Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating a gas comprising at least hydrogen and at least one other compound by means of a hydrogen-permeable separation membrane, in which the gas to be treated is brought into contact with the membrane so as to produce a hydrogen-enriched permeate and a hydrogen-depleted retentate. The differential pressure across the membrane is adjusted so that the ratio R of formula: in which Qr represents the flow rate of the retentate, Q represents the flow rate of the gas to be treated, FH2 represents a quantity characteristic of the hydrogen concentration of the gas to be treated and n is a decimal number strictly positive or negative, is equal to or greater than the value of the radio Rmin at which at least one compound present in the retentate condenses.

Abstract: In the removal of heavy metals such as mercury from fluid streams, especially coal-derived syn-gas streams, a sulphided palladium-containing absorber gives improved results by way of mercury-absorption capacity if the absorber is sulphided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering a gaseous component from an incoming gas stream is described. The incoming gas stream is contacted with a lean aqueous absorbing medium to absorb at least a portion of the gaseous component from the incoming gas stream to form a lean treated gas stream and a rich aqueous absorbing medium. At least a portion of the gaseous component is desorbed from the rich aqueous absorbing medium at a temperature to form an overhead gas stream and a regenerated aqueous absorbing medium. At least a portion of the overhead gas stream is treated to recover a condensate stream. At least a portion of the condensate stream is used to form a heated stream. At least a portion of the heated stream is recycled back to the desorbing step. Novel absorbing medium compositions to recover carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide are also described.

Abstract: A particulate matter detection device (100) includes a first electrode (10) that includes a conductive section (12) and a dielectric (14) that covers the conductive section (12), and a second electrode (20) that is disposed opposite to the first electrode (10) at an interval of 0.3 to 3.0 mm. Charged particulate matter contained in a fluid that passes through the space between the first electrode (10) and the second electrode (20), or particulate matter that is contained in a fluid and charged by a discharge that occurs due to application of a voltage between the electrodes (10) and (20) is electrically adsorbed on at least one of the electrodes (10) and (20), and the particulate matter adsorbed on the electrodes (10) and (20) is detected by measuring a change in electrical properties of the first electrode (10), or a change in electrical properties of the electrodes (10) and (20).

Abstract: Systems and methods for lowering levels of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants are provided. Economically viable systems and processes capable of removing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants from gaseous waste streams and sequestering them in storage-stable forms are also discussed.

Abstract: In order to apply a liquid material including a small number of bubbles, in particular almost no bubbles larger than a predetermined size, a liquid material supplying apparatus includes: a pressure tank applying a positive pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure to the liquid material; a syringe having a nozzle for discharging the liquid material; and a liquid path member forming a liquid path leading the liquid material from the pressure tank to the syringe; a valve member which is provided on the liquid path member and which opens/closes the liquid path; a bubble defoaming filter which is provided on the liquid path member between the syringe and the valve member and which removes bubbles from the liquid material lead in the liquid path member; and a pressure applying mechanism which starts/stops discharging the liquid material from the nozzle by selectively applying a first pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure and a second pressure lower than the first pressure.

Abstract: A system for reducing the occurrence of fires in a fabric filter dust collection system. The system includes an elongated housing having a first end and a second end distal from the first end. A gas flow inlet is provided in flow communication with an interior portion of the housing for flow of gas and particulates from a source into the housing. A gas flow outlet is provided in flow communication with the housing for flow of gas and particulates out of the housing and into the dust collection system. An elongated spark arrestor is disposed in the housing between the first end and the second end. The spark arrestor has a plurality of spaced-apart, wedge-shaped members having a gap between adjacent members sufficient to interrupt the flow of combustible particles from the source to the dust collection system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coffee maker with a brewing device connected to a water supply comprising a brewing chamber accommodating coffee powder and with a pump for feeding the brewing water into the brewing chamber. It is substantial to the invention that a control/regulating device is provided via which during the brewing process a brewing pressure acting on the coffee powder is adjustable.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a beverage maker. The beverage maker may include a brew system, an indicator to indicate at least one of a cleaning and a maintenance need of the beverage maker, and a control circuit. The brew system may include a reservoir to receive a liquid, a heater to heat the liquid, an expendable filter structured to filter impurities from the liquid for at least a predetermined number of brew cycles, and a container for receiving a beverage brewed from the filtered liquid. The control circuit may include a processor configured to receive a signal from at least one sensor indicative of an end of a brew cycle, increment a brew cycle counter by one count at the end of each brew cycle, and activate the indicator when a value of the brew cycle counter is equal to the predetermined number of brew cycles.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a beverage maker. The beverage maker may comprise a brew system, at least one sensor, a display and a control circuit. The brew system may comprise a heater, a reservoir and a container for receiving a brewed beverage. The at least one sensor may be positioned to sense an end of a brew cycle. The control circuit may be configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensor indicative of the end of the brew cycle. Upon detecting the end of the brew cycle, the control circuit may be configured to initiate a timer and cause a current value of the timer to be shown on the display.

Abstract: A machine for filtered coffee, having an upper body, inside which a filter-carrier for the coffee and a tank for the water are housed, both accessible through a window. The machine comprises a shutter able to be moved slidingly with respect to said upper body between an open condition and a closed condition of said window and vice versa, so as to selectively allow complete frontal access to said filter-carrier and to said tank, through said window, leaving free frontal access to the filter-carrier and to the water tank. The machine further comprises a pivoting opening which opens frontally with respect to a user and allows access to said tank, when said shutter is in the open condition, for conveying water to the tank without moving said tank from the machine.

Abstract: A forming machine includes a drum having an outer heating surface, a reservoir disposed below the drum and having a surrounding wall with a top edge that can contact the outer heating surface and that has a profile conforming to that of the outer heating surface, an applying disk disposed inside the reservoir and having perforations, and a rotary shaft extending into the reservoir to rotate the applying disk and movable upwardly or downwardly to raise or lower the applying disk. The reservoir is movable between non-contact and contact positions, where the top edge is spaced below and moves upward to abut against the outer heating surface, respectively. The applying disk is movable between pre-applying and applying positions, where the applying disk is lowered into the reservoir for dipping into the dough and is raised for applying the dough to the outer heating surface, respectively.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-level cooking device with removable heating elements. The invention consists of three separate cooking surfaces with the bottom one being the biggest and the next two incrementally smaller. Each surface is non-stick with a slight slant for excess oil to drip off. The invention has three separate knobs for temperature control of each of the three cooking surfaces. The essence of the invention is the ability to remove and add cooking levels 2 and 3. The bottom one is stationary, but a central panel can be added and two more cooking surfaces can be stacked at a slight angle away from the first one to allow proper room for cooking.

Abstract: The device is for holding an edible food product such as a vegetable or piece of fruit in readiness for the preparation thereof. The device may be used for peeling or cutting vegetables or fruit in a safe manner. The device includes a body that is meant to be grasped by a user of the device and a set of prongs that are supported by the body and extend from a distal end of the body. The set of prongs preferably includes at least three prongs that are disposed in a parallel array and that are for piercing engagement with the edible product. An actuator rod assembly is supported by the body and includes a proximal end cap and a distal pusher piece that is meant to engage the edible product for dis-engagement thereof from the set of prongs. A biasing spring is disposed in the body for urging the actuator rod assembly in a proximal direction.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for compacting the springs of mattresses and box springs. The present invention compresses the springs in at least two, preferably three different directions. One compression is achieved through actuation of a crush chamber door. At least two of the three directions of compression are perpendicular to an axis through the springs. After the final compression is performed, the compressed springs are discharged from the crush chamber in a direction parallel to the direction of the final compression.

Abstract: Devices and systems for compressing food articles are shown and described. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to squeeze, press, extrude, or otherwise process food articles. The disclosed embodiments can include a lever with a plurality of gear teeth, a base with a plurality of gear teeth, and a receptacle. The gear teeth can engage one another. The lever and base can be actuated to move a piston head into and out of the receptacle to compress food. A piston assembly of the compression tool can provide a mechanical advantage to provide relatively high compressive forces.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] To provide a method for ornamenting a container, a mandrel, drum, apparatus used for the method, in which the number of manufacturing process and the manufacturing cost are reduced, and prevents scratches in the inner and outer surface of the container. [Solution] The ornamenting method of a container comprises a process to perform underprinting, a process to perform outer surface printing, and a process to perform embossing on the surface of the container held by a holding means in a manufacturing line. It is preferable that the outer surface printing process and the embossing process are simultaneously or successively performed.

Abstract: An emboss device including an emboss roller having a surface on which convexoconcave are formed; and an opposed roller arranged oppositely to the emboss roller. The emboss roller and the opposed roller sandwich a sheet-like print object, thereby to impart convexoconcave to the print object. The spacing d between the protruded part of the surface of the emboss roller and the surface of the opposed roller is set to 50 ?m to 200 ?m.

Abstract: An imprinter includes a printing base for mounting a card and a print paper to be imprinted on a predetermined area thereof, a carriage that is movable above the printing base, a roller includes a hard material and is provided as is housed within the carriage for transcribing the information represented as embossed on a card, a roller shaft for fixedly supporting the roller, bearings for rotatably supporting the roller shaft at a position of a predetermined height from the card mounting surface of the printing base, and an elastic mechanism provided between the bearings and the roller shaft, the elastic mechanism being radially deformed during an imprinting operation to cause the roller to radially move relative to the bearings so that the embossed information of the card may be transcribed onto the print paper.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for improving accuracy during a plurality of screen printing steps. After a first layer and an alignment mark are printed on a workpiece, the alignment mark is imaged by a camera so that the alignment mark is stored as image data in an image processing device adapted to deliver reference data for subsequent printing, and the image data is used to renew the reference data in the image processing device.

Abstract: A method for producing a pseudo-stochastic master surface for producing a cover or jacket of a cylinder for contacting printing material, includes providing the master surface with a pseudo-stochastic distribution of microsurfaces. The master surface is produced on the basis of a digital master in a jacket preliminary stage and serves for a preferably galvanic production of a microstructured cover, in which structure elevations correlate with the microsurfaces. The pseudo-stochastic distribution helps to avoid disruptive discernible effects, for example the moiré effect and helps to construct the microstructuring in a targeted manner. A master surface, a method for producing a cylinder cover, a cylinder cover, a machine for processing printing material, a method for producing printed products and a method for microstamping printed products, are also provided.

Abstract: There are provided damping water circulators (3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d) for circulating damping water among printing presses (2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d) to purify the damping water. The damping water circulator includes upper and lower tanks(8, 9) and a purification unit (10) provided between the upper and lower tanks (8, 9). The damping water returning from the printing presses (2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d) is purified by the purification unit and stored in the lower tank 9. The damping water is then transferred from the lower tank 9 to the upper tank 8 and is supplied to the printing presses (2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d). Water supply for replenishment to the damping water is stopped at a predetermined time before ending of print operation of the printing presses (2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d) and the damping water remaining in the upper and lower tanks (8, 9) is consumed during the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing electronic components, particularly, a method of manufacturing electronic components through a printing process, including simultaneously printing ceramic dielectric regions and conductive regions on a support film. The manufacturing method repeats gravure printing of a ceramic dielectric paste and a conductive paste on a support film, without the use of a ceramic green sheet, thus rapidly fabricating a mother laminate for manufacturing desired electronic components.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for controlling application of ink in a printing press include predefining a setpoint color value in a device-independent color space. An ink metering element is activated with an ink application value, producing an ink layer thickness, on printing material, associated with the setpoint color value. An actual color value from the ink layer thickness on the printing material is determined, measured or colorimetrically measured in the device-independent color space. Activation with a changed ink application value based on deviation of the actual color value from the setpoint color value, produces an ink layer thickness differing from the produced ink layer thickness. A necessary ink layer thickness change is calculated based on changes in the color values in the device-independent color space upon a change in the ink layer thickness at the point of the actual color value, to determine the changed ink application value.

Abstract: A transfer film 316 which has a print pattern 340 comprising a first area 312A having an ink layer and a second area 312B having no ink layer and has no whole surface fixture layer formed thereon is prepared, an activating agent is applied onto the surface of the transfer film 316 to collect a surplus portion of the activating agent in a convex form in the second area by a repelling operation of the ink player 312I in the first area 312A and a collecting power of the activating agent 320, the convex collection portions 320C of the activating agent in the second area 312B have a concave-convex reversal made on the surface of the article 10 when the water pressure transfer is performed, and the convex collection portions of the activating agent are shrunk and protruded when the print layer is hardened whereby a three-dimensional unevenness is imparted onto the surface of the article.

Abstract: A method for dedusting a suction system for rotary presses, wherein the cleaning liquid is guided into the suction system, and wherein the suction system is closed in the region of the press room of the press, and at least a part of the suction system is flooded with cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid is subsequently drained into the press room.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for feeding printing plates to a plate cylinder of a printing press, load the printing plate in the vicinity of its front edge with a curvature which extends convexly with regard to the plate cylinder axis.

Abstract: There is provided a proximity to a target, detection system, including a laser transmitter for transmitting a beam of radiation at a predetermined wavelength temporal and spatial shape, towards a target from which the proximity is to be determined, a small dimensions body having an opening for admitting radiation reflected from the target, the body housing a receiver for receiving the reflected beam radiation from the target and directing it towards a detector in the body for producing a signal. The detector includes a detection logic circuit allowing detection of reflected radiation for producing an output signal when the body is at a predetermined range from the target and in consideration of the temporal or spatial relative strength of the signal produced by the detected radiation of the reflected beam. A method for detecting the proximity of a body to a radiation-reflecting surface of a target, is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a component for use in a wellbore, and a nano-based device for activating the component.

Abstract: A combustible cartridge assembly is described. The assembly of one embodiment includes a projectile, a body having a first end portion coupled to the projectile and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The body is made of a combustible material configured to be consumed upon firing the ammunition round assembly. A sleeve is at least partially contained within the base. The sleeve has a free end portion radially to adjacent to and coupled to the second end portion of the body. The sleeve and the body defines an interior area configured to contain a combustible propellant. A non-combustible base at least partially is coupled to the sleeve and is adjacent to the second end portion of the body.

Abstract: The present inventions provide methods of manufacturing methods for case metallic materials for munitions that have high enthalpic energy release and controlled fragmentation and breakup enabling fragment speeds up to twice what is otherwise possible in explosively driven metal systems, and munitions made by such methods. Embodiments of the invention involve the thixotropic processing of energetic materials such as aluminum together with high density materials such as tantalum or tungsten to achieve material microstructures with a bulk density equivalent to steel, but with the energy release potential of materials such as finely dispersed aluminum powders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sub-munition unit (1) having a warhead (2) that comprises an antenna (3) on the bow side, as seen in the direction of flight, for target acquisition, and is connected on the aft side to a releasably attached parachute cartridge (4). In order to protect the antenna (3) sufficiently against both mechanical loads and aerodynamic stresses using a simple protective device, and without thereby negatively affecting the function of the antenna (3), an antenna protection cover (5) is releasably disposed on the warhead in front of the antenna (3) so as to protect the antenna (3), and the warhead (2) comprises an operating mechanism causing the antenna protection cover (5) to be ejected when the parachute cartridge (4) is released from the warhead (2).

Abstract: A steerable truck for a railway car is provided with a truck frame that is steered so as to be aligned with the tangential direction of a curved track by controlling only the steering angle of a rear wheelset. During travel along a curved track, the steering angle, which is the angle in a horizontal plane of the centerline of the rear wheelset with respect to an imaginary straight line connecting the center of the truck frame and the center of the curved track, is larger than the steering angle which is the angle formed between the imaginary straight line and the centerline of the front wheelset. As a result, a steerable truck for a railway car which has excellent ability to travel along a curve and which can be actually realized simply and at a low cost is provided.

Abstract: A device is provided for covering the sides of a spacing (4) between two vehicles coupled with each other, in particular rail cars (1, 2). The device has two side walls (10) running parallel to each other that deform at least in the longitudinal direction of travel. The side walls (10) are connected to each other in the upper and lower regions by braces (12). The braces (12) are connected to each other, so that they can move relative to each other, in the longitudinal direction of the travel by at least one accordion-like material strip (20).

Abstract: A shipping container support mechanism for a rail freight wagon is adjustable between a retracted position in which a container can be supported in a well of the wagon between elevated end platforms which extend over wheels and bogies. In the deployed, extended position, the mechanism supports an end region of a container, the opposite end of which can be supported on another such mechanism or an end platform. The support mechanism is mountable in the side wall of the wagon and has a pivotal support arm which can move from a stowed position in the wagon frame to a horizontally extended position.

Abstract: [Object] To provide an additive for dust scattering preventing coating water of which the coating water can permeate into a mineral-fiber-containing installation layer of asbestos, etc., to suppress scattering of dust and thereby enable stripping removal of the mineral-fiber-containing installation layer to be performed efficiently, at low cost, and safely. [Solution Means] An additive for dust scattering preventing coating water used by adding and dissolving in a coating water and coating onto a mineral-fiber-containing installation layer. The additive contains fructose as a water retention imparting agent, glycerin as a moisture retention maintaining agent, and a surfactant as a permeation promoter, and furthermore contains a sugar alcohol.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of bitumen foam, wherein a gas is dispersed into the bitumen with a temperature of less than 200° C. and with a viscosity van 100-10.000 mPas measured at the temperature using EN 12596, wherein the process includes bringing the gas tangentially into contact with a bitumen stream, to obtain a bitumen foam that is not dehydrogenated, oxidised or otherwise chemically modified, and in which at least 10 vol % gas is distributed substantially homogeneously. This process can be applied simply and safely, and results in bitumen foam without additions being necessary for this. In this way bitumen can be processed at lower temperatures, even below 100° C., to asphalt or wearing course.

Abstract: Composite materials are disclosed having low filler percolation thresholds for filler materials into the composite matrix material along with methods of controlling filler interconnectivity within the composite matrix material. Methods are, thus, disclosed that provide the ability to control the desired properties of the composites. The composites of the present disclosure are characterized by a “pseudo-crystalline” microstructure formed of matrix particles and filler particles where the matrix particles are faceted and substantially retain their individual particle boundaries and where the filler particles are interspersed between the matrix particles at the individual matrix particle boundaries such that the filler particles form a substantially interconnected network that substantially surrounds the individual faceted matrix particles.

Abstract: A method of producing a white pigment dispersion liquid includes: mixing and dispersing a white pigment, a dispersant and a medium to form a dispersion liquid in which the amount of the white pigment is 20% by mass or more relative to the total mass of the dispersion liquid; and subjecting the dispersion liquid to a depressurization treatment after the dispersing. A method of producing an inkjet recording medium includes: producing a white pigment dispersion liquid by the method of producing a white pigment dispersion liquid; preparing a coating liquid by mixing at least the white pigment dispersion liquid and a water-soluble resin; and forming an ink receiving layer by applying the coating liquid onto a support.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing uncoated, readily dispersible C.I. Pigment Red 112 by azo coupling in a microreactor, which comprises precipitating the coupling component in an upstream microreactor and coupling the precipitated coupling component in finely divided form to the diazo component in a microreactor. The C.I. Pigment Red 112 of the invention features low dispersion harshness in alkyd resin varnish, and a PCB content of below 25 ppm.

Abstract: A cement composition for a self-levelling concrete, includes a mixture of rheology-modifying additives, the combination of at least a first agent for substantially increasing the shear threshold of the concrete in the fluid state, selected from a natural polysaccharide ether, a hydroxyalkyl guar ether, a hydroxyethylcellulose or a hydroxypropyl guar, which are hydrophobically modified with the introduction of hydrophobic side grafts, and at least a second viscosity-increasing agent for substantially increasing the viscosity of the concrete in the fluid state, selected from a non-hydrophobically-modified hydroxyalkylcellulose having a degree of polymerization between approximately 500 and approximately 4500 and a viscosity of less than 50 PA·s in aqueous solution at 2 wt.-% and a poly (ethylene oxide), in order to limit or prevent the dynamic segregation of granulates in the concrete during the implementation thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mass for manufacturing products with a high neutron radioprotection capacity which, like that of any conventional concrete, is structured based on cement or mixture thereof with calcium sulfate (anhydrite), aggregates, water and chemical additives modifying the characteristics of the concrete. According to the invention, said mass uses as an aggregate colemanite and variable parts of borax, with a very continuous grain size to achieve a perfect homogeneity in the mass, determining an optimal barrier effect against neutron radiations, which allows considerably decreasing the wall thickness, without adversely affecting the barrier effect. The mass is suitable for obtaining poured concrete, concrete for bricks, concrete for slabs and dry mortar, which can be used in building radioactive premises such as radiotherapy and brachytherapy bunkers, radiology walls, etc. This concrete has no structural capacity.

Abstract: “The Wheel Desk” is a removable, portable desk/table that attaches to the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. It is comprised of a flexible rubber, elastic and/or stretch fabric steering-wheel-cover base. This can be manufactured in varying circumferences to accommodate different steering wheel sizes. The center of “The Wheel Desk” contains a permanently attached flat, rigid surface, which can be made of wood, MDF, plastic or any durable, nonporous material. It may also have indentations or cutouts designed to hold cups, writing utensils, etc. When attached to the steering wheel, the flat center of the Wheel Desk lies on top of the steering wheel, with the flexible cover snugly gripping the sides (perimeter) of the steering wheel. “The Wheel Desk” can be used in the same manner as any other table-like surface. While “The Wheel Desk” is attached to the steering wheel, the vehicle should not be in motion.

Abstract: A pallet having an upper deck and a lower deck secured by supporting block members. The upper deck may include a plurality of board members and may be provided with at least one lead board operable to serve as an energy attenuator. The lead board may comprise a composite material and may be formed using pultrusion techniques. The lead board may be separated or spaced from an adjacent board member by a gap or scallop type area and may be operable to flex inwardly or otherwise upon impact to absorb energy. The gap or scallop type area may be suitable to operate in combination with the lead board as a handle mechanism for grabbing or lifting the pallet. The lead board may also be used to attach shipping straps.

Abstract: This invention is industrial pallets formed of new, recycled and/or scrap lumber and methods of manufacturing same. The wood used to form the novel industrial pallet may include new scrap lumber that remains from conventional pallet manufacturing or old lumber from used pallets or other wood sources. Stringers according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be formed of new or old lumber, with standard or extra width, or include remanufactured or composite stringers of extra width that have been laminated together with fasteners or brackets for extra thickness and strength. A particular feature common with some embodiments of pallets described herein are short deck boards that have been butted together (end-to-end) at intermediate stringers to form the equivalent of a single full deck board. The short deck boards extend between adjacent stringers without extending beyond the two adjacent stringers spanned by any single short deck board.

Abstract: A supporting table with a supporting surface which is variable in size for plate-like materials, with a link conveyor which forms the supporting surface and is composed of individual bearing elements which are mounted at their end sides on a table frame and are guided via deflecting rollers movable along the table frame. The link conveyor has transport chains on both sides with pins protruding on both sides, the pins of an outer chain link being assigned to a bearing element, the pins facing the bearing element being fixed on the bearing element and those pins of a bearing element which face the table frame having a slide, which is movable in the axial direction of the pins, for optional engagement with the table frame.

Abstract: A foldable tool stand includes a base frame, a platform pivotally and slidingly connected to the base frame at a first side, a leg support having a top end pivotally connected to the base frame, a pair of links pivotally coupled between a second side of the platform and the base frame, a driving member pivotally connected to the links, and a follower set pivotally connected to the base frame. The driving member and follower set interact to selectively lock the foldable tool stand in either an extended supporting position, where the second side of the platform is spaced from the base frame, or a collapsed position, where the second side of the platform lies adjacent to the base frame.

Abstract: A method is provided for regulating the output of a solid fuel furnace having primary and secondary combustion chambers arranged adjacent to each other, in particular one above the other or side by side, and are separated from each other by a partition in the floor or wall but are nevertheless connected to each other by at least one partition opening. The secondary combustion chamber is connected through a secondary exhaust-gas channel to a flue-gas passage, and the primary combustion chamber is connected to the flue-gas passage by a transition opening, wherein the transition opening can be closed at least partially by a flue-gas flap. Both a primary air supply and a secondary air supply are provided. A first temperature sensor is arranged in the secondary exhaust-gas channel and controls the primary air volume flow as a function of the temperature in the secondary exhaust-gas channel, while the secondary air volume flow is held substantially constant.

Abstract: A collapsible material is provided which maintains a predetermined strength and shape until it is heated and increased in temperature to a desired temperature and then can collapse, after a lapse of a predetermined time. The collapsible material of the present invention is characterized by comprising a base formed of a hydrate of a hydraulic material and unexpanded vermiculite particles dispersed in the base. In the collapsible material of the present invention, it is preferable that the hydraulic material is formed of at least one of cement and gypsum and the unexpanded vermiculite particles are contained in an amount of 0.5 to 15 wt %. Also, in the collapsible material of the present invention, it is preferable that ash balloon particles are contained in an amount of 0.5 to 20 wt %. Further, in the collapsible material of the present invention, it is preferable that a coating film formed of a hydrate of the hydraulic material and silica powder is formed on the surface of the base.

Abstract: An opener assembly for an agricultural seeder has an opener disc attached to an opener subframe for rotation about an axis. The opener disc is angled to the direction of travel to create a furrow for depositing seeds. A boot is mounted to the opener subframe beside the opener disc for preventing loose soil from falling into the furrow ahead of seed deposited therein. The boot contacts and scrapes the opener disc and creates an enclosure between the boot and the opener disc. A flexible seed bounce flap provides the rear wall of the enclosure. The boot has a lower edge that fits entirely within the furrow created by the opener disc. A seed tube having a lower end extending into the enclosure is mounted to the opener subframe by a bracket independently of the boot. A structure is also provided for limiting downward movement of a firming wheel arm.