Abstract: A punch guide assembly is provided for removably carrying a stripper plate. The punch guide assembly comprises a punch guide and a stripper plate guide movable axially with respect to the punch guide. The stripper plate guide has a locked position wherein the stripper plate is secured to the punch guide assembly and an unlocked position wherein the stripper plate can be readily removed from the punch guide assembly. The stripper plate guide is resiliently biased axially toward its unlocked position yet is restrained against axial movement relative to the punch guide when in its locked position.

Abstract: An automatic cutting apparatus is provided for cutting a workpiece and includes a marked line on the workpiece, a saw table, a saw unit, and a rotatable shaft supporting the saw unit. A first linear direction beam permits movement of the saw unit in a first direction, and a second linear direction beam permits movement of the saw unit in a second direction. A marked line sensor unit is connected to the saw unit. An electrically powered drive assembly is responsive to the marked line sensor unit which is responsive to the marked line on the marked workpiece. The electrically powered drive assembly automatically drives the saw unit along the first linear direction beam and the second linear direction beam. In this way, the saw blade automatically advances along the marked line and cuts the workpiece in accordance with the marked pattern on the workpiece without manually guiding the cutting tool unit.

Abstract: A muter configured to be placed beneath the soundboard of a piano (in the case of a grand piano) in order to attenuate the downward transmission of sound. The muter employs blocks of acoustic foam, shaped to frictionally engage the structural elements of the piano in order to retain the muter within the piano. The muter is easily installed and removed. A version configured for use with an upright piano is also disclosed.

Abstract: A musical instrument having exchangeable components. The musical instrument may include a core portion providing a foundation for the musical instrument and a body portion removably attached to the core portion. Exchanging a body portion for another portion may alter the tonal, structural or aesthetic characteristics of the instrument. The musical instrument may be a stringed musical instrument, such as a guitar, for example, or may be a woodwind, horn or percussion instrument.

Abstract: A string tension regulation system and method is provided comprising a spring element formed of a superelastic alloy material tensioned, compressed or otherwise strained to its superelastic state and being provided in mechanical communication with the vibratory string so as to maintain proper tension and pitch. One or more optional heating elements may be used (with or without feedback control) to precisely control or adjust the temperature of the tension regulation element and to thereby more precisely regulate and/or adjust the tension of each vibratory string.

Abstract: A drum beater for beating a bass drum is described. The drum beater includes a circular beater head having a reduced thickness around it's outer circumference for providing a relatively narrow outer extremity for striking the drumhead of the bass drum. The drum beater further includes a beater stem having one end secured to the beater head and having the other end extending outward from the beater head for attachment to a foot pedal mechanism.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for destroying chemical and biological agents such as toxins and bacteria are provided wherein the substance to be destroyed is contacted with finely divided metal oxide nanoparticles. The metal oxide nanoparticles are coated with a material selected from the group consisting of surfactants, waxes, oils, silyls, synthetic and natural polymers, resins, and mixtures thereof. The coatings are selected for their tendency to exclude water while not excluding the target compound or adsorbates. The desired metal oxide nanoparticles can be pressed into pellets for use when a powder is not feasible. Preferred metal oxides for the methods include MgO, SrO, BaO, CaO, TiO2, ZrO2, FeO, V2O3, V2O5, Mn2O3, Fe2O3, NiO, CuO, Al2O3, SiO2, ZnO, Ag2O, the corresponding hydroxides of the foregoing, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An improved air filtration system is provided for a kitchen stove so as to cleanse cooking vapors from the air. The system includes an updraft or downdraft air inlet vent for capturing, either individually or simultaneously, the vapor-containing air generated during the cooking process. The captured air is directed through an exhaust duct to an air filter which removes the cooking vapors from the air. The filtered air is then discharged back into the kitchen. The filtered air may also be dehumidified or heated, and a fragrance may optionally be provided to the filtered air. The air filtration system can also be used simply as an air cleaner for the kitchen with the option of adding a fragrance to the air.

Abstract: An air treatment system comprising an exhaust including an exhaust annulus defined by an inner exhaust wall, an outer exhaust wall circumscribing the inner wall, and a pressurized annulus between the inner and outer walls, and at least one condenser suspended within the exhaust annulus, where the at least one condenser includes a cooling fluid therein.

Abstract: Gas separation membranes formed from polyether-urethane or polyether-urea block copolymers are useful for separating gases from gas mixtures. The membranes and processes are especially suited for separating polar gases from mixtures that contain polar and non- polar species. The novel membranes exhibit good permeability and permselectivity, as well as durability, making them well suited for industrial applications such as removal of acid gases from natural gas and removal of carbon dioxide from synthesis gas.

Abstract: A beverage flavor enhancing device for use with a beverage container includes a base and a plurality of tubular members extending upwardly from the base and arranged in spaced-apart relation to receive the beverage container therebetween when the beverage container is positioned on the base. At least one permanent magnet is carried by each of the tubular members to generate a magnetic field within the beverage container to thereby enhance the beverage flavor.

Abstract: A beverage brewing stirrer has a container with holes in its wall and a sheath snugly surrounding the container and having holes in its wall of the same pattern as the holes in the wall of the container. The sheath is movable on the container between a position in which the holes in the walls of the container and sheath are out of alignment and a position in which the holes are in alignment.

Abstract: The coffee filter holder has an infusion chamber, the bottom of which has an opening allowing the coffee extract to flow through, with a filter with a bottom having a hole.

Abstract: An insulated coffee urn having an outer shell element and an inner shell element forming a thermally-insulative chamber with said outer shell element, and an elongated electrical heating element positioned within said chamber. The heating element is variably electrically conductive depending upon the temperature within said chamber. The heating element is employed to preheat the interior of the urn to predetermined temperature prior to use, and is disconnected prior to filling the urn with brewed coffee.

Abstract: There is provided a mobile food/drink serving apparatus including a body 10 which has electrical equipment, an attaching connector capable of being electrically connected to a power source connector provided on a customer table, and a counter for cooking; and mobility means for moving the apparatus, characterized in that the electrical equipment is supplied with electricity by connecting the attaching connector to the power source connector.

Abstract: Cooking apparatus having an enclosed cooking chamber with a radiant heater suspended in the upper portion thereof provides radiant and forced air convection heating to cook food products. The food is contained in a cooking tray which has a screen or perforated bottom to allow grease, oils and crumbs to pass through the cooking tray. A drip tray below the cooking tray catches liquids and/or crumbs which fall through the cooking tray. A shell positioned within the cooking chamber forms air plenums adjacent the sides of the chamber so that air circulating within the chamber is passed through the cooking tray. The food is cooked by a combination of the hot air passing through the product carried on the cooking tray and radiant heat from the radiant heater.

Abstract: A BBQ push-cart with retractable supports is disclosed. The push-cart includes a cart body and a grilling device, and the cart body comprises an enhancing board, an upright support, a plurality of pegs and locking members, the four corners of the enhancing board is perpendicularly mounted with a connection block protruded the top of the partition, and the cart body, between two connection block is mounted with a lateral wall, and at the connection block and the lateral wall, a shaft peg is inserted through so as to fix the connection block and the side wall, at a position corresponding to the peg, a locking member is inserted so that the support is fixed to a locking hole positioned on the locking member, thereby unlocking or releasing the locking member, the retractable support is stacked onto the enhancing board.

Abstract: A strapping packaging device includes a compressing device, a cutting device, a strap-rolling device and a strap-pressing device. The eccentric cam of the compressing device is actuated to rotate by an operating rod, and the eccentric cam presses down a slide base together with a press block to compress on the strap-clamping member of a packaging strap. The strapping packaging device can not only precisely compress on the strap-clamping member, but also cut off the packaging strap easily at the same time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strapper for bank notes and a bank note processing apparatus having such a strapper.

Abstract: A frame (12) with a charging chamber (14) for receiving a load of waste material, a platen (20) that moves in the charging chamber to compact the material load, and one or more wheels (44) rotatably coupled to the platen. The charging chamber (14) has a floor (34), the platen (20) has a bottom (32) that slidably contacts the floor and supports enough of the weight of the platen on the floor that none or little of the material can pass under the platen, and the wheels (44) support a substantial portion of the weight of the platen on the floor to mitigate sliding friction. The wheels (44) are made of a resilient material and deform from an unloaded state to a loaded state when supporting the substantial portion of the weight of the platen (20).

Abstract: A rotary body for compensating the fanout in a printing press. The rotary body forms alternatingly foot sections and head sections projecting over the foot sections by radial height differences along an axis of rotation. The rotary body is a torsion-proof connection of parts or is a one piece structure. The radial height differences increase in the circumferential direction from minima, which they have along a first straight line offset in parallel to the axis of rotation, to maxima, which they have along a second straight line offset in parallel to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A device for torque compensation in a sheet-processing machine includes a cam-controlled compensating mechanism having an energy storage device for exerting a force, a cam disk, and a cam follower to be thrown onto the cam disk by action of the force from the energy storage device. At least one actuating element locks the cam follower in a rest position. A reversing drum with a torque compensation device is also provided.

Abstract: A fanout compensator for a printing press, which comprises a rotary body formation, which has foot sections and head sections alternatingly next to each other along a longitudinal axis. The foot sections and head sections form a wave-shaped surface in order to deform a web to be printed on. The web wraps around the rotary body formation, in a wave-shaped pattern at right angles to the direction of conveying of the web. Fluid channels, which open on the surface of the rotary body formation, are formed in the rotary body formation. The rotary body formation has a fluid connection connected to the fluid channels in order to guide a pressurized fluid to the fluid channels and through the fluid channels to the surface of the rotary body formation.

Abstract: An image output apparatus has first and second folding line forming apparatuses to form folding lines on a sheet of paper in longitudinal and latitudinal directions according to an input pattern. Thus, a user can easily fold the paper into a desired shape and the folding lines can be formed both in the longitudinal and latitudinal directions so that a variety of folding line patterns can be realized.

Abstract: A rotary printing press transfer cylinder has two or more axially spaced apart discs of a given diameter, each disc having an open minor segment with inwardly disposed edges and a concentric, shaft receiving hub to support the discs for rotation. A flexible plastic sheet, with flanges bent to fit within the inwardly disposed edges, covers the discs to provide a cylindrical shape, and is held under tension by attaching members connected to the flanges. A cushioning, ink repellent jacket is attached over the flexible plastic sheet.

Abstract: A conditioner composition for a printing plate with a metallic non-print areas on the printing surface contains a polymeric or oligomeric component. The polymeric component adheres to the metal (particularly, aluminum) surface of the non-print area(s) of the printing member, and has a hydrophilic portion. The conditioned printing plate is particularly useful for printing single fluid inks having an emulsified hydrophilic fluid phase.

Abstract: A variable data lithographic printing device comprises surrounding a printing cylinder a photosensitive layer coater, an exposure source, optionally a developer, an inking applicator, optionally a transfer system, and optionally an eraser. During printing operation, each surface areas of the rotating cylinder continuously undergo the cycle of coating, imagewise exposure, optionally developing, inking, printing of inked images to the receiving medium, and optionally erasing processes. The developing means can be omitted if an ink and/or fountain solution developable photosensitive layer is used. In an alternative design, the cylinder is replaced with a continuous supply of a ribbon with lithographic substrate surface. In another alternative design, the cylinder and the coater are replaced with a continuous supply of a pre-sensitized ribbon comprising on a substrate a photosensitive layer.

Abstract: A method of handling print jobs between a network server over a communications network to a print output device, wherein the network server includes a network print queue and wherein the print output device may includes a rasterizer and an internal print queue; and which includes allowing the network server to transmit print jobs to a print output device while other print jobs are pending in the print output device; and providing the print output device with an acknowledgement mechanism, which acknowledges completion of a print job to the network server only after a print job has been physically printed.

Abstract: A device for firing energetic materials (14) such as pyrotechnics or explosives, including a firing composition (12) for the energetic materials (14) and an UV-radiation source (16) for irradiating the firing composition (12), wherein the UV-radiation source (16) possesses a piezo-luminescence element (18) in order to provide a current-less and electromagnetically interference-secure firing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a firing capsule for the gas generator of a passenger restraint system in a motor vehicle, especially for the gas generator of an inflatable impact protection cushion (airbag), in which the electrical energy necessary for detonating the igniting agent is inductively coupled in by means of alternating magnetic fields. The invention moreover relates to a test circuit with which the serviceability of the inductively activatable firing capsule can be monitored.

Abstract: A method and system for extracting and targeting multiple submunitions from a delivery vehicle. Each submunition may be self-extracting, recoil-less extracting, self-spin initiating, and/or sensor fuzed.

Abstract: An inflatable system includes an inflatable component and an distributed charge inflator disposed in the inflatable component. The distributed charge inflator includes a first charge for generating inflating gas and a housing body connected to the first charge. The housing body includes an initiator and a second charge that has relatively long burn time. Upon receiving a signal from a sensor, the initiator ignites the first charge and the second charge simultaneously. The first charge inflates the inflatable component and the second charge sustains the inflation of the inflatable component.

Abstract: Adaptation to varying distances between successive ties is facilitated with a ballast tamping unit for tamping ballast under successive ties of a railroad track, which comprises a frame extending in a longitudinal direction, and tamping tool arms mounted on the frame for pivoting about an axis extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, the tamping tool arms having at least one recess at a lower end thereof for receiving and affixing a tamping pick arranged to be immersed in the ballast between two adjacent ties, and at least one of the tamping tool arms having two such recesses arranged successively in the longitudinal direction for selectively receiving and affixing the tamping pick. A reciprocating drive is connected to an upper end of each tamping tool arm for pivoting the tamping tool arm about the axis in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A light rail unit train combination for the transport of bulk materials consisting of a plurality of connected cars open at each end except for the first and last cars, which have end plates. The train forms a long open trough and has a flexible flap attached to each car and overlapping the car in front to prevent spillage during movement. The lead car has four wheels and tapered side drive plates in the front of the car to facilitate entry into the drive stations. The cars that follow have two wheels with a clevis hitch connecting the front to the rear of the car immediately forward. Forward motion is provided by a series of appropriately placed drive motors on either side of the track which are AC electric motors with drive means to provide frictional contact with said side drive plates. An AC inverter and controller is connected to every pair of drive motors whereby said motors are synchronized and both the voltage and frequency can be modified as needed.

Abstract: A bolster 14 for a bogie of an articulated railway wagon is shown including supports for constant contact sidebearers in the form of two pairs of brackets such as 26A and 26B being integral with the bolster 14 at its opposing respective ends. The brackets such as 26A are each adapted for fixing of the constant contact sidebearers which in turn are arranged to contact a corresponding wear plate mounted to an articulated connector 50. In a preferred example the corresponding wear plates are mounted to corresponding brackets 52A, 52B which are cast integral with respective male or female articulated connector components 54 or 56. Each bracket 26A/B extends laterally from the bolster 14 and, when viewed in plan, each bracket 26A/B has a longitudinal axis of symmetry which is orthogonal to a radius from a central rotational point of the articulated connector 50 of the railway wagon.

Abstract: Quaternary boron salts are used as initiators of polymerisation in adhesive compositions for bonding low surface energy substrates such as polyolefins.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink set for which color differences of a recorded image due to differences in light source can be made to be slight, and the color reproduction range in dark parts of an image can be broadened, while maintaining high image quality with no worsening of the graininess in the dark parts. With the present invention, the above object is attained by providing an ink set that comprises at least a black ink composition containing a black pigment, and a light black ink composition containing the black pigment at a concentration less than the pigment concentration in the black ink composition, wherein the ratio of the pigment concentration in the black ink composition to the pigment concentration in the light black ink composition is in a range of 2 to 4.5.

Abstract: In general, a smear-resistant ink composition according to the present invention comprises: (1) water; (2) at least one glycol selected from the group consisting of diethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, and propylene glycol; (3) a pyrrolidone selected from the group consisting of 2-pyrrolidone and 3-pyrrolidone; and (4) at least one colorant that produces a detectable fluorescent color when the ink composition is applied to paper. Preferably, the pyrrolidone is 2-pyrrolidone. In one preferred embodiment, the at least one glycol comprises diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol. In another preferred embodiment, the at least one glycol comprises diethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol. The composition can comprise other ingredients, such as a basic color stabilizer, a resin, a resin modifier that is a carbonate salt, a biocide, and a nonionic surfactant. The colorants can be formulated to produce a pink, yellow, blue, green, purple, or orange color; other colors are possible.

Abstract: Refractory investment material for forming a positive replication of a tooth structure on which a high-alumina based porcelain tooth restoration is to be formed, the material being formed from a refractory powder which includes alumina mixed with a liquid carrier comprising an aqueous dispersion of silicon dioxide.

Abstract: A method produces basalt flaky filler for composites by crushing and melting basalt, shaping hard flaky vitreous particles from the melt, and subjecting such particles to thermochemical treatment in an oxidizing atmosphere until a crystal phase is developed, with the thermochemical treatment the flaky particles performed at a temperature ranging from about 680° C. to about 850° C. until at least about 12% by weight of the crystal phase is obtained, and at least 7×1019 spin/cm3 of the reactive paramagnetic centers are developed, followed by air cooling of the flakes to form the filler.

Abstract: A unique household furnishing capable of transforming from a coffee table to a play table in seconds. Transformation is accomplished by removing the upper surface. The upper surface consists of two (2) halves that may be stored in the drawer of a trundle located below the table. Removal of the upper surface reveals the play surface. The play surface is surrounded by a 2½″ to 4″ high upstanding border (or wall). The upstanding border creates a space between the play surface and the underside of the upper surface. This space allows the storage of cumbersome toys while assembled or partially assembled thus minimizing or eliminating the need to put said toys away after play.

Abstract: A modular structure for furniture includes a tubular post formed by a pair of channel-bars disposed so that one faces the other and secured to each other by a base plate and a cross-bar. A series of longitudinal grooves, namely internal grooves made in the inner walls of the channel-bars, and external grooves made on the outer walls of the channel-bars. A support leg extends diagonally from an upper part of the post and is connected to the post by means of a connection member engaging one of the external grooves of the post. The cross-bar is formed by a “U”-shaped bar with an open side turned upwards, so as to form a channel closed at top by a cover element. The base plate and the cross-bar are connected to the post by means of connection pegs engaging the internal groove of the post. A bracket for supporting a working surface is fastened at bottom of the cross-bar by a clamp. A pair of counter-facing sides are joined to the post with a snap fit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a one-piece spill station with integral support for an intermediate bulk container (IBC). Connected to and surrounding the periphery of a bottom wall is a containment wall that rises generally vertically. One or more support columns rise from the bottom wall and are topped with bearing areas that accept the weight of an IBC. The IBC bearing areas are located high enough above the top edge of the containment wall to allow a forklift to place an IBC onto the bearing areas. The bottom wall, containment wall, and support columns define a spill containment reservoir. For additional strength and rigidity, ribs are molded into the containment wall and into the walls of the support columns. In an embodiment of the invention, the support columns are strengthened either by making them larger at their bases than at their IBC bearing areas or by curving their walls.

Abstract: A dunnage platform is in the general shape of a rectangular slab with legs extending form one side. The dunnage platform is made from an expanded polystyrene core. A chemical combination process is used to chemically combine portion of the core proximal to its surface with high impact polystyrene. In a first of two parts of the combination process, the core is placed in a forming mold with one of its two sides and two thirds of its thickness extending therefrom. A heated sheet of high impact polystyrene is brought into contact with the portion of the core extending from the mold. In a similar manner, the other of the two sides of the core is made to extend from the forming mold for contact with a heated sheet of high impact polystyrene.

Abstract: A leg attachment mechanism for an article of furniture including a bracket attached to the article of furniture and an expandable post attached to the bracket. The leg includes a receptacle of sufficient dimension to receive the post. The leg is attached to the post by fitting the receptacle over the post and then expanding the post to forcefully engage the walls of the leg defining the receptacle. The post preferably includes a flexible wall that is movable outwardly by rotation of a threaded element, such as a set screw. A foam overmold is preferably formed over the edge of the article of furniture and the bracket. The overmold prferably includes an undercut boot that closely receives upper end of the leg. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing an article of furniture incorporating the leg attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A shutoff device is provided for pulverized coal burners of a pulverized coal furnace. Each burner has a primary tube that conveys a pulverized coal/air mixture and is connected with a feed line for supplying the mixture to the respective burner. Disposed in the feed line, for closing off the same, is a slide valve that is provided with a valve plate. On the trailing side of the slide valve, the feed line is surrounded by an air receiver that is supplied with air. In the vicinity of the air receiver, an opening is provided in the wall of the feed line and can be closed off by a closure plate, which is synchronously actuatable with the slide valve such that in the closed position of the slide valve the opening is opened, and in the open position of the slide valve the opening is closed off.

Abstract: This invention provides a refuse incinerator capable of extinguishing smoke and odor of exhaust gas emitted from, combustion of the refuse just after incineration of the refuse is started. Exhaust gas outlets are provided in a furnace lid of the incineration furnace, an exhaust gas chamber is provided such that the furnace lid is used as part of a bottom wall thereof and an exhaust gas introduction pipe is provided to communicate between the exhaust gas chamber and a combustion chamber. Exhaust gas emitted into the exhaust gas chamber is introduced into the combustion chamber and burnt so as to extinguish the smoke and odor. Because the combustion chamber reaches high temperatures just after the incineration of the refuse is started, the smoke and odor of the exhaust gas are extinguished just after the incineration of the refuse is started.

Abstract: A standardized receiver for bulk materials containers such as seeds for the quick and efficient loading of seed into a planter with bulk handling capability. Delivery mechanism associated with the receiver is disposed to accept materials discharged from the container after it has been placed on the planter frame and to transport such materials to the opener rows. A manifold of the mechanism is fitted with output pipe fixtures for the discharge of the seed to individual rows via flexible hose. The inlet of the manifold is on the top surface of the structure and aligned with the slidegate opening of the shipping container. Air pressure is created within the manifold by a fan assembly. Airflow exiting the manifold carries seed through the pipe fittings, into the hoses and on to the planter rows. The receiver mounts to the planter frame above the mechanism. The receiver conforms to the general dimensions of the bottom of a shipping container.

Abstract: A buttonhole sewing machine comprises a buttonhole cutting device which includes a knife and a cutting block unit with several cutting blocks, one of which at a time being movable into a position of cooperation with the knife. The cutting blocks are mounted on an anvil that is stationarily joined to the sewing machine. The knife is movable from above against the anvil.

Abstract: A buttonhole sewing machine comprises a buttonhole cutting device which includes a knife and at least one cutting block that cooperates with the knife. Provision is made for a cutting drive for motion of the knife and the cutting block relative to each other by variable cutting force, the cutting drive comprising several linear drives which are connected in parallel and pneumatically actuated selectively.