Patents Issued in January 23, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140020597
    Abstract: Disclosed are starch-based cross-linked phenolic heteropolymer compositions and methods of synthesizing starch-based cross-linked phenolic heteropolymer compositions as well as their use as adhesives or adhesive additives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Glen Leon Brizius
  • Publication number: 20140020598
    Abstract: A biodegradable component for a package for storing and dispensing a cosmetic product or a beauty care product is made from compressed fibrous biomass bound by a cosmetically compatible and compostable binder in a mold having a sidewall draft angle of 0 to 30 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Agostinho Martins, Eliot Drangeid McGuire
  • Publication number: 20140020599
    Abstract: It is an additive that modifies the Theological properties of asphalt under warm conditions, and makes it possible to mix and compact asphalt mixtures with a reduction in temperature of up to 35° C., which is constituted by wax, an adhesion-improving additive and a fluxing agent, which reduces asphalt oxidation, causing it to be less-aged and more resistant to fatigue, reduces the interfacial tension between the aggregate and the asphalt, increases adhesion between them, making the mixture resistant to the damages caused by humidity, increases resistance to permanent deformation, causes gas emissions to be reduced and leads to savings in fuel consumption. The additive according to the invention has the following effects:—At high temperatures (between 100° C. and 160° C.), IT REDUCES the asphalt viscosity, as compared to asphalt without the additive.—At temperatures between 58° C. and 82° C., IT INCREASES the asphalt viscosity, as compared to asphalt without the additive.—At temperatures lower than 25° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: QUIMIKAO, S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventors: Alvaro Gutierrez Muniz, Luis Enrique Ramirez Soto, Heleodro Rincon Acha, Raul Teran Orozco, Raymundo Benitez Lopez, Jose Luis Lara Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20140020600
    Abstract: Stable aqueous organosilicon dispersions particularly useful for the hydrophobing of construction materials are prepared by first preparing a homogenous mixture of organopolysiloxanes and hydrophobic silica filler, and dispersing this mixture together with an alkylalkoxysilane bearing at least one C4 or greater alkyl group into water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: WACKER CHEMIE AG
    Inventors: Holger Rautschek, Hartmut Ackermann, Robert Schroeck
  • Publication number: 20140020601
    Abstract: A method for adjusting pH in an aqueous coating composition having an initial pH less than 7 by adding to the aqueous coating composition a compound having formula (V) wherein R2 and R3 independently are hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, hydroxymethyl, or R2 and R3 combine with a carbon to which they are attached to form a five-membered or six-membered saturated carbocyclic ring; R4 is hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl; R5 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or hydroxymethyl; R6 is hydrogen, hydroxyethyl, C1-C10 alkyl or —CH2C(R5)(N(R7)2)CH2OH; and R7 is hydrogen or methyl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Ian A. Tomlinson, Asghar A. Peera
  • Publication number: 20140020602
    Abstract: A concrete additive includes expanded perlite with a volume weighted mean particle size of approximately 10-100 ?m. The perlite further includes at least one additional component to improve workability and compensate for the natural tendency of expanded perlite to absorb water from the concrete mix. The additional component can include: water; a superplasticizer such as polycarboxylates, naphthalene sulfonate, and melamine sulfonate; or a hydrophobic compound such as salts of fatty acids, fatty acids, silanes, and siloxanes. The additive can be made in the form of a flowable powder or a flowable slurry. Concrete containing this additive displays superior properties to conventional concrete, including extremely high thermal resistance and high strength, low chloride ion permeability, and good early strength. The expanded perlite is a readily available raw material and the finished concrete is extremely cost effective for applications where a high strength structural concrete must withstand high temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Terry L. Anderson, Neal S. Berke
  • Publication number: 20140020603
    Abstract: The present application provides a method for analyzing a raw material for manufacturing of gypsum products, analyzing a plurality of gypsum products, and the gypsum products produced therefrom. Desirably, the analyzing of the raw material is conducted using prompt gamma neutron activation analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC
    Inventors: William E. Barger, Carmine Perri
  • Publication number: 20140020604
    Abstract: Methods for preparing metakaolin-enhanced industrial minerals. Mixing and heating kaolinite clay with an industrial mineral, such as activated carbon, that is between 750° F. and 1400° F. results in a metakaolin/activated carbon complex that provides good mercury sorbent qualities while producing a fly ash (after use as a sorbent in emissions applications) that has a lower foaming index.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Pneumatic Processing Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Jones
  • Publication number: 20140020605
    Abstract: The invention is a cantilevered table removably clamped to the underside of the frame of a piece of furniture, such as a sofa, the table featuring a table top surface adjustably affixed to at least one curved vertical side member terminating at its bottom end in a foot that extends beyond the proximal edge of the top surface. At least one wedge or clamp assembly is affixed to a bottom end of one vertical side member, beyond the proximal edge of the table top surface, the wedge assembly adjustably expanded to close the gap between the floor surface and the underside of the furniture, causing the furniture to anchor the cantilevered table to the floor. A plurality of wedge adaptors are provided to accommodate varying furniture designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Mark R. Barie
  • Publication number: 20140020606
    Abstract: An adjustable desk has base members or sidewalls supporting the desk on a surface. Each sidewall has at least one support movably vertically relative to the sidewall. A tabletop is disposed above the base member and is supported on the supports. A footrest is disposed between the base members beneath the tabletop and can move between a back position toward a back of the desk and a front position toward a front of the desk. One or more mechanisms operatively couple to at least one of the supports and to the footrest. The one or more mechanisms move the at least one support vertically relative to the base member to raise and lower the tabletop relative to the sidewall. Likewise, the one or more mechanisms move the footrest between the back and front positions. Preferably, movement of the footrest is coordinated with the movement of the tabletop so that the footrest moves to the front position when the tabletop is raised for standing and moves to the back position when the tabletop is lowered for sitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Mark E. Benden
  • Publication number: 20140020607
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling the introduction of air into a burner. More particularly, the invention provides for a damper system that controls the introduction of air into a burner system by altering the size of a peripheral flow path for the introduction of air into the plenum of the burner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: John Zink Company, LLC
    Inventors: Erwin M. Platvoet, Thomas M. Korb, Michel Sean McKinney, Ronnie Glen Taylor, Chad Nathan Carroll
  • Publication number: 20140020608
    Abstract: Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: NOx II, Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas C. COMRIE
  • Publication number: 20140020609
    Abstract: A supply device for a single seeder via a flow of air from a main reservoir containing product to at least one auxiliary reservoir depending on its filling rate, each auxiliary reservoir being connected to the main reservoir by a respective leak-tight duct, the number of auxiliary reservoirs corresponding to the number of distributors of the single seeder. A regulating system is associated with each auxiliary reservoir and the regulating system has a sensor for detecting the level of product and a valve for regulating the flow of air in the corresponding auxiliary reservoir. A single seeder using a supply device according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: KUHN S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Charles Audigie
  • Publication number: 20140020610
    Abstract: Provided is a method for reducing damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation. Damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation can be reduced by carrying out the steps of A) ditching a cultivated land; B) seeding with corn a furrow formed in the foregoing step; C) applying to the furrow an aqueous dispersion or aqueous solution of one or more selected from the below-mentioned compound group (I); and D) closing the furrow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Norihisa SAKAMOTO, Mayuko OZAWA, Atsushi IWATA
  • Publication number: 20140020611
    Abstract: Provided is a method for reducing damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation. Damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation can be reduced by carrying out the steps of: A) making furrow in a cultivated land; B) seeding with corn a furrow formed in the foregoing step; C) applying to the furrow one or more selected from the below-mentioned compound group (II), or C?) applying to the furrow one or more selected from the below-mentioned compound group (I) and one or more selected from the below-mentioned compound group (II); and D) closing the furrow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Norihisa SAKAMOTO, Mayuko OZAWA, Atsushi IWATA
  • Publication number: 20140020612
    Abstract: A personal watercraft comprising: a) a generally vertical outer hull; b) a bottom member affixed to the lower edge of said outer hull and closing the watercraft from the encroachment of surrounding water into the vessel; c) a generally concave inner hull rigidly attached at its upper edge to the upper edge of said outer hull and extending downwardly toward said bottom; and d) a generally horizontal deck fixedly attached at its edges to the lower edge of said inner hull to form an enclosed space with said outer hull, inner hull, and bottom member; said deck having a size sufficient for the support of at least one person in a standing or reclining position and of sufficient cient strength and support to avoid undue bending from the weight of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: JEFFREY D. LIZZIO
  • Publication number: 20140020613
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a device and method for controlling a floating structure of a solar power generating device, which can generate electricity from solar power of incident light while tracking the position of the sun in a state in which it floats on the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Do Young Woo
  • Publication number: 20140020614
    Abstract: A floating unit for energy production comprising: at least one hull, internally provided with means for electric energy production (8); two or more ducts (10, 11) for feeding and discharging air respectively, emerging from an upper surface (5) of the hull (2) for connecting said means for electric energy production (8) to the external environment; and hydrostatic balance means (13) of the hull (2) to position the hull between an immersion condition in which it can stay fully under the water surface and a floating condition in which it is partly emerged and the respective upper surface (5) thereof is above the water surface; said pair of ducts (10, 11) in the immersed condition of the hull (2) being partly emerging above the water surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicants: STUDIO CICHERO SOCIETA' DI CONSULENZA E PROGETTAZI ONE TECNICO-NAVALE A R.L., FERRARI E PARTNERS DI FERRARI ELENA & C. S.A.S., PSGR S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giordano Franceschini, Aldo Cichero, Angelo Ferrari
  • Publication number: 20140020615
    Abstract: A floating production unit is operable for production and storage of hydrocarbons. The production unit exhibits in operation movement properties rendering connection of one or more loose hanging risers (5) of suitable material possible. Such a unit comprises a hull (1) and a deck (4) in an upper end of the hull, the deck being equipped adequately in accordance with the intended application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Jan Vidar Aarsenes, Otto Skjåstad, Kåre Syvertsen
  • Publication number: 20140020616
    Abstract: A mooring system for a floating vessel such as a drilling unit is provided. The floating vessel has a platform for providing drilling, production or other operations in a marine environment, and a tower for providing ballast and stability below a water line in the marine environment. The mooring system generally includes a plurality of anchors disposed radially around the tower along a seabed, and a plurality of mooring lines. Each mooring line has a first end operatively connected to the tower, and a second end operatively connected to a respective anchor. Each mooring line further comprises at least two substantially rigid links joined together using linkages. Each joint is at least five meters in length. The mooring system is capable of maintaining station-keeping for the vessel greater than about 100 Mega-Newtons such that operations may be conducted when the marine environment is substantially iced over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Patricia Bruen
  • Publication number: 20140020617
    Abstract: After adding phosphorus (P) and germanium (Ge) into a silicon melt or adding phosphorus into a silicon/germanium melt, a silicon monocrystal is grown from the silicon melt by a Czochralski method, where a phosphorus concentration [P]L(atoms/cm3) in the silicon melt, a Ge concentration in the silicon monocrystal, an average temperature gradient Gave (K/mm) and a pull speed V (mm/min) are controlled to satisfy a formula (1) as follows, a phosphorus concentration [P](atoms/cm3) and the Ge concentration [Ge](atoms/cm3) in the silicon monocrystal satisfy a relationship according to a formula (2) as follows while growing the silicon monocrystal, where dSi(?) represents a lattice constant of silicon, rSi(?) represents a covalent radius of silicon, rP(?) represents a covalent radius of phosphorus, and rGe(?) represents a covalent radius of Ge: [ P ] L + ( 0.3151 × [ Ge ] + 3.806 × 10 18 ) / 1.5 < 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: SUMCO TECHXIV CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi KAWAZOE, Yasuhito NARUSHIMA, Toshimichi KUBOTA, Fukuo OGAWA
  • Publication number: 20140020618
    Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a calcite single crystal which is appropriately fine in a large scale with no difficulty. The method for producing a calcite single crystal according to the present invention is characterized in comprising the steps of mixing raw material calcium carbonate with an ammonium nitrate aqueous solution to obtain a raw material mixed liquid, wherein pH of the ammonium nitrate aqueous solution is not less than 7.0 and not more than 8.0, a concentration of the ammonium nitrate aqueous solution is not less than 2 M, and a concentration of calcium carbonate in the raw material mixed liquid is not less than 4 g/L and not more than 16 g/L; heating the raw material mixed liquid at not less than 125° C.; and then gradually cooling the raw material mixed liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology
    Inventors: Kazumichi Yanagisawa, Arito Sakaguchi, Hide Sakaguchi
  • Publication number: 20140020619
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for growing Sn-containing semiconductor materials. In some embodiments, an example method includes providing a substrate in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor, and providing a semiconductor material precursor, a Sn precursor, and a carrier gas in the CVD reactor. The method further includes epitaxially growing a Sn-containing semiconductor material on the substrate, where the Sn precursor comprises tin tetrachloride (SnCl4). The semiconductor material precursor may be, for example, digermane, trigermane, higher-order germanium precursors, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the semiconductor material precursor may be a silicon precursor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Benjamin Vincent, Federica Gencarelli, Roger Loo, Matty Caymax
  • Publication number: 20140020620
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an HPHT method for synthesizing single crystal diamond, wherein a single crystal diamond seed having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5 is utilised. Single crystal diamond seeds having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5 and synthetic single crystal diamond which may be obtained by the method recited are also described. The growth surface is substantially aligned along a <100> or <110> direction in the plane of the growth surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Carlton Nigel Dodge, Raymond Anthony Spits
  • Publication number: 20140020621
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for applying a coating to an ear of corn are disclosed. An enclosure having a user accessible workspace and a motor to turn an ear of corn therein to apply a coating to the ear of corn rotated by the motor is also disclosed. The method includes providing an enclosure with a user accessible workspace for housing a motor assembly having a motor with a grip, releasably securing the ear of corn to the grip, rotating the ear of corn with the motor, and spraying the coating on the ear of corn with the coating applicator associated with the workspace. Each ear of corn has an identifier to track and index the ear corn during coating and drying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Pioneer Hi Bred International Inc.
    Inventor: David Dallinger Kurth
  • Publication number: 20140020622
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a rotor and a method for manufacturing the same that represent an improvement over the prior art. A roll for hot-dip metal coating bath having a body with a substantially cylindrical appearance, at least an outer peripheral surface thereof being formed of a ceramic material, wherein, on the outer peripheral surface of the body, a groove formed in a direction crossing the rotation axis is formed, and in the bottom surface of the groove, a plurality of rows of a fine groove is formed along the longitudinal direction of the groove. In place of the fine groove along the longitudinal direction of the groove, a plurality of rows of a fine groove are formed along the crosswise direction of the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicants: NISSHIN STEEL CO., LTD., HITACHI METALS, LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi Koga, Taizo Matsuda, Eisuke Ogawa, Makoto SasakiI
  • Publication number: 20140020623
    Abstract: A fluid filtration device includes a housing unit and a filter member. The housing unit includes an internal chamber, an input port, a first output port, and a second output port. The input port may receive fluid into the internal chamber. The first output port may output fluid from the internal chamber received by the input port to establish a first fluid flow therein. The second output port may output fluid from the internal chamber received by the input port to establish a second fluid flow therein. The filter member may be disposed within the internal chamber to filter the fluid forming the first fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Vladimir Vinetskiy
  • Publication number: 20140020624
    Abstract: Methods of leveling ink on substrates and apparatuses useful in printing are provided. An exemplary embodiment of the methods includes irradiating ink disposed on a surface of a porous substrate with radiation emitted by at least one radiant energy source. The radiation heats the ink to at least a viscosity threshold temperature of the ink to allow the ink to flow laterally on the surface to produce leveling of the ink. The ink is heated sufficiently rapidly that heat transfer from the ink to the substrate is sufficiently small during the leveling that ink at the substrate interface is cooled to a temperature below the viscosity threshold temperature thereby preventing any significant ink permeation into the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicants: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED, XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory K. KOVACS, Steven E. READY, David K. BIEGELSEN, Lars E. SWARTZ, Christopher PAULSON
  • Publication number: 20140020625
    Abstract: A coating apparatus includes: a transport unit configured to transport an object to be coated; a coating liquid pan configured to store a coating liquid; a roller configured to be partially immersed in the coating liquid, rotate around an axis to draw up the coating liquid, and coat the coating liquid on the object; a support unit configured to detachably support the coating liquid pan and slidably supports the coating liquid pan; a positioning unit configured to position the coating liquid pan attached to the support unit at an attachment position; and a relative movement unit configured to relatively moves the support unit and the roller. When the support unit is located at an immersion position, a part of the roller is immersed in the coating liquid. When the support unit is located at a retraction position, the coating liquid pan is slidably supported without contact with the roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Tsutomu MASUO, Naoya OKANO
  • Publication number: 20140020626
    Abstract: Provided is a film crack detecting apparatus capable of recognizing a possibility of occurrence of particles in real time by detecting film cracks of an unnecessary film adhered to a probe unit provided in a processing container. The film crack detecting apparatus is provided in a film forming apparatus, which includes a processing container configured to accommodate an object to be processed and forms a thin film on a surface of the object, to perform a film crack detection operation. The film crack detecting apparatus includes a probe unit installed within the processing container, an elastic wave detecting unit attached to an end of the probe unit to detect an elastic wave, and a determination unit configured to determine whether the maintenance of the processing container is necessary based on a detection result of the elastic wave detecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Yudo SUGAWARA, Kazuhide HASEBE
  • Publication number: 20140020627
    Abstract: A roll-to-roll thin film coating machine of the invention includes: a first vacuum chamber into which a first precursor gas is introduced; a second vacuum chamber into which a second precursor gas is introduced; a third vacuum chamber into which a purge gas is introduced, the purge gas discharging the first precursors and the second precursors; and a transfer mechanism transferring a windable base member through the first vacuum chamber, the second vacuum chamber, and the third vacuum chamber, the transfer mechanism including a holding unit holding both end portions of the base member in a width direction thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuru KANO, Yasuhiro Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20140020628
    Abstract: The present invention provides a shadow mask module and an organic vapor deposition apparatus and a thermal evaporation apparatus using the same. The shadow mask module is disposed between a gas outlet and a substrate, and includes a pixel mask and a thermal resist mask. The pixel mask is disposed between the gas outlet and the substrate, and includes a plurality of first openings. The thermal resist mask is disposed between the gas outlet and the pixel mask, and includes a plurality of second openings. Each second opening is disposed corresponding to at least one of the first openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicants: WINTEK CORPORATION, Wintek (China) Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Chun Wang, Hen-Ta Kang, Kuo-Chang Su, Siang-Lin Huang
  • Publication number: 20140020629
    Abstract: Shutter disk assemblies for use in process chambers to protect a substrate support disposed below the shutter disk assembly from undesired material deposition are provided herein. In some embodiments, a shutter disk assembly for use in a process chamber to protect a substrate support disposed below the shutter disk assembly may include an upper disk member having a top surface and a bottom surface; and a lower carrier member having at least a portion of the lower carrier member disposed below a portion of the upper disk member to support the upper disk member and to create a protective overlap region that prevents exposure of the substrate support upon deformation of the upper disk member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: CHENG-HSIUNG MATTHEW TSAI, ANANTHKRISHNA JUPUDI, ROBERT DINSMORE, SONG-MOON SUH
  • Publication number: 20140020630
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for breeding flying insects, more particularly flies, and still more particularly black soldier flies. An apparatus for the production and collection of flying insect eggs comprising: a vessel for containing a substrate upon which larvae and/or pupae develop into flying insects, a cage for retaining the insects, a tubular passage or duct connecting the vessel to the cage through which the flies travel from the vessel to the cage, a moist substrate within the cage upon which the insects will lay eggs, and a light source within or proximate the cage for providing light of a wavelength that enhances the tendency of the insects in the cage to mate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: ENVIROFLIGHT, LLC
    Inventor: Glen Neil Courtright
  • Publication number: 20140020631
    Abstract: A system and method for cognitive enrichment of an animal. At least one display device is configured to display stimuli to an animal. At least one input device is configured to accept input from the animal. At least one reward dispenser is configured to dispense a reward to the animal. At least one processor is communicatively coupled with the at least one display device, the at least one input device, and the at least one reward dispenser. Execution of computer-readable instructions causes the at least one processor to carry out steps including displaying one or more stimuli to the animal using the at least one display device, accepting an input from the animal corresponding to at least one of the one or more stimuli, making a dispensing decision based on the input, and dispensing a reward using the at least one reward dispenser based on the dispensing decision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Cancog Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: JOSEPH A. ARAUJO
  • Publication number: 20140020632
    Abstract: A system and method of feeding rolled bales of hay to livestock while simultaneously storing the hay off of the ground. The hay is presented in such a way that the livestock can graze on the hay bales at will, much as they would graze in a grass field. The system of storing and offering the hay bales is modular, and may be added to or subtracted from depending upon the size of the herd of livestock. Additionally, the invention is designed to be placed along an existing fence-line for simple access to the feeding system. This allows the system to act as a simple pass-through for hay bales for feeding purposes, as opposed to requiring that bales be physically picked up and placed on a feeder for each individual feeding. A trough for water or other types of feed may also be built directly into the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Koch
  • Publication number: 20140020633
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a teat cleaning and disinfectant before a milking operation is started that comprises one or more controllers that are configured to monitor various operating parameters of the system. In an embodiment, the current supplied to a motor that drives scrubbing elements in an applicator in order to identify or determine when a teat of a cow is inserted and then removed from the applicator during a wash mode and dry mode. The controller is programmed to count each teat that is properly prepped for milking in order to determine the number of cows that have been properly prepped for milking. If certain thresholds, such as predetermined number of teats on a cow, have not been met a cow is not counted as having been properly prepped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Alpha Technology U.S.A. Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin Dole
  • Publication number: 20140020634
    Abstract: Disclosed are harness assemblies for use in tethering a pet, such as a dog, to a leash. The harness assemblies distribute the forces associated with restraining the animal over the animal's entire body. The harness assemblies also provide a wide range of adjustability and are easy to position upon or take off the animal. Various buckle constructions are also disclosed for use in easily securing the harness onto an animal. The various components of the present invention, and the manner in which they interrelate, are described in greater detail hereinafter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Waldemar F. Kissel, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140020635
    Abstract: Systems and methods of tracking an object within the field of view of an image sensing device. The system can include an animal control system having an image sensing system to determine a location of a pet within a field of view of the image sensing device, a controller to define a pet containment border within the field of view and to compare the location of the pet relative to the defined border, and a transmitter to transmit a stimulation signal to the pet to encourage or discourage the pet from crossing the border based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Sayers, Duane Gerig, Travis Vickery
  • Publication number: 20140020636
    Abstract: An animal safety accessory is provided for warning those around an animal of its behavior patterns. The device is a color coded neck collar style accessory with a bib portion extending therefrom. A message indicia is displayed on the front surface of the bib portion. Illumination means such as LED lights are also disposed along the collar and bib portion. The message indicia, lights, and color coding indicate to passersby whether the wearer animal is friendly, shy, aggressive or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Karen Desaulniers
  • Publication number: 20140020637
    Abstract: A retrofit heat transfer unit, including: a housing for the retrofit unit, including inlet and outlet ports for water and refrigerant; a water pump, in fluid communication with the water inlet port, the water pump adapted to pump water from a water source; a heat exchanger, in fluid communication with the water pump, the water outlet port, the refrigerant inlet port and the refrigerant outlet port; and a thermostat, configured to measure a temperature of the pumped water and activate the water pump when the water is below a predefined low temperature and cease to pump when water is above a predefined high temperature. The retrofit unit is also adapted to receive heated refrigerant fluid from an air conditioner and direct the refrigerant through the heat exchanger and direct the pumped water into the heat exchanger so that the refrigerant heats the water and the water cools the refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Ofir Yamin
  • Publication number: 20140020638
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic circuit for controlling booms of construction equipment, wherein working oil which is relieved from a large chamber of a boom cylinder passes through an orifice so as to prevent the boom from lowering if an overload is applied when the boom is not being operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventor: Seong-Cheol Park
  • Publication number: 20140020639
    Abstract: A liquid-cooled internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder with a cylinder head in which there are disposed a lower partial cooling chamber adjacent to a fire deck and an upper partial cooling chamber which is flow-connected thereto by way of at least one main overflow aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: AVL List GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Pöschl, Manfred Breitenberger
  • Publication number: 20140020640
    Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine including a piston body (20). The piston body (20) defines a first cooling chamber (46) that is sealed closed and contains a first cooling medium (48) other than air. During operation of the piston, the first cooling medium (48) extracts heat from the surrounding regions of the piston body (20) to cool the piston body (20). The piston body (20) also defines a second cooling chamber (50) adjacent to the first cooling chamber (46). A cooling oil (51) is projected into the second cooling chamber (50) and against the portion of the piston body (20) separating the first and second cooling chambers (46, 50) to extract heat from the first cooling medium (48). The cooling oil (51) is redirected within the second cooling chamber (50) to extract additional heat from the first cooling medium (48) or directly from the piston body (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Federal-Mogul Corporation
    Inventor: Miguel Azevedo
  • Publication number: 20140020641
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a deactivatable cylinder group, a constantly operating cylinder group, a first water passage, a second water passage, an upstream integrated water passage, a downstream integrated water passage, a connecting passage, a third water passage, and a device. The downstream integrated water passage includes a junction and an upstream end. The upstream end is closer to the second water passage than to the first water passage in the downstream integrated water passage. The third water passage connects the connecting passage and a portion provided between the junction and the upstream end in the downstream integrated water passage. The device is provided adjacent to at least a part of the third water passage to exchange heat with water flowing in the third water passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinji SHIMOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20140020642
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine valve drive arrangement having cam elements which are supported on a camshaft so as to be axially displaceable and having switch gates which are coupled to the cam elements and have gate tracks with track segments and switching segments for displaceing the cam elements, the track segments and the switching segments are formed, at least in part, in partial areas of the switch gates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Thomas STOLK, Alexander VON GAISBERG-HELFENBERG, Stephan ZENTNER
  • Publication number: 20140020643
    Abstract: An arrangement of a camshaft phaser (1) which has a drive element (2) and at least two driven elements (3, 4), whereby the drive element (2) and the driven elements (3, 4) have several radially oriented vanes (6) that cover the lateral surfaces (9) of the adjacent element in the axial direction (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Andreas Strauss
  • Publication number: 20140020644
    Abstract: Systems and methods for actuating engine valves for positive power and engine braking operation are disclosed. The systems may include a self-lashing hydraulic piston slidably disposed in a fixed or rocker arm housing. The hydraulic piston may have an internal cavity in which a motion absorbing piston is disposed. A hydraulic fluid source may communicate with the hydraulic piston bore. A check valve which may be incorporated in a control valve may controls hydraulic fluid supply from the hydraulic fluid source to the hydraulic piston to provide self-lashing operation of the valve actuation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Gabriel Scott ROBERTS, Justin Damien BALTRUCKI, Kevin AUDIBERT
  • Publication number: 20140020645
    Abstract: A lubricant additive, an crankcase lubricant composition and a method for reducing intake valve deposits in a spark ignition direct injection (SIDI) engine. The lubricant additive includes an aromatic compound having a boiling point under standard atmospheric conditions of from about 190° to about 270° C. The aromatic compound is effective to reduce intake valve deposits in a SIDI engine when used in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 5.0 percent by weight based on a total weight of a lubricant composition containing the additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: AFTON CHEMICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory H. GUINTHER, John T. LOPER
  • Publication number: 20140020646
    Abstract: A gasket for attaching a spark plug to an internal combustion engine, the gasket having an annular portion. The annular portion is annular to surround the spark plug, and has contact surfaces on both axial ends, one of the contact surfaces being to contact the spark plug, the other being to contact the internal combustion engine. The annular portion is composed of copper alloy containing aluminum oxide. The aluminum oxide content of the copper alloy is 0.3 wt % or more, and 0.7 wt % or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Yasushi KAWASHIMA