Abstract: The present invention is directed to a three-dimensional printing system and method, and an article made therefrom. The method of the present invention includes building cross-sectional portions of a three dimensional article, and assembling the individual cross-sectional areas in a layer-wise fashion to form a final article. The individual cross-sectional areas are built using an ink-jet printhead to deliver an aqueous fluid to a particle material that includes a first particulate material, a second particulate material, and a third particulate material, wherein the first and second particulate materials react in the presence of the fluid in a period of time, and the third particulate material reacts in the presence of the fluid to form a solid in a longer period of time.

Abstract: An insulated composite material for structural reinforcement applications is provided. The insulated composite material includes a fiber reinforced composite material and a cementitious insulating layer applied over the composite material. Also provided is a structural member reinforced with the insulated composite material and a method of reinforcing a structural member with the insulated composite material.

Abstract: A slag cement includes ground granulated blast furnace slag and ground limestone combined in a predetermined weight ratio. Limestone and granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) are fed to a grinding apparatus in a ratio of about 3-5% limestone by weight. The limestone is a cheaper raw material than the GBFS, resulting in a reduction in production costs for the slag cement. Moreover, the addition of limestone to the GBFS surprisingly results in improved compressive strength.

Abstract: A subject-matter of the present invention is a surface-deactivating composition for concrete or mortar comprising at least one setting retarder and at least one nonionic surfactant, and a process for the application of such a composition.

Abstract: A pallet (10) comprises a plurality of members (12) made from plastics material. The members (12) are divided into a set of planks (12A) and a set of beams (12B). The planks (12A) are arranged into two groups, the first group (12A1) which lie on one side of the pallet (10) and the second group (12A2) which lie on an opposite side of the pallet (10) with the beams (12B) lying therebetween. The planks (12A1) and (12A2) are arranged in parallel planes and extend in the same direction to each other, and transversely of the beams (12B). Pins (16) are driven through holes (14A) and (14B) formed in the planks (12A) and the beams (12B) respectively for coupling the planks (12A) to the beams (12B) to form pallet (10).

Abstract: Blow-molded plastic structures may include a plurality of depressions and the depressions may have different characteristics depending, for example, upon the particular configuration of the depression. For example, a depression may have an elongated length and it may have increased strength along its length. The depressions may be arranged into a pattern in order to take advantage of particular characteristics of the depressions. For example, the depressions may be arranged to maximize the strength and/or minimize the weight of the structure. The depressions may also be arranged to create a structure with generally uniform characteristics. Significantly, the depressions may be arranged into a number of different patterns depending, for example, upon the intended use of the structure. For instance, the depressions may be arranged into a pattern with one or more rows and columns, and the depressions may be disposed in particular positions or orientations within the rows or columns.

Abstract: The invention is a system and a method to assist in the display of articles at a trade show or convention. The inventive system includes a table, a plurality of holes formed on the side edge of the top of the table, and a table skirt configured to hang from the table top. The upper hem bears the clips that engage the table when the skirt is in its hung position. The inventive method includes the steps of selecting a table, and forming a plurality of holes formed on the side edge of the top of the table, and positioning a table skirt to hang from a position adjacent the side edge.

Abstract: Folding table having fixed support structure, a table-top articulated to the fixed support structure and movable between a lowered position and a raised position, and a first and a second pair of legs borne by the fixed support structure and movable between a usage position and a stowage position. The first and the second pair of legs are rotatable around respective vertical axes and are connected to the table-top by means of an actuating device which actuates the rotation of the first and of the second pair of legs as a result of the movement of the table-top from the lowered position to the raised position and vice versa.

Abstract: A work station with an adjustable height work surface includes a telescoping height adjustment mechanism. Stabilizers, spaced apart from the telescoping height adjustment mechanism, prohibit rotation of the work surface. A pair of guide members is attached to support walls by way of slides. The slides allow movement of the work surface vertically prohibiting rotational movement of the work surface. The workstation is provided with sidewalls allowing the workstation to be used with other pieces in modular configuration.

Abstract: A home entertainment system storage unit includes a front frame having an upper portion, a bottom portion, and first and second side portions extending therebetween. A first side member is hingedly connected to a rear surface of the front frame, the first side member being movable between a first storage position generally adjacent the front frame and a second active position generally perpendicular to the front frame, a rear edge of the first side member includes a vertically extending channel. A second side member is hingedly connected to the rear surface of the front frame, the second side member being movable between a first storage position generally adjacent the front frame and a second active position generally perpendicular to the front frame, a rear edge of the second side member includes a vertically extending channel. A rear panel is slidably receivable within the channels of the first and second side members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security device for the transportation and/or storage of assets (2) comprising a chamber (1) for receiving these assets in combination with at least one tank (3) for a destructive product (4) comprising chlorosulfonic acid, said tank being suitable for the release of the destructive product (4) under the direction of control means (5) and the chamber (1) being adapted to expose the paper assets (2) to the gaseous decomposition products of the destructive product (4).

Abstract: A method for regulating the quantity of circulating solids in a circulating fluidized bed reactor system, whereby a solid flow/gas flow mixture leaving the fluidized bed reactor is fed tangentially into at least one cyclone separator for separation of the solid from the gas flow. The gas flow that is exhausted via a gas outflow opening of the cyclone separator. The solid that has been separated in the cyclone separator is reintroduced into the fluidized bed reactor via a recirculation line. A partial quantity of the solid flow quantity 'is diverted from the wall of the cyclone separator by means of a jet blast of at least one gaseous free jet formed by the nozzle into the gas outflow opening.

Abstract: Emissions of NOx and CO are reduced from combustion devices such as coal-fired furnaces by increasing the stoichiometric ratio of burner(s) having a lower average temperature and increasing the stoichiometric ratio of burner(s) having a higher average temperature.

Abstract: A soil injection apparatus for injecting solids, liquids or mixtures beneath the surface of the ground, the apparatus having one or more injector lances mounted to a skid plate, such that the lances can be forced into the ground using hydraulic cylinders, and storage tanks to retain materials to be injected, the material being delivered into the lances and the ground using compressed air. A viewing tube is provided such that the operator can visually determine the correct amount of material to be injected. The apparatus is readily mountable to tractors, front-end loaders, forklifts and similar vehicles.

Abstract: Pneumatic single grain sowing machine having a seeds storage container, and an individualization device subjected to air pressure, exhibiting perforations and rotating. The individualization device is led with its region disposed below the rotation axis at least in part to the placing of seed grains at the perforations through a seed storage led from the storage container to the individualization device. A separating wall is disposed between the storage container and the individualization device and determining the seed storage height level and extending at a distance to the individualization device in a vertical direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at an improved method of planting trees. The method consists of first providing a plurality of seed capsules, each seed capsule comprising a seed contained in a liquid medium enclosed in a sealed frangible capsule. The seed capsuled are in the hopper portion of a launch mechanism, the launch mechanism having a launcher operatively coupled to the hopper for launching the seed capsules. The seeds are then planted on the ground by individually launching the seed capsules at the ground at a velocity selected to burst the frangible capsule of the seed capsules when the seed capsules hit the ground.

Abstract: The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.

Abstract: A looper is brought into an advance state at the end of sewing, and a looper thread hanging hook arranged on the right rear side of a needle drop position is forced to advance and retreat to catch a looper thread running to the rear side of the looper and hold it on the rear side of the needle drop position. After performing sewing for one stitch in this state, the thread cutting hook arranged on the right side of the needle drop position is forced to advance and retreat to catch the looper thread running to the rear side of the looper with a first hold section and catch needle threads and the looper thread held by the looper thread hanging hook with a second hook section, and then these threads are collectively cut by bringing them into slide-contact with a thread cutting knife.

Abstract: A non-planing boat hull includes a forward portion having a bow with the width tapering from a beam toward the bow and an aft portion having a stern with the aft portion having a width tapering smaller from the beam toward the stern. A keel is provided and disposed along the hull centerline for stability with the keel having a back supporting a propeller shaft and a forward height tapering smaller toward the bow. Fore topsides are provided and extend from the beam to the bow and include an arcuate convex transition to the hull forward portion. Aft topsides extend from the beam to the stern and include an arcuate concave transition to the hull aft portion with the aft topside further forming approximately a 90° angle with a transom and joining the hull aft portion with a convex surface near the waterline of the hull. The fore and aft portions form teardrop shaped waterline and displacement of volumes for the hull.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing surface friction drag on the hull of a surface vessel by entraining air into water flowing in the boundary layer flow along the hull. A hemispherical protrusion creates flow separation by diverting a portion of the water flow away from the surface of the hull, which results in a reduced pressure region downstream from the protrusion. A vent located on the protrusion allow air to flow into the reduced pressure region. The air in the reduced pressure region is entrained into the water due to turbulent mixing from vortices shed on to the rear of the protrusion.

Abstract: A freshwater supply system that stores fresh water transported by transport ships in storage devices and takes out the fresh water from the freshwater storage devices at need to use the same. The system comprises management device that puts management information together and sends and receives various information of countries for demand of the fresh water, analysis information of the fresh water, and various information of transportation device for transportation of the fresh water to the countries. Magnitudes of movements, prices, origins of movement, and destinations of movement of the fresh water are decided from the information from the management device.

Abstract: A method of controlling a streamer positioning device (18) configured to be attached to a marine seismic streamer (12) and towed by seismic survey vessel (10) and having a wing and a wing motor for changing the orientation of the wing. The method includes the steps of: obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing. The invention also involves an apparatus for controlling a streamer positioning device including means for obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, means for calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and means for actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing.

Abstract: A method of controlling a streamer positioning device (18) configured to be attached to a marine seismic streamer (12) and towed by seismic survey vessel (10) and having a wing and a wing motor for changing the orientation of the wing. The method includes the steps of: obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing. The invention also involves an apparatus for controlling a streamer positioning device including means for obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, means for calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and means for actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a substantially cylindrical element, at least one strake element about a circumference of the cylindrical element, wherein at least one of the strake elements are closed and comprise a thickness measured in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical element less than two times an outside diameter of the cylindrical element, and wherein the strake elements operate to reduce the vibration of the cylindrical element when the cylindrical element is subjected to a fluid current.

Abstract: A rigging caddy in combination with an outrigger boom that has at least one tube section of a given diameter and a rigging line. The rigging caddy includes a first attachment device to attach to the given diameter. The first attachment device has a first extension for wrapping the rigging line. A second attachment device attaches to the given diameter. The second attachment device has a second extension for wrapping the rigging line.

Abstract: A boat includes a hull, topsides with a cockpit therein. A top is provided having a perimeter contoured for engaging a topsides perimeter in a closed position and providing a canopy for the topsides in an open position. Linear actuators are provided for moving the top between the open and closed positions along with a motor mechanism for operating the linear actuation. A panel moveably attached to the top enables operator entry and exit from the boat with the top in the closed position through an access provided by the panel.

Abstract: A gear position display device includes a transmission having a plurality of gear positions, a speed-changing control portion outputting a speed-changing instruction, a display portion displaying a gear position of the transmission, and a detection portion detecting a speed-changing state of a gear position based on the speed-changing instruction, wherein a gear position based on the speed-changing instruction from the speed-changing control portion is displayed after the detection portion confirms actual starting of speed-changing.

Abstract: Portable Emergency Reflective Signal Balloon with Streamers embodies a highly reflective mirror finish, MYLAR™, balloon with streamers attached to a monofilament tether, packaged in a pouch with a cannister of gas, which is lighter than air, such as helium, which can be deployed as needed as an emergency signaling device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for providing a visual indication of oil pressure comprising: a housing defining an exterior and an interior region wherein the interior region defines a sealing surface of the housing, the housing further defining an inlet providing fluid communication between the interior region of the housing and the exterior of the housing; a piston moveably disposed within the interior region of the housing so as to slide between a pressurized position and a depressurized position; a piston face defined by the piston wherein the piston face receives oil pressure admitted through the inlet and into the interior region of the housing; at least one low friction seal disposed on the piston so as to provide a sealing engagement between the piston and the sealing surface of the interior region of the housing; a visual indicator connected to the piston so that the visual indicator displays a visual indication of oil pressure when the piston is in the pressurized position; and a spring

Abstract: Crystalline, single-phased layers of PbMg0.33 Nb0.6703 with relative dielectric constants of 1500 and more are prepared through the use of a precursor solution that comprises a macrocyclic complexing agent. This agent is added to the lead component in an organic solution. The resulting layer is part of a device which may further include semiconductor elements and resistors.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to obtain a high quality single crystalline diamond that has less distortion and large area suitable for semiconductor device substrates or an optical component material. The present invention is a single crystalline diamond produced by chemical vapor deposition, wherein, when a linear polarized light which is composed of two linear polarized lights perpendicular to each other is introduced into one main face of the single crystalline diamond, a maximum value of a retardation between the two linear polarized lights perpendicular to each other which come out from an opposite main face is not more than 50 ?m at maximum per a thickness of 100 ?m across an entire of the single crystalline diamond, and also a method for producing the diamond.

Abstract: The invention includes deposition apparatuses configured to monitor the temperature of a semiconductor wafer substrate by utilizing conduits which channel radiation from the substrate to a detector/signal processor system. In particular aspects, the temperature of the substrate can be measured while the substrate is spinning within a reaction chamber. The invention also includes deposition apparatuses in which flow of mixed gases is controlled by mass flow controllers provided downstream of the location where the gases are mixed and/or where flow of gases is measured with mass flow measurement devices provided downstream of the location where the gases are mixed. Additionally, the invention encompasses deposition apparatuses in which mass flow controllers and/or mass flow measurement devices are provided upstream of a header which splits a source gas into multiple paths directed toward multiple different reaction chambers.

Abstract: The invention includes atomic layer deposition methods and chemical vapor deposition methods. In a particular aspect of the invention, a source of microwave radiation is provided proximate a reaction chamber. At least a fragment of a precursor material is chemisorbed on a substrate within the reaction chamber while not exposing the precursor material to microwave radiation from the source. Excess precursor material is removed from the chamber, and the chemisorbed material is subsequently exposed to microwave radiation from the source within the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A coating device including a mounting section which supports a workpiece (substrate) W, a supporting section which rotatably supports the mounting section, and a plurality of spray nozzles which spray a coating liquid on the mounting section.

Abstract: A method of providing an extruded tire tread (T) with anti-static properties. In this method, a pin (10) is coated with an electrically conductive material (M). The coated pin (10) pierces the tire tread (T) to form an opening (12) of the desired depth and then is withdrawn. During withdrawal of the pin (10), the material (M) remains in the pierced opening (12) so that a conductive body (14) is formed in the tire tread (T). The pin (10) can then be re-coated with the material (M) and the cycle repeated to produce a plurality of conductive bodies (14) in the tire tread (T).

Abstract: Printing unevenness caused in forming a polarizing film by printing an ink liquid having a dichromatic dye is minimized to provide satisfactory LCD display characteristics. Bearings are erected on opposite sides of a table and are formed with vertical slots, into which the opposite ends of an axle of a printing cylinder are dropped, whereby the axle of the printing cylinder is loosely fitted in the right and left bearings. The bearings are horizontally movably constructed and connected to a horizontal motion drive (not shown). Further, right and left weights of equal heaviness are attached to the opposite sides of the axle of the printing cylinder. In producing a polarizing film, a substrate is placed on the table and a format having a number of fine grooves is attached to the printing cylinder and placed on the substrate. Ink liquid having a dichromatic dye is applied to the format to form a thin film of ink liquid on the format surface, and the bearings are horizontally moved along the printing direction.

Abstract: A coating apparatus includes a coating transfer roll that transfers a coating material from a coating material reservoir to a work piece. The coating material reservoir is formed between the coating transfer roll, a flexible blade and reservoir wall members. The flexible blade includes a first section that is fixed to a support. A second section of the flexible blade extends along a length of the coating transfer roll and is rotatable about the first section. An actuator selectively applies a pressure on the flexible blade during a coating operation to deflect the flexible blade and control a thickness of the coating material applied to the work piece.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for coating optical articles, such as optical lenses, are provided. In one aspect, an optical article is placed in a holder and a sheet of coating material is discharged from a nozzle, such as from a fan coater nozzle, onto the optical article to form a coating on the optical article.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a coated analytic substrate using a compact and portable automated instrument located in the laboratory setting at the point of use which can consistently produce one or a plurality of coated analytic substrates “on demand” for using the analytic substrate immediately after coating, preferably without a step of rinsing the coated analytic substrate before use. The apparatus preferably uses applicator cartridges having a reservoir containing the coating compositions used to form the coatings. Preferably the cartridges are removable and interchangeable to facilitate the production of individual analytic substrates having different coatings or different coating patterns. These coated analytic substrates have superior specimen adhesion characteristics due to the improved quality of the coatings applied by the coating apparatus and due to the quickness with which the coated analytic substrates can be used in the lab after production.

Abstract: A coating apparatus includes a backup roll that is rotated in accordance with movement of a web and supports the web from a rear surface thereof and a nozzle that includes a first edge and a second edge located at an upstream side of the first edge in a direction of movement of the web and extrudes a coating composition toward a surface of the web through a flow channel formed between the first edge and the second edge. The first edge is formed so that a corner portion between an end surface that faces the backup roll and a side surface that faces the second edge is arc-shaped in cross section and the end surface of the first edge protrudes further toward the backup roll than an end surface of the second edge that faces the backup roll.

Abstract: A programmable material consolidation system includes a platen and an object release element on the platen. The object release element includes a lower surface configured to be secured to the platen and readily removed from the platen. An adhesive coating, which may cover at least a portion of the lower surface, may be formed from a material, such as a radiation-curable polymer, that is tacky when in an uncured state and not as tacky when in a substantially cured state. A nonstick coating on the platen may facilitate ready removal of the object release element therefrom. An upper surface of the object release element may include a material to which an object will adhere, but which may be readily removed from the object once fabrication thereof is complete.

Abstract: A vapor deposition system can include a first portion of the vapor deposition system that is configured to be purged using a first material and a second portion that is configured to be purged using a second material. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A load lock apparatus including a carry port provided on a side of a carry-in/out section for carrying a substrate in/out from/to the outside, and a carry port provided on a side of a processing section for processing the substrate, includes: a temperature controlling plate for controlling a temperature of the substrate, the temperature controlling plate configured including a plate body made of a porous material and a temperature controlling gas supply path for supplying a temperature controlling gas controlled in temperature to the plate body. The temperature controlling gas passes through the plate body, blows out from a surface of the plate body, and is supplied to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for depositing a metallic nitride series thin film, typically a TiN-series thin film. The TiN-series thin film according to the present invention is formed by a CVD, and contains Ti, O and N to have a higher barrier characteristic than those of conventional TiN thin films, so that TiN-series thin film can suitably used as a barrier layer. In addition, a TiN-series thin film according to the present invention is formed by a CVD, and contains Ti, N and P to have a lower resistance than those of conventional TiN films, so that TiN-series thin film can suitably used as a barrier layer or a capacitor top electrode. Moreover, if a TiN-series thin film containing Ti, O, N and P is formed by a CVD, the TiN-series thin film can have both of a high barrier characteristic and a low resistance characteristic.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a return current path for RF current between a chamber wall and a substrate support is provided comprising a low impedance flexible curtain having a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to be electrically connected to the chamber wall and the second end adapted to be connected to the substrate support, wherein the curtain further comprises at least one fold in the curtain material, located an axial distance between the first end and the second end, and at least one perforation cut into the curtain proximate the second end.

Abstract: An inductively coupled plasma source is provided with a peripheral ionization source for producing a high-density plasma in a vacuum chamber for semiconductor wafer coating or etching The source has a segmented configuration with high and low radiation segments and produces a generally ring-shaped array of energy concentrations in the plasma around the periphery of the chamber. Energy is coupled from a segmented low inductance antenna through a dielectric window or array of windows and through a segmented shield or baffle. The antenna for the source is a planer coil having at least two windings with the gap between the windings variable or modulated to control the antenna inductance around the antenna. The antenna has a plurality of, for example three, high inductance segments as a result of the conductor windings being closely spaced alternating with low inductance segments as a result of the conductor windings being widely spaced. The antenna and a shield are part of a plasma source.

Abstract: A method for treating a surface of at least one substrate, wherein the at least one substrate is placed in a process chamber, wherein the pressure in the process chamber is relatively low, wherein a plasma is generated by at least one plasma source, wherein, during the treatment, at least one plasma source (3) and/or at least one optionally provided treatment fluid supply source is moved relative to the substrate surface. The invention further provides an apparatus for treating a surface of at least one substrate, wherein the apparatus is provided with a process chamber and at least one plasma source, wherein the at least one plasma source (3) and/or at least one optionally provided treatment fluid supply source is movably arranged.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a plasma chemical vapor deposition method and apparatus capable of preventing local electric discharge at the peripheral portion of the susceptor. Prior to the film formation, a gas is supplied into an evacuated chamber, and a substrate is supported on substrate support pins, which is arranged in the susceptor and are in their elevated position, so that the substrate is preheated; thereafter the supply of the gas is stopped, the chamber is evacuated, and the substrate support pins are lowered so that the substrate is placed on the susceptor; and thereafter a gas is supplied into the chamber and the substrate is further preheated. Thereafter, plasma is generated in the chamber, and the film-forming gas is supplied into the chamber, to form a film on the substrate.

Abstract: A tape-manufacturing system for coating at least one tape substrate such as, for example, for the manufacture of a high-temperature superconductor (HTS) conductor is disclosed. The tape-manufacturing system includes at least two electron beam (e-beam) deposition sources, at least one assist source and, optionally, a controller. Each e-beam deposition source may be in-process repairable. Each e-beam deposition source is capable of communicating an evaporant material with at least a portion of at least one tape substrate to deposit a coating thereon. The at least one assist source is capable of communicating a beam of a species to the coating. The controller communicates with the at least two e-beam deposition sources and the at least one assist source.