Abstract: A torque wrench is provided that includes a handle in which is disposed a torque limiting mechanism and a torque indicator engaged with the torque limiting mechanism. The torque limiting mechanism functions to limit the maximum torque that can be transmitted by an individual through the tool, while the indicator provides a visible indication to the individual when a specified amount of torque is being provided through the tool that is less than the amount which causes the torque limiting mechanism to operate.

Abstract: A limiter torque wrench and method having a handle and a jaw pivotally connected together along an axis and for pivoting of the handle upon applying a quantifiable torque. A cam and spring-loaded follower are interconnected between the handle and the jaw. A ratchet is connected to the cam for return of the cam to a starting position and with minimal torque and after application of the limited torque. There is a second ratchet engagable with a workpiece and a pawl engages the second ratchet and a pusher engages the pawl offset from the axis for optimum engagement force on the engaged pawl.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a nutshell cracker and method of use. The nutshell cracker has three or more cracking members, each with a concave cracking surface, a central slot on its top with eyelets on either side. The 3-D design and curvature of the invention make it stylish, sleek, and attractive, and suitable for storage upon a table or kitchen countertop. The cracking members rotate about the connecting member, surrounding the nut on three or more sides, thereby allowing the user to apply less pressure per cracking member to achieve the same overall pressure upon the nutshell as would be applied through use of a traditional nutcracker. Having cracking members on three or more sides also increases the ability of the invention to constrain the nutshell during cracking and decreases the chances that once cracked, the actual nut will squirt out the side and fall on the floor.

Abstract: A slab shaping system includes a slab shaping device. The slab shaping device includes a cutting device and de-burring device, wherein the cutting device and the de-burring device, respectively cut and de-burr a slab. According to an embodiment, the slab shaping system may include a plurality of spaced apart slab support beams that form at least one slot therebetween. According to an embodiment, the cutting device and de-burring device may be axially-aligned. A method for operating a slab shaping system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of positioning a plurality of slab support beams on a table to form at least one slot; positioning a slab over the slab support beams; positioning a cutting device and de-burring device of a slab shaping device in axial-alignment; and cutting and de-burring the cut in the slab along a length of the at least one slot.

Abstract: In a cutting machine for cutting down venetian blinds a headrail cutter and a bottom rail cutter are provided which move along a horizontal axis. After the headrail and bottom rail are trimmed a slat cutter moves in a vertical axis, up or down to cut the slats. The cutting machine enables one to cut down a venetian blind while the opposite end of the blind remains in the packing box. Preferably, a spacer or collar is provided on the blind prior to packaging so that the headrail, window covering material and bottom rail will be spaced apart from one another a desired amount. That spacing should be the same spacing as the openings in the cutting machine so that when one end of the blind is removed from the package that end of the blind can be readily inserted into the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A device for finely cutting workpieces from a material, which includes a press plate which is subjected to the pressure of a knife-edged ring cylinder consisting of a knife-edged ring and a clipping punch which is guided in the pressing plate, and associated with a blanking die with a counter holder (ejector) on a tappet, whereby the tappet is placed against at least one compensation cylinder which is hydraulically connect to the knife-edged ring cylinder.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a modular saw guard system for a power saw of the type which has a table top, a rotatable circular saw blade that is vertically adjustable relative to the table top, the table top having an opening through which the saw blade can extend, the blade being configured to cut a work piece as the work piece is moved forwardly from a forward position to a rearward position, wherein the system comprises a riving knife mechanism releasably mounted to the saw rearwardly of the blade, and being configured to be adjustable between retracted and extended positions relative to the blade, a blade guard mechanism that is releasably mounted to the riving knife mechanism when the riving knife mechanism is at least in its extended position, the blade guard mechanism generally covering the blade and being adjustable to enable a work piece to be moved into cutting position by the blade and a kickback prevention mechanism that is releasably mounted to the riving knife

Abstract: A sabre saw blade, in particular for metal applications, with a serration that has at least one first tooth spacing and one second tooth spacing, characterized in that in at least a partial region with three first and three second tooth spacings which are always disposed in a directly alternating sequence, the serration has at least two tooth shapes, and at least one tooth is embodied as a roof-shaped tooth having a first tooth back portion with a first clearance angle and a second tooth back portion with a second clearance angle with said tooth back portions being arranged at an obtuse angle and one behind the other in a cutting movement direction, and at least one tooth is embodied as a standard tooth with a straight tooth back, arranged alternatingly, wherein the first tooth spacing is between 10% and 30% shorter and the second tooth spacing is between 10% and 30% wider than 1.81 mm.

Abstract: A safety prime feeding device includes a tray base, a tray cover, a bearing yoke, a priming pin and an elevator pin. The tray base includes a primer tray and an attachment projection that extends from the tray base. Primers are loaded into the primer tray. A primer slot is formed in a top of the attachment projection. The elevator pin pushes a primer to the primer slot above the primer tray for transfer of the primer to the priming pin. The priming pin and elevator pin are retained by the bearing yoke. A primer barrier is formed in the primer tray adjacent the elevator pin. An actuator body includes a tray retaining body, a lever and a connecting rod. The attachment projection is retained by the tray retaining body. Squeezing the lever pushes the connecting rod, which pushes the bearing yoke to push the primer into the cartridge.

Abstract: A perforating gun system having a relief system for relieving high pressure during unexpected high temperature or situations that may produce rupture of the gun body. The relief system may be responsive either to high temperatures as well as high pressures. In the high temperature situation, the relief system has a fuseable link that melts thereby allowing movement of a piston to open vent communication between the inside of a gun body in the ambient conditions. Similarly, a pressure device includes a piston responsive to pressure that moves under high pressure within the gun body thereby exposing a port enabling communication between the inside of the gun body and the ambient conditions.

Abstract: A magazine for introducing a plurality of ammunition cartridges into a firearm is disclosed. Particularly, a magazine may include a first rotor configured for rotating about a first center of rotation and a second rotor configured for rotating about a second center of rotation, wherein a position of the first rotor and a position of the second rotor are fixed with respect to one another. Further, operation of the first and second rotor may cause at least one ammunition cartridge of a plurality of ammunition cartridges that are movable by the first and second rotor to move along a serpentine path. Firearm systems including such a magazine are also disclosed. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of introducing an ammunition cartridge into a firearm. More specifically, an ammunition cartridge may be moved along a selected serpentine path prior to introducing the ammunition cartridge into a firearm.

Abstract: This invention is a novel system for blast protection. It consists of lightweight, sectional or continuous barriers made of a novel blast resistant fiber reinforced polymer resin matrix composite, which may be fabricated on site. The barriers are lightweight and thin enough that they may be used in many spaces where barriers made from conventional construction materials are impossible, impractical, or undesirable. The novel barriers of this invention have the additional advantage of allowing for aesthetically appealing and architecturally harmonious designs. In order to minimize weight, the barriers may be designed such that the cross section varies with height, providing adequate resistance in areas of high blast loading, but allowing for thinner cross sections in regions of lower loading.

Abstract: A building block that can be assembled into structures without requiring special end or corner pieces. The block has top and bottom surfaces that contain a cooperating projection and slot for stacking the blocks. Two end surfaces and two side surfaces complete an enclosed volume. One side and one end surface has at least one interlocking male portion. The other side end surface has at least one cooperating slot portion into which the male portion fits to interlock the blocks.

Abstract: A firearm has a frame with a barrel connected to the frame and defining a barrel axis. The barrel has a rear end defining a chamber, and a bolt assembly reciprocates with respect to the chamber between a closed position adjacent the chamber, and an open position away from the chamber. A fire control assembly includes a trigger and a selector switch with a semi-automatic position and a fully-automatic position. The fire control assembly includes a bolt assembly sear operably engaging the bolt. The fire control assembly operates when the selector switch is in the semi-automatic position in response to pulling the trigger to discharge the firearm, to load a cartridge, and to position the bolt in the closed position. The fire control assembly operates when the selector switch is in the fully-automatic position in response to pulling the trigger to discharge the firearm, and to hold the bolt in the open position.

Abstract: An axial piston hydraulic machine having a housing with a cylinder block with reciprocating pistons disposed therein. The reciprocating pistons are rotatably connected to a swashplate at a first end of the swashplate. At a second end of a swashplate support balls are received and engage the housing. The support balls are located radially from the plurality of reciprocating pistons such that the distance between the axis of rotation of an input shaft and a piston axis of the plurality of pistons is significantly less than the radial distance between the axis of rotation of the shaft and the center points of the support balls, and wherein the pivot axis passing through the center points of the support balls lies in or near the plane passing through the piston/slipper ball joints.

Abstract: A cylinder body includes a first guide surface made up from first guide grooves and a first bulging portion, wherein a slide table is displaceably supported on the first guide surface via a guide mechanism. Additionally, guide members of a guide block that constitutes the guide mechanism are inserted into and fixed within the first guide grooves. Further, the cylinder body is equipped with a second guide surface, which is formed with substantially the same shape as the first guide surface. In the event that the first guide surface is oriented upwardly and the slide table is installed thereon, the second guide surface acts as a mounting surface, whereas, in the event that the second guide surface is oriented upwardly and the slide table is installed thereon, the first guide surface acts as the mounting surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation of hot beverages by brewing a water-extractable particulate substance includes a delivery pump (5), water heater (6), brewing area (36) and beverage outlet (7). The apparatus comprises a delivery member in the form of a screw shaft (10) provided with at least one flight (13) by means of which the particulate substance is delivered into and out of the brewing area (36) in one and the same direction. An extraction area (37) is provided downstream of the brewing area (36) in which the substance is compacted by the screw shaft (10) and thereby the essence of the substance extracted or the substance is additionally extracted. This is achieved by the pitch of the flights (13) in the region of the extraction zone (25) being smaller than in the region of the brewing zone (24).

Abstract: The present invention provides for at least a dispensing spout to be directly formed in the sealing membrane that closes the bottom of a capsule containing an edible raw material for preparing a beverage, e.g. coffee. In this manner, the beverage is able to directly fall from the capsule into a drinking vessel arranged therebelow. What is claimed are both a machine, characterized by the means that form the spout and the open bottom of the container in which the capsule is loaded, and a method for preparing and dispensing the beverage.

Abstract: A lid (10) is taught for use with a cup to brew tea using a tea bag which incorporates a lid body (24) having an access opening (26) therein and apertures (28) located through the body for drinking tea from the lid. A resilient stopper (38) is disposed within the access opening in the lid, holding the tea bag string (36) between the stopper and the access opening, permitting the tea bag (22) to be initially immersed in hot water within the cup for brewing with the capability of retaining the tea bag string when the tea bag is manually drawn upward away from the tea after brewing. The invention allows brewed tea to be consumed through the lid body without of removing the tea bag until any time after drinking the brewed tea. A lip seal (46) is disposed around the lid body for gripping an inside diameter of the cup while maintaining a firm grasp on the cup.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a bread product including: an input means for entering product variables; a processor for determining a production schedule for producing product; a thawer for thawing or partially thawing substantially planar frozen dough pieces; a moulder for working the thawed or partially thawed dough in accordance with predetermined process steps; and an oven for baking the product; the processor controlling or instructing an operator to control the operation of the thawer, shaper and oven.

Abstract: A toaster for bread-type food products includes a housing defining at least one toasting cavity having an upper mouth for depositing the food products into the cavity and a lower opening from which toasted food products exit the cavity. A perforate rack is provided beneath the lower opening and onto which the toasted food products are deposited as they exit the cavity. The rack is perforated to significantly reduce the surface area of the rack which might otherwise stick to the toasted food products. An imperforate plate is juxtaposed behind the perforate rack to prevent crumbs from the toasted food products from falling into the bottom of the toaster. The plate is spaced from the rack a sufficient distance to prevent any portions of the toasted food products from projecting through the perforate rack and touching the plate and sticking thereto. As disclosed herein, the perforate rack is provided as a wire form structure.

Abstract: A can crushing apparatus includes a base and a receiving bin with an end wall and a pair of side walls extending upwardly from the base. The base has an aperture positioned adjacent to the end wall. A drive assembly is mounted to the base. The drive assembly includes an arm having a free end that extends into the receiving bin and moves toward the end wall when the drive assembly is actuated in a first direction and away from the end wall when the drive assembly is actuated in a second direction. A can is positioned in the receiving bin and crushed between the free end of the arm and the end wall when the drive assembly is actuated in the first direction. The can then falls through the aperture when the drive assembly is actuated in the second direction.

Abstract: A stencil printer includes a frame, a stencil coupled to the frame, a substrate support coupled to the frame to support a substrate in a print position, and a print head, coupled to the frame, to deposit and print viscous material over the stencil. The print head includes a squeegee assembly having at least one squeegee blade and a squeegee blade movement mechanism configured to move the squeegee blade from a raised position in which the squeegee blade is spaced from stencil and a lowered position in which the squeegee blade engages and applies a force on the stencil. The print head further has a device to detect a first reference point associated with a first force of the squeegee blade against the stencil and a second reference point associated with a second force of the squeegee blade against the stencil when moving the squeegee blade to the lowered position in which the squeegee blade engages and applies a force on the stencil.

Abstract: Components of a kit for creating an artistic work on a lawn include: a container of aerosol paint; a plurality of stakes for anchoring a lawn stencil to a lawn; and a sheet of flexible material in which is defined one or more openings used to apply one or more design elements of the artistic work to the lawn by spraying the aerosol paint through the one or more openings in the lawn stencil when the lawn stencil is anchored to the lawn with the stakes. The components are held in a container having a relatively small form factor that readily accommodates point-of-sale display and purchase at retail stores by consumers.

Abstract: The invention provides an ink composition which includes a polymerization initiator, a polymerizable compound, a colorant, and a high molecular compound having a repeating unit represented by the following formula (I). In formula (I), n represents an integer of from 1 to 5.

Abstract: The machine comprises at least a plate cylinder carrying printing plates with engravings corresponding to a specific intaglio structure to be printed, and cooperating with an impression cylinder, a collector cylinder (8) on which the ink in the different colors is deposited by selector cylinders (10), each selector cylinder (10) receiving ink of a given color from a duct roller (11) and each selector cylinder (10) is driven by drive means (20,21,22) in an independent manner.

Abstract: At least two blankets which are removed from the same cylinder of a printing machine one after the other, are stored in a storage device. The blankets are drawn off the cylinder in a longitudinal direction and are stored in the device at an angle of inclination of not more than 15° relative to the horizontal. The second blanket to be drawn off is stored below the previously drawn-off blanket at a distance that is vertical along its length.

Abstract: At least some of the segments of a segmented rod projectile are provided with a mechanism that causes them to divert away from the projectile's original line of flight after the segments are separated during flight to the target. That mechanism is illustratively a notched flare. The segments illustratively divert in a predetermined dispersion pattern. In order to ensure that each segment flies in the desired direction after separation, the disclosed projectile includes a mechanism that, just prior to segment separation, arrests spin of the projectile. Thus the segments are essentially non-spinning after separation and thus the desired diversion will not be counteracted by post-separation spin of the segments.

Abstract: A ride system is provided that allows selective relative positioning of vehicles in an amusement or theme park ride to simulate racing or other effects. The ride system includes a chassis that is adapted to be supported by and to travel on or along a length of track of a particular ride. A support is attached to the chassis and moves with the chassis during operation of the ride. The ride system includes first and second passenger vehicles that are spaced apart on and supported by the support. A drive assembly is linked to the support and configured to rotate the support about its central axis. During support rotation, the first and second vehicles are moved concurrently relative to the track to alter their relative positioning. The vehicles are each rotated about an axis that extends parallel to the rotation axis, and the rotation may be independent or concurrent.

Abstract: A transport installation comprising a continuous running rope supporting vehicles arranged at intervals along the rope with a preset running rate, comprises: a vehicle grouping section, arranged between a slowing-down section and an intermediate section, equipped with means for forming groups of a preset number of vehicles, a vehicle separating section, arranged between the intermediate section and a speeding-up section, to collectively stock each group coming from the intermediate section. The invention also relates to a method for controlling such an installation.

Abstract: An aim of at least one embodiment of the invention is to reduce ripple forces in a magnetic levitation transport system to the largest extent. In one solution, an example embodiment of the invention provides that grooves extending transversal to the longitudinal direction are diagonally oriented in a magnet block for the long stator. In another solution, an example embodiment of the invention provides that, in a magnet block for the levitation magnet of a magnetic levitation transport system, pole heads, with regard to their outer areas, which extend next to outer grooves, are provided in a varied and complementary manner in the direction of the grooves whereby the overall width of both outer areas along the grooves always corresponds to the width of a tooth between the grooves. An embodiment of the invention also relates to a method for producing this magnet block.

Abstract: A hopper car gate with opposed double doors for discharging cargo from a hopper car. The gate has joined side walls and end walls which present top and bottom openings. A flange joined to the walls adjacent the top opening is adapted to be joined to the hopper car. A rail extends between opposite walls adjacent the bottom opening. First and second doors are supported on the rail. The doors are moveable in opposite directions between a closed position which blocks the bottom opening and an open position which allows the cargo to exit through the opening.

Abstract: A head brace and a method for attaching a stub sill to a tank of a railroad tank car by the use of such a head brace. A stub sill includes side plates having ears that extend upward to support the tank near where the head of the tank is attached, and a head brace is welded to the side plates and to the head of the tank in a weld joint that can be continuous along the head brace from the ears of the side plate to the center of the head brace. Doublers may be provided on the sill where the head brace is welded to the side plates.

Abstract: A substantially planar body, which can be coupled with elongated members on opposite ends of the planar body forming handles. The planar body has a first side and a second side, where the first side can have an anti-static layer or protrusions, and a layer made of a material to disperse the heat from an object placed on it, and the second side can be made of a material with a low coefficient of friction to allow the body to move across a surface with minimal resistance.

Abstract: A pivotable folding utility table includes a table top having a pair of support pedestals pivotally attached thereto. A first pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces pivotally attached to a retaining assembly preferably mounted in relation to the table top. Specifically, the retaining assembly includes a cross-brace member operably disposed through openings formed in the distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces, thus providing a pivotal engagement in relation to the table top.

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 chain stitch or a double chain stitch sewing machine or sewing element of a sewing machine comprising three elements: a needle; a looper; and a spreader improved in such a way that a collision of any two of the elements during the sewing operations will not cause serious damage to the sewing machine and stop periods as a consequence thereof. It is provided that the sewing elements are formed such that at least one sewing element, in particular the spreader, will dodge or break at the predetermined breaking point due to its design and/or material properties.

Abstract: An electronic sewing machine includes a sewing machine motor that vertically drives a sewing needle via a rotation of a main shaft; a stitch-pitch setting unit that sets a stitch-pitch in sewing manually fed workpiece cloth; a consumed thread amount detection unit that detects consumed thread amount of at least either of a needle thread or a bobbin thread consumed in each ongoing sewing cycle; a consumed thread amount calculation unit that calculates consumed thread amount based on an output from the consumed thread amount detection unit; and a speed control unit that controls rotational speed of the sewing machine motor based on calculated result of the consumed thread amount calculation unit so that an amount of manual cloth feed equals the stitch-pitch set by the stitch-pitch setting unit.

Abstract: An exhaust redirect line in communication with an engine exhaust channel of a marine vehicle receiving exhaust gas. A blower unit in the exhaust redirect line directing the exhaust gas through the exhaust redirect line. A mixing chamber in communication with the exhaust redirect line receiving the engine exhaust gas. An injector unit in communication with the mixing chamber introducing a chemical agent, air and water into the mixing chamber to provide a treated exhaust gas. An output vane disposed on an exterior underside of a hull being in communication with the mixing chamber discharging the treated exhaust gas underneath the hull as a foam, whereby the engine exhaust gas is encapsulated and detoxified by the chemical agent in the foam to prevent the exhaust gas from entering the surrounding water and wherein the foam reduces friction between the hull and the surrounding water to improve engine efficiency.

Abstract: A modular removable externally mountable diesel electric thruster system using azimuthing thrusters and a dynamic positioning system for positioning floating semi-submersible vessels with a ballasted waterline and at least one submerged pontoon.

Abstract: A device that allows an operator to move steering gear at the same speed as the control device. The invention uses two electric motors with forward and reverse capabilities that are linked to function synchronously by a chain or belt that is carried by sprockets or pulleys on each of the drive motors. A second sprocket or pulley is attached to the facing of one of the drive motor sprockets (pulley). This sprocket (pulley) is linked by a chain or belt to a cable drive system by another sprocket (pulley) that is attached to a cable drive shaft. Activating the drive motors causes a cable be pulled or pushed. The cable, which is attached to the item to be moved, in turn drives this item as desired. These items can include an outboard motor, an out drive for an inboard motor, wheels, valves, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thrust fin for ships which recovers lost energy caused by rotational flow generated behind a propeller, and converts it into thrust. The thrust fin of the present invention has a simple shape, enhances propulsive efficiency of the ship, and can be applied to a real ship thanks to the simple installation thereof, to maximize thrust of the ship. The thrust fin is mounted to a front portion of the rudder of the ship such that left and right sides of the thrust fin, which are integrated with each other into a single body, are asymmetrical. A vertical position, at which the thrust fin is mounted to the rudder, is at an optimum position as determined in consideration of the shape of the rudder and hydrodynamic characteristics.

Abstract: A rudder (1) adaptable to a rudder shaft (4) in a rudder mechanism for changing the direction of motion of a marine vehicle.

Abstract: A system for securing a flexible cover to a boat is described. The system includes a flexible cover defining a peripheral edge and a flexible member attached to the flexible cover adjacent to the peripheral edge. An edge clip is adjustably disposed on the flexible member. The edge clip includes a body defining an inlet and an outlet. The flexible member extends from the inlet to the outlet. A retaining element is disposed within the body to discourage movement of the flexible member with respect to the inlet and the outlet. The system also includes a hook, connectible between the edge clip and the boat for securing the edge clip to the boat, thereby securing the flexible cover to the boat via the flexible member.

Abstract: A vehicle direction indicator system is designed to alert surrounding drivers of the intentions of the vehicle operator to continue in a forward direction. The indicator system has a plurality of indicator light end points and each end point is powered by the vehicle's electrical system and includes a housing, a light source holder and a lens attached to the front portion of the housing, and a vibration feedback element to indicate to the driver when the signal is activated. The end points may be positioned in various locations such as the grill, spoiler, side markers and the like and may simultaneously emit a color when the vehicle driver actuates the indicator system within the vehicle. The system is preferably mounted onto the front portion of the vehicle and is capable of signaling to other drivers at a four way intersection an intention to continue in a straight direction.

Abstract: A bicycle bell includes a housing mounted on a handlebar and comprising a channel and an upward extending flange partially surrounding a top of the channel; a guide member secured to the housing; a drum secured to and covered the guide member; and a spring biased striking device mounted on the channel and comprising a bell lever and an opposite clapper extending through the flange to contact the guide member. Pivoting the bell lever about the channel will pivotably move the clapper to strike a first position on the drum after passing the guide member. Releasing the bell lever will return the clapper to its inoperative position after passing the guide member and striking an opposite second position on the drum. The bell is easy to manipulate with the same hand squeezing the brake lever.

Abstract: Methods provide an alert to the release of mercury. A sealed container containing an odor-producing agent is provided proximate to a sealed breakable enclosure containing mercury, the container and/or the breakable enclosure physically separating the agent from the mercury. In response to a breaking of the breakable enclosure, the agent produces an odor as a function of the breaking, the odor providing an alert to a release of the mercury. Service methods are also provided, for example wherein a service provider provides the sealed breakable enclosure containing mercury and deploys the odor-producing agent. Articles of manufacture, systems, articles and programmable devices are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method is shown for coating an article, including a chamber that can be at least partially open to surrounding air to allow free flow of air through the chamber and recovery of vapor produced during a coating operation within the chamber. The chamber can include a support surface that is adapted to support the article during a coating process, and a coating device within the chamber can be adapted to selectively apply a coating of a fluorocarbon in a fluorinated solvent to at least a potion of an article supported on the support surface.

Abstract: A coating machine is capable of reducing VOC and CO2 by atomizing a paint to increase depositing efficiency without lowering production efficiency and the rotary atomizing head of the coating machine. The coating machine includes the rotary atomizing head in which a paint chamber receiving the supply of paint is formed on the rear side thereof. A plurality of rims formed in a roughly truncated conical shape for extending the paint flowing out of the paint chamber by a centrifugal force and atomizing the paint at the tip thereof are fitted in the rotary atomizing head overlappingly at specific clearances. The clearances are opened to the peripheral surface part of the paint chamber. Accordingly, VOC and CO2 can be reduced by reducing the total jetted amount of paint to enable the atomization of the paint at low rotating speeds so as the increase the deposit efficiency.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation wherein is performed a crosslinking operation for a coating such as an ink or a varnish through ultraviolet radiation or electronic beam, in the presence of a gas mixture with controlled oxygen residual content. The installation comprises a chamber including one or more UV lamps or a source of accelerated electrons, required for performing the crosslinking operation, and is characterized in that it comprises an input device adjacent the chamber comprising at least the following three components, viewed successively by the product moving to be treated: a labyrinth system, means for injecting an inert gas forming a gas knife and a channel.