Abstract: A mixture designed for coating public roads includes: i) a mineral granulate and ii) a non-bituminous binder that is obtained from raw materials of plant origin. The binder consists of a cellulose compound that belongs to the family of cellulose fatty esters. The melting point of the cellulose compound is advantageously between 60° C. and 250° C., preferably between 120° C. and 180° C. The mixture can include between 1% and 20% of binder in content by weight relative to the material, and preferably between 4% and 10%. A process for preparation of a mixture using the binder is also claimed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a chemical vapor-phase deposition for carbon nanotube synthesis in which cement clinker is used as a ceramic matrix for anchoring transition-metal nanoparticles. Using cement clinker as nanoparticle anchoring base of transition metals allows carbon nanotubes to be generated on cement clinker particles and grains, in this way producing a kind of cement that is nanostructured with carbon nanotubes. By this process, the carbon nanotube synthesis and integration to clinker are carried out in just one continuous and large-scale stage. The process described herein can be applied to conventional cement industry whose production may be rated as tons per day. The present invention also proposes—as part of the carbon nanotube synthesis on cement clinker—several enrichment alternatives of cement clinker by using transition metals for producing such nanostructured composite, which may or not be integrated to the conventional cement industry.

Abstract: A dunnage platform is in the general shape of a rectangular slab with legs extending form one side. The dunnage platform is made from an expanded polystyrene core. A chemical combination process is used to chemically combine portion of the core proximal to its surface with high impact polystyrene. In a first of two parts of the combination process, the core is placed in a forming mold with one of its two sides and two thirds of its thickness extending therefrom. A heated sheet of high impact polystyrene is brought into contact with the portion of the core extending from the mold. In a similar manner, the other of the two sides of the core is made to extend from the forming mold for contact with a heated sheet of high impact polystyrene.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus of controlling exhaust gas in an oxyfuel combustion boiler which can attain stable combustion of the boiler while an amount of unburned combustibles and a NOx density in exhaust gas are maintained in their allowable ranges. A rate of supply of directly supplied oxygen to burners 6 to a total amount of oxygen produced by an air separation unit 18 is regulated in an operating range where the NOx density in the exhaust gas is below a NOx limit value and the amount of unburned combustibles in the exhaust gas is blow an unburned combustible limit value to thereby attain stable combustion of the oxyfuel combustion boiler.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling retention time of a fluid medium in a fluidized-bed gasification furnace in a gasification facility are provided. A fluid medium is guided to any of a plurality of fluid-medium charge ports connected to a gasification furnace at intervals from an upstream end thereof toward a downstream side in a distribution direction of a fluid medium longitudinally of the gasification furnace. A raw material is guided to any of a plurality of raw-material charge ports connected to the gasification furnace at positions longitudinally of the gasification furnace and correspondingly to the fluid-medium charge ports. The fluid medium is extracted and guided to a combustion furnace from a fluid-medium extraction port connected to a downstream end of the gasification furnace longitudinally thereof in the distribution direction of the fluid medium. Thus, retention time of the fluid medium in the gasification furnace is controlled.

Abstract: A fluid medium separated by a medium separator 8 is supplied to a gasification furnace 2 into which a raw material is also charged. The fluid medium is extracted through any of fluid medium extraction ports 40a, 40b and 40c connected to a gasification furnace 2 at vertical intervals, and is guided to a combustion furnace 5. Thus, a bed height and a retention time of the fluid medium in the gasification furnace 2 are separately controlled.

Abstract: A barbecue firelighter fluid comprises biodiesel and a biodiesel soluble natural emulsifying agent as a fuel. Natural emulsifiers include acacia, gelatine, cholesterol and lecithin. The fluid has an increased burn time compared with conventional fluids based on hydrocarbons, for example.

Abstract: A biomass-mixed-firing pulverized coal fired boiler includes: a furnace for burning biomass fuel together with pulverized coal in a mixed state; a pulverized coal burner for supplying the pulverized coal into the furnace; a biomass burner for supplying the biomass fuel into the furnace; a biomass mill for milling the biomass fuel to be supplied to the biomass burner; a dry clinker processing unit provided below the furnace and including a clinker conveyor for carrying ashes discharged from the furnace at a furnace bottom; and a combustion-air supply unit for supplying combustion air toward the ashes discharged at the furnace bottom on the clinker conveyor, thereby to burn an unburned component of the biomass fuel contained in the ashes discharged at the furnace bottom on the clinker conveyor.

Abstract: A packing pressure adjustment assembly for a ground opener unit of an agricultural implement includes a spring interconnected between a rotatable pressure adjustment arm and a trailing arm to which a packer wheel is rotatably mounted. The pressure adjustment arm is centered about an axle of the ground opener unit and is movable between a set of mounting positions that are defined by a set of teeth spaced and arced from one another along a frame portion of the ground opener unit. As the pressure adjustment arm is rotated, the amount of force exerted by the spring on the trailing arm is varied. The packing pressure adjustment assembly is relatively compact and is useful in providing high packing forces, such as a packing force in excess of 100 lbs.

Abstract: An embroidery data processing apparatus that processes embroidery data includes a reference point setting unit that sets, within a sewing area, positions of at least three reference points, a reference line setting unit that sets two reference lines being straight lines that intersect each other and each pass through at least two reference points of the at least three reference points, a plane setting unit that sets a reference plane by setting two sets of a plurality of virtual lines arranged in a matrix, a position determination unit that determines the plurality of arrangement positions based on the reference plane, a pattern selection unit that selects a type for the plurality of unit patterns from at least one type of unit pattern, and an arrangement unit that arranges the plurality of unit patterns of the type in the plurality of arrangement positions.

Abstract: An offshore structure having a vertically symmetric hull, an upper vertical wall, an upper inwardly-tapered wall disposed below the upper vertical wall, a lower outwardly-tapered wall disposed below the upper sloped wall, and a lower vertical wall disposed below the lower sloped wall. The upper and lower sloped walls produce significant heave damping in response to heavy wave action. The addition of a heavy slurry of hematite and water ballast is added to the lower and outermost portions of the hull to lower the center of gravity below the center of buoyancy. The offshore structure provides one or more movable hawser connections that allow a tanker vessel to moor directly to the offshore structure during offloading rather than mooring to a separate buoy at some distance from the offshore storage structure. The movable hawser connection includes an arcuate rail with a movable trolley that provides a hawser connection point that allows vessel weathervaning.

Abstract: A push-pole anchor has a hollow housing securable on the stern of a boat and a plurality of anchor members telescopically extendable from the housing. A power source, which can be a hydraulic pump connected to an electric motor, supplies hydraulic fluid into the housing pushing the anchor members into an extended deployed position. Reverse activation of the pump causes the hydraulic fluid to be sucked from the housing, thereby retrieving the anchor members into a retracted position.

Abstract: The floating platform (2) according to the invention is provided with anchors (9-11) which are arranged vertically below connecting locations (20, 21, 22) on a floating support structure (7). Mooring cables (26, 27, 28) extend from each anchor (9-11) vertically upward to corresponding connecting locations while other mooring cables (29) to (34) extend at an angle upward to connecting locations arranged beyond the center (19). As a result, a stable floating platform with high load-carrying capacity is obtained.

Abstract: A marine vessel provides a hull having a bow, stern, and port and starboard portions, and a hull bottom having port and starboard sides that form a vee shape. A channel extends longitudinally from the stern toward the bow a distance at least half the hull length, and can extend substantially the entire length of the hull. The bottom of the channel is defined in part by a portion of the hull bottom. The top of the channel is defined by one or more upper panels or surfaces that form catamaran hulls with the port and starboard sides of the hull bottom when the channel is filled with water in a non-planing hull position. The channel is above the water surface when the hull is in a planing position wherein the water drains from the channel.

Abstract: An underwater traveling vehicle includes: a vehicle body 2; an endless track means 3 which is rotatably mounted to the vehicle body 2; a drive means which is provided in the vehicle body 2 so as to drive the endless track means 3; and a thruster 4 which is provided in the vehicle body 2.

Abstract: In a ship-body frictional resistance reducing device, an ejection chamber (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e) having an air ejection hole (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, and 14e) is fixed to a bottom (12) of a ship body (11), an air supply path for supplying air to the ejection chamber (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e) and a marine-biofouling preventing-fluid supply path for supplying a marine-biofouling preventing fluid to the ejection chamber (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e) are connected to the ejection chamber (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, and 13e), and an on-off valve (23, 34) is provided on each of the paths, by which either one of the paths can be connected in a selective manner, making it possible to prevent adhesion of marine species to the air ejection hole of the ship body while suppressing power consumption therefor.

Abstract: A planning system that includes at least one non-functioning clock. Each of the at least one non-functioning clocks includes a settable hour placeholder and a settable minute placeholder in order to represent a specified time. The system also includes at least one informational item adapted to be associated with the at least one non-functioning clock. The informational item contains information relating to at least one of a food, activity, homework, or combination thereof and each item prompts a behavior of an individual at the specified time.

Abstract: The disclosure describes input devices for processor-based systems, including computing systems, to provide enhanced user experience. The described systems provide tactile sensations providing feedback to a user. In some systems, feedback is provided before actual contact with the key expelling air from the input device proximate the key when user selection is imminent. In other examples, the tactile sensation results from automatic movement of the key in response to detected user selection of the key. Additional examples and variations are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an indicator device, a display device, particularly for a motor vehicle, and a needle mounting method for a display device.

Abstract: Silicon single crystals are grown by a method of remelting silicon granules, by crystallizing a conically extended section of the single crystal with the aid of an induction heating coil arranged below a rotating plate composed of silicon; feeding inductively melted silicon through a conical tube in the plate, the tube enclosing a central opening of the plate and extending below the plate, to a melt situated on the conically extended section of the single crystal in contact with a tube end of the conical tube, wherein by means of the induction heating coil below the plate, sufficient energy is provided to ensure that the external diameter of the tube end is not smaller than 15 mm as long as the conically extended section of the single crystal has a diameter of 15 to 30 mm.

Abstract: The device is equipped with a crucible main body (4), wherein silicon carbide raw material (5), which is the raw material for silicon carbide single crystals (20), and a seed crystal (7), whereon a sublimation gas obtained by sublimating the silicon carbide raw material (5) is recrystallized, that are accommodated facing each other, and multiple guide members (8) are provided inside the crucible main body (4). Circular openings are formed in the guide members (8) at positions corresponding to the seed crystal (7), and are provided at intervals from each other between the silicon carbide raw material (5) and the seed crystal (7).

Abstract: Piezoelectric actuators are provided. In some instances, the piezoelectric actuators are high-precision piezoelectric actuators. The piezoelectric beams may have a bi-chevron configuration. Also provided are methods of making the piezoelectric actuators, e.g., using Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) fabrication techniques, and methods of using the piezoelectric actuators, e.g., as valves in fluid dispensing systems.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a dispensing unit having a main body, a channel through the main body, and a plurality of nozzles connected to the main body, the plurality of nozzles being configured to dispense fluid flowing in the channel, a gap sensor unit configured to determine size of gaps between adjacent nozzles in the dispensing unit, and a thermal expansion adjusting unit configured to thermally expand or contract the main body of the dispensing unit to adjust the gap size between adjacent nozzles to a predetermined size, based on the gap size determined by the gap sensor unit.

Abstract: An object holding apparatus for holding an object, a portion of which is supposed to be surface treated, the object holding apparatus including: a body to which the object is fixed; a mask for covering a non-treatment portion of the object; and a magnetic fixing member for bringing the mask into close contact with the object by magnetic force. The body includes an engagement member for engaging with the object, thereby positioning the object.

Abstract: A device for imparting a gradation of tint density on an ophthalmic or optical lens is described. This gradient-tinting device utilizes both vertical movement and rotation about the vertical axis of the lens as it moves into a tinting solution.

Abstract: A current sensor for detecting a full return current is connected to a high voltage generator. A leakage current detector including current sensors for detecting a leakage current is provided at the surface of the cover of a coating machine, air passages and a paint passage. Based on current detection values obtained by the current sensors, a high voltage control unit controls a power supply voltage control unit and a high voltage to be output from the high voltage generator can be raised or dropped. By employing the current detection values, the high voltage control unit can identify and provide notification of a location where the leakage current is increased and the insulation is deteriorated, and can request an operator to perform maintenance for the pertinent location. Further, upon occurrence of the insulation being deteriorated, the high voltage control unit can stop the high voltage supply.

Abstract: A method of selectively combining particulate material, for example plastics material by sintering, comprises providing a layer of particulate material, providing radiation, for example using a radiation source over the layer, and varying the absorption of the provided radiation across a selected surface portion of the layer to combine a portion of the material of the layer. The method may comprise varying radiation absorption by varying the intensity of the radiation incident on the surface portion of the layer, or alternatively may comprise varying the radiation absorptive properties of the particulate material over the selected surface portion of the layer, for example by printing a radiation absorbent material onto the surface portion.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes: a reaction chamber for providing an airtight process space; a boat for loading/unloading a pair of semiconductor substrates into/from the reaction chamber, wherein the boat includes susceptors and rotary tables to be rotatably supported by a plurality of supporting rollers, each semiconductor substrate being mounted onto each susceptor and each susceptor being mounted onto each rotary table, respectively; heaters, arranged at backsides of the semiconductor substrates, for performing an epitaxial process in the reaction chamber; a process gas nozzle, installed to encircle an upper fringe of the semiconductor substrates; an exhaust gas nozzle, installed to encircle a lower fringe of the semiconductor substrates; and a purge gas nozzle for supplying a purge gas capable of preventing an outer wall of the process gas nozzle from being deposited, wherein the purge gas nozzle is arranged near to the process gas nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a thin film solar cell of the present invention has a film forming chamber in which a substrate is arranged so that the film formation face of the substrate is substantially parallel to the direction of gravitational force and a film is formed on the film formation face by a CVD method; an electrode unit including a cathode unit having cathodes to which voltages are to be applied arranged on both sides thereof, and a pair of anodes each of which is arranged to face the cathodes, respectively, at a separation distance therefrom; and a conveying part which supports the substrate and conveys the substrate to between the cathode and the anode facing the cathode. The separation distance is variable.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a heating unit that heats a processing chamber that processes a plurality of substrates and that quickly cools the processing chamber after the processing. The heating unit includes a body having an intake port and an exhaust port, one or more heaters located inside the body, a cooler connected to the intake port of the body, an exhaust pump connected to the exhaust port of the body, and a controller controlling the cooler. The substrate processing apparatus includes a boat in which a plurality of substrates are stacked, a processing chamber providing a space in which the substrates are processed, a transfer unit carrying the boat into or out of the processing chamber, and the heating unit located outside the processing chamber.

Abstract: A milking system (1) includes a vacuum supply source (3) and a teat cup (2). The teat cup (2) includes a teat cup liner (11) and a teat cup shell (10), with the teat cup shell (10) connected at plural points to the vacuum supply source (3). The teat cup liner (11) is arranged to support and fit tight to a teat of a milking animal throughout a milking session, whereby a uniform pressure is applied to the teat throughout the milking session so that a milking that is more comfortable for the milking animal is accomplished.

Abstract: A feeding device for feeding poultry comprising a dish-shaped dispensing pan with an outer circumferential edge, a feed drop tube opening out above a central part of the pan such that a volume of feed transported to the drop tube is distributed over the bottom surface of the pan, and bars connecting the pan with the drop tube, in which openings are present between the bars for the poultry to have access to feed distributed in the pan, which openings are delimited by sides of parts of the device facing said openings. At least part of said sides of the parts facing said openings, in particular said bars, have a non-sharp-edged cross-section which is constructed circumferentially closed. The circumferentially closed parts are at least partly made out of a foam plastic.

Abstract: An animal feeder formed from assembling a corrugated tube to a base portion. The feeder has an orifice underneath a corrugation of the tube for exit of feed, thereby protecting the feed exit orifice from the effects of inclement weather. The animal feeder may have a weighting material added within the base to provide stability when free standing, or may be secured via straps to a fixed object such as a tree, selectively either at ground level or at an elevated level. The base is secured to the corrugated tube by flexible extensions that have protrusions that engage the inside of one of the ridges of the corrugations of the tube. Securing rings may alternately be utilized.

Abstract: A system for insulating a conventional stock tank configured to retain drinking water for an animal. The system includes at least one insulating member configured to secure to the conventional stock tank. The at least one insulating member is configured to trap air between the at least one insulating member and one or both of a retaining wall of the conventional stock tank or a surface within a water-retaining cavity of the conventional stock tank.

Abstract: A pet litter composed of about 99.992% to about 99.998% by weight sand particles, which may be screened with a 20-50 mesh, and from about 0.002% to about 0.008% by weight of a thickener. In addition, the thickener added to the sand base to enhance the clumping properties of the litter may be digested by cats.

Abstract: This invention relates to a squirrel or critter barrier device comprising two two-liter plastic bottles, stacked together, with holes drilled through the bottom and lid of each to provide for a wire or pole to go through the center, to be placed on the top or bottom of a bird feeder to prevent squirrel or critter passage.

Abstract: A divider for fish aquariums, comprising a dividing wall that is specially designed for use in fish tanks to keep feeder fish and predatory fish in separate sections during non-feeding times, helping to better control the feeding habits of the latter is provided. Basically square in shape, the Control Feeder for Fish Tanks is offered in various sizes to accommodate virtually any aquarium. The present invention is made from durable, clear plexiglass material, and outlined with rubber sealant to keep the divider securely in place while in use. Outfitted with a series of small openings to facilitate water flow, the Control Feeder for Fish Tanks also contains three (3) larger, circular openings, which can be opened and closed via a sliding door mechanism to allow the feeder fish to pass into the predatory fish section of the aquarium.

Abstract: A climate chamber and method for treating products, such as eggs to be hatched, with a conditioned gas stream. The climate chamber includes a substantially closed compartment having two opposing lateral walls provided with one or more passages, and a substantially closed channel which extends around the outside of the compartment and connects one of said lateral walls to the other of said lateral walls in order to form together with the compartment a substantially closed circuit. The product is placed in the climate chamber, and then the conditioned gas is circulating through the circuit. The direction in which the conditioned gas stream is circulated through the circuit is reversed repeatedly.

Abstract: A dressage whip for guiding a horse may have a curved segment and a tip. The curved segment may connect a first segment to a second segment, and the first segment and the second segment may be substantially co-linear. The curved segment may accommodate a thigh of a rider of a horse and may maintain the tip in a position proximate to the horse. The dressage whip may have a handle which may be a shaft having a substantially oval cross section formed by two opposed substantially flat sides and two opposed substantially curved sides.

Abstract: Can the Barking Dog is an audible device that individuals can use to train their dogs to refrain from barking uncontrollably. This item comprises a small metal aluminum container that has loose material (media) inside to create a jarring audible noise. Users simply shake the device creating a noise that stops a dog from barking. The container may be coated in rubber for increased durability. The device may have a wrist loop attached to the top making it easy for users to carry the device while walking a dog. The loose materials may be metal marbles or other items that create a metal-on-metal sound that is effective in capturing a dog's attention. The device may be designed with a button-operated component that compresses the loose material allowing users to silence the device in between uses. Further, the dog-bark inhibiting and training device includes a kit and a method of use.

Abstract: A wireless fencing system comprises a tetherless leash, a programming fixture, and, optionally, a terminal. The tetherless leash, which is attached to a monitored animal, establishes a “virtual” (i.e., barrier-free) perimeter based on geo-coordinates. The tetherless leash also monitors the position and movement of an animal relative to the virtual perimeter, and delivers warnings, corrections, and praise to the animal in accordance with its programming. The programming fixture serves as a user interface during programming operations, since there are no exposed buttons by which a user can directly program the device. The wireless fencing system does not expand the perimeter in response to perimeter breach of a monitored animal. Rather, a protocol that monitors the animal's speed and location direction of movement relative to the perimeter and/or outbound way points is used.

Abstract: A muzzle for use with an animal, the muzzle having a muzzle body, at least one strap circumferentially affixed to the muzzle body and adapted to widen or narrow the muzzle body using a tensioning mechanism and a clip coupled to the muzzle body configured to receive an emergency airway device or an endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided for an internal combustion engine that includes, but is not limited to an engine coolant circuit having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, a radiator having an inlet and an outlet, a first pipeline for hydraulically connecting the radiator outlet and the engine coolant inlet, a second pipeline for hydraulically connecting the engine coolant outlet to the radiator inlet, a coolant pump located in the first pipeline for moving a coolant towards the engine coolant inlet, a thermostatic valve located in the first pipeline between the primary pump and the radiator outlet, for closing or at least partially opening the passageway, a bypass pipeline for hydraulically connecting an intermediate point of the second pipeline to an intermediate point of the first pipeline, the latter being located between the thermostatic valve and the radiator outlet, an exhaust gas recirculation cooler located in the bypass pipeline, an auxiliary coolant pump located in the bypass pipeline, and a control

Abstract: An engine that is equipped with a water pump, may include a pump housing that is mounted on one side of a cylinder block with an impeller rotatably mounted on a front side thereof to pump coolant, an inlet fitting that is mounted on the cylinder block at a predetermined distance from the pump housing such that the coolant flows through the inlet fitting, and a connecting body that integrally connects the pump housing with the inlet fitting to form one body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable, handheld work apparatus such as a chain saw having a handle (5, 7) to guide the work apparatus (1) and having an air-cooled, mixture lubricated combustion engine (10) arranged in a casing as a drive for a work tool (3). The cylinder (11) has a combustion chamber (13) formed therein to which an air/fuel mixture is supplied. The air/fuel mixture is ignited by a spark plug (23) which projects into the combustion chamber (13). An ignition control (30) triggers a spark in dependence on the angular position of the crankshaft (15). A temperature sensor (34, 45, 55) is provided to control the cylinder temperature. The temperature signal of the temperature sensor (34, 45, 55) is connected to a power control (40). When a predetermined temperature is exceeded, the power control (40) changes the operating parameters of the combustion engine (10) in such a manner that the power of the combustion engine (10) is changed.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine is provided. The engine includes operating a cylinder with net exhaust flow from the exhaust manifold, through the cylinder, to the intake manifold. Concurrently, another cylinder may operate to carry out combustion with net flow from the intake to the exhaust. In this way, exhaust in the intake manifold may be adjusted by varying valve operation of the first cylinder.

Abstract: A variable valve device for an internal combustion engine includes a cam phase variable mechanism for varying a phase difference (split) between first and second intake cams. Under predetermined operating conditions of the internal combustion engine, the second intake cam is controlled to take a phase (split) (S1) which is within a predetermined pumping-loss reduction operation phase range and entails a minimum fluctuation (oscillation width) of drive torque on an intake camshaft.

Abstract: In a variable valve device for an internal combustion engine, which has a cam phase variable mechanism including a split variable function, when the operation of the internal combustion engine is in a predetermined extremely low speed and load region, the phase of a second intake cam is controlled to a more advanced position (S1) than the phase in which the closing timing of a second intake valve is in a most retarded position.

Abstract: A variable valve operating system includes a position changing mechanism, which is configured by a circular eccentric portion provided for a control shaft of a engine valve in a manner decentered from an axis of the control shaft, an external gear formed on a cam follower swingably supported on the eccentric shaft portion, and an internal gear formed on a rocking cam so as to be engaged with the external gear. The control shaft is rotated when opening/closing characteristics of the engine valve are changed, the external gear is revolved by the eccentric shaft portion around the axis of the control shaft, an engaged portion of the internal gear with the external gear is moved in a circumferential direction of the internal gear by the revolution of the external gear, and the position of the rocking cam with respect to the cam follower is changed by the movement of the engaged portion of the internal gear.

Abstract: A camshaft assembly may include a first shaft, a second shaft, a first lobe and a second lobe. The second shaft may be coaxial with and rotatable relative to the first shaft. The first lobe may be fixed for rotation with the first shaft and adapted to open a first valve in communication with an engine combustion chamber. The first lobe may define a first valve opening region having a first angular extent. The second lobe may be fixed for rotation with the second shaft and adapted to open a second valve in communication with the engine combustion chamber. The second lobe may define a second valve opening region having a second angular extent greater than the first angular extent.