Abstract: A gas separation module 25 is disclosed for separating air into nitrogen 27 and oxygen 26 enriched fractions. The nitrogen enriched fraction 27 may be used to inert an atmosphere inside a fuel tank 32. The air is separated into nitrogen 27 and oxygen 26 enriched fractions by providing a plurality of strands of gas separation membrane wound around a core and maintaining a pressure difference across the walls of the strands of membrane. A low pressure difference of?30 psi maintained across the membrane is able to effect gas separation and provide highly nitrogen enriched air. The membrane has preferably been subjected to a modification technique to increase its gas permeability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decommissioning a fluid storage and dispensing system including a fluid storage and dispensing vessel containing adsorbent sorptively retaining residual fluid. The decommissioning involves removing the residual fluid, including superheating the adsorbent to temperature in a range of from (i) temperature substantially in excess of bulk desorption temperature of the fluid on the adsorbent, up to (ii) temperature substantially in excess of decomposition temperature of the fluid.

Abstract: A mixing chamber, for the application of a disinfecting agent by vapour, exploits the combined and combined and synergistic action of the mixed product and comprises a calming zone, at least one section (15) for inletting vapour in said calming zone, at least one section (7) for outletting vapour, and for directing it to an applicator nozzle, characterized in that it comprises a spray nozzle (5) inletting a disinfecting agent under pressure in said calming zone, drawing it from a suitable tank (3).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating natural gas comprises a contactor having a manifold for spreading gas in the contactor vessel, a plurality of perforated plates above the manifold, a spray system for spraying a treating liquid into an upwardly rising column of gas and a liquid level controller for maintaining the treating liquid above the perforated plates. Gas and liquid from the contactor pass through a cooler and are then separated. A treating liquid regeneration system receives the treating liquid and flashes the liquid at low pressure to separate hydrocarbon gases, hydrocarbon liquid and treating liquid. The treating liquid is regenerated by heating and flashing off contaminant gases and is ultimately redelivered to the contactor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cyclone for separating fine particles from a gas. The cyclone includes a cyclone body having an upper end with an inlet and a lower end with a particulate outlet, gas outlet tube with an upper end that extends upwardly into the lower end of the cyclone body, and a vortex breaker. The upper end of the gas outlet tube is connected to the lower end of the cyclone body by a slip joint. The configuration of the cyclone provides for efficient removal of fine particles as compared to conventional techniques. A vessel containing cyclones, and methods of separation using the cyclones and vessel, also are disclosed.

Abstract: A filter assembly has a plurality of filter elements extending longitudinally in a housing interior volume and shaped to increase filter media area by reducing unused space in the interior volume as compared to filter elements having a cylindrical shape.

Abstract: Multiple storage tanks and multiple valves that open simultaneously allow gas charges stored at superatmospheric pressure in the tanks to simultaneously discharge and form a single substantial percussion pulse that dislodges particulate matter from a diesel particulate filter.

Abstract: A high capacity filtration media, method of preparing the media, and method of treating a fluid stream with the media are provided. The media contain a porous substrate impregnated with high concentrations of a permanganate. Preferably, the media includes a porous substrate impregnated with at least about 8% permanganate by weight. The media can optionally contain sodium bicarbonate. Improved capacity for the removal of undesirable compounds such as ethylene, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan are achieved.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen separation membrane prepared by compression-molding metal microparticles having hydrogen adsorbing properties, wherein the microparticles are composed of 0.5 to 50% by weight of a first metal powder and 50 to 99.5% by weight of a second metal powder having a relatively larger average particle diameter than the first metal powder.

Abstract: Porous polymeric membranes formed from a hydrophobic polymer, such as halar having membrane pores of a size sufficient to permit gas and/or vapor permeation 0.05 ?m to 5 ?m without permitting the flow of a hydrophilic fluid across the membrane. Pore distribution is uniform and porosity is high, in some cases up to 80%. Membranes may be in the form of a flay sheet or hollow fibre for example and can be used in a variety of applications such as stripping HF gas, degassing of caustic solution, chlorine gas/alkaline filtration, degassing tap water to remove dissolved chlorine. Processes used to make such membranes can be carried out using relatively non toxic solvents such as citric acid ethyl ester or glycerol triacetate.

Abstract: An air purifier includes a collector electrode assembly removable from an opening on the top surface of the unit and a safety lid detached from the collector electrode assembly for covering the opening on the top surface of the unit. The safety lid is configured to cover the opening whether the collector electrode assembly is at rest within the housing or has been removed from the housing for cleaning.

Abstract: A cyclone dust-separating apparatus in which the electrical field and particle charge can be uniform and stable. The cyclone dust-separating apparatus comprises: a cyclone body; an air intake pipe, through which air flows from outside into the cyclone body; an air exhaust pipe, through which air flows out of the cyclone body; a grounding member installed on the inside surface of the cyclone body; a plurality of discharge electrode members installed on the air exhaust pipe; and a high voltage power source connected to the air exhaust pipe. The air exhaust pipe conducts electricity, and the discharge electrode members are installed on one or more sides of the air exhaust pipe, are needle-shaped, and protrude from the outer surface of the air exhaust pipe so as to form a uniform and stable electrical field.

Abstract: A gas-removing device serves to remove impurity gases from the air supplied to a fuel cell via an air supply system. The gas-removing device includes a porous material and an alternate adsorption membrane. The porous material has micropores formed therein in order to absorb impurity gas particles contained in the air. The alternate adsorption membrane is formed on the inner walls of the micropores of the porous material in order to further adsorb and retain at least one type of impurity gas particles from among the impurity gas particles absorbed by the porous material. The alternate adsorption membrane includes at least one positively charged layer and at least one negatively charged layer laid alternately to one another.

Abstract: A vehicle air dryer comprising: a dryer cylinder for drying compressed air passing therethrough, an exhaust assembly for providing an additional air outlet, a backflow assembly for providing a backflow air passage, an air pressure governor assembly for maintaining air pressure inside the vehicle air dryer, an one way check valve for providing one way air passage for dried compressed air and preventing air leakage, and a dryer valve body having an air inlet, an air inlet chamber, an air outlet, a slanting air passage leading to the air outlet, a first opening for installing the exhaust assembly, an opposite, second opening for threadingly attaching the dryer cylinder, a third opening, substantially perpendicular to the second opening, for mounting the backflow assembly, and a fourth opening, substantially parallel to the third opening, for receiving the air pressure governor assembly.

Abstract: An air purifying device includes at least one liquid-absorptive filtering core, a sterilizing liquid contained in the filtering core, and a liquid container for supplying the sterilizing liquid to the filtering core. The sterilizing liquid includes a nonionic detergent and a free radical releasing agent. The filtering core includes a porous foam sheet with a high void ratio and a plurality of highly absorptive cotton threads that are uniformly distributed on the foam sheet and that form carriers for the sterilizing liquid. When the air purifying device is mounted in an inlet or upstream side of a mask or an air circulating path of an air conditioner, the hazardous pollutants in the air can be filtered and the bacteria and virus in the air can be killed, thereby purifying the air.

Abstract: The inventive system for evaluating the charged state of depollution means integrated into the exhaust line of a motor vehicle engine is characterised in that it comprises means (7) for determining a pressure in the depollution means, means (8) for determining the volume gas flowrate upstream said depollution means (10) and means for comparing the depollution means state defined by the thus determined pressure and the volume flowrate with a predetermined diagram (11) of the absent, overcharged and clogged states of the depollution means in order to evaluate the state thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for and a method of informing replacement time of an air filter, more particularly, to a device for and a method of informing replacement time of an air filter, in which the accumulation amount of the dust accumulated in the air filter is calculated based on the factors such as a contamination degree of the air introduced into the air filter, air introduction time, and air introduction volume, and then when the accumulation amount of the total dust in the air filter exceeds a reference value, a driver is informed of the replacement time of the air filter, so that it is possible to replace the air filter at an optimum instance to thereby maintain the pleasant interior circumstance of a vehicle, to prevent the dissipation of the expense caused by the unnecessary early replacement of the air filter, and to prevent the interior air contamination of the vehicle due to the delay of the replacement of the air filter, and the like.

Abstract: Beverage making apparatus which controllably produces a beverage from a brewing substance by combining heated water with a brewing substance. The beverage making apparatus includes a volume adjustment assembly (22) which can be controlled by a user to increase or decrease the volume of water which is controllably dispensed to the beverage making substance. The apparatus and method for using the apparatus includes controllably dispensing water from a water source such as a water reservoir (34) or pressurized water line to a controllable heated water reservoir (53). The heated water reservoir communicates with the spray head (40). A flow meter (46) is provided and communicates with a water dispensing line (38) between the water source and the heated water reservoir for monitoring the volume of water flowing through the dispensing line.

Abstract: An insert for use in a beverage preparation machine of a type comprising a brew head comprising an upwardly directed inlet for supplying water to the brew head and a downwardly directed outlet for outflow of beverage produced by the machine. The insert comprises, or is adapted to contain in use, a quantity of beverage ingredients in a brewing volume. A lower surface of the insert comprises an inlet and an outlet arranged to communicate respectively with the inlet and outlet of the brew head of the beverage preparation machine when the insert is inserted into the machine such that, in use, water from the inlet of the brew head passes upwardly through the inlet of the insert into the brewing volume and such that beverage produced from the water and the quantity of beverage ingredients passes downwardly through the outlet of the insert to flow out of the outlet of the brew head.

Abstract: A cartridge for the preparation of a beverage consists of a lateral cylindrical surface (S) obtained by rolling of a sheet and welding thereof along a line (L), as well as a top base (T) and a bottom base (B) welded to the cylindrical surface (S) so as to close the apertures at the ends of the latter, both the cylindrical surface (S) and the bases (B, T) being made from a flexible and gastight material. In this way a cartridge is obtained with a regular shape and easy to manufacture that not only is cheaper, more efficient and more environmentally friendly than prior art cartridges, but it also allows to make a coffee machine that is cheaper, more practical and lighter and can even be totally automatic.

Abstract: A cooking appliance, includes a pair of cooking plates pivotally mounted to various angular positions, including a vertical position. Each plate is formed, centrally of its lower edge in the vertical position of the two plates, with a ribbed formation defining a drain channel for draining from the plates fluids emanating from the food article during the cooking thereof between the plates. A disposable food holder is provided including a pair of panels of heat-resistant sheet material joined to each other to define a compartment for holding the food article during the cooking thereof, the compartment having a small drain opening aligned with the drain channel of the cooking plates for draining fluids emanating from the food article.

Abstract: A cooking device particularly useful for cooking pasta, includes: an elongated receptacle for receiving the pasta to be cooked and water to be heated for cooking the pasta, the receptacle being closed at one end and open at its opposite end; a sieve attached to the open end of the receptacle for removing the water after the pasta has been cooked therein; and a cover attached over the sieve for covering the sieve during the cooking of the pasta, and detachable therefrom to permit removing the water from the receptacle via the sieve after the pasta has been cooked. Detachment of the cover from the sieve is facilitated by inter-engaging cam surfaces effective, upon the initial rotation of the cover, to move the cover axially outwardly with respect to the sieve in order to release to the atmosphere any negative pressure generated within the receptacle by condensation of vapors or cooling of the water.

Abstract: An organic foliage compactor for compacting organic foliage into a bale is disclosed. The compactor includes a compactor frame and a compacting tube coupled to the compactor frame. The compacting tube includes a first end, a second end and a housing that defines an interior passage extending between the first end and the second end through which the organic foliage is urged to compact the organic foliage. A feed tube to which the organic foliage is to be introduced is in communication with the compacting tube. A driver provides an urging force to be imparted on organic foliage introduced to the feed tube, and a platen is operatively coupled to the driver for urging organic foliage introduced to the feed tube into the compacting tube where it is compacted as the organic foliage progresses through the interior passage defined by the housing between the first end and the second end of the compacting tube as a substantially steady-state process.

Abstract: A method of securely duplicating in a copying machine a document which includes a readable security device. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: reading the readable security device to determine contents of the readable security device; copying the document; generating a copy of the readable security device that includes data which is determined from the contents of the readable security device; and attaching the copy of the readable security device to the copy of the document before the copy of the document exits the copying machine to generate a secure duplicate of the document.

Abstract: Two or more designated images are combined (S1254), and the type of security process to be performed for the combined image is input (S1253). The security process is performed for the combined image by using the information associated with the input type of security process (S1255).

Abstract: A method for producing a coil assembly includes overlaying printed circuit traces on a core. The traces include terminals for coupling to conductive connections on a base on which the coil assembly is to be mounted. Two or more wires are wrapped around the core so as to define two or more coils, wrapped in different, respective directions. The ends of the wires are coupled to the printed circuit traces, so as to connect the wires through the traces to the terminals.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for a liquid crystal display (LCD) device and a patterning method using the same is disclosed. The printing apparatus includes a printing plate; a printing roller to roll on the printing plate and to print a pattern material onto a substrate; a coating roller to transfer the pattern material to the printing roller; and a printing nozzle to coat the pattern material onto the coating roller.

Abstract: A printing device and a printing method using the same is disclosed. An air pocket is formed in a cliché stage to prevent a cleaning solution from permeating into a space between the cliché stage and a cliché plate, thereby preventing a lower surface of the cliché plate from being contaminated. The printing device comprises a cliché stage for fixation of a cliché plate, a plurality of vacuum holes disposed in the cliché stage for providing a vacuum to fix of the cliché plate to the cliché stage; and an air pocket surrounding the plurality of vacuum holes for providing air to minimize permeation of a cleaning solution into a space between the cliché plate and the cliché stage.

Abstract: At least one of a transverse elongation and a longitudinal elongation of a printing material are compensated for. The printing material passes through serially arranged printing couples in a printing press. A component of the transverse elongation is compensated for after passage of the printing material through a first printing couple and before its entry into a second printing couple. This can be accomplished by the use of a framing controller. Alternatively, this transverse elongation can be compensated for by the displacement of at least one printing forme which is situated on a subsequent printing couple. The printing forme can be displaced transverse to a production direction of the printing material, relative to a reference mark on the printing material. An elongation of the printing material, which is known at the time of image generation on a printing forme of a subsequent printing couple can be compensated for by proper configuration or positioning of the printed image on the printing form.

Abstract: A printing unit for printing a web of paper is provided. The printing unit includes a frame and at least a first and a second printing group, each printing group including a blanket cylinder and a plate cylinder. The printing unit also includes a cylinder support and movement mechanism, at least one throw-on configuration in which the blanket cylinders are pressed against each other and against the plate cylinders, and at least one throw-off configuration in which the blanket cylinders are spaced apart from each other. The support and movement mechanism includes at least one connection which connects the plate cylinder and the blanket cylinder of at least one printing group. The connection includes a region of lesser strength which is intended to break under a predetermined force.

Abstract: A liquid supply assembly for use with a printing system of a type in which a liquid is deposited from the liquid supply assembly in a receiving region on a plate and any excess of the liquid in the receiving region is scraped from the plate by the liquid supply assembly. To this end, the liquid supply assembly employs a reusable cup, a disposable cup insert and a scraping element. As assembled, the reusable cup includes a reusable liquid reservoir, the disposable cup insert includes a temporary liquid reservoir holding the liquid within the reusable liquid reservoir, and the scraping element includes a conduit facilitating a flow of the liquid held by the temporary liquid reservoir through the conduit to the plate.

Abstract: A method for producing a stamp with a pattern includes deciding a design, the design including three sections separated by three imaginary lines that intersect with one another at a common imaginary point, the design being distributed in the three sections and exhibiting a three-dimensional visual effect; and processing an end of a stamp to form a pattern according to the design, with the pattern exhibiting a three-dimensional visual effect. The stamp includes a body with an end face. The end face includes a pattern having three sections separated by three imaginary lines that intersect with one another at a common imaginary point. The pattern exhibits a three-dimensional visual effect.

Abstract: An imaging system employing a printing plate and a mounting plate. The printing plate includes a printable plate body, and a mounting channel extending through the printable plate body. The mounting plate is used to mount the printing plate thereon during an execution of an imaging method (e.g., an indicia formation process and/or a pad printing process). The mounting plate includes a mountable plate body, a magnetic coupling channel extending into the mountable plate body and a magnetic coupler. The magnetic coupler includes a base magnetic member (e.g., a magnet) embedded in the mountable plate body, and an insertable magnetic member (e.g., a magnetic shaft) that can be magnetically coupled to the base magnetic member in response to the insertable magnetic member being concurrently inserted through the mounting channel of the printing plate and into the magnetic coupling channel.

Abstract: A printer is provided for printing individuated items that are conveyed in a series past a treatment element prior to printing in series to produce high durability or resolution images on the individuated items.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying ink to the inactive area of a lens, the method comprises the steps of: A, positioning lens; B, preparing stamping member; C, coating and inking by moving the stamping member linearly; D, retracting the stamping member; and E, taking out the lens. The apparatus comprises a stamping member and a positioning member. The stamping member moves linearly back and forth relative to the positioning member, on the surface of the stamping member is formed an inking surface coated with ink. The shape, the area, the location and the angle of the inking surface fit the inactive area of the lens to be inked. The inking surface of the stamping member can contact the inactive area of the lens, so as to enable the inactive area to be fully coated with ink.

Abstract: In an optical disc drive, adapted for forming a label on the label side 14 of a recordable optical disc 10, a determination of the rotation angle a is provided, so that the marking of the label side 14 can be synchronized upon. The method to determine the rotation angle a is based upon one or two of the signals 17?, 18?, 19?generated by the Hall-effect elements 17, 18, 19 which are normally present in an optical disc drive and are used to generate the tacho signal 24. Advantageously, the actual relationship between rotation angle a and the amplitude of these signals is recorded in a calibration procedure, so as to allow for a higher precision of the rotation angle a determined. This calibration procedure may be performed in the factory or by the user, and may not require any additional ad-hoc equipment if a synchronization pattern present in an optical disc is used.

Abstract: A black matrix used with color filters and a method of manufacturing the black matrix. The black matrix is formed on a substrate and defines a plurality of pixel regions. The black matrix has an ink-phobic upper surface having a plurality of nano-sized grooves formed therein, and ink-philic lateral surfaces.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an ink feed of an offset printing press having a control computer and at least one inking unit controlled by the control computer. The control computer calculates an ink layer thickness necessary for the color through the use of spectral reflectance values and, in order to set the calculated ink layer thickness, performs necessary setting operations on the inking unit. A printing press having an apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A patterning method and a method for manufacturing an LCD device using the same are disclosed. The patterning method includes preparing a printing plate having concave and convex portions; coating a pattern material in the concave portion of the printing plate; rolling a printing roller on the printing plate to print the pattern material of the concave portion on the printing roller; and rolling the printing roller on a substrate to print the pattern material of the printing roller on the substrate.

Abstract: A novel transfer ordnance line and novel end fittings for the transfer line for use in space vehicles, aircraft, missile systems and other military applications. The transfer line is a Rapid Deflagrating Cord (RDC) hermetically encapsulated in a metal tubing. The metal tubing terminates at end fittings such as a loaded high energy (HE) end fitting which detonates, a low energy (LE) end fitting which burns, and a percussion primer used to start burning of the RDC in the transfer line. The transfer line is constructed so that gases produced during the burning of the RDC do not escape and pose a threat to the surroundings during functioning and so moisture does not enter the system during shelf life, transportation, or at any other time prior to functioning. With minor adjustments to the transfer tube and the end fittings, the transfer tubing can be made flexible by forming a coil.

Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having destructive elements. The weapon also includes a folding lug switch assembly that provides a mechanism to attach the weapon to a delivery vehicle and is configured to close after launching from the delivery vehicle, thereby satisfying a criterion to arm the warhead. The weapon still further includes a guidance section including an antenna configured to receive mission data before launching from the delivery vehicle and further configured to receive instructions after launching from the delivery vehicle to guide the weapon to a target.

Abstract: A device (1) for the application and/or for the removal of elements for the connection of a rail to a railway track sleeper, comprising at least one lever (2, 3) mounted on a frame (4) in a rotatable manner around an axis of rotation (5, 6), and equipped with at least one pressure organ (7, 8) adapted to engaging the connecting element, and at least one cylinder-piston group (9) adapted to driving the lever (2, 3) in order to assemble or disassemble the connecting element. The cylinder-piston group (9) comprises a cylinder body (10) and a sliding piston (11) housed within the cylinder body (10) and moveable with respect to the cylinder body (10) under the action of pressurised fluid.

Abstract: A problem for the present invention is to provide a surface-treating agent which improves heat resistance, adhesiveness to resin and solder wettability. This problem is solved by a surface-treating agent for metal comprising a tetrazole derivative represented by the following general formula and/or a salt thereof. (wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or an alkyl group or an aryl group, etc., which each have a carbon number of not more than 10, and a group having a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, an amino group or a mercapto group added thereto, or represent an amino group, a mercapto group, a hydroxyl group or a carboxyl group; and R3 represents a bond or an alkylene group, etc.

Abstract: A rust preventive agent which contains, as an active component, at least one species selected from a compound of the formula (1) or (2) and a salt thereof; a rust preventing method and a rust preventive resin composition using the rust preventive agent.

Abstract: Complexes of tropolone and copper and/or zinc were solubilized in ammoniacal solution providing preservative solutions that fully penetrate wood. With loss of the ammonia from the wood, the complexes were stably retained in the wood providing a long lasting preservative.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microencapsulated pigment in which pigment particles having cationic groups on their surfaces are coated with a polymer having repeating structural units derived from an anionic polymerizable surfactant having at least an anionic group, a hydrophobic group and a polymerizable group, and a microencapsulated pigment in which pigment particles having anionic groups on their surfaces are coated with a polymer having repeating structural units derived from a cationic polymerizable surfactant having a cationic group, a hydrophobic group and a polymerizable group. Further, the invention relates to a process for producing the microencapsulated pigment, an aqueous dispersion containing the microencapsulated pigment, and an ink jet recording ink containing the aqueous dispersion.

Abstract: Aqueous recording fluids comprise (a) at least one colorant which is not completely polymer enveloped, (b) at least two wetting agents selected from alkoxylated alcohols, alkoxylated acetylene alcohols, alkoxylated or nonalkoxylated acetylenediols, alkylpolyglucosides, sugar ester alkoxylates, fluorosurfactants, anionic surfactants and cationic surfactants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for easily and quickly erasing images, including letters, formed on a printed matter at a low cost, and a device for utilizing the method. The images, including letters, on the printed matter are erased by bringing an oxidative gas generated by a remote plasma device into contact with a portion of the image, colored with a dye.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a liquid clay allowing paintings to be freely made on a painting media such as a drawing board or cardboard with a spatula, and whereby the picture that has been painted presents a texture similar to that of an oil painting. This is characterized in that it is produced as a result of adding fine vegetable powder and sodium alginate or an equivalent material to an aqueous solution of CMC (carboxymethylcellulose) or an equivalent material and kneading, so as to prepare a liquid clay body in a state suitable for spatula application, and in that pigment is added to this liquid clay body.

Abstract: Provided is a dispersant including a hydrophobic moiety with a branched alkyl group and an arylene group and a hydrophilic moiety with an alkylene oxide group and a carboxylic acid group. The alkyl group is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group of 5-30 carbon atoms, the arylene group is a substituted or unsubstituted arylene group of 6-30 carbon atoms, and the alkylene oxide group is a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene oxide group of 2-10 carbon atoms. The dispersant has good dispersibility, and a low residual carbon content after sintering. Thus, a paste composition including the dispersant can maintain a low viscosity and disperse many inorganic particles. Thus, an inorganic device prepared using the paste composition can have a low residual carbon content and a high packing density.