Abstract: An inking unit in a printing machine includes a screen roller and an ink metering system subdivided into inking zones and assigned to the screen roller for performing zonal ink metering on the screen roller, the ink metering system having metering elements disposed so as to be movable relative to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning the surface of a cylinder in a printing press with a blanket treated with a solvent of high viscosity, taken from a supply roll, brought into operating contact with the surface to be cleaned by pressing means and subsequently rolled up in a roll with the soiled blanket.

Abstract: A plate-making method of a lithographic printing plate is disclosed, which comprises the steps of exposure of a photo-sensitive lithographic printing plate having the acid value of a photosensitive layer of 1.0 meq/g or less with a laser beam, and then development with a developing solution having a pH value of 13.0 or less at a developing speed in an unexposed domain of 0.05 &mgr;m/s or more and at an osmotic speed of a developing solution in an exposed domain of 0.1 &mgr;m/s or less.

Abstract: Lithographic imaging using non-ablative printing members combines the benefits of simple construction, the ability to utilize traditional metal base supports, and amenability to imaging with low-power lasers that need not impart ablation-inducing energy levels. A representative printing member has a hydrophilic metal substrate and, thereover, first and second layers. The first layer has a thickness and an exposed surface and comprises a material that absorbs imaging radiation. The second layer overlies the first layer and is oleophilic and substantially transparent to imaging radiation. Exposure to imaging radiation causes the first layer and the substrate to irreversibly detach without substantial ablation, thereby facilitating removal, by subjection to the cleaning liquid, of the first and second layers where detachment has taken place.

Abstract: A cartridge primer which utilizes an explosive that can be designed to become inactive in a predetermined period of time: a limited-life primer. The explosive or combustible material of the primer is an inorganic reactive multilayer (RML). The reaction products of the RML are sub-micron grains of non-corrosive inorganic compounds that would have no harmful effects on firearms or cartridge cases. Unlike use of primers containing lead components, primers utilizing RML's would not present a hazard to the environment. The sensitivity of an RML is determined by the physical structure and the stored interfacial energy. The sensitivity lowers with time due to a decrease in interfacial energy resulting from interdiffusion of the elemental layers. Time-dependent interdiffusion is predictable, thereby enabling the functional lifetime of an RML primer to be predetermined by the initial thickness and materials selection of the reacting layers.

Abstract: An all-weather guided vehicle system comprises a tubular guideway storing pressurized air and cantilevered beams extending bi-laterally from the guideway to support a continuous deck. Vehicles are suspended under the deck by way of carriages to which the vehicles are connected by arcuate roller tracks. The beams support continuous angular channels slotted to receive suspension members extending from the carriage for air or magnetic levitation. Impulse vanes are provided on a vertical rod extending through a slotted opening in a propulsion channel for cooperation with air jet nozzles located within the channel to propel and brake the carriage. Embodiments having a fair-weather vehicle riding atop the deck and tire tracks for suspension and prevention of side sway are also disclosed.

Abstract: A saddle and pedestal for a railcar truck adapted to receive a bearing and a wheel axle. The saddle includes a roof having a roof cavity, a first side wall extending downwardly from the roof to a first end having a first pocket and a second side wall extending downwardly from the roof to a second end having a second pocket. A rocker member is adapted to be inserted into the roof cavity of the roof and to engage the bearing. One or more fasteners removably attach the rocker member to the roof such that the rocker member is selectively removable for maintenance. One or more shims may be placed between the rocker member and the roof to adjust the position of the rocker member. A removable link member extends between the first and second ends of the side walls. The link member includes a first end adapted to be inserted into the first pocket and a second end adapted to be inserted into the second pocket. The link member maintains a minimum spacing between the ends of the side walls.

Abstract: A new phosphorescent ink composition including a micro-capsulated phosphorescent pigment for ink jet printing is disclosed. The phosphorescent ink composition not only promotes the printing quality, enhances light fastness of colorants, and promotes luster of color but also shows the unique luminescent colors in dark. The ink composition includes at least one phosphorescent pigment, at least one colorant providing an ink color, and a vehicle comprising an organic solvent having a predetermined concentration, and at least one surfactant. The phosphorescent pigment is micro-capsulated in a resin film and is dispersed in the vehicle. The phosphorescent pigment is ground to a diameter of less than 1 micron in advance.

Abstract: A surface finish for application to a substrate comprises a matrix formed from a combination of at least a cementitious material, water and glass beads of either the same size or a blend of at least two different sizes and an adhesive. The adhesive includes a concrete fortifier and a silicone.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible voting booth forming a plurality of individual voting compartments on a table top to screen voters from observation of their votes from other persons present at the polling place. The voting booth includes a rectangular center panel having hooks which connect centrally to mating slots in a pair of end panels at a right angle to form an H-shape when viewed from above the table. Respective individual voting compartments are formed on opposite sides of the center panel between the end panels. The panels each include a centrally disposed, rectangular handle cutout adjacent an upper edge of each panel for carrying multiple panels in-hand. An additional center panel and connected end panel can be attached to each end panel using the second slot of the pair to produce additional pairs of side-by-side voting compartments.

Abstract: A pivotable folding utility table includes a table top having a pair of support pedestals pivotally attached thereto. A first pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces pivotally attached to a retaining assembly preferably mounted in relation to the table top. Specifically, the retaining assembly includes a cross-brace member operably disposed through openings formed in the distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces, thus providing a pivotal engagement in relation to the table top.

Abstract: A folding table includes a table top and a frame. The frame includes side rails hinged together at a table folding axis so the table can be moved between a folded and an opened position. The table includes a latch to secure the table in the opened position. The table includes frame end reinforcement portions including bights extending between opposite frame side rails near the table top ends. The table includes a handle that is movable between a stowed and a carrying position, the handle being pivotable about a portion of a frame member.

Abstract: A pivotable folding utility table includes a table top having a pair of support pedestals pivotally attached thereto. A first pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces pivotally attached to a retaining assembly preferably mounted in relation to the table top. Specifically, the retaining assembly includes a cross-brace member operably disposed through openings formed in the distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces, thus providing a pivotal engagement in relation to the table top.

Abstract: A pivotable folding utility table includes a table top having a pair of support pedestals pivotally attached thereto. A first pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces pivotally attached to a retaining assembly preferably mounted in relation to the table top. Specifically, the retaining assembly includes a cross-brace member operably disposed through openings formed in the distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces, thus providing a pivotal engagement in relation to the table top.

Abstract: A leg structure of a desk constructed to provide a stronger durability at places such as kindergarten, children's house and the like and to conform to body shape of a user such as child, thereby facilitating to easily adjust height of an upper plate, which comprises a plurality of leg members; a male screw part screwed to one end of the leg members with a bolt part externally protruded at the center thereof; a female screw part screwed to the other end of the leg members with a nut part at the center thereof to be coupled with the bolt part of the male screw part, so that a plurality of leg members with the male and female screw parts coupled at both sides thereof are sequentially connected to form a leg of a desk; a coupling unit having a bottom side coupled with an upper end of the leg, a flange part formed at an upper side to be coupled to an upper plate with a plurality of screws and a fitting protruder formed at the top center of the flange part; and a fitting groove formed at the bottom surface of an up

Abstract: An apparatus and method of creating a high combustion rate in a combustor used to burn combustible matter. The combustor comprising a cylindrical combustion chamber extending vertically with at least one side loading bin for loading combustible matter into the combustion chamber while combustion is ongoing. The combustor creates a high combustion rate by inducing an acoustic excitation and an ascending vortex in hot gases that is reflected by a conical surface, converting the ascending vortex to a descending vortex. The shear between the ascending and descending vortices increases mixing. The descending vortex acts to separate the small, fully-combusted particles from larger particles that are thrown by centrifugal force back into the combustion zone.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand held, seed planting device for use by individuals. It is comprised of a soil probe for insertion into the earth, a seed feed conduit, and a movable clearing rod that slides through the soil probe. The clearing rod is used to clean the probe and embed the seeds in the earth. An adjustable depth gauge on the probe allows for the consistent, measured insertion of the seeds into the soil without stooping.

Abstract: The device for filling and leveling grass surfaces comprises a tube having an upper end and a lower end; a planar bottom chute extending across the lower end of the tube, the planar bottom chute being pivotaly mounted to the lower end of the tube; a handle assembly mounted at an upper end of the tube; a linkage mechanism connected between the handle assembly and the planar bottom chute; and biasing means for biasing the handle assembly to exert a pulling force on the linkage mechanism to hold the planar bottom chute closely against the lower end of the tube whereby an operator can manipulate the handle assembly for moving the planar bottom chute toward and away from the lower open end of the tube for opening and closing the tube to facilitate dispensing of grass seed or a grass seed and earth mixture from the lower end of the tube and can level the seed or seed mixture with seed planar bottom chute.

Abstract: A sewing machine for forming running-stitch seams, comprises a needle provided with an open eye and orientated with the axis substantially perpendicular to a surface for supporting the sewn item and is actuated with a reciprocating motion to pass cyclically through the supporting surface. A thread take-up wheel, provided below the supporting surface, is composed of a fixed part, with a magazine for the taken-up thread, and a rotatable part, rotationally actuated about its own axis. The rotatable part supports a lower looper engaging a portion of the loop that protrudes from the eye along one side of the needle. A thread disengager is provided for disengaging the thread from the needle which engage the portion of the loop of thread protruding from the eye.

Abstract: A telescoping and rolling cover assembly for a barge includes a plurality of cover sections that travel along a track or tracks provided on the barge coaming. The cover sections may be provided with anti-derailment clamps that engage a vertical lip of the barge coaming to prevent the covers from being pulled off the track. The clamps may further be provided with wind latch extensions that secure the cover sections when in a stacked position. The cover sections may be provided with a stacking shelf that provides a surface on which an overlying stacked cover may rest. The cover sections may travel along one or more tracks provided on the sides of the barge coaming. A portion of some cover sections may travel along tracks attached to underlying cover sections. The cover assembly may be made of fiber reinforced plastic.

Abstract: A motor winch, which is more particularly suitable as a sheet or halyard winch (11) for sailing yachts, etc., has an integrated electric or hydraulic drive, the motor (52) being integrated into the winch in such a way that it is located within the winch body and in particular within the winch drum (16). By means of a multistage gear located in the winch foot (22), optionally assisted by an epicyclic gear (54) present in the motor, it brings about the rotation of the winch drum. A manual operation with a winch crank is made possible by a winch crank nut (32) in the winch head (29), the manual driving shaft running past the somewhat eccentrically positioned motor.

Abstract: An uncrossed-braced, column stabilized semi-submersible and improved methods of operation of the same are disclosed. The semi-submersible vessel provides necessary strength to resist hydrodynamic forces via a unitized support system. Improved elliptically shaped columns, haunch supports and reinforcing members provide stability and resist transverse forces. A skirt design minimizes the reduced stability at the transition point. Improved deck designs reduce environmental impacts and provide additional support against transverse forces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a semi-submersible vessel designed to operate in harsh environment. The vessel has a twin-hull pontoon structure that supports four corner caissons extending vertically from the pontoons above an operational draft of the vessel. A pair of slender parallel horizontal braces connects each pair of opposing caissons, the braces extending in a general plane perpendicular to longitudinal axes of the pontoons. One of the pair of braces is secured between the forward columns and another of the pair of braces is secured between the aft columns. The braces reduce spreading and torque-induced forces acting on the columns, while not substantially increasing water plane area of the vessel. Each brace has an internal “redundancy” feature, being divided into two independent watertight compartments to continue providing buoyancy to the structure if one of the compartments is breached.

Abstract: A device for reducing the resistance to the advancement on water of a motorboat (1), this latter comprising a keel (2), on the underside of which at least one step (3) is provided; projecting means (6) for increasing the points of separation of the motorboat (1) from the water are provided at the step (3) and extend away from its free edge, on said means (6) there acting the weight of the boat which is hence distributed over a greater number of points than those of the step (3), the projecting means providing regularity in the streams of air and water which flow below the keel (2) downstream of said means, and creating a microvotex effect between said means and the keel which contributes to the support of the boat, such that there is a smaller resistance to the advancement of the motorboat on water, with consequent higher boat speed.

Abstract: A modularized unmanned marine surface vehicle contains control section and propulsion section. The control section is composed of bow section, control cabin, probing module, communication module and conjunction module. The propulsion section contains an energy cabin and a power plant cabin. The conjunction module can be combined with the energy cabin as a complete unmanned marine surface vehicle. The probing module can be the option of combining with probing instruments and equipment. The probing module's possible tasks include obtaining information on the depth of water, water quality assessment, temperature analysis and even underwater photography. The propulsion section can be battery-powered, gasoline-powered or diesel-powered. The propulsion section can be equipped with a propeller, a water jet or a turbine jet propeller of high power or low power as the power source assembly. By the modularized design, the length of the vehicle can be shrunk, for easy carry and loading.

Abstract: The indicator light collector includes a body, a first reflecting portion, a second reflecting portion, a lighting device, a circuit unit, a third reflecting portion, and a pattern portion. The body is formed by a transparent material. The first reflecting portion and second reflecting portion are installed at two lateral side of the body. The lighting device is received in a hollow receiving space being formed between the body and the first reflecting portion. The circuit unit is connected to a power source and the lighting device. The third reflecting portion is disposed on the surface of the body for reflecting the light refracted from the surface of the body. By the first, second and third reflecting portions, the indicator is more bright and is easily sensed the pattern portion disposed at the indicator by human eyes.

Abstract: A process for growing single crystal silicon ingots which are substantially free of agglomerated intrinsic point defects. An ingot is grown generally in accordance with the Czochralski method. No portion of the ingot cools to a temperature which is less than a temperature TA at which agglomeration of intrinsic point defects in the ingot occurs during the time the ingot is being grown. The achievement of defect free ingots is thus substantially decoupled from process parameters, such as pull rate, and system parameters, such as axial temperature gradient in the ingot.

Abstract: A process for producing a silicon single crystal is by pulling the single crystal from a silicon melt which is contained in a crucible with a diameter of at least 450 mm, above which a heat shield is arranged. The single crystal being pulled has a diameter of at least 200 mm. The silicon melt is exposed to the influence of a traveling magnetic field which exerts a substantially vertically oriented force on the melt in the region of the crucible wall. There is also an apparatus which is suitable for carrying out the process.

Abstract: Integrated circuit devices are formed in a substrate wafer using selective epitaxial growth (SEG). Non-uniform epitaxial wafer thickness results when the distribution of SEG regions across the surface of the wafer is non-uniform, resulting in loading effects during the growth process. Loading effects are minimized according to the invention by adding passive SEG regions thereby giving a relatively even distribution of SEG growth regions on the wafer. The passive regions remain unprocessed in the finished IC device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor component includes forming an electrically insulative layer (220) over a semiconductor substrate where a first portion of the electrically insulative layer is located over a first region (560) of the semiconductor substrate and where a second portion of the first layer is located over a second region (550) of the semiconductor substrate. An isolation region (610) is formed in the semiconductor substrate between the first and second regions of the semiconductor substrate. After forming the isolation region, the second portion of the first layer is removed, and, after removing the second potion of the first layer, an epitaxial layer (630) is grown over the second region of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: In a liquid phase growth process comprising immersing a substrate in a melt held in a crucible, a crystal material having been dissolved in the melt, and growing a crystal on the substrate, at least a group of substrates to be immersed in the melt held in the crucible are fitted to the supporting rack at a position set aside from the center of rotation of the crucible or supporting rack, and the crystal is grown on the surface of the substrate thus disposed. This can provide a liquid phase growth process which can attain a high growth rate, can enjoy uniform distribution of growth rate in each substrate and between the substrates even when substrates are set in a large number in one batch, and can readily keep the melt from reaction and contamination even when the system has a large size, and provide a liquid phase growth system suited for carrying out the process.

Abstract: Reactive gas is released through a crystal source material or melt to react with impurities and carry the impurities away as gaseous products or as precipitates or in light or heavy form. The gaseous products are removed by vacuum and the heavy products fall to the bottom of the melt. Light products rise to the top of the melt. After purifying, dopants are added to the melt. The melt moves away from the heater and the crystal is formed. Subsequent heating zones re-melt and refine the crystal, and a dopant is added in a final heating zone. The crystal is divided, and divided portions of the crystal are re-heated for heat treating and annealing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for embedding a multiplicity of discrete masses of material in a resinous coating on a sheet of metal in a coil coating system. The sheet is coated, the masses are embedded in the wet resinous coating, and the coating is dried in a one-pass system. The resinous coating and the embedded masses are preferably resistant to ultra-violet radiation. The wet resinous coating, therefore, is preferably a liquid fluorocarbon resin. The discrete masses comprise pigmented particulate minerals and resins in the form of granules, beads, vesiculated beads, pellets, flakes, platelets, cylinders, coating powders, and coating powder precursor chips. The minerals include glass, quartz, mica, pebbles, and ceramics. The particulate resins include polyesters, acrylics, nylons, polyurethanes, polycarbonates, solid fluorocarbon resins, and solid mixtures of a fluorocarbon resin and an acrylate or methacrylate polymer or copolymer.

Abstract: An apparatus for passing multiple fibers having curable coating thereon through a high intensity curing zone comprises an irradiator having a curing zone; a transparent tube enclosing the curing zone; a plurality of coating dies disposed upstream of the irradiator to coat the fibers; and a plurality of take-up mechanisms disposed downstream of the irradiator to guide the fibers through the curing zone. The coating dies and the take-up mechanisms are rotatably displaced relative to each other about a longitudinal axis through the centerline of the curing zone so that the fibers at an intermediate location between the coating dies and the take-up mechanisms define a cylindrical volume having a diameter less than the diameter of the tube so that the multiple fibers can pass simultaneously through the tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder facility used for spray coating and comprising at least one injection unit (6), at least two powder stations (2) and at least one cleaning unit (16) which are mutually displaceable in program-controlled manner in order to alternatively convey powder from one of the powder receptacles of the powder stations or to clean the powder-flow itineraries using compressed cleaning air.

Abstract: Liquid finish is applied to a travelling filament by bringing the travelling filament into contact with an arcuate surface portion associated with a normally stationary, but rotatable, annular finish applicator, and thereafter periodically rotating the annular finish applicator to bring at least one other arcuate surface portion thereof into contact with the travelling filament. Most preferably, an actuator assembly is provided having first and second actuator fingers which are capable of relative separable rectilinear movements towards and away from one another. These actuator fingers, in an especially preferred embodiment, are each pivotally moveable and magnetically coupled to one another. As such, separable movement will in turn cause that one of the actuator fingers connected to the annular finish applicator to pivot thereby rotating the later to expose a “fresh” arcuate surface region in contact with the filament.

Abstract: A diffuser comprises a conduit having a cross-sectional area that increases in a direction fluid flow. In one embodiment, the diffuser is used to reduce the incidence and severity of flow fluctuations that occur in an electrostatic deposition apparatus. In some embodiments, the diffuser includes one or more flow control features. A first flow-control feature comprises one or more appropriately-shaped annular slits through which fluid having a greater momentum than a primary fluid moving through the diffuser is injected into the “boundary layer” near the wall of the diffuser. A second flow control feature comprises one or more annular slits or, alternatively, slots or holes that are disposed at appropriate locations around the circumference of the diffuser through which a portion of fluid flowing in the boundary layer is removed. Boundary-layer flow removal is effected, in one embodiment, by creating a pressure differential across such annular slit or slots.

Abstract: A deposition apparatus and shower head are provided. The shower head preferably includes a plurality of plates having gas paths formed therein. A cooling system is arranged in a lower plate of the shower head and includes a plurality of independent inner cooling lines configured to connect coolant inlets to coolant outlets. A separating device is also disclosed herein. The separating device preferably separates a heater stage from a chamber body to thereby separate a processing chamber of the deposition apparatus from a dead volume located beneath the heater stage. Various other improvements are also provided to improve the efficiency of a deposition process, and, in particular, an ALD process.

Abstract: A plurality of liquids, the flow of each controlled by a volumetric flowrate controller, are mixed in a mixer to form a final precursor that is misted and then deposited on a substrate. A physical property of precursor liquid is adjusted by adjusting the volumetric flowrate controllers, so that when precursor is applied to substrate and treated, the resulting thin film of solid material has a smooth and planar surface. Typically the physical property is the viscosity of the precursor, which is selected to be relatively low, in the range of 1-2 centipoise.

Abstract: An ion source for use in ion assisted deposition of films, has a ionisation region, a gas supply, supplying ionisable gas to the ionisation region, a gas excitation system causing ionisation of the gas, ion influencing means forming the ions into a current directed at a target, and an ion source controller controlling the ion source so as to intermittently produce the current.

Abstract: A device for cleaning at least a part of one or more milking machines for milking animals. Said device is provided with a reservoir for containing cleaning fluid, with a supply line connected to the reservoir for supplying cleaning fluid to the part to be cleaned, and with a heating member for heating the cleaning fluid. The device is further provided with a heating start member for activating the heating member immediately after a fixed, predetermined period counted from the preceding heating start activation has elapsed. A milking machine for milking an animal. Said milking machine is provided with a reservoir for containing cleaning fluid, with a supply line connected to the reservoir for supplying cleaning fluid to the part to be cleaned, and with a heating member for heating the cleaning fluid. The milking machine is provided with a heating start member for activating the heating member immediately after a fixed, predetermined period counted from the preceding heating start activation has elapsed.

Abstract: A bird feeder having a hopper that has an open end and a closed end at opposing sides, and a scoop pivotally coupled near the open end so that the scoop is and selectively movable between a scooping position and a hanging position. In the scooping position, the scoop is lies generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bird feeder. In the hanging position, however, the scoop lies transverse to the longitudinal axis. In another embodiment, the bird feeder comprises a cage having a closed end and an open end at opposing sides, and a hopper the cage. Each of the cage and hopper have an open end facing a substantially single direction. A lid engages and covers the open end of the cage, and is selectively movable from a closed position covering the open end and an open position allowing the dispensation of bird seed into the hopper. Additionally, a hanger comprising a cord passes through apertures in the lid.

Abstract: An animal feeder assembly includes a semi-cylindrical feed trough, which defines a plurality of drainage apertures, and a pair of semi-circular end caps. A pair of horizontal cross members are connected and disposed substantially perpendicular to an underside of the feed trough adjacent the end caps. A pair of height-adjustable support legs are connected to opposing ends of each horizontal cross member such that the support legs form an angle of between 45° and 60° with the ground. The animal feeder assembly is made from a weather-resistant material, preferably polyvinyl chloride. The animal feeder assembly provides a durable, height-adjustable feeding device, which is versatile and well-suited for use with animals ranging in size from medium-sized dogs to larger animals, including deer and horses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pet carrier having a bottom, a top, opposed sides, a first end, a second end, and a door. The first end includes an opening for receiving the door therein. The opening has a plurality of receptacles for receiving ends of bars therein. The door includes a door post having ends insertable into ones of the receptacles. The door also includes a mechanism having a disc and bars. One of the bars is used to cause the disc to rotate which in turn causes the other bars to extend toward the disc or away from the disc to position the mechanism in a latched or unlatched position. Ends of the bars are insertable into ones of the receptacles to secure the door closed.

Abstract: A portable dog-training transmitter unit for controlling remote collar-mounted receiver/stimulus units includes first, second, and third switches for causing corresponding transmitted stimulus control signals to be recognized by corresponding first, second, or third receiver/stimulus units. A multiple-position switch sets the use of transmitted codes that control the amplitudes of stimulus signals produced by the recognizing receiver/stimulus unit. The transmitter unit is supported in a holster that is pivotally supported by a belt clip by means of a pivot pin that is pivotally retained in a receiving slot of the belt clip. The transmitter unit includes a controller which polls the states of the various switches to produce a digital signal that is shaped by a buffer circuit, FM modulated, preamplified, and coupled by a simplified matching network to the input of a power amplifier. A single pi matching network is coupled to match an output of the power amplifier to an antenna of the transmitter unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety device capable of being easily attached to and removed from the animal's existing collar. The pet's existing collar does not require any modification for use with the present invention, nor are tools required to attach the present invention to the collar. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be constructed of a plurality of materials and may include light reflecting materials, devices, or decorations to enhance animal safety. In addition, the present invention may be capable of being imprinted with or otherwise disposing designs, patterns, messages, slogans, or other decorations as desired.

Abstract: This invention is a system for detecting the relative inverted posture of an equine mammal. When such a posture, or positional attitude, of an equine mammal is greater than 90+/− degrees but less than 270+/− degrees as measured with respect to the rotation of the animal's body around the lateral axis—anterior to posterior—whereby the normal standing position of the animal is zero degrees, then a sensing device will activate and emit a radio frequency signal to a receiver at a remote location and sound an alarm to alert monitoring personnel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for confining animals or livestock and preventing their traverse through a gate. Mats are provided having an insulated substrate holding an electrically conductive medium embedded therein. A power source supplies electrical current to the conductive medium. When the power source is activated, the mats may convey a shock to an animal. The mats are located in a gate passage so as to enable normal operation of the gate while preventing the traverse of livestock or animals within the gated area.

Abstract: A burner apparatus includes a mounting head having a fuel inlet opening defined in the mounting head for receiving combustion air and fuel gas through the opening. An inner support structure is attached to the mounting head. The inner support structure defines an interior zone communicated with the fuel inlet opening of the head. An exterior layer of flexible woven heat resistant material is received about the inner support structure and defines an exterior flame attachment surface. The mounting head may include a radial opening defined therethrough. An igniter is located outside of the mounting head adjacent the radial opening so that the igniter is proximally spaced from a combustion zone surround the burner apparatus. The burner apparatus may include a plurality of foraminous back pressure plates located in the interior zone distal of the igniter for balancing the pressure of the fuel gas/combustion air mixture along the length of the burner.

Abstract: A steam conditioning system comprising a steam conditioning valve 1 for depressurizing and desuperheating steam S by supplying moisture W in said conditioning valve. A discharge pipe 3 connected to the steam conditioning valve 1 has a horizontal section 3a, and said horizontal arrangement section 3a is provided with a moisture drain 4 or at a portion near the bottom. Condensed moisture W1 is extracted from this moisture drain 4 and is recycled as moisture W to be supplied to the steam S in said conditioning valve 1. The steam conditioning valve 1 further has a reduced annular section 9 with a nozzle 5a disposed therein for injecting subcooled water mist W. A transport conduit 5 connects the drain 4 to nozzle 5a. Moisture W is drawn into steam flow S due to the Venturi effect caused by the pressure drop through the reduced annular section 9.