Abstract: A dual-purpose railcar is provided, designed for hauling of bitumen or diluent, optimized to provide transport of bitumen to a destination and transport of diluent in the return trip of the car.

Abstract: An ink having a polymer matrix including carbon nanotubes dispersed in a polymer; optionally one or more colorants; and optionally one or more waxes.

Abstract: An improved modular grate block for an incinerator having a removable wear plate that can be replaced without removing individual grate blocks from a plurality of rows of fixed and movable grate blocks.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agricultural implement and a method of making an agricultural implement. The agricultural implement has a primary containment unit and a plurality of sections. At least one dense phase delivery line connects the primary containment unit to each of the sections. A transport control system allows for individual control of the dense phase transport of the granular product from the primary containment unit to each of the plurality of sections via the at least one dense phase delivery line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method for dense phase transport of a granular product, such as seed. A dense phase delivery line includes a porous medium located along a side wall of the dense phase delivery line. When air and seed are send through the delivery line, a control cover may be moveably positionable over the porous medium to control the flow of air through the porous medium and to start, stop, or otherwise control the dense phase transport of seed through the dense phase delivery line.

Abstract: A dense phase flow product delivery system for an agricultural implement is provided. The system comprises a primary container configured to accommodate dispensed product and that includes a product exit. The system also comprises a pressure supply assembly configured to provide a pressurized fluid to the primary container and a delivery conduit connected to the product exit and configured to permit the dispensed product to pass there through. The system further comprises a purge supply configured to provide a purge fluid to the delivery conduit. The system is configured for a dispensing operation in which the pressurized fluid forces the dispensed product in the primary container to flow through the delivery conduit in a delivery direction. The system is also configured for a purging operation in which the purge fluid forces residual product in the delivery conduit to flow in a direction opposite the delivery direction.

Abstract: A dense phase induction system and method includes an induction valve assembly configured and oriented to establish and maintain efficient transfer and induction of granular material. The induction valve assembly includes arcuate geometry to facilitate the flow of granular material from a granular supply to a dense phase distribution system.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for distributing a product by dense phase flow is disclosed. The agricultural implement comprises a frame and a product distribution system configured to distribute the product to different positions on the frame by dense phase flow. The product distribution system includes a primary container configured to accommodate the product and includes a primary container inlet and a product exit. The product distribution system also includes a pressure supply assembly configured to provide a pressurized fluid and is in fluid communication with the primary container through the primary container inlet. The product distribution system also includes a distribution conduit that includes a conduit first end connected to the product exit and a conduit discharge end opposite the conduit first end.

Abstract: A system for distributing a product on an agricultural implement is provided. The system comprises a primary container having a primary container inlet and a product exit, and the primary container is configured to accommodate the product and permit the product to move through the product exit in response to fluid pressure. The system further comprises a pressure supply assembly including a pressure source that provides a pressurized fluid to the primary container through the primary container inlet. The system further comprises a delivery conduit having a first end connected to the product exit and is configured to permit the product to pass there through by dense phase flow.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a subsea salvage operation using a lifting magnet. In one embodiment, a method of salvaging a submerged production platform includes deploying a salvage vessel to a wreckage site of the submerged production platform; lowering a lifting magnet from the salvage vessel to the submerged production platform; and activating the lifting magnet, thereby capturing at least a portion of the submerged production platform.

Abstract: A lift apparatus for a watercraft having a plurality of components positioned below the platform at the aft end of a boat. The lift apparatus is configured to lift and deploy a watercraft from an undeployed orientation overlaying a platform to a deployed orientation away from the platform and on the water. In the deployed orientation the platform is substantially free from any lift apparatus component interference.

Abstract: A specially designed flagpole designated as the Mourning Flag, comprising two distinct features which set this product apart from standard mounted flag poles available on the market. Firstly, positioned at the base of the Mourning Flag pole is a durable metal swing rod, configured expressly to enable users to adjust the angling of the pole in order to lower the pole during national days of mourning. Most notably, the pole itself comprises a telescoping extension, incorporated into the design of the distal end of the pole and hidden flush within the pole when not in use, easily pulled outward from the pole to extend the length of the pole several feet. As such, when this telescoping extension is accessed, it creates the effect that the flag was positioned at half staff, as opposed to being hung in the standard fashion, on the end of the flag pole.

Abstract: A flagpole formed of the guadua plant has an interior cavity for storing a flag.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for assembling a structure on a support having a pattern of binding sites. In accordance with the method, a first fluid is provided on the surface of the support with the first fluid being of a type that that increases viscosity when cooled, the first fluid having first micro-components suspended therein each adapted to engage the binding sites. First fluid proximate to selected binding sites is cooled to increase the viscosity of the responsive fluid proximate to the selected binding sites so that the first micro-components suspended in the first fluid are inhibited from engaging the selected binding sites.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally include an alignment assembly for aligning a shadow frame on a susceptor. For producing large area flat panel displays or solar panels, the shadow frame that protects the areas of the susceptor not covered by the substrate from deposition may be so large that the shadow frame bends and doesn't properly align. By utilizing an alignment assembly having one or more ball bearings, the shadow frame may roll on the susceptor to a proper alignment position. Thus, the shadow frame may be prevented from bending and also align on the susceptor.

Abstract: Apparatus for metering and vaporizing a particulate material, includes a metering device for metering particulate material including: a reservoir for receiving particulate material; a housing having an internal volume and having first and second openings; a rotatable shaft disposed in the internal volume, the shaft having a smooth surface and a circumferential groove; a structure disposed in the reservoir for delivery and cooperating with the rotating shaft for fluidizing particulate material and transporting it from the reservoir into the groove; the shaft and internal volume cooperating such that particulate material is transported by the groove; a scraper cooperates with the groove to dislodge particulate material retained therein and fluidize the scraped particulate material, and deliver metered amounts of particulate material through the second opening; and a flash evaporator that receives and flash vaporizes the metered particulate material.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a chemical vapor deposition apparatus. The apparatus comprises a chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A first electrode is at least partially positioned in the chamber. The first electrode comprises an electrically conductive first portion and an electrically conductive second portion, the first portion being attached to the second portion by a first TIG weld bead. A second electrode is at least partially positioned in the chamber. The second electrode comprises an electrically conductive third portion and an electrically conductive fourth portion, the third portion being attached to the fourth portion by a second TIG weld bead. An electrode and a method of making the electrode are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for metering and vaporizing a particulate material, includes: a metering device having: a reservoir for receiving particulate material; a housing having an internal volume and having first and second openings; a rotatable shaft disposed in the internal volume, the shaft having a smooth surface and a circumferential groove; a rotating agitator with a plurality of tines disposed in the reservoir and cooperating with the rotating shaft for fluidizing particulate material and transporting it from the reservoir into the groove; cooperating such that particulate material is transported by the groove; a scraper cooperates with the groove to dislodge particulate material retained therein, and deliver metered amounts of particulate material through the second opening; the rotatable shaft and the scraper cooperates to fluidize the particulate material at the second opening; and a flash evaporator that flash vaporizes the received particulate material.

Abstract: Apparatus for metering and vaporizing a particulate material, includes: a metering device for metering particulate material having: a reservoir for receiving particulate material; a housing having first and second openings; a rotatable shaft disposed in the internal volume, the shaft having a smooth surface and a circumferential groove; a rotating agitator with a plurality of tines disposed in the reservoir and cooperating with the rotating shaft for fluidizing particulate material and transporting it from the reservoir into the groove; cooperating such that particulate material is transported by the groove; a scraper cooperates with the groove to dislodge particulate material retained therein, and deliver metered amounts of particulate material through the second opening; a structure fluidizes the particulate material at the second opening; and a flash evaporator that receives and flash vaporizes the metered particulate material.

Abstract: An on demand food and water dispenser for pets comprises a base structure, having a base floor and a surrounding substantially vertical base wall structure, capable of holding water; a food bowl, having a bowl floor and a surrounding substantially vertical bowl wall structure attached to the base floor within the base structure but not contacting the base wall structure, the bowl capable of holding food; and a dual-chambered container attached within the base structure but not contacting the base wall structure, capable of receiving, storing and dispensing on demand from a first chamber dry pet food into the food bowl and on demand from a second chamber water into the base structure. The base structure receives dispensed water from the second chamber to create a water-filled moat that inhibits crawling insects from accessing the food bowl or food stored in the first chamber of the dual chambered container.

Abstract: A housing for covering a digester system contains a hollow supporting structure on top of which is attached a catch basin via a hinge mechanism, wherein the catch basin has an inwardly concave shape so that rain or other water may be collected and directed through a passage to the digester system located directly below the catch basin.

Abstract: Animal toilets presently do not have an automated method of cleaning the toileting surface and disposing of wastes. The animal toilet disclosed herein is equipped with a permeable toileting surface, a catchment surface underlying the toileting surface to collect and channel liquids, and a drain. The toileting surface may be equipped with a rinsing element to rinse wastes from the toileting and catchment surfaces. The drain may be further equipped with tubing to convey the liquids to a convenient disposal location. The animal toilet may be equipped with a moving toileting surface, which results in improved rinsing, and potential solid waste collection. In all embodiments, absorbent material may be used in place of permeable material for the toileting surface, which may not require any rinsing. The solid waste disposal may be automated through the use of rinse water and disposal tubing routed to the proper disposal location.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for grooming an animal having a brush head, the brush head having a plurality of bristles, each bristle having a midpoint and an endpoint, where the bristles are in general perpendicular orientation to the brush head, a cleaning plate, in general parallel orientation to the brush head, the cleaning plate able to move from a contracted to an extended position, the cleaning plate further having material removed to allow the bristles to protrude through the cleaning plate when it is in the retracted position; and a mechanism for extending and contracting the cleaning plate, wherein the cleaning plate has a bottom surface and the bottom surface does not extend past the bristle endpoint when the cleaning plate is in the extended position. In one embodiment, at least some bristles are wire, and in further embodiments the wire bristles have round coated tips. The brush head may further have a water outlet and a hose coupling for intake and dispensing of liquids.

Abstract: A Pop Out Bracket including an impact release system for use in connection with a stake when mounted to a cross country equestrian fence and other devices. The Pop Out Bracket is a one-piece assembly comprising of plastic materials with holes for mounting with screws or other fixtures and is configured to flex open from the fence upon a sufficient impact or force allowing the stake to come out and fall to the ground. The Pop Out Bracket allows for quick replacement of the stake discontinuing the need to stop a show for course builders to have to replace a stake and or re-screw in a stake. The Pop Out Bracket lowers the danger to the horse and rider by allowing the stake to fall to the ground and not allowing the stake to stay in position and break causing possible injury to the horse or rider.

Abstract: A treat-embedded cat scratching apparatus is disclosed. The treat consists of morsels of dry food which a cat likes to eat. The cat scratching apparatus comprises a scratching surface. Embedded within the scratching surface are morsels of dry food which a cat likes to eat.

Abstract: A lick deterrent device having a surface mounted battery pack that is in electrical contact with two sets of traces on the lick deterrent device. The surface mounted battery pack is readily attachable to the lick deterrent device, and in some embodiments, may be readily removable and replaceable. At least one of the battery terminals is in direct electrical contact with a trace on the substrate. The second terminal may have electrical contact with a different trace via a terminal extension element.

Abstract: A restraint harness for a dog, particularly a dog of medium size and larger, including a conventional adjustable dog harness and an attached harness control extension. The harness control extension includes a plurality of straps configured to extend to the hind end of the dog and a motion control cord that is interlaced in and between the conventional adjustable dog harness and the harness control extension. The motion control cord encircles the dog's hind legs and can be tightened around the thighs with minimal force, where such tightening substantially restrains the dog without causing injury to the dog.

Abstract: A storage type water heater comprising: a stored hot water tank; a heating unit including a heat exchanger, a gas burner, and an air supply fan; a circulation pipe line; a circulating pump; a first temperature sensor for detecting an inlet side temperature T1; a second temperature sensor for detecting an outlet side temperature T2; and a controller including a control arrangement which actuates the circulating pump to circulate the stored hot water inside of the circulation pipe line when the heating unit is in a non-operated state, and determines an abnormality in one of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor based on a temperature difference (|T1?T2|).

Abstract: A storage-type water heater. The storage-type water heater comprising a water storage tank configured to retain tank water, means for heating the tank water in the water storage tank, and an anti-stacking pump assembly. The anti-stacking pump assembly includes a water tube configured to be positioned in the water storage tank, an impeller positioned within the water tube, a motor drivingly connected to the impeller, a water inlet formed in the water tube upstream of the impeller and configured to deliver tank water into the water tube from the water storage tank, and a water outlet formed in the water tube downstream of the impeller.

Abstract: A fluid circuit of an engine fitted with a cooling circuit and an oil circuit, may include a water pump mounted on a coolant circulation line, a radiator that connected to a coolant exhaust line of the engine, a water temperature governor selectively connecting the radiator with the water pump to control a coolant flow therebetween, a first cooling line connecting the coolant exhaust line with a subsidiary unit, a first return line directly connecting the subsidiary unit with the water pump through the water temperature governor, a second cooling line connecting the first cooling line to a turbocharger to guide a part of a coolant supplied to the first cooling line to the turbocharger, and a second return line connecting the turbocharger with the first return line to guide a part of the coolant that is exhausted from the turbocharger to the first return line.

Abstract: A cooling circuit of an engine may include a water pump provided at a coolant circulation line, an engine provided with a water jacket forming a pathway through which a coolant supplied from the water pump passes, and having a coolant inflow line and a coolant exhaust line, a radiator connected to the coolant exhaust line, a thermostat selectively connecting the radiator with the water pump to control a coolant flow, a first cooling line connecting the coolant exhaust line to a heater, a first return line connecting the heater to the water pump through the thermostat, a second cooling line connecting the coolant exhaust line to a throttle body, a third cooling line connecting the throttle body to an oil cooler, and a second return line connecting the oil cooler to the first return line to guide a coolant exhausted from the oil cooler to the first return line.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for improving the efficiency of an internal combustion engine by using coolant vapor fed to a component converting the vapor energy to mechanical energy for supplementing the power of the engine when the engine is operating in a first state and bypassing the component when the engine is operating in a state other than its first state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive unit for a fan of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, having a friction clutch which can be shifted in order to drive the fan via the internal combustion engine. An electric motor is also provided for driving the fan, and a torque-transmission path is formed between the friction clutch and the fan by means of a rotatably mounted part of the electric motor. The invention also relates to an arrangement for driving a fan via an internal combustion engine with a drive unit that includes an electric motor and a friction clutch.

Abstract: A motor chain saw has a motor housing with a drive unit for driving a saw chain on a guide bar. The drive unit is an internal combustion engine with a cylinder and a crankshaft extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the motor chain saw. A drive pinion is mounted on a first end of the crankshaft. A cooling air blower with a blower wheel is mounted on the second end of the crankshaft. A cooling air stream of the blower flows transversely to the longitudinal axis of the motor chain saw about the cylinder and exits through a housing opening. A hand guard arranged between a handle and a front end of the guide bar is connected with one leg near the housing opening for the cooling air stream. In front of the housing opening a baffle element is supported on the leg of the hand guard.

Abstract: An oil fill cap for an internal combustion engine replaces a standard cap and provides separation of air and oil in a separation zone within the cap body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pumping an intake charge into an engine is disclosed herein. The fuel-powered engine utilizes a barrier between an intake manifold and a crankcase of the engine to substantially protect the intake charge from contamination by engine crankcase oil, while using the natural pumping action of a reciprocating engine piston to pump the intake charge into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A variable valve lift apparatus may include an input unit, a control link disposed to a control shaft, a driving cam that is provided with a contact portion and pivotally disposed to the control shaft, a valve opening unit that contacts the contact portion and is opened and closed in accordance with pivoting of the driving cam, wherein the control link, the input unit and the driving cam are connected by a connecting unit, and contact positions of the valve opening unit and the contact portion are variable according to a relative rotation angle of the control link around the control shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a valve driving apparatus. The valve driving apparatus includes at least one swing arm having one side corresponding to an upper side of a valve opening and closing a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine; and a cam unit periodically pivoting the swing arm. Here, the swing arm performs a swing motion on the other side thereof by external manipulation to periodically compress the valve. The valve driving apparatus is capable of adjusting lift amounts of valves opening and closing a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An oil circuit for a continuously variable valve timing apparatus, may include a main line that is formed in a cylinder block to receive oil from a hydraulic pump, a first oil line that connects an intake oil control valve that is mounted on a cylinder head that is assembled to the cylinder block with the main line, a second oil line that connects an exhaust oil control valve that is mounted in a cylinder head cover with the first oil line, a third oil line that connects a cam journal that is formed in the cylinder head with the first oil line, and a fourth oil line that connects a timing chain tensioner that is mounted in the cylinder block with the third oil line.

Abstract: An intake system for an engine includes a duct defining an intake passage therein, and a cantilevered valve including a valve main body opening/closing the intake passage, a shaft supporting the body, and a valve extension portion. The duct includes a reduced passage portion between the duct and the body when the body is in a fully closed position, a recess accommodating the body and the extension portion when the body is fully opened, and a pressure introduction passage formed between the duct and the body when the body is fully closed, and communicating with a space between the body and the extension portion when the body is fully closed. The extension portion includes a sealing part. The duct and the sealing part define a clearance therebetween when the body is fully closed. The clearance has a smaller sectional area than the reduced passage portion.

Abstract: A two-part, cooled piston for an internal combustion engine has an upper piston part and a lower piston part, in which the piston parts are screwed together by way of a threaded pin disposed on the upper piston part and a threaded bore worked into the lower piston part. The material of the threaded pin, in order to improve its strength, has a stretching limit that is higher in comparison with the rest of the piston material. The increase in the stretching limit is achieved by means of lasting stretching of the threaded pin by approximately 1% of its length, in the axial direction.

Abstract: A lightweight exhaust component cover having a small number of components is disclosed. In the exhaust component cover, an internal plate is formed by bending part of a single plate at both ends, and the internal plate is joined to the inside surface of an external plate.

Abstract: An engine tool comprises an engine, a housing retaining the engine, a top cover provided above the housing, and an air cleaner room provided at the housing. The engine tool is structured in such a way that external air introduced in the air cleaner room or the housing flows through a space formed between the housing and the top cover. The engine tool further comprises a handle part which is grabbed by a user and which is provided above the top cover. External air flows through a space formed between an area of the top cover where the handle part is provided and the housing. The engine tool still further comprises an air inlet for introducing external air provided at a front part of the engine tool.

Abstract: The split-chamber rotary engine includes a rotary power module having a case with a circular rotor installed therein. At least one, and preferably two or more combustion chambers are formed peripherally in the rotor. The generally circular rotor cavity of the case includes at least one, and preferably two or more, peripheral expansion chambers. A corresponding number of reciprocating compressor modules are installed upon the case, with the compressor module axis being aligned generally tangentially to the rotor periphery. The compressor module includes concentric reciprocating pistons and valves that compress the air charge and transfer the compressed charge to the rotary power module for power production. The compressor module is driven purely by combustion gas pressure acting upon its inboard piston. No mechanical linkage exists from power module to compressor module. The engine may include multiple rotor and case rows, as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to heat engines and more specifically to positive displacement internal combustion engines, and is particularly concerned with rotary and oscillating spherical engines i.e. engines, in which piston executes rotary/oscillating motion and combustion chamber and principal engine's parts that converts gas pressure into rotary movement assume general form of sphere. The invention provides the optimal, “canonical” form for the two stroke rotary and oscillating spherical engine of unique strength and compactness.

Abstract: A wall shape of a cavity consists of an inward protruding portion located at the periphery of an opening, a center portion projecting toward a fuel injector, and a peripheral portion connecting the inward protruding portion and the center portion. The fuel injector and the cavity are configured so that fuel injected from fuel injector directs to the proximity of the border between the inward protruding portion and the peripheral portion. The peripheral portion consists of a first portion located farthermost from the fuel injector, a second portion located between the inward protruding portion and the first portion, and a third portion located between the first portion and the center portion. The radii of arcs of the peripheral portion decrease from the second portion to the first portion and increase from the first portion to the third portion.

Abstract: A method for increasing an engine brake power of an internal combustion engine, particularly of a diesel engine, having at least one cylinder with a reciprocating piston, at least one inlet valve and one outlet valve, and a turbocharger, in which air is compressed by an air compressor and stored in the at least one storage device, and air is injected in a clocked manner into the at least one cylinder in order to increase the compression work performed by the piston and thereby enhance the engine brake power during an engine braking process.

Abstract: A combustion control system includes a magnetic torque sensor disposed between an engine and a load. The magnetic torque sensor is configured to directly measure engine torque and output a torque signal indicative of the engine torque. A control unit is communicatively coupled to the magnetic torque sensor. The control unit is configured to receive the torque signal and determine one or more combustion parameters based on the torque signal. The control unit is also configured to control one or more manipulating parameters of the engine based on the one or more combustion parameters so as to control combustion in the engine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combustion state detection apparatus for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of detecting abnormal combustion with high accuracy. The combustion state detection apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes: a variety of sensors; an ignition coil; an ignition plug; a transistor; a switching control unit; an ion current detection unit; and abnormal combustion detection units for determining that abnormal combustion has occurred in a case where a crank angle at a point of time when the ion current exceeds a predetermined current value or when the ion current that exceeds the predetermined current value reaches a peak value thereof is on a spark-advance side compared with a crank angle for determining abnormal combustion. The switching control unit ends the spark discharge at a predetermined timing while the spark discharge is in progress after the primary current is shut off and the spark discharge is generated.

Abstract: In a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, when a fuel pressure detected by the fuel pressure detecting unit is not smaller than a threshold P_a, the value opening time duration of a injector is increased to a value larger than its normal value, such control as to stop fuel injection from the injector is inhibited, the low pressure fuel pump is stopped, thus quickly lowering the fuel pressure. After the fuel pressure is lowered, the valve opening time duration of the injector is returned to the normal value, and a discharge quantity of the low pressure fuel pump is changed on the basis of a difference between the fuel pressure detected by the fuel pressure detecting unit and a target fuel pressure.