Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the thermochemical conversion of a fuel, comprising the following steps: a) provision of a fluidised-bed reactor with a central first combustion zone (1) and a second combustion zone (7) that is separated from the first by flow conduction means (2, 15), the first combustion zone (1) being provided with a supply opening (16) for supplying fuel and a unit (3), which lies opposite the supply opening (16) on the floor (B) of the fluidised bed reactor, for deviating a stream of fuel into the second combustion zone (7); b) feeding of fuel through the supply opening (16), so that a stream of fuel forms that is directed towards the floor (B); c) deviation of the stream of fuel on the floor (B) into the second combustion zone (7), so that the stream of fuel is guided in an essentially opposite direction; and d) additional deviation of the stream of fuel in the vicinity of the supply opening (16), causing the stream of fuel to be returned to the first combustion zone.

Abstract: A method for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions of a bubbling fluidized bed boiler burning biofuel and an air distribution system for a bubbling fluidized bed boiler biofuel. A fluidized bed is arranged in a lower part of a furnace of the boiler. The bed is fluidized by fluidizing gas that includes primary air. Fuel is fed to the fluidized bed, which dries and pyrolizes into pyrolysis gas including volatile matter of the fuel. The gas rises upwards in the furnace and burns. Secondary air is supplied above the fluidized bed from secondary air nozzles, and tertiary air is supplied above the secondary air nozzles. A part of primary air is supplied in connection with fuel feeding such that the fuel is forced substantially on the surface of the fluidized bed, thus pyrolizing entirely, and at least a part of the pyrolysis gases formed in the pyrolysis is burned by primary air such that the air coefficient in relation to the volatile matter of fuel in the pyrolysis gases is in the substoichiometric area.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for manufacturing solid fuel using combustible waste, to manufacture RPF or RDF by melting general waste and combustible waste as well as the waste plastics, such as waste tires, waste vinyl and PET bottles, by using heat generated in a combustion apparatus.

Abstract: A foreship arrangement for a vessel of the displacement type, which foreship consists of the part of the ship in front of the vessel's midship mark (2) and which vessel has a transversely symmetrical hull form about its centre line (CL) and a substantially conventional bow form below its design water line (Tdwl), characterised in that the stem line (1) of the vessel turns substantially backwards in relation to the length direction of the ship from a transition point (B) at or immediately above the design water line (Tdwl).

Abstract: An apparatus or integrated hull design to stabilize boats with V-shaped hulls. This invention includes a cavity affixed to the inside of the hull confirming to the shape of the inside of the hull. The hull has a step toward the rear of the hull to transition from the V-shape to an essentially flat shape. An opening is provided through the hull and cavity in the step. The cavity extends above water level and is provided with a cover and a vent. The design allows water to enter the cavity enhancing stability when idle or at slow speed and to exit the cavity when at higher speed.

Abstract: A submarine has a pressure hull (20) which includes a number of adjoining transparent viewing sections (21 and 22) in the shape of truncated spheres. The sections (21 and 22) are clamped to a body section (23, 24) by a cage (40) and tension rods (44) which pass slidably through a thrust ring (38) interposed between the transparent sections. Access to a passenger compartment within the pressure hull is obtained via a hatch (32) in a mid section (23). The pressure hull is housed in an external hull designed for surface cruising. Ballast tanks are formed between pressure hull and the external hull, and the tie rods pass through low pressure seals to pivotal anchorage points within the ballast tanks.

Abstract: At least one actuator for actuating a guest lap bar locking assembly for releasably positioning a lap bar includes a rotatable actuator hub, a telegraph rod interconnected with the rotatable actuator hub, an operator arm also extending from the actuator hub and a toggle latching assembly interconnected with the actuator hub. The toggle latching assembly provides for rotation of the telegraph rod to actuate the lap bar locking assembly to prevent movement of the lap bar in at least one particular direction.

Abstract: The noisemaker pennant is a combination pennant or flag and a noisemaker device that enables the sports fan to simultaneously express his or her emotions at an event both visually and audibly. Waving the present noisemaker pennant serves to display the pennant or flag thereon, while simultaneously activating the noisemaker device attached thereto. The noisemaker pennant may have various types of pennants, flags, banners, etc. formed of relatively thin, flexible material, with a sports team logo, player's name, political symbol, etc., displayed thereon. The noisemaker portion may be any of various devices, including, but not limited to, clappers, ratcheting devices, bells, whistles, etc. The noisemaker portion and/or the pennant may be removably secured to the staff, to allow the user to interchangeably install different noisemakers with the pennant or flag. A handgrip is provided on the staff opposite the noisemaker end thereof.

Abstract: An example display assembly includes a first and second dial face with a first pointer and a second pointer. An information display is disposed between the second scale and the second axis that generates data to communicate information about the vehicle. The second pointer includes a transparent portion to provide uninterrupted viewing of an information display within the second dial face.

Abstract: A method and a device to grow from the vapor phase, a single crystal of either SiC, a group III-nitride, or alloys thereof, at a growth rate and for a period of time sufficient to produce a crystal of preferably several centimeters length. The diameter of the growing crystal may be controlled. To prevent the formation of undesirable polycrystalline deposits on surfaces in the downstream vicinity of the single crystal growth area, the local supersaturation of at least one component of the material grown is lowered by introducing a separate gas flow comprising at least one halogen element or a combination of said halogen and hydrogen species.

Abstract: A dual damascene structure and a method of forming a dual damascene structure are disclosed. The dual damascene structure includes an insulation member, a single crystal member and a filling member. The insulation member has an opening having a dual damascene shape. The filling member is formed on a side face of the opening. The single crystal member contacts the filling member. The single crystal member fills up the opening. In order to form a dual damascene structure, an insulating member having an opening partially filled with a preliminary single crystal member is formed. The filling member is formed on a side face of the opening. The preliminary single crystal member epitaxially grows to fill up the opening. Because the filling member is positioned between the single crystal member and the insulation member, void formation may be reduced between the single crystal member and the insulation member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for grasping, retaining, inverting, coating and transporting a plurality of frangible conical confection shells. The present invention also relates to a modular and reconfigurable manufacturing system for producing frozen cone confections and the like.

Abstract: A system for applying a curable material of a selectable density, comprising: a supply of each of one or more curable material components; a dispensing apparatus connected to each supply and comprising an outlet through which the one or more curable material components are dispensed; and a density modifying agent injection point, located upstream from the outlet, for incorporating an amount of a density modifying agent into the one or more curable material components, the amount corresponding to a selectable density of a cured product obtained from the curable material components. An apparatus for mixing and applying a curable material of a selectable density. A method of applying a curable material of a selectable density. A method including varying the density of the curable material during application thereof.

Abstract: A marking assembly includes a substrate and a marking device. The substrate includes a first portion made from a first material including a plurality of alignment features, and a second portion made from a second material affixed to the first portion of the substrate. The marking device is affixed to the second portion of the substrate and aligned to the alignment features of the first portion of the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a fixture assembly comprising one or more cartridge assemblies, each cartridge assembly comprising one or more part-holders surrounding a driveshaft and supporting a target. The fixture assembly also includes a base assembly in contact with the one or more cartridge assemblies and wherein each cartridge assembly and each part-holder can independently rotate during a contacting process.

Abstract: A coating material atomizing and dispensing system comprises an atomizer and an assembly of electrodes. The electrode assembly is removably coupled to the atomizer to permit the assembly to be disassembled from the atomizer to permit entry of the atomizer through an opening smaller than the atomizer-electrode assembly can pass through. A device is provided for supporting the assembly when the assembly is disassembled from the atomizer.

Abstract: A head unit for use in a droplet ejection apparatus is provided with a plurality of droplet ejection heads for ejecting liquid material of a predetermined color onto a base as droplets. In each of the droplet ejection heads, first and second nozzle arrays are arranged in a side by side relation in a second direction and nozzles of the first nozzle array are shifted with a half pitch in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction with respect to the nozzles of the second nozzle array when viewed from the second direction. The nozzles of the first and second nozzle arrays of the first and second droplet ejection heads of the first set are arranged so as not to overlap with the nozzles of the first and second nozzle arrays of the third and fourth droplet ejection heads of the second set when viewed from the second direction.

Abstract: A method of suppressing deposition of radionuclides on components of a nuclear power plant comprises forming a ferrite film by contacting a first chemical including iron (II) ions, a second chemical for oxidizing the iron (II) ions to iron (III) ions, and a third chemical for adjusting the pH of a processing solution containing a mixture of the first and second chemicals to be 5.5 to 9.0 with the metal member surface in a time period from a finishing stage in decontamination step of removing contaminants formed on the surface of metal member composing the nuclear power plant, and suppressing deposition of radionuclides on the metal member by the ferrite film.

Abstract: A sequential lateral solidification apparatus includes a laser generator for generating and emitting a laser beam; an X-Y stage movable in two orthogonal axial directions; and a mask arranged between the laser generator and the X-Y stage. The mask has a plurality of slits through which the laser beam passes. An objective lens for scaling down the laser beam is arranged between the mask and the X-Y stage. A mask stage is connected to the mask for controlling minute movement of the mask for crystallizing amorphous silicon in one block.

Abstract: An apparatus and method use closed loop control processes to automatically adjust a command signal used to change an operating state of a fluid dispensing gun. Proportional, integral and/or derivative control processes are used to determine an operating parameter comprising on time compensation, off time compensation and/or a fluid pressure compensation. An adjustment is made to the operating parameter if a number of consecutive measurements of an adhesive bead characteristic are outside of a predetermined tolerance range. A sensor for producing a feedback signal is used to communicate a measurable difference between an actual and a desired bead characteristic. The feedback signal applied in real time is used when determining the operating parameter, reducing substrate waste and increasing efficiency.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus and a process for generating a chemical precursor used in a vapor deposition processing system. The apparatus includes a canister (e.g., ampoule) having a sidewall, a top, and a bottom encompassing an interior volume therein, inlet and outlet ports in fluid communication with the interior volume, and a thermally conductive coating disposed on or over the outside surface of the canister. The thermally conductive coating is more thermally conductive than the outside surface of the canister. The thermally conductive coating may contain aluminum, aluminum nitride, copper, brass, silver, titanium, silicon nitride, or alloys thereof. In some embodiments, an adhesion layer (e.g., titanium or tantalum) may be disposed between the outside surface of the canister and the thermally conductive coating. In other embodiments, the canister may contain a plurality of baffles or solid heat-transfer particles to help evenly heat a solid precursor therein.

Abstract: Disclosed are a lift pin, an apparatus for processing a substrate and a method of processing a substrate. The lift pin includes a rod portion and a head portion. The rod portion moves in a passage formed through a chuck having a substrate processed using a reaction gas. The head portion is provided on the rod portion to make contact with the substrate. The head portion may close the passage to prevent the reaction gas from flowing into the passage.

Abstract: Egg candling methods and apparatus are provided wherein non-live eggs, inverted egg, and side air cell eggs can be quickly identified. A method of candling eggs includes exposing a plurality of incubated eggs to an environment having a temperature different from a temperature at which the eggs were incubated; obtaining a thermal image of the eggs; and analyzing the thermal image to obtain surface temperature information for each egg. The surface temperature information is utilized to designate each egg as live/non-live, inverted, or having a side air cell.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile milking implement having a frame with, a sub-frame which is adjustable in height and which has at least one teat cup holder and a teat cup movable relative thereto. The teat cup holder is tiltable, via a tilting mechanism coupled to the teat cup holder and the frame between a substantially vertical position and a second partially inverted position. The milking implement protects the teat cups against contamination and is capable of storing them in a compact manner.

Abstract: A teat cup cleaning device comprises a heating chamber provided with a discharge outlet that is closable by means of a valve and arranged for connection to a teat cup. A filling device is arranged for filling the heating chamber with an amount of cleaning liquid and retaining a given quantity of gas. The chamber is provided with a heating arrangement arranged to heat the contents of the heating chamber to a temperature T higher than the boiling point Tk of the cleaning liquid at ambient pressure. On operation of the valve superheated cleaning liquid is discharged to clean a teat cup.

Abstract: A self-cleaning pet litter box assembly for separation and removal of clumped material from clean litter material includes an open-top pet litter container for holding litter and being mounted for rotation on a substantially horizontal plane, a conveyor having an axis and an exit end, being positioned to extend into the container to contact litter within the container and rotating about the axis so as to separate clumped material from clean litter material and direct the separated-out clumped material away toward the exit end, and a drive mechanism operatively connected to at least one of the container and the conveyor to rotate the container.

Abstract: A pet litter composed of sand particles screened with a 20-50 mesh or limestone in any combination with at least 2% thickener added. Additional components that may be blended with the sand are limestone particles in the size range of 0.0001 mm to 4.75 mm which clump readily when contacted by pet urine, particularly cat urine. The particle size is typically between 0.6 mm and 1.18 mm. In addition, a thickener that may be digested by cats may be added to the limestone base to enhance the clumping properties of the litter. The composition can range from 70% sand particles: 18% limestone particles: 12% thickener to 100% sand particle: 0.1% limestone particles: 0.1% thickener. A typical composition is 90% sand, 8% limestone particles and 2% thickener.

Abstract: A liquid absorbent pad particularly useful for pet maintenance activities.

Abstract: In order to promote longevity and a healthy vitality of a pet, the pet's condition is assessed. For a pet that is overweight, a recommended food regimen is determined that takes into account the pet's lifestyle and pet feeding preferences of the pet's owner. The recommended food regimen reduces the daily calorie intake of the pet without significantly reducing the quantity of food consumed by the pet on a daily basis. The owner may select from a plurality of options for satisfying the food regimen. In this way, the owner can have an enhanced pet feeding experience by being able to provide the pet with a variety of different foods that help the pet to lose weight.

Abstract: A drop down feed door for a trailer having a sidewall with a trailer frame defining a trailer access opening. The feed door including a frame assembly adapted to be hinged to the sidewall of the trailer and a window assembly having a window frame and a light transmitting pane supported by the window frame. The window frame having a flange and the window assembly positioned in the window receiving opening of the frame assembly with the flange of the window assembly overlapping one side of the frame assembly along the circumference of the window receiving opening. A connecting member is connected to the window frame of the window assembly and extended over an adjacent portion of the frame assembly so as to secure the window assembly within the window receiving opening of the frame assembly.

Abstract: A recreational pet toy for cats which includes an outer covering and a cord attached to the pet toy for hanging the recreational pet toy during use. The pet toy also includes an elongated channel for receiving catnip and distributing the catnip along its length.

Abstract: A collapsible and scaleable floor to ceiling post forming an exercise and perch system for domestic cats. Using integral platforms (37,44) that function as steps and perching areas (35). The post may be adjusted to different ceiling heights by adding or removing interchangeable sections (41,44) and provides fine adjustment with a telescopic section that is spring biased (28) to limit forces on the ceiling. The step/platforms are rotationally spaced by 120 degrees for an optimal rise to run ratio resulting in climbing comfort, ascend and descend speed, safety, and contemporary appearance. The post has a cross-section that forces step and loft mounting at 120° intervals using multiples of three cross-sectional facets. The assembly provides for a removable scratching area near the bottom of the post and padded perch area nearest the ceiling.

Abstract: Pet entertainment apparatus having a rotating portion with a lure rotatably attached to a base portion.

Abstract: A shock absorbing dog leash attachment and dog lead attachment that includes a length of elastic material which is looped on each end. The loops are closed by binding the length of material to itself. A reusable fastener which can be connected to a dog's collar is attached to one of the loops. The other loop can be connected to a leash or fixed lead. In this configuration, the assembly absorbs the jerks or tugs caused by the dog's attempts to move bodily beyond the range of the leash or lead.

Abstract: A vest surrounds the animal's torso. Slings for supporting the front or rear legs can be attached to the vest. Besides straps with rings, the vest may have monitors for remote monitoring of the animal's vital signs.

Abstract: A foot protector and a knee protector for an animal are provided. The protectors both comprise a main portion. The foot protector features a single opening whereas the knee protector features two openings. The main portion is made from a thermoplastic material and an elastic element is further provided for the openings. Thus, the foot protector and the knee protector can be elastically fitted on a foot of the animal.

Abstract: A steam boiler module or steam boiler assembly or a power station component is composed essentially of an alloyed, in particular chromium-containing material and consists, at least in part of a material which has been treated by surface blasting (shot-peening/shot blasting). With steam boilers having outlet temperatures of ?700° C. in power station components, in particular steam generator modules, the material provides an adequate strength, in particular long-term rupture strength and an adequate corrosion resistance as well as oxidation resistance. The material has a ferritic or martensitic or austenitic structure having a mean chromium content ?18% by weight, and at least a module surface or module group surface or component surface that has been treated, at least in part, by surface blasting (shot-peening/shot blasting).

Abstract: A water heater having a water tank with means for heating water inside the water tank. A support structure is coupled to the water tank and configured to support the water tank when filled with water. A securing device is integrally formed with the support structure and/or water tank. The securing device secures the water heater to surrounding infrastructure to restrict the water heater from tipping over.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to a method of measuring the vibration of an aircraft engine. One embodiment herein provides an engine monitoring system either connected to and/or positioned in close proximity to an aircraft engine. Also provided is a clearance measuring device within the engine monitoring system. The clearanceometer collects clearance data that is later converted into vibration data.

Abstract: A plasma reformer includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an insulating member, an atomizing device and a power supply. A discharge gap is defined between the first electrode and the second electrode. The insulating member is arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode to insulating the first electrode and the second electrode, and a vortex gas flow route is formed between the insulating member and the first electrode, the second electrode. The second electrode penetrates the insulating member. The atomizing device is arranged on the first electrode and/or the second electrode. The power supply is connected with the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A centrifugal fluid pump for circulating fluid through an engine's cooling system includes a body configured to be at least partially received within a bore in the engine, a shaft having an impeller rotatably connected to the body, the impeller being positioned to move fluid through the engine, and a shroud supported on the body and positioned between the duct and the impeller when the body is at least partially received within the bore. The shroud has an opening to permit the movement of fluid to the impeller and may be configured to engage an inner surface of the bore. The shroud remains stationary with respect to the bore as the shaft and the impeller rotate and the shroud and the bore cooperate to inhibit fluid from passing between the inner surface of the bore and the shroud to a position that is upstream of the shroud.

Abstract: This invention relates to an engine (5) having axially opposed cylinders (C). The engine (5) has a first cylinder (C) having a first cylinder opening and a first cylinder head (H), a first piston (10) that reciprocates in the first cylinder opening, a second cylinder (C) having a second cylinder opening and a second cylinder head (H), and a second piston (30) that reciprocates in the second cylinder opening. The first cylinder opening and the second cylinder opening are in facing relationship such that the first cylinder and the second cylinder are axially opposed. The first piston (10) and the second piston (30) are connected such that the first piston (10) moves toward the first cylinder head (H) when the second piston (30) moves away from the second cylinder head (H) and such that the first piston (10) moves away from the first cylinder head (H) when the second piston (30) moves toward from the second cylinder head (H).

Abstract: A valve actuation system for an engine is provided. The valve actuation system can include two or more engine cylinders, each cylinder having at least one intake valve configured to control air-flow into each of the two or more cylinders and at least one exhaust valve configured to control the flow of exhaust gases out of each of the two or more cylinders. The at least one first cylinder includes an exhaust cam lobe configured to control the valve timing of an exhaust valve of the at least one first cylinder and to cause an exhaust valve of a second cylinder to open during an expansion stroke of the second cylinder.

Abstract: A hydraulic cam follower (1), such as a roller tappet, is provided. This is used for the actuation of two identically operating gas-exchange valves and should be installed inclined to the direction of the force of gravity. The cam follower (1) comprises a pot-shaped housing (2), whose bottom (3) is provided with a roller as a cam contacting element (4). In the housing (2), two guides (5) extending parallel to the direction of the internal combustion engine are provided, in each of which a pressure piston (6) is arranged so that it can move axially, whose end (7) away from the housing is constructed as a support for contact with a respective tappet pushrod. Each pressure piston (6) encloses a reservoir (11) for hydraulic medium.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is equipped with a variable actuation system for the intake valves including a chamber of fluid under pressure interposed between the intake valve and the respective controlling cam, and a solenoid valve whose opening causes the pressure chamber to discharge such as to determine the rapid closure of the valve by effect of the respective biasing spring means, even when the respective cam would tend to keep the valve open. The variable valve operation system is used in combination with the use of cams controlling the intake valves shaped in such a manner as to give rise to an intake valve lift profile including a boot portion at substantially constant lift. Such boot portion is provided in the initial part of the intake valve opening cycle, in advance with regard to the TDC, in the case of a supercharged direct-injection petrol engine. In the case of a diesel engine, on the contrary, the boot portion is provided in the final part of the intake valve opening cycle, after the BDC.

Abstract: In a camshaft adjuster control valve arrangement including a valve housing in the form of a central screw, the valve housing has a central passage of essentially constant diameter extending fully through the central screw.

Abstract: In a camshaft adjusting device including a vane cell adjuster component for coupling a camshaft to a crankshaft to be driven by the crankshaft in an adjustable angular relationship, wherein a vane rotor is mounted onto the camshaft by a central hollow clamping bolt including a control valve for controlling the flow of control fluid to and from the vane cells so as to control the relative angular position of the camshaft, an additional fixing means is provided between the vane rotor and the camshaft for assisting a rotationally fixed coupling of the vane rotor with the camshaft.

Abstract: A variable valve timing system includes a toothed rotating sleeve, a rack, and an actuator. The rack has a first end, a second end with a plurality of teeth in meshing contact with the teeth of rotating sleeves of the valve and being linearly moveable to rotate the sleeves. The actuator includes a housing, a control valve, and at least one check valve. The housing slidably receives a piston coupled to the rack separating a chamber in the housing into first and second chambers. The control valve selectively directs fluid from the first to the second chamber or vice versa. When the rack is shifted linearly by vibrational impulses from the engine, the piston moves linearly within the housing, pressurizing the first or the second chamber and under control of the control valve, fluid recirculates from the first or the second chamber to the other chamber.

Abstract: A two-step finger follower rocker arm assembly comprising a follower body having a first end for engaging the engine and a second end for engaging a valve stem of the gas valve. The follower body has a passage formed in the body between the first and second ends and has a first bore traversing the passage. A central follower is positioned in the passage and is configured for engagement with the central lobe. A first lateral follower is pivotally supported on a shaft extending through the first bore and is configured to engage the at least one lateral cam lobe. A latching mechanism is positioned on the follower body for selectively latching the lateral follower to the body.

Abstract: An improved in intake manifold for a carbureted, vee type of internal combustion engine is comprised of at least two members, a fuel-oxidizer flow member and an isolator member. The flow member is removably connected to the isolator member. The isolator member is connected at a bottom surface to a vee valley of the internal combustion engine formed between opposing banks of cylinders. In a preferred embodiment, the flow member is sealingly split along a longitudinal axis of the engine. The isolation member isolates the flow member from the environment existing in the vee valley while sealing the vee valley. Engine coolant passages and a distributor shaft opening are provided within the isolator. Changing the flow member is accomplished without disturbing the vee valley sealing, the distributor setting, nor the engine cooling conduits.