Abstract: A drilling fluid degasser having a weir to more evenly spread the drilling fluid over the leaves of the degasser to increase the efficiency of the degasser is disclosed. Additionally, a plurality of gas vent pipes are provided that ensure that once the gases are removed from the drilling fluid, the gases are removed from the degasser without contacting the drilling fluid to ensure the gases are not mixed into the drilling fluid again.

Abstract: An air filter capable of visual indication of a clogged condition thereof includes a housing, a filter unit, a fan unit and a signaling device. The housing has an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air passage extending from the air inlet to the air outlet. The signaling device includes a flap disposed to span the air passage, a horizontal pivot pin connected securely to the flap and pivotable relative to the housing, and a pointer connected to one end of the pivot pin and rotatable with the pivot pin relative to the housing. A reduction in air flow through the air passage attributed to a clogged condition of the air filter causes the flap to pivot and move the pointer relative to the housing so as to indicate the clogged condition of the air filter.

Abstract: An in-wall coffee maker includes a coffee maker unit received in a mounting structure mounted within a wall cavity. The mounting structure includes engagement tabs to enable engagement of the mounting box to one or more wall structures and attachment flanges or tabs with apertures to receive fasteners from mating apertures in the coffee maker unit to attach the coffee maker unit in the mounting structure. The in-wall coffee maker unit can also include a metered water connection to facilitate a self-filling capability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separable coffee maker, which comprises a base, a filter unit, a guide pipe, and a container. The base has a receiving space therein. The filter unit is disposed in the receiving space of the base. Through holes are formed on the guide pipe, which is disposed above the filter unit. The container has an inner pipe body therein. The inner pipe body is extended upwards from the bottom portion of the container. The container is separately placed on the base. The inner pipe body of the container is slipped onto the guide pipe. A separable coffee maker whose container can be separately taken out is thus formed.

Abstract: A coffee maker comprises a base, a main body, a filter unit, a sprinkling unit, and an upper cover. Mortises, a positioning groove, and a lower socket are disposed at the top and two sides of the base, respectively. The mortises, the positioning groove, and the lower socket correspond to tenons, a positioning post, and an upper socket at the lower portion of the main body to facilitate connection, dismantlement, and cleaning of the base and the main body. A transparent window is disposed at the front side of the main body, and an inner glass container is disposed in the main body. The filter unit and the sprinkling unit are received in the inner glass container. Through the transparent window and the inner glass container, one can view the situation of brewing coffee in the inner glass container, hence enhancing the fun of brewing coffee.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food.

Abstract: A cup holder (10) for nonrotatable holding a beverage container during mixing of the pre-frozen beverage ingredients therein is described. The cup holder is removably supported in a cup holder support structure while the ingredients inside the beverage cup are processed, such as by mixing by a rotating blade. The cup holder (10) has anti-rotational features (18) on its sidewall and/or bottom wall structures, so that the cup holder is restrained against rotation which would otherwise be caused by the action of the rotating blade or other processing tool within the beverage cup. In a preferred embodiment, a spirally radiating anti-rotation pattern is formed on the cup holder bottom for mating with a corresponding pattern on the cup holder support structure.

Abstract: A Carpet Seam Press is disclosed. The press includes means for cooling and pressing a recently-formed seam between two adjoining sections of carpet. The press further includes a light projecting from at least one end for illuminating confined work areas. The press also includes a bottom plate having several small holes formed in it and fans for forcing air through those holes and onto the seam being pressed and cooled. Further yet, the press may provide an electrical convenience outlet to eliminate the need for more than a single extension cord.

Abstract: The present invention provides a motor driven link press which enables working with a heavy press load and also enables a working cycle time to be improved even when a motor with a relatively low output power is used and which can be properly controlled easily. A motor driven link press comprises a link mechanism 1 that converts a rotating operation into a linear operation and a ram 6 that elevates and lowers for press working on the basis of this linear operation. The link mechanism 1 comprises a crank member 2 having a crank shaft 3 and an eccentric shaft portion 4, a pivoting link 5, a connecting rod 7, and a restraining link 8. The pivoting link 5 has a first to third connecting portions P1 to P3 and is connected to the eccentric shaft portion 4 of the crank member 2 using the connecting portion P1. The connecting rod 7 is connected to the second connecting portion P2 and the ram 6.

Abstract: A printer of the present invention includes drive pulleys each being mounted on a particular print drum.

Abstract: A wall corner stencil design system and application method that resolves design impasses unique to the corners of rooms by converting wall corners into focal points for visual and aesthetic design continuity with the incorporation of “stop-gap stencils” and/or a “corner stencil” (consisting of “left” and “right” sides) designed for independent use and to compliment existing and/or underlying running border stencil patterns.

Abstract: A sheet-fed rotary printing press has at least one unit which includes an impression cylinder and an additional cylinder assigned to the impression cylinder. The impression cylinder and the additional cylinder are relatively adjustable a spaced distance from one another. A sheet guiding device is disposed on the additional cylinder for keeping sheets of printing material, which have been transported by the impression cylinder past the additional cylinder, away from the additional cylinder, once the spaced distance between the impression cylinder and the additional cylinder has been set.

Abstract: A control system for regulating the composition of an emulsion ink made from an oil-based ink and a water-based fountain solution using a mixing and dispersing apparatus includes a liquid level sensor, means responsive to the liquid level sensor for maintaining a proper liquid level in the mixing and dispersing apparatus, and means for producing an emulsion ink with a water content value which is within a predetermined range from a desired water content value. The producing means includes a feedforward controller and a feedback controller for regulating water-based fountain solution input rate to the mixing and dispersing apparatus.

Abstract: A lightweight, low-cost bridge mandrel applicable to the Flexographic printing process is adapted for mounting on the outer surface of a shaft or roller. The mandrel preferably includes a thin-walled, cylindrical metal tube having an inner surface, an outer surface, and two ends defining a length. An end cap is disposed at each end of the tube, each with a central bore to receive the shaft or roller. A polymeric layer is bonded directly or indirectly to the metal tube, thereby defining a precise, desired final diameter upon which to mount a printing sleeve. The metal tube is preferably steel, though aluminum and various metal or composite alloys may alternatively be used.

Abstract: A printing unit including a rigid cylinder rotatable about an axis of rotation, a plurality of inflatable bladders disposed on a circumferential surface of the cylinder, and a first fluid supply regulation unit configured to supply a first fluid to a first set of inflatable bladders of the plurality of inflatable bladders and to regulate a first fluid pressure inside the first set inflatable bladders. In addition, a method for mounting a sleeve-shaped printing sock onto a blanket cylinder of an offset printing press, in which a set of inflatable bladders disposed at an outer region of the blanket cylinder are at least partially deflated. The sleeve-shaped printing sock is slid over one end of the blanket cylinder so that the printing sock at least partially surrounds a circumference of the blanket cylinder. The set of inflatable bladders are then inflated so that the printing sock fits tightly around the circumference of the blanket cylinder.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a printing press. The cleaning apparatus of the present invention allows for effective removal of contaminants from printing press print plates while the printing press is running. Furthermore, the cleaning apparatus of the present invention effectively applies and removes cleaning fluids such as water from the printing plate without resulting in the formation of water drops and streaks on the printed substrate.

Abstract: A method for making a printing plate including a step of forming a hydrophobic image area on at least a part of a hydrophilic surface of a plate. The plate surface contains a photocatalyst and the image area is formed by using an organic compound which is decomposed and removed by the irradiation of light having a higher energy than the band gap energy of the photocatalyst.

Abstract: Method and apparatus in which a first liquid is extruded through a porous printing plate to its printing surface, a second liquid is externally applied over the first liquid on the printing surface, and a sheet material is contacted with the printing surface in order to print the second liquid onto the sheet material. In some embodiments, the first liquid is a release agent, the second liquid is a printing agent, and a sheet material is contacted with the printing agent on the printing surface, whereby the release agent prevents the adhesion of the printing agent and the sheet material to the printing surface and thereby allows the sheet material to be easily separated from the printing surface. In some embodiments, the printing agent is an adhesive and the release agent prevents the adhesive from strongly adhering to or accumulating on the printing surface.

Abstract: A self-propelling projectile allowing restricted local target effects comprises a penetrator core, a charge for at least partially fragmenting the core at a target, and autonomous ignition device for the charge. The penetrator core has a stepped tip with a forward exterior dart angle and a larger following acute angle and a dart shank that tapers towards a rear end of the core. A coaxial cavity is located within at least a rear portion of the core carries an active substance is next to an explosive charge for opening the cavity at the target. The active substance can either be of lethal or non-lethal characteristics. The projectile can be configured to be usable with conventional launchers and auxiliary equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably attaching a closure plate to an open end of a cylindrical casing, the apparatus having an inner member; a threaded outer ring biased in tension, disposed adjacent to the inner member, for releasably engaging an interior wall of the casing; and a eutectic spacer between the inner member and the outer ring. At temperatures below the melting point of the eutectic spacer, the outer ring is held in threaded engagement with the casing, and holds the closure plate in position in abutment with the casing. When the temperature of the eutectic spacer reaches its melting temperature, the eutectic spacer transitions to a liquid state, flows away from the apparatus, allowing the outer ring to retract into a groove in the inner member, and the closure to be released from the casing.

Abstract: A multiple function railway maintenance machine includes a plurality of cars connected together to form a self-propelled consist having cabs at opposite ends so that it can be driven along railway tracks to an area requiring maintenance work. The cars are provided in their beds with rails which extend between the cars continuously. A crawler type service vehicle is mounted on the rails and has a cab from which the service vehicle can be driven along the rails for precise positioning. The service vehicle has a rotatable and articulating boom that interchangeably receives different working heads.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for levitating and moving objects such as vehicles, doors and windows are shown and described herein. The embodiments incorporate a track with lower rails having lower permanent magnets and the object with upper rails having upper permanent magnets aligned with the lower rails and oriented to oppose the polarity of the lower permanent magnets. Ferrous backing plates may be incorporated behind the lower rails and/or the upper rails. Embodiments may also incorporate a third rail of an electroconductive material, and a driving disc positioned near the third rail. Permanent magnets in the driving disc may be rotated with the driving disc in the presence of the third rail to accelerate the upper rails with respects to the lower rails. The driving disc may be coupled one of the lower rails to maintain a desired alignment with the third rail.

Abstract: An integral intermodal train is provided for carrying standard over-the-highway semi-trailers. The intermodal train can include a standard locomotive pulling one or more train segments. Each segment can have a plurality of platforms and may be loaded or unloaded independently of any other segment using a self contained, roll-on/roll-off system. At least one platform should be equipped with a standard knuckle coupler at standard height to permit the segments to be pulled by any existing locomotive. Each segment can consist of three platform types, articulated together, an adapter platform coupled behind the locomotive, an intermediate platform having a truck at only one end and the other end supported by the end of the adapter platform and a loading ramp platform also having a truck at only one with the other end supported by the truck end of the intermediate platform. The truck end of the ramp platform can have a hinged ramp assembly which can be raised or lowered to load the platforms.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer having a molecular weight of at least 800, containing at least 5 aldehyde groups per molecule and at least 1 carboxyl group per molecule, the ratio of aldehyde groups to carboxyl groups being higher than 0.75:1, as a wet strength additive.

Abstract: Novel addition products of hydroxyl-protecting groups (such as isocyanates) with oxyalkylene-substituted intermediates, such as poly(oxyalkylenated) aniline compounds, for the eventual production of substituted, and substantially pure, colorants, particularly diazo and triphenylmethane derivatives, through the reaction of such intermediates with certain reactants are provided. These new colorants exhibit improved wax and/or oil solubility and high purity, particularly due to the inability of certain impurities to deleteriously react with the protected hydroxyl groups of either the intermediate or the colorant during and/or after formation thereof. A method for producing such novel colorants through utilization of these novel substantially pure colorant intermediates is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to paper sizing compositions comprised of at least one sizing agent selected from ASA, AKD and rosin where the at least one sizing agent is emulsified in water, at least one emulsion stabilizer, and from about 0.01% to about 15% by weight of at least one hydrophobic substance, based on the total weight of sizing agent present, provided that the hydrophobic substance is not highly alkoxylated. The sizing promotion efficiency of the paper sizing compositions, as determined by at least one method selected from the Cytec size testing method, the Hercules size testing method, and the Cobb size testing method, is greater than or equal to about 4. Exemplary hydrophobic substances include fatty acid esters, triglycerides, hydrocarbons, esters and/or amides derived from ASA, silicone oils, alcohols, and stearic anhydride. The invention also relates to methods for sizing paper products with these paper sizing compositions and paper or paperboard treated with these sizing compositions.

Abstract: A process for chemical vapor deposition includes depositing a film using a metal &bgr;-diketonate complex and an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated alcohol. The metal &bgr;-diketonate complex and the &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated alcohol is contacted on the substrate at the same time, at different times or alternately.

Abstract: A method for preparing an inorganic film-forming coating composition. The method involves reacting a titanium monomer and/or a low condensation product thereof containing a group hydrolyzed to form a hydroxyl group with a hydrogen peroxide water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to silver-colored luster pigments based on multiply coated platelet-shaped substrates, which has at least one layer sequence of TiO2, a colorless coating and another TiO2 layer. The pigment can optionally have an outer protective layer. These luster pigments are useful and to the use thereof in paints, coatings, printing inks, including security printing inks, plastics, ceramic materials, glasses, cosmetic formulations and for producing pigment preparations and dry product forms such as granules, chips, pellets and briquettes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a polymer-modified pigment comprising the step of: combining, in any order, at least one pigment having attached at least one nucleophilic group, at least one polymer comprising at least one carboxylic acid group or salt thereof, and at least one coupling agent. At least one mediator compound may also be used. The modified pigments can be used in applications such as inkjet ink applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to a formulation with the addition of low density additives of volcanic ash, hollow ceramic microspheres or a combination of microspheres and volcanic ash or other low density additives into cementitious cellulose fiber reinforced building materials. This formulation is advantageously lightweight or low density compared as compared to current fiber cement products without the increased moisture expansion and freeze-thaw degradation usually associated with the addition of lightweight inorganic materials to fiber cement mixes. The low density additives also give the material improved thermal dimensional stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pozzolanic admixture containing ammonia-laden fly ash, method for making the pozzolanic admixture and method for controlling ammonia gas (NH3) emission from cementitious slurries using the pozzolanic admixture. The associated hypochlorite and ammonia reaction produces monochloramine and chloride salts at relatively low concentration levels harmless to concrete and concrete applications. The resulting monochloramine and chloride salt products are stable and do not dissipate into the air, thereby, eliminating odorous emission that is produced from cementitious slurry containing untreated ammonia laden fly ash.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing, verifying, and maintaining underground vaults that isolate and contain radioactive burial sites. The method employs a buoyant lift technique to isolate a block of soil containing the contaminates from the surrounding soil. An impermeable synthetic liner is embedded in the vault to enhance the integrity of the system. The integrity of the vault is monitored by a system of sensors placed both inside and outside of the sealed vault. The method eliminates the need to excavate or drill in the contaminated areas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for production of cement clinker uses fragmented metallurgical slag, such as from blast furnace production of iron or steel, introduced into a rotary kiln at an infeed located between the kiln front feed end and the rear outlet end. The metallurgical slag combines with predominantly limestone feedstock material flowing inwardly from the feed end toward a burner pipe at the outlet end and intimately blends with the limestone material to become transformed into cement clinker as the blended materials progress through the kiln. Preferably, the metallurgical slag is introduced into the kiln through a kiln dust infeed apparatus present in many rotary kilns at a mid location.

Abstract: A radiolucent surgical table is provided with a patient support member and includes a low shadow accessory interface profile formed by a plurality of interconnected curved surfaces disposed along the outer edge of the patient support member for selective attachment of a range of medical accessory devices. A clamping apparatus secures associated accessories to the outer edge, which has a top recess and an essentially planar and non-vertical side surface slanting inwardly from top to bottom and terminating in a flared lower edge extending beyond the bottom of the patient support member. The clamping apparatus includes an upper jaw member which has a downwardly projecting lip formed to conformably engage a section of the top recess. A lower jaw member is also included and has a hook region formed to surroundingly engage a section of the flared lower edge. A means is provided for joining the upper and lower jaw members.

Abstract: A checkout console for use with a counter-top or conveyor belt point-of-sale checkout stand. The checkout console can support a cash drawer, printer, keyboard, and other such peripheral equipment, and can be mounted so that the top shelf is above a bar code scanner. By positioning the console between the cashier and the customer, twisting and turning be the cashier is greatly reduced. The console, once mounted, is vertically adjustable on demand.

Abstract: A folding portable table includes an upper table surface, a number of folding table legs, and a lower table surface held between the legs by pins protruding from the perimeter of the lower table surface and slidably retained in grooves in the legs. The pins slide up and down in the grooves, allowing the lower table surface to be raised up to, or lowered down from, the upper table surface. When the lower table surface is raised up adjacent to the upper table surface, the legs can be folded under the upper table surface for transport and storage of the table. The table can be deployed by unfolding the legs and lowering the lower table surface down from the upper table surface. The grooves may be tapered from top to bottom such that the pins are frictionally bound in the deployed position in order to make the table stronger.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a support stand which is economical to manufacture and simple to assemble. The support stand comprises at least two support legs and a top member. The support legs have a lower end for supporting the stand on a surface and an upper end having means for engaging and supporting the top member. The support legs are releasably connected to one another to properly space the engaging means from one another. The top member is provided with a receiving means for releasably receiving the engaging means of the support leg to releasably secure and support the top member on the support legs.

Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible table that has the benefit of the interlocking legs supporting each other independently of the top, and of supporting the top itself. The present invention table includes components generally referred to as interlocking legs, but because one set extends to the floor and the other set need not extend to the floor, they are more specifically referred to as table support members and table brace members. In the present invention table, there is a pair of table support members, each table support member having a general frontal view shape of an inverted “U”. There is a substantially horizontal top portion and two substantially vertical leg portions, the top portion having two receiving slots at opposite ends from one another. These two receiving slots face or open upwardly when the table support members are upright for assembly, and these receiving slots have a predetermined height, h, and a predetermined width, w−1.

Abstract: An adjustable device installed at the inlet of conventional junctions/splitters (116) for on-line control of the distribution of coal among the outlet pipes is herein disclosed. The device includes a plurality of flow control elements (60) each positioned upstream of a plurality of flow channels in the riffler (50) for directing coal flow to the outlet pipes. Each flow control element preferably comprises a rounded convex edge leading to straight tapered sides (FIG. 9). The surfaces of the sides may be roughened or textured (63) for promoting turbulent boundary layers (FIG. 9). In addition, conventional fixed or variable orifices may be used in combination with the flow control elements for balancing primary air flow rates. The device allows fine-adjustment control of coal flow rates when used in combination with the slotted riffler, yet it has negligible effect on the distribution of primary air.

Abstract: Improvements in the manufacture of brick, sand-lime brick, and other man-made stone-like materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for promoting biaxially uniform distribution of coal particle size in an airstream supplying combustible mixture to a firebox by way of a header having a quadrangular arrangement of feed pipes. A conduit or duct which receives the coal air mix from a bowl mill pulverizer uses first and second single axis mixer elements in series, the operating or mixing axes of the two elements being disposed orthogonal to one another and at right angles to the air flow direction in the vicinity of the mixer elements. Deflector bars are disposed immediately upstream of the mixer elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of heat to remove ammonia compounds from fly ash is disclosed. The apparatus includes a source of fly ash comprising particulates having ammonia compounds affixed to the fly ash particulates, a heating chamber including a treatment bed comprising a media having openings, a fly ash supply conduit for transferring fly ash from the source of fly ash to the treatment bed of the heating chamber, a source of heated air, an air supply conduit for providing a flow of heated air to the treatment bed of the heating chamber for contacting the fly ash on the treatment bed with the flow of heated air, a heated air conduit in communication with the heating chamber for transferring the flow of heated air from the heating chamber, and an ash removal conduit in communication with the heating chamber for transferring heated fly ash from the heating chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a planting assembly including a first mounting member having first and second horizontally separated ends, the apparatus comprising first and second rigid support members that extend in the same direction from and substantially perpendicular to the first and second ends of the mounting member and that form first and second support surfaces, respectively, a hopper including first and second lower wall members that together define an upwardly facing cavity and form first and second downward and oppositely facing external surfaces, respectively, the external surfaces sloping downward toward a hopper opening along first and second trajectories, respectively, the hopper positioned on the support members such that the first and second external surfaces are received on the first and second support surfaces, respectively, the first external surface forming a first hopper coupler having an engaging length dimension along the first trajectory and a first locking member having a first

Abstract: A boat hoist including a vertical frame and a horizontally disposed movable platform, with the platform movable between a lowered and boat unload position and a raised, boat load position. A cable system transmits force to move the movable platform. The cable system is operated and force transmitted to it, by a hydraulic drive unit, thus eliminating problems with electrically operated drive bar units. This results in the ability to lift heavier boats with less power and faster times.

Abstract: A ballast water monitoring and reporting system for seagoing vessels includes a sensor for monitoring a selected parameter of a ballast water system component and transmitting an electronic signal indicative of a condition of the parameter, a distal acoustic modem for receiving the signal from the sensor and for transmitting an acoustic signal equivalent to the electronic signal received, a shipboard metal structure extending substantially throughout the vessel and adapted to carry the acoustic signal, a proximal acoustic modem adapted to receive the acoustic signal from the metal structure and to transmit an electronic equivalent thereof, and a shipboard data acquisition computer adapted to receive the electronic signal from the proximal acoustic modem and to generate at least one of a display, a report relative to the selected parameter, and a recording of data relative to the selected parameter.

Abstract: A method for constructing and installing a very large turret in a vessel without lifting the entire turret from a fabrication yard into the moonpool. According to a first alternative method, both the lower part and the upper part of the turret are constructed inside the moonpool while the vessel is in drydock. Such method obviates providing very large lifting cranes capable of lifting the entire turret including the upper part of the turret and the lower part into the moonpool. According to a second alternative embodiment, the turret has an upper part and a lower part and the lower part is constructed in the moonpool while the vessel is in drydock, like in the first alternative method. In the second embodiment, the lower part is supported by rods and jacks from the moonpool, and the vessel is floated out of drydock into the water and parked at dockside.

Abstract: A semi-submersible floating production vessel which has a ring pontoon. Three main columns extend upwardly from corners of the pontoon and three secondary, minor columns extend upwardly from centers of the triangle sides. The columns are surrounded with fenders for protecting the columns from impact with floating bodies. The columns support an open frame deck, on which production modules are positioned. The vessel is adapted for semi-permanent mooring with pre-tensioned mooring lines that are attached to swivel padeyes secured on the main columns below the water line. Production and export risers are connected to the vessel below the water line. Compressed air ballast system allows selective emptying of ballast compartments located in the ring pontoon and eliminates the need for a conventional pump room.

Abstract: Synthetic monocrystalline diamond compositions having one or more monocrystalline diamond layers formed by chemical vapor deposition, the layers including one or more layers having an increased concentration of one or more impurities (such as boron and/or isotopes of carbon), as compared to other layers or comparable layers without such impurities. Such compositions provide an improved combination of properties, including color, strength, velocity of sound, electrical conductivity, and control of defects. A related method for preparing such a composition is also described, as well as a system for use in performing such a method, and articles incorporating such a composition.

Abstract: Epitaxial wafers comprising a single crystal silicon substrate comprising agglomerated vacancy defects and having an axially symmetric region in which silicon self-interstitials are the predominant intrinsic point defect and which is substantially free of agglomerated defects, and an epitaxial layer which is deposited upon a surface of the substrate and which is substantially free of grown-in defects caused by the presence of agglomerated intrinsic point defects on the substrate surface upon which the epitaxial layer is deposited.