Abstract: Described are tensioning devices comprising: a base housing comprising a drive gear, a spindle gear proximate the drive gear, and a pawl proximate the spindle gear; a lever pivotally coupled to the base housing and comprising a lug pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the lug is configured to interact with the drive gear; a spindle fixedly coupled to the spindle gear; and a brake assembly coupled to the base housing, wherein, the lug is configured to avoid engagement with the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a first direction, but configured to engage the drive gear when the lever is rotated in a second direction, so as to effect rotation of the drive gear in the second direction, and thereby effect a counter rotation of the spindle gear and spindle. Methods of tensioning straps via such tensioning devices are also described.

Abstract: Process of baling a switchgrass biomass material at between about 22 and about 32 psi into a rectangular switchgrass bale having a bale density of between 14.6 and 20.5 lb/ft3. A 3×4×8 ft switchgrass bale so produced weighs between 1,402 and 1,968 pounds.

Abstract: The present invention is a lemon juicer device to juice a half lemon that includes a bottom spoon-shaped base with a cup portion that includes 4 metal cutting blades and a plurality of apertures disposed on the cup portion and a handle portion, a top spoon-shaped press with a cup portion that includes a plurality of slots that correspond to the cutting blades and a handle portion and an ejector plate disposed in the front of the cup portion of the bottom spoon-shaped press. There is also an attachment indentation and an attachment protrusion where the attachment indentation and the attachment protrusion can be mated and snapped together to secure the cup portion of the bottom spoon-shaped base and the cup portion of the top spoon-shaped press together and a hinge that swingably attaches the bottom spoon-shaped base to the top spoon-shaped press.

Abstract: A method and system to control ink keys for a printing machine is provided. The ink keys are adjustable to control ink feed to individual zones located across the width of an ink roller. Feedforward and feedback control loops adjust the ink supply dynamically based on a pixel count of the image content. The pixel count looks ahead in the video stream to allow time for the adjustment at the inker keys to propagate through the ink train to affect ink output onto the imaging drum. Feedback of the achieved ink density on control patches on the imaging drum is also used to command the inker key motors. Feedback is also used to update the inker propagation delay and dynamic model used to determine how much the inker keys need to be adjusted based on the pixel count stream.

Abstract: A method and systems to control the temperature of a Keyless inker for variable data lithography printing. Inker heating elements are adjustable to control ink feed to individual zones located across the width of an ink roller. Feedforward and feedback control loops adjust the ink supply dynamically based on a pixel count of the image content. The pixel count looks ahead in the video stream to allow time for the adjustment at the inker heating elements to propagate through the inker unit to affect ink output onto the imaging drum surface. Feedback of the achieved ink density on control patches on the imaging drum is also used to command the inker heating elements. Feedback is also used to update the inker propagation delay and dynamic model used to determine how much the inker keys need to be adjusted based on the pixel count stream.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resin composition for a flexographic printing plate, comprising (Component A) a binder resin and (Component B) a compound represented by Formula (1) and/or Formula (2), Component B being contained at 1 to 50 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of Component A, wherein in Formulae (1) and (2) R1 and R4 independently denote a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R2 and R5 independently denote a divalent organic group having 1 to 20 carbons, and R3 and R6 independently denote a monovalent organic group having 1 to 20 carbons, R3 and R6 not comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group, a dialkoxysilyl group, or a trialkoxysilyl group.

Abstract: A paintball or other gelatin capsule has a printed image applied to its shell before encapsulation using a gelatin ribbon printing machine. The printing machine includes a motor driven cylindrical casting drum, a cylindrical print roll having a pattern formed on and around its outer periphery, said print roll being positioned relative to said casting drum so that said gelatin ribbon is sandwiched in between and in contact with both said casting drum and said print roll and so that the print roll is rotary driven by said casting drum solely through frictional contact with the gelatin ribbon. A rotary ink roller is in contact with the print roll to drives the ink roller solely through frictional contact between said print roll the inking roller. A doctor blade is configured to scrape excess ink from said inking roller. A method of printing on a gelatin capsule is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a three-part ammunition cartridge casing body comprising a head or base portion, a case portion and a cap portion. The cartridge casing body further comprises: the base portion, made of metal or polymeric resin, having a closed end and an open end; a substantially cylindrical case portion, open on both ends, joined to the open end of the base portion and comprising a nanocomposite material of a nanoclay dispersed in a polyamide resin matrix; and a cap portion, made of a nanocomposite material of a nanoclay dispersed in a polyamide resin matrix and further comprising glass fibers, joined to the other end of the case portion, wherein the case portion is more ductile than the cap portion.

Abstract: A grenade is defined by a body made from a rubberized material, the body including a hollow interior and a stem section. A cap is releasably secured to the stem section, the cap retaining a fuze assembly which is threadingly engaged therewith. The grenade is equipped with an ejection charge that causes said cap and said fuze assembly to be separated from said body prior to detonation of the grenade. A hydrophobic sealing layer applied to the exterior of the stem section and cap provides a watertight seal relative to the interior of the grenade, but without substantially interfering with the ejection of said cap and fuze assembly.

Abstract: An automatic rail spike feeder system for use with a rail maintenance vehicle having a bulk storage bin for containing a supply of spikes, and at least one spike driving mechanism, includes a mechanism constructed and arranged for receiving a supply of spikes from the storage bin and for automatically delivering individual spikes to the at least one spike driving mechanism in a desired orientation without operator contact with the spikes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transportation system with integrated infrastructure. In one embodiment, this infrastructure takes the form of a hollow elevated load bearing guideway structure designed to support the weight of traveling vehicles. The structure supports a backbone beam, or rail, that has multiple functions. These functions may include vehicle control, security, and energy delivery. The structure is bimodal meaning vehicles can have wheels like cars or steel rimmed wheels like a train or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A glass substrate transporting apparatus aims to load or unload a quartz bracket into or from multiple reactors. It includes a track, a carriage, a rotary element and a telescopic fetching rack. The reactors are located at two sides of the track. The carriage has four track wheels movable on the track and multiple motors to synchronously drive the four track wheels. The rotary element is located on the carriage. The telescopic fetching rack is located on the rotary element. Through movement of the carriage on the track and rotation of the rotary element, the telescopic fetching rack can sequentially align and enter the reactors to load or unload the quartz bracket, thus amount of the reactors to be utilized is increased and utilization efficiency of the glass substrate transporting apparatus is improved. Moreover, as the carriage can move quickly on the track, production is also increased.

Abstract: Exemplary double-decker vehicle for railway rolling stock for the transport of passengers comprises at least: one lower deck and one upper deck, each deck having a multiplicity of seats for passengers, and at least one access door with an access step. According to aspects of the system, apparatus, and method, the vehicle can include, among other features, a circulation system connecting the access step to the upper deck and having at least two sloping circulation paths to provide access for persons with reduced mobility to the upper deck.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new coating materials for corrosion control.

Abstract: Ink for use in an ink jet printer for forming a clear ink jet coating or a colored ink jet image on a substrate is disclosed. The coating or colored image provides antibacterial and antifungal protection. The inks include a mixture of solvent and a silver salt biocide including a silver sulfate biocide having a concentration range of 0.0005 to 0.5 weight %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bitumen or asphalt formulation for the pavement of road surfaces, said formulation comprising a mixture of bitumen and aggregates, and an additive package evenly distributed therein, said additive package comprising from about i) 10 to 60% by weight of an amine or modified amine surfactant, ii) from about 20 to 90% of an asphalt rheology modifying component.

Abstract: Bioplastics including an oligosaccharide, a plasticizer, and an additive are described. Such bioplastics display advantageous attributes including tensile strength that can be tailored for particular uses. Processes for obtaining such bioplastics are also described.

Abstract: A process of fabricating a thermal barrier coating and an article having a cold sprayed thermal barrier coating are disclosed. The process includes cold spraying ceramic particles and a binder and forming the thermal barrier coating. The binder has a melting point lower than the ceramic particles. The article includes the cold sprayed thermal barrier coating positioned on a substrate of the article and/or a reproducible feature formed by the cold sprayed thermal barrier coating, with the reproducible feature being capable of being replicated without masking.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of binder compositions for construction, more specifically it relates to the use of carboxymethylchitosan as flocculating additive and setting accelerator in binder compositions of the cement, cement mortar, concrete, grout, stucco and similar type. The invention also relates to binder compositions comprising carboxymethylchitosan, as well as to the method for their preparation.

Abstract: The invention is a portable utility table, comprising, among other features, a table-top surface with a first integrally formed recessed portion forming a first sink, and a second integrally formed recessed portion forming a second sink, each sink also having an integrally formed drain aperture for exiting material; and collapsible legs capable of nesting in the bottom of the table.

Abstract: A tiki torch lamp filler system is a table having a top and a plurality of legs supporting the top above a surface. The top includes a plurality of holes for receiving and supporting tiki torch lamp containers with the wick opening in the tiki torch lamp container facing upward and with the table legs being of sufficient length to support the table top a distance from the surface to assure clearance between the tiki torch lamp container and the surface when the tiki torch lamp container is in a receptive hole in the table top.

Abstract: A disposable trash bag system that allows a patient to dispose personal trash when lying in a hospital bed thereby reducing contamination. The system includes a moveable overbed table, a bag holding member, an intermediate member disposed between the bag holding member and the table's perimeter side edge, and a ring element that receives a disposable trash bag. The ring element is connected to the intermediate member that temporarily snap fits against the perimeter side edge and over the table. During use, a disposable trash bag with an upper supportive ring member is placed in the ring element, the bag holding member and the intermediate member are connected together. The intermediate member is forced against the perimeter side edge at a desired location to hold the bag in place. The intermediate member may be easily moved to any location along the perimeter side edge and remove entirely for cleaning.

Abstract: A paper-based pallet includes paper-based material top and bottom decks spaced apart by wound paperboard tubes. The decks are formed either by a single piece of paper-based material folded in C-shaped fashion or by two separate pieces of paper-based material. At least at one side of the pallet, flaps extend from the top deck and corresponding flaps extend from the bottom deck. The flaps are arranged in pairs each having a flap from the top deck overlapping a flap from the bottom deck, the overlapping flaps being secured together. Tine-receiving openings can be defined between adjacent pairs of flaps. The top deck can be reinforced at each opening by a flap hinged to the top deck and folded 180 degrees into contact with the top deck and secured thereto, thus forming a double-layer edge portion of the top deck.

Abstract: A hunting tray is presented that is configured to be removably attached to a tree. The hunting tray includes a body portion having a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces, the top surface of the body portion dimensioned and configured to receive at least one item and a folding arm assembly detachably connectable to the body portion, the folding arm assembly configured to include at least one attachment member at a distal end thereof for facilitating removable attachment of the hunting tray to the tree. The at least one attachment member is a tapered screw. The folding arm assembly includes a first arm segment, a second arm segment, and a third arm segment, such that the first and second arm segments are pivotally connected to each other and the second and third arm segments are pivotally connected to each other.

Abstract: It is disclosed a two-section type waste incinerator, wherein secondary air supplying holes (27e) are provided on a front arch and a back arch of an incinerator body (27), and an ignition combustion-supporting hole (27f) is provided on the back arch of the incinerator body. Grate inside the incinerator body (27) is divided into two sections from a high point to a low point, i.e., an upper section and a lower section, the upper section is a pusher type section (6) and the lower section is a reverse pusher type section (7), and an independent primary air chamber (26) is provided under each section. All heads of the grate-pieces (3, 5) on the pusher type section (6) face toward a low point of the grate, and all heads of the grate-pieces (3, 5) on the reverse pusher type section (7) face toward a high point of the grate.

Abstract: Processes and systems are provided for using bromine and/or bromide-containing organic compound to reduce mercury emissions during coal combustion.

Abstract: A wood burning hydronic heater comprises a primary firebox into which the wood is loaded and wherein initial combustion occurs. The heater also includes a secondary combustion chamber below the primary firebox into which the combustible gases from the primary firebox are forced and into which a fresh air stream is passed to burn the gases. A primary heat exchanger downstream of the secondary combustion chamber is adapted to reduce the temperature of the exhaust exiting from the secondary combustion chamber. A catalytic combustor, located in a chamber downstream of the secondary combustion chamber and primary heat exchanger, completes combustion and reduces emissions.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle used for positioning sod strips includes a structure for mounting on the vehicle frame and a pushing plate slidably mounted to the structure. The pushing plate is arranged to be abuttable to an edge of a sod strip. A pair of cylinders are operatively mounted between the structure and the pushing plate to slide the pushing plate away from the structure to laterally shift a sod strip to tighten up seams between adjacent sod strips. A pushing frame provides arms that are slidable into base tubes of a base frame and the cylinders are connected between the arms and the base tubes to slide the pushing frame with respect to the base frame. Further cylinders are employed to pivot the base frame, the pushing frame and the pushing plate between deployed and non-deployed positions.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions that instruct the apparatus to perform the steps of acquiring first pattern data representing stitches that form a first pattern and second pattern data representing stitches that form a second pattern, the first pattern and the second pattern being two patterns to be sewn by embroidery in mutually adjacent positions, generating, in a case where the two patterns are to be sewn on a sewing object that is formed of a soluble material, connecting data representing a connecting stitch based on the first pattern data and the second pattern data, the and generating, from the acquired first pattern data, the acquired second pattern data and the generated connecting data, embroidery data to sew the two patterns and the connecting stitch.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions that instruct the apparatus to perform the steps of acquiring pattern data of an embroidery pattern, determining, in a case where the embroidery pattern is to be sewn on a sewing object formed of a specific material, whether the embroidery pattern includes at least one of a first area and a second area, generating, in a case where it is determined that the embroidery pattern includes at least one of the first area and the second area, supplemental data representing at least one supplemental stitch each of which is a stitch connecting at least some of a plurality of stitches formed in one of the first area and the second area, and generating, from the pattern data and the generated supplemental data, embroidery data to sew the embroidery pattern and the at least one supplemental stitch.

Abstract: A holding frame includes upper and lower frame members having substantially the same thicknesses, and an inner frame member detachably attachable to the inner peripheries of the upper and lower frame members. The upper and lower frame members are fixed together in vertically superposed relation to each other with a workpiece sandwiched therebetween. The workpiece can be set on the frame in any desired of a first stretched-taut state where the workpiece is stretched taut and generally flush with the upper surface of the upper frame member by being pressed upward via the inner frame member, and a second stretched-taut state where the workpiece is stretched taut and generally flush with the lower surface of the lower frame member by being pressed downward via the inner frame member. The workpiece can be held on the frame with substantially the same degrees of tautness in the first and second stretched-taut states.

Abstract: In a vessel, a first hull bottom (21) formed with a hull bottom (13) located at a centerline (C) of a hull (11) in a width direction inclined upward in a backward direction and a second hull bottom (22) formed to make an angle equal to or larger than an angle parallel to a design draft (S) and equal to or smaller than an angle of a backward extending line from the first hull bottom (21) continuously to the first hull bottom (21) at a position moved forward by a predetermined distance L set in advance from a stern end (12a) are provided, by which the vessel resistance can be reduced at the time of navigation.

Abstract: A wind gust dampening system for a sailing vessel for absorbing the forces generated by a wind gust upon a sail is disclosed. The wind gust dampening system may be adjustable such that the system may be used on a variety of different size and types of sailing vessels to absorb forces from wind gusts to prevent sailing vessels from capsizing or from damage occurring to equipment, or both. The configuration of the wind gust dampening system provides for a plurality of adjustments enabling the system to be uniquely adapted to each sailing vessel for increased efficiency. The wind gust dampening system may include one or more shock cords for absorbing the forces generated by wind gusts and may extend between a deck of a vessel and a sail.

Abstract: There is discussed a sail apparatus having a sail with one or more battens. A furling system varies the area of deployed sail between a furled state and an unfurled state by rotating the sail about the leading edge. At least one batten comprises a single extendible sheet member operable to switch between a rigid three-dimensional longitudinal state and a coiled planar state, such that a deployed portion of said at least one batten is in said rigid, three-dimensional longitudinal state and a furled portion of said at least one batten is in a coiled planar state. The batten is resiliently baised towards the leading edge of the sail, while allowing movement of the batten towards the trailing edge of the sail during furling.

Abstract: The present invention provides swing away helm for a watercraft. The swing away helm is positionable between a use position in which the swing away helm extends into the watercraft and a non-use position in which the swing away helm is positioned above a gunnel of the watercraft. The swing away helm includes; a mounting member, a support member, a dashboard, a steering device, and a biasing member. The swing away helm maintains an equal distance from the gunnel in the use position and in the non-use position.

Abstract: A deer whistle for vehicular safety is provided which is more reliable than known deer whistles. A single body had therethrough two whistle cavities, and the manufacture of the whistle is done in a manner, and using structures, which provide for accurate sound production. In particular, the device uses a raised weld between the whistle portions, alignment posts and recesses to further increase the accuracy of manufacture, and finally uses a specified combination of heat and pressure in whistle manufacture for the weld.

Abstract: A biocompostable marker flag and post possesses a flag that rotates freely around the post with the wind without becoming wrapped up. The post has a grooved or knurled surface for easy gripping. The post also has an annular indentation near its bottom so that the post easily breaks away without impaling a person or a limb.

Abstract: A vehicle display apparatus includes a first partition member and a second partition member disposed in front of a display screen of a display panel. Each of the first and second partition members includes a window portion. The first and second partition members may be set in separated positions or in overlapping positions. In the separated positions, the first and second partition members are spaced apart from each other along the display screen. In the overlapping positions, the first partition member is separated forward from the display screen, the second partition member is located between the first partition member and the display screen, and the window portions of the first and second partition members overlap.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for determining surface contamination of polycrystalline silicon, including the steps of: a) providing two polycrystalline silicon rods by deposition in a Siemens reactor; b) determining contaminants in the first of the two rods immediately after the deposition; c) conducting the second rod through one or more systems in which polycrystalline silicon rods are processed further to give rod pieces or polysilicon fragments, optionally cleaned, stored or packed; d) then determining contaminants in the second rod; wherein the difference in the contaminants determined in the first and second rods gives surface contamination of polycrystalline silicon resulting from systems and the system environment.

Abstract: Millimeter-scale GaN single crystals in filamentary form, also known as GaN whiskers, grown from solution and a process for preparing the same at moderate temperatures and near atmospheric pressures are provided. GaN whiskers can be grown from a GaN source in a reaction vessel subjected to a temperature gradient at nitrogen pressure. The GaN source can be formed in situ as part of an exchange reaction or can be preexisting GaN material. The GaN source is dissolved in a solvent and precipitates out of the solution as millimeter-scale single crystal filaments as a result of the applied temperature gradient.

Abstract: A stent coating apparatus for coating a stent includes a brush assembly, a stent support, and a dispensing mechanism. The brush assembly includes a plurality of fibers, and the stent support carries a stent at a position in which the stent is in contact with the fibers. The dispensing mechanism dispenses a coating composition to the plurality of fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for continuous coating with a rotational die in which coating materials flow in a radial direction. The linear speed of a substrate in need of coating is identical to the tangential speed of the surface of the rotational die so that the coating material, which flows in a radial direction of the rotational die, flows onto the substrate perpendicularly. Therefore, the ingredients of coating materials overlap one another (or stand vertically as a layer), and the vertical sequence of the coating material is ensured. This method and apparatus can be used to make organic electronic devices, organic light-emitting diodes and organic photovoltaic devices. Particularly, this method and apparatus can be used in bulk-hetero-junction of mixed coating of P-type and N-type semiconductors.

Abstract: A release agent applicator displaying decreased and consistent surface resistivity, and a method of making same. The release agent applicator includes an foam delivery surface having an ionic layer such that the surface resistivity of the delivery surface is reduced, thereby decreasing the chances of static charge accumulation on the roller that may interfere with high quality printing.

Abstract: A mask for deposition includes a deposition material passing portion including at least one opening column having a plurality of openings arranged in a first direction, and a frame portion adjacent the deposition material passing portion, wherein each of the openings is defined by a first slope and a second slope facing each other along the first direction and inclining toward one side of the frame portion respectively, and a third slope and a fourth slope facing each other along a second direction crossing the first direction, and wherein an inclined angle of the first slope of one of the openings at a central area of one of the opening columns is different from an inclined angle of the first slope of an other one of the openings at an outer area of the opening column.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for testing and inspecting containers coated by means of a plasma treatment, e.g. plastic bottles, which are coated for instance with amorphous silicon oxide or carbon compounds. The containers are tested by a measuring device trace-gas-analytically, e.g. mass-spectrometrically, for undesired foreign substances, such as acetaldehyde and/or antimony, escaping from the container material after a plasma coating treatment.

Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a processing chamber, gas supply paths provided in a corresponding relationship with the kinds of process gases supplied into the processing chamber, and valves respectively arranged in the gas supply paths. The apparatus further includes a measuring unit for measuring a physical parameter associated with each of the process gases passing through the gas supply paths, a register unit which stores the physical parameter, and a control unit configured to determine a process status based on the physical parameter stored in the register unit. The register unit is provided in a lower-hierarchy control device connected to the control unit of a higher hierarchy to transmit and receive signals to and from the control unit. The lower-hierarchy control device is configured to control input and output signals between the control unit and end devices under the control of the control unit.

Abstract: A marking device for a marking operation to mark a presence or an absence of one or more underground facilities is configured to access and display facilities map information, and/or other image information, as a visual aid to facilitate the marking operation. In various aspects, methods and apparatus relate to: selection of a “base” facilities map, or information from a database of facilities map data, relating to a given work site/dig area; selection of a pan and/or zoom (resolution) for displaying facilities map information; updating displayed facilities map information while a marking device is used during a marking operation (e.g. changing pan, zoom and/or orientation); overlaying on the displayed facilities map information marking information and/or landmark information relating to the marking operation; and storing locally on the marking device, and/or transmitting from the marking device, facilities map information and/or overlaid marking/landmark information (e.g.

Abstract: Provided is a vacuum deposition apparatus including a vacuum chamber, a deposition roller that is arranged in the vacuum chamber, and winds a substrate in a sheet form subject to deposition, and a magnetic field generation unit that is provided inside the deposition roller, and generates a magnetic field on a surface of the deposition roller, where the magnetic field generation unit includes an inside magnet arranged along an axial direction of the deposition roller and an outside magnet having a polarity opposite to the inside magnet and surrounding, in an annular form, the inside magnet, and the inside magnet is formed so as to be narrower in width along the axial direction of the deposition roller than a width of an extent of winding of the substrate W on the deposition roller in a projection viewed from a deposition surface of the substrate, and is arranged within the extent of the winding of the substrate W.

Abstract: A vapor deposition apparatus (50) includes: a mask unit (54) including a vapor deposition source (70), a vapor deposition mask (60), and a mask holding member (80); a substrate holder (52); and at least either a mask unit moving mechanism (55) or a substrate moving mechanism (53), with a roller (83) provided in a surface of one of (A) the substrate holder (52) and (B) the mask holding member (80) which faces the other one of (A) the substrate holder (52) and (B) the mask holding member (80).

Abstract: A device for plasma treatment of workpieces. The workpiece is placed into a chamber of a processing station that can be at least partially evacuated. The plasma chamber is bounded by a chamber floor, a chamber cover, and a side chamber wall. The plasma chamber is coupled to a device for feeding and/or discharging process gases in a controlled manner. The plasma chamber is further disposed on a rotatable plasma wheel supported on a static base. At least one process gas channel is disposed in the region of the base, bounded at least in regions by a cover. The cover is implemented as part of the plasma wheel and includes at least one connection opening to the process gas channel. The connection opening can be coupled to an inner chamber by a connecting channel and at least one control valve.