Abstract: A method for applying a nanoscale resolution pattern of a molecular link onto a surface of a substrate is disclosed. The method referred to as edge transfer lithography, comprises providing a stamp structure (10) having a surface (11) with at least one protruding feature (16). Each protruding feature (16) has a stamp surface of a respective predefined shape at a protruding end thereof. Each protruding feature and its stamp surface are bounded by at least one edge (19), which edge intersects the surface of the stamp structure to form a recess. A solution of the molecular ink and a solvent is applied of the surface of the stamp structure (10) are such that the solution dewets from the surface of the stamp structure (10) is then dried to evaporate the solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a releasable skate retarder for railway cars. The retarder includes a plurality of spring packs including springs which bias shoe carrying beams toward running rails, trapping wheels of a railway car entering the retarder between the shoes and the running rails, and applying a frictional force to the railway car wheels for stopping the railway car and retaining the railway car in the retarder. The retarder is operable in a release mode in which an operating mechanism moves the shoe beams to a release position in which the spring force is released, allowing the railway car to move freely through the retarder. The retarder is operable in a service mode in which the operating mechanism moves the shoe beams outwardly, allowing the insertion of shims which cause the shoes to be repositioned closer to the running rails to compensate for shoe wear.

Abstract: A locomotive (10) is operable in two or more distinct configurations, with the change in configuration being response to a configuration input signal (35). A locomotive configuration is represented by the set of end use device control signals (13) that are generated by the locomotive control systems (22) in response to the respective set of operational input values (27). For a given set of operational input values, a first set of end use device control signals is generated when a configuration input has a first value, and a second set of end use device control signals is generated when a configuration input has a second value. The configuration input variable may be responsive to the locomotive location, a wayside device signal, an operator action or the health of the locomotive, for example. Locomotive configuration changes may include peak horsepower rating, number of engine cylinders fueled, number of throttle notch settings, adhesion limits, mission priorities or emission profile, for example.

Abstract: A system for closing rail car doors that enables the simultaneous closing of multiple car doors is disclosed. After hopper car contents such as aggregate or coal are unloaded, the doors are closed in pairs by semi-automated door closing arms operated by hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, or electric motors. The closing arms are configured in specific shapes to adapt to the style of hopper door. The closing arms may be added in pairs depending on the number of doors. The door closer can be sequenced to accommodate frontward or rearward facing doors. Hydraulic cylinders with a differential bell crank can be used to activate the closer arm assemblies. Closer arms can be mounted side by side on the inside or outside of the track or separately inside and outside of the track.

Abstract: A printing ink concentrate in the form of coated non-tacky and/or uncoated non-tacky pellets, a method for producing the same and a method of making a printing ink by using the concentrate.

Abstract: A fluorescent water base ink for ink-jet recording contains a first fluorescent dye and a second fluorescent dye. The first fluorescent dye has a first ultraviolet absorption wavelength region in an absorption spectrum and a first fluorescence emission wavelength region in a fluorescence spectrum. The second fluorescent dye has a second ultraviolet absorption wavelength region which is different from the first ultraviolet absorption wavelength region in an absorption spectrum and a second fluorescence emission wavelength region in a fluorescence spectrum. The first fluorescent dye further has an absorption wavelength region which is different from the first ultraviolet absorption wavelength region and which overlaps at least a part of the second fluorescence emission wavelength region.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion ink comprises a water phase and an oil phase, wherein the water phase comprises a pigment, a resin and a water-soluble alcohol or polyol with a boiling point greater than 197° C. The ink has improved image recovery properties.

Abstract: Fatty acid esters of which the fatty acid constituents are saturated and/or mono- or polyolefinically unsaturated fatty acids containing a total of 12 to 22 carbon atoms and of which the alcohol constituents are saturated and/or mono- or polyolefinically unsaturated monoalcohols containing a total of 1 to 22 carbon atoms, with the additional proviso that the fatty acid constituents of the esters contain an alicyclic group which may optionally be substituted by an aliphatic group, are suitable as solvents for printing inks.

Abstract: A metal phthalocyanine compound that is useful as a black colorant suitable for use in an ink-jet recording ink, a water-based ink composition containing the metal phthalocyanine compound, and a product colored with the metal phthalocyanine compound. In particular, a metal phthalocyanine compound having, as substituents, both an acylamino group and a carboxyethylamino group on the phthalocyanine structure, or the salt thereof is used as a black colorant. Recorded images formed by the use of this colorant are excellent in light fastness and water fastness and exhibit absorption in infrared and visible regions, so that highly effective utilization can be found in printing of, for example, bar codes which are available in near-infrared ray reading.

Abstract: A polymeric dispersant of the structure: wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, CH3, and a combination thereof, and n is an integer from 4 to 200, for use in printing inks.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing 5-methyl-N-(methyl aryl)-2-pyrrolidone, 5-methyl-N-(methyl cycloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidone and 5-methyl-N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone by reductive amination of levulinic acid esters with aryl or alkyl cyano compounds utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing 5-methyl-N-(methyl aryl)-2-pyrrolidone, 5-methyl-N-(methyl cycloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidone and 5-methyl-N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone by reductive amination of levulinic acid esters with aryl or alkyl cyano compounds utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: There are provided a carbon black according to which long-term stable storage is possible, clogging is not prone to occurring, and the OD value is high and hence printing with a deep black color is possible, or a carbon black that can be used in a water-based ink that is used in ink jet printer printing, that has low settleability and can thus be stored stably for a long period, for which clogging is not prone to occurring, and for which the reflection density is high and hence printing with a high printing density and a deep black color is possible, a carbon black dispersion having the carbon black dispersed therein, and a water-based ink containing the carbon black.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and materials for forming biodegradable containers that can hold food products in dry, damp or wet conditions and provides the biodegradable containers prepared according to the disclosed process. The containers are produced through the use of a pre-gelled starch suspension that is unique in its ability to form hydrated gels and to maintain this gel structure in the presence of many other types of materials and at low temperatures.

Abstract: An improved surface material is particularly suited for non-turf baseball field applications such as the pitcher's mound and base paths. The material generally comprises clay, wax and sand and has a putty-like consistency. Cleats can penetrate the material but are not likely to pull it out in clumps upon removal of the cleats. Method for forming the surface includes spraying emulsified wax on a surface and mixing it with the surface material.

Abstract: Disclosed are coloured flake-form effect pigments comprising one or more layers, where at least one of the layers comprises one or more colorants or is itself a colorant and at least one of the layers has a groove or grid structure, and to processes for the preparation thereof, and to the use thereof.

Abstract: Iron oxide powder for an undercoat layer of a coat-type magnetic recording medium having a multilayer structure which comprises cobalt-doped iron oxide particles having an average length of 0.02 to 0.3 ?m, an aspect ratio (length to width ratio) of 2 to 13, and a BET specific surface area of 40 to 100 m2/g, containing a cobalt compound in an amount of 0.2 to 10 atom % in terms of cobalt based on total iron, and having a pH of 6 to 8, a soluble cation content of 50 ppm or less, and a soluble anion content of 50 ppm or less.

Abstract: A highlightable mixture, such as an ink, including a colored pigment, an eradicable colorant, and a non-eradicable colorant; a kit including the highlightable mixture and an eradicator solution; colorant complex including a colorless or substantially colorless eradicable dye selected from the group consisting of diarylmethane derivatives, triarylmethane derivatives, and methine dyes, and a colored pigment; and methods of applying an eradicator to at least a portion of a marking made with a highlightable mixture, are described herein.

Abstract: Cement compositions with improved mechanical properties and associated methods are provided, which are useful in conjunction with subterranean well operations. In certain embodiments, the cement compositions comprise carbon fibers, rubber particles, a hydraulic cement material, sufficient water to form a pumpable slurry, and optionally other ingredients including a dispersant, a weighting agent, a retarding or accelerating agent, or the like.

Abstract: A single use disposable, recyclable paper pallet for supporting products during storage and shipping is provided. The pallet comprises a corrugated panel resting on multiple, parallel corrugated runners locked together by lateral supports. The runners are made from blanks folded into elongated open-ended box-like shapes. The folded runners have perforated tabs that extend upwards from the top surface of the runners and configured to receive the lateral supports. The lateral supports are formed from a sheet of convolutely wound, formed laminated paper and provide lateral strength so the pallet can be handled with a clamp truck.

Abstract: An improved folding table of the type having two one-piece legs pivotally attached to a tabletop and two two-piece legs pivotally attached to the tabletop with each one-piece leg pivotally connected to the two-piece leg that is on the same side of the table as the one-piece leg. The first primary improvement comprises a power assist actuator pivotally connected to the tabletop and to a first one-piece leg. Preferably, a second power assist actuator connects the tabletop and second one-piece leg. The second principal improvement comprises a first wheel rotatably connected near the free end of the first two-piece leg, a second wheel rotatably connected near the free end of the second two-piece leg, and the free ends of the two-piece legs being bent so that they support the table when the table is unfolded but do not interfere with the wheels of the table when the table is folded.

Abstract: A collapsing table comprising a table top formed of a pair of pivotable table top half-sections hinged to one another at their at their adjacent edges along a center-line of the table and displaceable between an open position where the half-sections are coplanar, and a folded position where the half-sections overlap one another. Each half-section has at an undersurface thereof a transverse support member pivotally articulated thereto with a leg associated with each lateral edge of the transverse support member, and a pair of longitudinal support members pivotally articulated to the undersurface. The support members are displaceable between erect and collapsed positions whereby the transverse support member is prohibited from collapsing as long as at least one of the longitudinal support member is erect.

Abstract: A gasifier system and process comprises a pulse combustion device in communication with a fluid channel for producing a gas stream having heat or fuel value. The pulse combustion device is operated under sub-stoichiometric conditions such that combustion and steam reforming both occur in the fluid channel. The pulse combustion device also produces a pulsating combustion product stream and an acoustic pressure wave. The acoustic pressure wave serves to cause agglomeration of particles contained within the combustion stream for easy removal. In one embodiment, a sulfur capturing agent is injected into the fluid channel for not only removing sulfur from the combustion product stream but for also facilitating particle agglomeration. Ultimately, a gas stream containing hydrogen is produced that may be used in various processes, such as in the production of electricity.

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for the pyrolysis of material, which apparatus (2) comprises a pyrolysis chamber (4), an inlet (6) at a first end (8) of the pyrolysis chamber (4), an outlet (10) at a second end (12) of the pyrolisis chamber (4), and feed means (14) for feeding the material through the pyrolysis chamber (4), the feed means (14) comprising a cranked member (16), at least one elongate member (18) which extends along the pyrolysis chamber (4) between the inlet (6) and the outlet (10) and which has a first end (20) adjacet the (6) inlet and a second end (22) adjacent the outlet (10), a feed formation connected to the first end (20) of the elongate member (18), and connector means (24) which connects the send end (22) of the elongate member (18) to the cranked member (16), and the feed means (14) being such that rotation of the cranked member (16) causes the elongate member (18) to move backwards and forwards and the feed formation to move the material from the inlet (6) towards the outlet (10).

Abstract: An incinerator pre-fill chamber for installation on an incinerator for burning combustible material which allows the operator to continuously re-fill the container of the incinerator with new combustible material while the contents within the container is burning. The incinerator pre-fill chamber includes an elongated case having a first opening aligned in sealing relationship with a second opening disposed in the lid of the incinerator such that when said pre-fill chamber is mounted on the incinerator lid the combustible material can pass from said pre-fill chamber through said first and second openings. The pre-fill chamber further includes a plunger with a platen, at least one side door that opens for loading the material to be burned into the pre-fill chamber, and a trap door that opens when the plunger is actuated thereby permitting the material to pass through the first opening of the pre-fill chamber.

Abstract: Subject A solid fuel burner and its combustion method suited for encouraging fuel ignition and avoiding slugging caused by combustion ash, wherein a gas of low oxygen concentration (exhaust combustion gas) is used as a carrier gas of such a low grade solid fuel as brown coal. Means for Solving the Subject An additional air nozzle 12 for jetting additional air having a velocity component in the circumferential direction of a fuel nozzle 11 is provided in the fuel nozzle 11, thereby encouraging mixing between the fuel and air in the fuel nozzle 11. Further, the amount of air supplied from the additional air nozzle 12 is adjusted in response to the difference in combustion loads. Under light load, the amount of air supplied from the additional air nozzle 12 is increased so as to increase the oxygen concentration of the circulating flow 19 formed downstream of the outside of the outlet of the fuel nozzle 11, whereby stable combustion is ensured.

Abstract: A seed planting assembly is provided having a plurality of planting units supported by a tool bar, each of which being operable to form a seed trench in soil, plant seeds in the seed trench, and close the seed trench. Each planting assembly is supported by the tool bar via a mounting assembly that can be actuated by a vertical positioner to raise and lower individual planting units. The vertical positioner is prevented from becoming unintentionally locked during use.

Abstract: A seed planting assembly is provided having a plurality of planting units supported by a tool bar, each of which being operable to form a seed trench in soil, plant seeds in the seed trench, and close the seed trench. Each planting assembly is supported by the tool bar via a mounting assembly that can be actuated by a vertical positioner to raise and lower individual planting units.

Abstract: The present invention is related to embankment block, which preventing deviation. More particularly, the present invention provides advertisement effect combined use with revetment block by planting various kinds of vegetation in order to represent literary expression, symbolic words, and advertisement copy. The characteristics of the present invention include mutual connecting method, that is, the side joining of inserting projection and groove, galvanized steel wire connecting through the wire hole that is perforated to main body and the side surface of block. The main body of block is shot through from above to below.

Abstract: An embroidery sewing machine hoop guard includes a strap held by a handle portion having a grip, a strap attachment wall for attachment of one end of the strap, and a buckle for receiving the other end, allowing the strap to be held on edge in a generally circular position. The strap adjusts to fit within a hoop while allowing adhesive spraying of a flat area of clothing material to be embroidered, protecting from overspray of adhesive, thus avoiding periodic cleaning of the hoop. The hoop guard may be held on any surface within which a spray material or coating is applied to the surface, by gripping with one hand while a spray device is operated by the other hand to spray an area of the surface within the boundary formed by the strap and handle portion. This prevents overspray beyond that area, protecting other elements or surfaces.

Abstract: A cloth-cutting device is attached to a sewing machine for cutting a cloth along a feeding direction of the cloth during a sewing operation. The cloth-cutting device includes a mount member mounted to the sewing machine on the side of the sewing head, an extendable member linearly vertically extendable from the mount member, and a cutter disposed at a lower end of the extendable member. The cutter is movable between a storage position on the side of a sewing head of the sewing machine and an operational position on the side of a table of the sewing machine as the extendable member moves between an upper position and a lower position.

Abstract: A method of providing an article to meet an actual or anticipated demand for the article. The method includes the steps of: providing an article having an exposed surface defined by at least one substrate layer; providing a first adornment layer; tack stitching the first adornment layer fixedly to the at least one substrate layer with thread at at least first and second discrete locations on the first adornment layer so that the article has a first appearance; stocking the article with the first appearance to meet an actual or anticipated demand for the article having the first appearance; changing the appearance of the article from the first appearance to a second appearance; and making the article with a second appearance available to meet an actual or anticipated demand for the article.

Abstract: A support bracket and method for securing and supporting a superstructure for towing persons behind a vehicle such as a boat is disclosed. The support structure has an arcuate face with a length several times that of a tubular member of the superstructure so that the arcuate face provides support over a portion of the tubular member and so that the face mates with the tubular member. The bracket is removably attached and secured to the vehicle and to the superstructure so that it may be removed, or replaced without altering or damaging the superstructure, and so that weld seams are not used. The arcuate face and a second face of the support structure that secures to the boat are set an angle provides a properly erect angle to the superstructure when the bracket, boat, and superstructure are secured.

Abstract: A central pontoon semisubmersible floating platform for use in offshore applications has a hull configuration including vertical support columns, a central pontoon structure disposed inboard of the columns at a lower end thereof, and a deck structure supported at an upper end of the columns. The vertical columns and pontoon structure are constructed substantially of flat plate. The vertical columns are adjoined to the outer periphery of the central pontoon and have a transverse cross sectional shape with a major axis oriented radially outward from a center point of the hull, and a central vertical axis disposed a distance outward from the pontoon outer periphery. Risers can be supported on the inboard or outboard side of the pontoon and extended to the deck, and the structure can be anchored by mooring lines extending along the outboard face of the columns extending radially outward and downward from their lower ends.

Abstract: Anchor for mooring of buoyant marine structures. The anchor comprises an elongated shaft with a mooring line attachment that is rotatable around the full circumference (that is, a full 360 degrees of rotation) of the anchor shaft. The lower end of the shaft comprises nose section, while the upper end comprises a tail section. A plurality of fins are attached to the nose section and tail section, and extend radially outward from the anchor shaft. While the number of fins may vary, one presently preferred embodiment has three fins in each section of the anchor shaft. The anchor is preferably configured (via design of the nose and tail section fin areas, shapes, etc.

Abstract: A dash system that allows it to be fastened independently of the related and non-related components using an engagement system that captures the forward edge of the dash. The dash is “slid” into place from the rear, and then locked into place with a fastener at the rear facing edge, which is easily accessed. This sliding action allows the forward deck engaging means to engage its matching receiver that is designed into the deck surface of the boat. The deck/dash engagement system enables the dash to be removed without the need to remove many other elements surrounding the dash area. Alternatively, or in addition to the fastener proximal to the rear facing edge, a single fastener at the forward or leading edge in proximity to the forward latching or deck engaging means is sufficient to secure the deck to the deck surface while still providing ease of access and removal.

Abstract: A water-jet propulsion personal watercraft is disclosed, comprising a body formed by a hull and a deck covering the hull from above, the body having a joint portion joining the hull and the deck joined to each other at peripheries thereof, the body being configured to accommodate an engine configured to drive a propulsion system of the watercraft, and a side bumper mounted to the joint portion at a side portion of the body, wherein the side bumper includes a base portion mounted to the joint portion to extend along the joint portion in a longitudinal direction of the watercraft, and a protruding portion configured to extend along the base portion in the longitudinal direction and to protrude downward from a lower surface of the base portion to be spaced apart from a side wall of the hull.

Abstract: A freezer failure indicator assembly is provided comprising an indicator unit in the form of a closed container party filled with an opaque liquid (1) and a support bracket (8) therefor. The container has an opaque zone (2) and a transparent zone (3.) arranged to enable the liquid to be pre-frozen within the opaque zone followed by re-orientating the container relative to the bracket to render the transparent zone of the wall visible, devoid of any liquid and lower than the pre-frozen liquid. Thawing of the pre-frozen liquid causes it to move to become visible through the transparent zone. Colour imparting means (13) are carried by the bracket so as to be visible through the said transparent zone in the operative position thereof to thereby impart a first colour to the transparent zone in the absence of any liquid being present in it. The opaque liquid serves to obscure such first colour when the liquid is present in the transparent zone.

Abstract: A bookmark or promotional device comprises a plurality of pockets aligned side-by-side with the opening of the pocket being at the edge of the bookmark. The pockets contain advertising or other promotional material as inserts. The devices are produced in different versions for different audiences and are distributed through a variety of channels generally free of charge to customers.

Abstract: Methods for repair of single crystal superalloys by laser welding and products thereof have been disclosed. The laser welding process may be hand held or automated. Laser types include: CO2, Nd:YAG, diode and fiber lasers. Parameters for operating the laser process are disclosed. Filler materials, which may be either wire or powder superalloys are used to weld at least one portion of a single crystal superalloy substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a monocrystalline component, having a complex moulded structure with different structure parts, from a molten metal. According to the method, said molten metal is located in a negative mould, corresponding to the moulding structure and said negative mould moves with the formation of a solidification front on a temperature drop, which is adapted to the crystallization speed of the molten metal and which includes the melting point. Said method is characterized in that at least one of the structure parts of the moulded structure experiences an individual temperature drop. If the solidification front has to grow through a structure part, which is inappropriately oriented in relation to the solidification front, said structure part or zone can experience an individual temperature drop. This enables monocrystalline components, having a complex moulded structure, to be produced in a reliable and economic manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlled, extended and repeatable growth of high quality silicon carbide boules of a desired polytype is disclosed which utilizes graphite crucibles coated with a thin coating of a metal carbide and in particular carbides selected from the group consisting of tantalum carbide, hafnium carbide, niobium carbide, titanium carbide, zirconium carbide, tungsten carbide and vanadium carbide.

Abstract: The present invention improves upon the Czochralski method for growing a single-crystal silicon ingot and provides a high quality silicon wafer having an oxide layer with superior voltage-resistance characteristics. An apparatus and method are also provided, whereby vacancy defect density and distribution are uniformly controlled. A single-crystal silicon ingot is grown under a condition where the temperature variation of the ingot is less than or equal to 20° C./cm in the temperature range of 1000 to 1100° C.

Abstract: A quartz crucible having reduced/controlled bubble content is disclosed, comprising an outer layer and an inner layer doped with elements and compounds that: a) react with oxygen and nitrogen at or near the fusion temperature of quartz; and b) form compounds that are thermally stable at temperatures of above 1400° C. and chemically stable in a SiO2 environment. A method to make a crucible having controlled bubble content is also disclosed, the method comprises the step of forming a crucible having an inner layer doped with a material that reacts with residual gases in the bubble such as nitrogen and oxygen and thus consume the gases in the bubbles and empty them in the fusion process.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for synthesis of narrowly dipsersed colloidal PbS nanocrystals that offer size-tunable near-infrared emission. The stability and processibility of these near-infrared emitting quantum dots makes them ideal materials for device applications. The use of cost-effective and non-pyrophoric precursors as well as the success of larger scale reactions means the present invention provides a method for the industrial scale production of PbS nanocrystals.

Abstract: A coating apparatus comprising: a slot nozzle spraying apparatus provided with a pair of inner die blocks and outer die blocks at the outside of said pair of inner die blocks, having a coating solution nozzle formed between said pair of inner die blocks, and gas nozzles constituted between one inner die block and outer die block adjacent thereto, and between another inner die block and outer die block adjacent thereto, wherein, angle ? between the solution flow passage of said coating solution nozzle and the gas flow passage of one of said gas nozzle is 15-60 degree.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a spray booth that comprises a spray booth housing having a ceiling and side walls that define an interior for holding an object to be sprayed. A pressurized air plenum is disposed above the ceiling and is adapted to supply air into the interior. A filter media is used to filter air from the plenum before entering into the interior. At least one fan is disposed in the interior below the filter media. The fan is operable to locally increase air flows in the vicinity of the object to increase evaporation rates associated with a spray application on the object, and to enhance air flow over the object during a dry or a cure cycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a small volume of a selected liquid, such as a biological sample or reagent, onto a substrate. The device includes a tube adapted to contain the liquid. An elongated fiber is disposed within the tube for axial movement therein between raised and lowered positions. Upon shifting or oscillating the fiber between its raised and lowered positions, a liquid spot can be formed at a selected position on the substrate. The device is readily adaptable for the production of micro-arrays having a great number of individual spots.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for coating metal bars (1), particularly steel strips, by hot dipping. At least some sections of the metal bar (1) are vertically guided through a container receiving the molten coating metal (2), said metal bar (1) being guided by at least one roller (4) which runs on bearings. In order to increase the service life of the roller bearings, the roller, or at least the axis (5) thereof, penetrates the side walls (6) of the container (3) and is mounted outside the container (3).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating medical implants are provided. The apparatus may include a vessel having a treatment chamber with an inside surface, an outside surface, an entrance, a plurality of fluid passages passing from the outside surface to the inside surface, and a compressible fluid supply line coupled to at least one of the fluid passages. In this embodiment, passages may be positioned and sized to create a buffer zone of compressible fluids between the inside surface of the treatment chamber and a medical implant placed therein. The method may include placing a first medical implant into a treatment chamber having inside surfaces, retarding the first medical implant from contacting the inside surfaces of the treatment chamber by injecting compressible fluid into the treatment chamber, injecting a therapeutic into the treatment chamber, and removing the first medical implant.