Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the preparation of a coffee-based drink by extracting a dose of ground coffee contained in a capsule (8). Said device comprises a water reservoir (1), a pump (2), a heating body (15) and a water injection element (9) which are successively linked by means of a water supply line(3). The device also comprises the following items disposed in the extension of the water injection element (9): a capsule holder (7) and an outlet (10) for the water-coffee mixture. The capsule holder (7) is adapted in such a way that it can be fixed and manually removed from the device and comprises means for containing a coffee capsule (8) so that pressurized water from the water injection element (9) can flow through the capsule (8) and flow through the outlet (10).

Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage brewer which produces beverage by delivering brewing water to a quantity of brewing substance. The brewer includes a water source for providing water to the brewer. The water source may be in the form of a reservoir or pressurized waterline. A water supply line is provided in the brewer communicating with the water source and a pump. A control is provided for controlling operation of the brewer. The pump transfers water from the water supply line to a heater assembly for heating prior to use in brewing a beverage. A water delivery line communicates with the heater assembly for delivering heated water to a brewing assembly. Brewing substances retained in the brewing assembly and brewing water is received therein for producing a brewed beverage.

Abstract: A pod for mixing an amount of a tacky material and water. The pod may include a sidewall and a base positioned about the sidewall. The base may include a number of apertures and a number of spikes. The spikes may include a top point of about three (3) to about fifteen (15) degrees.

Abstract: A combined water cooler and hot beverage maker has a stand, a brewed beverage tank, a cold water compartment, and a dispenser actuator for dispensing cold water or brewed beverages. The tank includes a filter basket, a reservoir portion, and an outlet port. The reservoir portion is adapted to hold a brewed liquid, and the outlet port is positioned in substantially the bottom of the reservoir portion. The dispenser actuator is connected to the outlet port and to the cold water compartment and is biased to a closed position, but may be moved to an open position by a vessel for holding cold water or a hot beverage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooking appliance (1) comprising a condenser (23) for water vapour (V) generated by cooking and a water evaporator (24) for cooling said condenser. In such a way, the inventive appliance is provided with a device for condensing cooking vapours by cooling a condensation surface by means of water vaporisation. Said invention can be used for deep fryers.

Abstract: A roasting apparatus for cooking meat in an oven includes a rod, a pair of hooks and a frame. The rod extends between opposite ends along a longitudinal axis. The pair of hooks are coupled to said rod and spaced apart to retain the meat therebetween on the rod. The frame has a pair of spaced apart and generally upright end walls for supporting respective ends of the rod. The end walls are pivotally coupled to a bottom wall for movement between a collapsed position and an upright use position. A pair of side walls is hookingly engageable with the side walls to maintain the side walls in the use position.

Abstract: A smoking apparatus that is placed into the cooking chamber of an outdoor grill is disclosed. A heating element is housed in an ash container, elevated with a riser and secured together with riser anchors. An arm contains and protects the heating element, resistance wires, and connected conductor wires is attached to a handle which facilitates portability and houses an indicator light, thermostatic controller, conductor wires, and an adjustment knob assembly. A power cord provides alternating current including an earth ground. The smoking wood is placed on the heating element and the ash container is positioned directly on the grill. The lid of the outdoor grill is closed, and rests directly upon the arm, with the handle and power cord extending outside of the outdoor grill.

Abstract: A seed crusher e.g. useful in methods for high throughput analysis of seeds, comprises a horizontal well plate with at least one well for receiving a tube; an open-topped tube for lining each well wherein each tube is oriented for receiving a vertical reciprocating pin; a horizontal die plate with a vertical pin located to reciprocate in each tube; a removable separator for use in each tube to separate a reciprocating pin from a seed at the bottom of said tube and a press for bringing together the die plate and well plate to allow a pin to enter each tube.

Abstract: A screw for a compression dewatering device comprising an elongated shaft having axially spaced apart first and second ends, a conveying section at the first end of the shaft, having a single helical screw flight rigidly projecting from the shaft, a flightless transition section axially adjacent the conveying section, and a dewatering section axially adjacent the transition section, having a double helical screw flight rigidly projecting from the shaft. Another embodiment is a compression screw having a perforated tubular dewatering wall intermediate the ends, followed by an imperforate spool wall at the discharge end.

Abstract: The invention is a portable credit card imprinter, which has the potential to imprint, by applying pressure, upon a formset, the embossed characters of a credit card and a merchant plate. The invention consists of a one-piece small base plate (1), made of an extruded piece of aluminum, having along the length of its sidewalls two formed grooves—edges (3, 4). Within the base's edges, an imprinting head (2), consisting of two independently adjusted rolling platens (21, 22) that change position alternatively based on a single and uniquely shaped axle (26), moves in a reciprocal motion. At the ends of the base's internal grooves—edges two plastic end walls (12, 13) are adjusted, causing the rotation of the rolling platens. The specific device is portable, robust and simple to function, providing excellent imprinting quality for long periods of time and permitting the user to control—adjust the quality of imprinting. The main use of the device is to imprint the embossed data of credit cards upon a formset.

Abstract: A golf ball having an indicia produced by ink jet printing is disclosed. An ink composition containing a coloring agent and a resin is dispensed on a transfer medium, using an ink jet printer, to form an indicia. The indicia is transferred from the transfer medium to the dimpled surface of a golf ball. In another form of the invention, an indicia is applied directly to a golf ball, without a transfer medium. In this method, an indicia receiving layer is applied on at least a portion of the golf ball surface, then the indicia is printed directly on the indicia receiving layer using an ink jet printer. The indicia on the golf ball has an impact resistance suitable for use in competitive play.

Abstract: A variable cut-off offset press system and method of operation which utilizes a continuous image transfer belt is provided. The offset printing system comprises at least two plate cylinders adapted to have thereon respective printing sleeves. Each of the printing sleeves is adapted to receive colored ink from a respective ink source. An optional coating source may be provided to fully or partially coat the image transfer belt before inking. The system further comprises at least a impression cylinder, wherein the image transfer belt is positioned to contact each of the printing sleeves at respective nips formed between respective ones of the plate cylinders and the at least one impression cylinder. An image belt cleaning station adapted to remove residual ink or coating from the surface of the image transfer belt after image transfer of a multicolored image from the image transfer belt to a substrate is also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a continuous web of printed material for use in creating mailpieces. The continuous web has a width and a length, the length comprised of a series of attached sheets. The series of attached sheets are comprising envelope sheets and rectangular content pages. The content pages are rectangular in shape and may be oriented relative to the envelope sheets in a number of different configurations. In some configurations, two sets of content pages and/or envelope sheets can be printed across the width of the web. Sheets for forming business return envelopes may be printed in series with the content pages and envelope sheets. BREs may include individualized return addresses. A control code may be printed on one or more of the sheets for a given mailpiece, providing information for controlling assembly of the mailpiece.

Abstract: A method of transferring a material to a substrate includes selectively depositing the material on a surface of an applicator and contacting the surface of the applicator to the substrate. The material can form a pattern on the surface of the applicator. The pattern can be preserved when the material is transferred to the substrate. The material can be deposited on the applicator by ink jet printing.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking up and conveying sheet-like products, for storage units which perform a perpendicular translational motion, constituted by a wheeled and motorized structure that can slide on rails, to which a supporting and movement arm for a grip assembly for a sheet-like product is hinged by way of an articulation device; the articulation device being suitable to turn the arm from a central configuration to lateral inclined configurations and vice versa, in order to arrange the grip assembly in front of an inclined frame for sheet-like products, and to return the arm and the grip assembly to the central configuration.

Abstract: An imprinting method is disclosed that involves, in an embodiment, redistributing a volume of imprintable medium in a flowable state over a target portion of a surface of a substrate into regions of differing volume corresponding to regions of differing pattern density of an imprint pattern of a template, contacting the medium while in the flowable state with the template to form the imprint pattern in the medium, subjecting the medium to conditions to change the medium into a substantially non-flowable state, and separating the template from the medium while in the substantially non-flowable state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printing device and a method of operating the printing device, it being possible for the following steps to be carried out: printing a calibration print by means of the printing device, the calibration print having a plurality of measuring areas with different colour mixture relationships, spectrophotometric measurement of the measuring areas, producing a colour profile, the spectrophotometric measurement of the measuring areas being carried out at a plurality (N) of measuring times (Tn), producing a colour profile which is extended by a description of the behaviour over time and which comprises a plurality of colour profiles in each case associated with a measuring time, and setting the colour mixture relationships of the printing device on the basis of the colour profile extended by a description of the behaviour over time.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for regulating the concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid for maintaining predetermined desired concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid, wherein the actual concentrations of components are determined followed by redosing of measured components to a predetermined desired concentration. The method is characterized in that the components to be measured are spectroscopically detected. The invention also concerns a device for regulating the concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid comprising a measuring means for measuring the concentrations of at least part of the components in the process liquid, comprising a control loop and a means for redosing at least part of the components, wherein the measuring means comprises at least one spectrometer.

Abstract: A printing system is used for printing newspapers or for job printing and includes a web-fed press, including an unreeling stand, and one or more printing units for printing a web that is unrolled from a roll at the unreeling stand. A re-rolling stand may be used to wind up the web, after it has passed through the printing units. A separating device forms a second part of the printing system and includes an unreeling stand which can receive a roll of a printed web. The printed web can be unrolled and can be directed to a subassembly from this re-rolling stand. In the subassembly, the further processing of the web can take place at a different time and place, and at a different speed than the original printing of the web.

Abstract: A method for preparing a graphic on a sheet (40) of material which also includes at least one registration mark (44) at and about the graphic in predetermined positions. The method involves the steps of applying the graphic (42a, 42b) and at least one registration mark on a sheet of material in positions according to layout data, transferring the layout data to a processing controller, placing the sheet of material on a sheet-receiving surface (16), sensing the position of the registration mark on the sheet of material, and utilizing the layout data and the position of the registration mark to precisely narrow-path-process around the graphic on the sheet of material. Certain embodiments use either (a) a subset (46) of marks which is applied on one side of the graphic or (b) certain reference features, such as edges and corners of the sheet and elements of the graphic, to ascertain the position and orientation of the sheet on the apparatus.

Abstract: Fuze including safety element (30) includes an acceleration detector (31) that acts on a timer (32) coacting with a primer housing rotor (14). Rotation of the rotor can be halted by a second safety device (35) responsive to the dynamic pressure generated by the speed of the projectile (11) in flight. For this purpose, the device includes a diaphragm (36) engaging a flexible blade (51) to space apart the end (55) of the blade and the rotor when the dynamic pressure has a predetermined value, whereby a primer (18) can be moved into line in the explosive train. When the dynamic pressure is too low, the end (55) stops the rotor (14) from rotating and the firing procedure is also blocked in a notch in the rotor (14). The resulting fuze thus has highly reliable dual safety element responsive to two separate physical phenomena and having a simple construction.

Abstract: A projectile includes an ordnance portion configured to impact a target and a communication apparatus positioned rearward of the ordnance portion. The projectile is configured to rotate about and travel along a longitudinal axis after launch.

Abstract: A model car racing simulator game which employs a unique, configurable guide blade and rails system which consist of a plurality of brush connections and rails to create a unique path for power and control data to individual toy vehicles so that they may change lanes and race in the same lane to more realistically emulate actual automotive racing. Modular power base units are described herein allowing a larger field of vehicles to race simultaneously. Such a field of vehicles ranges in size from 1 to 25 or more vehicles within this description and may include more depending upon rail and guide configuration implemented. The invention includes track segments as well as processing and display means which allow for lane changes, lap counting and timing, pit stops. The invention includes a control device which allows control of a subset of features including though not limited to vehicle steering, vehicle speed, braking, lights, brake lights.

Abstract: An elevated public transit bus system that increases the passenger capacity and decreases the passenger trip time of a fixed route bus service traveling in traffic on a city street to provide a high capacity rapid transit system. The high capacity buses are suspended above the motor vehicle traffic lanes by a support structure constructed in the lane adjacent to the public sidewalk. The propulsion system of the electrically powered buses run in a box beam from which the transit passenger cabins are suspended. The beams guide the buses along the existing fixed route service that is being upgraded to the carrying capacity of an elevated rail rapid transit system. The bus stops or lift stations of the elevated buses for passenger pick up and drop off is also constructed in the road lane next to the sidewalk. The lift stations house an enclosed movable platform that lifts passengers from sidewalk level to the floor level of the suspended bus.

Abstract: A model train rail cleaning system and apparatus comprising four bores disposed in a center portion; a cleaning member disposed within each of said bore, said cleaning member having a shaft, an upper head disposed upwardly of said shaft; a footing secured to said shaft downwardly from said upper head; and a biasing member to bias said footing downwardly so that said footing is capable of contacting a rail whereby a first footing is capable of contacting a first rail, a second footing is capable contacting a second rail, a third footing is capable of contacting the first rail downstream of said first footing, and a fourth footing is capable of contacting the second rail downstream of said second footing.

Abstract: A deicing formulation which includes at least one carefully selected and further processed agricultural by-product selected from BCS, DCS and CCSL, a chloride salt and water. The formulation has a viscosity of 100 to 140 centipoises at 0° C. (32° F.), and a liquid adhesion rating of at least 4. Each of BCS, DCS and CCSL contain a low molecular carbohydrate fraction in an amount sufficient to lower the freezing point threshold value of the formulation.

Abstract: A process for continuous flush of a pigment press cake involves applying a dispersant to the press cake to produce a fluidized press cake, continuously feeding the fluidized press cake into a twin screw extruder and mixing it with a neutralizing agent in the extruder, mixing the neutralized press cake with a liquid organic medium in the extruder to produce an organic flush phase and a water phase, and removing at least part of the water phase from the extruder through one or more parts of the extruder.

Abstract: An ink to be used in an ink jet recording method of ejecting an ink from a recording head through action of thermal energy can improve the ink ejection stability. An ink to be used in an ink jet recording method of ejecting an ink from a recording head through action of thermal energy is characterized in that the ink comprises a pigment represented by the general formula (1), a dispersant and a water-soluble organic compound, and the pigment substantially shows neither an exothermic peak nor an endothermic peak in the range 25° C. or more to 200° C. or less of a DSC curve obtained by means of a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC).

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink composition that includes a colorant; a water-soluble organic solvent; and a penetrant, where the penetrant may be a hydroxylated pentane. Also disclosed is an ink composition that includes a penetrant that enables the ink composition to maintain a drop weight of at least about 4.5 ng at high operating frequencies of an ink drop generator of the ink-jet printer.

Abstract: Waxes prepared from hydrogenated plant oils, such as palm and soybean, are used to render gypsum board resistant to water. Unlike petroleum-derived waxes used for the same purpose, vegetable derived waxes are renewable and readily converted into forms such as emulsions or powder that facilitate incorporation into gypsum board manufacturing. Such water resistant materials are characterized by enhanced moisture barrier properties. The compositions have a low iodine value (between 2-5), and melting points between approximately 120-185 degrees F. (Mettler Drop Point). The wax comprises a triglyceride whose fatty acids are predominantly stearic acid (C18). The composition is used as an additive in the manufacture of water resistant gypsum board.

Abstract: The invention relates to iron oxide pigments comprising an average solid body diameter of 10 to 500 ?m, and to the production and use thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for making mineral composites products. The compositions can include constituents such as, cement, sand, aggregate, clay, perlite, and marble dust. The methods can include preparation of a dry particulate composition, hydration of the composition, forming the hydrated composition into the general shape of the desired product and curing the composition into a substantially solid product.

Abstract: A metal pallet (1) having: a top deck (5), a bottom deck (10) and at least two elongate bearers (15) securing the decks (5, 10) together. Each bearer (15) having a first portion (16) and a second portion (17), each portion (16, 17) extends separately between the decks (5, 10) and has a top web (20) and a bottom web (25) connected to a central web (30) by inclined portions (35).

Abstract: A collapsible table has an elongate blow-molded table top comprising two table top halves. A support frame comprising first and second pairs of support members is attached to the bottom surface of the table top halves. A pair of hinge assemblies pivotally connect the first pair of support members to the second pair of support members so that the two table top halves are pivotally connected together. This allows the first and second table top halves to be folded together in a storage position. At least one of the hinge assemblies includes a spring-loaded latch member for latching and unlatching the hinge assembly. When the hinge assembly is latched, the table top halves are locked into an open position for normal use. When the hinge assembly is unlatched, the table top halves may be folded together for storage.

Abstract: A knock-down table that can be quickly assembled and disassembled for compact storage or shipping. The apparatus includes a table top, a plurality of detachable legs and a ring-shaped brace. Coupling members are provided on the bottom side of the table top and project downwardly therefrom. Sockets are formed in the top ends of the table legs for slidably receiving the coupling members. The ring-shaped brace interconnects each of the legs and maintains the structure in a substantially rigid configuration.

Abstract: A pressurized vessel configured to convey a material comprises a number of generally rectangular-shaped baffles, each having at least one curved edge coupled to an interior wall of the vessel along a length of the vessel. The pressurized vessel includes a plurality of generally triangular-shaped baffles that have at least one curved edge coupled to an interior wall of the vessel. The other edges of the plurality of generally triangular-shaped baffles are coupled to separate generally rectangular-shaped baffles that are oriented at a 45-degree angle from the generally triangular-shaped baffle. The coupling of the plurality of generally triangular-shaped baffles and plurality of generally rectangular-shaped baffles conveys material within the pressurized vessel, as the vessel is rotated.

Abstract: Pyrolyzing gasification system and method of use including primary combustion of non-uniform solid fuels such as biomass and solid wastes within a refratory lined gasifier, secondary combustion of primary combustion gas within a staged, cyclonic, refractory lined oxidizer, and heat energy recovery from the oxidized flue gas within an indirect air-to-air all-ceramic heat exchanger or external combustion engine. Primary combustion occurs at low substoichiometric air percentages of 10-30 percent and at temperatures below 1000 degrees F. Secondary combustion is staged and controlled for low NOx formation and prevention of formation of CO, hydrocarbons, and VOCs. The gasifier includes a furnace bed segmented into individual cells, each cell is independently monitored using a ramp temperature probe, and provided with controlled air injection. Gasifier air injection includes tuyere arrays, lances, or both.

Abstract: Binding systems are described for applying compressive forces on the refractory hearth and/or refractory sidewall of a circular furnace having an outer metal shell which may be segmented. One preferred binding system comprises a tensioning band having one or more segments which extends around the furnace hearth and/or sidewall, with a resilient connection being provided between the opposite ends of the band and, where the band is segmented, resilient connections are also provided between the ends of adjacent segments. Another preferred binding system comprises a plurality of pivoting members provided around the circumference of the furnace. Each pivoting member is acted upon by a force-generating member which applies a controlled amount of force to the pivoting member and causes it to apply a compressive force to the hearth.

Abstract: A process for combusting fuels, in particular waste, includes reducing the oxygen mass flow of the underfire combustion gas and increasing the oxygen mass flow of the overfire combustion gas in the event of an increase in the reaction rate or combustion intensity.

Abstract: A boat hoist utilizing a lightweight frame for support of a moving platform, which traverses the frame lifting the watercraft above the surface of the water. Minimal force applied to a single hand wheel on a winch, and pulley system with a flexible cable, will provide the drive to lift and lower the moving platform. This invention distributes the load between the four-roller assemblies without creating undue torsional and/or twisting force to the moving platform, the load is carried by roller assembly and frame and not solely the flexible cable. The dual inclined roller surface, pulley system, and roller wheels reduce the force required to raise the platform. Legs support the lightweight frame assembly, and are adjustable to accommodate uneven terrain on the bottom surface. This system utilizes fewer flexible cables and moving parts than traditional systems, as well as all moving parts remain above the waterline during storage for improved reliability and reduced maintenance.

Abstract: The present invention simplifies sailing providing control of one or more sails with a wheel. The proposed system eliminates the need to control boom-footed sails separately, giving benefits of less gear and rig for short handed sailing. The wheel controlling the sails provides visible and obvious correlation between sails control action and achieved result, much like rudder control.

Abstract: A marine vessel that possesses a capability for greater speed than most static-lift craft and is more stable than most dynamic-lift craft is disclosed. The vessel incorporates elements from both SWATH craft and WIG craft. In the illustrative embodiment, the marine vessel includes an upper hull that is disposed above the water line, a dynamic-lift-providing element that is disposed above the water line, a propulsion system that is disposed above the water line, a static-lift-providing element that is disposed below the water line, a propulsion system that is disposed below the water line; and struts that couple the static-lift-providing element to the upper hull and that raise the upper hull some distance above the water line.

Abstract: A laminated boat hull and a method of manufacturing the hull are described wherein the hull includes an outer gel coat layer and a vinyl ester layer chemically bonded to the gel coat layer. The gel coat is preferably a polyester resin material and the vinyl ester layer preferably includes chopped fiberglass which is sprayed onto the gel coat layer. The direct bonding between the gel coat and vinyl ester layers eliminates between said layers a tie coat layer. A layer of epoxy-impregnated fiberglass is chemically bonded to the vinyl ester layer by sanding the vinyl ester layer and washing it with acetone to facilitate the chemical bonding. Additional layers of epoxy-impregnated fiberglass are added to provide desirable strength to the hull.

Abstract: Sound making device includes a body having a front end, a rear end, an outer side wall arranged between the front and rear ends, and an inner side wall arranged within the outer side wall. At least one through opening arranged to allow air to enter the body. A membrane material is arranged within the body. A first chamber is defined by the outer side wall, the inner side wall and a portion of the membrane material. A second chamber is defined by the inner side wall and another portion of the membrane material. The sound making device produces a sound when a user blows air through the at least one opening and when the air moves from the first chamber to the second chamber and then out of the front end of the body. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A position indicator may include a position indicator display and mechanism. A polymer housing houses the position indicator display and mechanism and a one-piece clear polymer cover encloses the position indicator display and mechanism in the polymer housing. The position indicator may further include a hinge and hand-operated latch that secures the one-piece clear polymer cover to the polymer housing such that the one-piece clear polymer cover can be opened without the use of tools.

Abstract: An apparatus, including a substrate, where at least a portion of the substrate has a convex surface, and a photonic crystal disposed over the convex surface. The photonic crystal is substantially conformal to at least a portion of the convex surface.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for electronic device, includes: preparing a first substrate having a plurality of first regions; preparing a second substrate having a plurality of second regions; facing the first region and the second region each other, and connecting the first substrate and the second substrate while disposing at least a part of a functional element within a space between the first region and the second region; obtaining a plurality of first divisional substrates by cutting the first substrate at each of the first regions, after the connecting of the first substrate and the second substrate; forming a sealing film covering the plurality of the first divisional substrates on the second substrate, after cutting the first substrate; obtaining a plurality of second divisional substrates by cutting the second substrate at each of the second regions, after forming the sealing film; and obtaining a plurality of individual electronic devices.

Abstract: High throughput screening of crystallization of a target material is accomplished by simultaneously introducing a solution of the target material into a plurality of chambers of a microfabricated fluidic device. The microfabricated fluidic device is then manipulated to vary the solution condition in the chambers, thereby simultaneously providing a large number of crystallization environments. Control over changed solution conditions may result from a variety of techniques, including but not limited to metering volumes of crystallizing agent into the chamber by volume exclusion, by entrapment of volumes of crystallizing agent determined by the dimensions of the microfabricated structure, or by cross-channel injection of sample and crystallizing agent into an array of junctions defined by intersecting orthogonal flow channels.

Abstract: A whisker-grown body of the present invention includes a raw material substrate made of manganese-containing metal and/or ceramics, and a whisker containing 50% by mass or more of manganese dioxide and formed on a surface of the raw material substrate. The whisker-grown body has a high surface ratio to unit volume and improves electrode efficiency when used as an electrode of an electrochemical capacitor.

Abstract: A vapor phase epitaxy apparatus having a processing chamber with a target workpiece such as a wafer being received therein is disclosed. This apparatus includes a first flow path which supplies the chamber with a gas needed for vapor phase epitaxial film formation on the wafer, and a valve unit for controlling the gas flow in the first flow path. The apparatus also includes a second flow path for supplying into the chamber a cleaner gas for cleaning of the interior of the chamber, and a third flow path for exhaust of residual gases within the chamber. The valve unit has a series combination of two-stage valves with a pressure switch being provided therebetween. An irregular gas mixture avoiding method for use with the apparatus is also disclosed.