Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for warming food. The invention is energy efficient, allowing food to be kept warm for a significant duration while consuming less power than conventional food warmers. This allows the invention to be portable because it is not dependant on 120V AC power. Additionally, the invention provides evenly distributed heat maintaining a high level of appeal for all food in the warmer.

Abstract: An apparatus for successively delivering nuts from a hopper to a high production nutcracker. An endless conveyor extends through the hopper and includes a plurality of nut transport elements which pick up the nuts in a receptacle formed in the upper surface of each element. To insure that only one nut is received in each receptacle, each element is provided with a longitudinal slot in one of the sides of the element which communicates with the receptacle, and a pivotally mounted singulating arm extends into the slots of the advancing elements to eject any excess nuts from each receptacle. To accommodate nuts of different average size, the pivotal position of the singulating arm is adjustable by means of an actuating wheel positioned on the outside of the hopper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bin for storing a volume of waste that can be reduced by compaction, said bin comprising means which reduce the pressure exerted in the volume of the bin, under the effect of a vacuum, and ensure that the waste is compacted. The inventive bin is characterised in that said means are embodied in the form of a tight deformable enclosure (1) in which the waste is collected, optionally contained in a disposable bag, and said tight deformable enclosure comprises at least one lateral wall consisting of an assembly of rigid plates or segments (2) which are articulated in relation to each other in such a way as to form a deformable apron that subjects the waste to a compression force between the lateral deformable apron wall and the opposite wall, under the effect of the vacuum being exerted in the enclosure, one of the sides of said enclosure being open for introducing waste, and provided with a tight cover (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to seals which may be used in an image forming apparatus. The seals may prevent the leakage of image forming materials, e.g. as between a blade and an image forming apparatus housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to seals which may be used in an image forming apparatus. The seals may prevent the leakage of image forming materials, e.g. as between a blade and an image forming apparatus housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of compensating for register deviations, caused by rotational vibrations, in a sheet-fed rotary printing press with a driving gear train, connecting a sheet-feeding apparatus and printing units and/or coating units, and a main drive motor, acting on the driving gear train, to which a drive control is assigned.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid application device and an ink jet recording apparatus each capable of reducing deterioration in application quality due to an increase in the number of times of use of a roller, thereby improving durability. The present invention includes an application roller which applies liquid to an application medium, and a liquid retention member which retains the liquid in a liquid retention space formed by making the application roller be in contact with the retention member. With this structure, a pool of the liquid is formed, with rotation of the application roller, in an area upstream of a contact area, in a rotational direction, between the application member and the retention member at a side where a surface of the application member enters the contact area therebetween.

Abstract: A method of forming an extended tab label is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a paper supply to a printer, the paper supply having an adhesive covering at least a portion thereof. Inputting patient-specific information through a computer to the printer. Printing the patient-specific information on the paper supply, where the paper supply containing patient-specific information thereon forms a label having a length greater than a circumference of a container accepting the label.

Abstract: A printing method and apparatus is disclosed wherein the printhead has a linear array of nozzles oriented in an axis, and drops of a liquid are printed at a particular location from first and second nozzles of the printhead at a first location. In an embodiment, the nozzles are arranged in groups, each group of nozzles being used to superpose spots of a particular liquid at a different location. A further method is described wherein the printhead is triggered by transferring printing triggers from a processing module to a printhead at print intervals representative of a plurality of fixed units of spatial displacement of the printhead. The present invention is particularly advantageous for the cycling of print nozzles, superposition of spots in linear arrays and fine control of spot positioning. The invention has particular application in the field of printing DNA microarrays.

Abstract: An aerial ropeway transport system is disclosed. The system may include a rope extending between at least two terminals and a plurality of trains carried by the rope. Each of the trains may include at least one carrier which is detachably attached to the rope. The rope may be operated at a relatively high cruising speed. When a train approaches a terminal, however, the speed is reduced to a relatively low speed to facilitate simultaneous detachment and attachment of carriers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier (11) and a magnetic levitation railway provided with said carrier. The inventive carrier (11) comprises a sliding surface (14) and the sliding skates of a vehicle travelling along said magnetic levitation railway. According to said invention, the sliding surface (14) is provided with a coating (15, 16, 17) which comprises at least on the external area thereof an additional material which is compatible with the material for skates and reduces friction and ware.

Abstract: A travel assistant device to help individuals use transit systems. The device is particularly suited to help individuals with special needs (i.e. physical or mental disabilities) successfully navigate the transit system through cues that are delivered through the device. In certain embodiments the device utilizes a global positioning system (GPS)-enabled cell phone. The GPS features of the cell phone enable the location of a transit rider to be identified. The wireless communication features of the device allow positional data to be transmitted from the device to a geographic information system and to one or more interested parties to track the location of the transit rider. The device can be integrated with vehicle location systems of a transit system to coordinate the transit of the transit rider.

Abstract: Split wedges biased against sloped upper surfaces and the side walls of pockets in the ends of the bolster of a rail car truck are provided with non-metallic wear plates which interface with pocket side walls to reduce or eliminate pocket side wall wear. The wear plates are typically cast polymeric pads selected from the group comprising nylon, Delrin, UHMW and urethane, have a hardness in the range of between about 700° and 900° and a sliding coefficient of friction of about 0.10 to about 0.30. The pads are mounted in recesses within the sidewalls of the wedges and are held in place by means such as threaded fasteners for ease of replacement.

Abstract: A large-capacity vehicle is disclosed for transporting people, especially a rail vehicle. The vehicle includes carriages that are coupled by articulated connections, at least two of the carriages being respectively supported on a bogie or the undercarriage. All of the articulated connections enable the carriages to perform a turning movement about the vertical axis during cornering. For a vehicle that has more than three parts, at least one articulated connection is embodied in such a way that the vehicle can carry out pitching motions about the transversal axis in the event of dumping or tipping. One of the articulated connections includes a connection element that is embodied and connected to two carriages in such a way that pivoting and rolling motions can be carried out about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulated cargo container that may have, in combination, an interior panel covering a layer of thermal insulation that has an air-impermeable layer thereon. The thermal insulation is attached to the exterior panel of the container, which may have structural supports on its interior surface. In one embodiment, the insulated cargo container is an insulated railroad boxcar.

Abstract: The present invention provided a modular roof platform system having a plurality of modular roof platforms. Each modular roof platform includes a structural body having a main body and a plurality of legs, the legs extended from the main body along a circumferential direction with a predetermined tilt angle, a brace plate attached to the structural body, and a plurality of support feet rotatalby coupled to an end of each legs of structural body. The brace plate is rotatably coupled to one side of the structural body or fixed on the structural body for preventing lateral shift of an item from the structural body.

Abstract: Luster pigments having pronounced sparkle which are based on aluminum platelets which have been coated with iron oxide and have in the precoated state an average platelet size from 8 to 30 ?m, an average platelet thickness from 300 to 600 nm and an aspect ratio from 15 to 70.

Abstract: There is provided an inkjet ink comprising an IR-absorbing dye of formula (I): wherein M is Ga(A1); A1 is an axial ligand selected from —OH, halogen, —OR3, —OC(O)R4, a hydrophilic ligand and/or a ligand suitable for reducing cofacial interactions; R1 and R2 may be the same or different and are selected from hydrogen or C1-12 alkoxy; R3 is selected from C1-12 alkyl, C5-12 aryl, C5-12 arylalkyl or Si(Rx)(Ry)(Rz); and R4 is selected from C1-12 alkyl, C5-12 aryl or C5-12 arylalkyl Rx, Ry and Rz may be the same or different and are selected from C1-12 alkyl, C5-12 aryl, C5-12 arylalkyl, C1-12 alkoxy, C5-12 aryloxy or C5-12 arylalkoxy; W is a hydrophilic group, each W group being independently selected from a substituent comprising a sulfonic acid group (including salts thereof), or a substituent comprising a sulfonamide group; n1 is 0, 1, 2 or 3; n2 is 0, 2, or 3; n3 is 0, 1, 2 or 3; n4 is 0, 1, 2 or 3; provided that at least one of n1, n2, n3 or n4 is greater than 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-based fluorescent ink for the purpose of measurement or judgment of the fluorescence emission in a visible light region by an excitation wavelength in a predetermined ultraviolet range, containing water, a coloring material dissolved or dispersed in water, and an organic solvent, having a plurality of fluorescent groups in the coloring material structure of the coloring material, and using a water-soluble coloring material having a sulfonic acid group as the water-soluble group in the state of a free acid, capable of improving the water resistance and the light resistance, dramatically increasing the content of the fluorescent coloring material in the ink, which has conventionally been included only by a small amount in the ink due to the concentration quenching problem, obtaining preferable fluorescence emission and water resistance of the recorded image, and providing preferable adhesion resistance to the recording medium of the coloring material and reliability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rheological additive comprising illite clay, smectic clay and an attapulgite suitable for controlling the application characteristics of a coating material for porous bodies.

Abstract: Colloidal silica having an increased particle size and narrow particle size distribution is disclosed. A method for continuously producing the desired colloidal composition is disclosed comprising the steps of providing preformed silica particles having a surface area which controls the particle size of the colloidal silica product, adding a feed silica comprising an alkaline solution and silicate at a feed rate which is less than a nucleation rate, and increasing the feed rate as the feed silica is added wherein the feed rate is less than the nucleation rate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method or use of 2,9-dichloro-quinacridone as an alpha crystal phase inhibitor and optionally, 4,11-dichloroquinacridone during the beta-quinacridone or gamma-quinacridone crude pigment particle size reduction processes. The invention is also directed to solid solutions of quinacridone comprising about 98 to about 80 weight % gamma or beta-quinacridone, about 0.1 to about 10 weight % 2,9-dichloroquinacridone and about 0.1 to about 10 weight % 4,11-dichloroquinacridone.

Abstract: An association complex formed in a liquid environment from a metal-based chromium (VI) reducer and a non-lignosulfonate-based complexing agent is introduced into cement clinker or hydratable cement particles. In preferred embodiments, the formation of the association complex provides storage stability to the chromium reducer within the cement, such that the level of chromium (VI) after water is added to the cement remains less than 2 ppm for certain duration after mixing with water and without the necessity for further additions of chromium reducer during said duration (e.g., 26-84 or more days after addition). Compositions having the association complex are also described.

Abstract: A medical table in accordance with the present invention comprises a flat board and a protective film, wherein a frame is affixed to a peripheral edge of the flat board, and the protective film is seamless laminated to a top surface of the board, by such arrangements, the board of the medical table is protected from contamination. The board is integrally formed by wood particles. A discharge gap is formed at two corners of the frame for discharging liquid. The board is integrally formed by wood particles. The flat board formed on its top surface with a plurality of recesses for holding articles to be placed on the table.

Abstract: Work desk for use on lifting equipment including a vertical back wall member. One side wall member is connected adjacent a back side thereof to a first edge of the back wall member along a first height thereof. Another side wall member is connected adjacent a back side thereof to a second edge of such back wall member. Side wall members being triangular shaped with the back side thereof having a shortest length. A slanted member provides a work surface for such work desk and is connected to adjacent upper edges of each of the back wall member and pair of side wall members. A mechanism either disposed on an outer surface of the back wall member for enabling it to be one of hung on and supported by an upright member, or hung on and supported by such lifting equipment. A ledge portion is disposed adjacent a lower surface of such slanted member for providing a stop surface.

Abstract: A cabinet includes a base plate, a top plate disposed above the base plate, to be spaced therefrom, a column member disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate to be coupled with the top plate and the bottom plate, a fastening member which is fastened to the column member through the top plate from an upper surface of the top plate, and a fastening member cover which is disposed on a top of the fastening member to cover it and is magnetically coupled with the fastening member. Thus, the cabinet improves an outer appearance thereof by preventing an exposure of the fastening members, and improving an efficiency in an assembly thereof.

Abstract: A table is disclosed, which has a rotatable writing device and a non-rotatable table portion. The rotatable writing device has an upper surface for accepting writing. The table portion includes a plurality of lobes to provide convenient work space that does not interfere with rotation and use of the writing device.

Abstract: A pivotable folding utility table includes a table top having a pair of support pedestals pivotally attached thereto. A first pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces pivotally attached to a retaining assembly preferably mounted in relation to the table top. Specifically, the retaining assembly includes a cross-brace member operably disposed through openings formed in the distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces, thus providing a pivotal engagement in relation to the table top.

Abstract: A portable pop-up mobile desk/workstation that is both functional and decorative. A solid, L-shaped body is oriented like a shelf when in use. The shelf like surface is greater than the wall plate assembly surface which consist of the top of wall plate with pencil cradle and the wall plate. The back of the wall plate assembly has two keyhole fasteners allowing the desk to be removed and placed anywhere screws or fasteners can be installed. The bottom of the desk is assembled together with a continuous hinge, and two drop leaf brace provide the desk erect and collapsible function. A quick fold bar makes folding the desk away easy. The desk itself is made of a hard material, not unlike a wood, plastic, metal or any suitable material that can perform as a desk, table, countertop or workbench as well as any other device that may hold items.

Abstract: An improved hidden electric power elevating stand structure includes upper and lower symmetric frame bodies, and upper and lower braking rods crossed with each other for fixing the upper and lower frame bodies on their lateral sides longitudinally, a transversal rod disposed at the bottom of the lower braking rod, a bearing installed separately on both sides of the transversal rod, such that the bearing is connected to a sliding track on both sides of the lower frame body, an electric power screw rod connects one of the transversal rods of the lower braking rod to the intersection of the upper braking rod, so that the extension and withdrawal of the screw rod change the intersecting angle of the braking rods and adjust the elevation of the frame bodies for placing an audio/video equipment such as a projector or a speaker.

Abstract: A method of reducing nitrogen oxide emissions formed during fuel combustion by introducing biomass ash into a combustion chamber.

Abstract: Sewing workpiece is set on a holding frame in such a manner that a predetermined sewing reference line of the sewing workpiece forms an inclination of a given angle ? relative to a plane perpendicular to a rotation axis of the holding frame. Desired sewing pattern data are corrected in accordance with a predetermined correction function with the given angle ? as a variable. Sewing is performed onto the sewing workpiece by the holding frame being relatively rotated and linearly moved in accordance with the corrected sewing pattern data. Thus, a desired pattern corresponding to the sewing pattern data can be sewn onto the workpiece in generally parallel relation to the predetermined sewing reference line.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has a pole having a forward portion pivotally connected to the deck. Handlebars are operatively connected to the rearward portion of the pole. A pole support is connected to the pole at one end and to the deck at the other in order to support the pole above the deck. The pole support is preferably connected to the pole and the deck with latches. The length of the pole support can be adjusted in order to accommodate different sizes of riders.

Abstract: A watercraft includes at least two floating bodies; a drive device that drives the at least two floating bodies; and a control device that controls at least the drive device, wherein the at least two floating bodies are stacked, the at least two floating bodies are connected by at least one connecting device, at least one damping device is located between the at least two floating bodies, and an intermediate space between the at least two floating bodies is sealed by a sealing device.

Abstract: A fluid cushioned platform adapted to float on a body of liquid. The platform includes a deck having upper and lower surfaces and a lower peripheral member extending around the outer perimeter of the deck. A pump having a pump outlet is supported by the deck. A fill pipe has a first end connected to the pump outlet and a second end in communication with the lower surface of the deck. The pump is adapted to pump a fluid through the fill pipe to a blow tank formed beneath the deck between the surface of the liquid and the deck within the area circumscribed by the lower peripheral member.

Abstract: A liquid cargo carrying maritime vessel including a plurality of liquid cargo carrying tanks and a plurality of gas expansion trunks wherein each gas expansion trunk is above, associated with, and in fluid communication with a respective tank therebelow, via slotted apertures in the deck. Each gas expansion trunk is fixedly positioned on a portion of a deck of the vessel above the associated tank and in fluid/tight relationship with the deck over a periphery of the trunk which encloses the totality of slotted apertures in the deck. Depending on the attributes of the ship, the expansion trunk is preferably located directly above the tank and at the highest point available of the tank and as far forward on the tank as possible. Alternatively, and depending upon obstructive constraints and vessel conditions, the trunk may be placed in other locations such as aftmost on the tank or inbetween.

Abstract: A positive batten inversion system for control of the battens used to stiffen the leech of a sail for a sailboat comprises a pair of control lines for each batten that extends beyond the backstay run up from the tack, along either side of the luff of the sail, to blocks secured to the sail near the luff and slightly below an imaginary line connecting the batten centerline to the luff. From the blocks, the lines run out to the leech and are secured to the leech just above the after end of the battens. Accordingly, the lines cross the battens at a very acute angle. Tensioning the lines causes the batten to be inverted and/or compressed, allowing it and the leech of the sail to pass by the backstay.

Abstract: A membrane connector (1) has a generally annular body (2) having an interior region (8). An elongate projection (10) projects from the body into the interior region (8). In use, the body (2) is attached to a membrane (14) such as a yacht sail and allows a fastener such as a rope to be attached to the membrane, via the connector (1), to control or secure the membrane. The fastener typically comprises a loop of flexible material (18, 24) which may be easily placed over the projection (10) so that force can be applied to the membrane in a direction that is generally coincident with a longitudinal axis of the projection. The connector (1) allows membranes such as sails to be easily and quickly taken down and reset and has no moving parts so it is not prone to failure.

Abstract: A mounting system rigidly attaches a towing frame to a vessel deck, and includes a base having an arcuate top surface and a bottom surface conforming the deck. A joint member rigidly attached to the towing frame has an arcuate surface mating with the arcuate top surface of the base. The joint member has a cavity and a threaded bore extending through a wall for accessing the cavity. The threaded bore of the joint member is aligned with a bore extending through the base. A threaded shaft extends through a hole in the deck, through the bore in the base, and is threaded into the threaded bore of the joint member. A fastener attached to the shaft is used to bias the joint member against the base, and base against the deck for rigidly securing the joint member and thus the towing frame to the deck.

Abstract: A reinforcement structure for pull ring of an inflatable product made of airtight fabric, including an inflatable main body made of airtight fabric made from a woven texture with resin coating. The inflatable main body is formed with at least one slit. The reinforcement structure further includes at least one connecting member having a first, a second, a third and a fourth section which are integrally connected with each other. A first folding line is formed between the first and second sections. A second folding line is formed between the third and fourth sections. The second and third sections are side by side fitted through the slit from an inner face of the main body to an outer face thereof. The first section and the fourth section are respectively reversely folded about the first folding line and the second folding line to extend in reverse directions. The first and fourth sections are adhered to the inner face of the main body around the slit.

Abstract: A collapsible boat hull comprises a pair of bottom panels and a pair of side panels, connected by continuous hinges. Erection of the boat causes a fore portion of the bottom panels to curve upwards, and fore portions of the side panels to curve inwards. The boat also includes a V-shaped rear seat, which acts to transfer force and vibration from a rearwardly mounted outboard motor to the side walls of the boat.

Abstract: In this method for growing a silicon single crystal, an ambient gas where a single crystal is grown contains a gas hydrogen-containing substance, and a silicon single crystal is grown at a pull rate to form a dislocation cluster defect occurrence region at least in a portion of a radial cross section of said silicon single crystal and at a pull rate which is slower than that to form an laser scattering tomography defect occurrence region, according to the Czochralski method. This silicon wafer is sampled from a straight body of the silicon single crystal grown using said method for growing a silicon single crystal, and the LPD density of LPD of 0.09 ?m or greater in the surface after 10 times of repetitions of the SC-1 cleaning is 0.1/cm2 or less.

Abstract: It is aimed at providing an analysis method of impurities (color centers) in fluoride, capable of extremely simply analyzing impurities (color centers) in fluoride. It is also aimed at providing an analysis method of impurities (color centers) in fluoride, for enabling evaluation of an effect by addition of a scavenger, before obtainment of a final single crystal. There are detected absorption peaks and the like of formed color centers and the like, by irradiating X-rays to an obtained fused material, and by measuring transmittances thereof before and after the irradiation. Based thereon, there are optimized melt conditions of a scavenger and the like, thereby enabling growth of a high purity molten raw material suitable for growth of a single crystal less in X-ray damage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a crystallization and screening plate comprises a plurality of cells open at a top and a bottom, a frame that defines the cells in the plate, and at least two films. The first film seals a top of the plate and the second film seals a bottom of the plate. At least one of the films is patterned to strongly pin the contact lines of drops dispensed onto it, fixing their position and shape. The present invention also includes methods and other devices for manual and high-throughput protein crystal growth.

Abstract: This invention provides a hybrid Stockbarger zone-leveling melting method for seeded crystallization and the manufacture of homogenous large-sized crystals of lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) based solid solutions and related piezocrystals. The invention provides three temperature zones resulting in increased compositional homogeneity and speed of crystal growth, in a cost effective multi-crucible configuration.

Abstract: Methods of selectively forming nanocrystals on semiconductor devices are disclosed. Regions of a workpiece are masked with a masking material, and the nanocrystals are formed on the unmasked regions. The nanocrystals may be formed by exposing the masked workpiece to a first substance, and exposing the workpiece to at least one second substance either before or after the masking material is removed.

Abstract: A crystal growth apparatus comprises a reaction vessel holding a melt mixture containing an alkali metal and a group III metal in a vessel space thereof, a porous member holding a metal melt by a surface tension thereof in a path through which a vapor of the alkali metal in contact with the metal mixture in the vessel space escapes to an external space, the porous member further supplying a nitrogen source gas fed from outside thereto further to the reaction vessel therethrough and through the metal melt by a pressure difference formed between the vessel space in the reaction vessel and the external space, and a heating apparatus heating the melt mixture to a crystal growth temperature.

Abstract: A growth apparatus and a method for making a nitrogen (N)-doped oxide crystal grow can be configured to set a nitrogen concentration to a desired concentration and to make the concentration of nitrogen uniform in a depth direction. A nitrogen source gun configured to supply ammonia (NH3) gas into an ultrahigh vacuum chamber can be arranged on a side of an ultrahigh vacuum chamber that is approximately opposite to a side that includes an exhaust port. A stage can be located between the nitrogen source gun and the exhaust port so as to form a flow path for ammonia that allows ammonia introduced into the ultrahigh vacuum chamber to be quickly exhausted after reaching a ZnO substrate placed on the stage. As a result, accumulation of ammonia in the ultrahigh vacuum chamber can be minimized, so that the nitrogen concentration in a crystal growth layer on the ZnO substrate can be set at a desired concentration and can be made uniform in the depth direction.

Abstract: A method of producing a silicon carbide single crystal has storing a sublimation law material on a first end portion in a reaction container; disposing a seed crystal of a silicon carbide single crystal on a second end portion substantially facing the sublimation law material in the reaction container; and re-crystallizing the sublimated sublimation law material on the seed crystal to grow a silicon carbide single crystal, wherein a sealing portion is provided in the reaction container to grow a silicon carbide single crystal on the seed crystal provided in the sealing portion while preventing the leak of the sublimated sublimation law material from the atmosphere for sublimation.

Abstract: A polycrystalline silicon production apparatus is provided whereby when deposited silicon is caused to drip down into an underlying collection part by heating the reaction tube inner surface at a temperature equal to or above the melting point of silicon, the silicon melt can be prevented from solidifying at a lower end portion of the reaction tube due to temperature lowering at the lower end portion. When a reaction tube is heated with a high frequency heating coil, the temperature lowering at a lower end portion of the reaction tube is prevented through temperature lowering prevention means which may be an infrared device capable of heating the outer periphery of the lower end portion by means of infrared rays, or which may be a lower end coil that is constituted by a coil near the lower end of the high frequency heating coil and has an increased heating intensity relative to an upper coil.