Abstract: The invention relates to a punching device for processing samples, in particular dried samples, applied to a sample card, preferably liquids containing DNA, such as blood, saliva and the like, comprising at least one punching means (110) with a punch and a lower die, wherein the punch is movable between a resting position at a distance from the lower die and a punching position closer to the lower die, and wherein the punching means (110) has a receiving opening, into which a sample card can be introduced by means of a movable gripping unit (300) of the punching device (10) and can be positioned in relation to the punching means (110), and a punching drive (14), which can be coupled or is coupled to the punch of the punching means (110) and which drives the punch between the resting position and the punching position.

Abstract: At the time of transfer of a strip-shaped rubber member (15) onto a belt conveyor (12) by a transfer unit, support members (61), each of which is provided on one width-direction side of a corresponding belt (51) and is projectable from a conveying surface of the belt (51), are lifted by a lifting/lowering unit (71) to project from the conveying surface of the belts (51), so that the strip-shaped rubber member (15) is raised from the conveying surface of the belts (51). Therefore, the strip-shaped rubber member (15) is not in sliding contact with the conveying surface of the belts (51) at the time of transfer. As a result, a situation whereby the belts (51) are dragged by the strip-shaped rubber member (15) so that one width-direction edge portion thereof is turned up can be prevented.

Abstract: A food slicer for slicing food, comprising: a housing, a cutting board with generally curved cutting surface mounted inside the housing, a cutting blade oriented generally transverse to the cutting direction having a peripheral cutting edge and defining a blade plane, an electric drive motor for drivingly rotating the cutting blade of the food slicer, a first slider slidable along a first guide rail which is oriented generally parallel to the cutting direction, a first spring connected between the first slider and the housing for propelling the first slider toward the cutting board, so the first slider pushes the food articles toward the cutting board for preventing the food articles on the cutting board from moving. The food slicer further includes a board pivotally mounted in the housing with surface oriented generically parallel to the blade plane for supporting the unsliced food articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for cutting material, mainly foods, vegetables or fruits. The device comprises housing with a cutting chamber having open top, inside the cutting chamber there is a movable first cutter and at the bottom of the chamber a stationary second cutter. Device comprises a lever attached pivotally to the housing, wherein the lever is attached in an articulated manner to a first cutter such that when lever is pivoted, the first cutter is moved along the bottom of the chamber from one end of the chamber towards the first material ejector. The further movement of the lever moves the first cutter into the first material ejector for ejecting material from between the cutting edges of the first cutter and moves the second ejector also attached to the lever into the cutting chamber for ejecting material through the cutting edges of the second cutter.

Abstract: A discharge mechanism includes a discharge route, a cutting unit, and a substitute route member. Through the discharge route, a waste tape, which is a carrier tape generated after an electronic component is taken out therefrom, passes. The cutting unit has a cutting portion which cuts the waste tape which passes through the discharge route, forms a part of the discharge route, and is capable of being attached to and detached from the discharge route. The substitute route member is configured to substitute a gap of the discharge route which is generated when the cutting unit is detached from the discharge route.

Abstract: A saw base assembly for use with a saw support apparatus. The saw base assembly allows for any power tool, cutting device, drill, and associated bits of various sizes to be utilized to make straight and bevel saw cuts having a common cut line. The saw base assembly includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail, a fixed plate coupled to the first and second guide rails, a moveable plate coupled to the first and second guide rails, a means for securing the fixed plate and the moveable plate to the guide rails, and a means for securing the saw base assembly to the saw support apparatus.

Abstract: The inventive folding guitar comprises a guitar body and a guitar neck which includes a fretboard. A hinge connects the guitar neck to the guitar body. The hinge is configured to enable the guitar neck to pivot relative to the guitar body. A securing means for selectively securing the guitar neck to the guitar body that prevents the guitar neck from pivoting relative to the guitar body. A guitar neck angle adjusting means for adjusting an angle of the guitar neck relative to the guitar body is provided so that a height of a guitar string relative to the fretboard can be adjusted.

Abstract: A keyboard instrument having keys modified as compared to a standard piano keyboard, in which the central longitudinal axis of the D? key extends between the adjoining distal lateral sides of the D and E keys, and in which the C? and D? keys, F? and G? keys, and G? and A? keys are respectively 17 millimeters apart.

Abstract: A piano keyboard computer includes a piano-type keyboard adjacent to a display screen. The system allows music tutorials, visualizations and other applications. A docking system allows additional devices to be placed on, adjacent to, or near the piano keyboard computer. The additional device then communicates with the piano keyboard computer to add functionality such as additional speakers, controllers, etc. The piano keyboard computer can act as a controller for other devices.

Abstract: A music information display control apparatus includes one or more processors configured to display, on a display device, a musical note sequence image in which a musical note iconic image of each musical note is disposed in a musical score area where a time axis is set. The display controller disposes an operation iconic image which accepts an instruction from a user in a vicinity of the musical note iconic image, and changes a display length or a display position of the musical note iconic image in a direction of the time axis according to an instruction to move the operation iconic image.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a protective amour element (2), to body armour comprising one or more of such elements, and to a preventive method of reducing behind amour blunt trauma of an individual. The protective armour element (2) of the invention comprises a fabric and/or a fibre based composite, wherein said amour element, prior to impact of a projectile, has a concave strike face.

Abstract: A hydraulic device includes a housing and a closure element arranged thereon. The closure element is connected to the housing by torsional welding.

Abstract: Provided is a piston ring capable of maintaining an excellent effect of preventing aluminum cohesion in a high output engine over a long period of time. At least one of the upper, lower, and side faces of the piston ring is coated with a silica-based coating in which hard nanoparticles are dispersed. The coating has a Martens hardness of 1,000 to 8,000 N/mm2. As the hard nanoparticles, carbon nanoparticles, nanodiamond particles, carbon nanotubes, or carbon nanofibers are used. To the coating, resin particles of a fluorine-based resin or a polyether-based resin may be added.

Abstract: A gasification system includes a water source, a downstream system configured to receive a first stream having water from the water source, and a carbon a carbon dioxide injector configured to adjust a pH of the water using a second stream having carbon dioxide to form pH-adjusted water.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a series of cardo-polybenzoxazole copolymer membranes, methods for preparing the cardo-polybenzoxazole copolymer membrane from thermal rearrangement of cardo-copolyimide membranes, and methods of methods for the separation of a fluid from a mixture of fluids by utilizing the cardo-polybenzoxazole copolymer membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid storage tank having an interior volume and a floor and having an internal spill containment chamber comprising a vent gas scrubbing apparatus or scrubber. The chamber may be defined by a containment wall which completely separates the chamber from the tank interior volume. The containment wall may comprise an exterior portion which extends beyond the tank wall. The scrubber is disposed within the chamber and comprises a gas inlet passing through the containment wall into the tank interior volume, a gas outlet for venting scrubbed gases, and a gas scrubbing chemical storage and circulation system.

Abstract: A temperature swing adsorption process to purify a gas comprising at least one adsorption step and at least one regeneration step wherein the regeneration step takes place at a higher pressure than the adsorption step. The pressure is increased by a repressurization step between the regeneration step and the adsorption step, and then a purge step takes place after said repressurization step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous process for removal of acid gas, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) from a fluid stream, such as natural gas comprising mainly hydrocarbons, by means of a absorbent medium in a rotating absorption zone. Subsequently, the acid gas is desorbed in a rotating desorption zone from the absorbent medium to allow the absorbent medium to be recirculated and the acid gas is removed for storage or drying and processing. This process can be carried out continuously, as the absorption medium is re-used.

Abstract: A filter element includes a media pack of Z-media having first and second opposite flow faces and a side wall extending between the first and second flow face. A gasket is secured to the side wall. The gasket has a sealing portion and an attachment portion. The sealing portion has a flat surface at least one inch long and is located between being planar with and 0.5 inches recessed from the first flow face, inclusive. The filter element can be used in a dust collector.

Abstract: A ventilation unit (1) includes: a ventilation member (2) configured to be attached to an opening (11) of a housing (10), the ventilation member (2) including a water-proof gas-permeable membrane (4) for covering the opening (11); a sealing member (6) configured to seal a gap between the housing (10) and the ventilation member (2); and a washer (7) configured to be pressed against the housing (10) by the ventilation member (2) around the sealing member (6). The washer (7) blocks a clearance formed outside the sealing member (6) and between a peripheral portion of the ventilation member (2) and the housing (10) when the ventilation member (2) is attached to the opening (11) of the housing (10).

Abstract: A gas separation membrane module, comprising: a hollow fiber element having a hollow fiber bundle consisting of a number of hollow fiber membranes and a tube sheet provided at an end of the hollow fiber bundle for binding the hollow fiber membranes; a vessel having an opening through which the hollow fiber element is inserted or removed; a lid member having a gas outlet formed therein and attached to cover the opening of the vessel; and a perforated plate having a plurality of through holes for forming gas channels formed therein, the perforated plate being mounted between the tube sheet and the lid member, the gas separation membrane module performing gas separation by supplying mixed gas to the hollow fiber membranes.

Abstract: Dispensing devices are disclosed that include a base, a reservoir that has a volatile active, and a housing. The housing includes a horizontal component and a vertical wall extending upwardly from the horizontal component. The horizontal component and the vertical wall define an interior volume of the housing. An activator is operatively connected to the reservoir. When the activator is activated, the volatile active is released from the reservoir into the interior volume of the housing to create a first quantity of volatile active having a first emanation rate and a second quantity of volatile active having a second emanation rate.

Abstract: An automatic spring-roll shaping apparatus converts a spring-roll semiproduct into a spring-roll product, and includes a conveying belt disposed on a machine bed, and a rolling device. The rolling device includes a circular rotating tube rotatable between a shaping position, where the spring-roll semiproduct is rotated in a direction, and a release position, where the spring-roll semiproduct is released from the circular rotating tube so as to be moved by the conveying belt to pass past the circular rotating tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides an appliance for preparing frothed or mixed beverage. In one embodiment, the appliance comprises a removable transparent or translucent liquid food container, and a stirrer and stirrer holder that are positioned inside the liquid food container. The stirrer includes magnetic elements so that it can be driven magnetically by a motor without any physical linkage.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for salvaging red blood cells from patients during a surgical procedure. In one general aspect, a system is described for extracting blood from blood-soaked absorbent surgical materials such as surgical sponges, gauze, tape, and the like. The collected blood and fluids from these materials can be transferred to a cell salvage machine for harvesting viable red blood cells for autotransfusion.

Abstract: An image application system includes an articulator assembly and an applicator device. The articulator assembly holds a target object on which one or more images are to be applied from a web containing the one or more images. The target object includes an exterior surface having planar surface(s) and non-planar surface(s). The applicator device is configured to contact the web to engage the web with the exterior surface of the target object at an application interface between the web and the exterior surface. The one or more images are applied to the exterior surface from the web at the application interface. The articulator assembly is configured to move the target object in one or more linear directions and one or more rotary directions relative to the applicator device to apply the images to at least one of the one or more planar surfaces or the one or more non-planar surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-aligning stencil device for producing a multi-color composite image on a target surface. The self-aligning stencil device includes a central panel and a plurality of stencil panels foldably connected to the central panel. The central panel includes a solid region and a cut-out region. The solid region of the central panel includes a front surface and a back surface, and is defined by an outer border of the central panel and an inner border of the central panel. The cut-out region is vacant space that is defined by the inner border of the central panel. Each stencil panel has its own distinct stencil pattern and is foldably connected to a different corresponding portion of the outer border of the central panel, thereby forming a connection fold between each stencil panel and its corresponding portion of the outer border of the central panel.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a squeegee blade holder is provided. The holder includes a first side member, a second side member, and a pivot portion between the first and second side members. The holder also includes a separator between the first and second side members for maintaining compression of the side members against the squeegee blade. In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of holding a squeegee blade in a holder is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a first holder side, and providing a second holder side. The method further includes compressing the first and second holder sides against the squeegee blade, and maintaining compression of the first and second holder sides against the squeegee blade.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus includes a screen moving mechanism and a controller. The screen moving mechanism is configured to move a screen including a patterned hole, the patterned hole being used for printing a paste-like material on a printing substrate. The controller is configured to control the screen moving mechanism to move the screen to a position corresponding to a size of the printing substrate in accordance with a change in size of the printing substrate.

Abstract: In a screen printing apparatus including: an impression cylinder that receives a sheet from a transfer cylinder located upstream in the sheet transport direction through a sheet gripping device and transports the sheet held in the sheet gripping device; and a rotary screen cylinder that is in contact with the impression cylinder and performs screen printing for the sheet held by the impression cylinder, the transfer cylinder is located above the impression cylinder, and the rotary screen cylinder is located to the side of the impression cylinder so that ink, varnish, or the like accumulates in a squeegee portion including a squeegee shaft, a squeegee, and the like in the rotary screen cylinder.

Abstract: A system and method of preparing a flexoplate so it is suitable for the printing of high resolution patterns. The method includes controlling the curing conditions of the flexoplate, thereby controlling the properties of said flexoplate such as floor thickness, pattern cross-sectional geometry, repeatability of printed features during the printing process, and durability of the flexoplate during the printing process.

Abstract: Electrochemically grained and anodized aluminum supports are treated with a post-treatment coating solution containing a polymer derived at least in part from vinyl phosphonic acid and phosphoric acid. This post-treated support is useful as substrates in the preparation of lithographic printing plate precursors. The post-treatment substrate treatment enables wide latitude in manufacturing and compatibility with silicate-free developers to achieve negligible background staining and oxide attack.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a train platform safety device. The train platform safety device is installed at a position corresponding to a safety line on a subway or railway platform and is configured such that wire ropes are moved upwards or downwards depending on conditions in which a train approaches or departs from the platform, thus preventing a passenger from intentionally or unintentionally falling onto the train track. Particularly, the distances that the wire ropes move upwards or downwards are determined by rotating a rotating unit including rotating members having different diameters, whereby the wire ropes overlap each other or spread from each other. In this way, the wire ropes allow or block access of passengers depending on conditions in which a train approaches or departs from the platform, thus fundamentally preventing a safety accident.

Abstract: An overhead transport vehicle comprises a travelling unit that travels on a rail, a conveying unit that moves and conveys an article and a swing inhibiting member that moves between a pushing position and a retracting position. The swing inhibiting members includes a pushing member that pushes a side surface of the article, lever members that support the pushing member at a first end side and are pivotally supported by the conveying unit at a second end side, and a biasing member that biases the pushing member toward the article. The pushing member includes a main body member pivotally supported by the lever members, slide members slidably supported by a main body member, and elastic bodies arranged between the main body member and the slide member that slide elastically the slide member.

Abstract: Methods are described that have the capability of producing submicron/nanoscale particles, in some embodiments dispersible, at high production rates. In some embodiments, the methods result in the production of particles with an average diameter less than about 75 nanometers that are produced at a rate of at least about 35 grams per hour. In other embodiments, the particles are highly uniform. These methods can be used to form particle collections and/or powder coatings. Powder coatings and corresponding methods are described based on the deposition of highly uniform submicron/nanoscale particles.

Abstract: A composite panel is made from wood and cementitious binders, with flat surfaces and several possible colours. The panel comprises 35 to 85% of grey or white Portland cement; 10 to 30% of debarked resinous wood particles; 5 to 20% of semi-hydrated calcium sulphate; 0 to 10% of a surface accelerator; 0 to 10% of aluminium sulphate solution; 0 to 30% of calcium carbonate; and 0 to 15% of pigments. The process of preparation for the existing VIROC panel is adjusted to the new material. This panel, in addition to being very resistant and showing high performances in terms of resistance to impact, humidity, temperature variation, noise and fungi, as well as other microorganisms, also complies with all the requirements of the associated product standard.

Abstract: Disclosed are wax emulsion compositions for curing or sealing concrete and cement formulations, methods for preparing and processes for using the same. The modifiers are applicable to curing or sealing membranes, used in roadways, highways, parking lots and other freshly placed or poured concrete surfaces to retain moisture and achieve high compressive strengths. This invention also relates to materials used to coat, spray, brush, roll, etc. on conventional Portland cement concrete mix designs or other applied concrete mixes in formed structural shapes and transport road mix designs, providing an effective layer that controls and minimizes moisture loss from the mix to enable proper curing and achievement of desired compressive strengths.

Abstract: Process for production of acid and high temperature resistant cement composites, where the matrix is alkali activated F fly ash alone, F Fly ash combined with ground slag or ground slag alone. F-fly ash produces lower quality alkali activated cement systems. On the other hand the lack of calcium oxide results in very high resistance to medium and highly concentrated inorganic or organic acids. The high strength and low permeability of pure F-fly ash cement systems is achieved by using in the composition un-densified silica fume, the amorphous silicone dioxide obtained as by products in production of ferro-silicones. Precipitated nano-particle silica made from soluble silicates and nano-particle silica fume produced by burning silicon tetra chloride in the hydrogen stream.

Abstract: A height adjustable platform and method include a ratchet platform having a platform upper assembly with a platform and a ratchet. The ratchet includes a platform riser tube and a ratchet rail secured to the platform riser tube. The ratchet platform also includes a platform lower assembly having a support column and a platform base. The support column is secured to the platform base. An end of the ratchet is proximate the platform and an opposing end of the ratchet is disposed within an interior of the support column. The platform upper assembly actuator includes a pedal sub assembly and an upper linkage. The upper linkage is attached to the pedal sub assembly. Actuation of the pedal sub assembly actuates the upper linkage. Actuation of the upper linkage actuates the ratchet to adjust the height of the ratchet platform. The ratchet platform also includes an energy attenuation system.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes a towing frame to which a planting row unit is attached. The planting row unit is movable in a forward direction on a field having soil of varying hardness conditions, including a soft soil and a hard soil. The planting row unit includes a planting bin positioned rearwardly of the towing frame for carrying at least one of a fertilizer and seeds to be deposited into the soil. The planting row unit further includes a linkage assembly for coupling the planting bin to the towing frame, and an opener device forward of the towing frame. The opener device prepares the soil and includes an opener blade and a soil-hardness sensor. The opener blade maintains the same soil-penetration depth Z in the soft soil and the hard soil based on soil-hardness changes detected by the soil-hardness sensor.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for providing seed-specific placement of fluid as seeds are planted by a planter is disclosed. The system may generally include a seed meter configured to dispense seeds into a furrow at a seed frequency and a nozzle assembly configured to spray the seeds dispensed into the furrow. The nozzle assembly may include a valve. In addition, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the valve. The controller may be configured to determine the seed frequency of the seed meter based on a speed-related parameter of the planter. The controller may also be configured to control the operation of the valve based on the seed frequency such that a metered amount of fluid is sprayed at least one of on or adjacent to each seed.

Abstract: A stitching machine may include a needle apparatus, a sewing thread spool receiving device, and a bobbin thread spool receiving device. The stitching machine may further include a bobbin thread tensioner configured to receive bobbin thread from the bobbin thread spool receiving device. The bobbin thread tensioner may be further configured to supply the bobbin thread to the needle apparatus. The bobbin thread spool receiving device is configured to receive a bobbin spool holding approximately 700 meters or more of bobbin thread. The bobbin thread spool receiving device may be located above a stitching location of the stitching machine. The stitching machine may provide improved access to a bobbin spool, enhanced manufacturing efficiency, and enhanced manufacturing flexibility.

Abstract: A system and method that controls the evacuation of fluid from a sea vessel and configured to prevent turning off the bilge pump during periods of water sloshing. The invention provides a control unit that is adaptable to any size vessel or bilge pump based on a learned experience gained by sensory information.

Abstract: A rub rail system for a vessel including a rigid track extrusion attached to a vessel, a resilient flexible fender extrusion, and a shock absorbing inner core. The inner core is disposed in the fender extrusion and the core is substantially softer than the fender extrusion. The fender extrusion is configured to matingly engage the track extrusion. The fender extrusion has an upper barb engaging an upper receiving cavity of the track extrusion and a lower barb engaging a lower receiving cavity of the track extrusion. The track extrusion has an upper tang engaging an upper recess of the fender extrusion and a lower tang engaging a lower recess of the fender extrusion. The track extrusion also includes an upper lip configured to engage a top portion of the perimeter of the vessel and a lower lip configured to engage a lower portion of the perimeter of the vessel.

Abstract: Applicant's Side Force Enhancer for use with a slender planar object which hydrodynamically planes proximate to the interface of a liquid and gas environment. The side force enhancement device comprises a plate having an inner surface and outer surface terminating at an upstream leading edge and downstream trailing edge, said plate mounted to the upper surface of said planar object at a predetermined location along the length of said planar object's side edge. The side force enhancing plate's upper most surface is positioned a predetermined distance below the upper surface of said planar object, said plate's lower most surface positioned a predetermined distance below said planar object's lower surface. The inner surface of said plate is proximate to said planar object's side edge, defining an angular relationship therewith. Said plate has a preferred length to height ratio and said angular relationship defines a preferred range of angle.

Abstract: A wakeboard tower having a tower leg pivotally mounted to a folding support system, the folding support system including includes an upper support arm, a spring, a lower support arm, and a base member. The tower can be folded between a plurality of positions between an elevated position relative to the boat hull and a lowered position relative to the boat hull.

Abstract: A fiberglass pontoon boat, having raised and integrated fiberglass side rails, a flat floor, and a side entry level with the flat floor. Integrated seats are molded in fiberglass. The hull and deck join together by flexing the hull to compensate for opposing draft angles of the hull and deck at the side entry. The deck has a floor and at least one other interior component, and terminates in a deck trim flange. The hull has at least two hollow pontoons and at least two side rails that extend from an outer edge of the pontoons, and the hull terminates in a hull trim flange. When assembled, the hull trim flange operatively engages beneath the deck trim flange to form a unified pontoon boat having a space between the deck and hull and wherein the side rails are integrated as structural parts of the interior component.

Abstract: An alarm mat includes a sheet, and sound producer from which sound is produced by air inflow and outflow. The sheet is provided with a plurality of projections made of an elastic material, projecting toward an upper-surface side of the sheet with top portions thereof continuously extending, and each having a sealed cavity inside. The plurality of projections are juxtaposed to each other. The sound producer is loaded in the sheet in a manner that air flows in and out of the projections through the sound producer alone.

Abstract: A freeze indicator including an indicator dispersion is described herein. Such an indicator dispersion can include: a liquid medium and particles of a colored indicator agent dispersed in the liquid medium. The colored indicator agent particles having an inherent color; wherein the indicator dispersion exhibits the inherent color of the colored indicator agent particles after freezing and is configured to have a less colored appearance before freezing and wherein light scattering masks the inherent color of the colored indicator agent particles before freezing. Some indicator dispersions can be free of color-changing chemical co-reactants. These freeze indicators can be small, have a low cost, and have a simple configuration.

Abstract: According to the invention, a device and a method for producing materials having a monocrystalline or multicrystalline structure are provided, in which a container is arranged between two pressure regions and the setting of the height of the melt in the container takes place via the setting of the differential pressure between the pressure regions. As a result, even particulate material can be fed continuously to the container and melted uniformly. Delivery material with high purity can also be pulled out of the container.