ignited by the propellant powder is situated in the rearmost of the training head, behind a bursting charge which can be ignited by the igniter charge. The igniter charge and the bursting charge are situated behind the smoke composition in the training head, for igniting the smoke composition, in a capsule which can be forced rearwardly from the training head due to the increased pressure caused by combustion of the smoke composition, whereby an aperture is formed for passage of smoke gases rearwardly in the rocket, through the rocket tube and out of it.

Abstract: A device for retaining an object and then releasing that object upon actuation, the device utilizing an actuator that resists less force than that exerted by said object, and is adapted for use with a V-band clamp.

Abstract: An amusement ride includes a lower track structure operably connected with and variably spaced from an upper track structure to define a path of travel for a ride vehicle supported remote from the track structure. A motion translation arrangement is located between the track structure and the ride vehicle for separately or simultaneously varying the distance and angular position of the ride vehicle relative to the track structure in response to at least one of the changing track roll angle and changing gauge of the track structure over a travel path. A drive mechanism is provided for moving the motion translation arrangement and the ride vehicle relative to the track structure.

Abstract: A novel truss track assembly for use in transporting passenger vehicles provides two sets of tracks for supporting two passenger vehicles concurrently. The truss track assembly includes four running rails for mounting passenger vehicles and a central support rail. A series of frame elements are periodically secured to the running rails and the central support rail to support and maintain the parallel relationship of the running rails and the central support rail. The truss track assembly may be “split” into two individual truss track assemblies wherein the individual truss track assemblies each accommodate a passenger vehicle or a train of passenger vehicles. The present invention further provides a novel side-mount vehicle suitable for mounting of the present invention on the truss track assembly.

Abstract: A length-variable sliding rail element enables a roller chain to be easily guided. Two complementary sliding rail elements fit together. Each of the sliding elements may be comprised of two or three segments. These various segments interengage each other to form a sliding rail element that is shiftable between collapsed and extended position.

Abstract: A damping system for a rail car truck utilizes friction wedges supported on side springs to damp relative movement between the rail car truck bolster and the side frames supporting it. Each friction wedge has a generally triangular shape with an angle &thgr; defined between a vertical friction surface which bears against a side frame and a sloping friction surface which moves relative to the bolster. The angle &thgr; and the force P of each side spring are defined by Fw W .

Abstract: A cantilevered, telescopic, portable and adaptable computer desk to support and self-contain work space including a standard computer tower or desktop computer and all the associated peripherals, such as the keyboard, the mouse, the screen, the printer and other electronic devices. The computer desk provides numerous ways to adjust the position of the work area; the computer screen is adjustable, the desk member is adjustable both in the horizontal and vertical planes, the keyboard is adjustable, the mouse pad is adjustable and the base is adjustable. The computer desk may be used by a person working for long, tiring period at a computer desk or a person needing to be lying in a bed or on a sofa. In addition, the structure adapts to other various body positions. Someone standing up, seated in an upright chair or a wheelchair or resting or reclining in a favorite chair or recliner may use the structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steam generator (1) for superheated steam for incineration plants with corrosive flue gases, essentially comprising a radiation section (2) and a convection section (5), having at least one superheater (8) and having plates (10) arranged on the inside of at least one wall (9) of the radiation section (2), a space (12) being provided between the plates (10) and the wall (9) of the radiation section (2), and at least part of the superheater (8) being arranged as a wall superheater (15) in the space (12) in the radiation section (2). The steam generator is distinguished by the fact that the space (12) contains a noncorrosive gaseous atmosphere which is at a higher pressure than the pressure of the gases in the combustion chamber (3). In this way, it is possible to reach a high superheater temperature without corrosion to the final superheater, so that the superheater can be made from inexpensive material.

Abstract: Various burner configurations for combustion of a particulate fuel such as sawdust, and many types of varying moisture content biomass fuels such as poultry litter. The burners exhibit a high turndown ratio. the burners include a housing defining an upright combustion chamber lined with refractory material and generally circular cross section, a main combustion region within an upper extent the combustion chamber, an initial combustion zone at a lower end of the combustion chamber of reduced-size cross-section compared to the combustion chamber and a transition region increasing in cross-section from the initial combustion zone to the main combustion region. A principal fuel (e.g., sawdust) is supplied with combustion air to the initial combustion region, and an auxiliary ignition fuel supplies heat to the initial combustion region for igniting the principal fuel.