Abstract: A device capable of responding to an outside stimulus is disclosed. The device includes a volume at least partially defined by the device with conductive circuitry electrically coupled to the volume. This conductive circuitry suitable for conducting an electrical charge accumulated on the volume in response to the outside stimulus. The device further includes feedback circuitry electrically coupled to the conductive circuitry. This feedback circuitry suitable for converting the electrical charge into a drive signal. The device further includes feedback driven by the drive signal. This feedback suitable for providing feedback directly indicative of the outside stimulus.

Abstract: A tactile metronome for use by a musician generally includes a signal generator for producing an electrical signal according to a desired timing scheme and a tactile transducer in electrical communication with the signal generator. The tactile transducer, which may take the form of a piezoelectric device, a buzzer, electrodes or any substantial equivalent, is adapted to impart a tactile sensation to the musician in response to the generated electrical signal. A strap, which may be formed from an elastic material or a soft cloth material with hook and loop fasteners, is provided to secure the tactile transducer in place on the musician's body.

Abstract: A stent and method for making the stent are provided. The stent comprises regions of differing numbers of braided filaments to provide a stent with different dimensions and/or properties in different regions along the stent length. A preferred stent comprises a first and second plurality of braided filaments each braided together. The second plurality of braided filaments is braided into the first plurality of braided filaments to form a region of different properties than the first. A preferred embodiment is a stent having a narrower diameter along a more flexible region and a broader diameter along a more rigid region. Also included is a method of constructing a braided stent in accordance with the above.

Abstract: Land vehicle weapon system including a base mount coupled with a land vehicle, a weapon mount, a plurality of weapons coupled with the weapon mount, a weapon moving mechanism coupled between the base mount and the weapon mount, a plurality of moving elements coupled with at least one of the base mount, the weapon mount, the weapons, and with the weapon moving mechanism, a sensing mechanism coupled with at least one of the weapon mount, the weapons and the base mount, and at least one user interface coupled with the weapons, the weapon moving mechanism, the moving elements, and with the sensing mechanism, the user interface enabling a user to remotely operate the weapons, the weapon moving mechanism being operable to move the weapons between a plurality of configurations.

Abstract: A positioner for an internal combustion engine in which a piston is positioned by a vibrational work piece, establishing a position set point of the vibrational work piece relative to a stationary work piece or hollow sleeve. The piston, when acted upon by oscillatory vibrations of the vibrational work piece moves towards the position set point with energy provided by cyclical vibrations of the vibrational work piece. The movement of the piston selectively directs fluid to flow from a first chamber to a second chamber and vice versa, moving the control sleeve relative to the piston, such that the position set point is obtained when the piston is centered or at null position within the control sleeve. The vibrational work piece may be moved relative to the stationary work piece.

Abstract: In a shifting unit (1) for a vehicle transmission gearbox, the switching unit comprising valves which are connected between with one another by a pressure supply line conduit (58) and by a pressure exhaust line (60) associated with a switch chamber (10) of a switch cylinder (2). The switch chamber (10) of switch cylinder (2) has exhibits at least one opening valve (26) and at least one closing valve (28) through additional valves (62, 64, 66, 68); and the pressure supply line (58) and the pressure exhaust line (60) are separately closed, opened, blocked and/or swapped.

Abstract: The present invention provides an engine for model in which the number of parts can be reduced, the engine can be manufactured easily, the engine can be assembled for a short time, and the engine can be manufactured inexpensively. An engine for model in which a crankshaft is rotatably disposed in a crankcase, a piston is fitted in a cylinder body such that the piston can reciprocate, the cylinder body is mounted on an upper portion of the crankcase, the piston is connected to the crankshaft through a con-rod, wherein the cylinder body is integrally formed with a cylinder portion into which the piston is fitted such that the piston can reciprocate, and a heat sink head portion formed in an upper cylinder portion.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing bentonite sorbents for removal of pollutants including mercury from gas streams, such as a flue gas stream from coal-fired utility plants are disclosed. The methods include mixing bentonite sorbent particles with a sulfide salt and a metal salt to form a metal sulfide on the outer surface of the bentonite sorbent particles.

Abstract: The present invention is a humidity conditioner having a configuration in which one or more water-soluble polymers are introduced into a three-dimensional framework that is formed by one or more crosslinked water-absorbing polymers. Here, for the water-absorbing polymers, either polyacrylate salt or one or more polyacrylate salt-polyvinyl alcohol copolymers can be used. For the water-soluble polymers, one or both of polyvinyl alcohol and polyisopropylacrylamide can be used.

Abstract: Polymeric materials containing ionic groups, which can be used as membranes and sorbents for separating gas components, for example, separating CO2 from flue gas streams and from natural gas streams, and sorbents for storing gas components. Such separation materials are used for pre-combustion separations, post-combustion separations, and natural gas separations, and are alternatives to the conventional amine absorption process.

Abstract: A multi-chamber canister for a pressure swing absorption system within a general housing assembly. The chambers include a first molecular sieve chamber for receiving a first molecular sieve for separating air from the ambient environment into a concentrated gas and at least a second molecular sieve chamber disposed within the housing assembly for receiving a second molecular sieve for separating air from the ambient environment into a concentrated gas component. Furthermore, a supply chamber is disposed within the housing for receiving air from the ambient environment and for communicating air to either first or second molecular sieve chambers.

Abstract: A multi-chamber canister for a pressure swing absorption system within a general housing assembly. The chambers include a first molecular sieve chamber for receiving a first molecular sieve for separating air from the ambient environment into a concentrated gas and at least a second molecular sieve chamber disposed within the housing assembly for receiving a second molecular sieve for separating air from the ambient environment into a concentrated gas component. Furthermore, a supply chamber is disposed within the housing for receiving air from the ambient environment and for communicating air to either first or second molecular sieve chambers.

Abstract: A multi-chamber canister for a pressure swing absorption system within a general housing assembly. The chambers include a first molecular sieve chamber for receiving a first molecular sieve for separating air from the ambient environment into a concentrated gas and at least a second molecular sieve chamber disposed within the housing assembly for receiving a second molecular sieve for separating air from the ambient environment into a concentrated gas component. Furthermore, a supply chamber is disposed within the housing for receiving air from the ambient environment and for communicating air to either first or second molecular sieve chambers.

Abstract: A fuel vapor storage canister for an automotive vehicle, includes a casing formed thereinside with charge, purge and drain ports connected to a gas passage. First, second, third and fourth adsorption layers are disposed in the gas passage and arranged in order of first, second, third and forth adsorption layers from side of the charge port along a longitudinal direction of the gas passage. Each adsorption layer includes a fuel vapor adsorbent. Additionally, a first space section is formed between the first and second adsorption layers. A second space section is formed between the second and third adsorption sections. A third space section is formed between the third and fourth adsorption sections. Each space section has a width in the longitudinal direction of the gas passage.

Abstract: A photo-resist dispensing apparatus is disclosed and comprises; a tank adapted to hold a photo-resist solution, a pump unit adapted to pump the photo-resist solution from the tank, a filter unit adapted to receive the photo-resist solution from the pump unit, and at least one of a first gas discharge unit connected to the tank and adapted to remove gas bubbles from the photo-resist solution held in the tank, and a second gas discharge unit connected to the filter unit and adapted to remove gas bubbles from the photo-resist solution in the filter.

Abstract: A hot beverage brewing apparatus 1 has a plurality of heated water delivery nozzles 19 that direct heated water under pressure simultaneously to a specified point 26 within a brew basket 17 that, regardless of the amount or type of grounds in the basket 17, will ensure thorough mixing of the heated water and grounds to deliver optimally brewed beverage. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a heat sensor 31 and weight sensor 33 positioned in contact with a carafe 7 to sense whether or not the carafe is thermally-insulated or not to determine whether or not to automatically activate a warming plate 20.

Abstract: An auxiliary water heater that is installed in an area close to a faucet. This water heater is installed into the existing water line and serves to heat water flowing though the water line. It comprises a cylindrical shaped water tank that is encompassed within an oblong case. The cylindrical shaped water tank has a water input and a water output line. An electrical heating element is used to the heat water within the cylindrical water tank and the temperature of the hot water is controlled by a temperature control switch. Due to the placement of the auxiliary water heater, the amount of time it takes to receive hot water at a faucet is reduced and thereby reduces the amount of water that is wasted waiting for hot water.

Abstract: A brewing unit 1 for a coffee machine comprises a brewing cylinder 2 and a piston 5, 13, wherein the brewing cylinder 2 and the piston 5, 13 are movable relative to one another in the axial direction. An activatable seal 12, 18 or seal assembly is provided to seal the piston 5, 13 against the inner wall 3, 15 of the brewing cylinder 2. The seal 12, 18 is activated by an axial movement of piston 5, 13 with respect to the brewing cylinder 2. Under compression when activated, to form a seal between piston 5, 13 and brewing cylinder inner wall 3, 15, and which seal 12, 18 or seal assembly. When not activated, the seal 12, 19 is either not at all, only under low compression contact with the element.

Abstract: An apparatus constituted by a plurality of dispensing assemblies for automatically preparing and dispensing espresso coffee, each assembly of the plurality being of the type comprising a kinematic arrangement having a connecting rod and crank for moving the members responsible for preparing and dispensing the coffee in the prescribed operating sequence. The kinematic arrangement comprises a pair of connecting rods which are connected, at one end, to a respective crank and motor means for actuating at least one of the cranks. The dispensing assemblies are beside each other and the connecting rod of an assembly is provided with means which can constitute the connecting rod of the adjacent assembly and transfer the rotational movement to the relevant crank so that all the dispensing assemblies are actuated at the same time by means of a single motor.

Abstract: A steam peeling system has a rotatable pressure vessel (1) for steam treating and peeling product. The vessel is substantially spherical, having an oblong configuration with opposed flattened side surfaces. The pressure vessel has at least one internal lifter (51a, 51b, 51c) for entraining and lifting the product relative to the axis of rotation of the pressure vessel (1) when it is rotated. The pressure vessel also at least one internal region (53) that is closed-off against ingress of steam during product treatment. This region (53) defines a steam saver. The system can include a batcher for delivering the product to be peeled to the vessel. The pressure in the vessel can be released on completion of a peeling operation. Arrangements can be included to minimize release of entrained solid matter or odors in the exhaust steam. A controller minimizes unproductive displacement of the pressure vessel and can control the rotation speed and direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a filtration apparatus for volume-reduced gel-state polystyrene resin which can remove foreign matter contained in volume-reduced gel-state polystyrene resin by continuously and effectively filtering the volume-reduced gel-state polystyrene resin.

Abstract: A hand press includes a body, a movable handle and a hinge pivotally coupling a proximal end of the movable handle to the body. The body includes a pressing container having one or more side walls and a bottom and a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism includes a plunger shaft, a plunger coupled to a first end of the plunger shaft, a driver engaging the plunger shaft and an actuator link coupled between the movable handle and the driver. The plunger forms a top of the pressing container. A method for pressing items using the hand press is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a personalized photo tote comprising in order the steps of selecting a personalized image, personalized text and graphics, wherein the graphic are supplied by a software package, importing the graphics into a template, previewing the personalized image, personalized text, and template, printing the personalized image, personalized text, and template onto the requisite number of media sheets, and assembling the printed media sheets and project base components into the personalized photo tote.

Abstract: A cylindrical body supporting device includes a pair of holders for respectively supporting both end sides in an axial direction of a rotary screen cylinder, and a pair of first eccentric bearings for rotatably supporting the pair of holders. The cylindrical body supporting device also includes an adjusting screw, a spur gear, a spline gear, lateral motors and the like collectively used for moving the pair of holders through the pair of first eccentric bearings, and a control device for activating the lateral motors to allow the pair of holders to approach and recede along the axial direction and thereby to support and release the cylindrical body and for activating the lateral motors to synchronously move the pair of holders in an identical amount in the same direction along the axial direction and thereby to move the cylindrical body in the axial direction.

Abstract: A recording medium conveying mechanism has a conveyor, a cutter, a decurler, and a driver. The conveyor conveys a rolled recording medium while drawing out the recording medium from one end thereof. The cutter cuts the recording medium in a predetermined length. The decurler corrects curl set in the recording medium. The driver drives the cutter and the decurler so that the decurler corrects the curl in association with a cutting operation by the cutter.

Abstract: A printing press includes a frame that supports one or more printing units. Each printing unit includes a retractable inker module cantileverly supported by the frame, an ink injection system having a pump, a sidelay registration mechanism for one or more plate cylinders of the printing unit, an extension sleeve extending a length of a plate cylinder sleeve, and an expandable layer for each blanket cylinder and plate cylinder that provides changing the inner diameter of the blanket cylinder and the plate cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cylinder (1) for the receptacle of a printing form, which (1) is rotatable about its principal symmetry axis during a printing operation and which (1) comprises at least one first sleeve (20), which (20) contains carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The novelty and inventive step lies in that the majority of the carbon fibers in the plastic are aligned essentially parallel to the principal symmetry axis of the cylinder (1). The method of the production of a cylinder according to the invention is also claimed.

Abstract: A printing blanket is provided which resists gauge loss throughout its useful life when subjected to printing nip pressures. The printing blanket includes a printing surface layer and at least one fabric ply. The fabric ply is treated by impregnation with a 100% solids elastomeric urethane compound which penetrates the air spaces of individual fiber bundles in the fabric ply and fixes the individual fibers in the ply from relative movement so that that the blanket is resistant to permanent deformation. The blanket including the treated fabric ply retains at least 95% of its original gauge throughout its useful life.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surface structure of a clamping surface of a gripper system in a machine for processing sheets of printing material, includes generating the surface structure by the electrical discharge machining method. A gripper system, a gripper bar and printing press are also provided.

Abstract: A printing system comprises a moving rail, a cliché plate and a substrate positioned on the moving rail, a printing roller that transcribes a pattern material on the substrate by passing through the cliché plate. The printing system further comprises a cleaning unit that cleans the cliché plate.

Abstract: A method of on-press developing a high-speed laser sensitive lithographic printing plate with ink and/or fountain solution is described. The printing member comprises on a substrate a photosensitive layer soluble or dispersible in ink and/or fountain solution and capable of hardening upon exposure to a laser. The plate is exposed with a laser and on-press developed with ink and/or fountain solution. The on-press development is performed with the plate under a yellow-red light or in substantial darkness, and the lithographic printing is performed under white light.

Abstract: A printing device system comprises a printing roller that has a blanket adhered to an outer surface thereof. The printing device system further comprises a drying device that dries the blanket of the printing roller.

Abstract: An igniter assembly with a housing, an initiator, an input charge, a first barrier, a second barrier, and an output charge. The input charge is formed of a secondary explosive and disposed adjacent the initiator. The first barrier cooperates with the housing to form a chamber into which the input charge is received. The second barrier is disposed on a side of the first barrier opposite the input charge and combusts in response to energy released during detonation of the input charge. The output charge is formed of a pyrotechnic material and disposed on a side of the second barrier opposite the first barrier. The output charge can combust in response to energy released during combustion of the second barrier. The housing and the first barrier cooperate to isolate the output charge from heat and pressure generated by the input charge if the input charge is cooked-off.

Abstract: A remote digital firing system includes a firing circuit operative to fire remote mission payloads, a firing control panel linked to the firing circuit, and a digital code plug configured to communicate with the firing circuit and firing control panel. The firing circuit can generate, write and store one-time random session variables to the digital code plug. The firing circuit validates digital messages received from the firing control panel by comparing one-time random session variables embodied in the messages with the stored one-time random session variables, before firing the payload.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reinforcing system for a shaped charge assembly for use in a perforating gun. The shaped charge assembly includes a shaped charge combined with a longitudinal reinforcing system extending along a portion of a perforating gun barrel. The reinforcing system comprises a spine with a recess formed to receive the shaped charge of a perforating gun. The reinforcing system further comprises a compression zone coaxially disposed around a portion of the shaped charge. The compression zone is formed between a bushing and a retaining shell that also coaxially circumscribe a portion of the shaped charge and on one of their respective ends connect to the spine.

Abstract: An ejection system includes a frame; a controller unit coupled to the frame and adapted to receive a command input; a cartridge ejection unit coupled to the frame and adapted to eject a cartridge in response to the received command input; and a recording unit coupled to the controller unit and adapted to record data when the cartridge is ejected.

Abstract: A training projectile includes at its head a hollow arched cavity or cap that defines a hollow cavity within the head of the training projectile, and that bursts when the projectile strikes a target. Into this cavity are placed a first chemically-inactive marking material and a second chemically-active marking material, whereby both marking materials are released upon bursting of the arched cavity. The first marking material creates, for example, a color effect by means of a colored powder; the second marking material produces a light effect by means of, for example, materials that interact to produce chemo-luminescence.

Abstract: Disclosed is sabot and a firearm round for a firearm. The sabot includes a compression section defining a payload receiving chamber. The payload chamber receives a slug to form the firearm round. Additionally, the sabot includes a solid section connected to the compression section. The solid section can include a powder cup section for sealing ignition gasses. Typically, the sabot is formed from a high density polyethylene.

Abstract: Elevators for use during construction, maintenance and emergency evacuation which ride on rails on the outside perimeter of buildings are proposed. The rails can be on flat or curved walls. Building setbacks may have movable rail sections connecting the setback wall with the outer perimeter wall for the elevator to travel up the side of the building. Trusses on the elevators can support a crane. A turntable on the elevator can work in conjunction with the elevator and the crane to install or remove trusses for supporting the crane. During emergencies people can escape buildings and fire fighting equipment and personnel can enter building using the outside elevators. Construction safety may be improved by use of the easy to assemble, disassemble and move crane. The elevator cars may be easily attached to rails on the outside of buildings when needed and removed, transported and stored when not needed.

Abstract: A tram has a lead vehicle and one or more trailing vehicles coupled to it. Each vehicle has sets of front and rear wheels, both sets being steerable independently of the other. A manual controller provides signals to a processor in the lead vehicle, which in turn steers the front and rear wheels along a desired path. A processor on the first trailing vehicle controls front and rear servos to steer its wheels according to the path of the rear wheels of the leading vehicle. The second trailing vehicle has a processor that steers its front and rear wheels according to information provided by the first leading vehicle. Steering sensors on the vehicles sense distance to a steering rail while the vehicles are on a guideway and provide signals to the processors for automatic steering. While on a guideway, the tram uses power collectors to transfer power from the guideway.

Abstract: A system for guiding a vehicle along a guiding rail, comprising a guide roller device (1), characterized in that is comprises at least one rolling bearing roller (24) and at least one lateral roller (25, 26) forming the lateral part whereby the diameter thereof and the shape of the lateral surface (51, 52) entering into contact with the rail (2) are selected in such a way that the lateral roller has the same speed at the point of contact (54) thereof with the rail (2) as the central bearing roller (24) on the rolling surface on the rail.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fire-resistant ground cover and a composition and method for treating cellulosic material such as biomass, wood and organic mulch to increase its resistance to flame to provide a fire-resistant ground cover material.

Abstract: An ink composition containing an organic solvent and a pigment, which has a little amount of smell, excellent safety and health properties, excellent resin solubility, excellent printing stability and excellent drying properties, causes no corrosion to a printer, and is excellent in adhesion to non-absorbable printing media and good printability, wherein the ink composition comprises as the organic solvent at least one compound selected from compounds represented by the formulae (1) to (3), wherein each of R1, R2, R3, R4, R7 and R8 independently represents an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an alkenylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms and each of R5, R6 and R9 independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process for preparing a pigment dispersion, which comprises mixing a first solvent composed of an organic solvent in which a pigment has been dissolved with a second solvent which lowers the solubility of the pigment in the presence of a dispersant, thereby precipitating and dispersing particles of the pigment in a mixed solvent, wherein a pigment derivative to which a hydrophobic substituent having affinity for the first solvent has been bonded is used as the pigment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phase change black ink composition comprising (1) a low polarity ink carrier comprising (A) an ester-terminated polyamide, (B) a Guerbet alcohol or a Guerbet alcohol mixture including at least one linear alcohol, and (C) a low polarity wax, and (2) a black colorant. The ink carrier can also include a dispersant. The ink is resistant to aggregation and settling of the black colorant when a standby-mode printer temperature for the ink is not more than about the gel temperature of the ink.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink carrier comprising (A) an antioxidant mixture comprising (a) a hindered phenol antioxidant, and (b) a hindered amine antioxidant, (B) a polyalkylene wax, (C) a functional wax, and (D) an ester-terminated amide. The low polarity ink carrier is substantially resistant to phase separation, has excellent thermal stability, resists autocatalytic degradation of the ink composition and a substantial color shift upon standing, and provides enhanced humidity resistance. This ink carrier can be combined with a colorant to produce an ink composition.

Abstract: Pre-treatment compositions include organic liquids and cross-linking initiators. Pre-treatment compositions are included in ink sets that also include oil-based ink compositions. Oil-based ink compositions include organic liquids, unsaturated fatty materials having terminal polar functional groups, colorants, and metal salts. Methods for ink-jet printing use pre-treatment compositions and oil-based ink compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink carrier and a method for forming same, and a phase change ink including same. The ink carrier comprises a colloidal dispersion of at least one of silica nanoparticles and metal oxide nanoparticles. The ink carrier can also include a low melting wax, and a gelling agent. The ink carrier exhibits a substantially uniform distribution of the nanoparticles so that they are discretely distributed therewithin, and are substantially resistant to the aggregation of the nanoparticles distributed therewithin.

Abstract: An azo compound which is reduced in the copper ion content and exhibits hue and clarity suitable for ink-jet recording and which can give records having excellent light fastness, water resistance, and moisture proofness, and such ozone resistance as to control the fading and the discoloration; and water-base yellow inks containing the same. In particular, the azo compound represented by the formula (12) having a content of impurity copper ions of 100 ppm or below or salts thereof; and inks containing the same.

Abstract: An ink composition containing an organic solvent and a pigment, which has a little amount of smell, excellent safety and health properties, excellent resin solubility, excellent printing stability and excellent drying properties, causes no corrosion to a printer, and is excellent in adhesion to non-absorbable printing media and good printability, wherein the ink composition comprises as the organic solvent at least one compound selected from compounds of the formulae (1) and (2), wherein each of R1, R2 and R4 independently represents an oxygen atom or —NR6— wherein R6 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, a hydroxyalkyl group, a hydroxyl group or a hydrogen atom, and each of R3 and R5 independently represents a branched or non-branched hydrocarbon group represented by CmHn wherein m is an integer of 2 to 8 and n is an integer of 2m-4, 2m-2 or 2m.