Abstract: A magnetic levitation system, includes a base module having a plurality of coils spaced in a matrix configuration. The system also includes a platform module having a plurality of focusing magnets and a plurality of lifting magnets. Activation of the plurality of coils by way of an electric current supplied to the plurality of coils creates a magnetic field strength which provides a force that levitates the platform module over the base module. The system also includes a position and orientation sensing and feedback system provided on the platform module.

Abstract: A mount apparatus for mounting a measurement device on a rail car above a track surface of a railroad track including a securement member adapted to be secured to the unsprung component of the rail car, a pivot arm pivotably connected to the securement member, the pivot arm including a lever arm extending therefrom, and a swing arm connecting the lever arm of the pivot arm to the sprung component of the rail car. The swing arm rotates the pivot arm so that a distal end of the pivot arm is maintained at a substantially fixed height distance above the track surface.

Abstract: An actuating system for operating transverse doors of a railroad hopper car. The mechanism includes an operating member which is coupled to a door or doors of the car by a shaft and a linkage which couples a power source to the operating member, where the operating member rotates to move the door away from the hopper. The mechanism can operate doors which open in opposed direction with a single power source. The mechanism can be used in new car construction, and can be retrofitted onto existing hopper cars.

Abstract: A wood treatment concentrate includes, by weight;

Abstract: A pigment with a metallic lustre, comprising a wafer-like substrate made of aluminium dioxide having a thickness of more than 250 nm and less than 1 &mgr;m, which is fully enveloped by a metal layer.

Abstract: An active ray curable ink-jet ink composition comprising a photo-induced acid generating agent containing an onium salt which does not generate benzene under active ray radiation, and a photopolymerizable compound containing a compound having an oxetane ring in the molecule.

Abstract: An ink for use in ink jet recording which contains a dye and a pigment as colorants.

Abstract: Ink compositions for ink-jet printing is disclosed comprising an UV-absorbing compound according to formula (I): 1

Abstract: An ink composition comprising at least one color suitable for food use and a liquid vehicle including water and an organic solvent miscible with water in a volumetric ratio variable from 3:1 to 1:10, wherein the organic solvent is ethanol or a mixture ethanol:acetone in a volumetric ratio variable from 1:2 to 3:1; this ink composition is suitable, in particular, even though not exclusively, for surface coloring and printing on supports, wrappings and objects intended for coming into contact with foods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ink set for ink jet recording using at least two kinds of liquids. The first liquid contains at least a colorant, a water soluble solvent and water, and the second liquid contains at least a compound represented by the following general formula (1), a water soluble solvent and water. The present invention also provides an ink jet recording apparatus comprising a recording head from which the ink set for ink jet recording is ejected, and an ink jet recording method by which an image is formed by applying the first and second liquids on a recording medium so as to contact each other.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for preparing a warm mix asphalt composition by mixing an aggregate grain material with a soft binder, and adding a hard binder to the mixed aggregate grain material. The hard binder is foamed in a foaming process before it is introduced to the mixed grained aggregate material. A system for preparing the warm mix asphalt composition comprising a drying drum for heating and drying the aggregate component, a mixing mill for mixing the asphalt components and a mix storage silo, where the system also includes foam production facilities for foaming the hard binder before introduction to the mixing mill, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate solution is used for producing a film in a solution casting method. Particles to be added to the cellulose acylate solution are silicon dioxide and surfaces of the particles are positively charged. After the particles are added to the solution, the filtrated solution is used for the film production. Thus the aggregation is prevented, and after the filtration pressure increases, the particles of large size are not contained in the filtrated solution. The obtained film contains a small amount of foreign materials and the situation of the film surface is good.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating composition for forming a titanium oxide film, comprising (A) a specific titanium-containing aqueous liquid and (B) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of organic acids and their salts. The present invention also provides a process for forming a titanium oxide film using the coating composition, and a metal substrate coated therewith.

Abstract: A metal colloid luster color material having an unique appearance without using any organic color material that is deficient in weather resistance as the coloring component is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to subterranean operations, and more particularly, to settable fluids comprising vitrified shale and hydrated lime and methods of using such settable fluids in subterranean applications. In an exemplary embodiment, the settable fluids of the present invention may be used as a displacement fluid. In another exemplary embodiment, the settable fluids of the present invention may be used as a drilling fluid.

Abstract: The invention concerns injectable bone filling cements, in particular hydraulic calcium phosphate cements, the latter being prepared from at least two initial liquid or pasty constituents comprising each a species reactive in solution or in suspension, the solidification process being initiated when said constituents are being mixed.

Abstract: A method of absorbing a liquid is disclosed. The method comprises mixing a recycled, starch-based absorbent having an average mesh size greater than 80 mesh with a liquid to form a composition. The invention also relates to compositions formed by mixing the recycled starch-based absorbent with a liquid. Lastly, a kit comprising the recycled absorbent is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fibrous construct which is used in providing cementitious mixtures supplemental and reinforcing strength upon setting, and more particularly, to a unitized fibrous construct which comprises a plurality of oriented reinforcing fibrous components, wherein the fibrous components can be cut to a predetermined and finite cut length upon formation and remain in a plural parallel form until such point the unitized fibrous substrate is incorporated and subjected to mechanical agitation during preparation of a cementitious blend or mixture.

Abstract: An additive for use in aqueous cement slurries which adapted such that, when added to an aqueous cement slurry, it migrates to an interface between the slurry and an adjacent solid material or fluid composition during a setting phase of the cement because of the passing of the upper limit of solubility in the water of the additive.

Abstract: The invention relates to an accelerator used for setting and hardening and a method for accelerating and hardening hydraulic binding agents using said accelerator. The principal components of said accelerator are nitrates, aminoalcohols, hydroxycarboxylic acids and polyalcohols. The hardening acceleration is not connected with a rapid loss in processability, which is common in other accelerated systems.

Abstract: A table includes a table top and a table frame. The table frame preferably includes one or more side rails, end rails, table legs, and support braces. The table also includes a mounting structure that is provided on the underside of the table top. At least a portion of a support assembly is connected to the mounting structure. Desirably, the mounting structure and the support assembly are disposed towards the center portion of the table, but the mounting structure and/or support assembly could be located in any desired portion of the table. Preferably, one end of the support braces is pivotally attached to the support assembly and the other end is pivotally attached to a table leg. Advantageously, the support assembly provides a “planar” support area to a portion of the table top.

Abstract: A system 26 for removing elemental mercury or mercury compounds handles carbonaceous sorbent 28 of a starter batch stored in a silo 30 in an agglomerated state. The sorbent 28 is fed by a feeder 32 to a separation device 34, which comminutes (if necessary) and de-agglomerates the sorbent particles 28 to their primary size distribution. This device 34 may be a particle-particle separator or a jet mill, where compressed air or high-pressure steam is the energy source. The de-agglomerated sorbent 28 of a contact batch created from the starter batch is conveyed by an airsteam for injection at a contact location 66 in a flue gas duct whereat carbonaceous sorbent of the contact batch adsorbs mercury from the flue gas.

Abstract: A system or method for dispensing seeds and chemical granules, in which chemical granules are dispensed through a granule tube into a seed dispensing tube, where the granule tube is connected to the seed dispensing tube at a location above a lower opening of the seed dispensing tube, and where the lower opening of the seed dispensing tube is covered with a brush. A seed is dispensed through the seed dispensing tube. The brush holds chemical granules within the seed dispensing tube such that chemical granules accumulate within the seed dispensing tube, and the brush allows a seed and accumulated chemical granules to pass through the lower opening when the seed is dispensed via the seed dispensing tube.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system provides a priority flow of hydraulic fluid to a variable rate drive system for powering the operation of the metering mechanisms before hydraulic fluid is supplied to a secondary drive mechanism for powering the operation of secondary devices, such as the fan mechanism or the loading auger. The hydraulic drive system includes a priority flow divider valve that diverts a predetermined flow rate to the variable rate drive system. The variable rate drive system includes a drive mechanism arranged in series for a plurality of metering mechanisms. The secondary drive system includes a selector valve that permits a selection between the alternative secondary devices. An alternative embodiment of the hydraulic drive system includes a counter balance valve that operates to provide a priority flow to the variable rate drive system.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and method for planting plants are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a vehicle, such as a tractor, and a planting apparatus that is movable across the ground by the vehicle. The vehicle desirably has a guiding system for automatically guiding the vehicle to follow a predetermined planting path as the vehicle moves across the ground. The guiding system can comprise, for example, a global positioning system for determining the instantaneous positions of the vehicle and an automatic steering system for steering the vehicle based on positioning information from global positioning. As the vehicle moves the planting apparatus along the planting path, the planting apparatus plants a row of plants, such as trees or other agricultural products, at spaced apart locations along the planting path.

Abstract: The present patent application relates to an embroidery frame for a sewing machine and a method for clamping and tensioning a textile material. The embroidery frame comprises an inner frame, an outer frame and a hose arranged between the inner frame and the outer frame, which hose is expandable through pressurization. After manual assembly of the inner frame and the outer frame, a textile material intended for embroidering can be clamped between the hose and the outer frame and tensioned over an area of the textile material intended for embroidering through pressurization of the hose. The hose expands through initial pressurization in an upper part and clamps thereby the textile material between the upper part of the hose and the outer frame. Upon continued pressurization the hose expands in a lower part in a direction towards the outer frame and tensions thereby the textile material.

Abstract: There is provided a needle bar driver assembly for an overlock sewing machine having a needle for penetrating a material to be sewed and a needle bar for securing the needle thereto. The needle bar driver assembly includes a main shaft, a floating pivot, and a linking mechanism. The main shaft provides an oscillating motion. The linking mechanism is coupled to the main shaft and to the floating pivot, and transfers the oscillating motion of the main shaft to the needle bar while pivoting on the floating pivot.

Abstract: A process and components for applying appliqués to create garments and other items having a vintage appearance is presented. The process utilizes originally cut appliqués having perforations and pull tabs for removing portions of the appliqué to create a resulting design.

Abstract: A method of forming a fabric block that depicts an eight-point star by using only square-shaped and rectangular-shaped pieces of fabric. A square-shaped piece of fabric is sewn to a first rectangular-shaped piece of fabric and this combination is sewn to a second rectangular shaped piece of fabric to form a square-shaped fabric segment that is sewn to a second square-shaped fabric segment to form a square-shaped quarter portion depicting two points of the star. The four square-shaped quarter portions are sewn together resulting in a square-shaped fabric block depicting an eight-point star. This method overcomes the challenges and difficulties encountered when attempting to make an eight-point star design from diamond, triangle, and square geometric shapes.

Abstract: A comprehensive System of hoisted, universally compatible, semi-elliptical mainsails and self-tacking headsails. Reducing weight on deck and aloft and fully cockpit-controlled, self-boomed System sails replace cumbersome conventional genoas and rigid booms with self-boomed, overlapping, self-tacking, semi-elliptical headsails and mainsails. Each sail assures optimum sail interface. Synergism between aerodynamic headboard-end plate combinations, integrated alternate energy, and maximum sailing efficiency optimizes convenience, safety and performance. Overlapping Maxjib (26), Non-overlapping Maxjib (28) and self-boomed Maxmain (30) are self-boomed, self-tacking hoisted sails. External-spar Maxmain (32) provides unique new System benefits for boomed mainsail configurations.

Abstract: A portlight assembly for installation in an opening in a wall of a vessel includes an outer frame having a flange and a cylindrical wall portion extending from the flange, with the flange overlying a portion of the outer surface of the vessel wall surrounding the opening and the cylindrical wall portion extending through the opening, a window mounted to the outer frame. It further includes an inner securing ring threadedly received onto a threaded section of the cylindrical wall portion and overlying a portion of the inner surface of the vessel wall. The outer frame includes an initial attachment structure for holding the outer frame in place within the vessel wall opening until the inner securing ring is threaded onto the cylindrical wall portion.

Abstract: Novel precast concrete boxes are disclosed which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,697,736 and 5,697,473 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, boathouses and the like. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes are disclosed, including modular vessels having bow and stern sections which can be connected directly together or mounted to a mid-section containing assemblies of concrete boxes, other structural elements or other vessels such as floating drydocks. Modular vessels can be assembled with any or all of the bow, midship and stern sections comprising honeycomb arrays of vertically-oriented hexagonal boxes.

Abstract: A stowage system for stowing a smaller boat on board a larger parent boat is provided. A well sized to receive the smaller boat is formed below the aft cockpit deck of the parent boat adjacent the stern. A movable cover assembly in the nature of a hatch(s) covers the well and sits flush at deck level when in a closed position. The cover assembly is movable to expose the well so that the smaller boat can pass through the opening when the cover is in an open position. Also, a skeg assembly with twin skegs provides an improved tracking capability for a powerboat and provides sufficient space for the small boat stowage system. The twin skegs, which provide support for inboard engine shafts, are symmetrically located on opposite sides of a centerline of the hull near the stern. Water flow tunnels between the skegs.

Abstract: An inflatable boat with a V-shaped keel comprising at least a central longitudinal strip that is rigid, and that is made up of a plurality of longitudinal segments assembled together end-to-end, and secured together by releasable fixing means which comprise: at each side top end, at least one longitudinally-extending projecting finger on an end of one segment and at least one respective facing longitudinal recess provided in the abutting end of the adjacent segment; and, in the tip portion of the V-shape and inside the keel, at least one longitudinally-projecting perforated link on an end of one segment, and at least one perforated link situated inside the adjacent segment, and a retaining pin suitable for being engaged through the mutually aligned perforations in the two links.

Abstract: A warning sign comprises first and second parts pivotably interconnected at their in use upper ends and pivotable between a first storage position in which the first and second parts are arranged in side-by-side relationship and a second operative position in which the first and second parts are at an angle to one another. Detents are also provided for releasably retaining the first and second parts in the second operative position, and a third part is provided which can be releasably supported by the detent.

Abstract: A handbell has a bell body with an inner surface engageable by a clapper to produce a sound corresponding to a note of the musical scale and an outer surface with a vapor deposited nitride layer that resists tarnish. Preferably, the vapor deposited nitride layer has a thickness of less than about 5 microns and does not adversely affect the sound produced when the handbell is rung. In addition, preferably the vapor deposited nitride layer is zirconium nitride or titanium nitride and has a Vickers hardness (HV) of at least 2300. A method of making and/or refurbishing a handbell is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention concerns nanoscale products, such as electronic devices fabricated to nanometer accuracy. It also concerns atomic scale products. These products may have an array of electrically active dopant atoms in a silicon surface, or an encapsulated layer of electrically active donor atoms. In a further aspect the invention concerns a method of fabricating such products. The methods include forming a preselected array of donor atoms incorporated into silicon. Encapsulation by growing silicon over a doped surface, after desorbing the passivating hydrogen. Also, using an STM to view donor atoms on the silicon surface during fabrication of a nanoscale device, and measuring the electrical activity of the donor atoms during fabrication of a nanoscale device. Such products and processes are useful in the fabrication of a quantum computer, but could have many other uses.

Abstract: Novel microporous crystal morphologies are produced by combining a polar solute, a silicon or phosphorous source, and a structure directing agent. A premixed mixture of at least one surfactants and a hydrophobic solvent is added to the previously mixed three species and shaken to for a reverse microemulsion. The microemulsion is stirred overnight, at about room temperature and then iced for five to ten minutes. A metal source is added and vigorously shaken for about two minutes. The mixture is then aged for about two hours at about room temperature. After which, a mineralizer is added and the resultant mixture aged for about two hours at about room temperature. The mixture is then heated to about 100-220° C. The final novel product is then isolated.

Abstract: A method for growing a silicon single crystal used for semiconductor integrated circuit devices, wherein the single crystal is grown by the CZ method at a nitrogen concentration of 1×1013 atoms/cm3-1×1015 atoms/cm3 with a cooling rate of not less than 2.5° C./min at a crystal temperature of 1150° C.-1000° C., in which case, the pulling rate is adjusted such that the outside diameter of a circular region including oxidation-induced stacking faults generated at the center of a wafer which is subjected to the oxidation heat treatment at high temperature is not more than ⅗ of the wafer diameter, wherein the wafer is prepared by slicing the grown single crystal. In the growth method, the concentration of oxygen in the silicon single crystal is preferably not more than 9×1017 atoms/cm3 (ASTM '79).

Abstract: Non-magnetic particles, in particular, of an oxide such as cerium oxide, zirconium oxide, aluminum oxide, silicon oxide or iron oxide which have the shape of a plate and have an average particle diameter in the direction of the plate surface in a range of 10 to 100 nm; and a method for producing the above non-magnetic particles of the oxide which comprises adding a salt of the above element to an aqueous alkaline solution to provide a hydroxide or hydrate thereof, heating the hydroxide or hydrate in the presence of water at a temperature in the range of 110 to 300° C., followed by filtration and drying, and further heating the resultant product in air at a temperature in the range of 300 to 1200° C., to thereby produce particles of the oxide. The above non-magnetic particles, in particular, of on oxide has a narrow distribution of particle diameter, is extremely reduced in sintering or coagulation, and exhibits good crystallinity.

Abstract: A gas turbine component consists of a superalloy base material with a single crystal structure and a protective MCrAlY-coating. The MCrAlY-coating the MCrAlY has a &ggr;/&bgr;-phase and single crystal structure, which is epitaxial with the base material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing nanofibers which use self-organization which has a process of placing silicon microcrystal grains comprising the same element as the substrate on the surface of a substrate, a process of heating the previously noted substrate in a vacuum until the surface of the substrate reaches a melting temperature whereby, the surface of the previously noted substrate is a crystal face and the method of manufacturing nanofibers causes numerous nanowires to grow due to elements supplied from the substrate in the previously noted heating process by causing surface segregation to occur in the crystal faces which placed microcrystal grains causing nanofiber having a stem shaped structure

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller guide for the guidance of the wire or rod between the finish rolling mill stands of a wire or rod rolling line, comprised of a guide roller pair (FR1; FR2) which are mutually juxtaposed and journalled on the free ends of the pivot arms (SA1; SA2) of double arm levers (DH). The lever journals (HL) are connected with a support body between the finish mill rolls of the rolling line and which receives a centering funnel (ZT) for the rolled wire or rod between the double arm levers (DH) whereby the pivotal displacement of the pivot arms (SA1; SA2) are settable and spring adjustable about the lever journals.

Abstract: The device according to the present invention comprises a furnace (10) provided with heating means allowing said material to be crystallised to be rendered liquid, then to be cooled until it progressively solidifies. The device also comprises reception means (20) of the material (21) disposed in the furnace, fixed relative to the furnace and situated such that the material is in the intermediary zone. The heating means (11, 12, 13) supply three heating zones: a hot zone (16), an intermediary zone (15) and a cold zone (14). Thermally conductive means (17) are disposed between the reception means (20) and the heating means (11, 12, 13) and extend from the cold zone as far as the hot zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for forming a bulk monocrystalline gallium nitride by using supercritical ammonia. The process comprises the steps of forming a supercritical solvent containing ion or ions of alkali metals in an autoclave; and dissolving a monocrystalline gallium nitride prepared by flux methods as a feedstock in this supercritical solvent to form a supercritical solution, and simultaneously or separately recrystallizing gallium nitride on the face of a seed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seasoning apparatus (20) capable of evenly seasoning each individual article, without seasoning any too heavily or too lightly. Therein, a screw (23) having a helical blade (21) is installed in a tube (24). The helical blade (21) provides partitions that are provided upright between an article supply port (A) and a discharge port (B). An article group, before seasoning, is accommodated in a section partitioned by the partitions, the motor (26) rotates the screw (23) in that state, and the article group in the section is thereby transported from the supply port (A) to the discharge port (B). Therein, each article group is transported to the discharge port (B) separated from other article groups, and each and every individual article in the article group is seasoned evenly with the same seasoning processing time and the same seasoning supply ratio.

Abstract: A system for applying a protective coating to a surface includes a device for applying a protective coating to a surface. The device includes a foam pad impregnated with a composite having a matrix that includes at least one polymer resin chosen from the following group: hydrocarbon, polybutene, silicone, polyethylene; at least one silicone fluid; at least one surface coating chosen from the following groups: wax, silicone resin; and a multiplicity of inert particles dispersed within the matrix. The composite, when examined alone (before it is impregnated into the foam pad), has a wax penetration point measurement from about 60 mm to about 250 mm at 25 degrees Celsius under ASTM Test Method D217, and the foam pad impregnated with the composite is adapted so that the foam pad impregnated with the composite, when rubbed upon a surface, leaves a surface coating on the surface.

Abstract: A processing means (10; 20; 30) is disclosed, with which to hold part of a vehicle body (1; 6) during a processing operation in vehicle construction, in particular painting. With the objective of disclosing an improved, distinctly more economical and easily manipulated processing means of this kind, it is designed as a plastic holder with two contact or engagement sections (14; 19a; 22; 23; 33; 34; 35) disposed near its ends, which are to be inserted between two body parts (1; 2; 6) in order to fix them at a prespecified distance from one another.

Abstract: A magnetic multilayer film deposition system having a plurality of treatment chambers for depositing a multilayer film including a plurality of magnetic films on a substrate, a conveyance system for conveying the substrate in a state shielded from the atmosphere, a metal film treatment chamber, a treatment system having treating metal film included in the multilayer film in the treatment chamber, an optical measurement system for optically evaluating the surface state of the metal film, and a control system for controlling the operation of the treatment system based on a measurement signal output from this optical measurement system, wherein when depositing a multilayer film on a substrate in the film deposition system, it is possible to manage the surface state of the metal film during the treatment process of the metal film and possible to treat the metal film precisely.

Abstract: A gas distribution plate (GDP) GDP is pretreated before implementation in a semiconductor fabrication apparatus so as to be stable over the operational lifetime of the GDP. The pre-treatment acts to reduce undesired reactions of the GDP with process chemistry used in the semiconductor fabrication apparatus. The pre-treatment is applied to at least a portion of the gas distribution plate. Preferably, surfaces of the gas distribution plate which come in contact with the process chemistry are pretreated.