Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing and dispensing a beverage such as coffee, tea, milk, chocolate milk, soup or the like, which beverage, if desired, may be at least partly foamed. To that end, the apparatus comprises a foaming chamber (3), provided with an inlet opening (4) for supply of beverage prepared upstream, an outlet opening (6) for dispensing the beverage, and foaming means (8) for foaming beverage fed through the foaming chamber, and dosing means (15) for regulating a beverage flow rate flowing from the foaming chamber (3). The foaming means (8) and outlet opening (6) are preferably displaceable relative to each other, so that the foaming means can close off or clear this opening at least partly and can thus function as dosing means (15). The foaming means (8) can for comprise, for instance, a drive shaft (9, 20) with paddles (10).

Abstract: A kitchen appliance for cooking foodstuff in a liquid including a container for receiving the foodstuff and the liquid. The container having an open end and a closed end. The open end of the container includes two spaced-apart lips. A lid is removably mountable to the open end of the container to enclose the foodstuff and the liquid therein. The lid includes two oppositely oriented elongated sliders. Each slider has a proximal and a distal end. At least one biasing member engages the proximal ends of each of the sliders. In a resting position, the at least one biasing member urges each of the distal ends of the sliders into one of the lips for selective engagement of the lid to the container.

Abstract: Recyclable plastic film is efficiently collected for recycling at stores or other locations by compacting the plastic film as layers in plastic/cardboard bales. The plastic/cardboard bales can be formed using existing cardboard balers that stores typically already have for baling recyclable cardboard. In one embodiment, the plastic/cardboard bales are preferably formed with a bottom layer of cardboard, a middle layer of the recyclable plastic film, and a top layer of cardboard. The layered structure can be modified to omit one of the cardboard layers or to add additional plastic film and cardboard layers.

Abstract: A mechanical press for fine blanking, forming and/or stamping of work pieces has a machine frame provided with a head piece and an O-shaped frame, the head piece receiving in a fixed arrangement a fine blanking or forming head having an upper tool part, a ram provided in the O-shaped frame having a table top for fixing a lower tool part, the ram being actuable along a vertical stroke axis, and a toggle mechanism with a first and second side that is positioned below the ram. The toggle mechanism includes a connecting rod having a substantially equilateral triangle shape with articulation points pivotally attached to arms that pivot about a fixed bearing on the press machine and the ram, respectively, as well as around the connecting rod. Another portion of the connecting rod is attached to synchronous motors through a gear and shaft arrangement at another fixed bearing on the machine press. A computer controller adjusts the motors to equal path-time characteristics.

Abstract: A stamp die assembly for a self-inking stamping device has a die bracket and a replaceable stamp die. The replaceable stamp die is mounted detachably on the die bracket via the engagement between the median tab of the replaceable stamp die and the transverse recess of the die bracket, and via the engagement between the side strips of the replaceable stamp die and the keyed recesses of the die bracket. The die bracket has two elongated keyed protrusions parallel with each other and near two side edges. The replaceable stamp die has two guiding channels engaging with the keyed protrusions. Therefore, the related position of the die bracket and the replaceable stamp die is fixed.

Abstract: A stencil printer for printing viscous material on a substrate includes a frame, a stencil, and a print head to deposit and print viscous material over the stencil. A substrate support supports a substrate in a print position. A substrate support movement assembly includes a first movement mechanism configured to move the substrate support in a first direction, a second movement mechanism configured to move the substrate support in a second direction, the second direction being generally perpendicular to the first direction, and a third movement mechanism, spaced from a first movement mechanism, configured to move the substrate in the first direction. The stencil printer further includes a controller coupled to the substrate support movement assembly to move the substrate support by the first, second and third movement mechanisms in an x-direction, a y-direction and a rotational direction to align the substrate.

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: 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 may include a squeegee blade configured to engage the stencil, a squeegee blade mount configured to house the squeegee blade, a squeegee blade movement mechanism configured to move the squeegee blade mount in a z-axis direction 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, and a connector configured to pivotally connect the squeegee blade mount to the squeegee blade movement mechanism. The connector may include a load cell configured to measure force of the squeegee blade against the stencil. Other embodiments and related methods are further disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an engraved plate used in intaglio printing, said plate being engraved by a tool, for example a laser beam, characterized in that the engraving tool uses data from a depth-map, based on a three-dimensional raster image of the document to be printed.

Abstract: An area coverage, which is carried out by a volume of printing ink transferred to a print stock by an inking unit of a printing press, can be adjusted. An ink feed to the inking unit can be disengaged in zones or can be interrupted in the inking and upon reaching of a final phase of a printing process which was previously carried out by the printing press. The volume of printing ink remaining on the print stock after such a disengagement or interruption in the ink feed in the inking unit in the final phase of the printing process previously carried out by the printing press, is transferred to the print stock until the area coverage made by the volume of printing ink transferred to the print stock equals a specified target value of area coverage for an impression of a subsequent printing process. A corresponding method is also provided for execution in a printing press that has a plurality of printing units.

Abstract: A detonator assembly is provided for use in oilfield operations to detonate an explosive downhole including a capacitor discharge unit and initiator electrically connected together to form a single unit. Further, provided is a method of fabricating an integrated detonator. Additionally, a method of use for an integrated detonating unit is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for incorporating nanophase elemental materials and metastable interstitial composite materials into projectiles, projectile fragments, ordnance casings, warheads and structural components. The projectile, fragments and casings include an elemental material capable of oxidizing. A coating material that is capable of preventing oxidation of the elemental material and an oxidizing agent may be present and be capable of reacting with the elemental material so that a self-propagating high temperature synthesis reaction from a stabilized solid material is yielded for the purpose of rendering terminal effects or thermal impact to a target at impact.

Abstract: A fuze setting circuit in an artillery or tank shell having a case with a press-fitted head assembly is provided with an electromechanical fuze-wiring link that is completed electrically by mechanical assembly of a tracer-carrying projectile on the shell casing, and by the rotational attachment of a programmable fuze onto the projectile.

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

Abstract: A nestable pallet includes an upper deck from which a plurality of feet extend downwardly. The upper deck includes an upper planar member and cross-ribs extending downwardly therefrom. The pallet is sturdy yet light weight and can be optionally provided with a reinforcement sheet secured to the lower ends of the ribs to provide a stronger, stiffer pallet.

Abstract: A workbench is equipped with a clamping device that has a moveable element. A holding system has a top with a fibrous or pierceable material that is disposed upon the workbench near the clamping device. The system employs at least one block having a working face and a connecting face. The working face is adapted to oppose the moveable element. The block has on its connecting face at least one connector for securing the block in place on the top against clamping forces from the clamping device. The connector includes a first hub and a second hub, each having on one side thereof a plurality of spiral prongs. The spiral prongs on the first hub spiral in a direction opposite that of the spiral prongs on the second hub. The connector also has a manually operable link connected between the hubs for relatively rotating them in opposite directions in order to releasably connect to the fibrous or pierceable material of the top. A workpiece is placed between the block and the moveable element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circulating fluidized bed device provided with an oxygen-fired furnace (1), a separator (2) for separating gas and solid particles, a return circuit for returning solids to the furnace (3), and an outlet duct (4) leaving the separator and conveying gases to a heat-recovery boiler, the device being characterized in that it includes injector means for injecting combustible) gas into the outlet from the separator 2), said combustible gas being propelled by recycled carbon dioxide into the residual vortex created at the outlet from the separator, so as to ensure intimate mixing takes place in the downstream duct (4) with the combustion flue gases, thereby reducing the oxygen content of said flue gases by residual combustion.

Abstract: A combustor 110 is operative to effect therewith the combustion of fossil fuel 114? in order to thereby both heat to a working fluid 102 and generate a flue gas 104. An air preheater 144 receives the flue gas 104 generated in the combustor 110. A blower 180 causes air 188 to flow to the air preheater 144 when operating in an air fired mode, and causes both O2 and recycled flue gas 188? to flow when operating in the O2 firing mode. The air preheater 144 is operative to transfer heat from the flue gas 150 received thereby to the air 188 that is received when operating in an air fired mode or to both the received O2 and the recycled flue gas 188? that is received when operating in the O2 firing mode in order to thereby effect a preheating of the air 188 or of both the O2 and recycled flue gas, 188? depending upon the specific nature of the mode of operation thereof, and to thereby effect therewith a cooling of the flue gas received thereby.

Abstract: The present invention relates to corrosion resistance coatings suitable for elevated temperature applications, which employ compositions of iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and/or aluminum (Al). The compositions may be configured to regulate the diffusion of metals between a coating and a substrate, which may then influence coating performance, via the formation of an inter-diffusion barrier layer. The inter-diffusion barrier layer may comprise a face-centered cubic phase.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a Magnus rotor comprising a drive and a control means which controls the drive in such a way that the Magnus rotor attains a peripheral speed which is greater than the mean wind speed by a factor ?. In addition the present invention concerns a method of operating a Magnus rotor comprising a drive which causes the Magnus rotor to rotate, and a control means, as well as a ship. In order better to utilize the action of the Magnus rotor than occurs in the state of the art, ? is greater than 4. In that respect the present invention is based on the realization that the assumption that, above a high-speed factor of four, there would no longer be a significant increase in the lift coefficient, which above all is in relation to the drive power to be used, is based on a technical prejudice. It was possible to empirically ascertain that an increase in the high-speed factor leads to a significantly higher lift coefficient.

Abstract: The present invention is a shackle apparatus used for the lifting of subsea objects. The shackle apparatus includes a shackle body having a first leg and a second leg in which each of the legs has an eyelet formed therein. A pin is mounted through the eyelets of the legs of the shackle body. At least one latch extends radially outwardly of the pin and resides adjacent the first leg of the shackle body. A stop surface extends from the pin and is positioned adjacent the second leg of the shackle body. The pin has a generally pointed end so that a remotely operated vehicle can suitably guide the pin through the eyelets of the shackle body. A gripping member extends outwardly from an end of the pin so as to provide a surface whereby an ROV can grip the pin for installation into the shackle body.

Abstract: A sponson comprises a floatable tubular section (110) with longitudinal, attached guideways or channels (105, 115) that house drawstrings (106, 116). The sponson is secured to the gunwale (130) of a personal watercraft by positioning a first guideway or channel above the gunwale and a second guideway or channel below the gunwale then pulling the drawstrings tight and securing them with knots (107, 117) or other means. The sponson has been filled with air, a foam material, or a combination in order to provide flotation. It also acts as a bumper to prevent damage to the craft in case of a collision with another object. The sponson is positioned above the water line and so does not cause drag when the craft is in normal use. The design is usable without modification for a variety of craft. An alternative embodiment includes an extra guideway or channel (120) for attachment to a fixture (125) previously installed on a craft.

Abstract: A method of controlling a streamer positioning device (18) configured to be attached to a marine seismic streamer (12) and towed by seismic survey vessel (10) and having a wing and a wing motor for changing the orientation of the wing. The method includes the steps of: obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing. The invention also involves an apparatus for controlling a streamer positioning device including means for obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, means for calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and means for actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing.

Abstract: Method for installing (or replacing) a unit on the tower of an offshore wind turbine, which unit comprises a rotor including a hub and one or two rotor blades, and a nacelle receiving a gearbox and a generator. The method is characterized by pre-assembling the substantially functional unit ashore or on a platform, placing the functional unit on a watercraft in such a manner that the center of gravitation of the unit lies in the region of the longitudinal axis of the watercraft and the rotor blades extend in the longitudinal direction of the watercraft, transporting the functional unit to the site of the offshore wind turbine, lifting the functional unit from the watercraft using a crane aboard the watercraft, placing the functional unit on the tower of the offshore wind turbine, and fastening the functional unit on the tower of the offshore wind turbine.

Abstract: A runway selector is provided for selecting a runway at an airport which does not have traffic control and which has one or more numbered runways. The runway selector includes a first circular scale having azimuth indicia thereon. The runway selector also includes a second circular scale positioned on the first scale and which has runway number indicia thereon. One or more flat strips, which resemble runways, are selectively rotatably mounted over the scales. A wind direction pointer is selectively rotatably mounted over the scales. The runway selector enables a pilot to visually determine the proper runway to use so that the aircraft may land into the wind as closely as possible.

Abstract: This liquid applicator covers all sides of substantially flat and dimensional surfaces of boards or siding with stain or paint in a uniform manner. The applicator has an upper and lower series of rollers and wiping agents, a set of vertical rollers, and a paint collection assembly. Preferably, some of the upper rollers and some of the lower rollers will consist of horizontal wet-rollers which receive liquid from an outside source. The remaining rollers are horizontal dry-rollers which absorb, smooth and buff the surface. The vertical rollers coat the side aspects of a board. All rollers spread paint rapidly over all board surfaces in a uniform manner. The main components have adjustment features: the rollers move vertically and toggle clamps and the like permit custom selection and sizing for each of the rollers and wipers. A catch pan has a drain plug at or near its lowest point.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a frame, a support coupled to the frame, a gantry coupled to the frame, a first dispensing unit coupled to the gantry, a second dispensing unit coupled to the gantry, and an imaging system coupled to one of the frame and the gantry. The imaging system may be configured to capture at least one image of a first pattern and a second pattern, with the second pattern being identical to the first pattern. The dispensing apparatus further includes a controller configured to verify whether the first pattern and the second pattern are properly positioned on the support with respect to one another based on the at least one captured image to permit simultaneous dispense operations of the first dispensing unit on the first pattern and the second dispensing unit on the second pattern. Other embodiments and methods of dispensing are further disclosed.

Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus has a substrate holder with two holder constituting bodies that each have a plurality of columns and substrate holding sections. One of the holder constituting bodies holds substrates so that their front surfaces face upward, while the other holds the substrates so that their back surfaces face upward. At least one of the holder constituting bodies moves vertically to change the positions of the holder constituting bodies relative to each other. A distance between one of a first pair of vertically-adjacent substrates with respective front surfaces facing each other and the other of the first pair of substrates is set to ensure treatment uniformity and to be larger than a distance between one of a second pair of vertically-adjacent substrates with their respective back surfaces facing each other and the other of the second pair of substrates.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for manufacturing a low dielectric constant coating, which coating comprises an inorganic and an organic component, wherein precursors for these components are activated in at least two plasma sources for plasma activated deposition of a chemical vapor phase and wherein said activated precursors are combined before they are deposited from the chemical vapor phase on the substrate to form the coating, characterized in that said inorganic component comprises porous nanoparticles. The invention also describes a device for the manufacture of a low dielectric constant coating.

Abstract: A pet food dispenser has a container, a bottom lid and a receiving plate. The bottom lid is covered on a bottom opening of the container and has multiple through holes. The receiving plate is connected to the bottom lid. A gap is formed between the receiving plate and the bottom lid. The pet foods in the container drop out from the through holes of the bottom lid. Because the receiving plate collects dropped pet food, only some pet food is released for the pets to eat. The pets need to push the pet food dispenser to topple and roll so that more and more pet food is released. Therefore, the pet food dispenser efficiently leads the pets to move more by using food to attract the pets.

Abstract: A bird feeder comprising a seed container, a seed tray situated below the seed container, a shroud extending about the seed tray and having an opening therein to permit access thereto, a perch proximate the opening, a center tube mounted internally of the feed container and a non rotatable nut mounted within the center tube, a post being screwthreadedly engaged with the non rotatable nut to adjust spring tension, a cover about an upper end of the feed container, the arrangement being such that pressure from an animal such as a squirrel on either the cover or perch will cause the shroud to block the opening and deny access to the seed.

Abstract: A litter box device for use by pets. The device includes at least two litter boxes arranged as stacked drawers held in a housing. The upper drawer is accessible to a pet through an entry to the housing. The bottom of each drawer has a screen and a slidably removable drawer bottom. Removal of the slidably removable drawer bottom allows the contents of the drawer to pass into the underlying drawer. After pets excrete waste into the litter in the top box, the loose litter is separated from the waste clumps by sliding the removable drawer bottom from the top drawer, allowing loose litter granules to flow down through a screened opening into the underlying drawer. The top drawer will retain the waste clumps on its screen within the upper drawer, the screen positioned proximate to the slidably removable drawer bottom. The waste clumps may then be removed from the drawer and screen. The lower drawer containing the filtered litter can be guided up into the top position.

Abstract: Animal litter is provided that causes little damage to the legs or the like of animals using a litter box and generates a small amount of ammonia. The animal litter includes a plurality of particulate matter, in which the plurality of respective particulate matter includes a group of particles configured with an inorganic porous material and an inorganic binder which binds the group of particles together, and the inorganic binder includes a non-cement solidifying agent.

Abstract: An apparatus to prevent a pet climbing up a Christmas tree includes a screen member having a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size. The screen member is formed from a pre-selected material. An aperture, having a second predetermined size, is formed through the screen member at a predetermined location for receiving therein a trunk of such Christmas tree. A slit is formed through the screen member beginning at an outer edge thereof and extending to an edge of a perimeter of such aperture to enable placing the screen member around the trunk. There is further a mechanism engageable with each of the screen member and a bottom branch of the Christmas tree for connecting such screen member to such Christmas tree beneath bottom the bottom branches thereof.

Abstract: A cage allows fish to be moved under water in a river from a hatchery to a location at or near the river's mouth. The cage side walls contain openings which allow water to pass through the cage as it is towed downstream but prevent the fish from swimming out of the cage. A first flotation device supports the cage submerged where it is filled with fish and then towed downstream to where the fish are released. A second flotation device has passageways which allow filling it with either air or water. When filled with water it has no buoyancy effect on the cage. However, when filled with air the second flotation device raises the cage to where its bottom is at or near the water surface and it can be towed upstream with reduced drag.

Abstract: A mechanized collector for collecting juvenile lobsters to be raised in a growout system is disclosed. The mechanized collector may be formed from a vessel, a longline support system capable of supporting and suspending a longline having a plurality of juvenile lobster collectors above a deck of the vessel, and a shaker assembly positioned to engage at least one of the plurality of juvenile lobster collectors suspended above the deck of the vessel and attached to the longline. The shaker assembly may be configured to shake the plurality of juvenile lobster collectors individually or collectively together, thereby causing the juvenile lobsters to fall into a collection trough positioned under the collector. The plurality of juvenile lobster collectors may be attached to the longline and formed from at least one generally flat panel that is suspended generally vertically in water above the longline with at least one float.

Abstract: A lighting system and apparatus that may be utilized with aquariums. The features and functionality of the lighting system and apparatus provide easy access to the opening of an aquarium for various purposes, such as cleaning and maintenance. In addition, the features and functionality of some embodiments provide a lighting system that does not require ballasts, light sockets, or a multitude of wiring, and includes a modular design. Further, for some embodiments, features of the present invention allow the lighting apparatus to illuminate the aquarium, while simultaneously limiting the evaporation of water from the aquarium.

Abstract: A self-supporting pet barrier comprising a front panel and two side panels, each panel having floor-contacting surfaces preferably to which a friction reducing substance has been applied is disclosed. The front and side panels preferably are attached so that the side panels can be positioned from generally perpendicularly to the front panel in use to a folded position adjacent said front panel for storage or travel. A generally triangular stabilizing leg may protrude forward from the plane of the front panel and can be attached in either the side panel or front panel.

Abstract: An improved poultry coop that facilitates the prevention of entry of predators and the transmission of pathogens to and between the housed birds. In a preferred embodiment, the coop, which advantageously meets bird flu guidelines, includes an insulated house, a covered run coupled to the house, and a covered feed house. All openings are preferably covered with ½ inch hardware cloth or mesh wire. The same cloth or mesh wire is preferably buried beneath the earth below the coop and coupled to the coop.

Abstract: A portable pet bed apparatus is provided that can be selectively side mountable to a bed assembly. The pet bed apparatus includes a carrier device that defines a bedding space thereof sized and dimensioned to accommodate a domestic pet therein. The pet bed apparatus further includes a mounting assembly having a support platform configured to vertically support the of the carrier device thereatop, and a frame assembly coupled to the support platform. The frame assembly can be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, portions of the frame assembly cooperate with the bed assembly for side mounting thereto. The carrier device can be removed from the mounting assembly, which enable independent functionality as a pet carrier.

Abstract: A vacuum grooming tool is disclosed that includes a vacuum nozzle attachable to a vacuum source and has a hollow body with a mouth opening. A grooming device selected from a variety of standard animal grooming hand tools, such as a shedding blade, rake or de-matting tool, may span the mouth opening. The grooming device is positioned such that the airflow created by the vacuum source flows over at least one side of the grooming device. A vacuum cleaning tool for removing any animal hair from a grooming tool is also disclosed. A vacuum plenum of the cleaning tool is attachable to a vacuum source and has an opening for cleaning the grooming tool in one pass. The cleaning tool can be mounted on a stationary support may also include a pivot-action mechanism that connects the vacuum grooming tool or the cleaning tool to the vacuum source.

Abstract: A dip cup 10 comprises a cup 12 for receiving a teat, the cup 12 being connected or connectable to a supply of teat treating liquid including a foaming agent, foaming elements 34, 36 for mixing air and the teat treating liquid to produce foam, and a regulator device 16 for setting an air-to-liquid ratio. The regulator device 16 is selectable or adjustable based on the teat treating liquid, so that a specified air-to-liquid ratio is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved head restraint that can be used in conjunction with conventional cattle chutes that are equipped with head gates. It provides the advantages of being humane by causing little or no discomfort to the cattle being restrained. Cattle being treated also tends to remain calm while being restrained utilizing the device of this invention. It offers much easier and faster means for providing care to positions on the head of the animal. Its implementation can accordingly lead to reduction in human labor requirements associated with treating a herd of cattle and generally leads to savings in medication by virtue of being able to more accurately apply eye drops, ointments, or powdered medications to the eyes of a cow having a very stabilized head as compared to loss of medication when dealing with a struggling animal that is jerking its head around during the procedure.

Abstract: A pet collar assembly is removably attached to a pet collar and carries a leash. The assembly allows for extending and retracting the leash and includes a housing, an actuator assembly for actuating retraction of the leash upon receiving force higher than a threshold retraction force, and a spool communicating with the actuator assembly and biased for coiling the leash. The actuator assembly has a button and a button shaft that mechanically communicates with a hook shaft attached to a hook. The hook engages a plurality of teeth disposed on the circumference of a rim of the spool. An elastic band applies force against the hook so that the actuator assembly remains in a locked configuration unless a force higher than the threshold retraction force is received by the button.

Abstract: A dog flashlight illuminates the area in front of a dog in dark conditions, thereby eliminating the need for a dog owner to carry and direct a light source. The dog flashlight includes a housing containing at least one light source, a battery power supply for the light source, and a switch connected between the light source and the power supply for energizing and de-energizing the light source. When energized, the light source has sufficient brightness to illuminate the area in front of the dog so that the dog owner can observe the illuminated area for control purposes. One preferred embodiment includes an attachment device having a band carrying the housing and adapted to fit around the neck of the dog so that the housing is located in front of the chest of the dog.

Abstract: A steam ejection device including a steam generator for generating steam by heating water; a steam eject port for discharging the steam generated in the steam generator; and a steam-guiding portion for delivering the steam from the steam generator to the steam eject port, and the steam ejection device further including a steam-heating block for heating, right before the steam eject port, the steam guided via the steam-guiding portion.

Abstract: A boiler control system for efficiently controlling the operation of a packaged boiler is provided. The system includes a combustion air control system, a fuel control system, a flue gas sensing system, and a boiler controller. The boiler controller is in operative communication with the combustion air control system, fuel control system, and the flue gas sensing system. Based upon a system demand, the boiler controller controls coarse-level operation of the combustion air control system and the fuel control system. The flue gas sensing system includes an oxygen sensor and a flue gas differential sensor that senses a change in a characteristic of the flue gas. When the flue gas differential sensor senses a change in the flue gas characteristic that meets a flue gas differential setpoint, the boiler controller controls fine-level operation of the combustion air control system to efficiently control the amount of oxygen in the flue gas.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selectively storing gaseous reformate output by a fuel reformer for fueling an engine. Carbon monoxide produced by a fuel reformer may be continuously combusted in the engine and/or engine exhaust rather than being stored. In one example, reformate components produced by a fuel reformer, e.g., H2 and CH4, may be stored and buffered for use by an engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has at least one cylinder, and a means for varying the compression ratio in the cylinder. The at least one cylinder has two oppositely directed reciprocatingly movable pistons in it, which are each connected via a piston rod with a corresponding arm, whereby each arm shows an opening in which a main shaft that connects the two arms is rotatably supported in bearings. The main shaft includes an angle with a center line of each opening. The means for varying the compression ratio in the cylinder includes a division in the main shaft, as well as drive means in order to move the parts formed by it of the main shaft apart from each other.