Abstract: The present invention provides a slide guide for a press which comprises a gib structure with a spherical surface. The gibs are formed on a frame of the press. The spherical surface is provided with a holder or a cap to cover the spherical surface. The surface contacts are formed between the spherical surface bodies and the gibs or between the caps and the gibs. Forming spherical contact surfaces prevents damage to the sliding surface. This slide guide provides uniform, secure contact at a sliding surface of a press and prevents uneven contact. The spherical surface body can be easily installed and can adapt to deformation of the slide and prevent damage to the sliding surface.

Abstract: A window adapted to a dater has a screen hole adapted to be defined to correspond to lead numerals of the dater, two positioning seats oppositely formed to be detachable to the dater, and a patterned face formed on a bottom face thereof. The window is able to be detachably connected to the dater so as to allow replacement of the window for another patterned face for the dater.

Abstract: A color density measuring step is executed for measuring color densities of unprinted areas on prints. Then, a determining step is executed for determining from the color densities of the unprinted areas on the prints whether ink tinting has occurred. When the determining step determines that ink tinting has occurred, a dampening water adjusting step is executed for adjusting a dampening water feeding rate after feeding dampening water in an increased rate once. A variation in the ink feeding rate is prohibited for a predetermined waiting time after feeding dampening water in the increased rate once in the dampening water adjusting step.

Abstract: A system and method for sealing a doctor blade is shown. The doctor blade has a non-planar area which facilitates providing at least one substantially continuous contact on one or both sides of the doctor blade to seal the doctor blade when it is situated in a blade holder.

Abstract: A signature transfer device includes a rotating arm rotating about a first axis and a first gripper rotatably mounted on the rotating arm about a second axis, the first and second axes being parallel, the first gripper having a first gripper finger and a second gripper finger. An actuator is connected to the first gripper for opening and closing the first gripper as a function of the angle of the rotating arm about the first axis, and a compression spring connects the first gripper finger and the second gripper finger, the compression spring being compressed when the first gripper and the second gripper finger are apart.

Abstract: A nip mechanism for a substrate transfer system allows the nip mechanism to be actuated such as opened and/or closed by the drive motor for the nip mechanism. As a result, the need to operate the nip mechanism pneumatically, for example, can be avoided. Essentially, the drive motor now performs a dual role, i.e., both driving the nip rollers and also opening and closing the nip mechanism. The nip mechanism comprises a roller separation mechanism and a one-way clutch for engaging the roller separation mechanism when the drive motor is driven in the second direction. In the present implementation, this roller separation mechanism comprises a cam that pushes the first nip roller and the second nip roller away from each other. A cam limiter can be used to prevent over-rotation of this cam.

Abstract: After an ink feeding rate or a dampening water feeding rate is varied, a variation in the ink feeding rate or dampening water feeding rate is prohibited for a waiting period. The waiting period for prohibiting a variation in the ink feeding rate is determined by a pattern area rate of a corresponding region. The waiting period for prohibiting a variation in the dampening water feeding rate is determined by an average pattern area rate of all regions or a minimum pattern area rate among pattern area rates of all regions. When one of the ink feeding rate and dampening water feeding rate is varied, a variation in the other feeding rate is prohibited for a set period of time.

Abstract: An ink feeding method for a printing machine includes a color density measuring step for measuring color density of prints at intervals of time, a variation coefficient computing step for computing a variation coefficient for varying the ink feeding rate based on the color density of prints and a target color density of prints, a color density gradient computing step for computing, based on the color density of prints, a color density gradient representing a rate of variation in the color density of prints occurring with an increase in the number of prints, an expected color density computing step for computing, based on the color density gradient, an expected color density of prints occurring after a predetermined number of prints are made, a determining step for determining whether the expected color density of prints occurring after the predetermined number of prints are made exceeds the target color density of prints, and a variation coefficient correcting step for correcting the variation coefficient whe

Abstract: An ink supply controller capable of generating a proper ink curve from a result of printing even when there is a small difference in image area percentage between ink key regions is provided. The ink supply controller includes an old job data storing element for storing old job data; a new job data acquiring element for acquiring new job data; an ink curve generating element for generating an ink curve based on the old job data and the new job data; an ink curve display element for displaying the generated ink curve; and an updating element for updating the old job data by using the generating ink curve. The ink curve generating element acquires data parameters for generation of the ink curve from both the old job data and the new job data to set an approximate curve obtained from a distribution of these data parameters as a new ink curve.

Abstract: A sleeve for flexographic printing is provided and includes an inner layer, a compressible layer over the inner layer, and an outer layer having a rigid surface over the compressible layer. The outer layer and the compressible layer are adapted to interact such that the outer layer is deformable radially inwardly under the loads occurring during the printing operation.

Abstract: A method for providing in use estimation of dot gain in digital printing using digital printing plates, the method comprising: applying to a digital printing plate a calibration strip, the strip comprising at least one set of patches, each patch comprising a plurality of dots at a predetermined gray level within said dynamic range, gray levels of said set of patches being distributed over said dynamic range, printing from said calibration strip under a current set of printing conditions, measuring intensities of said printing, and interpolating from said measurements to generate a curve of dot gain over said dynamic range. The curve can then be used to compensate. When moving to a different set of printing conditions, a single test print is then carried out and a new dot gain estimation is available.

Abstract: A method of producing a device containing pyrotechnical material comprises the following steps: providing a tubular housing element with a base and metal ducts incorporated in the base, with the housing element and the base being integrally formed of glass and the housing element and the base defining a housing interior with a bottom adjoining the base, and the metal ducts extending through the bottom into the housing interior; applying a metal layer on the bottom by forming a heat-generating element integrally connected with the metal ducts and the bottom; introducing the pyrotechnical material into the housing element; and sealing the housing element by heating and melting off. The device obtainable in this way serves for use in vehicle occupant restraint systems, for instance as an igniter in gas generators and belt tensioners.

Abstract: The present invention relates to priming device for the explosive charge of a sub-munition scattered by a carrier, of the type incorporating a firing pin onto which a deployable drag ribbon has been attached, a primer able to be driven by a motor organ and a detonating primer to ignite the explosive charge. This device also comprises self-destruction means for the sub-munition operating after a predetermined delay, such means being activated by the extraction of a self-destruction lock. It is characterized in that the self-destruction lock is integral with the drag ribbon and is therefore extracted by the ribbon during its deployment.

Abstract: A tracking system for ammunition cartridges where the cartridge casings are provided with serial indicia on an inside surface such that spent casing found at a crime scene can be tracked to the purchaser of the ammunition via a machine scannable system.

Abstract: A gas generator comprises a tubular housing of a pressure-resistant material and a propellant strand which is incorporated in the housing and provided with an envelope. At least one channel is provided between the envelope and the propellant strand so as to extend in an axial direction. The propellant strand has a substantially circular cross-section and the envelope has a polygonal cross-section.

Abstract: This invention relates to an amusement device (1) and method for using an amusement device. The amusement device comprises a guideway (2) being pivotable around a swivel axis (3), the axis being transverse to the guideway (2), and a bearing frame (5) carrying, at a distance from the ground, the guideway (2) wherein a passenger carrier 4 is mounted to said guideway (2) and in that the passenger carrier (4) is movable along said guideway (2). Preferably the guideway is rotatable around an essentially vertical rotation axis 9. It is an object of the present invention to provide an amusement device that achieves spectacular movement effects for the passengers.

Abstract: A magnetically levitated transportation system employs permanent magnet rails along a guideway that interact with permanent magnets on a vehicle. The rails are optimized to reduce magnetic mass, while maximizing lift force. In one example, the arrays are composed of arrays of magnets having rotating magnetizations, such as Halbach arrays. In another example, the arrays are cup-shaped to provide stronger magnetic field forces in the central portion of the array, relative to the lateral portion of the array. The vehicle may be stabilized in the lateral and yaw directions with feedback controlled lateral control coils that interact with the permanent magnet rails on the guideway. Vertical, pitch and roll motions may be controlled or damped with eddy-current damper coils or plates or with active feedback control to control the coils.

Abstract: The invention provides a multiple axle rail vehicle wherein the car body of the rail vehicle is provided with multiple center plate members at each end of the car body. Multiple trucks are attached to each end of the car body with each truck individually connected to a respective center plate. Connecting each truck to an individual center plate on the car body eliminates the span bolster permitting the rail vehicle to weigh less and have a lower deck height.

Abstract: A hinge and support system for supporting cargo in a freight compartment is provided. The system includes a hinge member, associated with a deck panel, which has at least one flexible projection. The hinge member mates with a support member having a pocket for which the hinge member's flexible projections can be snapped into and retained within so as to allow pivotal movement of the hinge member with respect to the support member. The hinge member is also movably supported by the deck panel so that the hinge member can move relative to the deck panel when the deck panel is deployed. The support member includes one ledge which engages the deck panel when deployed and a second ledge which engages the panel when stowed upright so as to substantially isolate the hinge member from the weight of the deck panel and items placed on it. The hinge structure can be utilized in other contexts.

Abstract: An ink comprising an aqueous medium and at least one dye represented by the formula (I) as defined herein, which is dissolved or dispersed in the aqueous medium, wherein the ink permeates into a recording medium having an image-receiving layer to a depth of 5 to 30 &mgr;m.

Abstract: Processes for preparing modified pigments are described. In one embodiment, the process comprises the step of combining, in any order, a pigment having attached an electrophilic group and a thiol reagent comprising at least one —SH group and at least two ionic or ionizable groups. In a second embodiment, the process comprises the step of combining, in any order, a pigment having attached an electrophilic group and a thiopolymer comprising at least one —SH group. Modified pigments are also described.

Abstract: A folding table for the rear of a backrest, the table having a surface with a depression therein in which a carrier for visible material, like an advertisement, is disposed. The carrier is received in an undercut in the depression. Alternatively, a frame around the edge of the carrier has projections received in grooves in the table for holding the frame and thereby the carrier to the surface.

Abstract: A work table includes a box defining a receiving chamber, several partitions disposed in the receiving chamber to form several distributor-receiving chambers, and a side chamber extending frontwardly from a front wall of the box and in fluid communication with the distributor-receiving chambers via outlet holes in the front wall. A distributor member is disposed in each of the distributor-receiving chambers, has an apex and inclined left and right guide plates that cooperate with the bottom plate to form a lower chamber which is in fluid communication with the side chamber via a respective outlet hole, and that cooperate with an adjacent pair of the partitions to form an upper chamber above the lower chamber. Each of the guide plates is formed with a plurality of entrance holes in fluid communication with the upper and lower chambers.

Abstract: A work table includes a box having a bottom plate formed with an outlet port. A distributor is disposed in the box, and cooperates with the box to define a lower chamber in fluid communication with the outlet port and an upper chamber above the distributor. The distributor has entrance holes that communicate the upper and lower chambers. A working panel is mounted on the box, and is formed with apertures for access to the upper chamber. A suctioning device includes a sawdust collecting container, and an air conduit interconnecting the outlet port and the container, and having a branch. A cap is detachably mounted on the branch. A blind is mounted movably on the air conduit between the outlet port and the branch.

Abstract: Blow molded plastic structures are provided for use in various structures such as, but not limited to, tables, chairs, walls, backboards, storage bins, sports equipment and the like. The blow molded plastic structure has a first surface and a second surface extending between a first end and a second end and forming a chamber there between. A plurality of depressions is formed on the second surface and extends into the chamber. The depressions are usually unitary structures formed by a depression wall. Generally, the steeper the depression wall, the more strength is provided to the structure. In addition, where the plurality of depressions has a low profile and a greater density, increased strength is provided to the structure. The depressions may or may not be joined to the first surface.

Abstract: An incinerator includes a furnace having a cylindrical top section, a cyclone separator connected to an effluent outlet of the top section, a tubular member mounted in the top section and defining a flue gas passage, and a flue gas guiding device mounted in the top section below the tubular member and including a seat body vertically aligned with the tubular member, and a plurality of angularly spaced apart helical blades extending radially from the seat body to an inner wall of the top section so as to provide helical movement to a stream of hot combustion gas passing therethrough and so as to split the stream of the hot combustion gas into a stream of high-density flue gas that exits from the effluent outlet, and a stream of low-density flue gas that flows outwardly through the flue gas passage.

Abstract: A refractory brick having a plurality of segments positioned along a longitudinal axis of the refractory brick. Each segment has at least two arcuate recesses and at least two arcuate ridges. The recesses of a first segment of the segments are positioned at a radial offset with respect to the recesses of a second segment which is adjacent the first segment. A plurality of refractory bricks are interlocked with respect to each other to form a refractory construction.

Abstract: A seed metering device includes a roller nip for mounting beneath a seed reservoir. The nip is formed by first and second opposed facing nip forming surfaces mounted beneath, and aligned with, the reservoir wherein the first nip forming surface is a radially-outer surface of a soft resilient roller. The roller is rotatable by a roller drive in a first rotational direction so as to draw down through the nip, by frictional engagement of the seeds in the nip with the surface of the resilient roller, seeds falling into the nip. The nip is an elongate, curved, thin wedge-shaped nip providing an increased dwell time for seeds being compressed in the nip.

Abstract: A braking and control mechanism for personal watercraft as described herein comprising a means for activation, by single lever FIG. 2, integrated into existing art steering assembly FIG. 12, a means for applying mechanical advantage from the cable assembly mechanism to the brake surface mechanisms, and a plurality of said brake surface mechanisms incorporating means for increasing deployment leverage and water flow impingement, said brake mechanisms providing a means to steer and slow the watercraft when deployed by individually or connectedly pivotally rotating from the watercraft ride plate into the water, thereby causing drag and rearward force on the watercraft.

Abstract: A portable dock structure for the temporary docking of boats, particularly of pontoon or houseboats and the like, the dock structure having a gangway having an anchor end adapted for securing the structure to the shore of a body of water and having a boat end adapted for affixing to a boat, a flotation device on the gangway adjacent the boat end whereby the boat end can be first floated from the shore out into the water and the anchor end then secured to the shore and then the boat end affixed to a boat to thereby provide a stable passageway between the boat and the shore.

Abstract: An air charged appliance includes an air chamber and an air sac, made in various shapes for different uses. The air sac is placed in the air chamber and filled up with air to become inflated together with the air chamber, but the both are made separately from each other. The air chamber is not easy to break and able to endure bumping so the air charged appliance can be used for a long period of time.

Abstract: A pneumatic boat top lift having pneumatic telescoping supports anchored to the deck and to the top of the boat. The number of telescoping supports for pontoon boats will typically be four. A single telescoping support will typically be used for knock down boat tops. Pressurized air is supplied to the telescoping supports by a pressurized air distribution system. The air pressure is raised and lowered respectively by a pressurized air control system, thereby raising and lowering the boat top.

Abstract: An inflatable/deflatable boat fender that is generally V- or U-shaped to protect the hull of a boat from the dock and/or pilings, cushioning any impact between the dock and the hull of a boat. The inflatable boat fender is shaped to prevent the fender from slipping off the piling of a dock.

Abstract: Flags with at least one printed side, hemmed side edges, and a first end edge including a flagpole sleeve are made from a continuous sheet of textile material by cutting flag-length sections from the sheet, each section having hemmed side edges and at least one printed side, and forming a flagpole sleeve along the first end edge of the flag section. Formation of the flagpole sleeve after the flag section is printed, as opposed to printing after formation of the flagpole sleeve as in the prior art, results in improved production speeds and improved products. The sleeve may be formed by folding over the first end edge, or by separately attaching a loop of textile material.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for use by individuals as a task reminder. The device includes an audible sound producing rattle and one or more message boards coupled with the rattle and adapted to carry a message for the user. Whenever the user walks or otherwise moves, an audible reminder sound will be omitted but when the user is not moving no sound is heard. Once the tasks for the day have been accomplished, the message boards may be erased and reused at another time.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a bookmark with a place holder(s) and tabs that also serves a dual purpose to provide a new channel of advertising. The inventive product allows readers to use the bookmark with place holder(s) to mark the place or places where the reader stopped reading the text or where the reader wishes to return to particular pages while also allowing advertisers to advertise products and services on the bookmark and place holder, said advertising being viewed by readers each time the reader opens a text. Furthermore, the present invention allows the reader to easily affix and remove the bookmark for repeated use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process or method for preparing a metal fluoride pre-melt material of a quality suitable for the preparation and growth of metal fluoride optical monocrystals. The pre-melt material of the invention is prepared using permeable graphite crucibles having a permeability (porosity) greater than 4 cm2/s. Exemplary monocrystals prepared from pre-melts of the invention exhibited improved transmissivity and laser durability relative to monocrystals prepared from convention pre-melt materials. Impurities in the pre-melt arising from the use of scavenger/fluorinating agent in the pre-melt have been shown to be generally less than 10 ppb and be less than 1 ppb.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a crystal with face-orientation control using a seed crystal being securely performed, and which can advantageously produce a high quality crystal with a large diameter quickly. A crystal-growth crucible movable in the vertical direction is used. While the temperature is being raised, the crucible is kept at a position where all the raw material, i.e., a crystalline substance placed in the crucible, is not melted. After the temperature stabilizes, the crucible moves in a first direction where the temperature becomes higher, so that the whole raw material and a part of the seed crystal melt. Then, the crucible moves in a second direction where the temperature becomes lower, whereby the seed crystal and the molten raw material sufficiently contact each other.

Abstract: A particulate metering and alignment apparatus and to a method of producing a plurality of parallel streams of nested particulates for distribution onto a substrate at a desired discharge rate using the apparatus of the invention. The apparatus puts a product feeder in functional communication with a vibrating bed feeder. The discharge rate of the apparatus is controlled by adjusting the angle of tilt of one or more nozzles that distribute particulate material from the product feeder onto the vibrating bed feeder portion of the apparatus.

Abstract: An installation for coating objects with powder, in particular for powder painting, comprises a booth which is known per se and in which powder can be applied to the objects by an application device. Stray powder is entrained by an air stream directed through the interior of the booth from the top downwards. The mixture of air and powder is extracted via an extraction opening in the bottom of the booth and supplied to a movable filter unit which is situated beneath the extraction opening and in which the powder is separated from the air/powder mixture for reuse. A plurality of such movable filter units are movable while suspended from a supporting-rail system, it being possible for all of these filter units, which are each intended for separating off a particular type of powder in particular one powder paint colour, to be selectively brought under the extraction opening of the booth.

Abstract: A coating device is disclosed which is provided with a first side bar, which extends along a transverse direction of a conveyance plane, which is a conveyance path of a belt body, and a second side bar, which is located at a downstream side of the first side bar. Also provided are a channel, which supplies a liquid at an upstream side of the first side bar, and a liquid-pooling section, which accumulates the liquid during coating of the liquid and is located between the first side bar and the second side bar. Also disclosed is a method which uses this coating device to coat a liquid on a belt body which is conveyed at high speed.

Abstract: A substrate support assembly for processing a substrate in a processing chamber comprises a substrate carrier having a bottom surface positioned in contact with a substrate support. The substrate carrier has a recess formed into a top surface. The recess has a support surface and a support region between the bottom surface and the support surface. A shadow ring is positioned proximate the substrate carrier to partially shield the support surface of the substrate carrier.

Abstract: Compatibility of a small spring constant and large supporting load is realized, so that a stable operation is assured even if a fine-movement linear motor fails. A supporting unit, having a plurality of magnets whose same poles are arranged facing each other, is adapted to support the self-weight of a top plate on which an object to be positioned is mounted, using a repulsive force in a direction orthogonal to the facing direction of the plurality of magnets. In a characteristic curve representing the relationship between the floating force and displacement in a floating direction, the tangent inclination when the object is at a first position in the floating direction is negative, and the relationship of floating force<the self-weight holds when the object is at a second position lower than the first position.

Abstract: A manifold communicatively connects a plurality of coating processing units with an air conditioning unit. The manifold is formed by branching a common pipe into a plurality of distributing pipes. The air conditioning unit performs temperature control to set air passing through a branch point of the manifold to a temperature slightly lower than a target temperature in processing units. Secondary heaters secondarily heat air passing through joints between the distributing pipes and the processing units to the target temperature thereby supplying accurately temperature-controlled air to processing parts. Air from the air conditioning unit is diverted thereby suppressing the height of the overall apparatus. Thus, a substrate processing apparatus capable of inhibiting the height of the overall apparatus from remarkable increase also when vertically stacking processing parts in multiple stages and supplying temperature-controlled air to the processing parts with sufficient accuracy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the deposition of in particular, crystalline layers on one or several, in particular, equally crystalline substrates, comprising a process chamber, arranged in a reactor housing, which may be charged with the substrates from above, by means of a reactor housing opening which may be sealed by a cover. The reactor housing opening opens out into a glove box, in particular flushed with highly pure gas and connects electricity, liquid or gas supply lines to the cover. According to the invention, the connection of supply lines for electricity, fluid or gas sources arranged outside the glove box to the cover of the reactor housing arranged within the glove box may be improved, whereby the electricity, fluid or gas supply lines run freely, from outside the glove box, through a flexible tube which is sealed atone end to a flange arrangement rigidly fixed to the cover and sealed at the other end to an opening in the glove box wall.

Abstract: A liquid material evaporation supply apparatus is provided with a material tank which accommodates a liquid material heated to generate a predetermined gas, a liquid material supply pipe for supplying the liquid material to the material tank, and a gas discharge pipe for discharging the gas generated in the material tank. A heating device for heating exclusively the material tank is provided on the material tank. A preheat device preheats the liquid material that supplied to the material tank and a liquid flow regulation device for regulating the flow rate of the liquid material that is to be supplied to the material tank is also heated. A gas flow meter connected to the gas discharge pipe is also heated whereby a thermostatic chamber is not required.

Abstract: A reactor for generating plasma is provided in a vacuum chamber. The reactor has an opening in the direction of a supporting portion for a deposition base material, and the reactor includes an outer housing and a cylindrical inner wall structure that is inserted in the outer housing and is freely attachable and detachable to and from the outer housing. The cleaning of the reactor is performed with respect to the cylindrical inner wall structure that is simpler in structure than the outer housing, and hence the reactor can be cleaned reliably and with ease, thereby making it possible to improve the operational efficiency and the yield rate. The problem of prolonged operation time resulting from the cleaning of the reactor in a plasma chemical vapor deposition apparatus is thus resolved.

Abstract: A feeding trough for domestic animals, comprising a solid food hopper (2) which is emptied on a lower tray (4) as the food is consumed, and attached to them a water tank emptying into a drinking trough (5), characterized as said tank (6) slides downwards and rests on a lever similar to scissors (10), whose opposite branch is coupled to a lid (3) placed on the feeding trough (4), such that when the tank (6) is full, it descends from its natural location, opening the lid (3) to permit the animal to eat, whereas when a part of the tank (6) empties into a drinking trough (5), it is lifted again, closing the lid (3) on the feeding trough (4) to prevent the animal from eating.

Abstract: A self-cleaning litter box having a base, a litter pan, an upper hood and a lower hood. A rake is used to sweep litter clumps disposed in the litter pan and into a waste box. The rake is inserted and removed without the use of tools in order to clean or replace the rake. Liners inside the litter pan and waste box allow for easy cleaning. In addition, the liners are used to protect against pitting and other potential damage. Sensors detect the presence of a cat inside the litter pan. Upon exit, an actuator receives an output signal for actuating the drive assembly. After a predetermined time delay after receipt of the output signal, the raking cycle commences. The actuator includes a switch to allow the pet owner to vary the length of the pre-determined time delay.

Abstract: A method of blowing scented bubbles for animal enjoyment comprising providing a scented bubble solution to wet a bubble arrangement, lifting the bubble arrangement to a bubble blowing position, blowing air from a blower through an interior area of the bubble arrangement producing scented bubbles, and lowering the bubble arrangement to be rewet.