Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a pressure vessel containing a bed of particulate material comprising substantially leveling the bed and employing a fluid flow distributor above the bed.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an industrially viable PSA process that requires small volumes of molecular sieve carbon and feed air. In order to achieve the above object, the PSA process uses the molecular sieve carbon satisfying the following relationships (I) and (II). (1)ln C?0.325+5.14×ln {(0.64+0.098)×Q/(P+0.098)}??(I) (2)ln U?2.124?0.135×ln C??(II) where C indicates an oxygen level (ppm) in the nitrogen gas product; Q indicates a volume of nitrogen gas produced per minute per unit effective volume of a single adsorption column; P indicates an adsorption pressure (MPa); and U indicates a ratio of the volume of the feed air to the volume of the nitrogen gas produced.

Abstract: An inventive adsorptive gas separation process is provided capable of producing a purified methane product gas as a light non-adsorbed product gas as opposed to a heavy desorbed exhaust gas component, from a feed gas mixture comprising at least methane, and carbon dioxide. In an embodiment of the invention, the feed gas mixture may comprise at least about 10% carbon dioxide, and the purified methane product gas may be desirably purified to contain less than about 5000 ppm carbon dioxide. In another embodiment of the invention, the feed gas mixture may comprise at least about 50% carbon dioxide, and the purified methane product gas may be desirably purified to contain less than about 5000 ppm carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A cryogenic gas storage system for optimal desorption of adsorbed gases, wherein a gas storage material is subjected to enhanced, ample selected recirculation of gas of the same type as the adsorbed gas, at suitable temperature and pressure, so as to supply of heat energy to the material and thereby provide optimal desorption of the gas. Output gas is heated by ambient heat or dissipation heat utilizing at least one heat exchanger. A portion of the output gas goes to a gas consumer, the remainder is fed back to the container.

Abstract: A pump for use in operably evacuating a chamber in a vacuum degassing apparatus includes one or more pumping cavities that are in fluid communication with the chamber, and a continuous vent channel that has an outlet disposed in fluid communication with a respective one of the one or more pumping cavities. The vent channel is configured to provide dilution gas flow into the pumping cavity of the pump at a rate sufficient to prevent solvent condensation in the pumping cavity during operation of the pump in liquid degassing applications.

Abstract: A gas-separation module allows a sweep gas to be introduced at selectively variable locations, and in selectively varying amounts, along the length of the module. The sweep gas enters the module through a perforated conduit. A slotted sleeve, disposed within the conduit, selectively blocks and unblocks perforations in the conduit. Rotation of the sleeve causes slots to come into, or out of, registration with the perforations. The sleeve permits varying amounts of sweep gas to be introduced at different locations along the length of the module. Rotation of the sleeve changes the profile of introduction of sweep gas, and can be used to optimize the performance of the module for each of a set of different pressure conditions.

Abstract: A modular frame for use in air purification devices is described. In one aspect of the invention, a plurality of frame members are arranged in a linked stack to form a housing for components of an air purification device. The frame members are arranged to define a flow channel through which a fluid stream passes and to support components of the air purification device that receive the fluid stream. In another aspect of the invention, a plurality of rods are arranged to pass through the frame member stack. A first one of the rods serves as an electrical power source at a first potential and a second one of the rods serves as an electrical power source at a second potential. Electrical connectors are provided to electrically couple electrodes on selected components of the air purification device to their associated rods. In devices that utilize electrostatic filters, the electrodes that are connected to the rods may include the electrodes of the electrostatic filters.

Abstract: A gas treatment device (1), comprising a charging agglomeration part (10) which charges and agglomerates components targeted for collection in gas by utilizing corona discharge, and a filter part (20) which collects the agglomerated components. The charging agglomeration part (10) is disposed on the upstream side, and the filter part (20) is disposed on the downstream side. By this configuration, using the agglomerating functions and precipitating functions of corona discharge and the precipitating functions of filters, ultra-fine particulates can be agglomerated and enlarged. Moreover, the present invention is a gas treatment device that has high performance and low pressure-loss and that is capable of being configured in a compact form factor such that it can also be used as an exhaust gas purification device mounted onboard an automobile.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, without limitation, are activated carbon honeycomb catalyst beds and systems for removing mercury and other toxic metals from a process stream, i.e, from flue gas of a coal combustion system. The activated carbon honeycomb can for example remove greater than 90% mercury from flue gas with a simple design and without adding material to the flue gas. Also disclosed herein, and without limitation, are methods for manufacturing and using the disclosed honeycomb catalyst beds and systems.

Abstract: A response system for managing indoor air quality in a structure is provided. The response system comprises an indoor air quality appliance and a hazardous gas detector. The indoor air quality appliance is for improving indoor air quality in the structure and the hazardous gas detector is for sensing a hazardous gas. The hazardous gas detector is operably coupled to the indoor air quality appliance. The hazardous gas detector instructs the indoor air quality appliance to at least one of activate and increase a ventilation rate when the hazardous gas detector senses the hazardous gas one of at and above a predetermined level. As such, the indoor air quality is managed.

Abstract: An improved process for supplying to a processing apparatus a gas containing at least one impurity that reacts and/or nucleates to form contaminating particles suspended in the gas is disclosed. The improvement includes sampling a flow of the gas upstream of the processing apparatus with a particle counter and/or particle capture filter to detect an amount of the contaminating particles in the flow of the gas, and generating a signal when the amount of particles is in excess of a predetermined amount. An apparatus for performing the process includes: a supply source; at least one processing tool; a particle counter upstream of the processing tool and downstream of the supply source; a microprocessor in electrical communication with at least the particle counter; and optionally a particle capture filter in parallel with the particle counter. The process and apparatus are useful in the manufacture of integrated circuits.

Abstract: Beverage Mate consists of at least some of the following: a base, metal adaptor, power switch, power cord, cold/hot switch, adjustable flanges, heating coil, an external cooling unit and a line connecting the cooling unit to the adjustable flanges. To use Beverage Mate, a person places a beverage between the metal flanges and onto the base, plugs the unit into a cigarette lighter using the adaptor attached to the power cord and activates the power switch. The hot or cold setting is then chosen. If the user selects the hot setting, the heating coil in the base is activated allowing the beverage to heat or remain warm if it is already hot. If the user selects the cold setting, the cooling unit is activated allowing the beverage to cool or remain cool if it is already cold.

Abstract: Water dispensers are disclosed which include a Sabbath function. When activating the Sabbath function, water refill of the hot water reservoir tank is prevented and the heating of the water in the hot reservoir tank is modified to provide a constant heating at a less than boiling temperature.

Abstract: A coffee maker comprises a pump for pressurizing water, a pump tube connected to an outlet side of the pump, and a brewing chamber which is adapted to accommodate a coffee pad. During operation of the coffee maker, the water is heated and pressed through a coffee pad in order to obtain coffee. In order for the performance of the coffee maker to be stable, it is important that a predetermined pressure is obtained in the brewing chamber. The stability of the performance is found to be dependent on a ratio between a length of the pump tube and a wavelength of a wave which is caused by the pump in the pump tube during operation. If said ratio is within a range of 0.3 to 0.7±0.5N, wherein N is an integer, the performance is stable. However, if the ratio is outside of this range, the performance is unstable.

Abstract: An automatic dispenser for brewing beverages from a product in granular form, composed of: a brewing chamber; a device for dispensing the product in granular form, having a dispensing opening and a chute communicating with the dispensing opening, the chute being adapted to channel the product towards the brewing chamber; and an automatic device for cleaning the chute. The automatic device for cleaning includes a wiping arm disposed within the chute and an electric drive mechanism connected for imparting a cleaning movement to the wiping arm.

Abstract: A method for extracting an espresso coffee beverage by means of an espresso coffee machine, comprising: a) providing an extraction chamber, which comprises a dose of roasted and ground espresso coffee and a normally-closed septum which is arranged downstream of the coffee dose; b) injecting hot water into the chamber, outward dispensing of the beverage being prevented through the normally-closed septum; c) when the water pressure reaches a preset value, the partition is opened in order to force the beverage to pass through a small orifice before it is dispensed into the cup, the size of the orifice being such as to keep the dose of coffee contained in the extraction chamber at a substantially uniform pressure along the direction of the flow of water, so that the espresso coffee beverage extracted through the orifice comprises crema.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine is electrically operated and has a control unit, at least one functional unit, and an electric circuit for supplying the functional unit and the control unit with current. The electric circuit has a switch for switching the current on or off, through respective first and second operations of an operating element. The switch has a first switch contact and a second switch contact, which are connected in parallel in the electric circuit. The first switch contact is brought into a closed state by the first operation of the operating element, and assumes an open state after the second operation. The control unit provides a control signal so that the second switch contact is closed after the first operation of the switch and opened after the second operation of the switch.

Abstract: A beverage mixing and dispensing device includes a housing, a liquid supply nozzle supported by the housing and configured to dispense a stream of liquid, a liquid supply mechanism in fluid communication with the liquid supply nozzle and configured to convey a supply of liquid to the liquid supply nozzle for dispensing, and a hopper configured to store a predetermined volume of a granular food product and configured to convey a stream of the granular food product into the stream of liquid. The liquid supply nozzle is configured such that the stream of liquid and the stream of the granular food product mix mid-stream to dispense a mixed product.

Abstract: A cooking pan assembly comprising; a top pan body pivotally mounted to a bottom pan body, the bottom pan body defining a reservoir and having a handle mounted extending from the bottom pan body and a middle pan body defining a reservoir which has a lesser surface area than that of the bottom pan reservoir mounted to the bottom pan with the middle pan body extending into the reservoir of the bottom pan. The middle pan is constructed with a pan body having a side wall defining a cavity and a flat bottom, a handle secured to the pan body and an elevation support member extending from the side wall opposite the handle. The bottom pan is provided with an angled elevation member defining a plurality of parallel slots which receive the elevation support member of the middle pan.

Abstract: A triangular frying pan includes a planar, triangular base. The base has a top surface to receive a food product, a bottom surface to rest upon a stove burner and first, second and third side edges. The sidewalls extend upwardly from first, second and third side edges, respectively. At least one pouring spout is formed at an intersection of any two of the first, second and third sidewalls. A handle has a gripping end and an attaching end and is attached to one of the first, second and third sidewalls. At least one of the sidewalls is attached to the base at an angle greater than 90 degrees. The handle is attached at an intersection of any two of the first, second and third sidewalls. The top and inner surfaces of the frying pan are coated with a non-stick material. A lid is sized and shaped to fit the pan.

Abstract: A chicken leg and wing grill rack comprises a flat mounting member having a plurality of slots and apertures alternately positioned about the periphery thereof. An enlarged periphery thereof. An enlarged aperture and connecting slot are centrally located on the flat member. Chicken wings are mounted in the apertures and chicken legs are mounted in the slots. Pivotal legs are mounted on the ends of the substantially rectangular flat member to support the chicken parts at a predetermined distance above the grill and permit folding for storage purposes.

Abstract: Produce decontamination apparatus comprises a chamber 10 for accepting produce to be decontaminated and/or sterilised, and means for producing a free radical saturated atmosphere within the chamber 10 so that, in use, the free radical saturated atmosphere decontaminates and/or sterilises the produce. Preferably, the means for producing a free radical saturated atmosphere comprises one or more first atomising sprayheads 30a, a supply 32 of ozonised liquid which is supplied to the first sprayheads 30a, and means for breaking down the ozone forming part of the ozonised liquid once discharged from the first sprayheads 30a. Preferably, the means for breaking down the ozone is in the form of one or more UV light emitting devices 48, 50.

Abstract: Conventional type liquefier appliance that incorporates an anti-drip system consisting of a “T”-shaped spout seal, besides the inclusion of a series of non-slip strips on the connecting gears between the drive unit and the rotary elements, which enable it to come to a sudden stop without the inertia of said elements forcing them in an upward direction, furthermore the grater disc is not fixed to the drive element by a through-screw but rather said screw is welded to its under side, while in addition the push piston terminates in a concavity which engages the piece to be liquefied during use and wherein said piston may be replaced by a feed hole reducer piston.

Abstract: Compacting machine comprising a compaction chamber connected to introduction means arranged to forcedly introduce a predetermined quantity of material to be compacted into the compaction chamber by conferring on the material a substantially rotary movement, the compaction chamber comprising at least one plate made to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the plate and arranged to at least partly close the compaction chamber laterally.

Abstract: The invention resides in a compactor cleaning system comprising a compactor cleaning apparatus and cleaning plate device being located on a compactor drum or wheel of a compactor having feet thereon, to remove any debris between the feet. The drum/wheel has an outer surface or rim with spaced feet thereon. The compactor cleaning apparatus includes scraping means, supporting means, and hinging means which are supported by the compactor via the hinging means whereby the scraping means is connected to the supporting means. The hinging means is constructed and adapted to allow the compactor cleaning apparatus to move substantially vertically in a biased manner to clean or remove debris between the feet of the compactor. Each cleaning plate device includes two plates joined together at one end and splayed apart at the other end as attached to the drum surface whereby the debris is less likely to be found between the feet of the compactor.

Abstract: A microcontact printing tool having a print unit including a stamp head with a stamp and a wafer chuck for retaining a substrate. The stamp contained by the stamped head movable relative to the substrate by an actuator and a stage. A plurality of sensors detect the position of the stamp relative to substrate. A method of using the printing tool that includes a real-time feedback for consistent and accurate application of force during the printing of the substrate. The stamp head includes a pressure chamber carrying the stamp. The stamp backing is deflected prior to contact of the stamp with the substrate to form a minimum point and the stamp backing and the stamp is returned to a plane to create a printing propagation contact. An apparatus has a master backing and a stamping backing in close proximity and the stamp material drawn in through a vacuum. The stamp is separated from the master by use of a parting fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screening machine comprising a frame and two bearing arrangements which are arranged thereon for the rotational positioning of a screening cylinder, whereby the bearing arrangements comprise rings which are rotationally driven around a common axis and which support catches on the sides opposite to each other. In order to enable the head piece of the screening cylinder to be mounted on the ring, said catches can be positioned on one half of the periphery thereof.

Abstract: A reel-fed rotary printing press including printing units for printing at least one web, wherein each printing unit includes a form cylinder with a circumference defining a circumferential direction and a length defining a longitudinal direction. The form cylinder can be lined with at least two broadsheet pages extending upright in the circumferential direction, and at least two broadsheet pages extending widthwise in the longitudinal direction. In order to produce tabloid products while maintaining their book structure, the form cylinder can also be lined with at least two tabloid pages extending upright in the circumferential direction, and at least two tabloid pages extending widthwise in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A cylindrical roll, which may be an anilox roll, for receiving a fluid for subsequent transfer is provided. The cylindrical roll includes a body that is configured for rotation about an axis. A transfer zone is on the body and is configured for receiving a fluid for subsequent transfer therefrom. A dead zone is on the body and is adjacent to the transfer zone. The dead zone has a helical pattern that is configured for urging fluid towards the transfer zone during rotation of the body.

Abstract: A method for producing a transfer drum simply, rapidly, at low cost and with high accuracy. A pair of end plates are coaxially arranged at a predetermined distance and in parallel with each other. A plurality of aluminum profiled members are bridged between the end plates and their end portions are fixedly securing to the end plates, respectively. A drum of a cylindrical shape as a whole is thereby produced, wherein arcuate outer surfaces of the profiled members are continuous with each other, through mutual abutting surfaces therebetween.

Abstract: A flexible anti-marking system for use on a printing press transfer cylinder is resilient to compressive forces. The system includes an outer flexible substrate layer having a textured surface protruding from a first side for supporting the freshly printed sheet material. The system further includes an inner flexible material that is resilient to compressive forces having an outer surface disposed in contact with the back side of the outer flexible substrate layer and an inner surface for contacting the transfer cylinder. A stiffening strip is mechanically fastened to a longitudinal edge portion, whereby the anti-marking system includes a stiffened longitudinal edge for fixturing to the transfer cylinder, the stiffened longitudinal edge comprising the stiffening strip and the longitudinal edge portion of the outer flexible substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for positioning a flexible printing plate on a carrier, comprising the following steps of: placing on a table the flexible printing plate for positioning; determining the position of the printing plate by means of a visual display device; and depending on the position, moving the printing plate to its end position on the carrier, wherein the position of the carrier is sensed in the vicinity of the final position and the carrier is moved to its end position depending on the position sensed in the vicinity of the final position. The positioning takes place much more accurately as a result of these measures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling impurity levels in an enclosed printing press environment are disclosed. A disclosed system controls impurity levels by using variable speed fans to control the intake of air into the enclosed environment and the exhausting of air from the enclosed environment. The exhaust fan is used to control the impurity levels within the enclosed environment. Adjustments to the speed of the exhaust fan are based on sensors which measure impurity levels in the enclosed environment. The intake fan is used to maintain a constant static pressure level within the enclosed environment. Adjustments to the intake fan speed are based on static pressure sensors within the enclosed environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electropyrotechnic initiator comprising: an ignition support (10); an electrical initiation system (11) connecting the ignition support (10) to a source of electricity; and a cap (2) containing at least one explosive composition, the cap being of generally cylindrical shape presenting an open first end (20) connected to the ignition support (10), an opposite second end that is closed by an end wall (21), and a peripheral side wall (22) which presents at least one zone of weakness (3). This initiator is essentially remarkable in that at least one of the zones of weakness extends along a non-closed trace and over a portion only of the side wall (22), i.e. without reaching its opposite ends.

Abstract: A switch device having a base, a first electrically conductive pad coupled to the base, a second electrically conductive pad coupled to the base, a first electrically conductive projection and a second electrically conductive projection. The second electrically conductive pad is spaced apart from the first electrically conductive pad by a first predetermined distance. The first electrically conductive projection is coupled to the first electrically conductive pad and extends into the first gap. The second electrically conductive projection is coupled to the second electrically conductive pad and extends into the first gap. The second electrically conductive projection is spaced apart from the first electrically conductive projection by a second predetermined distance. The first and second electrically conductive projections form an electrical interface.

Abstract: A device having an initiator and an integrated planar switch. The initiator has a base, an initiating element that is coupled to the base, a first element pad, which is electrically coupled to a first side of the initiating element, and a second element pad, which is electrically coupled to a second side of the initiating element opposite the first element pad. The integrated planar switch has a source pad and a return pad. The source pad is coupled to the base and is spaced apart from the first element pad by a first gap distance to define a first gap therebetween. The return pad is coupled to the base and is spaced apart from the second element pad by a second gap distance to define a second gap therebetween.

Abstract: An exemplary self-destruct fuze delay for a submuntion includes a container filled with an activation fluid, a spring-loaded ampoule breaker to break the container upon deployment of the munition, a spring-loaded self-destruct firing pin to initiate a secondary detonator in close proximity to a primary detonator, and an interlock ball supported by the ampoule breaker that locks the self-destruct firing pin away from the secondary detonator. The ampoule breaker includes a piston and a timing ball, which accesses the activation liquid. The action of the activation liquid on the timing ball over time causes the timing ball to erode until it is forced into the container by the spring-loaded piston. The movement of the piston frees the interlock ball, allowing the spring-loaded self-destruct firing pin to move under force and impact or initiate the secondary detonator.

Abstract: An exemplary self-destruct fuze delay for a submuntion includes an ampoule filled with an activation fluid, a spring-loaded pin to break the ampoule upon deployment of the munition, and a wick to collect and retain the activation liquid in contact with a spring loaded restraining link having an embedded firing pin. The activation liquid contacts the restraining link, preferably via the wick. The action of the activation liquid on the restraining link over time causes the link to fail at the predetermined location, allowing a severed portion with the embedded firing pin to move under force (e.g., spring, gas) and impact or initiate a secondary detonator. The secondary detonator is in close proximity to a primary detonator typically used to initiate a main charge of the submunition. Initiation of the secondary detonator destroys the primary detonator and, depending upon slide location, either sterilizes the submunition, or destroys the entire submunition.

Abstract: An ammunition cartridge assembled from (1) a substantially cylindrical polymeric cartridge casing body defining a casing headspace with an open projectile-end and an end opposing the projectile-end, wherein the casing body has (A) a substantially cylindrical injection molded polymeric bullet-end component with opposing first and second ends, the first end of which is the projectile-end of the casing body and the second end has a male or female coupling element; and (B) a cylindrical polymeric middle body component with opposing first and second ends, wherein the first end has a coupling element that is a mate for the projectile-end coupling element and joins the first end of the middle body component to the second end of the bullet-end component, and the second end is the end of the casing body opposite the projectile end and has a male or female coupling element; and (2) a cylindrical cartridge casing head-end component with an essentially closed base end with a primer hole opposite an open end with a coupli

Abstract: The invention relates to a gantry crane of a machine, for the exchange of sleepers on a track, which may be displaced in a machine longitudinal direction on crane tracks. Two crane buggies on the gantry crane, at a separation from each other in the machine transverse direction are embodied such as to be displaced relative to the crane chassis by means of a displacement drive for altering the gauge. The corresponding crane tracks may be adjusted in the track transverse direction by drives to change the gauge.

Abstract: An amusement ride includes a support structure generally having the shape of a vertical standing arch that spans from a first ground base to a second ground base. Movably supported on the support structure is at least one vehicle for carrying one or more passengers at least partially along a length of the support structure from an initial loading position at one of the first and second ground bases. The vehicle is hereby lifted by a lifting device from the initial loading position upwards along the support structure and slowed down by a braking mechanism when it travels from an elevated position in a downward direction along the support structure.

Abstract: An improved trolley for use in a smokehouse. The improved trolley is of a sandwich construction, having a wear-resistant outer tire and non-metal spindles to facilitate rotation of the trolley wheel on an axle. The tire is designed to avoid damaging a track along which the trolley rides, and to reduce the abrasion of the track which can cause contamination to meat carried by the trolley. The non-metallic spindles not only do not require lubrication, but are also substantially less prone to freezing when subjected to brine chill or similar cleaning procedures. The spindles are designed to withstand temperatures of 180 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit in excess of six hours, and are designed to support loads in excess of one thousand pounds.

Abstract: A passenger rail car includes a lower passenger compartment that includes a plurality of passenger seats. The passenger rail car also includes an upper passenger compartment that includes a plurality of passenger seats. A control cab for a rail car operator is elevated above the floor of the lower passenger compartment, and is located forward of the passenger seats and behind the crash energy management region. The front end of the passenger rail car may be slanted to provide a greater field of view for the rail car operator.

Abstract: Provided is a collision energy absorbing apparatus capable of mitigating loads to the car body proper, passengers and the like by adding a structure combining a prescribed static strength and collision energy absorption performance to an energy absorbing body of the collision energy absorbing apparatus. In a limited inner space of a car body, a cover 80 that covers energy absorbing bodies 51, 52 combines a prescribed static strength and collision energy absorption performance. The cover 80 prevents irregularities, such as the breakage of cylindrical bodies of aluminum alloy, i.e., the energy absorbing bodies 51, 52 in each of the stages of transportation, storage, assembling and the like of the collision energy absorbing apparatus 50.

Abstract: A railroad freight car that may include multiple units, including a container well for carrying intermodal freight containers in the body of at least one unit and with the body including container supports, located in the corners of the container well, that include a cast metal base welded to a side sill of the car. A container support tower also welded to the side sill extends upward from the base and may also be of cast metal.

Abstract: An electroless copper plating solution is disclosed herein. The solution includes an aqueous copper salt component, an aqueous cobalt salt component, a triamine based complexing agent, and an acidic pH-modifying substance in an amount sufficient to make the electroless copper plating solution acidic. A method of preparing an electroless copper solution is also provided.

Abstract: Autocatalytic plating is a form of electrode-less plating in which a metal, for example, cobalt, nickel, gold, silver or copper, is deposited onto a substrate via a chemical reduction process. Coatings derived from this process are usually more uniform and adherent than from other processes and can be applied to unusually shaped surfaces. Non-metallic surfaces can only usually be coated via this process following suitable sensitisation of the substrate. This invention therefore provides a method of preparing a substrate material for subsequent autocatalytic deposition of a metal coating reducing the need for surface preparation by using a reducible silver salt with a suitable filler in a printable ink formulation. Autocatalytic deposition may be used to coat whole surfaces or pre-determined patterns may be deposited by known printing methods.

Abstract: An aqueous pigment preparation containing: (A) at least one organic and/or inorganic pigment; (B) at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible non-ionic oligoester or polyester, which is obtained by the polycondensation of dicarboxylic acid and glycol components, said oligoester or polyester comprising I) one or more aromatic dicarboxylic acids, their esters or anhydrides, II) C2-C8 alkenediols, III) poly (C1-C4-alkene)glycols and/or methylpoly(C2-C4 alkene)glycols, IV) optional water-soluble addition products of alkene oxide on C1-C24 alcohols, C6-C18 alkylphenols or on C8-C24 alkylamines and V) one or more optional polyols; (C) optional additional dispersants and surfactants that are conventionally used to produce aqueous pigment dispersions; (D) optional additional additives that are conventionally used to produce aqueous pigment dispersions; and (E) water.

Abstract: An ink composition including: a colorant, a betaine-based surfactant represented by the following formula (1) and a defoaming agent: (R)p-N-[L-(COOM)q]r??(Formula 1) (wherein, R represents a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, aryl group or heterocyclic group, L represents a divalent or more linking group, M represents a hydrogen atom, alkaline metal atom, ammonium group, protonated organic amine or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group or quaternary ammonium ion group, or represents a group that does not exist as a cation in the case of being a counter ion of an ammonium ion comprising an N atom in formula (1), q represents an integer of 1 or more, r represents an integer of 1 to 4, p represents an integer of 0 to 4, p+r is 3 or 4, N is a nitrogen atom that composes a quaternary amine in the case where p+r is 4, R may be the same or different when p is 2 or more, COOM may be the same or different when q is 2 or more, and L-(COOM)q may be the same or different when r is 2 or more).

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermosetting resin composite material excellent in mechanical strength and wear resistance at high temperature, which is achieved by converting graphite into thin-layered one and dispersing it in a thermosetting resin homogeneously. A thermosetting resin composite material, wherein an organically modified graphite having an organic compound molecule inserted between graphite layers is mixed with a thermosetting resin, the organically modified graphite being prepared by subjecting graphite to a chemical treatment to form a graphite interlayer compound having a low-molecular substance inserted between graphite layers and subsequently immersing the resultant product in a solution of an organically modifying agent, as well as a process for producing the same. Preferably, the organically modified graphite is mixed with a thermosetting resin to be converted into thin-layered one having a layer thickness of 0.