Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass laboratory apparatus that eliminates a pre filter and a provides a simpler vaporizing platform in fluid communication with a fitted disc filter arranged in an exhaust chamber to scrub solids from a gas using water filtration. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a main vessel adapted to hold a volume of a liquid such as water and an inlet conduit with an opening above the liquid level in the main vessel. The inlet conduit includes a vaporizing platform with a platform having four ventilated regions surrounding the platform.

Abstract: A system of sampling a fluid comprises a fluid separator having a central axis. The fluid separator includes an insulating sleeve. In addition the fluid separator includes a separator assembly coaxially disposed within the sleeve. Further, the fluid separator includes an annulus radially disposed between the sleeve and the separator assembly. The separator assembly includes a conduit, a support rod coaxially disposed within the conduit, and a plurality of separator members coupled to the support rod within the conduit.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage comprising:—an ingredient processing module (10) that has a first part (20) and a second part (30) movable relative to the first part from a position for processing therein an ingredient for forming a beverage to a transfer position for inserting said ingredient into the processing module and/or for evacuation thereof from the processing module;—a motor means (50) for relatively moving the first and second parts between the processing position and the transfer position;—a control unit (60) for controlling the motor means to relatively move the first and second parts; and—a user-interface (80) connected to the control unit for sensing a user-request to relatively move the first and second parts by the controlled motor means. The user-interface (80) is configured to detect a direction (81,82) and extent of displacement of an object (3) in a user-input area (80?).

Abstract: This invention relates to a dispensing system, comprising a dispensing outlet (108) for dispensing beverage at a controlled temperature, a mixing chamber (120) upstream in a flow path to said outlet such that dispensed beverage flows from said chamber to the outlet, at least three feeding lines (124, 126, 128) feeding beverage of at least three different defined temperatures to said chamber; and a controller (500) for controlling the feed from each of said feeding lines so as to yield a desired temperature of the dispensed beverage.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage comprises: an ingredient processing module (10) for processing at least one ingredient, in particular an ingredient supplied within a capsule (2) into the module; a sensing arrangement (70, 70?) for sensing a user-request by a user-actuation of the sensing arrangement; and a control unit (60) containing different control programs for controlling the ingredient processing module executable on corresponding user-requests. The sensing arrangement (70, 70?) and the control unit (60) are so arranged that each of said different user-requestable control programs is executed on a generally identical user-actuation of the sensing arrangement (70, 70).

Abstract: A beverage machine comprises: a processing unit (60) that has a flavouring module (10) for mixing liquid with a flavouring ingredient to form a flavoured beverage, and that has a liquid drive arrangement (65) for in-taking liquid from a source (200) of liquid and driving said liquid to the flavouring module, and that has an outlet (12) for guiding a flavoured beverage from the flavouring module to a beverage dispensing area (12?); and a user-interface that is connected to the processing unit and that has an indicator for indicating a status of the processing unit. The indicator (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) is displaceable, in particular relatively to the processing unit, in a manner visible from outside such machine by a mechanical, magnetic and/or thermal actuation thereof by the processing unit changing status.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage includes: an ingredient processing module (10) that comprises a first part (20) and a second part (30) movable relative to the first part from a position for housing therein an ingredient (2) to a transfer position for inserting such ingredient into the processing module and/or for evacuation thereof from the processing module; a passage (95, 96) for inserting such ingredient into the processing module and/or evacuating such ingredient therefrom; and a gate (90) driven by the movable second part and associated with the passage and movable between a position opening the passage and a position closing the passage. The gate (90) is connected to the movable second part (30) by an intermediate mechanical conversion mechanism (37, 91, 92) for converting movements of the movable second part into movements of the gate.

Abstract: A system for preparing an amount of predetermined beverage starting from an extractable product. The system includes (a) an interchangeable capsule; and (b) a percolating machine for preparing infusions. A dispensing device of the percolating machine includes several perforation tips of the bottom intended to perforate the inlet area of a traditional capsule to create an inlet opening for the fluid. The system is characterized in that the inlet area includes a plurality of valves, and in that the perforating tips are in contact with the inlet area without performing any perforating action thereon.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing a beverage (2) comprises: -a seat (10) having at least one part (11) that is movable between a transfer position for introducing a beverage ingredient into the seat and/or removing said ingredient therefrom, and a processing position for forming said beverage from the ingredient in the seat;—an outlet (20) for dispensing said beverage upon formation in the seat; and—a drop collector (30) for collecting drops (2?) from the outlet.

Abstract: Coffee filter holder including, a funnel wall, a substantially flat bottom wall having an outer edge and a coffee brew outlet, a drip-stop valve assembly that can be brought in an opened and a closed condition, the drip-stop valve assembly including a valve member mounted on a valve member carrier consisting of a blade spring that is connected to the bottom wall, the drip-stop valve assembly further including an actuator lever slideably connected to the bottom wall, the actuator lever including an integral piece of sheet material with a first end that extends beyond the outer edge of the bottom wall so as to be engageable by hand and having a second end that is positioned under the substantially flat bottom wall to engage the valve member carrier to bring valve member from the opened position to the closed position and vice versa.

Abstract: The invention pertains generally to a thermal sensor and a controlled heating system, in a beverage preparation machine. In particular, the invention relates to a thermal sensor comprising: connectors; an electrical coupling circuit; a sensing element having at least one measurable electrical quantity varying with the temperature of the sensing element; The sensing element is electrically coupled with the connectors through the electrical coupling circuit so as to allow measuring said electrical quantity at the level of the connectors. The sensor comprises a support having a first surface and a second surface thermally coupled and electrically isolated. The sensing element is thermally coupled with the first surface. The second surface is adapted to be thermally coupled with an area which temperature is to be measured.

Abstract: Enhanced safety for an electrical appliance is provided by a circuit arrangement which removes power from a portion of the appliance, which if activated, could result in potentially dangerous conditions, while maintaining energization of other portions of the circuit which if de-activated could also result in potentially dangerous conditions. The circuit arrangement includes elements for detecting various types of dangerous or incipient dangerous conditions.

Abstract: A cooker is mounted on a combustion type heating device used as a heat source for the cooker, and has a combustion gas distribution chamber formed in the space between double walls of a dish-shaped cooker base and a combustion gas distribution unit that are sequentially stacked from a lower, and a cooking chamber formed above the combustion gas distribution chamber by stacking the combustion gas distribution unit or the cooker base and a cooking chamber cover unit.

Abstract: An apparatus applies a food coating to a food product. The apparatus includes a hopper for storing the food coating and a food coating applicator for applying the food coating from the hopper onto the food product. The apparatus also includes a basin for catching unused food coating and a return conveyor for moving unused food coating from the basin to the breading hopper.

Abstract: A press with a press drive for moving a plunger in stroke direction (H). The press drive comprises two electric drive motors which are controllable independently of each other. The two drive motors are connected to the plunger via a drive unit. A control arrangement is provided for controlling the two drive motors. The control arrangement includes a characteristic plunger curve (K) which determines the plunger positions and/or the plunger movement and/or the plunger force dependent on time or dependent on a so-called virtual press angle. In addition, the control arrangement includes an additional condition which is independent of the characteristic plunger curve (K). Via the additional condition the operation of the press drive, for example, in an optimum operating range and/or a low-wear lubrication state of the support bearings of the drive unit can be ensured.

Abstract: The compactor comprises at least one robust transport screw, helix or spiral (16), which is inclined, of conical shape, downwardly converging, with a downwardly decreasing pitch, and is aligned axially with and fixed to the slow output shaft (117) of a reduction gear unit (17, 217, 317) located above and outside the inclined wall (301) of a loading hopper (1) which has an upper descending portion (101) with at least one hatch (2) for the introduction of the waste to be compacted and a discharge conduit (7) whose outlet opening is shut off by constriction means (8, 108, 208). The lower part (201) of the hopper (1) is shaped in the form of a funnel which is open outwards and is provided with drainage holes (9) and a base area (10) into which any liquid present in the waste tends to flow by gravity, means (13, 14, 114) being provided to collect the liquid and to guide it by gravity towards discharge means (20) a container (18).

Abstract: A screw press includes a drive with at least one spindle nut which is vertically adjustable at a threaded spindle and to which is fastened an upper press part or the like. A guide column is connected at the underside of the upper press part at one end, and the guide column is loaded in tension by the drive during the pressing process.

Abstract: An improved cam mandrel guidance system for use with decorating machines or other equipment utilizing multiple mandrels mounted on a rotating drum or disk plate. The mandrels being adapted to temporarily receive and retain work pieces, such as blank cans.

Abstract: An independent mandrel trip system wherein a mandrel support block retaining a mandrel is connected to a shaft mounting block in a manner such that the mandrel support block can be reciprocatingly retracted and extended relative to the shaft mounting block in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. The system includes parallel front and rear plate members to which are mounted linear bearing assemblies such that mandrel support block is supported in the front and the rear.

Abstract: A screen printing machine includes a supporting member, a printing mechanism, and a spraying mechanism. The supporting member includes a supporting surface, a number of cavities defined in the supporting surface to receive a number of substrates, and a number of screens detachably covering the plurality of cavities. The printing mechanism includes a guide plate located above the screens, a sliding device slidably connected to the guide plate, a roller rotatably connected to the sliding device, and a squeegee. The sliding device is configured to drive the roller to roll across and the squeegee to slide across the screens. The spraying mechanism is located at one side of the supporting member for dispensing printing material onto the press roller.

Abstract: A system and corresponding methods are disclosed for controlling the thickness of a layer of dampening fluid applied to a reimageable surface of an imaging member in a variable data lithography system. Following deposition of the dampening fluid layer, a gas is passed over a region of the fluid layer prior to pattern forming. The gas causes a controlled amount of the dampening fluid layer to evaporate such that the remaining layer is of a desired and controlled thickness. Among other advantages, improved print quality is obtained.

Abstract: A system and corresponding methods are disclosed for depositing of a layer of dampening fluid to a reimageable surface of an imaging member in a variable data lithography system by way of condensation. Dampening fluid in an airborne state is introduced proximate the reimageable surface in a condensation region. Conditions in the condensation region are such that the airborne dampening fluid preferentially condenses on the reimageable surface in a precisely controlled quantity, to thereby form a precisely controlled layer of dampening fluid of desired thickness over the reimageable surface. Among other advantages, improved print quality is obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and insulation medium for inserting and insulating a charge medium within a borehole includes a charge tube comprised of an elongate tube having a length and diameter sufficient for containing a desired quantity of a charge medium. A charge medium in a pumpable form is provided for substantially filling the charge tube. An insulation medium in a pumpable form is provided for substantially encapsulating the charge tube and substantially filling an annular space between the charge tube and the borehole for insulating the charge tube from a downhole environment in which the charge tube is to be inserted. A detonator is inserted within the charge medium proximate a distal end of the charge tube and a charge cable extends from the detonator through the charge tube and exits from the charge tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a propellant pellet for pyrotechnical safety devices in vehicles, such as airbag modules, belt tensioners, micro-inflators and igniters. The propellant pellet according to the invention has a substantially cylindrical shape and can be obtained by dry injection of a powdered propellant composition. The pellets have a maximum diameter of 2 mm and preferably a relative bulk density, defined as ratio of bulk density of the propellant pellets to the maximum theoretical density of the propellant composition, of at least 0.5. A propellant charge, an igniter and an inflator each comprising a plurality of said propellant pellets are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a tie plate sorter are disclosed wherein the tie plates are sorted and fed to an output device for further feeding to a tie plate distribution system. The tie plates may be oriented as needed. Exemplary methods are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a tie plate sorter are disclosed wherein the tie plates are sorted and fed to an output device for further feeding to a tie plate distribution system. The tie plates may be oriented as needed. Exemplary methods are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a tie plate sorter are disclosed wherein the tie plates are sorted and fed to an output device for further feeding to a tie plate distribution system. The tie plates may be oriented as needed. Exemplary methods are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a tie plate sorter are disclosed wherein the tie plates are sorted and fed to an output device for further feeding to a tie plate distribution system. The tie plates may be oriented as needed. Exemplary methods are also provided.

Abstract: Reinforced sulphur concrete wherein one or more metal reinforcing members are in contact with sulphur concrete is disclosed. The reinforced sulphur concrete comprises an adhesion promoter that enhances the interaction between the sulphur and the one or more metal reinforcing members.

Abstract: The invention provides a cement admixture that improves the ability of concrete to bring about high initial strength, works in favor of enhancing the effect on hexavalent chromium reductions, and is less likely to decrease in the effect on hexavalent chromium reductions even upon storage as well as a method for reducing hexavalent chromium. The invention is embodied as (1) A cement admixture, characterized by comprising an expanding material containing free lime, a hydraulic compound and calcium sulfate anhydrite, and a tin sulfate-containing substance; (2) The cement admixture according to (1), characterized in that the tin sulfate-containing substance is contained in an amount of 0.

Abstract: A foldable lap table including a first table leaf joined along a first hinge to a second table leaf, the first hinge folding in a first direction, and a third table leaf joined along a second hinge to a fourth table leaf, the second hinge being a linear extension of the first hinge and folding in a second direction opposite the first, wherein the third table leaf is further joined to the first table leaf along a third hinge and the fourth table leaf is further joined to the second table leaf along a fourth hinge such that the respective hinges and leaves are arranged to permit unison movement of the leaves when the lap table is folded and unfolded.

Abstract: The plastic pallet structure includes a supporting base and loading plates. The supporting base includes first bases and second bases. Each first base includes a first base body, first opening clamping portions and first arch bridge portions. The first opening clamping portions and the first arch bridge portions are respectively disposed on two first long side edges of the first base body. Each second base includes a second base body, second opening clamping portions and second arch bridge portions. The second opening clamping portions and the second arch bridge portions are disposed on a second long side edge of the second base body. When the loading plates load goods, forks of a forklift are inserted in to the second bases, so that the forks of the forklift are abutted against the second arch bridge portions without contacting with the loading plates to lift the goods up.

Abstract: A banknote handling device includes a safe that protects banknotes (casing of a second unit), a first conveyance path externally provided to the safe, and a second conveyance path internally provided to the safe. The safe is provided with at least one opening portion through which the banknotes pass. A passing unit including a passing conveyance mechanism that passes a banknote between the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path and a left-behind sensor that detects a banknote that is left-behind, is detachably installed inside the opening portion of the safe.

Abstract: A method for drying solid fuels prior to injection and burning in solid fuel boilers is described. High moisture content solid fuels such as bark, sludge, wet coal, etc. must be dried before they can burn. Embodiments of the present invention incorporates a fuel delivery chute integrated with the boiler wall using a flow of combustion gasses and radiant heating to partially dry the solid fuel before it reaches the combustion zone of the boiler. The combustion gasses are drawn through the delivery chute by means of the flowing fuel and air jet inductors that then blows the combustion gasses back into the boiler. A refractory wall separates the fuel chute from the boiler proper, is heated by the combustion in the boiler, and radiates heat to the fuel falling through the fuel chute.

Abstract: The grate is used for burning a granular fuel material, for instance a biomass material, to be fed onto a loading area of the grate while a primary air feed is coming from below the grate. The grate includes a perforated bed floor having a downwardly-sloping upper surface converging towards a discharge opening where char is concentrated as the granular fuel material is burned during operation. The grate also includes an elongated and bottom-perforated char-receiving conduit positioned immediately under the bed floor. The char-receiving conduit has an inlet end positioned under the discharge opening, and an outlet end that is opposite the inlet end. The char-receiving conduit downwardly slopes between the inlet end and the outlet end. A method of burning a granular fuel material is also disclosed. The proposed concept can increase the overall thermal efficiency of a heat generator and reduce gas and particle emissions in the atmosphere.

Abstract: Various seed planter embodiments may comprise a frame including a main frame section and a furrowing disk frame section. A plurality of planter assemblies may be connected to the main frame section, and a plurality of furrowing disks may be connected to the furrowing disk frame section. At least one linkage may connect the main frame section and the furrowing disk frame section, and at least one motor may be configured to move the furrowing disk frame section with respect to the main frame section, wherein the at least one linkage permits the furrowing disk frame section to move to a low position for no-till planting and move to a high position for prepared seed beds or conventional planting.

Abstract: A diffuser adapted to dissipate air from seed conveyed in a stream of air at a planter to an opener arm and seed boot. The diffuser provides a housing that pivotally supports a counter-weighted valve piece and a resilient valve piece. Admitted seeds are resiliently deflected between the valve pieces. Repeated deflections between the dual valve pieces and simultaneous venting of the conveying air through an associated fulcrum screen and relief ports at the housing dissipate the conveying air. Spent seed momentarily collects on a surface inside the housing and gravitationally falls from the housing and through a lower lying seed boot at a relatively uniform, singulated rate without scatter and damage to the seed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sharp three-dimensional embroidery that can express a three-dimensional design in detail with a sharp three-dimensional effect and save time for cleaning a sheet residue by completely covering a sheet, and a manufacturing method thereof. Three-dimensional embroidery according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: at least two sheets layered on the upper surface of a fabric panel; at least two layers of embroidery being layered on the at least two sheets; and a covering member covering the at least two sheets and the at least two layers of embroidery with a predetermined design.

Abstract: An upper feed device includes a mounting portion, a feed mechanism, a drive portion, and a connecting portion. The mounting portion is configured to mount the upper feed device to a presser bar of a sewing machine. The feed mechanism is configured to feed a work cloth. The drive portion is configured to drive the feed mechanism. The connecting portion is configured to electrically connect the drive portion to a control portion of the sewing machine.

Abstract: Hoop docking apparatuses and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a substantially planar hoop dock having a first side and a second, opposite side. The first side of the hoop dock forms a docking recess shaped to approximately contour a portion of an embroidery hoop. The docking recess is operable to receive at least a portion of the embroidery hoop.

Abstract: An apparatus for a sailboat which can be used to oppose heeling caused by the wind on the sail. The apparatus includes hydrofoils which are substantially aligned with the leeway angle. In one embodiment, the hydrofoils can be withdrawn from holders and re-inserted or shifted in position when the boat tacks and the wind comes from the other side. In another embodiment, the hydrofoils can automatically assume a position substantially parallel to the leeway angle when the boat is sailing.

Abstract: Personal watercraft systems, watercraft power systems, and methods of developing and managing engine powered systems between and end user and an original equipment manufacturer are described. The personal watercraft power systems include a housing for supporting a water jet pump and engine system. The housing is constructed to support the power system and removably engage a watercraft. The power system has a reduced profile and is particularly applicable for watercraft having a modular construction. Preferably, the housing is constructed to removably engage a number of watercraft configurations and provides a watercraft power system that is easily serviceable, highly versatile, and dynamic.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a venting assembly for sails, comprising one or more aperture substantially perpendicular with the sail surface separating a fore and aft element of the sail. The aperture channels high energy air flow from the windward side of the sail through to the leeward side of the sail parallel to the sail surface, energizing the surface boundary layer and maintaining laminar air flow along the aft element of the sail.

Abstract: A method, system and device for facilitating the retrieval of a marine anchor from an underwater obstruction, the device being configured to actuate when subjected to a force load of a predetermined peak force threshold to effect a change in the point of retrieval that an anchor rode makes with the anchor. The obstructed anchor may be retrieved from another direction, such as a direction opposite from which the anchor was set.

Abstract: Collapsible boats with foldable rigid transoms are disclosed. A collapsible boat includes a collapsible hull formed from a plurality of panels that extend from a first end to a second end of the collapsible/inflatable boat. Each of the panels is connected with at least one the other panels. The collapsible hull is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A folding rigid transom is used to constrain at least two rear margins of the panels when the hull is in the expanded configuration. The folding rigid transom and seats remain attached to the hull when the hull is in the collapsed configuration. A collapsible boat can have one or more interior members that are inflatable to support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a boarding apparatus for boarding animals onto a boat or other above-water surface, and methods of using the apparatus. The apparatus has a boarding step assembly, a mounting assembly attached to the boarding step assembly for connecting the step assembly to a boat hull gunwale or transom lip, and a strut assembly for supporting the engagement of the boarding step assembly to the boat hull.

Abstract: Boats including elevated walkways that are useful for increasing cabin height in a boat, such as a bow rider style boat, are described. Such elevated walkways are elevated relative to either a cockpit deck portion or a deck portion of a bow area and can be used to connect the bow area to the cockpit area. The cabin of a boat with an elevated walkway as described is located at least partially below the elevated walkway. The portion of the cabin below the elevated walkway has a ceiling area that is elevated relative to either the deck portion of the bow area or the cockpit area deck portion where the elevated walkway overlaps the cabin space. Elevated walkways as described herein are located on the boat such that they either overlap the central longitudinal axis of the boat or the end of the elevated walkway near the cockpit is located between port and starboard dash consoles.

Abstract: A device and technique for impact detection and indication includes a housing; a mass member located within the housing, the housing configured to enable movement of the mass member from a first position to a second position within the housing in response to receipt by the housing of an acceleration event; and first and second biasing members disposed within the housing and biased toward each other to retain the mass member in the first position. In response to receipt by the housing of the acceleration event, the mass member is configured to overcome the biasing force of the first biasing member and move from the first position to the second position, and wherein the first and second biasing members each comprises a leaf spring member having a length greater than a width of the mass member and disposed transversely to a direction of movement of the mass member.

Abstract: A single crystal production apparatus including: a crucible containing raw material melt; a heater heating the raw material melt; a cooling cylinder that is cooled forcedly by a cooling medium; and a cooling chamber that houses the crucible, the heater, and the cooling cylinder, wherein a heat-shielding member having a heat insulating material is disposed, near an interface between the raw material melt and a single crystal being pulled, in such a way as to surround the single crystal being pulled, the cooling cylinder is disposed above the heat-shielding member in such a way as to surround the single crystal being pulled, and a cooling-cylinder-peripheral heat insulator is disposed with a gap provided between the cooling-cylinder-peripheral heat insulator and a periphery of the cooling cylinder in such a way as to surround the cooling cylinder.

Abstract: A film-forming apparatus and method for the formation of silicon carbide comprising, a film-forming chamber to which a reaction gas is supplied, a temperature-measuring unit which measures a temperature within the chamber, a plurality of heating units arranged inside the chamber, an output control unit which independently controls outputs of the plurality of heating units, a substrate-transferring unit which transfers a substrate into, and out of the chamber, wherein the output control unit turns off or lowers at least one output of the plurality of heating units when the film forming process is completed, when the temperature measured by the temperature-measuring unit reaches a temperature at which the substrate-transferring unit is operable within the chamber, then at least one output of the plurality of heating units turned off or lowered, is turned on or raised, and the substrate is transferred out of the film-forming chamber by the substrate-transferring unit.