Abstract: According to one embodiment, an accumulating and strapping apparatus includes a first accumulation device configured to accumulate paper sheets, a second accumulation device, a strapping device configured to strap a bundle of the accumulated paper sheets by a tape, a base carrier provided movably up and down among a first position, a second position, and a third position, and a sheet carrier movable on the base carrier. The sheet carrier is configured to receive the accumulated paper sheets from the first accumulation device at the first position of the base carrier, move from a standby position to an advanced position at the third position of the base carrier to transfer the accumulated paper sheets to the strapping device, and move from the standby position to the advanced position at the second position of the base carrier to receive the accumulated paper sheets from the second accumulation device.

Abstract: A banding device includes a frame. A feeding assembly is mounted on the frame for feeding elastic tubing into the frame. A transfer assembly disposed within the frame includes transfer arm and fingers. The fingers receive the rubber tubing as fed. A cutting assembly is disposed between the transfer assembly and the feeding assembly for cutting the tubing into bands. The fingers of the transfer assembly move between a first closed position for receiving the band and a second open position for opening the band. The transfer arm is moveable between a first position for receiving the band and a second position for transferring the band. A banding assembly disposed at the second position receives the band from the transfer assembly. The banding assembly stretches the band and receives an item to be bundled within the band. The banding assembly releases the band about the bundle.

Abstract: System information and parameters relating to a baler and equipment connected thereto are used to calibrate the speed of a tailgate of the baler. Calibration involves setting the time it takes to raise and lower the tailgate. The calibration timing is used to control the speed of the tailgate for faster and safer bale ejections to ensure the ejection configuration values are tuned to the dynamics of the baler tailgate and hydraulic power of the tractor.

Abstract: A solid/fluid separation module and pretreatment apparatus and method enables pretreatment of biomass at high temperature and pressure with the ability to vary residence and processing times.

Abstract: A combination stencil printer and dispenser includes a frame, a stencil coupled to the frame, a substrate support coupled to the frame to support a substrate in a print position, and a print head coupled to the frame to deposit and print viscous material over the stencil. The combination stencil printer and dispenser further includes a dispenser mounted on an independent gantry to dispense viscous material on the substrate when the substrate is in the print position. In other embodiments, the dispenser can be mounted on a stencil wiper assembly or a movable stencil provided within the combination stencil printer and dispenser.

Abstract: A base material 10 for screen printing includes a screen 12, a resist layer 30 of resist material and a protective film 22.

Abstract: The printing machine for variable format offset includes a printing roller or drum, and at least one printing group including a guide system fixed in relation with the printing roller or drum, a first carriage displaceable along the guide system and configured for supporting a rubber-wrapped blanket roller or sleeve of variable size, a second carriage displaceable along the guide system and configured for supporting a plate roller or sleeve of variable size, and a third carriage displaceable along the guide system carrying an offset inking head. The head has devices for approximating the third carriage to the plate roller, identifying and fixing its working position in relation with the plate sleeve and fitting ink-supplying roller or rollers to the plate roller.

Abstract: A stencil printer includes a stencil having a top surface and a bottom surface, a material applicator to apply material on the top surface of the stencil, and a stencil wiper assembly to clean the bottom surface of the stencil in a y-axis direction. The stencil wiper assembly has a wiper blade assembly configured to engage the bottom surface of the stencil and wipe the bottom surface of the stencil when moving the stencil wiper blade assembly along a stencil wiper gantry. The stencil wiper assembly further includes a spot cleaner assembly movably secured to the stencil wiper assembly. The spot cleaner assembly is configured to move in an x-axis direction and to spot clean the bottom of the stencil. A method for spot cleaning a stencil is further disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for compensating for inking differences between setpoint color values and actual color values in offset printing presses having at least one inking unit and a control computer. The control computer controls the printing speed of the offset printing press and the temperature control of rollers in the inking unit of the offset printing press. The control computer is set up in such a way that, if an inking difference is detected between the setpoint color values and the actual color values, a combined control operation including a change in the printing speed and the temperature in the inking unit is performed in order to compensate for the inking difference. A printing press having the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A detonator includes a high voltage switch, an initiator and an initiating pellet. The detonator also includes a low voltage to high voltage firing set coupled to the switch and initiator such that the detonator includes a high voltage power source and initiator in an integrated package. The detonator may also include inductive powering and communications, a microprocessor, tracking and/or locating technologies, such as RFID, GPS, etc., and either a single or combination explosive output pellet. The combination explosive pellet has a first explosive having a first shock energy and a high brisance secondary explosive in the output pellet having a second shock energy greater than the shock energy of the first explosive. Systems are also provided for facilitating fast and easy deployment of one or more detonators in the field.

Abstract: A munition is described including a reactive fragment having an energetic material dispersed in a metallic binder material. A method is also described including forming a energetic material; combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture; and shaping the mixture to form a reactive fragment. The munition may be in the form of a warhead, and the reactive fragment may be contained within a casing of the warhead.

Abstract: A bullet or slug for hunting a game animal is fitted with a capsule that contains an effective quantity of a blood trail enhancer. The latter is composed of fish oil and apple cider vinegar together with effective amounts of natural anti-coagulant agents, such as ginger, onion, and garlic. The fish oil and apple cider vinegar also serve as anti-coagulants. These agents including also are effective in promoting healing of a non-fatal wound in a game animal.

Abstract: A tubular filter is provided having an outer edge compressed to an outer dimension within a predetermined range. A gas generating system and a vehicle occupant protection system incorporating the filter are also provided.

Abstract: A portable ski rope tow system, which is capable of ascending various pitched slopes. The system only needs to be anchored into snow for operation. The system consists of a main drive mechanism, a continuous loop tow rope, rope support posts that include adjustable rope guide sheave wheels, an end post that includes a rope return pulley utilizing a cable puller/come-a-long for tow rope tensioning. The system is equipped with a pull cord safety device, which runs the length of the system. A towrope clamp attached to a climbing harness is needed by the skier/snowboarder to eliminate hand fatigue and mainly to be able to pass through rope guide sheave wheels. Most of the structural components of the system are lightweight, made of aluminum to provide easier mobility, set up and take down.

Abstract: A turn wheel for supporting a tensioned stationary cable through a curved path in a horizontal plane, and for allowing a load advancing along the cable to engage the turn wheel for driving the wheel in rotation relative to the cable, while at the same time the turn wheel continues to support both the cable and the load.

Abstract: A motorization kit for a storage system with mobile cabinets comprises a box-like body for fixing the motorization kit to a mobile cabinet, which houses: an electric motor, a driven pinion designed to be keyed to the drive shank of the mobile cabinet, mechanical drive for kinematically rotatably connecting the shaft of the electric motor and the driven pinion, electronic adjustment and control for managing the operation of the motor, an actuation mechanism for providing an enable signal to the electronic adjustment and control, for rotary actuation of the motor and a safety mechanism for stopping the motor in response to a signal emitted as an obstacle is found along the path of the mobile cabinet.

Abstract: A rail road freight car truck has a truck bolster and a pair of side frames, the truck bolster being mounted transversely relative to the side frames. The mounting interface between the ends of the axles and the sideframe pedestals allows lateral rocking motion of the sideframes in the manner of a swing motion truck. The lateral swinging motion is combined with a longitudinal self steering capability. The self steering capability may be obtained by use of a longitudinally oriented rocker that may tend to permit resistance to deflection that is proportional to the weight carried across the interface. The truck may have auxiliary centering elements mounted in the pedestal seats, and those auxiliary centering elements may be made of resilient elastomeric material. The truck may also have friction dampers that have a disinclination to stick-slip behavior. The friction dampers may be provided with brake linings, or similar features, on the face engaging the sideframe columns, on the slope face, or both.

Abstract: A low profile discharge gate assembly including a rigid frame defining a generally rectangular discharge opening and a gate slidably mounted on the frame for controlling discharge of commodity from the gate assembly. Structure carried by and extending inwardly from the frame is arranged between a lower surface on the gate and boot flanges defined by the gate assembly frame for restricting the flow of commodity from the gate assembly. A vertical distance of less than 7.5 inches separates the boot flanges from mounting flanges on the gate assembly frame whereby permitting a conventional unloading sled to fit under the gate assembly to discharge commodity therefrom. An operating shaft assembly selectively controls movement of the gate between open and closed positions. A lock assembly is also provided for inhibiting inadvertent movement of the gate from the closed position toward the open position.

Abstract: This loader is for transferring cargo containers between vehicles having an exposed center sill and end platforms to receive the loader between them. The loader has top and bottom frames for respectively extending over and under the center sill of the vehicle. The bottom frame is supported on wheels that fit under the sill. The top frame extends over the vehicle's sill and over the bottom frame of the loader and fits between platforms on the vehicle which supports the ends of the container to align. Air-lift bags on the top frame lift the container off or set it in place on the vehicle. The top and bottom frames are connected along one side to support the loader on its wheels to straddle the sill of the vehicle. The wheels are lifted to carry the loader on the vehicle for transport under the container.

Abstract: A concealed 180° hinge for the movable connection of two parts between a collapsed state and a fully opened-out state of the parts has at least two U-shaped pivoting brackets. The hinge, which has the highest possible strength and also allows the two parts to be moved in relation to one another without any risk of collision, includes rotary pins of the two pivoting brackets on the one hinge part that are arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the part, which can be connected to this one hinge part. The rotary pins of the two pivoting brackets on the second hinge part are disposed in a plane located substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the part, which can be connected to this second hinge part.

Abstract: A structure constructed from plastic may include one or more reinforcing portions that are sized and configured to prevent damage to the structure. For example, the structure may be a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic and the table top may include a body with one or more corners. The corners may include an interior portion and an exterior portion, and reinforcement portions may be sized and configured to help prevent damage to the corners of the table top. In addition, one or more depressions may be at least partially disposed within the reinforcement portions, if desired. The reinforcement portions, for example, may include one or more inwardly and/or outwardly extending portions.

Abstract: Portable workstation or desk apparatus and methods. In one embodiment, a portable workstation is comprised of a plurality of components including a work surface or upper element, a stem or support element, and an anchor or base element. In one variant, the work surface element (and/or the base element) can be mounted to the stem element in first and second configurations. The various configurations provides a substantially level work surface (relative to the base) or a substantially inclined work surface, and/or varying degrees of offset relative to the base.

Abstract: A bottom ash discharging device for a coal-fired boiler including: a clinker case, installed between a bottom ash hopper outlet of the coal-fired boiler and a bottom ash conveyer, an impact bar including a plurality of heat-resistant metal rods supporting inside the clinker case, a clinker crusher, installed above the impact bar for crushing the clinker, and a guiding device, installed between the bottom ash hopper outlet and the clinker crusher for limiting the clinker to drop into the clinker crushing area of the clinker crusher. The bottom ash discharging device ensures that the clinkers drop from the bottom ash hopper outlet to the rear area of the clinker crusher, and that the impact bar can be replaced and repaired without stopping the coal-fired boiler.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided including a fluid conduit configured to provide product to a ground engaging tool. The ground engaging tool is configured to deposit the product into soil. The agricultural implement system also includes an air source fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit, and configured to provide an air flow through the fluid conduit in a downstream direction toward the ground engaging tool. The agricultural implement system further includes a product delivery system fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit, and configured to transfer the product into the air flow. In addition, the agricultural implement system includes a product flow measurement system configured to determine a mass flow rate of the product based on a pressure drop between an upstream portion of the fluid conduit and a downstream portion of the fluid conduit, a flow rate of the air flow, and a velocity of the air flow.

Abstract: A metering member for a seed meter having a with a sidewall formed with an radially outward and axially flared rim portion is provided. A plurality of apertures extend though the rim portion to which seed is adhered. The metering member is oriented at an angle to the vertical such that an upper portion of the metering member extends beyond a lower portion of the metering member. This orientation allows a seed delivery system to extend into the interior of the metering member and cooperate with the overhanging metering member to remove seed therefrom.

Abstract: A punching device (1) is fastened at the pressure shaft of a sewing machine, vertically displaceable via a carrier (3). The vertical position of the press pad (35) at the body (33) can be adjusted by an adjustment screw (16) to the thickness of the textiles/work pieces to be processed.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a transfer device that is adapted to move a work cloth, a sewing device that moves a needle bar up and down, a first operation device that outputs a first output signal in accordance with an operation state of the first operation device, a second operation device that outputs a second output signal in accordance with an operation state of the second operation device, a sewing data generation device that generates sewing data in accordance with the first output signal and the second output signal, a transfer control device that causes the work cloth to be moved by driving the transfer device in accordance with the sewing data, and a sewing control device that causes the unit stitch to be sewn on the work cloth by driving the sewing device in accordance with the sewing data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide mechanical sail systems, methods, apparatus, and code which allow use of the Magnus effect to provide thrust to a ship. In some embodiments, a mechanical sail system is provided which includes a silo, positioned below a deck level of a ship, a lift carriage, mounted within the silo, and supporting a first sail cylinder and a second sail cylinder, and at least a first drive motor coupled to a control system for selectively positioning the lift carriage within the silo, the control system operable to control the at least first drive motor to position the lift carriage at a top position within the silo to deploy the first and second sail cylinders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light floating flue consisting of a wall of fiber-reinforced film which rotates about its axis to balance the reduced pressure in the flue with the centrifugal force on the gases in the flue and with the flue wall. The flue floats due to the friction with the rising air, the upward force of the lighter gases, optionally a zeppelin and balloon-like bodies filled with helium or hydrogen. In order to prevent bending moments on the flue, the flue is attached to the base of the tower by means of a tillable bearing.

Abstract: Coatings on a substrate and application methods result in coatings that can withstand different types or groups of bulk cargo and operations. This novel approach includes use of a combination of layers of coating materials at certain thicknesses and applied with certain techniques. In certain embodiments, the coating system includes coatings applied to a pretreated substrate, e.g., blasted steel cargo hold plates of an oceangoing vessel. The coatings include a bond layer and a resistance layer, e.g., an anti-corrosive layer tailored to resist at least one of corrosion, erosion, impact and wear of the substrate.

Abstract: There is provided a coating die for applying an insulation varnish around a wire conductor, comprising: a die body; and a die hole formed through the die body, the die hole including: an entry portion having an opening size monotonically decreasing along a conductor insertion direction; and a coating portion comprising a sub-portion having a constant opening size, in which: on an inner surface of the coating portion are provided at least four protrusions equally spaced in a circumferential direction of the inner surface, the protrusions projecting toward a center axis of the die hole; and each of the protrusions includes a portion with a height gradually increasing along the conductor insertion direction from a boundary between the entry portion and the coating portion. There can be formed an enameled wire having a thin and uniform insulation coating by using the invented coating die.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of coating a surface (2) of a hollow body (1), said method comprising: a step of positioning said hollow body (1) on a support (7) designed to receive said hollow body (1); and a step of spraying at least one coating material onto said surface (2) of said hollow body (1) by means of a spray device (9), relative movement being imparted to said support (7) and to said spray device (9); said coating method being characterized in that said relative movement takes place at a velocity that varies as a function of the distance (d) between the spray device (9) and said surface (2). Coating machines.

Abstract: This spraygun (1) comprises a body (11) and, housed in a proximal part (11.1) of the body (11), a tank (10) extending along a main axis (X10). This spraygun also comprises atomizing means (5) in a distal part (11.2) of the body (11) comprising an atomizing member (51) designed to atomize the coating product generally in an atomizing direction (Y50). The atomizing direction (Y50) and the main axis (X10) of the tank are convergent.

Abstract: A system and method for photo-grafting a coating polymer onto the surface of a medical device are provided. The system comprises a plurality of stations including a novel grafting station. The system and method of the invention are both time- and resource-efficient. The system includes several stations, each station including a dipping tank. The system allows for the automated, semi-automated, or manual dipping of medical devices into the dipping tanks in a specified order, as desired, wherein at least one of the stations is a grafting station for photo-grafting the coating polymer onto the surface of the medical device. The system is modular, which allows for modification of the process as required, depending on the needs of the user. The system may comprise stations for incorporating an antimicrobial agent into the coating, and/or for rendering the coating lubricious.

Abstract: A mask frame assembly for thin film deposition includes a frame having an opening and at least two unit masks having end parts in a longitudinal direction fixed to the frame, each of the unit masks comprising first regions and second regions, the first regions having unit masking patterns, each of the unit masking patterns having a plurality of openings for thin film deposition, the unit masking pattern being spaced apart from each other, each of the second regions being interposed between a pair of adjacent ones of the first regions, the first regions having a first thickness from a first surface of the unit masks, and at least a portion of the second regions having a second thickness from a second surface of the unit masks opposite to the first surface of the unit masks, such that the first regions and the at least the portion of the second regions are offset from each other in a direction normal to the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: A vacuum chamber is evacuated through a first evacuation passage provided with a first valve and a second evacuation passage provided with a second valve. An opening degree of the first valve is adjusted so that a pressure in the vacuum chamber becomes substantially equal to a process pressure P; an opening degree of a butterfly valve further provided in the second evacuation passage is adjusted to substantially equal to a set value determined by a table in order to set flow rates of gases to be evacuated through the first evacuation passage and the second evacuation passage to be substantially equal to corresponding set values determined by the recipe; and an opening degree of the second valve is adjusted so that a measurement value of a differential pressure gauge further provided in the second evacuation passage becomes substantially equal to a differential pressure written in the table.

Abstract: A substrate treating system includes a coating apparatus having a resist coating unit, an exposing apparatus having an exposing machine and a heat-treating unit, and a controller for controlling the resist coating unit, exposing machine and heat-treating unit. The controller coordinates schedules of treatment in the coating apparatus and exposing apparatus, such that the coating apparatus can operate efficiently despite an increase in the processing time of the exposing machine.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus for the plasma treatment of hollow bodies, comprising a vacuum treatment chamber and means for generating the plasma, which apparatus is characterized in that the means for generating the plasma comprise an electrode of a substantially U-shaped cross-section, which is arranged in the vacuum treatment chamber, the hollow bodies immersing at least in part into the U-shaped electrode when the plasma treatment is carried out, and being moved at least temporarily relative to the U-shaped electrode.

Abstract: A plasma deposition device for coating a substrate includes: a vacuum chamber; a waveguide disposed in the vacuum chamber for transmitting a microwave; an antenna unit disposed in the vacuum chamber above the substrate for receiving the microwave from the waveguide, and connected to the waveguide, the antenna unit including an outer conductor and an inner conductor wire that is disposed inside the outer conductor; a gas supplying conduit disposed inside the outer conductor and surrounding the inner conductor wire, and including a plurality of exhaust holes for blowing a plasma-inducing gas downward and toward the substrate to interact with the microwave and to produce plasma; and a blocking unit disposed in the vacuum chamber to prevent the plasma-inducing gas blown to the substrate from flowing back to the gas supplying conduit.

Abstract: A discharge surface treatment apparatus supplies an electrode material to a surface of a treatment target member by generating pulsating discharges across an inter-electrode gap to form a coating of the electrode material, and includes a switching element that turns application of a voltage from a power source to the inter-electrode gap on/off, a capacitance element that is connected to the switching element in parallel with the inter-electrode gap, an inductance element that is connected in series between both of the switching element and the capacitance element and the inter-electrode gap, and a control unit that includes a function of periodically performing on/off so that an induced electromotive force generated in the inductance element due to a change in the current of discharge generated across the inter-electrode gap can be used as a voltage that induces the next discharge.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of managing a group of dairy animals including individually recognizing each animal by an animal identification system, milking the animals to give actual milk yields for each animal, and feeding the animals with an predetermined individual ration, collecting data regarding the group of dairy animals, which data comprise for each animal at least the actual milk yield and an amount of the individual ration consumed by the animal, wherein subsequent individual milk yields are estimated using a model on the basis of said data, and wherein, for one or more animals, at least one of the individual ration and the milking of individual dairy animals is adjusted in a regulatory step of the model using a precondition. The invention also provides a device and a computer program product, arranged to perform such a method.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a robotic attacher performs a method of attaching and detaching a cup from the teats of a dairy livestock in the sequence of right front teat, left front teat, left rear teat, and right rear teat. The method comprises the steps of determining a reference point and then, for each teat, positioning the cup relative to the reference point, determining a location of the teat, attaching the cup to the teat, and detaching the cup from the teat. In certain alternate embodiments, the sequence of attaching and detaching the cup comprises left front teat, right front teat, right rear teat, and left rear teat.

Abstract: A milking implement comprising a frame with, disposed thereon, at least one teat cup holder with a teat cup movable relative thereto, and a replacing element connected with the teat cup, wherein the frame further includes an intermediate arm connected with the frame and with the teat cup holder and having a first joint and a second joint about which the teat cup holder and the intermediate arm, respectively, are tiltable with the aid of the replacing element, and a spring coupled with the teat cup holder and the frame and, if desired, with the intermediate arm.

Abstract: An automated feeding station feeds an animal in a feeding event. An automated collection system, such as a urine collection system, fecal collection system, or combination urine/fecal collection system, collects and excrement from the animal in an excrement elimination event. The feeding event and excrement elimination events provide insights into the health of the animal.

Abstract: A pet enclosure includes an expandable cover and a collapsible support frame. The cover comprises a roof, a floor opposite the roof, and sides connecting the roof to the floor, wherein the sides include a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The support frame comprises a first truss adjacent the first side, a second truss adjacent the second side, and a support member extending from the first truss to the second truss. The first truss and the second truss are pivotable relative to the support member toward one another into a collapsed configuration of the support frame and away from one another into an uncollapsed configuration of the support frame. Pivoting the trusses from the collapsed configuration into the uncollapsed configuration rearranges the cover from an unexpanded arrangement into an expanded arrangement. The cover in the expanded arrangement defines an interior compartment for housing a pet.

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

Abstract: The helix-shaped, dog chew that has a helicoidally shaped configuration that is similar to an auger (or Archimedes' screw). The chew is fabricated from an extruded or die-cast, pliable material with the consistency of a firm rubber. The material is edible and non-harmful to animals. The helicoidally shaped configuration allows the chew to make contact with the inner and outer surfaces of the teeth to promote thorough cleaning thereof, and to also massage the gums, thereby greatly reducing the incidence of disease and bleeding.

Abstract: A treat dispenser for an animal having, in one embodiment, a container supported by a cage, the container having an opening for the dispensing of treats provided therein, and the cage preventing direct access to the opening by an animal. The cage and the container having a consistent outer periphery to enable rolling of the treat dispenser.

Abstract: A diaper assembly for use on a bird includes an upper-body portion that has at least one first part of at least one couple assembly attached thereto. The diaper assembly also includes at least one shoulder strap with a first end coupled to the upper-body portion and a second end opposite the first end and a waste receiver that has a waste-catching pouch at least partially defined by a front-facing portion coupled to the second end of the at least one shoulder strap and a rear-facing portion having at least one second part of the at least one couple assembly. Each second part of the at least one couple assembly is operable to releasably secure at least the rear-facing portion of the waste receiver to the upper-body portion.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for producing steam are provided. A steam boiler system may include a steam boiler. The steam boiler may comprise an enclosure with a burner, first and second fluid conveyance members, and one or more radiants therein. The burner produces hot combustion gases which warm the fluid conveyance members and thereby the fluid therein. The radiants are also heated by the combustion gases, and they thereby emit radiation which is absorbed by the fluid conveyance members and/or the fluid therein. The boiler system may additionally comprise a steam separator which separates out a steam component. The steam component can be directed back through the enclosure in a third fluid conveyance member to expand the steam before being fed to a steam engine to produce power.