Abstract: A franking machine including a printer for printing postal indicia on a mail item, a supplier for supplying postage printing ink to allow a refill of the printer with postage printing ink, and a self-obturating connection connected to the postage ink supply by an ink transferor and intended either to place the postage ink supply in communication with the printer in the case of postage ink printing or to isolate the postage ink supply from the printer in the other cases of printing.

Abstract: The print screen frame tensioning system, generally rectangular in shape and fabricated from extruded rectangular tubular rails, when assembled, each side rail of the frame has a longitudinal one way channel, circular in cross sectional area, formed in each of the tubular rails for substantially the length of the tubular rails for receipt of a locking rod, the locking rod being axially serrated in order to accept a matching internally serrated standard wrench socket and the longitudinal channel being axially serrated, each locking rod having an additional internal tensioning fitting formed on both of its longitudinal ends for separate lateral tensioning.

Abstract: A card cleaning mechanism has a cleaning roller that cleans a surface of a card by contacting the conveyed card, and a roller-shaped cleaner that cleans a surface of the cleaning roller by contacting the cleaning roller. The cleaning roller is configured to move between a retreated position separated from a card conveyance path, and an operating position contacting a surface of the card being conveyed and the roller-shaped cleaner by advancing into the card conveyance path. Accordingly, the card cleaning mechanism can securely remove dust and dirt adhering to the card printing surface and does not reduce card printing quality.

Abstract: Provided are a roller apparatus, a printing method and a method of fabricating an LCD device using the same, which can minimize the number of processes and a printing defect. In the printing method, first patterns are formed on a blanket. The first patterns have different surface energy from that of the blanket, and the blanket is formed around a roller. The roller is rotated and a printing material is dropped to form second patterns on the blanket between the first patterns. The second patterns are transferred from the roller onto a substrate.

Abstract: A method of operating a dampening unit in a printing press includes providing a first dampening solution applicator roller rolling on a plate cylinder with slip relative to the plate cylinder, and a second dampening solution applicator roller simultaneously rolling on the plate cylinder. As the two dampening solution applicator rollers roll on the plate cylinder, there is a circumferential surface-speed difference between the first dampening solution applicator roller and the second dampening solution applicator roller. A printing press having a dampening unit is also provided.

Abstract: An advanced internal combustion-electric hybrid airplane, having at least double the flight range and flight duration than a conventional equivalent airplane, while using the same amount of any desirable fuel. This is achieved by using 2-3× smaller and ultra-lightweight engine for cruising, and ultra-lightweight electric motor powered by lithium batteries during take-off and climbing. The electric motor becomes a generator during cruising and descent, recharging said batteries. The airplane has also temporary silent electric stealth capability and added safety by the electric back-up power. Due to its high efficiency, the operational cost is substantially reduced. Additional features include highly advanced, minimum drag and weight airframe.

Abstract: A one-piece shotshell comprising an integral base with an opening at a first end, a sidewall extending from the base defining an open second end, and a crimp integrally disposed between the first end and second end. Apparatus and methods for making the shotshell and shooting a projectile are also disclosed.

Abstract: A track and linkage device for a locomotive designed to run on a track and powered by a turbofan engine comprises a track defining a channel having an open upper end and a plurality of ball bearings in the channel such that at least a portion of the ball bearings project through the open upper end of the channel. The ball bearings are at least partially coated with a material for reducing friction. A connector is associated with locomotive and has a slide surface thereon which slides on the ball bearings in the track. The slide surface includes a material on at least a portion of thereof for reducing friction when moving over the ball bearings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel crosslinked polyphthalocyanine compound. The polyphthalocyanine compound has a structure in which phthalocyanine units are crosslinked to absorb wavelengths in the near-infrared range of 750 to 900 nm, thus being suitable for use as a near-infrared absorber. Further disclosed is a near-infrared absorbing ink composition comprising the polyphthalocyanine compound as a near-infrared absorber.

Abstract: A composition comprising a basic dye component and a counter ion comprising a waxy moiety.

Abstract: A composition including a basic dye component and an acid dye component providing an internal salt composition wherein at least one of the basic dye component, the acid dye component, or both the basic dye component and the acid dye component comprises a waxy moiety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a black dye composition, comprising: (a) at least one azo dye of the following formula (I), (b) at least one azo dye of the following formula (II) or (III), wherein R1, R2, and R3 are defined the same as the specification. The present invention also relates to a black ink composition afforded from the aforementioned black dye composition. The black ink composition of the present invention for textile digital printing exhibits the properties of excellent color depth, fixation, stability of storage, stability and accuracy of printing for long time, and improves the issue of nozzle cloggage.

Abstract: Asphalt or bitumen compositions are effectively stabilized against the deleterious effects of heat, light and oxygen, via the incorporation therein of an effective stabilizing amount of one or more sterically hindered amine compounds. The sterically hindered amines are macrocyclic, thermally stable, insoluble in water and have very low vapor pressure. The sterically hindered amines are for instance the cyclic condenstates of N,N?-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-hexamethylenediamine and 4-tert-octylamino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine, of N,N?-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-hexamethylenediamine and 4-cyclohexylamino-2,6-dichloro-1 ,3, 5-triazine, or of N,N?-bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine and 4-morpholino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine. Synthetic rubber modified asphalt or bitumen may also be stabilized via incorporation of these hindered amines.

Abstract: A process of making dispersant-coated carbon particles comprising the steps of providing a liquid mixture comprising carbon particles and a dispersant, and imparting a shear force to the liquid mixture to thereby form said dispersant-coated carbon particles.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process for converting a feed composition comprising one or more hydrocarbons to a product comprising one or more unsaturated hydrocarbons, the process comprising: flowing the feed composition and steam in contact with each other in a microchannel reactor at a temperature in the range from about 200° C. to about 1200° C. to convert the feed composition to the product, the process being characterized by the absence of catalyst for converting the one or more hydrocarbons to one or more unsaturated hydrocarbons. Hydrogen and/or oxygen may be combined with the feed composition and steam.

Abstract: A mounting device includes a vertically movable mounting table for mounting thereon a target object and a rotational driving mechanism for rotating the mounting table within a predetermined angle. The mounting table is vertically raised and rotated by the rotational driving mechanism. The rotational driving mechanism includes a driving shaft extending in a tangential direction of the mounting table and a moving body moving in the tangential direction via the driving shaft. A first cam follower is attached in perpendicular to the moving body and a second cam follower is extending horizontally from an outer circumferential surface of the mounting table so as to be in contact with the first cam follower. Also, a resilient member connecting the mounting table and the moving body brings the first cam follower and the second cam follower into elastic contact with each other.

Abstract: A tabletop attachment system includes a first body and a second body mounted between the tabletop and the pedestal of the desk. The first body includes at least one detent extending therefrom, with the detent including a connecting portion and an engaging portion extending from the connecting portion. The second body includes at least one slot, with the slot having a first end for allowing the engaging portion to be inserted therethrough and a second end for reception of the connecting portion. The connecting portion moves oppositely to engage the second end of the slot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food waste treatment apparatus that can effectively dispose food waste containing a large amount of water, rapidly dry food waste using microwaves, and remove odors and vapors generating during the drying process, thereby discharging clean air. The food waste treatment apparatus comprises a pulverizer (10) for pulverizing food waste, an endless track (20) for transferring food waste, a plurality of containers (30) installed on the upper surface of the endless track (20) for storing pulverized food waste, and a microwave dryer installed above the endless track for drying the pulverized food waste by making microwaves pass through the endless track in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the endless track (20).

Abstract: A burner includes a first oxidant conduit to transmit a first stream of an oxidant; a solid fuel conduit having an outtake and surrounding the first oxidant conduit, thereby forming a first annulus to transmit a mixture of a transport gas and particles of a solid fuel; a second oxidant conduit surrounding the solid fuel conduit, thereby forming a second annulus to transmit a second stream of the oxidant or an other oxidant; and means for segregating the mixture proximate the outtake into a lean fraction stream and a dense fraction stream. The first stream of the oxidant exiting the first oxidant conduit combines during combustion with the lean fraction stream, thereby forming an inner combustion zone adjacent the outtake, and the second stream of the oxidant, or the other oxidant, exiting the second oxidant conduit combines during combustion with the dense fraction stream, thereby forming an outer combustion zone.

Abstract: A seed firming assembly and method for agricultural seeders includes a large diameter seed-firming wheel for firming seeds into soil at the bottom of a furrow. The seed-firming wheel is located immediately behind a furrow opener and a seed guide. The seed-firming wheel is rotatably supported by an attaching arm, which is pivotally attached to a planter subframe at a location behind the seed-firming wheel so as to push the seed-firming wheel in a forward direction during operation. The attaching arm has a forward portion on which the seed-firming wheel is rotatably supported, a rearward portion on which an extension spring is attached for imparting a downward force on the seed-firming wheel during operation, and a horizontal transverse axis of rotation located between the forward and rearward portions. An adjustment mechanism is provided for adjusting the downward force imparted on the seed-firming wheel by the spring.

Abstract: A method for straightening the edges of a work piece. The method includes the steps of determining the average edge position of each edge of the work piece, calculating an average edge line for each edge of the work piece, determining an actual corner point for each corner of the work piece, calculating a determined edge line through each of the actual corner points of the work piece, determining a number of actual edge points, determining if actual edge points are within the determined edge lines, and adjusting the determined edge lines inward until the actual edge points are within the determined edge lines.

Abstract: A work piece finishing apparatus including a cutter assembly, a binding tape applier, and a flat bed sewing head.

Abstract: Brace for mounting of shrouds (13, 14) on the hull of a sailboat by way of a fixed mounting device (22), such as chain plates, has a through-going bore (20) for reception of a crossbolt (21), which is attached to the mounting device (22). The brace (1) consists of to halves (2) releasably connected to each other, which abut each other along a common plane (4) extending perpendicular to the crossbolt (21) of the mounting device (22) when mounted. The two parts (2) of the brace have, on the surfaces (5) abutting each other, a first cavity (7) for reception of an end of a lower shroud (13) and a second cavity (8) for reception of an end of a topshroud (14), each of the mentioned ends having its own expansion (15, 16).

Abstract: Improved boat bumper assemblies are provided which include upright, rotatable, synthetic resin rollers rotatably mounted on stationary uprights located adjacent the sides of a boat slip. In one form, the bumper assemblies are mounted either as original equipment or as retrofits directly onto roof-supporting stanchions of a boat mooring structure; alternately, standoff bumper assemblies may be used, having rollers rotatable on uprights and supported by spring-biased, resilient connection structures.

Abstract: A kayak having a hull shape in which the wetted area is situated over the forward two-thirds section of the hull with the rear hull section having minimal wetted area to provide a kayak of increased steering leverage, and of exceptional maneuverability and speed. The hull is asymmetry that is defined by length-to-girth ratio.

Abstract: A ship (20) with one or more liquid transport tanks (21) arranged in an upright position in a ship's hull, said transport tanks having an axial direction and a circumferential direction, and each transport tank comprising a tank bottom (22), a tank circumferential wall (25) and a tank roof (23), the tank bottom being supported on or forming part of a lower deck of the ship's hull.

Abstract: A cap for a container that holds pharmaceutical material, the cap comprising a means of detecting heat and humidity.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for producing a single crystal that is a multi-pulling method for pulling a plurality of single crystals 3 from a raw material melt 4 in a same crucible in a chamber by a Czochralski method, comprising steps of: pulling a single crystal 3 from a raw material melt 4; then additionally charging polycrystalline raw material in a residual raw material melt 4 without turning off power of a heater 7, and melting the polycrystalline raw material; then pulling a next single crystal 3; and repeating the steps and thereby pulling the plurality of single crystals 3; wherein in a case of setting a ratio of a pulling rate V and crystal temperature gradient G near a solid-liquid interface along a pulling axis direction when a straight body of the single crystal 3 is grown to be V/G, in order to control the V/G of each of the single crystals 3 to be pulled to a predetermined value, a pulling condition such as the pulling rate V is preliminarily modified according to an elapsed time from beg

Abstract: A single crystal pulling apparatus having a heater 4 melting material silicon by thermal radiation from a cylindrical exothermic part 4a which surrounds a crucible 3 inside a furnace body 2 and an electromagnet 13 which is prepared to surround the furnace body 2 and applies a transverse magnetic field to the silicon liquid melt in the crucible 3 is provided. A length h in a pull-up axis direction in the exothermic part 4a of the heater 4 is arranged to be 0.5 times to 0.9 times an inner diameter of the crucible 3, a first middle position in the pull-up axis direction in the exothermic part 4a is arranged below a second middle position in the pull-up axis direction in the electromagent 13, and a distance difference d between the first and second middle positions is 0.15 times to 0.55 times the inner diameter R of the crucible 3.

Abstract: The ink-jet recording device includes a transport unit for transporting a recording medium, an undercoating liquid applying unit for applying an undercoating liquid to the transported recording medium and an image forming unit that is disposed downstream of the undercoating liquid applying unit in a direction of travel by the recording medium, and has an ink-jet head which ejects an ink containing at least a colorant to form an image on the recording medium to which the undercoating liquid has been applied. The undercoating liquid applying unit has a coating roll for applying the undercoating liquid to the recording medium, and a drive unit which rotates the coating roll in a direction opposite to the transporting direction of the recording medium.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device (2) for the pneumatic conveyance of powdered material (4), in which a cylindrical chamber (10, 12), which can be connected with a reservoir (6) by a sealable inlet (14, 16) and with a delivery line (28) by a sealable outlet (18, 20), is alternately filled with material from the reservoir (6) and emptied of this material by applying a negative pressure to the chamber with its outlet (18, 20) closed and its inlet (14, 16) open through a bordering wall formed by a gas-permeable filter element (50) to draw material into the chamber (10, 12) from the reservoir (6), and by then admitting a gas under pressure into the chamber (10, 12) with its inlet (14, 16) closed and its outlet (18, 20) open to force the material previously drawn into the chamber (10, 12) out of the chamber and into the delivery line (28).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for coating, in particular, for painting objects, in particular vehicle bodies (2), comprising at least one multi-axis robot (7) which supports an application device (6). The robot (7) is arranged on a carriage (8) which can be displaced along a guide structure (9). At least one of the media guide chains (12a, 12b) supports a plurality of electric lines and/or lines which guide media and extends from a fixed connection point (40a, 40b) into a loop, which comprises two compartments, to a connection point (41a, 41b) which is transported from the carriage (8). In order to keep the device as laterally compact as possible, at least two media guide chains (2a, 12b) are provided, whereby the loops thereof are arranged on top of each other.

Abstract: A process chamber 1 for PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition) coating of a substrate includes an electrode, which is integrated in a contact frame, which is firmly connected to the recipient. A movable carrier in the process chamber carries at least one substrate. The carrier is transported by means of a driven roller positioner into the process chamber or out of the process chamber along a transport route defined by the movement. As soon as the carrier inside the recipient has reached a certain position, the lower roller positioner is uncoupled from carrier by lowering by means of a lifting device. In this regard, the carrier detaches itself from the upper roller positioner. Then, the carrier is accepted by a transfer device (not shown) and brought from the transport position laterally into a treatment position in contact with the contact frame. In this way, reliable contact is produced between the electrode and a counter-electrode provided in carrier.

Abstract: A radiofrequency plasma reactor with first and second spaced electrodes has a concave surface facing a substrate supporting surface. A process area between the electrodes has a gas inlet for a process gas. A radiofrequency generator for frequencies greater than 13.56 MHz is connected to an electrode for generating a plasma discharge in and a gas outlet evacuates process gas. A dielectric layer has a convex surface engaging the concave electrode surface and an opposite planar surface. The substrate supporting surface receives a substrate of at least 0.7 m and defines a boundary of the process area to be exposed to the plasma. The dielectric layer is electrically in series with the substrate and plasma discharge and has capacitance per unit surface values which are not uniform for a distribution profile to compensate process non-uniformity along the working surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device for holding a substrate. This clamping device includes a press-on fixture and a lower part, wherein at least the press-on fixture or the lower part includes at least a permanent magnet. If one of the two parts includes a permanent magnet, it suffices if the other part includes magnetizable material. A further permanent magnet can be provided, with which one end of the press-on fixture can be lifted up.

Abstract: A milking arrangement (1) and a method for milking are described comprising at least two milking positions (2), wherein each milking position (2) comprises teat cups (4) for milking an animal (3). The milking arrangement (1) is arranged to remove the teat cups (4) from animals when milking is finished and to remove the teat cups (4) from all animals (3) that are still being milked when all conditions in a set of conditions are fulfilled, wherein the set of conditions comprises the condition that the teat cups (4) have been removed from a predetermined number of animals (3) and that all animals (3) that are still being milked, in an earlier milking preceding the present milking, must have been milked until the milking was determined to be substantially finished.

Abstract: A pet booster seat to be secured to a generally vertical vehicle seat back is configured to support a pet elevated above a horizontal vehicle seat cushion. A basket assembly is formed by a rod configured to form an upper basket frame and a rectangular basket, having front and rear panels and right and left side panels, each of the panels being folded and sewn to form a casing envelope around the upper periphery of the basket for encasing the upper basket frame. The basket assembly is pivotally connected to a backboard having upper and lower edges and right and left side edges. Two support rods having lower ends pivotally secured to the backboard extend from adjacent a lower edge of the backboard upwardly to the upper basket frame.

Abstract: A pet food holder and pet food containing module releasably carried by the holder that includes seeds or sprouts in a plug or pellet of food containing material in a cup of the module that germinate and grow into a plant that is edible by an animal. The holder includes a mounting arrangement used to releasably mount the holder to an object and a cradle that releasably receives the module. The mounting arrangement includes a mounting plate to which at least one mount is attached that can be a suction cup or hanger. The module includes a cover that is removed to enable germination of the seeds or sprouts. After germination, growth and being eaten by an animal, the module can be removed and replaced with a refill module.

Abstract: Composite particles and methods for making the same. An absorbent material is formed into a particle. An optional performance-enhancing active is coupled to the absorbent material before, during, or after the particle-forming process, homogeneously and/or in layers. Additionally, the composite absorbent particle may include a core material. Preferred methods for creating the absorbent particles include a pan agglomeration process, a high shear agglomeration process, a low shear agglomeration process, a high pressure agglomeration process, a low pressure agglomeration process, a rotary drum agglomeration process, a mix muller process, a roll press compaction process, a pin mixer process, a batch tumble blending mixer process, an extrusion process, and a fluid bed process.

Abstract: Described is an electronic pet door for automatically granting a selected animal access to a through-way defined by the electronic pet door and denying a non-selected animal access to the through-way. The selected animal carries a transmitter. The electronic pet door includes a corresponding receiver and a frame that defines the through-way, which has a tapered contour. A flap, which has a tapered contour corresponding to the through-way, is disposed within the through-way and is capable of a locked position and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, the flap denies access to the through-way. When unlocked, the flap grants an animal access to the through-way. The flap is locked and unlocked by way of a locking mechanism that shifts the flap longitudinally between the less tapered and most tapered portions of the through-way. The locking mechanism shifts the flap in response to the receiver.

Abstract: A carry bag for pets includes a construction that has a general rectangular, parallelepiped configuration and incorporates first and second mesh flaps which may be folded to provide for easy ingress and egress of a pet from the bag. The flaps are designed to be retained in an open condition by means of magnetic catches. The configuration of the carry bag is designed to enhance the comfort of a pet retained therein.

Abstract: A pet vehicle safety restraint device for protection of household animals, the device comprising at least two leashes.

Abstract: A training device for dogs and the like has an upper collar that fits high-up on the neck of the animal and a second, lower collar that fits around the lower part of its neck. Spacer means hold the two collars apart in mutually spaced relation, to position the leash, connected to the upper collar, in the most effective location for controlling the creature. The spacer means may comprise a plurality of spacer straps arranged in mutually spaced relation about the two collars.

Abstract: A steam generator for generation of steam in a water tube boiler having first and second upright headers in sealed communication with lower and upper inclining banks of tubes communicating therebetween. An end portion of the tubes in the upper bank, changes to a declining angle toward its communication with the upright header. The declining angle provides for increased separation of steam from hot water in the tubes.

Abstract: Actuating device for a recirculation pump of a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine comprising a pulley suitable for being rotationally driven by the engine, a driven shaft for driving the pump and an electromagnetically controlled coupling interposed between the pulley and the driven shaft, in which the electromagnetic coupling comprises an electromagnet, coupling mechanism controlled by the electromagnet and mobile between an engagement position in which the pulley is connected to the driven shaft and a disengagement position, and an elastic member for maintaining an engagement member in the engaged position when the electromagnet is not energized.

Abstract: A rocker cam is comprised of a first split body and a second split body, which are joined with a joint split face that contains an axial line of a cam shaft. The first split body has a first pin support portion that supports one end portion of the connection pin, and the second split body has a second pin support portion that is located so as to face the first pin support portion and supports the other end portion of the connection pin. The connection pin is supported at the first and second pin support portions at its both end portions. Accordingly, a separation force that acts on the first and second split bodies of the rocker cam during its repeated rocking movement can be reduced without improperly increasing its rigidity.

Abstract: An engine includes a crankshaft, a first noncircular gear operatively connected to the crankshaft to be driven thereby, a second noncircular gear meshingly engaged with the first noncircular gear, a cam operatively connected to the second noncircular gear to be driven thereby, and a valve operatively connected to the cam for movement between open and closed positions. The noncircular gears enable the speed of the cam to vary cyclically with constant rotation of the crankshaft speed. Valve lift timing and duration may be variable by moving the second noncircular gear with respect to the first noncircular gear while maintaining meshing engagement therebetween.

Abstract: A device (1) for the variable adjustment of control times of an internal combustion engine, including a stator (2), a driven element (3) arranged coaxially thereto, with both components being assembled so as to rotate relative to one another, and both components define at least one pressure chamber (10) at least in the radial and circumferential directions, and a housing (11), separate from the stator (2) and the driven element (3) which encloses the stator (2) and the driven element (3) in an oil-tight manner, whereby the housing (11) seals and defines the pressure chamber in an axial direction.

Abstract: A device for variably setting the control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine is provided having a hydraulic actuator (18) with two reciprocally operating pressure chambers (12, 13) and with a pressure medium supply device (32) for supplying and withdrawing pressure medium to or from the pressure chambers (12, 13). The device (1) also includes at least one rotation angle limiting device (24) that in an unlocked state does not limit the phasing of the output element (3) in reference to the input element (2) but, in a locked state, limits it to a defined angular range or to a defined angle, with the rotation angle limiting device (24) being switched from the locked to the unlocked state by pressure medium being supplied. A control line (19) is provided for supplying and withdrawing pressure medium to or from the rotation angle limiting devices (24), with the control line (19) not communicating with the pressure medium supply device (32).

Abstract: A rotary hydraulic coupling is described for use in an engine having a camshaft, a hydraulic phaser for driving the camshaft, and an oil feed manifold secured to the body of the engine and incorporating oil galleries for supplying oil to the phaser. The rotary coupling, which serves to connect the oil galleries of the oil feed manifold to rotating oil ducts which lead to hydraulic working chambers within the phaser, comprises a cylindrical first element rotatably received within and sealed relative to an annular second element, each of the first and second elements having bores that communicate with annular grooves in a mating surface of at least one of the two elements to establish fluid flow communication between the bores in the two elements, the bores in the first element being connected to axially extending oil passages formed within the first element.