Abstract: A gas treatment system has a housing defining an interior space adapted for holding liquid therein. The housing has an inlet port and an outlet port spaced from the inlet port so that gas passing through the interior space flows through the liquid therein. A gas delivery system directs gas to be treated into the interior space of the housing at the inlet port. An ultrasonic waveguide assembly is disposed within the interior space of the housing and includes an ultrasonic horn disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet port and the outlet port of the housing. The ultrasonic horn is operable at an ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize liquid within the housing. An ultraviolet light source is for emitting ultraviolet light into the interior space of the housing to treat liquid flowing from the inlet port to the outlet port.

Abstract: An automated hot beverage dispensing machine and method for producing hot beverages is disclosed. The preferred apparatus includes a plurality of flavoring reservoirs connected through pumps and valves to a plenum that dispenses the flavoring directly into a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber also receives milk and steam, facilitating mixing of the milk, steam, and flavoring, and dispensing the mixture into a serving cup. The dispensing machine may include a coffee brewing system, whereby the machine can produce flavored lattés, cappuccinos, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, pressurized steam is directed through a venturi assembly that draws in refrigerated milk and ambient air and delivers the fluids to a vortex mixer to produce steamed and/or foamed milk. The flavoring is delivered to the vortex mixer, and steam is channeled to the plenum to facilitate delivery of the flavoring and maintain the cleanliness of the plenum.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extraction module with linear closure for the pressurized preparation of a drink from a capsule, containing a substance for extraction, comprising means for extraction with a first extraction sub-assembly and a second mobile extraction sub-assembly closing against the first sub-assembly such as to form an extraction chamber in the closed position and to provide sufficient space between the two sub-assemblies for introduction of a capsule between the sub-assemblies in the open position and comprising a means for fixing and positioning the capsule between the two sub-assemblies. Said means for fixing and positioning may be displaced in a coaxial manner with relation to the linear displacement of the mobile extraction sub-assembly and is capable of being displaced linearly by the second mobile sub-assembly in to a displaced position such as to permit a closing of the two sub-assemblies around the capsule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toaster (1) comprising a number of side panels (2), each provided with a number of heating elements (14), a number of end panels (3, 4) and a base part (5), where the side panels (2) and the end panels (3, 4) are connected to the base part (5), wherein each of the side panels (2) at a lower edge part is pivotally hinged to the base part (5) and adapted to be unfolded and folded between vertical and horizontal positions of use, respectively.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance for heating foodstuff that includes a body having a bottom, a sidewall extending therefrom to define a generally hollow interior and a body rim defining an opening for accessing the interior thereof. The interior is capable of retaining the foodstuff therein. The body includes a pour spout integrally formed within the sidewall and a heating element in a thermal relationship with the body to heat the foodstuff within the body. A lid is removably mountable to the body rim of the body. The lid is sized and shaped to cover the opening of the body when placed on the body rim.

Abstract: A combined food processor comprising a housing, a motor, a cutter, a container and a switch unit, one end of the housing formed a handle, the other end formed a connecting portion, an opening formed on the connecting portion, the motor has a output shaft and mounted in the housing, the output shaft extending out of the housing and positioned in the opening of the connecting portion of the housing, the cutter has at least a blade and mounted in the opening of the connecting portion of the housing, the container mounted on the connecting portion of the housing, the blade of the cutter arranged in the container, the switch unit mounted on the housing and electrically connecting to the motor; thereby, the users can place food or drink into the container and turn on the switch unit, then the motor will begin to work to drive the blade to rotate so as to cut and mix the food or drink in the container sufficiently.

Abstract: A tightening apparatus for strapping an object with a plastic band includes a stationary cutter with a cutting slot, a pivoting cutter mounted inside the stationary cutter, and a resilient element. The resilient element is situated so as to push a cutting edge of the pivoting cutter away from a cutting edge of the stationary cutter when a cutting operation is not being performed. When a band is present between the pivoting and stationary cutters and the cutting operation is actuated, a pivoting force caused by an applied cutting force moves the pivoting cutter against the resilient element and engages the cutting edges of both cutters so as to cut the band. The fact that the cutting edges are engaged only when a band is inserted between the cutters greatly improves the life of the device.

Abstract: A screen printing device configured to print a printing paste on a printed board, the printing paste being applied on a screen printing plate where openings corresponding to a pattern to be printed are formed, the screen printing device includes a first squeegee advanced and pressed downward so that the printing paste is pushed on the printed board corresponding to the openings of the screen printing plate; and a second squeegee situated in the vicinity of the rear of the first squeegee, the second squeegee being configured to provide pressure forward and downward, the pressure having properties different from properties of a pressure provided by the first squeegee, wherein a printing operation by the second squeegee is performed right after a printing operation by the first squeegee.

Abstract: To provide a screen printing apparatus and a screen printing method which can enhance a plate separating property after a printing operation regardless of a type of a mask, thereby suppressing occurrence of printing failure. A screen printing apparatus includes mask supporting means 6 for supporting a mask 2 from the rear surface thereof, holding means 20 for holding a printing medium 3, posture changing means 30 for changing a posture of the printing medium 3 held by the holding means 20 between a parallel posture parallel to the mask 2 and a tilted posture tilted about the mask 2, and lifting means for lifting the holding means 20 so as to contact and separate the surface of the printing medium 3 with or from the rear surface of the mask 2. Here, the printing medium 3 having been subjected to a pattern printing operation is separated from the mask 2 from one end of the printing medium to the other end thereof.

Abstract: An actuation device for an endorsing roller in an automated document processing system is disclosed. The actuation device includes a shape memory alloy actuator interconnected with an endorsing roller, the shape memory alloy actuator interconnected with the endorsing roller and configured to be actuated to move the endorsing roller from a retracted position to a printing position.

Abstract: A printing machine for printing security features onto a web. The machine has a first printing cylinder defining a first circumference and carrying a first number (m) of rows of first image elements, each adjacent row of first image elements having a first circumferential separation. The machine also has a second printing cylinder defining a second circumference, different to the first circumference, and carrying a second number (n) of rows of second image elements, different to the first number (m) of rows, where each adjacent row of second image elements has the same first circumferential separation as adjacent rows of first image elements. The printing cylinders are operable to print the first and second image elements in registration on a web so that composite security features are created on the web from the first and second image elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stamp comprising a nanostructure for introducing and/or applying nanostructures into/onto components as well as a device and a method for producing said stamp. The inventive stamp is provided with a rigid support for the nanostamping structure while the nanostamping structure is joined to the support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compressible printing sleeve carrier for use in offset lithography which is formed from a composite fiber-reinforced compressible polymer. The printing sleeve carrier is formed by coating reinforcing filaments with a compressible polymer and winding the filaments around a mandrel to form a hollow cylindrical base, where the first portion of the base adjacent the inner surface contains the wound reinforcing filaments coated with the compressible polymer and the second portion of the base adjacent the outer surface contains the compressible polymer.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a frame member that holds a screen with a pattern hole formed therein, a substrate positioning section located below the frame member to position a substrate located opposite the screen, and a cleaning unit that simultaneously cleans a back surface of the screen and a front surface of the substrate. The cleaning unit includes a supply reel that supplies a cleaning sheet including a screen side cleaning surface used to clean the screen and a substrate side cleaning surface located opposite the screen side cleaning surface and used to clean the substrate.

Abstract: A method of re-registering a press job after disturbing the setup having the steps of recalling phase and compensator positions previously stored for the job; positioning compensators (113-116) to their nominal position; re-phasing the press color cylinders for the job; rerouting a web (117) through the press for the job; determining new phase offsets by running the press for a minimum of one revolution; and comparing a distance offset between adjacent print operations, thereby confirming the distance is zero and the press is back in register for the job.

Abstract: An article is printed based upon predetermined artwork. The artwork includes the specification of a palette of ink colors to be used in printing the article. Each of the colors is specified by a full tone color target and an undertone color target. Each ink formulation has a combined full tone L-C-H-a-b dE equal to or less than about 2, and a combined undertone dE less than or equal to about 3. The specification of ink colors may also include a light fastness value. The ink colors may be further specified by way of a proofing index value.

Abstract: A laser ignition apparatus including at least two laser light generating devices and a common optical coupling-in means for coupling laser light from the at least two laser light generating devices into a combustion chamber of a combustion machine, wherein the at least two laser light generating devices are so arranged that laser light given off by the laser light generating devices in the operating condition impinges on the optical coupling-in means and/or issues from the optical coupling-in means in parallel displaced relationship or at an angle to each other. A method of igniting a fuel/air mixture in a combustion chamber of a combustion machine.

Abstract: A glass-metal feed-through transmits an electrical signal from one face to another face that is opposite. The feed-through includes a glass plug, two metal pins passing through the plug, and a metal part surrounding the plug. The feed-through includes an electrically-conductive link between a first of the pins and the part. The link includes a brazing preform secured to the first pin and to the part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-protection system (1) comprising at least one launching device (4) for initiating appropriate countermeasures against the threat, which comprises a sensor system (3) in the form of at least one sniper location detector or the like for detecting as well as locating a tank cover or rear cover position (6). A detection as well as a locating of the threat posed by the presence of a tank cover or rear cover position (6) ensues even before a shot is fired or before the threat. To this end, the launching device (4) is armed with pyrotechnic munitions (7), as a priority, irritation bodies or munition being integrated that, when fired, immediately produce an intense flash and/or smoke/fog (8).

Abstract: A mass transit system includes a plurality of pedestal-mounted rings which provide a support through which a vehicle travels. The pedestals are spaced apart on the ground, but no rail or connecting structure on or above ground is required. An underground conduit carries electrical and communications cable that connects the pedestals together. The rings include a plurality of rollers to drive, guide and stabilize the vehicle at lower speeds. For higher speeds flywheels are mounted on the pedestals. The flywheels are preferably driven by an electrical motor, which engages a friction or clutch plate on the vehicle separate from the rings. The friction plate or linear clutch is mounted separate from the rings on the vehicle and is lowered to engage and disengage the flywheel. The flywheel is also mounted on a shock absorber to smooth the travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rail road freight car truck has a truck bolster and a pair of side frames, the truck bolster being mounted transversely relative to the side frames. The mounting interface between the ends of the axles and the sideframe pedestals allows lateral rocking motion of the sideframes in the manner of a swing motion truck. The lateral swinging motion is combined with a longitudinal self steering capability. The self steering capability may be obtained by use of a longitudinally oriented rocker that may tend to permit resistance to deflection that is proportional to the weight carried across the interface. The truck may have auxiliary centering elements mounted in the pedestal seats, and those auxiliary centering elements may be made of resilient elastomeric material. The truck may also have friction dampers that have a disinclination to stick-slip behavior. The friction dampers may be provided with brake linings, or similar features, on the face engaging the sideframe columns, on the slope face, or both.

Abstract: A low profile mounting assembly for use between a rail car side frame pedestal and the rail car roller bearing includes a shear pad and a bearing adapter. In one embodiment, the shear pad has relatively thin plates joined by an elastomeric layer. In another embodiment, the shear pad includes a projection extending downwardly from a plate to be received and retained by a recess defined in a top surface of the adapter. In another embodiment, a central cavity formed in a lower plate of the shear pad cooperates with the adapter top surface to distribute forces on the roller bearing. In another embodiment, an elastomeric projection of a shear pad plate bears against ridges on the adapter top surface to prevent disengagement.

Abstract: A well car for carrying shipping containers has a pair of end structures supported by rail car trucks, a pair of first and second spaced apart side beams extending between the end structures and a well defined therebetween. A container support cross member is mounted between the side sills in a position to support an end of a shipping container load carried within the well. The container support cross member may be a monolithic beam member with a attachment fitting formed at an end thereof. The attachment fitting is connectable to a side sill at a moment connection. The remaining end of the cross member is similarly configured and connected to the second side sill. Each end of the cross member has load bearing surface portions which may be used for supporting a corner of a shipping container. The moment connections permit a bending moment to be carried by the cross member between the first and second side sills.

Abstract: A hatch cover for hopper compartment opening with a coaming surrounding the opening. The hatch cover includes a peripheral skirt with a portion of the skirt spaced outwardly of the coaming when the hatch cover is closed to allow air flow from the exterior of the hatch cover to the opening. A frame has a center portion and an annular gasket which seats on the coaming with the center portion over the opening. The center portion of the frame may be a screen or may be solid. An annular ring is attached to the underside of the hatch cover. A press fit attachment is provided between the frame and the annular to permit attachment and removal of the frame from the annular ring. A latch mechanism is provided for the hatch cover. A spring anchor pin is supported on coaming brackets and a latching pin is supported on the hatch cover. A latch mechanism includes a handle having a pair of uprights located at one end of the handle.

Abstract: Concrete compositions have a fine-to-coarse aggregate ratio optimized for increased workability with minimal segregation and bleeding. The concrete compositions include at least water, cement, coarse aggregate, and fine aggregate and have a slump of at least 1 inch and a 28-day compressive strength of at least about 1500 psi. Workability is improved by minimizing the viscosity as a function of the aggregate content, while minimizing segregation and bleeding. To improve workability, the concrete compositions include between 45% and 65% fine aggregate and between 35% and 55% coarse aggregate as a function of total aggregate volume. For relatively low strength concrete (1500-4500 psi), the fine aggregate is 55-65% of the total aggregate volume. For medium strength concrete (4500-8000 psi), the fine aggregate is 50-60% of the total aggregate volume. For high strength concrete (>8000 psi), the fine aggregate is 45-55% of the total aggregate volume.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wood preservative composition and a process for treating wood with the composition for protecting wood from decay and insect attack. The invention further provides a wood preservative composition comprising dispersed particles of a copper compound and a polydentate ligand. The composition can be used to treat difficult-to-treat wood species including hem fir, Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, red pine, redwood, cedar, and spruce to achieve effective copper penetration.

Abstract: A binder mix containing a hydraulic binding agent and an admixture mixed therewith, a process for preparing a hydraulically hardened binder mass, a calcinated kaolin product and a process for preparing the same. A paste-like composition is formed from the hydraulically hardening binding agent, a pozzolanically reacting admixture and water, which, when so desired, contains stone aggregate or similar filler, the paste-like composition is worked and the worked composition is allowed to harden to form the binder mass. The admixture comprises spherical, porous metakaolin agglomerates, the size of which is 2-200 microns and which have an open pore structure. The invention can be used to improve the manufacturing methods of cast concrete products and shorten the manufacturing times, and to provide concrete with better mechanical and chemical properties, as well as improve the fire and frost resistance of concrete.

Abstract: A method for coloring powders is provided that includes mixing a base powder and non-incorporated pigments. A colored powder composition having a base powder particle and at least a partial shell of non-incorporated pigments about the base powder particle is also provided. Articles having a coating of the colored powder composition are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is related to a premixed putty calcium phosphate composition comprising at least two calcium phosphate minerals, at least one reaction retarding agent, at least one binding agent, at least one sodium phosphate, and at least one nonaqueous extender, wherein one of said at least two calcium phosphate minerals contains a stabilizing agent.

Abstract: Concrete compositions have a fine-to-coarse particulates ratio optimized for decreased viscosity and increased workability. The concrete compositions include at least water, cement, coarse aggregate, and fine aggregate and have a slump of at least 1 inch and a 28-day compressive strength of at least about 1500 psi. Workability is improved by minimizing the viscosity as a function of the particulates ratio. To improve workability, the concrete compositions include between 49-85% fine particulates (e.g., cement and fine aggregate) and between 15-51% coarse particulates as a percentage of overall particulates volume. For normal strength concrete (up to about 8500 psi, or 58.6 MPa), the fine particulates fraction comprises about 50-75% by volume of total particulates. For high strength concrete (>8500 psi, or 58.6 MPa), the fine particulates fraction comprises about 56-85% by volume of total particulates. Overall workability can be maintained or improved even if slump is decreased.

Abstract: A concrete composition having a 28-day design compressive strength of 3000 psi and a slump of about 5 inches is optimized to have high workability and a high strength to cement ratio. The concrete composition contains about 340 pounds per cubic yard hydraulic cement (e.g. Portland cement), about 102 pounds per cubic yard pozzolanic material (e.g., Type C fly ash), about 1757 pounds per cubic yard fine aggregate (e.g., FA-2 sand), about 1452 pounds per cubic yard coarse aggregate (e.g., CA-11 state rock, ¾ inch), and about 294 pounds per cubic yard water (e.g., potable water). Workability and strength to cement ratio were increased compared to one or more preexisting concrete compositions having the same 28-day design compressive strength and similar slump by optimizing the ratio of fine aggregate to coarse aggregate. The concrete composition is further characterized by high cohesiveness, resulting in relatively little or no segregation or bleeding.

Abstract: A concrete composition having a 28-day design compressive strength of 3000 psi and a slump of about 5 inches is optimized to have high workability and a high strength to cement ratio. The concrete composition contains about 299 pounds per cubic yard hydraulic cement (e.g., Portland cement), about 90 pounds per cubic yard pozzolanic material (e.g., Type C fly ash), about 1697 pounds per cubic yard fine aggregate (e.g., FA-2 sand), about 1403 pounds per cubic yard coarse aggregate (e.g., CA-11 state rock, ¾ inch), about 269 pounds per cubic yard water (e.g., potable water), and about 1.4 fluid ounces of air entraining agent per cwt of hydraulic cement. Workability and strength to cement ratio were increased compared to one or more preexisting concrete compositions having the same 28-day design compressive strength and similar slump by optimizing the ratio of fine aggregate to coarse aggregate.

Abstract: A concrete composition having a 28-day design compressive strength of 4000 psi and a slump of about 5 inches is optimized to have high workability and a high strength to cement ratio. The concrete composition contains about 375 pounds per cubic yard hydraulic cement (e.g., Portland cement), about 113 pounds per cubic yard pozzolanic material (e.g., Type C fly ash), about 1735 pounds per cubic yard fine aggregate (e.g., FA-2 sand), about 1434 pounds per cubic yard coarse aggregate (e.g., CA-li state rock, ¾ inch), and about 294 pounds per cubic yard water (e.g., potable water). Workability and strength to cement ratio were increased compared to one or more preexisting concrete compositions having the same 28-day design compressive strength and similar slump by optimizing the ratio of fine aggregate to coarse aggregate. The concrete composition is further characterized by high cohesiveness, resulting in relatively little or no segregation or bleeding.

Abstract: A concrete composition having a 28-day design compressive strength of 4000 psi and a slump of about 5 inches is optimized to have high workability and a high strength to cement ratio. The concrete composition contains about 375 pounds per cubic yard hydraulic cement (e.g., Portland cement), about 113 pounds per cubic yard pozzolanic material (e.g., Type C fly ash), about 1735 pounds per cubic yard fine aggregate (e.g., FA-2 sand), about 1434 pounds per cubic yard coarse aggregate (e.g., CA-11 state rock, ¾ inch), and about 294 pounds per cubic yard water (e.g., potable water). Workability and strength to cement ratio were increased compared to one or more preexisting concrete compositions having the same 28-day design compressive strength and similar slump by optimizing the ratio of fine aggregate to coarse aggregate. The concrete composition is further characterized by high cohesiveness, resulting in relatively little or no segregation or bleeding.

Abstract: Concrete compositions have a fine-to-coarse aggregate ratio optimized for decreased viscosity and increased workability. The concrete compositions include at least water, cement, coarse aggregate, and fine aggregate and have a slump of at least 1 inch and a 28-day compressive strength of at least about 1500 psi. Workability is improved by minimizing the viscosity as a function of the aggregate content. To improve workability, the concrete compositions include between 45% and 65% fine aggregate and between 35% and 55% coarse aggregate as a function of total aggregate volume. For relatively low strength concrete (1500-4500 psi), the fine aggregate is 55-65% of the total aggregate volume. For medium strength concrete (4500-8000 psi), the fine aggregate is 50-60% of the total aggregate volume. For high strength concrete (>8000 psi), the fine aggregate is 45-55% of the total aggregate volume. Overall workability can be maintained or improved even if slump is decreased.

Abstract: The modular folding table includes a collapsible truss framework that supports a folding table top and a folding utility shelf, and includes legs that can be connected horizontally or vertically to the legs of one or more similar modular folding tables, to provide desired table and shelf space with a structure that is foldable, strong and stable.

Abstract: A new and improved knockdown pallet structure comprises a relatively flexible base panel which is fabricated from a suitable woven plastic material, such as, for example, polypropylene, and a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending pockets are secured upon undersurface portions of the base panel so as to accommodate rigid support members, which may comprise rigid thermoplastic tubes or pipes, for accommodating the fork tines of a forklift truck when a pallet structure, having a palletized load disposed thereon, is to be lifted and transported.

Abstract: Multi-purpose articles of furniture suitable for use as at least a table, a computer workstation, and a design element. Articles comprise a top surface supported by a base, the top surface comprising at least one section fixed in position relative to the base and at least one section movable to many positions. Articles provide organization and storage for a computer, computer-related items and supplies, and may comprise any combination of any one or more the following: storage compartments, shelves, doors, drawers, electrical power outlets, communication ports, and data ports.

Abstract: A security container is detailed which has an outer housing and an inner housing there within and a tether located between the inner housing and the outer housing. The container is arranged to be secured to a surface so as to anchor the container when in use. In particular, the base of the container contains a first pair of bolt down bosses and a second pair of bolt down bosses, through which the container is to be bolted to the surface. The tether has a loop at each of a first end and a second end thereof. The loops are each arranged to be placed over a separate boss when in use.

Abstract: A device enabling limitation of the risk of formation of an explosive atmosphere in the furnace of a continuous heat treatment line of metal strips the sections of which are under an atmosphere consisting of a mixture of inert gas and hydrogen the hydrogen volume content of which is between 5 and 100%, provided with a rapid induction heating section and a rapid cooling section comprising: a chamber (9) maintained under inert gas at the inlet of the rapid heating section of the furnace and at the outlet of the rapid cooling section, the pressure in the chamber (9) being equal to or greater than the atmospheric pressure when the heating of the furnace operates normally; a device (10) for entering the strip into the chamber (9), from the atmospheric air; a device (11) for atmosphere separation and for entering the strip in the heating section of the furnace from the chamber (9) under inert gas, said device (11) being provided with a gas take-off (4); a device (13) for atmosphere separation and for removing the s

Abstract: A boiler system for producing steam from water includes a plurality of serially arranged oxy fuel boilers. Each boiler has an inlet in flow communication with a plurality of tubes. The tubes of each boiler form at least one water wall. Each of the boilers is configured to substantially prevent the introduction of air. Each boiler includes an oxy fuel combustion system including an oxygen supply for supplying oxygen having a purity of greater than 21 percent, a carbon based fuel supply for supplying a carbon based fuel and at least one oxy-fuel burner system for feeding the oxygen and the carbon based fuel into its respective boiler in a near stoichiometric proportion. The oxy fuel system is configured to limit an excess of either the oxygen or the carbon based fuel to a predetermined tolerance. The boiler tubes of each boiler are configured for direct, radiant energy exposure for energy transfer. Each of the boilers is independent of each of the other boilers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blast containment vessel. A body has an opening. An external door is configured to form a seal surrounding the opening when the external door is in a closed position. A yoke is configured to retain the door in the closed position. A first automatic system is configured to automatically move the external door into and out of the closed position. A second automatic system is configured to automatically move the yoke when the external door is in the closed position. During and after a blast event, the body and the external door contain products of the blast event and the seal remains intact.

Abstract: A method of controlling a process of generating power in a power plant with a boiler by combusting carbonaceous fuel with substantially pure oxygen. At full load conditions, the method includes introducing a first carbonaceous fuel feed stream into a furnace, introducing a first substantially pure oxygen feed stream into the furnace for combusting the first carbonaceous fuel feed stream with the oxygen, and recirculating a portion of the exhaust gas discharged from the furnace at a first recirculation flow rate to the furnace, to form, together with the first substantially pure oxygen feed stream, a first inlet gas stream having a predetermined average oxygen content, thereby discharging exhaust gas from the furnace at a first discharge flow rate.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly includes a shaft mount and a shank mount.

Abstract: A seeding assembly in grain seeding machines, in which the position of the elements is modified and some of them are redesigned; which includes an articulation hinge kind of mechanism in association with the seeding movement, minimizing the entry of vegetable residues, dust, moist soil, etc., simplifying release thereof, and providing efficient and prompt cleaning with the purpose of reducing detention time of the machine.

Abstract: A furrow opener apparatus has an arm assembly adapted at a front end thereof for pivotal attachment to a seeder frame. A single disc is rotatably attached to the arm assembly about a disc axis at an angle to the travel. A walking beam is pivotally attached to the arm assembly rearward of the disc about a beam axis transverse to the travel direction. A bias element exerts a force on the arm assembly such that a downward bias force is exerted on the walking beam at the beam axis. A packer wheel is rotatably attached at a rear end of the walking beam, and a gauge wheel is rotatably attached at a front end of the walking beam. The gauge wheel is configured to roll along the ground adjacent to the leading face of the disc, and the packer wheel is configured to roll along the furrow.

Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed, having a straddle-type seat disposed on a deck. The seat has a seat profile. A storage compartment is disposed rearwardly of the seat. A rear platform is pivotally connected to a rear portion of the watercraft. The rear platform is pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position. The rear platform permits access to the storage compartment when in the raised position, and sealingly closes the storage compartment when in the lowered position. The rear platform is lower than the seat profile when the rear platform is in the lowered position. A personal watercraft having left and right storage compartments and a rear channel defined therebetween, in which the rear platform extends laterally above the rear channel when in the lowered position is also disclosed. A personal watercraft with a rear platform having heel rests with angled portions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A yacht having an adjustable ballast assembly comprising a ballast, an elongated hollow ballast guide mounted to the hull of the watercraft to extend transversely of the hull, the ballast being located within the guide and there being means for selectively moving the ballast longitudinally of the guide between respective opposite end positions in which at least part of the ballast is located laterally outwardly of the hull. The elongated guide may be located within an outer hollow guide and mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the outer guide so as to be capable of projecting telescopically from opposite ends of the outer guide.

Abstract: The invention is a sailboat rigging system and method for forming same. It is formed from a plurality of resin prepreg high strength fiber strands, tows or roving. The fiber are laid out in a preferred rigging configuration with the fiber strands, tows or roving being placed under generally equal tension. The resin in the prepreg fibers bonds the fiber strands, tows or roving to consolidate them together substantially without open spaces therebetween. If desired, the fiber strands, tows or roving can be branched out at branching points to provide for continuous rigging, and selective fibers can be dropped at various sections of the rigging for weight savings.

Abstract: A disconnectable mooring system is provided, comprising a vessel with an outrigger supporting a riser assembly in a disconnectable manner, which riser assembly is provided with a riser top body which by means of disconnectable latching means is attached to the outrigger. The riser top body additionally is connected to the outrigger by means of a braking device for temporarily controlling the downward speed of the riser top body after disconnecting a mechanism. The braking device comprises a first end permanently connected to one of the riser top body and outrigger, and a second end releasably connected to the other of the riser top body and outrigger.