Abstract: A wine or beverage flavouring or ageing plate is disclosed. The plate consists of oak planks (2) held against a ridged backing plate (3) to form a liquid seal around its perimeter with the aid of a pliable gasket (5) and between each plank by pressure from springs (7).

Abstract: This invention is a self-emptying tank for processing fluids having included solids, such as stainless steel tanks in wineries. The tank has a shell section having a lower end that is fixedly joined to the top perimeter of the tank's bottom section, at a non-horizontal junction. Preferably, the shell section is nominally a right circular vertical cylinder having front and back faces, the front face being vertically longer than the back face, which increases the cylindrically-shaped area available at the front of the tank for instruments and other ancillary devices. The formed junction between the shell section and the bottom section slopes downward from the back face to the front face of the shell section. At the bottom front of the bottom section of the tank is an outlet portion surrounding an outlet aperture, which provide a vertical, or close to vertical outlet from the tank that is preferably on the same or close to the same vertical plane with the front face of the tank.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus for brewing a beverage. The apparatus has a brew funnel, a key and an elevation device so that only one brand of beverage can be brewed to thereby prevent harm and confusion to consumers.

Abstract: A device for a luminous delicacy, such as a lollipop, of the type comprising a housing, serving as a handle in which are disposed the electrical means supplying a light source adapted to illuminate the lollipop, comprises two hollow tubes of which one, connected to the housing comprising the electrical energy source, is provided at its distal end with a light source and of which the other penetrates the interior of the delicacy.

Abstract: An agitating device is provided that may be mounted inside a rotating nut hulling tub for increasing the agitation of the nuts, thereby increasing the hulling speed, especially important for pistachio nuts. The device comprises a bracket capable of being attached to the inside cover of a rotatable nut hulling tub, which has side wall protrusions for hulling nuts. There are at least four brackets attached to the cover at cardinal points. Each bracket has a series of three holes and three tub fingers. The tub fingers are capable of being attached to the bracket so the fingers hang downwardly into the tub in contact with the nuts, thereby agitating the nuts as they move inside the rotatable tub. The tub fingers are capable of assisting in knocking off the nut hulls and causing the nuts to move against the side wall protrusions at a faster rate, thereby speeding up the nut hulling process.

Abstract: A garbage can capable of compressing garbage volume consists of an outer cylinder and a top cylinder. A top cover has a top plate with a through hole. The circumference of the top plate extends downwards to form an inner wall and the outer circumference of the top plate extends downwards to form an outer wall such that a space between the outer and inner walls can be formed. The front and the back sides of the space form a front trough and a back trough respectively and a small sheaf is placed on the front and back sections of the left and right hand walls of the space with a pedal located below the upper cover. A reset component includes mainly a first elastic part and a second elastic part. The first elastic part is located inside the front trough of the top cover, and the two ends have been fixed on a wire pedal. The second elastic part is placed inside the back trough of the top cover, and the two ends are fixed respectively on pedal with the wire.

Abstract: A garbage container with a compress device includes a first cylinder having a first receiving space defined therein. A compress plate is reciprocally and movably received in the first cylinder for compressing the garbage in the garbage container. A cover is pivotally mounted on a top portion of the first cylinder. The cover has an opening defined therein and communicating with the first receiving space in the first cylinder. The cover includes a seat attached to a bottom of the cover and having an opening defined in the seat and corresponding to the opening in the cover. The opening in the cover allows a user's foot extending into the garbage container to step the compress plate for compressing garbage. A restituting device is mounted in the seat for providing a restitution force to the compress plate after compressing the garbage in the garbage container.

Abstract: At printing time, a blanket cylinder gear is meshed with a plate cylinder gear, whereby a first plate cylinder is rotatable by a drive motor. At image-recording time, the blanket cylinder gear is separated from the plate cylinder gear. In this state, a different motor drives the plate cylinder gear to rotate the first plate cylinder at low speed.

Abstract: An offset printing apparatus having a coated imaging member for use with phase-change inks, has a substrate, an optional intermediate layer, and thereover an outer coating with a thermoplastic, and an optional heating member associated with the offset printing apparatus.

Abstract: An offset printing apparatus having a coated imaging member for use with phase-change inks, has a substrate, an optional intermediate layer, and thereover an outer coating with a fluorosilicone material, and an optional heating member associated with the offset printing apparatus.

Abstract: A conveyor system (10) for a sheet of printing material (12) in a printing material processing machine (14), including a running member (16) which can be moved through the machine (14) along a transport path (18) using a drive (22), and including a number of encoders (24) which are arranged along the transport path (18) and used to sense the position of the running member (16), the conveyor system having the feature that the encoders (24) are connected to an evaluation unit (26) for progressive sampling of the encoder signals; it being possible for an active encoder (28) and a passive encoder (30) of the number of encoders (24) to be specified in the evaluation unit (26) so that a drive signal can be generated in a signal processor unit (32) on the basis of a change in amplitude of the signal of the active encoder (28) and a change in amplitude of the signal of the passive encoder (30).

Abstract: A planographic printing plate precursor and its fixing method on a plate cylinder of a printing press are disclosed, the planographic printing plate precursor comprising a flexible substrate and provided thereon, an ink repellent layer or a hydrophilic layer wherein the planographic printing plate precursor has an 830 nm light transmittance of not less than 10%.

Abstract: High temperature incendiary (HTI) devices and methods destroy biological and/or chemical agents. Preferably, such HTI devices include dual modal propellant compositions having low burn rate propellant particles dispersed in a matrix of a high burn rate propellant. Most preferably, the HTI device includes a casing which contains the dual modal propellant and a nozzle through which combustion gases generated by the ignited high burn rate propellant may be discharged thereby entraining ignited particles of the low burn rate propellant. In use, therefore, the high burn rate propellant will be ignited using a conventional igniter thereby generating combustion gases which are expelled through the nozzle of the HTI device. As the ignition face of the propellant composition regresses, the low burn rate particles will similarly become ignited.

Abstract: A warhead configuration for forming a large-diameter hole through a wall of a target includes a shaped charge of explosive material presenting an annular front surface portion circumscribing an axis of the charge. The annular front surface portion exhibits a concave profile as viewed in cross-section through the axis, at least part of the concave profile being configured such that a vector projecting outward from the part normal to the annular front surface portion diverges from the axis. A liner is provided adjacent to at least part of the annular front surface portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicular carousel comprising a base structure defining an interior volume and a plate cutout, a support member arranged in the interior volume, a series of rolling members supported by the support member, and a platform supported in the plate cutout by the series of rolling members, wherein the vehicular carousel is configured to support and rotate a vehicle, such as a motorcycle.

Abstract: A hybrid energy railway vehicle system having a traction motor with a dynamic braking mode of operation for dynamically braking the traction motor and for generating dynamic braking electrical energy and an electrical energy storage system that is in electrical communication with the traction motor and that stores dynamic braking electrical energy generated by the traction motor. The system also has a hybrid energy railway vehicle with a plurality of wheels wherein the traction motor has a motoring mode of operation for driving one of the wheels in response to electrical input energy. A converter selectively provides stored electrical energy from the energy storage system to the traction motor as electrical input energy for driving one or more of wheels.

Abstract: A method for electroless plating a metallic layer on the surface of a non-metallic substrate. The method comprises (a) exposing the non-metallic substrate to a solution comprising non-precious metal ions so as to obtain a non-metallic substrate covered with a layer of non-precious metal ions; and (b) exposing the covered non-metallic substrate obtained in step (a) to a reducing solution comprising a reducing agent capable of reducing the metal ions that cover the substrate from their oxidation state in step (a) to a lower oxidation state, preferably to zero valence state. In a preferred embodiment, metallization is accomplished by inducing precipitation of metal, e.g. copper, on the surface to be metallized (this effect also being referred to as “plate-out”), via decomposition of the electroless solution. The inventive process contrasts with the prior art, wherein electroless copper deposition is predominantly initiated or triggered through a Pd-bearing layer.

Abstract: When hydrated, calcium sulfoaluminate cements form ettringite. A retarder which retards this reaction is at least one of phosphono alkyl carboxylic acid and a salt of a phosphono alkyl carboxylic acid. Additionally, the retarder can comprise at least one of a carboxylic acid and a salt of a carboxylic acid. The retarder can be prepared as an admixture for addition to cement, or the retarder can be included in a cementitious formulation. Also, other cements, such as portland cement, can be included with the calcium sulfoaluminate cementitious formulation. A method of retarding the set of a calcium sulfoaluminate cementitious formulation without substantially reducing achievable compressive strength, comprises providing in the cementitious formulation, a retarder comprising a component being at least one of phosphono alkyl carboxylic acid and a salt of a phosphono alkyl carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A pozzolan admixture composition suitable for use in portland cement mixtures and mix designs that, when combined with; portland cement, sand and/or aggregate, and water, are used to prepare cementitious products. The admixture contains ultra-fine fly ash, calcined kaolin, fused silica, and cellulose ether derivative. A pozzolan-modified portland cement composition containing the present invention's composition inter-ground or inter-blended with a portland cement. The pozzolan-modified portland cement contains portland cement, ultra-fine fly ash, calcined kaolin, fused silica, and a cellulose ether derivative. An admixture, additive, or addition, based on the present invention's composition, inter-ground or inter-blended into portland cement to create such pozzolan-modified portland cements.

Abstract: A plastic center connector or post for a plastic pallet assembly configured to facilitate engagement by grabber arms of a forklift and/or projections from the grabber arms. The center connector having an integrally formed first flange extending from a top surface of the connector for snap-fittingly connecting the connector to a top deck of the pallet assembly, and an integrally formed first flange extending from a bottom surface of the connector to snap-fittingly connect the connector to a bottom deck of the pallet assembly.

Abstract: A device for covering a surgical tray of a Mayo stand, with a sterile layer on which surgical instruments may be placed. The cover is held on the tray by an elastic band, drawstring or other adjustable devices which partially or completely close the cover underneath the tray, and which substantially pulls up the skirt of the cover to furnish a form fitting covering of the tray. The material of the cover may be sterilized paper, woven, rubber, plastic or a combination of these materials. The elastic band or drawstring provides rapid and secure positioning of the cover on the surgical tray. A consistent and reproducible barrier can be provided on the cover to inhibit penetration and therefore violating the integrity of the sterile field. A non-slip coating can be provided between the cover and table to prevent movement of the cover with respect to the table during use.

Abstract: The modular shelving system consists of one or more uprights (1) in combination with respective supporting shelving brackets (10, 11) which engage with the uprights (1) by means of slots (7) provided in the uprights (1). The brackets (10, 11) act to support a shelf (5) which is attached to the brackets by means of a screw (9) which passes through the bracket (10, 11) to the underneath of the shelf (5). To ensure accurate alignment of the screw (9), a screw guide (17) is provided within the bracket (10, 11) which is releasably held within the bracket (10, 11) by means of biased lugs (23) which engage with apertures (16) provided in the walls of the bracket (10, 11).

Abstract: A foldable furniture incorporates with a foldable side support arrangement which includes a pair of side supporting units pivotally connected to two side frame of a foldable frame of the foldable furniture and a pair of retaining units coupling with the side supporting units respectively to reinforce the side supporting units pivotally extended to retain the first and second side frame legs of the side frame in position when the foldable frame is unfolded to stretch out wherein two side edge portions of a tension fabric are substantially supported by the two side supporting units respectively. Therefore, the foldable side supporting arrangement is capable of substantially increasing the supporting area of tension fabric to more evenly distribute and support the downward force and stress applied on the tension fabric.

Abstract: A foldable table has a plastics table plate, a reinforced frame engaging with the plastics table plate, and a pair of leg frames. The reinforced frame has a pair of elongated plates and a pair of support rods disposed between the elongated plates. Each of the leg frames is connected to the corresponding support rod. An inner interior of the plastics table plate receives the elongated plates and the support rods.

Abstract: A table desirably includes a table top that is constructed from blow-molded plastic. A frame is mounted to the table top by one or more first frame mounting portions. The frame mounting portions are preferably integrally formed in the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece construction. Each of the frame mounting portions may include a recess that is sized and configured to connect the frame to the table top. Desirably, the frame is connected to the table top by a snap, friction or interference fit, and without the use of mechanical fasteners such as bolts or screws.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing particulate matter includes a hollow elongate body having sidewalls extending between opposite first and second ends. First and second end seals seal the first and second ends respectively. The first end seal has an orifice through which the particular material, when stored in the body, is dispensed. A baffle is mounted within the first end, generally abutting against one side wall of the body. The baffle at least partially occludes the orifice and forms a pocket between the orifice and the baffle. A convoluted dispensing flow path is thereby formed for dispensing the particulate material from the body, around the baffle and out of the dispenser through the orifice.

Abstract: A device that deters and repels birds from landing on masts, spreaders, rigging and attached apparatus of sailboats, as well as towers and outriggers of power boats. The device generates an intermittent, quiet vibration that is transmitted to the boat. The combination of intermittent vibration and movement of the device results in stimuli that are unpleasant for birds. Birds attempting to perch upon a sailboat are deterred by the movement of the device and are otherwise repelled by the unsettling vibration transmitted through those parts of the boat usually used as perches.

Abstract: A multi-part kayak whereby the kayak body portion is a hollow perimeter void of a center where a traditional sit-on-top kayak cockpit area would reside. The kayak body is designed to accommodate multiple cockpit configurations via insertion into the void cockpit area. Additionally such arrangement provides removable cockpit central hulls to be affixed in a manner whereby no mechanical fasteners or points of possible water intrusion exist below the waterline. Means are provided so as to prevent occupants weight from forcing the removable cockpit central hull downward through the kayak body and from wave action forcing the removable cockpit central hull upward through the kayak body. One kayak body can accommodate multiple configurations of removable cockpit central hulls thereby eliminating the need for various kayaks to perform various functions.

Abstract: A cover element adapted for disposition across a portion of a boat hull. The cover element is formed from a textile fabric having elastomeric stretch and recovery characteristics.

Abstract: A double-sided meter includes a case having two open ends, and a movement mounted in the case for measuring temperature, pressure, humidity, or other measurements. The movement is provided at front and rear surfaces with two sets of dial disc and pointer to enable observation of reading values at either side of the meter. The double-sided meter further includes at least one clip-on index that is so shaped that it has some extent of elasticity for fitly and movably attaching to a peripheral wall of the meter. Pointed free ends of the clip-on index are pointed toward scales on the dial discs at two sides of the meter to indicate a desired range of reading values.

Abstract: A method for growing solid state laser crystal boules is disclosed that when made into laser rods do not need separate end caps attached to the laser rods. The crystal boule is grown as a single integral unit with three segments. Two segments, the end segments, are un-doped or non-laser active, and they flank a central segment of the boule that is doped with an active laser ion. A first end segment of the crystal boule is first grown from un-doped melt material in a first crucible by slowly withdrawing its growing end from the first melt. The boule is then transferred to a doped melt in a second crucible where its growing end is submersed therein to grow the doped, laser active central segment. The temperature of the melt in the second crucible is initially higher than the growing temperature of the first melt and causes the growing end of the boule to melt.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing high quality semi-insulating silicon carbide crystals in the absence of relevant amounts of deep level trapping elements. The invention includes the steps of heating a silicon carbide crystal having a first concentration of point defect related deep level states to a temperature above the temperatures required for CVD growth of silicon carbide from source gases, but less than the sublimation temperature of silicon carbide under the ambient conditions to thereby thermodynamically increase the number of point defects and resulting states in the crystal, and then cooling the heated crystal to approach room temperature at a sufficiently rapid rate to maintain a concentration of point defects in the cooled crystal that remains greater than the first concentration.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of performing atomic layer deposition to form conductive, oxidation-resistant rhodium oxide films and films comprising metals, such as platinum, alloyed with rhodium oxide. The present invention also provides memory devices and processors comprising films deposited by the above methods.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a silicon carbide component. The method calls for providing a preform, including carbon, purifying the preform to remove impurities to form a purified preform, and exposing the purified preform to a molten infiltrant which includes silicon. According to the foregoing method, the molten infiltrant reacts with the carbon to form silicon carbide. The silicon carbide component formed according to this method may be particularly suitable for use in semiconductor fabrication processes, as a semiconductor processing component.

Abstract: A method comprising the steps of continuously changing the concentrations in solution of a biomacromolecule to be crystallized and a precipitant, thereby constructing a crystal phase diagram containing a solubility curve, searching for optimum conditions of crystallization on the basis of the constructed crystal phase diagram, and performing efficient growth of the crystal of the biomacromolecule. Also disclosed is an apparatus for implementing the method.

Abstract: A deposit is formed on a deposition substrate using a deposition gun that burns a mixture of a fuel and an oxidizer to form a deposition gas flow, mixes a powder into the deposition gas flow to form a deposition mixture flow, and projects the deposition mixture flow therefrom. The deposition gun is provided with a flowing coolant. A flow rate of the fuel to the deposition gun, a flow rate of the oxidizer to the deposition gun, a flow rate of the powder to the deposition gun, and a cooling capacity of the coolant flow are all measured. The flow rate of the fuel, the flow rate of the oxidizer, the flow rate of the powder, and the cooling capacity of the coolant flow are all controlled responsive to the step of measurements.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for making a coated plastic container, such as for packaged beverages, possessing a gas barrier and having enhanced resistance to loss in barrier due to handling abuses expansion of walls of the container. The system comprises a vacuum cell, a coating source in the vacuum cell for supplying a coating vapor to an external surface of a plastic container positioned within the vacuum cell, and gas feeds for supplying one or more process gases into an interior space of the vacuum cell. The coating source heats and evaporates an inorganic coating material, such as metal or silicon, to form a coating vapor, which is energized to form a plasma. The process gases include a carbon-containing gas, such as acetylene.

Abstract: A film deposition apparatus for forming a film on a substrate includes a chamber capable of maintaining a reduced-pressure atmosphere. The chamber includes a control electrode, a substrate holder opposite to the control electrode, the substrate holder holding the substrate, and a filament for emitting electrons disposed between the substrate holder and the control electrode. The film deposition apparatus further includes a unit for controlling the potential applied to the control electrode to be lower than the potential applied to the filament and a unit for controlling the potential applied to the substrate to be higher than the potential applied to the filament.

Abstract: To raise fly larvae (FL) as space food besides crop plants for waste recycling and food production. NASA has been cultivating crop plants as the space food. The feedstuff nutrition from both crew's waste (faces and urine) and crop's waste can be recycled by FL to achieve the goal of efficiently producing nourishing food. The water and nutrition leaving in the dreg after raising HFL can be recycled and fertilized the crop plant again. Raising HFL combining with crop plants could develop a self circular closed system from most wastes to enable human to live and work in space-independent of earth-provided logistics in long duration mission.

Abstract: A method of performing an animal related action on an animal by means of a robot arm is disclosed. The method includes carrying out measurements on the animal by means of a sensor for locating at least one animal part, generating, on the basis of the measurements, a list of data each corresponding to a possible animal part, comparing the data on the list with historical data regarding at least one animal part, assigning to each of the data on the list, on the basis of the comparison, a probability value for actual correspondence with at least one animal part, selecting as target position that possible target position that corresponds to the data on the list having the highest probability value and moving the robot arm to the target position which corresponds to the animal part found and performing there the animal related action.

Abstract: A system for and method of determining a formulation for an animal feed having a customized nucleic acid material content. The system can include an animal profile, an animal nutrient requirement profile, an evaluation criteria, and/or ingredient nutrient content profiles. The information contained in the profiles and criteria can be used to calculate a formulation having a desirable nucleic acid material content. The optimized nucleic acid material content can be used to maximize satisfaction of an evaluation criteria.

Abstract: A pet drinking aid is disclosed that includes a cap defining an axial passage therewithin. Preferred embodiments of the cap include securing means for detachably securing the cap to a fluid container and an inwardly directed flange. The securing means may include helical threads, an elastomeric sleeve or the like. The cap further includes a ball positioned within the axial passage of said cap and, in a preferred embodiment, biasing means mounted relative to the cap within the axial passage. The biasing means advantageously engages the ball to bias the ball toward the inwardly directed flange. The ball is preferably captured within the axial passage between the inwardly directed flange and the biasing means, and the ball is capable of rotatable movement and limited axial movement against the bias of the biasing means. The biasing means may include a compression spring, a foam member or the like.

Abstract: A flow control mechanism is provided for regulating the flow of fluid from a container or vessel, e.g., a plastic bottle containing a fluid such as water or the like. The flow control mechanism may be advantageously employed in a variety of applications where it is desired to dispense and/or access fluids in a controlled manner, e.g., applications wherein a liquid, colloidal system, suspension or the like is to be dispensed/accessed in a controlled manner. The flow control mechanisms are particularly advantageous as animal/pet drinking aids that provide animals/pets with convenient and controlled access to fluid refreshment, e.g., when away from a home-based water bowl. An exemplary control mechanism includes a cap member, overcap and ball captured therebetween. The cap member may be secured to a fluid-containing vessel and used to regulate or control the flow of fluid therefrom.

Abstract: A horse trailer having a cover plate releasably secured to a fender such that the cover plate will provide a shield extending downwardly from the fender to cover the wheel well area and wheels against pawing and kicking of horses tied to the side of the trailer and extending upwardly from the fender to provide a support for an animal feed trough.

Abstract: Animal eyewear, including protective sun goggles, is disclosed. Certain embodiments are dimensionally optimized for canines. Other embodiments provide interchangeable lenses and other features.

Abstract: A crankshaft, for use with a variable compression ratio engine having a connecting rod and a rod bearing, includes a crankpin adapted to be coupled to the connecting rod with the rod bearing disposed between the crankpin and the connecting rod. The crankpin includes a circumferential surface having first and second side surface portions and a main surface portion disposed between the side surface portions. The main surface portion is configured to receive the rod bearing. The first side surface portion has a first aperture disposed at least partially outwardly of the rod bearing when the rod bearing is received on the main surface portion of the crankpin and the crankpin is coupled to the connecting rod. The crankpin further defines, at least partially, a first fluid passage for supplying pressurized fluid to the first aperture, such that the fluid is useable to vary compression ratio of the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an internal combustion engine equipped with a variable valve timing control device includes the variable valve timing control device for restricting a relative rotation between a crankshaft and an exhaust camshaft at a starting of the internal combustion engine at a most advanced angle phase or at an intermediate angle phase between the most advanced angle phase and a most retarded angle phase. An apparatus for controlling an internal combustion engine equipped with a variable valve timing control device further includes a throttle valve control means for controlling an opening of the throttle valve provided at an intake passage of the internal combustion engine. The throttle valve control means controls the throttle valve to be opened when the internal combustion engine is started, thereby to restrict the relative rotation between the crankshaft and the exhaust camshaft.

Abstract: A vehicular engine starting system is provided in which a key cannot be removed from a key hole unless a shift lever is shifted to a parking position, the system including a pivot shaft having a cam surface that abuts against a blocking lever in response to movement of the pivot shaft from a LOCK position to an ACC position. The cam surface is formed into a shape that can move the blocking lever to an engaged position against a spring force of a return spring in response to movement of the pivot shaft from the ACC position toward an ON position. A plunger and the blocking lever are operatively connected so that the plunger is moved toward a retracted position in response to movement of the blocking lever from a disengaged position to the engaged position. Thus, the current consumption and heat generation of the solenoid can be suppressed in engaging the block lever with the pivot shaft in order to prevent the block lever from turning from the ACC position to the LOCK position.

Abstract: An air intake system for an internal combustion engine has at least one air box and a short duct for each cylinder. Each duct can be extended to provide higher torque at low speed. At high speed, the shorter duct length can be selectively provided for enhanced engine performance.

Abstract: In order to provide a four-stroke internal combustion engine (100) having a control chamber (16) and a cylinder (14), provided with at least one intake valve (12) and at least one exhaust valve, which has a crankshaft chamber (22) formed by a crankcase (26), in which a connecting rod (24) connected to the reciprocating piston (18) drives a mounted crankshaft (28), having an ignition device and having a supply device (30) for an air-fuel mixture, which is connected on one side via a connection line (32) to the control chamber (16) and on the other side in the flow direction (54) of the air-fuel mixture to the piston chamber (20) via a throttle device (34) positioned in a mixture intake port (36) and via a mixture supply line (38), which is connected via a non-return valve (40a) to the crankshaft chamber (22), and having an overflow channel (44) between the crankshaft chamber (22) and control chamber (16), in which a camshaft (46) is positioned for controlling the intake and exhaust valves (10, 12), which allow