Patents Issued in April 18, 2013
  • Publication number: 20130092060
    Abstract: A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises structural ribbings that rotate about an axle disposed beneath the loading surface of the platform. The ribbings are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fitments at the standard overhead crane lifting points when in a lift configuration. The ribbings may be rotated inboard down to the loading surface, thereby presenting stacking blocks at the crane lifting points for stacking several platforms together. Alternatively, the ribbings may be rotated outboard to accommodate full size loading of cargo. The ribbings are rotated under electric or hydraulic power, according to the various embodiments disclosed. Other features and aspects disclosed lend to the invention's low weight and high carrying capacity, as well as its unique load securing features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Raildecks (2009), Inc.
    Inventor: Raildecks (2009), Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130092061
    Abstract: A media station can be broken-down and reconfigured such that the individual parts of the media station can be used in multiple configurations. The media station includes a central technology backbone that houses the computer hardware and media modules required for the type of monitor/media sharing desired. The technology backbone includes magnetic coupling members that increase the options for the different types of work tables that can be connected to the technology backbone dependent upon the user's needs and the size of the group. The ability to separate the work tables from the central technology backbone allows for flexibility in the styles of table used as well as the potential for cross room cohesiveness and economies of scale in unit types. When the media station is not in use, users can separate the individual work tables from the backbone and use the tables in a conventional manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: KRUEGER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: KRUEGER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130092062
    Abstract: A combustion system capable of decreasing nitrogen oxide discharged from exhaust gas is provided. The combustion system includes: a combustion furnace (2) having a burner unit (2a) for supplying fuel and combustion oxygen to the inside of the furnace, a reduction zone formed on a downstream side of the burner unit (2a) for combusting the fuel, and a combustion oxygen supply port (2b) for supplying combustion oxygen (21) so that unburned fuel which has passed the reduction zone completely combusts; and a smoke removal device (9) for removing smoke in the exhaust gas discharged from the combustion furnace (2). Part of exhaust gas (22) diverging from between the combustion furnace (2) and the smoke removal device (9) is introduced to the burner unit (2a), while part of exhaust gas (23) diverging from a downstream side of the smoke removal device (9) is introduced to the combustion oxygen supply port (2b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Masahiko Matsuda, Hiroshi Suganuma, Takeshi Aruga, Koutaro Fujimura, Takuichiro Daimaru
  • Publication number: 20130092063
    Abstract: The invention relates to a column, with a jacket, extending along a longitudinal axis, which jacket bounds a first jacket space and a second jacket space arranged over it along the longitudinal axis, a chimney tray, extending crosswise to the longitudinal axis, that separates the two jacket spaces from one another. The at least a first chimney extends from the tray along the longitudinal axis, and projects into the second jacket space. The chimney has a peripheral wall defining an opening, via which the two jacket spaces are connected to one another for gas feed, and a chimney top. On the peripheral wall, a flat impact element is arranged tilted toward the longitudinal axis in such a way that a liquid phase flowing downward from the chimney top along the longitudinal axis strikes the flat impact element diminishing the momentum input of the liquid phase that stands on the chimney tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
  • Publication number: 20130092064
    Abstract: A waste treatment technique includes: blowing a fluidizing gas from around a non-combustible substance discharge port toward fluidizable particles to form a first fluidization region, while blowing a fluidizing gas between the first fluidization region and a front wall at a flow velocity less than that in the first fluidization region to form a second fluid region having a relatively low degree of fluidization of fluidizable particles; returning fluidizable particles discharged from the non-combustible substance discharge port to a fluidized bed from the side of the front wall to form, in the fluidized bed, a flow of fluidizable particles directed from the front wall to the non-combustible substance discharge port; supplying waste from the front wall onto the fluidized bed to cause the waste to be accumulated on the second fluidization region while causing the accumulated waste to be moved into the first fluidization region step-by-step and gasified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: KOBELCO ECO-SOLUTIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takuya Kawai, Hiroyuki Hosoda, Tadashi Ito
  • Publication number: 20130092065
    Abstract: A method to precisely meter and dispense two or more crop inputs with a common metering disc is presented to achieve proper placement in the soil relative to one another. In one embodiment, dry granular or granulized fertilizer is metered from one side of the disc and seed is metered from the opposite side of the same metering disc. The fertilizer is placed in a concentrated “pulse” approximately equal distances between seeds within a common seed furrow and/or between seed furrows to improved nutrient use efficiency by minimizing soil to fertilizer contact and subsequent chemical reactions that make applied supplemental nutrients less available to plants. Pressurized air may be utilized to assist discharge of both the seed and fertilizer from the disc meter to assure precise spacing in the soil. A cover may be placed on the meter and metering disc to recirculate air and thus minimize potential atmospheric contamination from seed coatings and fertilizer materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Nyle C. Wollenhaupt, Edward L. Swenson
  • Publication number: 20130092066
    Abstract: A method for operating a chain stitch sewing machine and a chain stitch sewing machine, the chain stitch sewing machine having a pair of sewing members comprising a needle which pierces a sewing material and a gripper disposed below a sewing material rest, which can be moved along a movement path, where an upper thread is guided with the needle through the sewing material resting on the sewing material rest, which is linked to a lower thread. The lower thread is fed to a retaining element and is held in said element that is moved with regard to its direction of movement and/or speed of movement to the sewing material rest according to a movement path of a pivoting movement of the gripper in particular along a circular-arc-segment-shaped movement path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Harmut Klapp
  • Publication number: 20130092067
    Abstract: There is provided a fly sewing machine. A fly supply unit is configured to supply flies to a transfer passage. A fly transfer unit is configured to transfer and send the fly supplied by the fly supply unit toward the downstream side thereof. A chain feed unit is configured to feed a slide fastener chain onto the flies sent by the fly transfer unit. An auxiliary conveyance unit is configured to press the flies and the slide fastener chain which are overlapped by the chain feed unit from above or below, and to send the flies and the slide fastener chain toward the downstream side thereof. A sewing machine part is configured to stitch together the flies and the slide fastener chain sent by the auxiliary conveyance unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Sawada, Yoshifumi Nakata
  • Publication number: 20130092068
    Abstract: Retractable hulled catamaran boat comprising: Central body also port and starboard hulls. Said body having port and starboard walls with entry openings; also floor with underside having hull span stop means and being smooth and/or having track or channel system for said hulls retractable mounting. Said hulls with upright means having inboard sides with mounting means for roller (slider) mounting on said floor underside enabling hull retraction under said body or extension and having outboard sides attaching an associated hull roof. First embodiment said roof being minimum two fastened panels. Second and third embodiments said roof being three dimensional enclosure. First and second embodiments said roof free top/inboard edge attaching associated said walls. Third embodiment said roof inboard edges angled forming outward span stop and each said roof travels through opening in associated said walls. Said roof folds, detaches, or retracts allowing hull retraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: CabinAyacht Patents Enterprize LLC
    Inventors: William S. Chacon, Curtis D. Resch
  • Publication number: 20130092069
    Abstract: An integrative deep draft floating production platform with unconditional stability and an offshore installation method thereof are disclosed. The platform comprises an ring ballast tank (1) at the bottom, some columns with small cross sections (2), an ring buoyancy tank (3) at the middle part, some columns with large cross sections (4), and an upper drilling rig and oil gas processing module (5). The ballast tank adopts a permanently fixed ballast, and the tank is internally filled with weights to ensure that the center of buoyancy of the platform is higher than the center of gravity. The columns with large and small cross sections are uniformly arranged on the buoyancy tank and the ballast tank respectively, and the lower parts thereof are respectively integrated with the buoyancy tank and the ballast tank. Each column with a large cross section is provided with a central pore canal (7) axially, a lower part in the central pore canal is provided with a chopping board connection structure (8) with a groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: CHINA NATIONAL OFFSHORE OIL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bin Xie, Wenhui Xie, Hengyi Zeng, Wei Zhang, Junrong Wang, Zhe Jiang
  • Publication number: 20130092070
    Abstract: A device for maneuvering a watercraft includes a rudder trunk and a receiving shaft, wherein a first part of the rudder trunk is disposed in the receiving shaft in such a manner that there is an intermediate space between the first part of the rudder trunk and a wall of the receiving shaft. A second part of the rudder trunk projects from the receiving shaft, wherein the intermediate space has an apparatus for clamping the first part of the rudder trunk over a clamping height. A method for manufacturing a device for maneuvering a watercraft is also provided, wherein the manufacturing expenditure for the rudder trunk is reduced and the installation process of the rudder trunk is simplified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: BECKER MARINE SYSTEMS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Becker Marine Systems GmbH & Co. KG
  • Publication number: 20130092071
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a hydrodynamic appendage for a ship, the method including the steps of: forming two metal half-shells having outside surfaces that form the flanks of a hydrodynamically-active portion of the appendage; forming a metal head including a mechanism for securing the appendage to the ship; and assembling together the half-shells and the head so that the head is sandwiched between the top ends of the two half-shells and closes a top portion of an internal volume defined by the half-shells. The half-shells are welded to the head so as to make the internal volume watertight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: SAFRAN
    Inventor: SAFRAN
  • Publication number: 20130092072
    Abstract: A cover assembly for use to protect the contents of a boat including a pair of channels, a semi-rigid guide member slidably disposed within a passage of one of the channels, a crossrod supported on each end by one of the pair of channels and connected on one end to the semi-rigid guide member, and a cover sheet connected to the crossrod. The cover assembly configured such that as a retraction mechanism moves the semi-rigid guide member in the passage, the cover is extended or retracted to the desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey Larson
  • Publication number: 20130092073
    Abstract: A system for support of a vertical cargo tank resting on an insulation layer against the hull of a vessel is arranged such that vertical forces are supported through the base of the tank. Horizontal forces are supported by support point pairs. These pairs are designed to direct applied forces generally through the middle of the shell of the tank in order not to apply bending moment to the shell of the tank. The base of the tank is flexible to generally distribute transferring forces from the tank directly to the bottom of the vessel in order not to apply bending moment to the shell of the tank or to the bottom of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Brevik Technology, A.S.
    Inventor: Brevik Technology, A.S.
  • Publication number: 20130092074
    Abstract: The present invention provides a safety flag for a watercraft that comprises an elongated pole, a pennant flag and a connector having upper, intermediate and bottom portions. The upper portion of the connector has an aperture for receiving the bottom portion of the pole. The intermediate portion of the connector has a shoulder for abutting against the upper surface of wall. The bottom portion of the connector is at least partially made of a flexible elastomeric material such that, in use, a user can insert the bottom portion in a watercraft aperture by rotating or pressing the connector up to a position wherein the shoulder abuts a watercraft wall and the safety flag is maintained in a stand up position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Annie Larouche, Georges Bassily
  • Publication number: 20130092075
    Abstract: An instrument cluster assembly includes a plurality of gauges that each provides an indication and measure for communicating vehicle operating conditions to a vehicle operator. At least one of the gauges includes a secondary scale that includes a plurality of individually illuminatable segments. The measured parameter is indicated by the secondary scales by illuminating select segments in a variable manner between a fully illuminated, partially illuminated and off conditions to provide an additional degree of precision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher J. Volpe, Arthur S. Brown
  • Publication number: 20130092076
    Abstract: A marker is provided for use with a plaster covering. An indicator arrangement is activated by moisture from the plaster covering to provide an indication which is visible from the exposed face of the plaster covering. This may be by swelling, releasing a dye or ink, pushing a pin through the plaster or in other ways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: SEA-CUBED LIMITED
    Inventor: Gilly Michael Duncan Fox
  • Publication number: 20130092077
    Abstract: A combination meter has an indicator for radiating light having entered from an entrance portion thereof and a display panel having a displaying portion illuminated by light passing through such portion. A cylindrical body is inserted into a panel-side opening of the display panel. The cylindrical body has a body-side supporting portion so as to hold the display panel between the body-side supporting portion and a housing-side supporting portion. An outer peripheral reflecting portion formed in the cylindrical body reflects light toward a housing-side reflecting portion of a housing. Light emitted from a light source not only illuminates the indicator but also is reflected by the respective reflecting portions to illuminate the displaying portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Denso Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130092078
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an indicating device, in particular for a motor vehicle, which comprises a dial, a first needle and a second needle, the first needle being rotated in front of the dial and about a rotational axis, the second needle being rotated behind the dial and about the rotational axis, the second needle comprising an end portion visible along the periphery of the dial, the end portion including at least one first marking element and one second marking element, the first marking element and the second marking element being separated along the circumference of the dial, the indicating device comprising a means of illuminating the end portion of the second needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventor: Sylvain Denise
  • Publication number: 20130092079
    Abstract: The medical device of the invention comprises a surface comprising at least one outermost portion and a plurality of depressions. The depressions occupy at least about 80% of the surface area of the surface. The depressions contain a coating material that preferably comprises a biologically active material and/or polymer, and the outermost portion is substantially free of any coating material. The invention is also directed to a method for manufacturing a medical device. The method comprises applying a coating material to the surface of the medical device by using at least one roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130092080
    Abstract: A valve seat assembly includes a gasket retainer comprising an outer wall, an inner wall, an upper face extending between the outer and inner walls, and a lower face extending between the outer and inner walls. The inner wall defines an insert receiving bore extending from the upper face inwardly toward the lower face to a recess that receives a gasket. A gasket is located in the recess. A retainer insert is located in the insert receiving bore that applies a compressive force to the gasket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: William Leonard Huddleston, Mark E. Neufelder
  • Publication number: 20130092081
    Abstract: A method for performing a physical vapor deposition (PVD) on a substrate is disclosed, comprising placing a substrate on a susceptor disposed below one or more PVD guns and below a plasma shield assembly having a bellows and a shadow mask coupled to a bottom side of the bellows, lowering the bellows toward the substrate to place the shadow mask in contact with the substrate; and depositing a material on an isolated region on the substrate through the shadow mask. In one implementation, the shadow mask may include a plate having openings in the shape of individual dies on the substrate, and a layer having openings in the shape of features patterned on the substrate, wherein the layer is coupled to a bottom surface of the plate by an epoxy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: INTERMOLECULAR, INC.
    Inventor: INTERMOLECULAR, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130092082
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to a method for changing characteristics of a plastic component, wherein a medium is introduced into the plastic component, which encompasses a porosity and wherein the medium forms a homogenous compound with the plastic component by at least partially dissolving the plastic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: VOXELJET TECHNOLOGY GHBH
    Inventor: VOXELJET TECHNOLOGY GHBH
  • Publication number: 20130092083
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a photoresist coater, which includes a receiving space consisting a top slab and a bottom slab, supporting pins and a carrying tray disposed in the receiving space. The supporting pins are coupled to the carrying tray. The photoresist coater further includes an adjustment mechanism disposed in the receiving space for automatically adjusting a height of the carrying tray. The adjustment mechanism is coupled to the carrying tray. The present invention further relates to a photoresist coater carrying system. The carrying system and the corresponding photoresist coater have a simpler way of operation and higher adjustment accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chih-hao Chang
  • Publication number: 20130092084
    Abstract: Systems and methods to determine ozone concentration in a gas mixture of ozone and oxygen, based on measurements of a total mass flow and a corresponding change in a chamber pressure accepting the mixture flow, can enable the measurements of ozone concentration at low pressure settings. The ozone concentration determination can be applied to a vacuum processing chamber, enabling precision semiconductor processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: INTERMOLECULAR, INC.
    Inventors: ShouQian Shao, Jay DeDontney, Jason Wright
  • Publication number: 20130092085
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a linear deposition apparatus with mechanism for securing a shadow mask and a substrate onto a susceptor. The linear deposition apparatus includes a set of members attached to latches that are raised to unlock the shadow mask and the substrate from the susceptor. The latches are lowered to secure the shadow mask and the substrate to the susceptor. Another set of members are provided in the linear deposition apparatus to move and align the shadow mask with the substrate. The linear deposition apparatus also includes a main body and two wings provided at both sides of the main body to receive the substrate as the substrate moves linearly to expose the substrate to materials or radicals injected by reactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: SYNOS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Synos Technology, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130092086
    Abstract: A system for reducing parasitic plasma in a semiconductor process comprises a first surface and a plurality of dielectric layers that are arranged between an electrode and the first surface. The first surface and the electrode have substantially different electrical potentials. The plurality of dielectric layers defines a first gap between the electrode and one of the plurality of dielectric layers, a second gap between adjacent ones of the plurality of dielectric layers, and a third gap between a last one of the plurality of dielectric layers and the first surface. A number of the plurality of dielectric layers and sizes of the first gap, the second gap and the third gap are selected to prevent parasitic plasma between the first surface and the electrode during the semiconductor process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Keil, Edward Augustyniak, Karl Leeser, Mohamed Sabri
  • Publication number: 20130092087
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding livestock is presented. The method includes feeding livestock using a mobile feed preparation apparatus (300) comprising a processor (410) and a first non-transitory computer readable medium (420) in communication with the processor (410), wherein the mobile feed preparation apparatus (300) can dispense a plurality of feed rations, each feed ration comprising a base feed and at least one of a plurality of feed additives. The method includes dispensing from the mobile feed preparation apparatus a first feed ration comprising the base feed and a first feed additive, wherein the dispensed first feed ration comprises a dispensed amount of the first feed additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen E. Bachman, Michael E. Hubbert, Dale Garcia, Michael L. Ray, Troy Brunson
  • Publication number: 20130092088
    Abstract: A restraining device for temporarily coupling a domestic animal to a floor includes a post having a retaining lip and tether-resting channel. A locking plate positions on the post below resting channel. A first and second locking wing hingeably mount to the post and are operable from a closed position to an open position, and each locking wing includes a top-mounted locking feature retainer to selectively engage the locking plate. And, the first and second locking wing each respectively further comprising a plurality of carpet-engaging spikes. A smooth floor attachment device selectively couples to the first and second locking wings. The smooth floor attachment device includes a base having oppositely disposed pair of retainers on a top portion and an adhesive strip or other mechanism for selectively attaching the base to the floor on a bottom portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Tim Sharp, Laurel Sharp
  • Publication number: 20130092089
    Abstract: A method of feeding an animal and a combination of a container configured to hold animal food material and a shroud therefor. The container includes a bottom wall and an upstanding sidewall integrally formed with the bottom wall. An upper edge of the sidewall terminates in an annular rim structure defining the perimeter limits of an opening into an interior region of the container. The shroud includes an inverted cup-shaped member that has a top wall with a centrally oriented opening therethrough and an annular skirt depending downwardly from an outer perimeter of the top wall. The shroud is configured to fit over the opening into the interior region of the container to provide a protective shield preventing animals from gaining access to said thermoplastic material of the container while simultaneously allowing an animal to gain access to any contents in the interior region of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Carter, David D. Gleason, Craig S. Biland
  • Publication number: 20130092090
    Abstract: This application discloses example embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems related to animal watering systems having a mechanism for circulating and/or filtering water. For example, one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein comprises a main body portion comprising a water storage chamber and a water filtering and circulating chamber, the water storage chamber being fluidly coupled with the water filtering and circulating chamber via a valve between the water storage chamber and the water filtering and circulating chamber; a water tray selectively attachable to the main body portion, the main body portion and the water tray being fluidly coupled to one another when the water tray is attached to the main body portion; a water filtration system in the water filtering and circulating chamber; and a water circulating system that is configured to automatically deactivate when the water in the watering system is insufficient to circulate using the water circulating system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Scott D. McCallum
  • Publication number: 20130092091
    Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder is provided having a liquid container with a liquid flow opening at a lower end and a removable cap at an upper end, a feeding basin positioned below the liquid container, and a valve or sealing mechanism associated with the liquid flow opening and the feeding basin. The feeding basin includes an upwardly extending cylindrical well that receives the lower end of the liquid container, and the valve or sealing mechanism includes a float valve associated with the well. The feeding basin is filled by gravity feed of the liquid in the container through the liquid flow opening when the sealing mechanism is open. When the feeding basin reaches a full position, the liquid nectar raises the float valve which, in turn, acts to close the liquid flow opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew GAUKER, Christopher J. Kamery, Marko Konstantin Lubic, Robert T. Cruz
  • Publication number: 20130092092
    Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable liquid-permeable panel that is for a system toilet for animals that, without using a particulate, resists foot wetting when the animal performs excretion and can suppress the incidence of odors even if excrement is present for a long period of time. The liquid-permeable panel used in the system toilet for animals is water-absorbent, liquid-permeable, and disposable, and is configured from paper containing aluminum sulfate. Preferably, the paper is acidic paper containing a sizing agent and aluminum sulfate. More preferably, the liquid-permeable panel has a plurality of holes that penetrate in the direction of thickness and is a corrugated cardboard wherein liquids go through the plurality of holes, passing through in the direction of thickness of the liquid-permeable panel. Excrement odor suppression is achieved by means of the chemical deodorizing ability that aluminum sulfate has.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayuki Matsuo, Tomoko Hirao
  • Publication number: 20130092093
    Abstract: A fish tank has an integral or attached active display. The fish tank provides an area for live creatures (e.g. fish, mollusks, reptiles, birds, etc.) and the display is filled with, for example, a background image or video, adding to the depth of view, the complexity of view and aesthetics of the fish tank. Any type of display is anticipated as well as any type of image displayed on the display, including television, computer screens, still images, video images, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Dale G. Potts
  • Publication number: 20130092094
    Abstract: The invention relates to a climate chamber comprising: (a) at least one heat exchanger for heating or cooling the climate chamber to an optimal temperature for growing young chicks, (b) a main flow (A, Ar) system for heating or cooling the young chicks by transferring heat of cold from the at least one heat exchanger to the young chicks, (c) at least one chamber compartment, at least one side of which is delimited upstream by the at least one heat exchanger, wherein the chamber compartment comprises: (i) a sensor device for measuring one or more parameters selected from the group temperature, relative humidity, CO2 content, flow velocity, in the at least one chamber compartment, and (ii) a secondary flow B system operationally coupled with the sensor device for controlling the one or more parameters. The climate chamber may be used for poultry, in particular young chicken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Tjitze Meter
  • Publication number: 20130092095
    Abstract: A windrower machine having a pair of forward rotating augers mounted in parallel with one another in overlapping relationship with one another to work in conjunction with a blade and a backstop to form windrows to disrupt and reduce caked material to particulate in windrows as said machine is moved forwardly through a work area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Jason Morris, Charles Sumner, Bennie Branch
  • Publication number: 20130092096
    Abstract: An apparatus for a foldable treadmill for pets includes a front frame, a rear frame, at least two hinges, at least two stabilizing mechanisms, a belt, an overhead bar, and a pair of side panels. The front frame and the rear frame pivotally connected to each other by the at least two hinges, which allows the front frame and the rear frame to move in between a folded position and an unfolded position. The at least two stabilizing mechanisms linearly secures the front frame and the rear frame at the unfolded position. The belt is linearly positioned around the front frame and the rear frame where a motorized front roller and a back roller rotate the belt. The overhead bar and the pair of side panels create a restricted area so that pets can exercise on the rotating belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: DOG PACER LLC
    Inventor: DOG PACER LLC
  • Publication number: 20130092097
    Abstract: A play toy has a series of play objects and a connecting member connecting the play objects together for undergoing translation and rotary movement relative to the connecting member and to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: John Scott Cooper
  • Publication number: 20130092098
    Abstract: A radial-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system includes a base unit and at least one collar, and is easy to set up and use. Each of the base unit and the one collar include a component for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/?5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Paul Dutcher, Robert Theodore Cruz, Gary Roulston
  • Publication number: 20130092099
    Abstract: Devices and methods for monitoring operation of components of animal containment systems, and for notifying responsible parties of faults, status, or changes of status of such systems are provided. A device for monitoring operation of an animal containment boundary defining apparatus detects presence, absence, magnitude, and/or change in magnitude of at least one electrical signal in a boundary defining wire, and generates a responsive alarm signal. Devices for affecting operation of a premises security system with a motion detector involve use of a secondary detector to detect presence, absence, proximity, status, or movement of an animal tag or collar. A secondary animal tag or collar with detection and communication capability may be used to detect operation status or failure of a primary animal tag or collar arranged to cooperate with an animal containment boundary defining element (e.g., buried wire).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: TITAN PET PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Titan Pet Products, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130092100
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to an animal or pet restraint apparatus for supporting an animal in a vehicle. The animal restraint apparatus adapted to engage with a vehicle seatbelt assembly having a waist strap portion and a shoulder strap portion. The apparatus is comprised of a flat tubular body having a tubular passage configured for releasably receiving the seatbelt assembly and a means for releasably engaging the back panel portion of the flat tubular body to the lower chest portion of a pet, avoiding the neck area. The present invention and its embodiments provide a means for safely and comfortably transporting a pet in a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Robert L. Davis
  • Publication number: 20130092101
    Abstract: The WalleyLead is designed with comfort and safety in mind for the owner and the dog. The lead is hand crafted from strong double braided nylon rope, high quality snap hooks, and a moveable foam grip. Walleyleads are available in three unique lengths based on the size of your dog and seven colors. The shorter length allows for easier control of the dog in high traffic areas. The grip is more comfortable for the owner and the lead always provides the consistent amount of correction for the dog—an integral part of training a dog to behave while walking on a leash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Jason Sylvanowicz
  • Publication number: 20130092102
    Abstract: A storage type water heater, which may have either fuel or electric-based heating apparatus, is provided with a control system incorporating a control algorithm that monitors the time between heat demands and then sets the tank water setpoint temperature accordingly to lower the effects of water stratification due to periodic heat demands, and also save energy. When the time between consecutive heat demands is less than a predetermined setback time, for a number of heat demands equal to a predetermined setback limit, a setback mode is activated and responsively operates to reduce the setpoint temperature by a predetermined setback offset at the next cycle. The original control setpoint temperature is restored once the time between two successive heat demands is more than the setback time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Raheel A. Chaudhry
  • Publication number: 20130092103
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a water heater to limit the effects of stacking in a water heater tank are disclosed. In some cases, the water heater controller may determine a rate of change of the water temperature in the water heater tank. If the rate of change exceeds a threshold value, the controller may adjust the water heater temperature set point downward to help reduce stacking in the water heater. In some cases, the water heater temperature set point may be returned to the original water heater temperature set point when stacking is no longer likely to be of a concern. In one illustrative embodiment, the controller may track the time that the heater of the water heater is in the “on” state, or the time that the heater is in the “off” state, during subsequent heating cycles. The controller may then compare the “on” time or the “off” time to respective recovery threshold times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Honeywell International Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130092104
    Abstract: Fan housing for a fan for supplying a fuel/oxidizer mixture to a burner, comprising: a supply opening (22); a fluid supply space (26) debouching at the supply opening; a first supply means (28) for supplying a fluid-like fuel; a second supply means (52) for supplying an oxidizing fluid; wherein the fluid supply space comprises mixing means (50) for mixing the fluid-like fuel with the oxidizing fluid; and wherein the supply opening lies at an angle relative to the supply direction of the fluid in the fluid supply space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Intergas Heating Assets BV
    Inventor: Peter Jan Cool
  • Publication number: 20130092105
    Abstract: Known chimneys or chimney furnaces use flue gas flow units for heating buildings, said devices having displaceable or fixed obstacles for deflecting flue gas for generating flue gas turbulence. The invention relates to a device and method for transferring heat through a flue gas discharge pipe (28) in which (44, 45) pivotal guide plates (37) are inserted in the longitudinal direction of the pipe run, at which the flue gas flow (22) is more or less deflected in a sinuous line as function of the pivot angle (24) of the guide plates (37) that can be adjusted during furnace operation. A fan (19) can increase the flue gas flow (22). An optional furnace heat exchanger (29) generates additional hot water as needed. The controller (5) activates the actuators for the fan (19), guide plate pivot angle setting (24), and at least one circulating pump (10 or 11) as a function of the prescribed controlled variables such as flue gas temperature, reservoir temperature, heat exchanger performance, or flue gas flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Klaus Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20130092106
    Abstract: A tube and shell steam generator having an anti-clogging heat exchange tube bundle wherein the tube support plates within the tube bundle are designed with varying degrees of porosity thereby regulating local secondary side fluid conditions (velocity, quality, superheat, void fraction, etc.) in a manner to reduce the potential for clogging of the tube support plate lobes that are more prone to clogging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Wepfer, James R. Schwall, Christopher A. Weindorf, John R. Balavage
  • Publication number: 20130092107
    Abstract: A wax-type thermostat for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine (ICE) is provided. The cooling system includes a radiator and a coolant loop circuit linking the radiator to the internal combustion engine, and having a by-pass conduit. The thermostat includes a thermostat body with a radiator inlet, an ICE inlet, via the by-pass conduit, and an ICE outlet. The thermostat further includes a piston integral to a closure element that opens or close a thermostat internal pathway connecting the radiator inlet to the ICE outlet, and a wax chamber thermally connected to the coolant within the thermostat body. The thermostat includes a first spring to return the closure element towards its closing position, and means for moving the piston when a volume variation in the wax occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • Publication number: 20130092108
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for expediting warm up of an internal combustion engine cylinder block and engine oil utilizing an existing oil coolant circuit. A method for warming up an internal combustion engine with at least one cylinder, a cylinder block which is formed by an upper crankcase half mounted to a lower crankcase half, said lower crankcase half containing an oil sump which is fed, via a supply line, by a coolant jacket, an inlet side of said coolant jacket supplied in turn with oil via the oil sump by an oil pump, the method comprising: releasing oil from the coolant jacket via gravity to reduce a cooling capacity of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130092109
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine and method of operating such an engine are disclosed. In some embodiments, the engine includes a piston provided within a cylinder, wherein a combustion chamber is defined within the cylinder at least in part by a face of the piston, and an intake valve within the cylinder capable of allowing access to the combustion chamber. The engine further includes a source of compressed air, where the source is external of the cylinder and is coupled to the cylinder by way of the intake valve, and where the piston does not ever operate so as to compress therewithin an amount of uncombusted fuel/air mixture, whereby the engine is capable of operating without a starter. In further embodiments, the piston is rigidly coupled to another, oppositely-orientated second piston, and the two pistons move in unison in response to combustion events to drive hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: J. Michael Langham