Abstract: A dual-sided cooking device is provided that determines whether the upper and lower cooking platens are substantially parallel to each other when in a cooking position. In addition, the method and device in accordance with the invention are capable of identifying a type of food item placed on a lower cooking platen of a two-sided cooking grill.

Abstract: An improved, leak resistant, siphoning device that includes an elongated hollow body member, a means for filling and emptying the hollow body member, such as an elastomeric resilient suction bulb and a valve placed between the hollow member and the filling/emptying means. The suction bulb defines a chamber therein, so that when it is squeezed and released it will create suction to direct fluid up through the first open head end into the elongated hollow body member using pressure differential. Squeezing the suction bulb can release the liquid and partial solids held within the elongated hollow body member out of the first open head end. The suction bulb also has an optional opening for venting heated air from the bulb, and a means to selectively close the opening for creating vacuum or pressure required to draw or expel liquid from the tube.

Abstract: A cooker for use by troops on deployment comprises a container 10 for cooking fat sitting upon a heating chamber 12. The heating chamber 12 has a back wall 14 formed with an aperture 16 to receive a burner and a front wall 18 formed with an exhaust port 20 communicating with a chimney 22. The heating chamber has side walls extending between its front and back walls 18 and 14. The container has a hinged lid 28 which folds to present a rack 30 for food frying baskets (not shown). The cooker is configured and arranged so that flame from the burner does not contact the container 10 and heat is diffused over the container 10, whereby cooking fat therein is not locally overheated.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a food material, such as an apparatus for encrusting a filling material such as bean jam, where production cost is reduced because one driving motor and one rotating shaft control the opening and closing movements of a cutting apparatus and the lifting and lowering movements of the cutting apparatus and a food-receiving member. A simplified control system is also provided.

Abstract: A biomass baler having a baling chamber adapted to receive tall grass biomass material and a compression system adapted to compact the tall grass biomass material into a parallelepiped bale in the chamber, wherein the baling chamber has a front wall consisting essentially of a reciprocating compression platen corresponding in dimensions to the width W and height H of the bale, opposing upper and lower walls corresponding in dimensions to the length L and either of the W and H of the bale, and opposing sidewalls corresponding in dimensions to the L and the other of the W and H of the bale, and wherein the compression system is adjustable by conventional controls to apply at least one operator-selectable compression platen pressure of between 22 psi and 30 psi to the tall grass biomass material in the chamber.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and process for forming a printing form from a photosensitive element having an exterior surface and a composition layer capable of being partially liquefied. The apparatus includes a displaceable heater for heating the composition layer, means for removing at least a portion of the composition layer from the element, and means for displacing the displaceable heater to a predetermined distance from the exterior surface. Positioning the displaceable heater at the predetermined distance assures reproducible removal of the liquefied composition from the various types of photosensitive elements that can be thermally treated in the apparatus, resulting in the printing forms having improved relief surface uniformity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a machine for aligning at least two flexographic printing plates on at least one printing cylinder. The method comprises the steps of capturing an image relating to a first plate, capturing the image relating to a portion of a second plate, reprocessing the image captured from the first plate so as to obtain a portion thereof corresponding to the image relating to the portion of the second plate, concurrently displaying said reprocessed image and the image captured from the second plate and aligning said two images.

Abstract: An initiator device, comprising an explosive foil initiator; an initiator shaped charge that is activated by the explosive foil initiator; the initiator shaped charge comprising an outer casing having an opening therein defining a volume, an explosive located inside the opening, the explosive defining a concave cavity therein; a metal liner lining the concave cavity; and a detonation cord that is activated by the initiator shaped charge.

Abstract: Projectiles containing a fluorophore composition comprising a fluorophore compound and an activator composition comprising an activator compound for marking targets are disclosed. Some embodiments include a nose structure with a cavity radially segmented into a plurality of radially isolated compartments by at least one laterally and radially extending internal wall. Additional embodiments include a fore compartment and an aft compartment sealed by a septum. Yet additional embodiments include at least one pressurized cavity and may further include a plunger positioned and configured to pierce each pressurized cavity. Methods of manufacturing target marking projectiles and methods of marking targets are also disclosed.

Abstract: A projectile formed from dissimilar materials. The projectile includes a metallurgical interlayer that joins the dissimilar materials together. The metallurgical interlayer also matches the shock impedance of the two materials to prevent delamination during launch and during impact.

Abstract: A cable railway system has a conveying cable, which in the two end stations of the system is guided over a respective deflection pulley. Transport vehicles, which can be coupled to the conveying cable and are configured with a clamping device and with a running gear. The vehicles are coupled to the conveying cable along the route and are guided in the stations by way of the running gear along guide rails. There, the passengers disembark and board. The movement of the vehicles in the stations is governed by control tires, which are drivingly coupled to one another by gear mechanisms. The drive power of the control tires is taken from at least one support roller for the conveying cable, which support roller is located in the station. The support roller for the conveying cable via which the drive of the control tires is derived from the conveying cable by way of at least one drive belt is elastically mounted on a rigidly fastened axle.

Abstract: A maglev vehicle is provided including a nose and/or tail section (1, 1b) containing a plurality of guidance magnets (FM1 to FM6) which are formed of cores (15) and windings (24) wound onto said cores and connected to control circuits (17). The guidance magnets (e.g. FM1 to FM3) are provided with an at least partially higher number of windings (24) in a front zone of the nose section (1) in relation to the direction of travel (v) or in the rear zone of the tail section (1b) in relation to the direction of travel (v).

Abstract: A support table device comprises a base for being positioned on a surface, a table member for supporting articles thereon; and an articulating arm mounted at one end to the base. The table member is pivotally mounted to the articulating arm at the other end thereof. The articulating arm comprises at least two arm segments joined about an arm joint therebetween for relative pivotal movement. The articulating arm and table are movable between a stowed position, with the table member being near the base and a deployed position with the table being away from the base.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a table system can include a table that is readily adjustable between a deployed position and a storage position. In particular embodiments, when the table is in the unlocked condition, the tabletop surface can be readily pivoted from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position, for example, for purposes of storing or transporting the table.

Abstract: A portable automated vent cover includes a drive system, a telescoping tube, a vent cover plate and a collapsible mobile tripod. The drive system preferably includes a drive motor, a gear box, an up-relay and a down-relay. The telescoping tube includes an outer support tube, an inner cover tube and a rack gear. The rack gear is attached to the inner cover tube. The vent cover plate is secured to a top of the inner cover tube. The drive motor drives a pinion gear through the gear box. The gear box is retained on the outer support tube. An up-down switch is used to raise and lower the vent cover plate. Electrical power is controlled by either the up-down switch or a controller and sent to the drive motor through either the up-relay or the down-relay. The collapsible mobile tripod is attached to a bottom of the outer support tube.

Abstract: A modular component, panel, or building block, is used to construct modular styled systems. Such module contains specifically designed slots or openings. Such slots extend substantially perpendicular from the modules' edges and into the center of the panel. The interlocking mechanism provided by the slots allows the modules to be combined to form a modular styled system. The module further contains a number of drill holes that runs across its edges and can be threaded with metal rods for structural support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protection of accommodated items such as cartridges each incorporating recording media and enhances a protection function for the accommodated items. The present invention relates to protection of accommodated items accommodated in an accommodating shelf into/out of which accommodated items (cartridges) such as cartridges each incorporating recording media such as magnetic tapes can be put/taken.

Abstract: A disc hub assembly includes a shouldered spindle that is secured to a disc opener frame and to which a depth adjustment arm and a gauge wheel arm are connected. The disc hub, to which a ground opener disc is mounted, is disposed on the spindle in a manner that allows the disc to rotate around the spindle. A gauge wheel is connected to the gauge wheel arm. When the depth adjustment arm is rotated between depth setting positions the gauge wheel arm is also rotated. As the gauge wheel is connected to the gauge wheel arm, rotation of the gauge wheel arm causes rotation of the gauge wheel. The depth adjustment arm is spring biased into engagement with an arc of notches on the disc opener frame. The notches define a range of positions at which the depth adjustment arm may be positioned.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for tilling at least a strip of soil to be planted includes a tillage device for penetrating and tilling a strip of soil and displacing soil and residue upwardly, the tillage device including at least one coulter wheel mounted for rotation about a first axis of rotation and positioned at least in part below the soil, when tilling the strip of soil, such that the coulter wheel is able to cut a slit in the soil, and a depth control device laterally offset from the centerline of the strip of soil and mounted for rotation about a second axis of rotation located rearwardly of the trailing end of the tillage device. The depth control device is positioned to intercept soil and residue displaced upwardly by the tillage device. Multiple tines made of a polymeric material are mounted on the depth control device, extending laterally away from only one side of the depth control device toward the centerline to intercept a portion of the soil and residue displaced upwardly by the tillage device.

Abstract: A stitch distribution control system for a tufting machine for controlling placement of yarns being fed to the needles of the tufting machine by yarn feed mechanisms to form a desired pattern. A backing material is fed through the tufting machine at an increased stitch rate as the needles are shifted according to calculated pattern steps. A series of loopers or hooks engage and pick loops of yarns from the needles. The yarn feed mechanisms further can be controlled so that selected loops of yarns can be back-robbed so as to be hidden from view in the finished patterned tufted article.

Abstract: A bobbin holding member holds a bobbin, and the bobbin holding member includes a body portion that holds detachably an outer periphery of a brim portion provided to both ends of a middle body section of the bobbin, wherein the body portion includes a fitting portion and a fitting target portion to be fitted to the fitting portion of any of the other bobbin holding members.

Abstract: A seaming machine and method are provided for seaming segments of sheet material to one another to form larger sheets. The machine typically includes a frame with a pair of spaced seaming devices mounted thereon for respectively seaming opposed edges of the segments of sheet material to one another. The process allows for the seaming of multiple sheet segments while the sheet segments remain atop a work surface. Relative back and forth movement between various components and the work surface typically facilitate the process.

Abstract: A steering device consists of a towed steering surface or blade attached to a marine vessel by means of lines. It provides a method of steering the vessel in fluid. The blade is either rigid or non-rigid and may be supported by a framework. Control of the blade is by an attached lever/quadrant or by lines. Attachment lines and/or control lines can be configured according to the current invention so as to permit a lightweight construction of blade and/or light loads on the helm. The device can be designed as primary steering or as a form of emergency or reserve steering which can be deployed either with or without prior preparation of the vessel.

Abstract: A method and device to permit a water vessel to releasably capture a line. The water vessel may include a step cutout portion to receive a line capturing device. The line capturing device includes a device housing having a capturing notch and a pivotal guide arm. The guide arm may be pivoted to a deployed position. When presented with a line, a water vessel with the line-capturing device may capture the line by deploying the guide arm to guide the line into the notch, where the line is releasably latched. Also included is a system for towing a smaller water vessel to a parent vessel, the smaller water vessel including a device for capturing a line. The line may be attached at one end to the parent vessel.

Abstract: A retractable cover system for a pontoon boat comprising an expanding frame of U-shaped supports sliding in tracks along the sides of the boat, the U-shaped supports interconnected by expanding scissors. The bow and stern ends of the frame are provided with pivoting sections that include horizontal and angled U-shaped supports to define fabric-supporting and fabric-securing structure at the bow and stern of the boat when the frame is fully extended. The retracted frame and fabric cover self-store at the stern of the boat by tilting a pivot station portion of the track rearwardly.

Abstract: A hybrid apparatus for applying coating to product is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first vibratory frame assembly in communication with a first pan assembly, wherein the first pan assembly receives a product and a coating and applies the coating to the products using vibratory motion. The apparatus further includes, a drum assembly that having a drum, wherein products and coating are received from the first pan assembly and the coating is further applied to the products using a rotational motion of the drum, and a second vibratory frame assembly in communication with a second pan assembly, the second pan assembly having at least one of a separator tray assembly and an alignment tray assembly, wherein the second pan assembly receives the products and coating from the rotating drum and at least one of separates and aligns the products using vibratory motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coating of tubes, and more particularly to a system and method for coating and/or renovating deteriorated or pitted tubes to extend tube life and enhance performance. Using this system and method a thin coating is applied to the interior of a tube such that the coating is uniform in thickness and covers all regions of the tube. The coating material may be selected to minimize changes in heat transfer or may be selected to provide for the change in working fluid within the tube such that the working fluid does not negatively interact with the tube material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement of fixedly mounted painting robots in a painting booth, wherein the painting booth is subdivided by an imaginary vertical plane into a first spatial region and a second spatial region and wherein at least two painting robots with overlapping working areas are arranged in at least one of the two regions. A respective reference point of a painting robot is a point of intersection of a first axis of rotation with a painting robot base of the painting robot concerned. Each reference point is arranged above an imaginary horizontal plane which is determined by the vertically highest point of a predetermined object to be painted in the painting position, and the reference points are offset with respect to one another in the vertical direction and/or horizontally, transversely in relation to the vertical plane.

Abstract: A coating system for coating a stent with a medication, the stent being mounted on a balloon on a catheter, the system having an applicator device including a fluid ejection nozzle, a reservoir and a pressure wave actuating arrangement. The nozzle has an opening configured for dispensing the medication on to the stent. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the nozzle. The nozzle and the reservoir are configured for generating a negative pressure for preventing leakage of the medication via the opening. The pressure wave actuating arrangement is configured for generating a pressure wave in the nozzle for causing fluid displacement in the nozzle, thereby ejecting a droplet of the medication from the opening. The negative pressure of the nozzle and the reservoir are configured in order that the remaining medication is drawn toward the opening to replace the medication dispensed with the droplet.

Abstract: There is provided a film-forming device capable of advantageously superimposing and securing a substrate, a weight member, and/or a magnetic body while maintaining the precisely aligned substrate and mask in a superimposed state. The film-forming device is provided with a film-forming mask 5 and film-forming means for forming a thin film on the substrate 6 on which the film-forming mask 5 has been superimposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a percutaneous terminal having a substrate thereof flocked with fibers having bio-affinity, and thereby being able to adhere tightly to a living body, a medical instrument to be placed in the body, and a production method and a production apparatus of the percutaneous terminal and the medical instrument to be placed in the body. The percutaneous terminal according to the present invention is one which the surface of the substrate is flocked with bio-affinitive short fibers (e.g. hydroxyapatite complex particles), therefore the bio-affinitive short fibers are risen perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. As a result, an area of the bio-affinitive short fibers coating a unit area of the substrate of the percutaneous terminal to the unit area of the percutaneous terminal substrate is considerably elevated and, in its turn, the adhesiveness of the percutaneous terminal to biological tissues is improved.

Abstract: Chemical vapor deposition processes utilize chemical precursors that allow for the deposition of thin films to be conducted at or near the mass transport limited regime. The processes have high deposition rates yet produce more uniform films, both compositionally and in thickness, than films prepared using conventional chemical precursors. In preferred embodiments, a higher order silane is employed to deposit thin films containing silicon that are useful in the semiconductor industry in various applications such as transistor gate electrodes.

Abstract: In-situ flux measurement methods, devices, and systems are provided. According to some embodiments, an in-situ molecular flux device generally comprises a electrically conductive container configured to hold a precursor material, a heat source proximate the electrically conductive container to heat the precursor material to release ions such that an ion current is produced; and a current-measuring device in electrical communication with the electrically conductive container to measure the ion current associated with the heated precursor material. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: In a plasma reactor having an RF plasma source power applicator at its ceiling, an integrally formed grid liner includes a radially extending plasma confinement ring and an axially extending side wall liner. The plasma confinement ring extends radially outwardly near the plane of a workpiece support surface from a pedestal side wall, and includes an annular array of radial slots, each of the slots having a narrow width corresponding to an ion collision mean free path length of a plasma in the chamber. The side wall liner covers an interior surface of the chamber side wall and extends axially from a height near a height of said workpiece support surface to the chamber ceiling.

Abstract: A bale feeder includes a support and a housing pivotally mounted to the support. The housing has a peripheral sidewall defining a bale receiving interior cavity with an access opening providing access to the interior cavity. The housing is pivotally movable between a loading position and a feeding position. In the loading position the access opening is substantially horizontal for improved loading access.

Abstract: A protective pet dish apparatus that provides protection from birds and insects of food or water in a pet dish by a protective pet dish cover that is supported by a rod extending from the pet dish to the cover. The protective pet dish cover swivels away from the pet dish on the rod when a pet pushes its head against it and swivels back to cover the pet dish after the pet removes its head from the pet dish. The protective pet dish cover uses gravity or a combination of gravity and magnetic force along with the support and swiveling of the support rod to cover the food after a pet removes its head from the pet dish.

Abstract: A first embodiment of this invention is a cat litter bag composed of a thin plastic bag having a scratch resistant surface on the upper surface to avoid being damaged when used by cats. The scratch resistant material also serves to absorb cat urine to minimize odor during use. By a second embodiment the cat litter bag is shown filled with clean litter for convenience and travel.

Abstract: An animal entertainment device comprises a guide unit and a wheel that travels on the guide unit.

Abstract: A biodegradable chew toy having a first body that is made of a first biodegradable material have first characteristic. A second body is made of a second biodegradable material having a second characteristic. The second body is overmolded by the first body. The first characteristic and the second characteristic differ by elasticity.

Abstract: An animal support harness and method of supporting and restraining movement of an animal is provided. The apparatus includes a sling that can be routed around the abdomen of the animal, and a plurality of primary support straps extend and are joined at a handle. A leash strap is integrated with the handle, and extends to connect to the collar of the animal. The integral leash strap along with the primary support straps enables an owner to control not only an upward supporting force for the animal, but also provides an inherent restraint to prevent an animal from walking too quickly or lunging, which might otherwise harm the animal.

Abstract: A calf handling apparatus incorporating a base having a forward end, a first wall fixedly attached to and extending upwardly from the base's forward end, the first wall having a lateral side and an oppositely lateral side, and the first wall including a pivoting head gate jaw; a second wall fixedly attached to the base, the second wall extending rearwardly from the first wall's lateral side; and a third wall, the third wall being hingedly attached to the first wall's oppositely lateral side for movement between calf holding and calf releasing positions, the third wall extending rearwardly from the first wall's oppositely lateral side upon movement to the calf holding position, the third wall being displaced oppositely laterally from the calf holding position upon movement to the calf releasing position.

Abstract: A security leash includes a main leash and a secondary leash. Should the main leash be dropped by an animal's handler, or if the clip at the end of the main leash should fail, or if the collar on the animal should fail, the secondary leash may continue to secure the animal.

Abstract: A disposable dog boot comprising a single, seamless piece of flexible latex or polymer material having a bulbously shaped, bottom closed end and a top open end of a smaller cross-section, wherein when a paw of the dog is slipped into the boot, the bottom end covers and loosely conforms to the paw to protect the paw, and the top end flexibly and removably secures, through the material's elasticity, the boot to a leg of the dog.

Abstract: A system for separating an ethanol-gasoline blended fuel into gasoline and ethanol-water mixture by mixing water therewith with a lightweight, compact and simple configuration is provided. The system includes a fuel tank for storing a blended fuel; pump means for sucking the blended fuel in the fuel tank, separating the blended fuel into gasoline and ethanol-water mixture by mixing water therewith, and pressure-feeding the separated gasoline and ethanol-water mixture; a separation tank provided inside the fuel tank, and storing the gasoline and the ethanol-water mixture pressure-fed by the pump means in a state separated from each other and in a pressurized state; gasoline drawing means for drawing the gasoline stored in the separation tank via a first on-off valve; and ethanol drawing means for drawing the ethanol-water mixture stored in the separation tank via a second on-off valve.

Abstract: In the context of an enclosure-housed engine in which an engine 10 is housed within an enclosure 2, the present invention is such that arranged in an intake chamber 8A, separate from one or more chambers where a radiator 18 and the engine are disposed, there is engine intake equipment comprising an air cleaner 22 and an intake silencer 23; the constitution being such that at least one wall face of said intake chamber is subjected to a cooling airstream, intake and exhaust of which are driven by a radiator fan; and the constitution being such that the radiator fan 19 is driven, regardless of whether or not engine coolant within the radiator is circulating, when outside air temperature is greater than or equal to a prescribed temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a fuel reformer which reforms ethanol into a reformate gas comprising H2, CO, and CH4 for fueling an engine are provided. Degradation of the fuel reformer may be indicated based on an amount of ethanol injected into the fuel reformer and an amount of at least one of H2, CO, and CH4 produced by the fuel reformer.

Abstract: An engine blower includes a blower having a fan accommodated in a volute case, and an engine having a volute for generating a cooling air for self-cooling. An output shaft of the engine is provided with the fan without attaching a cooling fan for generating the cooling air. An outlet port for delivering a part of a blowing air generated by the fan is provided on the volute case.

Abstract: An engine includes a crankshaft rotatable about a crankshaft axis. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the compression piston is operable to reciprocate through an intake stroke and a compression stroke during a single rotation of the crankshaft. An expansion (power) piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the expansion piston is operable to reciprocate through an expansion stroke and an exhaust stroke during a single rotation of the crankshaft. At least two crossover passages interconnect the compression and expansion cylinders. Each of the at least two crossover passages includes a crossover compression (XovrC) valve and a crossover expansion (XovrE) valve operable to define a pressure chamber therebetween. The engine controls and maximizes engine efficiency at part-load by utilizing only selected crossover passages.

Abstract: A V-type internal combustion engine having a variable valve train for keeping the height of the internal combustion engine low. Disclosed is a V-type internal combustion engine with a variable valve train that uses an actuator to vary the phase/lift amount of camshafts. The actuator is mounted on head covers for each of a plurality of cylinder blocks arranged in a V-shape. The actuator is attached to a lateral surface positioned opposite the offset direction of the head covers. In an embodiment, the actuator is attached to a lateral surface of the head covers and positioned close to the inside of the V banks.

Abstract: A split-cycle engine includes a crankshaft rotatable about a crankshaft axis. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the compression piston reciprocates through intake and compression strokes during a single rotation of the crankshaft. An expansion piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the expansion piston reciprocates through expansion and exhaust strokes during a single rotation of the crankshaft. A crossover passage interconnects the expansion and compression cylinders. The crossover passage includes crossover compression (XovrC) and crossover expansion (XovrE) valves defining a pressure chamber therebetween. At least one of the XovrC and XovrE valves is a balanced valve.