Abstract: A sheet pressing apparatus includes a cam, lever, sheet press member, and first and second compression coil springs. The cam has a cam surface and is supported rotatably. The lever supports a cam follower that abuts against the cam surface and is pivoted by rotation of the cam. The sheet press member is movably supported by the lever and moves between a sheet press position to press a stacked sheet and a retreat position retreated from the sheet press position in accordance with swing motion of the lever. The first and second compression coil springs are arranged between the lever and a support, and bias the lever to bring the cam follower into tight contact with the cam surface. The second compression coil spring has a biasing force larger than that of the first compression coil spring. When the sheet press member is located at the sheet press position, only the first compression coil spring biases the cam follower with respect to the cam surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide digital workflow methods for generating product proofs that achieve the benefits of digital printing, including lower costs, and less production time, while also providing an appearance that accurately resembles the final product printed on, for example, conventional contact printing presses.

Abstract: A printing apparatus adapted for printing wide line width and narrow line width patterns with one printing plate when fabricating a liquid crystal display device is disclosed. The printing apparatus includes a printing roll having target pattern forming material spread thereon, a printing substrate have at least one pair of adjacent printing plate patterns and at least one barrier rib pattern therebetween, and a target substrate. The printing substrate is configured to receive target pattern forming material from the printing roll and the target substrate is configured to receive target pattern forming material remaining on the printing roll following transfer of target forming material to the printing substrate.

Abstract: A bullet includes at least a mid core and a rear core in tandem alignment. The hardness of the mid core is greater than the hardness of the rear core. A jacket envelops both the mid core and the rear core. The jacket has a generally cylindrical sidewall, which is in contact with the mid core, and a boat-tail, which is in contact with the rear core. The rear core is substantially contained within the boat-tail. The mid core and the rear core may be substantially lead-free. In one embodiment, the bullet includes a front core in tandem alignment with the rear core and in contact with a nose portion of the jacket. In another embodiment, the mid core extends from the nose portion of the bullet to the boat-tail.

Abstract: In a branch section 1 or a merge section of a rail vehicle system, an auxiliary travel surface 17 on the straight lane side includes a deformed portion 54 where the height is increased for supporting an auxiliary wheel 6 of a traveling vehicle 2. The traveling vehicle 2 is supported by the auxiliary wheel 6 and guide rollers 24, 20 such that the traveling vehicle 2 is orientated horizontally in the left-right direction, or the branch lane side D of the traveling vehicle 2 is oriented slightly upwardly.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle (20) for movement within a tubular member (22) includes propulsion mechanisms (28) distributed about a core element (24). Each of the propulsion mechanisms (28) includes a drive belt (28). A first pulley (34), a second pulley (36), and a mid-roller assembly (38) are encompassed by and engage the drive belt (28). The mid-roller assembly (38) is spring-loaded for providing an outwardly-directed force (40) to an underlying portion (42) of the drive belt (28) to press the drive belt (28) against an inner wall (44) of the tubular member (22). A motor arrangement (46), in communication with the propulsion mechanisms (28), actuates one of the first and second pulleys (34, 36) to rotate the drive belt (28) in contact with the inner wall (44) of the tubular member (22) thereby moving the vehicle (20) within the tubular member (22).

Abstract: A photocatalytic coating composition and method of coating articles, the composition containing solvents for rapid evaporation at room temperature, polyalkylphenylsiloxane, xylene, nano densified hydrophilic fumed silica, nanostructured composite photocatalyst powder and nano inorganic anti-bacteria powder. The coating may be applied by conventional coating methods to organic or inorganic structured surfaces where photocatalytic activity is desired, such as in a forced air-circulating environment. Once applied, the coating quickly dries to leave an adherent, flexible, durable, and long-lasting photocatalytic coating having a large surface area and exhibiting high surface activity against pathogens and pollutants such as bacteria, viruses, mold, fungi, and volatile organic compounds.

Abstract: Pigment dispersions that when used in printing ink having a relative interfacial tension drop of less than 1.5, and offering an ink viscosity of less than 150 Pa·s, and containing at least 45 wt. % pigment.

Abstract: An oil-based ink for piezoelectric inkjet printers contains a binder resin, a pigment and a solvent. The solvent contains a cyclic ester and a compound represented by the following formula (1): wherein X1 represents an alkyl group, X2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and n stands for an integer of from 1 to 4. The amount of the cyclic ester is from 1 to 60 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the compound represented by the formula (1). Preferably, the cyclic ester is a compound represented by the following formula (2): wherein X3 and X4 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-7 alkyl or alkenyl group, and m stands for an integer of from 1 to 3.

Abstract: The invention relates to coating material comprising a water-soluble salt as a filler. Such materials are especially suitable as core washes for salt cores for using in foundry technology.

Abstract: Described is a method for the manufacture of a pastel-white, highly opaque, micro-particle rutile pigment from a crude rutile, synrutile or from a slag-like rutile-type precursor characteristic for traditional titanium dioxide production from processing ilmenite into titanium dioxide. This method distinguishes itself in that the starter material in form of the crude rutile, synrutile or the slag-like rutile-type precursor is ground down in several stages in high efficiency mills without leaving any significant metallic fines, to a particle size of approximately 200 to 600 nm, whereby initially a dry pre-grinding step is performed and thereafter with high recorded grinding output a wet grinding step is performed in a final grinding phase. The ground-down product is dried and the obtained rutile pigment is calcinated in finely distributed form at temperatures between 790 and 1050° C.

Abstract: This patent deals with a method to make durable (i.e., freeze/thaw resistant), non-vitrified (non-fired) fly ash masonry units (bricks, blocks, tiles and other construction products), that can pass contemporary standards for building bricks established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). In contrast, existing processes for making non-vitrified fly ash masonry units cannot make products durable—passing the 50 freeze/thaw cycles required by ASTM. By using the process specified in this invention, fly ash can be made into durable bricks and other products without having to heat the green products in kilns at high temperature, thereby reducing energy consumption and costs associated with making ordinary clay bricks. The process resulted from a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), which demonstrated that durable, non-vitrified, fly ash masonry units can be produced by using this process.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an inorganic lightweight insulator manufactured by blending one or more selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, mica powder, clay, chloride, alumina, zeolite, talc, kaolin, diatomite, calcium carbonate and loess with a silicate compound and colloidal silica; adding an acid to change the mixture into a paste; and adding a foaming agent to the paste; and a process for preparing the inorganic lightweight insulator.

Abstract: A console (10) is disclosed which comprises a console top (12), a first member (14), and a second member (16) coupled to the first member (14) via a mechanism. The mechanism (17) is movable between a first configuration in which the first member (14) closes a recess (18) in the console top (12), and a second configuration in which the first member (14) extends away from the console top (12) and the second member (16) is arranged such that it can support a load while the mechanism (17) is retained in the second configuration.

Abstract: The parts of a pallet or other article have different tailored thermoplastic composition to provide fire resistance according to the shape, location and function of the part in the pallet. In one embodiment, the high surface area to volume deck has high fire retardant content, whereas the heavier portions of the pallet, such as the base and columns have lower content. In another embodiment, the periphery of the deck that is prone to impact damage has low retardant content, compared to the rest of the deck and or the rest of the pallet.

Abstract: A system for controlling coal flow in a coal-fired boiler including: a coal flow damper in operable communication with a burner pipe; a coal flow sensor in operable communication with the burner pipe which generates a coal flow signal; and a fuel trim controller in operable communication with the coal flow damper, the fuel trim controller controlling the coal flow damper responsive to the coal flow signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in preparing a hat (such as a baseball cap) for embroidery on the front of the hat, including a form for holding the hat, and a tensioning means for pushing on the inside of the back of the hat and so placing in tension the front of the hat.

Abstract: An ice brake is presented that provides stopping traction on ice, snow, water, dirt, gravel, and solid ground. It is driven by a hydraulic ram to provide quick response. The brake has a blade with a bottom edge that has cutout portions to allow up to 50% debris accumulated by the brake to escape. This increases drag, because debris is forced to pass through these cutout sections. The brake is strong enough to apply sufficient loading force on ice to break a craft's hull free from being frozen down to ice, yet it is flexible enough to bend out of the way of rocks and other immovable objects.

Abstract: A system and method in which a buoyant central docking station captures, lifts and couples one or more other sea vessels is disclosed, wherein a flexible, modularized production system is quickly realized on a cost effective basis. The capabilities of a number of older, less expensive, readily available vessels are combined to achieve an effective FPSO substitute that allows lower producing fields to be explored and produced in a profitable manner. The time horizon between initiation and consummation of field operations is reduced, and older vessels that might otherwise be scrapped or retired are again made useful and seaworthy in a safe and profitable exploration and production environment.

Abstract: A bowsprit, or spar, for supporting a spinnaker sail at the front of a sailboat is mounted on the deck of the sailboat. The bowsprit is retractable and extendable in telescoping fashion and includes a rope or tack line extending from the forward end thereof that connects to the corner or tack of the spinnaker sail. The aft or back end of the bowsprit is clipped to the mast and may be unclipped therefrom and secured to the deck so as to position the bowsprit at an angle to the boat to present the spinnaker sail to the wind. The present bowsprit is mounted along the midline of the boat and extends through a swivel bridle that connects the forestay to the deck. Extension of the bowsprit is accomplished by pulling a line connected to the inner pole of the bowsprit and passing around a pulley so that the inner pole slides out to an extended position from the outer sleeve of the bowsprit.

Abstract: A kayak ballast system is comprised of a cradle member configured to be fitted within the interior of the kayak. The cradle member defines a receiving unit for securely receiving weight, thereby providing a ready means for adding weight to a kayak and increasing the center of gravity and overall stability of the vessel. The ballast system is used to increase the boats center of gravity in the inventive method. The ballast system may be positioned throughout the interior of the kayak including the forward end of the cockpit and the cargo holds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a finkeel (2) for boats, having of a fixed part (3) attached to the hull (1) and a movable part comprising two leeboards (4, 5) that can be orientated in an independent manner. According to the invention, each leeboard (4, 5) consists of at least one upper element (4a, 5a) hinged to the fixed part (3) of the finkeel and a lower element (4b, 5b) hinged to the upper element, so that the leeboards can be folded up towards the fixed part (3) of the finkeel, to achieve lateral overall dimensions smaller than the width of the hull.

Abstract: The rudder post (40) for rudders for water vehicles has end sections (41, 42) made of a metallic material, in particular of wrought iron, and a mid post section (45) made of a nonmetallic material connected with the end sections so that the rudder post has a relatively low weight even for a very big length by maintaining a high flexural strength and torsion stiffness.

Abstract: A technique for stabilizing a boat in open water against a stationary structure is disclosed. The boat has a fender at one end comprising a resilient material, and the boat is urged against the structure to engage the resilient material with the structure. The frictional engagement in combination with the urging force is sufficient to prevent the engaged fender from slipping down the structure. In this way so long as the engagement is sustained, the boat is stabilized against the structure.

Abstract: A structure can be installed in and removed from a body of water in a seasonal fashion. The structure has a lower level that includes a boat lift and may include an upper level that provides an entertainment area. The structure carries a buoyancy system for selectively floating the structure on the body of water or sinking the structure in the water. A substantially enclosed boathouse may form the structure when the structure has only a lower level. The boathouse is seperable into sections each of which could be separately rolled over the ground by wheels attached to each section. This reduces the usual operational width of the boathouse into the smaller towed widths of the individual sections to ease the task of transporting the boathouse over the ground.

Abstract: The present invention is for an apparatus for use on a personal water craft having a hull, a deck disposed on said hull, a hood movably connected to the forward portion of said deck, an engine position with in the hull, a seat mounted atop said deck for accommodating at least one rider and comprising: at least one multi-purpose rack is bolted to said personal water craft; wherein at least a portion of said multi-purpose rack is disposed forward of said seat; wherein at least a portion of said multi-purpose rack extends outwardly from said hood to a peripheral edge of said water craft; and wherein said multi-purpose rack has a surface for carrying one or more items. Wherein said multipurpose rack can hold and store items such as fishing equipment, camping equipment, water skies, wake boards, scuba diving equipment, and inner-tubes on said personal water craft.

Abstract: A silicon wafer for an IGBT is produced by forming an ingot having an interstitial oxygen concentration [Oi] of not more than 7.0×1017 atoms/cm3 by the Czochralski method; doping phosphorus in the ingot by neutron beam irradiation to the ingot; slicing a wafer from the ingot; performing annealing of the wafer in an oxidizing atmosphere containing at least oxygen at a temperature satisfying a predetermined formula; and forming a polysilicon layer or a strained layer on one side of the wafer.

Abstract: Each region, which should be left on a substrate after patterning, of a semiconductor film is grasped in accordance with a mask. Then, each region to be scanned with laser light is determined so that at least the region to be obtained through the patterning is crystallized, and a beam spot is made to hit the region to be scanned, thereby partially crystallizing the semiconductor film. Each portion with low output energy of the beam spot is shielded by a slit. In the present invention, the laser light is not scanned and irradiated onto the entire surface of the semiconductor film but is scanned such that at least each indispensable portion is crystallized to a minimum. With the construction described above, it becomes possible to save time taken to irradiate the laser light onto each portion to be removed through the patterning after the crystallization of the semiconductor film.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for producing a single crystal by Czochralski method with pulling a seed crystal from a raw material melt, wherein when a pulling rate of pulling a single crystal is defined as V (mm/min), a temperature gradient at a solid-liquid interface is defined as G (K/mm) and a highest temperature at an interface between a crucible and a raw material melt is defined as Tmax (° C.), at least, a range of a value of V/G (mm2/K·min) including a desired defect region and/or a desired defect-free region is determined according to the Tmax (° C.), and the single crystal is pulled with controlling a value of V/G (mm2/K·min) within the determined range. There can be provided a method for producing a single crystal in which when a single crystal is pulled with controlling a value of V/G, a value of V/G including a desired defect region and/or a desired defect-free region can be determined more precisely and a single crystal with desired quality can be more surely pulled.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an LCD device includes preparing a first substrate, preparing a second substrate such that each of the first and second substrates corresponding to a plurality of panels, forming a seal pattern along an outer edge of each panel on the second substrate, forming a plurality of holes at an outer edge of the first substrate, dotting a slide preventing adhesive on the first substrate at portions corresponding to the holes, and attaching the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: A method for repairing a short defect according to the present invention includes forming a first conductive pattern on a substrate, forming a photo-resist pattern on the first conductive pattern using a rear exposure for the first conductive pattern being shorted by a residue pattern, and removing the residue pattern exposed through the photo-resist pattern.

Abstract: A method for producing a single crystal includes supplying a vapor gas from silicon carbide as a raw material to a seed crystal formed of a silicon carbide single crystal to grow the seed crystal. The seed crystal is disposed in a part of crystal growth, with a crystal face of the seed crystal inclined relative to a (0001) plane or (000-1) plane, thereby making crystal growth.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a III-nitride power semiconductor device which includes selective prevention of the growth of III-nitride semiconductor bodies to selected areas on a substrate in order to reduce stresses and prevent cracking.

Abstract: Non-contact methods and apparatuses for detecting defects such as pile-ups in semiconductor wafers are disclosed herein. An embodiment of one such method includes irradiating a portion of a semiconductor workpiece, measuring photoluminescence from the irradiated portion of the semiconductor workpiece, and estimating a density of defects in the irradiated portion of the semiconductor workpiece based on the measured photoluminescence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a wafer comprising a single crystalline bulk substrate of a first material and at least one epitaxial layer of a second material which has a lattice different from the lattice of the first material. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a wafer in which a layer which is lattice-mismatched with the substrate can be grown on the substrate with a high effectiveness and high quality at a low cost. A roughening step is included for roughening the surface of the bulk substrate and a growing step is included for growing the second material on the rough surface with a reduced number of threading dislocations and an enhanced strain relaxation compared to a second material that is epitaxially grown on a polished surface.

Abstract: A method and system for removing clumps from breading preparation are disclosed. Breading preparation may be placed in a tub with a plugged opening and applied to food products. When clumps form in the breading preparation, the opening may be unplugged, and the breading preparation may be directed toward the opening. A vibratory feeder receives the breading preparation, vibrates a trough, and moves the breading preparation from an input end toward an output end. Usable breading preparation is sifted through the trough, and ultimately into a tub. The clumps remain above the sifting layer and move into a different tub at the output end of the trough.

Abstract: A porous material injection system for injecting protective material into a porous material. The porous material injection system may include an injection hood formed from a hood structure having a top plate, first and second cavities. During use, a vacuum may be formed in the first cavity to attach the injection hood to the porous material, and a protective material may be injected through a plurality of orifices in the second cavity and into the porous material. In another embodiment, the injection hood may be attached to a porous material with a mechanical connector and the protective material may be injected through a plurality of orifices into the porous material.

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for refurbishing used cores (4) for rolls of material, which apparatus comprises: stripper means (6) for stripping remaining material (8) from the used cores (4); feed means (10) for feeding the used cores (4) to the stripper means (6); cleaning means (12) for cleaning the used cores (4) after they have been treated by the stripper means (6); and adhesive applicator means (14) for applying adhesive to the used cores (4) whereby the used cores (4) are then ready for re-use as refurbished cores for new rolls of material.

Abstract: A ceramic capacitor having a ceramic body and terminal electrodes, the ceramic body being substantially a rectangular parallelopiped in shape, the terminal electrodes being provided at the two ends of the ceramic body in the length direction, each terminal electrode being provided to cover one end face of the ceramic body in the length direction, part of the two surfaces in the width direction, and part of the two surfaces in the thickness direction, wherein, when the length of the ceramic body is L1 and the maximum lengths of the terminal electrodes at the two surfaces of the ceramic body in the width direction are L3 and L4, 0?(|L4-L3|/L1)?0.0227 is satisfied. One surface among the two surfaces of the ceramic body in the width direction is the paste introduction side in the roller coating, while the other surface is the paste escape side in the roller coating.

Abstract: A dispenser delivers a pourable material onto the outside of a receiving vessel, for example, a flavorant like granular salt or sugar onto the rim of a beer bottle or margarita glass, or a glue, sealant, or lubricant onto the external threads of a chemical bottle. An external casing containing the pourable material has an opening at the bottom that is normally sealed by a retractable encloser held in place by a closer spring inside the casing. To dispense pourable material, the bottom of the encloser is pressed against the rim of the receiving vessel, lifting the encloser from its normally-closed position and opening an annular path through which the material is released onto the outside of the rim, but not into the interior, of the receiving vessel.

Abstract: Temperature of a processed workpiece may be regulated by flowing a thermal control fluid from a thermal source to a thermal drain, in a direction substantially normal to the plane occupied by the workpiece. This flow orientation ensures that any resulting temperature gradient in the thermal control fluid is also positioned substantially normal to the substrate, thereby avoiding processing variation in different areas of the workpiece attributable to an in-plane gradient. The thermal control fluid may be flowed from a common source to a plurality of pixel-like regions proximate to the workpiece, in order to ensure uniform temperature control. Use of such pixel-like regions promotes scalability of the temperature control apparatus.

Abstract: An adhesive robot, comprising a device for applying adhesive to a workpiece. The adhesive robot has a nozzle head (18), which has an application nozzle (24) and can be supplied with a pressurized viscous adhesive, the nozzle head (18) and the workpiece (14) being displaceable in relation to one another. The adhesive which is issued from the application nozzle (24) in a spray jet (28) is applied to a workpiece (14) along a predefined line of application (36) in the form of a strip of adhesive (40). To facilitate the adjustment and re-calibration process, the system comprises at least one camera unit (42), which is located on the nozzle head (18) and whose leans is directed towards the spray jet (28) or the adhesive strip (40). The output of said camera unit is connected to an image evaluation unit (45). The image data (40) recorded by the camera unit (42) is buffered and compared with predetermined image values (40).

Abstract: A vacuum vapor deposition apparatus (100) for depositing materials on workpieces includes a vacuum chamber (10), a holding mechanism (20), at least two source material containing devices (30, 40), and at least two adjusting masks (50, 60). The holding mechanism is configured for holding the workpieces, and the holding mechanism is disposed in the vacuum chamber. The source material containing devices are disposed opposite to the holding mechanism in the vacuum chamber. The adjusting masks is rotatably disposed between the holding mechanism and the source material containing devices in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum evaporation apparatus includes a first vacuum tank holding an evaporation substance, a second vacuum tank in communication with the first vacuum tank, an electron beam irradiator in the first vacuum tank that evaporates the evaporation substance with an electron beam, a holder that holds a substrate in the second vacuum tank, a rotator that rotates the holder so that the held substrate is rotated in the second vacuum tank in a direction orthogonal to the flight direction of evaporated substance from the first vacuum tank, and a restrictor between the evaporation source and the substrate.

Abstract: An automated pet feeding machine has a very simple system for measuring and distributing food quantities using the combination of an electric motor that moves a rod linearly and slidable panels to control the flow of food pellets into a bowl. The downward tilt motion of the food tray blocks any food from flowing out of the hopper during this step. A reverse rotation of the electric motor returns the food tray to its first position where the hopper's exit is liberated and a portion is once again poured into the food tray, ready for the next feed cycle.

Abstract: A disposable pad for use with pets is compact, simple to use and promotes improved hygiene in handling pet waste. The pad has an absorbent top layer and a bottom layer that is fabricated from a nonabsorbent material such as plastic. A pouch is located at one side of the disposable pad. After an animal relieves itself on the absorbent layer, the pad is folded and rolled into a compact shape. It is then placed within the pouch for disposal.

Abstract: The inventive pet shelter described herein overcomes these drawbacks. The pet shelter has a non-deformable steel cage defining a space therein suitable for the enclosure of a pet and deformable pieces removably attachable to the perimeter of the steel cage. The steel cage has a top shelter section and a side shelter section formed by a guide following door, wherein the guide following door can be recessed into the pet shelter and underneath and adjacent to the top shelter section. The deformable pieces are oriented on corners and edges of the steel cage.

Abstract: An animal housing is disclosed. In an embodiment, the animal housing comprises a cage having at least one cage side comprising a door. The door is movably attached to a cage side of the cage. In addition, the door is openable to provide an opening in the side of sufficient size to allow a desirable animal to pass therethrough. The animal housing further comprises an outer covering comprising a plurality of outer covering sides, wherein the outer covering comprises a first outer covering side secured to a second outer covering side by a magnet.

Abstract: An animal door assembly includes a first flap having an opening and mountable for movement between an open position and a closed position. The animal door further includes a second flap that attaches to the first flap for movement between an open position and a closed position. The second flap covers the opening in the first flap when the second flap is in its closed position. The animal door can also be retrofitted to existing door assemblies.

Abstract: A device for brushing animals, provided with a mounting unit (1) for mounting the device to a stationary construction element. A pivot element (2) is connected with the mounting unit (1). A frame (3) is connected with the pivot element (2) in such a way that it is pivotable about said pivot element and comprises a hollow, internal space (4). A brushing unit (5) is fastened on the frame (3), and comprises a driven axis (6), which extends into the space (4). The device is further provided with a driving motor (7) with a drive shaft (8) for driving the brushing unit (5) and a transmission element (9), which is disposed between the drive shaft (8) of the driving motor (7) and the driven axis (6) for transmitting rotation from the drive shaft (8) to the driven axis (6). The transmission element (9) and the driving motor (7) are disposed in the hollow, internal space (4) of the frame (3).