Abstract: A railway vehicle for inserting plates on rail ties that engage with rails includes a frame configured for movement relative to the track and a plate inserter workhead mounted to the frame. The plate inserter workhead is configured for pivoting the tie plate about a leading edge of the plate so that the trailing edge of the tie plate is lifted off the tie. The plate inserter workhead is configured to subsequently release the plate.

Abstract: A roller coaster includes a cab that is rotatable between position for loading and unloading of passenger(s) and a position for riding the roller coaster. The cab includes a sliding pad mechanism, which is slidable on station entry and/or exit cams to move the cab between the two positions. In the position for loading and unloading the passenger(s), the cab is arranged so that the passenger(s) are non-parallel to a track of the roller coaster, and in the position for riding, the cab is arranged so that the passenger(s) are substantially parallel to the track.

Abstract: A method of decelerating a train is provided. The method including: disposing a movable surface configured to be moved by the train as the train passes the movable surface; and converting a kinetic energy of the train into potential energy upon movement of the movable surface by the train to thereby decelerate the train.

Abstract: A novel bitumen composition comprising a paraffin wax, wherein the wax has a congealing point of between 85 and 120° C. and a PEN at 43° C., expressed in 0.1 mm, as determined by IP 376 of more than 5.

Abstract: A paste is provided having as solid phase at least one nanoscale powder and as liquid phase at least one dispersant, wherein the fraction of the nanoscale powder is 30% to 95% by weight and the fraction of the liquid phase is at least 5% by weight, based in each case on the total amount of the paste, the paste has a water content of less than 3% by weight of water and the liquid phase has a VOC content of less than 10 g/l, and the use of the paste in preparing dispersions, the dispersions prepared thereby, and use in a variety of other enduses.

Abstract: The invention relates to aluminum pigments which are at least partially coated with lubricants, wherein said aluminum pigment have a) a water coverage between 40,000 and 130,000 cm2/g, b) a mean thickness h of less than 100 to 30 nm, as calculated from the water coverage as well as the h50 value determined from the cumulative breakthrough curve of a scanning electron microscope thickness count, c) as determined by a scanning electron microscope thickness count, a relative width of the distribution of thicknesses ?h between 70% and 140%, which is calculated on the basis of the corresponding cumulative breakthrough curve of the relative frequencies according to the formula ? ? ? ? h = 100 × h 90 - h 10 h 50 , , d) an aspect ratio d50/h of more than 200, e) a roughness value of from 0.30 to 0.9, calculated from the specific surface area, as determined by the BET test method, and the water coverage according to the following formula BET value/2×water coverage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fine-particle, bright and high-coating rutile-based pigment that is devoid of any metal or reactive metal compounds relevant to mill abrasion detectable by application technology but whose grain-size in terms of particle diameters ranges from 50 to 1000 ?m, for mono-, bi-, tri- or oliho-modal size distribution and a primary maximum ranges from 230 to 400 ?m, wherein optionally for a bi- or poly-modal frequency distribution, a secondary maximum is less than 25% of the primary maximum between 400 and 1000 ?m. The method for producing said pigment consists in treating an organic mixed-phase rutile structured oxide pigment by high-speed grinding in suspension in a ball grinding mill provided with a mechanically and chemically resistant coating until said grain-size and a substantially isometric rounded particle shape are attained. According to the invention, means for viscosity adjustment and surface conditioning of the pigment are also provided.

Abstract: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are formed using a dispersing agent to form nanoparticles with desired size, shape, and uniformity. The titanium dioxide nanoparticles are formed by reacting an inorganic titanium compound with water or ice to form an aqueous titanium compound. The aqueous titanium compound is reacted or combined with a dispersing agent. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are precipitated to form a suspension. The formation of the titanium dioxide nanoparticles is influenced by the presence of bonding of the dispersing agent. The size of the nanoparticles can be advantageously controlled by selecting the ratio of titanium to dispersing agent. In addition, the titanium dioxide nanoparticles can be used in suspension form or filtered and dried to form a powder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to synthetic cationic organo-stevensite clay material, in the use thereof in nanocomposites and to the production thereof.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to manufacture a material for concrete by using a fresh concrete sludge as a starting material. The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a material for concrete in which a material for concrete is manufactured from a slurry composed of a fresh concrete sludge obtained by treating a fresh concrete waste to separate a coarse aggregate and a fine aggregate. The manufacturing method comprises a grinding step of obtaining a product containing fine particles with a mean particle size of 10 ?m or less by wet grinding the slurry under a condition of water content of 60 wt. % or more.

Abstract: A table may include a table top and a frame. The frame may be connected to the table top using one or more fasteners. When a force is applied to the table, such as a force that draws the frame away from the table top, the fasteners may contact and/or engage one or more stops, which may help resist the frame's movement away from the table top and may help prevent damage to the table top.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for a folding table assembly comprising a lifting assist center torsion bar assembly, a lift off caster assembly and a stability locking mechanism. A folding table assembly with a lifting assist mechanism provides a lifting assist force during a portion of the folding process of a foldable table from an unfolded use position to a folded storage position. A lift off caster assembly maintains an unfolded table assembly in a stationary position and prevents the unfolded table from wandering or deviating from its original location on the floor. There is also provided a stability locking mechanism that can set the folding table in a folded and stable semi-closed position.

Abstract: A waste treatment system processes waste upon the application of energy. The system includes a vessel, and a plurality of plasma torches. Organic and/or inorganic waste may be introduced into the vessel, and the plasma torches may supply energy to treat the waste. The vessel is shaped to facilitate a cyclonic or substantially cyclonic flow of the contents within the vessel. The plasma torches may be positioned to enhance the cyclonic flow within the vessel.

Abstract: Unburned carbon is efficiently removed from fly ash, and effective utilization of the fly ash and removed unburned carbon is attained. Water is added to fly ash to thereby obtain a slurry. A collector is added to the slurry, and shearing force is applied to the slurry and collector to thereby attain a surface modification. The mixture is subjected to flotation operation at which unburned carbon of fly ash is attached to froths and surfaced. The application of shearing force to the slurry and collector can be carried out by means of a submerged agitator whereby an agitation power of 0.7 to 10 kWh/m3 is applied per unit quantity of slurry. The fly ash concentration of the slurry is in the range of 3 to 50 wt. %, and the amount of collector added is in the range of 5 to 100 wt. % based on the amount of unburned carbon of fly ash. The unburned carbon separated by flotation can be used as fuel, and the fly ash (product) having its unburned carbon content reduced to 1 wt.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying liquid-solid dispersions to soil. Valve means are provided which permit cleaning. An elongate conduit, with an aperture at one end, and a first valve proximate such aperture may be opened to permit passage of a pig member. An upwardly extending conduit is “T'ed” off the elongate conduit, and connects with a manifold and a plurality of supply tubes to direct the liquid-solid dispersions to the soil at various points along the frame of the applicator. A second valve may be provided on the upwardly extending conduit, which may be closed to prevent initial supply of the liquid-solid dispersion to the apparatus and instead flow to the aperture to prevent plugging during initial operation. The second valve, when closed, further serves as an anti-siphoning valve to prohibit further supply of liquid solid dispersion to the manifold. A method for cleaning such apparatus is further disclosed.

Abstract: A mattress edge sewing machine including a frame with a drive shaft rotatably mounted therein and having a material supporting surface, a sewing station defined by a needle bar mounted in the frame for generally vertical reciprocatory movements along a fixed centerline and a feed mechanism for pulling materials along a generally horizontal direction thereby facilitating advancement of multiple mattress material plies through the sewing station of the machine. The feed mechanism includes upper and lower positively driven feed rollers which are continually biased into operable engagement with each other. The feed rollers are arranged in the line of feed of the material and within a range of about 0.4 inch to about 1.0 inch rearwardly of the needle bar centerline whereby facilitating advancement of material through a sewing station on the machine and especially around four corners of a mattress being sewn.

Abstract: A gripper device in accordance with the invention comprises a gripper (3) and a counter knife element (4) that are fabricated separately and joined. As a result of this, optimal material combinations are possible, which will deal with both types of wear, namely between the gripper (3) and the tufting needle (5), on the one hand, and between the knife (6) and the counter knife element (4), on the other hand. The gripper module (1) accommodates the counter knife element (4), which, in turn, supports the gripper (3). The two parts may be joined by caulking, cementing, riveting, screwing or similar measures, or they may be cast together in the gripper module (1). The cutting of the loop is done exclusively between the counter knife element (4) and the knife (6).

Abstract: In a first shifting operation for shifting a sequin sewing device from an operative position to an evacuated position or in a second shifting operation for shifting the sequin sewing device from the operative position to the evacuated position, descending movement of a needle bar is inhibited by jumping the needle bar with a sewing machine maintained in an operating condition. Also, a jump code is inserted into embroidery data at a position where a shift is to be made from sequin sewing to ordinary sewing or from ordinary sewing to sequin sewing. Alternatively, the descending movement of the needle bar may be inhibited by reducing a rotation speed of the main machine shift with the machine maintained in the operating condition.

Abstract: Heat transfer press (1) that allows the transfer of a decoration based on transfer paper (6) or other stamping techniques onto a fabric (5) situated on a frame (8), so that the fabric (5) and the frame (8) can then be extracted from the heat transfer press (1.) and then be inserted directly into a conventional embroidery machine. In this way, the heat transfer press (1) enables the industrial production of stamped and embroidered fabrics (5). The inventive heat transfer press (1) comprises a stamping shape (7) substantially adapted in shape and size to the frame (8) that supports the fabric (5), frame holders (9) for the connection of the frame (8), and generator means (10) for the projection of references (11) enabling the correct positioning of the paper transfer (6) or similar on the fabric (5) prior to the transfer.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes sewing means having cloth feeding means for feeding a cloth in a front and rear direction and needle oscillating means for oscillating a needle in a right and left direction, driving means for separately driving the cloth feeding means and the needle oscillating means, pattern storing means for storing a plurality of pattern data on sewing patterns to be formed by the sewing means, and control means including calculating means for randomly combining the plurality of pattern data stored in the pattern storing means to create sewing data. The control means controls the driving means based on the sewing data. The sewing machine creates an irregular combination pattern with complicatedness being suppressed in a selection of the sewing patterns.

Abstract: A system for processing a material panel is provided including a table supported by a plurality of legs, the table having at least one linear edge. A sewing machine is provided functionally connected to the table at the at least one linear edge. An elongate track is provided mounted along the at least one linear edge. At least one sensor movable along said track is provided for measuring at least a length of the material panel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multilayer spunlaced nonwoven composite useful as a fire blocking component for an article, an article such as furniture or a mattress comprising the nonwoven composite, and processes for making the nonwoven composite and fire blocking an article with the nonwoven composite. The multilayer nonwoven composite comprises a first layer comprising 75 to 25 weight percent regenerated cellulosic fiber that retains at least 10 percent of its fiber weight when heated in air to 700° C. at a rate of 20 degrees C. per minute and 25 to 75 weight percent heat-resistant fiber, said first layer having a basis weight of from 1 to 5 ounces per square yard (34 to 170 grams per square meter); and a second layer comprising up to 75 weight percent of a regenerated cellulosic fiber that retains at least 10 percent of its fiber weight when heated in air to 700° C. at a rate of 20 degrees C.

Abstract: Three-dimensional, self-supporting lace embroidery article, and method of manufacturing same, wherein the article is made up of a plurality of lace embroidery panels consisting of physical embroidery lines of varying thickness and in an ornamental arrangement produced on an embroidery machine utilising machine readable code, wherein the embroidery panels are joined at predetermined locations to form the three-dimensionally shaped article, and wherein predetermined ones of said embroidery lines are disposed to provide a self-supporting structural lace framework or lace lattice grid.

Abstract: Gas supply arrangement of a marine vessel being adapted to carry liquefied gas in its gas tank having an ullage space section and a liquid phase section, which arrangement provides the gas for demands of the vessel, the arrangement comprising a gas supply line provided for delivering the gas formed in the gas tank to a consumption device, and a piping extending from the liquid phase section to the ullage space section of the gas tank being provided with at least a pump, for introducing gas into the ullage space section. The piping is provided with a heat transfer unit for effecting on the temperature of the introduced gas. The invention relates also to method of providing gas in a marine vessel with liquefied gas tank.

Abstract: A carbon fibre sailboat tiller, in particular for a sailboat having a traveller rope which passes across the tiller, has a midsection comprising an elongate, rounded ridge on its upper surface and a corresponding, inverted V-shaped groove on its lower surface. The ridge defines a ramped profile which minimises interference with the traveller block assembly, while the groove defines re-entrant surfaces which stiffen the tiller and allow its vertical profile as well as its clearance from the deck to be reduced. Preferably the midsection of the tiller is widened laterally, and the ridge and recess extend for between 50% and 67% of the total length of the tiller.

Abstract: A multipurpose recreational assembly comprises a first module having a top side and a bottom side, a first pair of channel members each having a first side and a second side, a first pair of guide members, and a second module having a top side and a bottom side. The first pair of channel members is mounted to and extends longitudinally along the top side of the first module. The first pair of guide members is attached to the bottom side of the second module, and couples with the first pair of channel members. A plurality of rollers may be positioned between the first side and the second side of the first pair of channel members to allow the first pair of guide members to roll along a longitudinal length of the first pair of channel members.

Abstract: An emergency floatation system for an aircraft includes an actuator box assembly that activates the floatation system either electrically or manually. The actuator box assembly is separated from a valve assembly of an inflation reservoir and provides an interface between an electromechanical trigger system and a redundant mechanical trigger system. The actuator box includes a pivot member that provides an interface for the redundant trigger systems and an output actuator. For normal operation a button in the cockpit is pressed which sends an electrical signal to an electromechanical actuator in the actuator box assembly. The electromechanical actuator rotates the pivot member, which operates the output actuator and opens the valve assembly. Alternatively, should the electrical system of the aircraft fail, the pilot or other occupant may activate the mechanical trigger system, thereby rotating the pivot member and activating the output actuator to open the valve assembly.

Abstract: Device for disembarkation on a marine structure for landing a craft that can be conveyed on the surface of water, comprising interacting landing devices arranged to the marine structure and craft respectively. The landing devices comprise a principally vertically elongated part and a contact member, respectively. The contact member is intended to partially surround part of the elongated part.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for position detection having a magnet and a sensing element which has switched states or parameter values depending on the magnetic field generated by the magnet, with the apparatus furthermore having a means for influencing the magnetic field, with the means being made and arranged such that different switched states or parameter values of the sensing element can be generated in dependence on the position of the magnet, the sensing element and the means for influencing the magnetic field with respect to one another.

Abstract: An inflatable buoy assembly for use with diving equipment includes a scuba tank, a first stage regulator, a first stage regulator hose and a buoyancy compensator, the assembly including a buoy including a balloon attached to and in fluid communication with a balloon mounting vessel; and an air valve adaptor in fluid communication with the first stage regulator and the buoyancy compensator and having an air fill chuck valve for direct connection to the buoy; so that the balloon is deflated while the assembly is carried and stored, and when the buoy is needed, air is delivered into the mounting vessel from the buoyancy compensator to inflate the balloon.

Abstract: An automated balloonsonde launcher and a method for an automated balloonsonde launch are disclosed. The automated balloonsonde launcher, for example, may comprise a collapsible protective cover forming an inner region for receiving a balloon, a gas inlet for receiving a gas, a gas outlet for mating with a balloon, a valve operable between the gas inlet and the gas outlet for inflating a balloon within the inner region of the protective cover. The launcher further comprises a controller that controls the valve to inflate a balloon within the protective cover, opens an opening in the protective cover and releases a balloon through the opening of the protective cover.

Abstract: There is provided a CPA-type liquid crystal display device in which deterioration in display quality due to application of stress to a liquid crystal panel is suppressed. A liquid crystal display device according to the present invention includes a first substrate; a second substrate; and a liquid crystal layer of a vertical-alignment type provided therebetween. In each picture element region, a first electrode provided on a side of the first substrate facing the liquid crystal layer includes a solid portion formed of an electrically-conductive film and a non-solid portion in which no electrically-conductive film is formed. The solid portion includes a plurality of unit solid portions each of which is substantially surrounded by the non-solid portion, the plurality of unit solid portions being arranged at least along a first direction.

Abstract: An optical medium having a high refractive index without anisotropy and a wide transmission wavelength is obtained. The cubic crystal material is ??O3, where ? is at least one of K, Ba, Sr, Ca, and ? is at least one of Ta, Ti. Optimally, the cubic crystal material is KTa1-xNbxO3, where composition x is 0?x?0.35. This composition enables to raise refractive index while its phase transition temperature is below a room temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated continuous coating apparatus for coating industrial components such as porcelain, glass, and polymeric insulators. The apparatus consists of a several stage continuous inline operation. The stages are a cleaning operation, followed by drying and heating, coating, and curing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a substrate temperature during an electroless deposition process. The apparatus includes a deposition cell configured to support a substrate at a position above a fluid distribution member. A heated fluid is dispensed from the fluid distribution member and contacts the backside of the substrate, thus heating the substrate. The fluid is dispensed from apertures configured to maintain a constant temperature across the substrate surface. The method includes flowing a heated fluid through a diffusion member against a backside of the substrate in a configuration that is configured to generate a constant processing temperature across the front side or processing side of the substrate.

Abstract: A substrate holder whose component members are not being corroded even if employing a high concentration of hydrofluoric acid, phosphoric acid, or sulfuric acid as a treatment solution when plural pieces of substrates are held with a substrate holder and immerses in the treatment solution in a treatment reservoir for treatment. The substrate holder 12 comprises a moving member 26 that is made of SiC and is supported to be movable between inside and outside of a treatment reservoir 10 where a treatment solution is stored; a plurality of substrate retainer frames 28 and 30 that are fixed to the moving member 26, and located in a horizontal direction along the array direction of substrates W; and retainer members 34a, 34b, 36a, 36b that are formed at the substrate retainer frames 28 and 30, and are held being in contact with the lower end portions of the substrates W.

Abstract: A process for the coating of substrates comprising insertion of a substrate into a process oven, dehydration of the substrate, withdrawal of a metered amount of one or more chemicals from one or more chemical reservoirs, vaporizing the withdrawn chemicals in one or more vapor chambers, and transfer of the vaporized chemicals into a process oven, thereby reacting with the substrate. An apparatus for the coating of substrates comprising a process oven, a metered chemical withdrawal subsystem, and a vaporization subsystem.

Abstract: Substrate processing systems and methods are described for site-isolated processing of substrates. The processing systems include numerous site-isolated reactors (SIRs). The processing systems include a reactor block having a cell array that includes numerous SIRs. A sleeve is coupled to an interior of each of the SIRs. The sleeve includes a compliance device configured to dynamically control a vertical position of the sleeve in the SIR. A sealing system is configured to provide a seal between a region of a substrate and the interior of each of the SIRs. The processing system can include numerous modules that comprise one or more site-isolated reactors (SIRs) configured for one or more of molecular self-assembly and combinatorial processing of substrates.

Abstract: An ear prop prevents a pet's ears from contacting or substantially contacting food or water in a bowl or dish. The ear prop has members for elevating, supporting or displacing the pet's ears, and the ear prop may comprise a shield. A dish for holding food or water for a pet is constructed to keep the pet's ears from contacting or substantially contacting food or water in the dish. The dish comprises a bowl section and an ear prop section. The bowl section has a floor piece with a boundary continuously connectable to a boundary of a side wherein another boundary of the side defines an opening of the dish. The ear prop section is operably connected to the opening to provide a mechanism for elevating, supporting or displacing the pet's ears.

Abstract: A drinking bowl for a pet and adapted for use in a moving vehicle has a base section which defines a liquid reservoir having a cylindrical side wall and a removable in-turned rim at the upper end thereof. An inner section has sufficient buoyancy to float on liquid in the reservoir, the inner section being a close sliding fit within the side wall and having a dished upper surface with a central liquid-receiving area. A plurality of liquid feed holes extend through the inner section to permit liquid to flow into the central area from which a pet may drink.

Abstract: Use of an animal litter having a whiteness value greater than 90 %, for observing the colour of the animal's urine by observing the modification of the coulour of the litter after its contact with the urine.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for selectively affecting the behavior of elasmobranch fish such as rays, skates and sharks, with electromagnetic waves. The apparatus comprises a power source, an electrical circuit capable of generating a selected voltage and current in a selected frequency, an antenna to transmit the generated electromagnetic waves, and an optional control means disposed between the power source and the antenna. In operation, this apparatus generates and transmits electromagnetic waves whose effects are perceivable by certain aquatic elasmobranch fish, which can be adjusted to cause a selected behavior, such as attraction or repulsion. The characteristics of the emitted electromagnetic waves can be controlled and changed to fit the desired needs.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for selectively affecting the behavior of elasmobranch fish such as rays, skates and sharks, with electromagnetic waves. The apparatus comprises a power source, an electrical circuit capable of generating a selected voltage, current, and alternating frequency, an antenna capable of receiving the converted power from the electrical current and transmitting the converted power as an electromagnetic field, and an optional control means disposed between the power source and the antenna. In operation, this apparatus generates and transmits electromagnetic waves whose effects are perceivable by certain aquatic elasmobranch fish, which can be adjusted to cause a selected behavior, such as attraction or repulsion. The characteristics of the emitted electromagnetic waves can be controlled and changed to fit the desired needs.

Abstract: A game surrogate device for game chicks comprising a brooding chamber, free-range chamber, and a movable partition.

Abstract: A nesting box for birds including a front wall with an entrance aperture, a rear wall, a bottom, a roof and mounting means for mounting the nesting box on a support construction. The front wall has an opening with which one of a group of plate-like elements can selectively co-act, each of which elements has an entrance, aperture with dimensions specific to a determined category of birds, which entrance apertures of the different elements have mutually differing dimensions and can thus allow passage of birds of differing dimensions. A marking relating to the dimensions of the relevant entrance aperture is added at each entrance aperture such that the marking is visible from the outside via the opening or via a second opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to protect a dog from inclement weather and birds of prey or other animals while the dog relieves itself. The apparatus comprises a tent structure enclosed on integrated top and sides and front and rear, no floor structure providing the animal direct access to the open ground for relieving itself, flapped textile panel entry access at front and means for ventilation of odors and circulation of fresh air. In practicing the method, a tent is provided and erected out-of-doors. A dog is trained to utilize the tent. During inclement weather, the dog is placed outside to relieve itself in the tent.

Abstract: A teat foam ring connected to a supply of pressurized cleaning solution and a supply of pressurized air. The teat foam ring includes a cleaning solution inlet and defines a cleaning solution channel and an extrusion slot. Cleaning solution and compressed air flow into the ring through the cleaning solution inlet and into a cleaning solution channel. The cleaning solution is expelled from the ring through the extrusion slot as a foam. The teat foam ring may include or be connected to a mixing chamber for transforming the cleaning solution and the compressed gas into a foam. The mixing chamber may be defined within the inlet of the teat foam ring. A mixing medium may be located in the mixing chamber.

Abstract: An animal release chute for use in steer or calf roping competitions is described. The chute has a fixed section and a moveable section that telescopes forwardly relative to the fixed section. A release gate at the forward end of the moveable section is moveable between a closed position for retaining a steer or calf inside the chute and an open position releasing the steer or calf from the chute. A sensor at the rearward end of the fixed section senses the presence of the horse of the roper at the rearward end of the fixed section. Only when the roper's horse is at the rearward end of the fixed section can the gate be released to release the calf. The chute system assures that there is always the fixed, predetermined distance between the calf and the roper at release.

Abstract: This invention relates to a collar device that limits the head movement for a canine or feline pet while the pet is recuperating from surgery or injury. The collar may be fitted with removable ear guards. The collar is capable of being coupled to a leash so the animal can be taken on a walk with the protective collar in an operative position.

Abstract: A tuck is performed at the opening of a bag, in association with a rigid annular element coplanar to said opening. A cord is placed sliding within said tuck performing the closing of said bag with the ends of said cord are pulled, performing at the same time the detachment of elastic threads attached to said annular element, while the loose ends of said strings are attached to parts of the animal. Said annular element and said bag's opening are placed around the anal orifice of the animal.