Abstract: A clamp mechanism for fixing a printing medium is disclosed in the present invention. The clamp mechanism includes a base, a drum pivotably disposed on the base, a frame disposed on the drum, a clamping component movably disposed on the frame for clamping an end of the printing medium with the drum, and a resilient component disposed between the frame and the clamping component for pressing the clamping component on a surface of the drum so as to clamp the end of the printing medium.

Abstract: For use in a blasting system (10), a visible, throw-away, safety lockout device (30) which operates automatically, to interrupt power to the blasting system (10), upon the occurrence of one or more defined fault conditions.

Abstract: A shock detection circuit including: an electrical energy generating device configured to generate a voltage over a duration responsive to an acceleration of the munition; an input configured for receiving an input voltage over a duration responsive to the acceleration; an electrical storage device configured to receive a portion of the input voltage over the duration and to thereby accumulate a charge, an output coupled to the electrical storage device; a first diode having a first anode coupled to the input and a first cathode coupled to the electrical storage device; and a comparator configured to compare a voltage at the output and a reference voltage and to produce a result based on the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bullet including an air-guiding recess, comprising: a head 20; and a tail 30 disposed behind the head 20, and including an odd number of air-guiding recesses 32 formed so as to be curved in the bottom and outer circumferential surfaces thereof. The air-guiding recess 32 is characterized by having a sloped bottom that increases in depth while progressing to the bottom surface of the tail 30. Accordingly, vortex is prevented from being generated at the rear side of the bullet, so as to significantly increase the effective range thereof and simultaneously improve accuracy when shooting same.

Abstract: The line of the passenger transport installation in an urban environment extends at a height over the middle of the street and the vehicles stop in an elevated state in the terminal station. An automatic mechanism, comprising a lifting jack and a telescopic platform, makes it possible to transfer the passengers from the sidewalk at ground level to the elevated vehicle by means of a vertical movement followed by a transverse movement.

Abstract: A train assistance method includes obtaining images captured by at least one time-of-flight camera, each of the captured images includes a distance information indicating a distance between each point of a station platform corresponding to each pixel of the captured image and the corresponding camera . The method then controls one driving device to drive a movable bridge corresponding to one camera towards a station platform to effectively cover a gap.

Abstract: A vehicle body tilting device for railway vehicle is arranged to control the tilt of a vehicle body by exchanging compressed air between a pair of left and right air springs. This device includes: a control valve for tilt operation, connected between the air springs; a pump for tilt operation, connected between the air springs through the control valve; and a control device for controlling both the control valve and the pump. The control valve forms a circulation flow path for allowing compressed air, delivered by the pump, to circulate therethrough. Before controlling the tilt of the vehicle body, the control device drives in advance the pump to circulate the compressed air through the circulation flow path to provide a delivery standby state, changes over at predetermined timing the position of the control valve, and delivers the compressed air from one of the air springs to the other.

Abstract: A lateral extension (1), for road and rail vehicles, comprising a multitude of individual shafts (5) assembled so as to pivot freely, at each of their extremities, firstly, with regard to the interior extremity secured to the vehicle, on a longitudinal structure (11) that is fixed in relation to the load-carrying platform and, secondly, as regards the exterior extremity, on an edge and connecting rigid longitudinal member (10). The shafts bear, over a portion of their length, on an adjacent flat support surface (13) that is fixed in relation to the load-carrying platform, and are cantilevered towards the exterior over the remainder of their length. The extension can be moved to a deployed position, so that the supporting surface (14) provides a passageway, and, a retracted position of lesser width, and incorporates a railing. A changeover from one position to the other is accomplished by pivoting in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A carriage body for a rail vehicle, in particular for a high-speed train, said carriage body having a base and lateral walls that extend upwards on opposing sides of the base. The base and the lateral walls delimit an interior of the carriage body for transporting persons and/or goods. A longitudinal support for transmitting longitudinal forces is located in each transitional region between the base and the lateral walls, said longitudinal support extending in the longitudinal direction of the carriage body. The carriage body has at least one undercarriage support that extends below the base from the one longitudinal support to the other longitudinal support, said undercarriage support extending partly at a distance to the base so that a space for receiving at least one device for operating the rail vehicle is formed between the undercarriage support and the base.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] To provide a heat-sensitive recording material having high fastness and a vivid hue. [Solution] A heat-sensitive color-developing composition containing a hydroxyquinoline compound having a methyl group and an acid anhydride compound represented by general formula (1): wherein ring A represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon ring, and n represents an integer of 1 to 3, and a heat-sensitive recording material containing the composition in a recording layer.

Abstract: Embodiments are presented herein that provide a filler that is a combination of zeolite and hydrated lime. Addition of this filler to asphalt is more beneficial than addition of either zeolite or hydrated lime alone. The beneficial properties of zeolite include a controlled release of moisture that aids mixture workability and the ability of the asphalt to effectively coat the aggregate particles. The mixture of zeolite and hydrated lime is easier to handle and integrate into a process than use of either compound alone, and it offers a number of other benefits.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coating, a turbine component, and a process of fabricating a turbine component. The coating includes a ceramic phase formed by ceramic particles and a ductile matrix having a ductility greater than the ceramic phase. The ceramic phase includes substantially the same microstructure as the ceramic particles. The turbine component includes a surface having the coating. The process includes applying the coating to the surface of the turbine component.

Abstract: Paper coating compositions contain specific polyethers which are obtained by reacting a diglycidyl ether with a water soluble polyol containing at least one polyoxyethylene chain acting as deflocculants, water retention agents and gloss enhancers.

Abstract: The present invention provides cement grinding additive compositions and methods which allow a powerful, robust defoamer to be uniformly dispersed throughout a broad concentration range while retaining storage stability even in cases wherein the defoamer is highly diluted. Exemplary cement grinding additive compositions comprise at least one amine cement grinding additive; a tri-iso-butylphosphate defoamer; a biopolymer polysaccharide gum selected from the group comprising Diutan, Whelan, Xanthan, or mixtures thereof; and water in the amount of 0.10 to 95.0 percent based on total weight of composition. Methods for manufacturing cement using the cement grinding additive compositions are also described.

Abstract: The invention concerns a PROCESS for the preparation of cement/mortar/concrete (for simplicity: “cement”) compositions or systems, (hereafter “cement” compositions or systems for simplicity), of a general known type, in which the filler(s) is/are comprising or consist of “calcium carbonate-based filler(s)”, comprising at least one step where the said filler(s) is/are treated with an efficient treating amount of at least one treating agent consisting of or comprising superplastifier(s). The main purpose of this invention is to build a process aimed at providing improved, “High performance”, FLUID, cement or mortars or concrete systems or compositions having an improved compacity, an improved flowability, and globally speaking a definitely improved “workability”, and “regularity” of the properties of the final systems.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for increasing grinding efficiency of cement, cement clinker, raw materials for cement, and other inorganic particles. Use of biomass-derived polyols such as diols, triols, or mixtures thereof, optionally with a conventional grinding aid, cement quality improver, and/or hexavalent chromium reducer, are believed to provide less risk of sludging when compared to glycerides obtained from fossil fuel sources.

Abstract: Resin pallets having a deck and a base, where the deck and base are joined by an interlock, which is optionally reversible, are described. Methods of making such pallets by assembling the pallets by interlocking parts to form the pallets, in an optionally reversible method, are also described.

Abstract: A table may be sized and configured to nest with an adjacent table to reduce a height of a plurality of stacked tables in a nested configuration. The table may include a table top with a round or circular configuration and the table top may have a receiving portion, a downwardly extending lip, a contact surface and an engaging portion. The contact surface may have a ring-shaped configuration and be sized and configured to contact an upper surface of a table top of an adjacent table when the table is nested with the adjacent table. The engaging portion may also have a ring-shaped configuration and may be sized and configured to be disposed in a receiving portion of a table top of the adjacent table when the table is nested with the adjacent table.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting soil treatment into soil includes a manifold head having at least one high pressure nozzle for injecting the soil treatment into the soil and a handle having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The handle comprises an upper portion having two spaced-apart tubular shafts and a lower portion having two spaced-apart tubular shafts. The tubular shafts of the lower portion are connected to the tubular shafts of the upper portion.

Abstract: A system and method for forming synthetic/artificial grass or turf tufted fabric materials in which a series of tufts or artificial/synthetic grass or turf yarns is formed in a backing material. The system generally will include a row of needles mounted along a tufting zone and which are reciprocated through the backing material to deliver a series of yarns into the backing materials. The needles are arranged in needle groups with the needle groups spaced apart along the length of the needle bar. A series of gauge parts, typically including cut-pile hooks, will be aligned with and will engage the needles in order to form cut and pile tufts defining spaced grass/turf tuft formations in the backing material.

Abstract: A system and method in which a buoyant central docking station captures, lifts and couples one or more other sea vessels is disclosed, wherein a flexible, modularized production system is quickly realized on a cost effective basis. The capabilities of a number of older, less expensive, readily available vessels are combined to achieve an effective FPSO substitute that allows lower producing fields to be explored and produced in a profitable manner. The time horizon between initiation and consummation of field operations is reduced, and older vessels that might otherwise be scrapped or retired are again made useful and seaworthy in a safe and profitable exploration and production environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for handling cargo on board and to/from a vessel, wherein said system includes a cargo vessel with a plurality of cargo decks, a number of side doors, a cargo elevator located inside each side door communicating with said cargo decks, and a crane located inside each side door, the system further includes a number of standardized cargo load platforms with legs, the cargo load platforms being adapted to store cargo, the cargo load platforms being stored on the cargo decks in slots along the sides of the vessel and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vessel and with a passageway between the slots along the longitudinal axis of the vessel, the system further includes a number of trolleys adapted to transport the load platforms between the slots and the cargo elevators.

Abstract: A floating, offshore drilling and/or production vessel has supports for steel catenary risers mounted on a riser keel guide. This allows the riser attachment points to be located closer to the vessel's center(s) of rotation of pitch, roll and yaw thereby decreasing roll-, pitch- and yaw-induced displacements of the risers.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a vessel with a double pontoon arrangement joined together with a central bridge creating an offset “H” arrangement. The bridge spans the pontoons and includes a gantry structure on top of which sits a lifting system. Articulated tugs provide accommodation, propulsion, and power to the main part of the installation vessel. Additional lifting devices can be installed within the gantry to provide further lifting capability. At least two stabilizing legs are provided along each pontoon. Once set up onsite, the stabilizing legs can be deployed to the seabed to lift the installation vessel up a short distance to apply load stability during lifting operations. Seabed piles, mast elements, and turbine elements are delivered by barges that are temporarily moored between the pontoons for offloading and installation. Empty barges are relocated, and successive barges bring remaining elements for offloading and installation to complete the wind turbine installation.

Abstract: A design and construction method reduces the amount of structural material (e.g., steel) required when applying the corrosion allowance to the design of floating offshore structures. The (hull) structural elements involved are typically flat or curved panels where at least one side is wet, e.g.; inside a ballast tank or exposed to seawater. The method minimizes the area to which the largest corrosion allowance is applied. One principle of this method is to have a maximum of one wet side for each hull watertight plating element. The stiffening of this hull structural element is applied to the dry side, i.e., the side that requires the lesser amount of corrosion allowance. Practice of the method typically results in a hull design wherein ballast tanks do not share a common structural element with either another ballast tank or the hull external shell.

Abstract: A susceptor includes a plurality of holes in a first area and a plurality of holes in a second area. The first and second areas overlap a location which corresponds to at least one portion of a semiconductor device to be processed. The holes in the first area are provided in a first pattern and the holes in the second area are provided in a second pattern which may be different from the second pattern. The first and second patterns may differ, for example, based on the size, arrangement, spacing, location, and/or density of the holes.

Abstract: A susceptor is disclosed that can increase a heat capacity of a susceptor outer peripheral portion by enlarging the thickness of the susceptor and equalize thermal conditions for an outer peripheral portion and the inner peripheral portion of a wafer and a method for manufacturing an epitaxial wafer that uses this susceptor to perform vapor-phase epitaxy of an epitaxial layer. Back surface depositions have a close relationship with heat transfer that occurs between a wafer and a susceptor, i.e., a wafer outer peripheral portion has a higher temperature than a wafer inner peripheral portion since the wafer is in contact with or close to the susceptor at the wafer outer peripheral portion and hence the back surface depositions are apt to be generated. This is solved by equalizing thermal conditions for the wafer outer peripheral portion and the inner peripheral portion of the wafer back surface.

Abstract: A substrate transfer device includes a pick which has positioning pins to position a substrate and holds a positioned substrate; a drive unit which drives the pick such that the substrate is loaded/unloaded to/from a vacuum processing unit by using a pick; and a transfer control unit which controls a transfer operation of the substrate using the pick. The transfer control unit obtains in advance information on a reference position of the substrate at room temperature when the substrate is loaded into the vacuum processing unit, calculates a positional deviation from the reference position of the substrate when the substrate is loaded into the vacuum processing unit in actual processing, and controls a drive unit such that the substrate is loaded into the vacuum processing unit by correcting the positional deviation.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for applying product to the skin of a person in a booth (10), comprising: an applicator (57) configured to apply the product to the person; a first guide (40) configured to guide movement of an applicator in a first dimension, in order to enable the applicator to apply the product to the person at a plurality of different heights; and a second guide (20) configured to guide movement of the applicator in a second dimension, in order to enable the applicator to apply the product across the width of the person. The apparatus may comprise control circuitry for controlling the applicator in dependence upon the weight of the person.

Abstract: A single, flexible, robust and low rate capable manufacturing platform that may be associated with caseless munitions firing circuits, nano and microelectromechanical (“NEMS” and “MEMS”) devices, and/or fractal antennas is described. The platform may be designed for extensive research and development in printed electronics, 3D thermo-plastics and low melt metal casting, light machining, and other processing operations necessary for the integrated fabrication of various components, such as caseless munitions components. The platform may be used in a remote location.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a substrate treatment system for making it possible to keep the inside of a chamber at a stable pressure, even when a variance occurs in the supply flow rate of an inert gas, and for making it possible to increase the supply flow rate of the inert gas and reduce the duration of time needed to fill with the inert gas during an initial operation. The present invention adopts a configuration provided with: a substrate treatment section for carrying out a predetermined treatment on the substrate; a chamber for accommodating the substrate treatment section in a sealed state; a gas supply unit for supplying an inert gas to inside the chamber; and a gas exhaust unit for discharging the gas inside the chamber; the supply flow rate of the inert gas of the gas supply unit and the exhaust flow rate of the gas exhaust unit being adjusted so that the pressure inside the chamber reaches a chamber setting pressure higher than the pressure outside the chamber.

Abstract: A film deposition apparatus deposits a thin film on a substrate by repeating a cycle of supplying plural kinds of process gases that react with each other in a vacuum chamber. The film deposition apparatus includes a turntable to hold a substrate thereon and to rotate the substrate, and a plurality of process gas supplying parts. At least one of the process gas supplying parts extends from the center to the periphery and is formed as a gas nozzle including gas discharge holes. The gas discharge holes are formed along a length direction of the gas nozzle. The film deposition apparatus also includes current plates provided on upstream and downstream sides in a rotational direction of the turntable and extending along the length direction of the gas nozzle, and having at least one bent section bent downward from an outer edge of the current plates.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate processing apparatus. The substrate processing apparatus includes a chamber where processes with respect to a substrate are carried out, a substrate support on which the substrate is placed, the substrate support being disposed within the chamber, and an antenna disposed in an upper portion of the chamber to form an electric field within the chamber. The antenna includes a first antenna and a second antenna, which are disposed in rotational symmetry with respect to a preset center. The first antenna includes a first inner antenna and a first intermediate antenna which respectively have semi-circular shapes and first and second radii and are respectively disposed on one side and the other side with respect to the preset center line and a first connection antenna connecting the first inner antenna to the first intermediate antenna.

Abstract: Provided is a thin film deposition apparatus which comprises a chamber, a susceptor, a source gas supply part, and a susceptor support. The chamber has an inner space in which a deposition process is performed. The susceptor is disposed within the chamber to directly support a plurality of substrates along a circumference of a center of a top surface or support a substrate holder on which at least one substrate is disposed. The source gas supply part supplies first and second source gases into a central portion of an upper side of the susceptor in a state where the first and second gases are separated from each other. Also, the source gas supply part respectively injects the first and second source gases separated from each other toward a circumference of the susceptor through vertically arranged source gas injection holes to supply the first and second source gases onto the substrates disposed on the susceptor.

Abstract: A control system for at least one flexible tubular element connected to a cup-shaped member includes a positioning mechanism arranged to hold the cup-shaped member and the tubular element in a parking position in a magazine when the cup-shaped member is not used, and to allow a pull-out motion of the tubular element when the cup-shaped member is moved from the parking position in the magazine to an attaching position on a teat of an animal by a gripping member. The control system further includes a control unit arranged to control the positioning mechanism such that it provides a pull-out motion of the tubular element with a controlled speed when the cup-shaped member is moved from the parking position to the attaching position on a teat of an animal by the gripping member.

Abstract: An animal feeder apparatus for remotely monitoring a level of feed is provided. The animal feeder apparatus comprises a feed dispenser component, a sensing component, and a transmitter. The animal feeder apparatus allows a user to receive an electronic message when the level of feed changes or when the position of the animal feeder apparatus is disturbed, and a method of using the same.

Abstract: A venting arrangement for a feeding teat closure 10 that can be fitted to or form part of a feeder. The closure 10 includes an opening 12 with which a mounting part of a feeding teat can engage in a substantially sealed manner. The venting arrangement includes at least one aperture 21 in the opening 12 and at least one recess 22 that creates a break in the seal between the teat mounting part and a sealing surface 19 of the opening 12 whereby air can vent through the combination of the break formed by the recess 22 and the aperture(s) 12.

Abstract: A pet fountain having a housing of snap together construction formed of a base and cover. The base includes a basin in which an integrally formed filter-holding divider is disposed that separates the basin into a return sump and pumping chamber. The cover includes a water holding bowl, an inlet and a drain overlying the return sump that encloses a pump that provides fluid to the bowl via inlet when attached to the base. The cover includes a downwardly extending tube that fluidly registers with a discharge of the pump when attached to the base. In a preferred embodiment, the cover has upper and lower bowls connected by a spillway that conveys overflow from the upper bowl to the lower bowl where it is return via drain to the return sump. The cover can be configured to mate with the housing to enclose the entire basin, pump, and filter.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition suitable for use as an animal litter comprising a first component having a density less than that of liquid and a second component having a density of at least 5 lb/ft3 (80 mg/cm3) greater than the first component. The invention is based upon the discovery that adding liquid such as urine to a composition having two components with significant differences in density, one of which is less than the density of the liquid, will result in the component with the lesser density floating to the top of the liquid while the component with the greater density will segregate below the component with the lesser density.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a pump in an aquaculture system including a water tank that houses aquatic life. The method includes monitoring a dissolved oxygen level in the culture tank, determining a flow rate threshold based on the dissolved oxygen level, and changing a speed of the pump to maintain a current flow rate through the culture tank above the flow rate threshold.

Abstract: A farming device for benthic organisms, which is submerged in a water tank or a body of water, is constituted of a plurality of tray-form containers, which are the cultivating floor for benthic organisms such as bivalves, and are stacked in the vertical direction, with a central cavity passing through the stacked cultivating floors in the vertical direction and horizontal gaps defined between the cultivating floors, the cultivating floors communicating with the cavity.

Abstract: An aquarium is disclosed that includes a plurality of exterior walls that define a tank, a cylindrical wall within the tank that defines a cylindrical viewing area, a first upright interior wall adjacent the cylindrical wall that defines a water inlet chamber between the cylindrical wall and the one of said exterior walls, a spillover riser in the water inlet chamber, and a water inlet in communication with one side of the spillover barrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible or foldable structure suitable for a variety of applications, such as animal bed, animal shelter or animal carrier. The structure in its collapsed state forms an animal bed and when fully erect forms an animal shelter or carrier. The structure comprises a first layer and a second layer that are fused together by a seam or a crease. When in the collapsed stated, the second layer forms the base of the pet bed and the first layer is collapsed against the second layer to form a pet bed. The first layer is comprised of flexible or semi-flexible material that can be lifted upward and separated from the second layer to form the roof and sides of an animal shelter or carrier when fully erect. The first layer may include seams or creases for ease of conversion and structural stability. The first and second layers may be formed from semi-flexible foam covered with fabric.

Abstract: A pet comb device includes a comb assembly having two comb members mounted together and each comb member having a number of teeth formed in the bottom portion for forming a number of slots between the teeth, and the teeth of the comb members are offset from each other and arranged in a stagger-way for suitably and effectively engaging with a hair of a pet. The comb members each include an outer covering applied onto an outer peripheral portion of an inner core element, and the teeth of the comb members each also include an outer covering applied onto an outer peripheral portion of an inner core element of the teeth for increasing a friction between the teeth and the hair of the pet.

Abstract: A dog toy having a center portion and two opposedly positioned free ends. Each of the free ends of the elongated member includes a plurality of extension members [tines] having a first end connected to the elongated member and a free end spaced apart from the connected portion. The extension members are manufactured by a series of cuts made through each of the free ends of the elongated member. Hence, the user throws the stick through the air, wind or air passes through the slots created by the extension members thereby making an intermittent whistling noise to attract the dog's attention. Further, the extension members of the elongated member make a loud thrashing or clacking noise as the apparatus reaches the ground before retrieval.

Abstract: An animal deterrence system projects polarised light in order to deter animals. The light may be plane polarised light and the polarisation may be varied over time. The system is particularly suited to deterrence of birds, but may also find application in deterrence of other animals sensitive to polarisation of light, such as bees and wasps. The system may be used on vineyards or orchards, or around airports, or in any other place where birds are problematic.

Abstract: A collar mounted bark control device which is positionable about the neck of a dog. The bark control device includes a collar with a housing mounted thereto. The housing contains a power source such as a battery or the like. Microphones are positioned on the housing for detecting the sound produced by the dog while barking. A processing unit (CPU) is provided for receiving the signals from the microphones for making a bark determination. A corrective stimulus is applied to the dog when the CPU makes a positive bark determination. The corrective stimulus can be provided by a pair of electrodes for applying an electroshock to the neck of the dog. Alternatively, the corrective stimulus can be provided by a high frequency emitter, a vibration, a spray, an audible deterrent, or an irritant to the dog.

Abstract: A custom-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined containment area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system, which is easy to set up and use, includes at least three base units and at least one collar and, preferably, a remote controller. Each of the base units and the at least one collar includes 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.

Abstract: A custom-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined containment area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system, which is easy to set up and use, includes at least three base units and at least one collar and, preferably, a remote controller. Each of the base units and the at least one collar includes a TCXO 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.

Abstract: An animal lifting device and method is provided. In particular, a hip member and a chest member are provided that have handles thereon. The chest member and the hip member may be selectively interconnected to each other with an interconnection member. The chest member may include an upper portion, shoulder pads, a chest pad, a center cross member, and an adjustable strap. The hip member may include an upper portion, an adjustable sling, and adjustable straps.