Abstract: A fluid actuator having a honed metallic sleeved inner liner assembled with fitted end caps. The inner liner and end caps are wound with carbon reinforced fiber filaments in both longitudinal and hoop orientations so as to withstand increased fluid pressure over traditional metallic designs. The fluid actuator of the present invention is lightweight and had an extremely stiff piston and rod assembly, which may also be fabricated from high flexural modulus composite materials so as to allow for a very stiff, lightweight, hydraulic cylinder which is particularly resistant to column buckling at long extensions and comprises an economical, non-rebuildable design.

Abstract: A monobloc piston assembly has at least two parts fixedly joined together forming a piston body having an oil cooling gallery. The oil cooling gallery is defined by an upper wall, a lower wall, and a pair of radially spaced inner and outer annular walls. A skirt is formed as one piece and of the same material with at least one of the two parts and depends generally along a longitudinal axis from the lower wall. A pair of pin bosses are spaced laterally from the longitudinal axis and depend generally from the lower wall. At least one elongated opening extends generally between the pin bosses with the opening preferably spanning a substantial portion of the distance between the pin bosses. Oil flows into and out of an oil cooling gallery through the opening.

Abstract: A polyphosphazene having a glass transition temperature (“Tg”) of approximately ?20° C. or less. The polyphosphazene has at least one pendant group attached to a backbone of the polyphosphazene, wherein the pendant group has no halogen atoms. In addition, no aromatic groups are attached to an oxygen atom that is bound to a phosphorus atom of the backbone. The polyphosphazene may have a Tg ranging from approximately ?100° C. to approximately ?20° C. The polyphosphazene may be selected from the group consisting of poly[bis-3-phenyl-1-propoxy) phosphazene], poly[bis-(2-phenyl-1-ethoxy)phosphazene], poly[bis-(dodecanoxypolyethoxy)phosphazene], and poly[bis-(2-(2-(2-?-undecylenyloxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)phosphazene]. The polyphosphazene may be used in a separation membrane to selectively separate individual gases from a gas mixture, such as to separate polar gases from nonpolar gases in the gas mixture.

Abstract: A composite gas separation module includes a porous substrate; an intermediate layer at the porous substrate that includes particles and a binder metal, wherein the binder metal is uniformly distributed throughout the intermediate layer; and a dense gas-selective membrane, wherein the dense gas-selective membrane overlies the intermediate layer. In one embodiment, the intermediate layer includes a gradient of particle size from a surface of the intermediate layer proximate to the porous substrate to a surface of the intermediate layer distal to the porous substrate. The particles of the intermediate layer can include particles selected from the group consisting of metal particles, metal oxide particles, ceramic particles, zeolite particles, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and apparatus for moving air using an air-conditioning system therein, whereby the air-conditioning system preferably includes at least one emitter electrode, at least one collector electrode, at least one driver electrode disposed adjacent to the collector electrode, and/or at least one trailing electrode positioned downstream of the collector electrode. The collector electrode and the driver electrode are removable from the device. In one embodiment, the driver electrodes are removable from the device and/or the collector electrode. The ability of remove the collector electrode as well as driver electrode allow for easy cleaning of the electrodes. In one embodiment, the present device includes a removable exhaust grill upon which the driver electrode and/or the trailing electrode are coupled to. The removable grill allows the user to easily clean the driver electrode without having to remove the collector electrode.

Abstract: A process for purifying CO2 offgas streams to free them of chemical compounds, and to the recycling of the purified gas streams into the production process.

Abstract: An improved filter element for use in an electrostatic precipitation air cleaning device, the filter element including rod electrodes arranged through a stack of alternating fluted plastic sheets and plate electrodes. Successive plate electrodes are arranged to make contact with an alternating one or the other of the rod electrodes. The plate and rod electrodes may be composed of high impedance materials such as paper and plastic, respectively. An arrangement for removably inserting a filter element into an air cleaning device is provided. The arrangement also removably provides electrical connectivity between the filter element and the air cleaning device. The filter element can thus be readily removed and re-installed by a user.

Abstract: An air transporting-conditioning device comprising: a housing, an emitter electrode configured within the housing, a collector electrode configured within the housing and positioned downstream from the emitter electrode, a removable trailing electrode configured within the housing and downstream of the collector electrode, a first voltage source electrically coupled to the emitter electrode and the collector electrode, wherein the first voltage source energizes the emitter and collector electrodes to create a flow of air downstream from the emitter electrode to the collector electrode, and a second voltage source electrically coupled to the trailing electrode. The second voltage source is independently and selectively controllable of the first voltage source. The housing includes a grill, whereby the trailing electrode is removably secured to the grill. Alternatively, the trailing electrode is removable from the housing by other means or fixed in the housing.

Abstract: An air transporting-conditioning device comprising: a housing, an emitter electrode configured within the housing, a collector electrode configured within the housing and positioned downstream from the emitter electrode. The device preferably increases the ions produced for a period after the device is initially turned on, wherein the device automatically decreases ion production after the desired period. The device preferably includes a first and second voltage source to selectively increase and decrease voltages applied to the emitter and/or collector electrode to adjust the ion production. In one embodiment, the device includes a voltage controller to selectively adjust the voltage provided by the voltage source for the start up period and normal operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air-purifier comprising a insulating disc (9), which is placed inside a housing (6) on one side thereof and which has openings (10), and comprising an insulating end wall which is located on the other side of the housing (6) and which is provided with perforations (4). In addition, supporting tubes (8), which are parallel to the axis of the housing (6), and control electrodes, which are provided with a positive and negative charge, are placed inside said housing (6). The invention is characterized in that: the electrode system is placed inside the supporting tubes (8); the supporting tubes (8), on portions of their lateral surfaces located opposite the end wall (5), are encircled by a screen (7) that has a low air resistance, and; the space between the supporting tubes (8) is filled with filter insert means (16).

Abstract: A grease filter assembly is provided for absorbing airborne grease discharged from a grease discharge vent extending from a roof. A support is mountable to the duct of the grease discharge vent and grease absorbing pads are supportable upon the support frame in stationary position surrounding the discharge vent and in spaced relation from the roof. A fireproof barrier is disposed between the grease absorbing pads and the roof. Additionally, one or more hinges may be provided to allow the grease discharge vent to be easily opened for cleaning and maintenance.

Abstract: A filter system in particular for filtering the fresh air supplied to the interior of a motor vehicle is described, including at least one particle-filtering area and at least one chemical filter area, the chemical filter area including an activated carbon filter. The particle-filtering area has a filter efficiency of T (0.3 ?m)?90%, measured according to DIN 71460/1 @ 300 m3/h using AC fine test dust and T (0.1 ?m)?60%, measured according to DIN 71460 @ 300 m3/h using NaCl as the test aerosol. The filter system is characterized by an optimized separation of diesel exhaust and in particular by a definitely improved odor reduction in the case of diesel odor.

Abstract: A kettle for heating water or other liquid may have a container with a top portion made separately from a lower portion and permanently secured thereto. The top portion may have a fill opening that may be registered with an opening in the lower portion and receive a lid to cover the fill opening. A spout liner may extend from the container and be at least partially surrounded by a spout jacket. The spout liner may have a rolled or flanged portion that forms a seal between the spout liner and the spout jacket or that engages with the spout jacket. A handle may be integrally formed with the spout jacket and/or the top portion, e.g., molded together in a unitary form.

Abstract: A kettle for heating water or other liquid has an offset fill opening, e.g., to provide for easier filling of the kettle. A top portion of the kettle may include a relatively low thermal conductivity material to help reduce heat transfer through the top portion. A lid used to cover the fill opening may be recessed in the top portion of the kettle container so an upper end of the lid is flush with the top portion. The lid may have a gripping portion positioned below the upper surface of the top portion. The lid may have a bowl-shape with a gripping portion provided at an upper end of the bowl-shape.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dispensing machine and method for making a beverage. The dispensing machine of this invention has a delivery means which can deliver beverage precursor and beverage enhancing component with a single pump. The method results in a beverage, such as a tea-based beverage, that has superior quality, and the dispensing machine is quieter and more energy efficient than standard beverage dispensing machines.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coffee vending machine, in which a concentrate of coffee, cream, sugar, or the like is supplied to an agitator by using a screw-pump, and the supplied concentrate is mixed with hot water from a hot water supply to thereby automatically produce a coffee drink. The coffee vending machine includes a raw material container for containing a concentrate of coffee, cream, and sugar, a screw-pump disposed below the raw material container and for transferring the concentrate supplied from the raw material container into the lower portion thereof by means of a screw, an opening and closing means disposed below the screw-pump and for opening and closing a concentrate discharge-duct, an agitator disposed below the valve and for dissolving the concentrate into water, and a hot water supply for supplying hot water into the agitator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making coffee-based drinks and to an arrangement in an apparatus for making coffee-based drinks. In this process, coffee is made by means of a so-called expresso method using hot water. High pressure and a short boiling time. According to the method, a strong coffee concentrate is stored in a hermetically sealed heat vessel and the concentrate is either used as such or it is diluted so as to obtain a desired strength at the moment of serving by adding a suitable amount of water to the concentrate in a mixing tank. According to the invention, both expresso-based specialty coffees and ordinary coffee are made by means of the same equipment. The invention also makes it possible to quickly serve large amounts of coffee.

Abstract: A grind and brew coffee making apparatus for providing freshly brewed coffee and having a number of features for easy cleaning, more efficient maintenance and improved safety. The coffee making apparatus has a housing assembly with an upper separable top cover, a grinding assembly with a removable grinding chamber and separable grinding chamber cover, a brewing assembly with a removable brew basket and separable brew basket cover, a control assembly with a safety lock mechanism and a control panel for providing a user with control over the various operations of the coffee making apparatus.

Abstract: A concentrate/extract cartridge for a beverage dispenser adapted to dispense a liquid concentrate/extract and a diluent is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body for containing liquid concentrate/extract and an aperture. A pumping device is connected to the hollow body for dispensing the liquid concentrate/extract from the hollow body through the aperture. A method for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract from a beverage dispenser using a concentrate/extract cartridge is also provided in which the concentrate/extract does not come into contact with the dispenser.

Abstract: A griddle top for portable field feeding units. A rectangular enclosure has a top surface forming a cooking surface, and a plurality side surfaces. The enclosure is open along a bottom thereof. A grease trough along one edge of the top surface has a discharge opening for discharging grease which accumulates on the cooking surface. A receptacle supported below a discharge opening in the grease trough accumulates the grease produced during cooking operations. The rectangular enclosure is supported above a heat source by a plurality of legs. A heat diverting mass is centrally located on the underside of the cooking surface which equalizes heat distribution from the heat source along the underide of the cooking surface, equalizing the temperature distribution across the cooking surface preventing warping of the cooking surface.

Abstract: A apparatus for storing crepes, comprising a semi circular cylinder having an open bottom and top, said cylinder shaped to fit around a crepe; a perforated surface that fits into and is raised above a pan shaped to receive said semi-circular cylinder and hold it in a position; a cover shaped to receive said top of said semi circular cylinder; and wherein said cylinder is sized to surround said crepe without contact therewith.

Abstract: The invention provides a drawer-type heat cooker in which a sliding mechanism for drawing out and pushing in a drawer body in a cooker body and a drive mechanism for driving the sliding mechanism are arranged separately from the heat chamber, whereby these mechanisms can be prevented from being exposed to microwave in the heat chamber and leavings of food. The drawer body includes an opening-closing door and a heating container in which an object to be heated is placed, and is disposed so as to be movable between a stored position where the heating container is stored in the heat chamber and a drawn-out position where it is drawn out from the heat chamber with respect to the cooker body including the heat chamber for heating with microwave therein. The drawer body can be moved on the outside of the heat chamber with respect to the cooker body via left and right slide rails as a sliding mechanism and a slide rail at a center provided with the drive mechanism.

Abstract: To provide a method and apparatus for flattening fermentabl dough while heating the dough to accelerate a dough fermentation and a dough crust obtained therefrom such as pizza pies. An apparatus for flattening a piece of fermentable dough, comprises a vertically movable table arranged in a horizontal direction and a heated upper plate arranged upwardly apart from the table, an driving means connected to the table for moving the table upward and downward, a tray detachably installed on the table, a sensor for detecting a position or a speed of the table, and a regulator for controlling a moving speed of the table, wherein the dough placed on the tray is pressed and contacted with the heated upper plate so that the contacted layer of dough is promptly fermented and soften to spread into a flattened dough crust.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and an article for performing the method of monitoring a surfactant. A preferred embodiment of the invention, an article comprises a substrate having an image and a surfactant thereon. The substrate is formed from various known fabrics or materials capable of absorbing and retaining a substantial quantity of the surfactant. During use, as the surfactant is dissipated, the image changes in appearance thereby indicating the quantity of surfactant remaining on the substrate. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method and article of the present invention is effective for encouraging and making washing enjoyable for children and includes the use of an epidermal surfactant, such as soap, detergent, or other active ingredient.

Abstract: A fixture attached to the rear of the base plate of a semi automatic screen printer includes an element holder having a vertical recess or pocket for receiving an assembly, such as a substrate, of LTCC laminate material lengthwise therein so as to expose only one side surface to the printing head which would otherwise be prevented because of the height restrictions imposed by the printer head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary printing press comprising at least one inking roller (3, 4), which transports printing ink, composed essentially of pigments and solvent, from an ink reservoir (2, 12) towards the material to be printed (5). The intensity of colour on the material to be printed (5) is adjusted by means of the mixing ratio of pigments to solvent in the colour that is transferred to the material to be printed (5). The mixing ratio of pigments to solvent in the ink can be influenced by a device that aids the evaporation of the solvent, said device acting on one of the inking rollers (3, 4).

Abstract: A flexographic printing plate includes a raised part (2) for transferring a printing substance to a printing substrate, the raised part (2) having a top surface and a side, the top surface and the side forming an angle of not less than 90° and not more than 105°. More preferably, the top surface and the side form an angle of not less than 95° and not more than 100°. A flexographic printer includes a flexographic printing plate as described above.

Abstract: An image forming material, a lithographic printing plate precursor and a lithographic printing method, in which a color image with good visibility is obtained by laser exposure, are provided, wherein the image forming material and the lithographic printing plate precursor each comprising a support and a layer comprising a compound represented by formula (1) which changes from a colorless state to a colored state by the effect of heat; and a lithographic printing method comprising on-press development using the lithographic printing plate precursor:

Abstract: A web fed rotary printing unit is provided. The printing unit includes comprising a plurality of cylinders including a first cylinder assigned a first adjustable drive motor and a second cylinder assigned a second adjustable drive motor. The first and second cylinders are in a mechanical drive connection that can be moved between engaged and disengaged positions. When the mechanical drive connection is engaged, the first drive motor assigned to the first cylinder forms a master drive in dependence on which the second drive motor assigned to the second cylinder can be controlled in the manner of a slave drive.

Abstract: A method for recording multi-event athletic meet information on skin comprises the steps of printing an array on an athlete's skin with a skin adhesive decal and then populating the array with competition information, which may include such information categories as event description, heat number and lane number.

Abstract: A method of printing a repeating pattern on a web of an extensible material by providing a web of an extensible material, determining an adjusted print repeat length profile for a repeating pattern to be printed on the web of material; and printing a repeating pattern on a surface of the extensible material, the repeating pattern comprising printed indicia which is repeated along the length of the web, such that the print repeat length of the printed indicia varies along the length of the web in accordance with the adjusted print repeat length profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-bunker ammunition comprising a penetration body delimiting an internal cavity closed by a base characterized in that the cavity encloses at least one sub-munition, a device to eject said sub-munition as well as a device to eject the base, the sub-munition and the ejection devices being insulated from the walls of the internal cavity by shock-absorbing means.

Abstract: Currently popular military and civilian war-games involve non-combustably propelling “impact-fracturable ‘paintballs’” which fracturably deposit ambient-light-surrounded visual identification upon a war-games participant target. The present invention provides improved non-combustably propelled “impact-fracturable ‘paintballs’” which impactably deposit upon a war-games participant target of a colored-dye material that is visually identifiable under the substantial absence of target-surrounded ambient-light conditions namely nocturnally and similar light-lacking ambient conditions.

Abstract: A gas generating system (10) including a filter assembly (36) formed from a plurality of nodules (36b) positioned and secured in relation to each other so as to form a porous structure (36a). In one embodiment, the nodules (36b) are metallic and are secured in relation to each other using either a sintering process or a brazing process. The nodules (36b) may be bonded directly together, or the nodules may be secured within a metallic matrix material. The gas generating system may also include a first baffle plate (40) positioned between the plurality of nodules (36b) and a gas source of the gas generating system (10), and a second baffle plate (42) positioned between the plurality of nodules (36b) and a housing wall (12c) of the gas generating system (10). The baffle plates (40, 42) provide added structural integrity to the porous structure (36a) and increase the length of a tortuous flow path of gases through the filter assembly (36).

Abstract: In a curve section, a comb tooth mark 28 is provided concentrically with a center line 44 of a running rail 4. A comb tooth sensor 34 on an overhead running vehicle 2 reads comb teeth 40. Then, corrections are made using the ratio of the radius of curvature (R) of the center line 44 and the radius of curvature (r) of the comb tooth mark 28. An encoder interpolates the areas between the teeth 40. Then, the position of the overhead running vehicle 2 in the curve section is determined. The present invention thus enables the exact position of the overhead running vehicle 2 to be recognized even when the overhead running vehicle 2 is located in a curve section. This makes it possible to provide a load port in a curve section.

Abstract: A device for an overhead conveyor system of the type where a plurality of carriages (7) by contracting a rotating drive shaft (5) are propellable along a rail (2). The device comprises an operating arm (28) arranged in connection with a first carriage (7b) and adapted to actuate, by turning about an axis of rotation (26), a power transmission element (24) to disconnect the carriage from contact with the drive shaft, and an angled supporting surface (20) arranged in connection with a second carriage (7a). One end of the operating arm (28) is further adapted, when said carriages (7a, 7b) are moved towards each other, to contact said angled supporting surface (20) and be moved along the same, so that the operating arm (28) thus performs a turning motion and disconnects said first carriage (7b). According to the invention, the drive of the carriage will thus be interrupted as soon as its operating arm is contacted with the supporting surface of an anteriorly situated carriage.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for use in controlling and directing magnetically levitated vehicles. In some embodiments, a method propels or passes a vehicle along a guideway, magnetically levitates the vehicle as it travels along the guideway, and induces a magnetic drag on the vehicle as it travels along a portion of the guideway. The magnetic drag can be induced by passing the magnet proximate a plate of conductive material. The plate can be positioned on a first side of the vehicle to induce the magnetic drag resulting in a force on the vehicle in a direction toward the first side. The method can further induce the magnetic drag to guide the vehicle along a curve of the guideway, where the plate is positioned on an inward side of the curve such that the force directs the vehicle into the curve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support (1) for functional planes used for a magnetic levitation track. The stator packets (11) comprised in the track are suspended in a particularly compact and production-friendly manner on a stator beam (9), the stator packet being connected to the stator beam (9, 10) via borings (15) that are disposed therein and holding bolts (16, 38) which penetrate said borings (15). The stator packets (11) can be secured in a redundant manner vial additional suspensions (30, . . . , 34) and/or by creating a non-positive connection between adjacent stator packets (11) by providing the faces of the stator packets (11), which face the direction of travel, with a profile.

Abstract: An auto rack rail road freight car is provided for carrying low density, relatively high value, relatively fragile lading. The car has a relatively soft suspension and an empty vertical bounce natural frequency of less than 2.0 Hz. The car also has additional ballast to increase the dead sprung weight of the car relative to the weight of the lading. In the embodiments in which multi-unit articulated freight cars are employed, such as for auto rack rail cars, the ballast is located preferentially toward the coupler end trucks. The trucks for the railcar have an increased wheel base and damping located to provide a greater moment arm and bearing face to encourage a higher threshhold for rail car hunting.

Abstract: A novel ink composition, which has an absorption characteristic excellent in color reproducibility as a yellow color of one of the three primary colors, which has enough fastness against light, heat and humidity, and which does not cause bronze phenomenon, is provided. The ink composition contains water, a yellow dye having an oxidation potential nobler than 1.0 V, and an aromatic compound, aliphatic compound and/or a salt thereof having at least one of carboxyl group, sulfo group and phosphoric acid group.

Abstract: Phase change ink compositions comprising a phase change ink carrier and a colorant compound of the formula wherein M is either (1) a metal ion having a positive charge of +y wherein y is an integer which is at least 2, said metal ion being capable of forming a compound with at least two chromogen moieties, or (2) a metal-containing moiety capable of forming a compound with at least two chromogen moieties, z is an integer representing the number of chromogen moieties associated with the metal and is at least 2, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, a, b, c, d, Y, and z are as defined herein, Q? is a COO? group or a SO3? group, A is an organic anion, and CA is either a hydrogen atom or a cation associated with all but one of the Q? groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-color ink with which a high print quality can obtained on ordinary paper, recycled paper or coated paper, and which has excellent storage stability. The water-color ink of the present invention comprises at least a color material and 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing nanomaterial dispersions, such as nanomaterial concentrates, and related nanotechnology are provided. The nanomaterial concentrates provided can be more cheaply stored and transported compared to non-concentrate nanomaterial forms.

Abstract: An RV dining table that can be easily and quickly converted into a computer workstation by removing the front support post, folding the front table section back on top of the rear table section, releasing and swinging hinged side wing panels outward and supporting them by means of wing supports, and pulling the computer keyboard drawer out from underneath the rear table section. The back of the rear table is mounted to the RV wall to further support the workstation sitting on the rear support post. Finally, the computer workstation has a swing-out mouse pad and an optional auxiliary shelf that can be mounted at the back of the table near the RV wall. The combination dinette table and computer workstation assembly can also be mounted on a sliding table frame support structure having conventional furniture legs for use in apartments and small homes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to formable pallets that are easy to construct into a generally stably product receiving state and easy to collapse into a storage/transport state. Embodiments of the pallet of which include a construction wherein one or more support beams can be further integrally formed from the sheet material of the pallet itself and function to support a product support surface on an uppermost surface of the pallet. The beams can be supported internally by structural inserts. Additionally, the supporting inserts may include braces for added stability and strength. The beams, as well as the platform can be further braced and structurally supported by cross braces, which run generally at right angles to the beams and pass through apertures in the beams themselves and slots in the inserts.

Abstract: A method for preventing field fires and a burn barrel cover. In one form, the burn barrel cover is composed of a plurality of hoops and a plurality of cross members that form a net-like surface. The burn barrel cover prevents burning debris from escaping the burn barrel during incineration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interseeding an area of ground having existing vegetation growing thereon are provided. The interseeder apparatus tills a plurality of spaced-apart rows in the ground, deposits seed in the exposed soil of the rows, compacts the seed into the rows, and optionally, sprays at least a portion of the exiting vegetation adjacent the rows with a herbicide so as to reduce competition for the new seedling.

Abstract: An embroidery sewing machine is capable of performing embroidery on both flat cloth and cylindrical cloth by selectively attaching a flat frame and a cylindrical frame.

Abstract: This invention consists of a corner spar, enfolded within a layer of high tensile fibers, which are in turn laminated to the base sail. A flexible, self-adjusting, bridle engages the corner spar and serves as an attachment point for control lines, sheets, or halyards.

Abstract: A rub rail assembly for mounting on a surface of a vessel includes a rigid portion having a mounting side facing the surface of the vessel, a wear side facing away from the surface of the vessel. Flexible strips are disposed on the mounting side for preventing moisture from reaching the surface of the vessel under the rigid portion.