Abstract: Combined water dispensers and coffee making devices are disclosed, which include a cabinet configured to house a water bottle in a bottom half of the interior portion of the cabinet; a cold tank that is configured to receive water from the water bottle, which is connected to an evaporator; one or more hot tanks that are configured to receive water (directly or indirectly) from the cold tank, which are connected to a heating coil to heat the water that is contained therein; and a coffee making device located on a top side of the cabinet. The coffee making device receives water from the hot tank, receives a disposable cartridge that contains coffee grinds for a single-serving of coffee, causes water to contact the coffee grinds to produce a coffee beverage, and employs a set of spikes to make water entry and exit apertures in the cartridge.

Abstract: An infusion device for making beverages using cartridges, such as capsules or pods, containing at least one food substance, comprising an infusion unit (3) comprising at least two parts, at least one of which is able to move between a home position and an operating position, at least one insertion section (34) for inserting the cartridge (2) in the device (1), from which the cartridge (2) can then be fed to a first standby zone (8), at least one check and control unit (35) for device (1) operation, and second retaining means (36) positioned between the insertion section (34) and the first standby zone (8), the second retaining means in turn being able to move between a first position in which they can retain a cartridge (2) and a second position in which they allow the cartridge (2) to advance, the second retaining means (36) being able to move as one with the mobile part (4) and comprising at least one mobile element (38) removably coupled to the mobile part (4) of the unit (3), and means for uncoupling the

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus is disclosed for dispensing water including: a first inlet, a second inlet, and a third inlet; a chamber in fluid communication with first, second and third inlets, and a dispenser nozzle in fluid communication with the chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a beverage dispenser comprising a larger container for accommodating the beverage to be dispensed, a smaller container for accommodating the beverage dispensed and a connecting channel connecting the larger container and the smaller container. The beverage dispenser further comprises a rationing vessel, which has an upper opening and a lower opening; the upper opening of the rationing vessel opens to atmosphere; the lower opening of the rationing vessel is disposed in or communicates with an inner cavity of the smaller container; and the larger container has a vent opening to atmosphere. The beverage in the larger container flows into the smaller container through the connecting channel. The beverage in the smaller container is dispensed based on theories of static physics rather than relying on electronic control.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extraction machine using capsules inserted into a capsule housing, including rails that make it possible to guide the inlet of a capsule into the machine, hold the capsule in an axially aligned position, release the capsule during an axial movement in order to enter an extraction position, retain the capsule when the latter leaves the extraction position, and guide the exit of the released capsule.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microwavable heating element and thermal storage composition for the controlled storage and release of thermal energy to a thermal mass. The microwavable heating element can be used in conjunction with a warming trivet. One disclosed warming trivet includes a housing, a heating element arranged within the housing and made of a matrix material and a microwave susceptor suspended within the matrix material, and an insulation layer disposed between the heating element and the housing, the insulation layer being configured to insulate the housing from thermal energy emitted by the heating element.

Abstract: A banknote stacking and sorting module comprises a banknote clamping and conveying sub-module, which comprises a clamping mechanism and a vertical reciprocating mechanism thereof. Clamping mechanism comprises bearing plate, support, cam, clamping rod and clamping spring. Cam is rotatably mounted on support. Clamping rod comprises clamping end, transmission end and hinged part between clamping end and transmission end. Hinged part of clamping rod is hinged on support. Cam engages with transmission end of clamping rod and can drive clamping rod in rotation around second rotary shaft between released position and clamped position. One end of clamping spring is fixed on support and the other end is connected to clamping end of clamping rod so as to provide to clamping rod an elastic force for clamping banknotes.

Abstract: To provide a transfer apparatus that uniforms peeling characteristics and peeling characteristics in transfer processing and that enables a stabilized transfer result to be obtained, in a transfer apparatus for nipping a transfer film 46 and recording medium K with a transfer roller 33 and transfer platen 31 to form an image on the recording medium, preheating treatment of the recording medium K is performed before transfer processing. At this point, by determining a preheating amount corresponding to the temperature of the recording medium K, it is possible to obtain a stabilized transfer result in response to a change in transfer conditions due to a change in environmental temperature and a change in the transfer surface. Particularly, in the case of performing backside transfer subsequently to frontside transfer, since the temperature of the recording medium K is high, a preheating amount in backside transfer is made smaller than in frontside transfer.

Abstract: The invention refers to a flexographic printing process with wet on wet capability based on controlled polymer or polymer segment precipitation that leads to gel formation of ink compounds by controlling the solubility parameter of the ink system. The mechanism to obtain a desirable wet on wet color trapping is the formation and/or presence of a gel in the applied ink film due to a controlled physicochemical mechanism of resin precipitation. This is accomplished either by controlling a change in the Hansen Solubility Parameter of the liquid in the ink through evaporation of some or all of a non-reactive and volatile solvent, or alternatively by use of a polymer comprised of two distinct and separate segments one of which is soluble in the monomer/oligomer mix and the other of which is not.

Abstract: To peel off a transfer film varying in easy-to-peel according to the temperature of a recording medium (temperature of an adhesion surface) with a suitable peeling tension and to suppress the occurrence of peeling residues, in a transfer apparatus for nipping a transfer film 46 and recording medium K with a transfer roller 33 and transfer platen 31 to form an image on the recording medium, the temperature of the card K is detected by detecting an environmental temperature outside the apparatus, and the peeling tension (transfer film wind torque) required for peeling off the transfer film 46 from the card K subjected to transfer is changed corresponding to the card temperature. Further, in the case of performing backside transfer subsequently to frontside transfer, since the card temperature is high, the peeling tension in backside transfer is set to be lower than the peeling tension in frontside transfer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resin composition for laser engraving, comprising (Component A) a binder polymer and (Component B) a crosslinking agent, and a crosslinked relief-forming layer formed from the composition being depolymerizable. Component A preferably comprises (Component A-1) a depolymerizable binder polymer. Component A-1 preferably comprises any one selected from the group consisting of a polyester resin, a resin containing at least 50 mol % of a (meth)acrylic acid ester as a monomer unit, and a resin containing at least 50 mol % of ?-methylstyrene as a monomer unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an environment friendly waterless offset plate. The waterless offset plate is formed by: coating a base coating on a surface of a metal plate substrate not subject to electrolytic graining and/or anodic oxidation treatment but subject to oil-removal solution immersion, coating a diazonaphthoquinone light-sensitive adhesive layer on a surface of the base coating, coating an ink-repulsive layer on a surface of the diazonaphthoquinone light-sensitive adhesive layer, and further covering a polymer protective film on a surface of the ink-repulsive layer. The waterless offset plate has a good printability, and has a pressrun up to 10 to 30 thousand copies.

Abstract: A method of mounting and adjusting a printing plate on a plate cylinder of a multicolor offset printing press is described. The printing plate is clamped between front and rear clamping bars, the rear clamping bar being movable under the application of a tensioning force and occupying, upon clamping of the trailing end of the printing plate, a tension-release position. Tensioning of the printing plate is carried out by initially applying a nominal tensioning force to the rear clamping bar. A print register of the tensioned printing plate is then measured and compared to a target print register to determine a corrected tensioning position of the rear clamping bar corresponding to the target print register. The tension of the printing plate is thereafter released. The correct tensioning position is set as new reference position of the rear clamping bar before or after tensioning again the printing plate.

Abstract: A colored pyrotechnic smoke-producing composition has an oxidizer, a fuel, a flame retardant, a dye, a coolant, and a binder. The oxidizer may be potassium chlorate. The fuel may be starch, dextrose, lactose, and/or sucrose. The coolant may be sodium bicarbonate or magnesium carbonate. The binder may be nitrocellulose or a halogen-free thermoplastic. The flame retardant may be one or more nitrogen-rich compounds. The composition may be in pelletized form or in the form of a solid charge. The composition may consist of on a mass basis oxidizer 20-35%, fuel 15-25%, flame retardant 5-15%, dye 27-40%, coolant 8-18%, and binder 1-2%. The invention may be a device consisting of a body filled with the composition and a first fire starter composition, and an attached squib igniter. The body may be a grenade. A process for producing the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Fireworks launching system and method are provided, which enable safe and accurate control in launching fireworks. The fireworks launching system may include fireworks launching units which are fireworks prepared for launching, launching module units electrically connected with the fireworks launching units to ignite the fireworks launching units, a central control unit to transmit a digital launching signal programmed in advance to the launching module units, and an emergency control unit operated independently from the central control unit to independently control the launching module units. Accordingly, a launching error such as misfire during fireworks may be reduced. Since launching may be performed accurately in units of maximum 62 microseconds (?s), production technique and perfection for the fireworks displays may be increased.

Abstract: A cable transportation system configured to move transportation units along a designated or given track has a switch with a first movable guide having one degree of freedom, along an operating plane, between two designated or given positions; a second movable guide having one degree of freedom, along the operating plane, between two designated or given positions; and a third and a fourth movable guide connected rigidly to each other and having one degree of freedom, along the operating plane, between two designated or given positions; the first, second, third and fourth movable guide being configured so that the first and second movable guide each define a continuation of the third or fourth movable guide.

Abstract: There is provided an economical vehicle vibration suppression device capable of efficiently reducing a vortex with a smaller number of devices and controlling the speed of movement in a vehicle longitudinal direction of the vortex. The vehicle vibration suppression device includes a pair of ducts, a pressure control device, and a control unit. The ducts, below a floor surface of a vehicle body, are mounted adjacent to at least a pair of bogies on which the vehicle body is mounted. The ducts are arranged in a direction perpendicular to a traveling direction of the vehicle body and mounted so as to penetrate through both side surfaces of the vehicle body. The pressure control device is mounted within each of the ducts and has openings, one of the openings serving as an intake port and the other opening serving as a discharge port. The pressure control device generates a pressure difference in each of the ducts.

Abstract: The present document describes a heat resistant floor assembly for a rail vehicle. The heat resistant floor assembly comprising: a floor structure and a fire protection panel made of a composite material connected underneath the floor structure.

Abstract: Superhydrophobic coatings and compositions and methods for preparing superhydrophobic coatings and compositions are described herein whereby the coatings and compositions are prepared under mild conditions, yet the methods are amenable to chemical functionalization of the coatings and components therein. The methods are useful for tuning and optimizing the physical properties of the coatings. In an embodiment, the coatings comprise nanostructured fluorinated silica colloids.

Abstract: There is provided a coloring composition and an ink for inkjet recording which have an excellent ozone fastness and a high print density and is excellent in storage stability over time, and one example of the coloring composition is a coloring composition contains a compound (1A) and a compound (2B):

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cellular geopolymer product, which method comprises the steps: (a) forming an activated geopolymer premix by addition to a geopolymer premix of an activator compound that initiates a condensation reaction in the geopolymer premix; (b) casting the activated geopolymer premix in a desired configuration; and (c) generating gas bubbles in the activated geopolymer premix as the condensation reaction proceeds and the activated geopolymer premix stiffens to produce a self-supporting cellular structure; and (d) curing the self-supporting cellular structure to produce the cellular geopolymer product, wherein in step (c) the characteristics of the activated geopolymer premix and the reaction kinetics of the condensation reaction are controlled to achieve formation of the self-supporting cellular structure.

Abstract: A binder for forming particle-based or laminated products includes a mixture of at least three components A, B, C, a first component A including a natural protein powder, a second component B including a magnesium oxide, and a third component C including a magnesium chloride or magnesium sulfate solution at 32° Bè (15° C.), or a free combination of both.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing soil reinforced by microbe-based bio-binders and soil produced by the method. The bio-binders are not harmful to humans, do not cause environmental pollution and secure sufficiently the soil strength and resistance against wind. According to the method, the soil is prepared by binding sand whose major components are silica and alumina, ureolytic microbes, urea, calcium ion, and polymer fibers, and the content of polymer fibers in sand ranges from 0.05 wt % to 5 wt %. In addition, it is preferable that the microbes provide CaCO3 at a rate at 1˜7×10?9 g CaCO3 ppt cell?1 hr?1 under optimum conditions.

Abstract: Provided are a composition from which a biomass material can be obtained with low energy through a simple process and facility, a formed body obtained from the composition, and a method for producing the formed body. A composition according to the present invention is a composition to be cured by applying heat/pressure thereto, the composition including an element in the form of powder or small pieces, and 8% by weight or more of condensed tannin and 8% by weight or more of a saccharide selected form the group consisting of a monosaccharide and an oligosaccharide. The saccharide is preferably sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose, xylose, or lactose. Preferably, the composition further includes an acid catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical film, and more particularly, an optical film having excellent mechanical physical properties and low vapor permeability.

Abstract: A plastically deformable sealing mass for the use in sealing a leak in a container in which oil, oil-containing or chemical liquid is stored, includes a solvent, and a hydrophobing agent which is received in the solvent. The solvent may be organic solvent, water, oil, or a silicon compound. The hydrophobing agent can be stearate, oleate, silane, siloxane, or silicon.

Abstract: Novel, nano-structured particles are formed by introducing a selected solid of interest into a structured fluid matrix formed by a dispersion of a small molecule host vessel, such as a native or modified polysaccharide, cavitand, simple sugar, simple polyol or other similarly structured molecule known to be useful as a host vessel, in an acidic medium or other solvent, whereby the particle size of the introduced solid is reduced and or limited by incorporation into the host vessel. The simple, one-step mixing process results in stabilized colloidal dispersions of the nanoparticles useful in a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new mineral matter particle hydrophobization agent and to its various uses for the surface treatment of mineral matter particles.

Abstract: A method of producing a geopolymer product, which comprises: preparing an activated geopolymer premix by addition to a geopolymer premix of an activator compound that initiates a condensation reaction in the geopolymer premix; forming the activated geopolymer premix into a desired configuration to form a geopolymer structure; and curing the geopolymer structure to produce the geopolymer product, wherein the characteristics of the activated premix are controlled and the condensation reaction allowed to proceed for a period of time prior to forming such that when formed the activated premix forms a self-supporting geopolymer structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for accelerating the hardening of hydraulic or latent hydraulic binders, wherein ternesite and an aluminum component are added to the binder, and relates to an additive that increasing early strength for hydraulic or latent hydraulic binders that contain ternesite and a non-hydraulically reactive aluminum component, and relates to the use of an additive comprising ternesite and an aluminum component for the purpose of accelerating the hardening of hydraulic or latent hydraulic binders.

Abstract: A cement composition comprises: cement; water; and an additive, wherein the additive is a pozzolan and a strength-retrogression inhibitor, and wherein a mixture consisting essentially of: the additive; water; and a source of calcium develops a compressive strength of at least 500 psi at a time of 24 hours, a temperature of 190° F., and a pressure of 3,000 psi. A method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprises: introducing the cement composition into the subterranean formation and allowing the cement composition to set. The compressive strength of the test cement composition consisting essentially of: the cement; the water; and the additive at a final time of 72 hours has a percent change greater than ?5% from the compressive strength of the test cement composition at an initial time of 24 hours when tested at a temperature of 300° F. and a pressure of 3,000 psi.

Abstract: Method for the production of a building material, in particular mortar or concrete from an alkali activated hydraulic binder, in which at least one dispersing agent and at least one set modifier is added to the mix, in which at least the dispersing agent is added after mixing the binder with water.

Abstract: Modular laboratory workbenches and work surface accessories are provided. Modular laboratory workbenches may include a spine structure including multiple modules with core passageways for routing utilities. At least one spine structure module may include circuit breakers behind a panel for local electrical power control. The spine structure may include a top with angled faces that provide power outlets, gas terminals, and other utilities. Between angled faces, an accessory support structure may be provided that supports a backsplash in a center channel and provides accessory slots on both sides of the center channel to receive and support interchangeable accessories including monitor arms, tablet arms, gas turrets, supplemental lights, etc. Cantilever brackets of various heights may attach to the spine structure and support work surfaces that are translatable to provide access to the utilities provided on the angled faces of the spine structure.

Abstract: The loadable and readily moveable thermo-plastically constructed pallets of the present invention utilize three directionally longitudinally extending beams extending integrally downwardly from a horizontal and topically loadable panel. Respective beams at the lower-side are provided with a plurality of transversely alignable cutaways, including two medial-cutaways and two flanking-cutaways, the latter being adapted to rest rack wise upon a range of spaced apart rails. Also extending integrally downwards from such horizontal panel are a plurality of serpentine pallet-strengthening ribs, each rib being integrally attached to a pair of said beams.

Abstract: A height adjustable work surface is provided, which includes an L-shaped frame supporting a cantilevered platform adapted to support computer and work space items thereon. The frame includes an upstanding rail portion and a horizontal base support, whereby the rail portion slidably supports a work surface platform above the base support. The rail portion and base support are U-shaped members, whereby a first and second rail is provided to support the work space platform. Cam locks are provided to lockably secure the platform in a given position, whereby the platform will not freely slide until unlocked and will support load thereon. An internal spring mechanism biases the platform to reduce lifting load requirements during adjustment of the platform. Overall, the device provides a means to adjust the elevation of work surface for a seated or standing user.

Abstract: A cash machine having a device housing with a first door for accessing valuables and a printer housing affixed within the device housing. The printer housing isolates the printer from the device housing. The printer housing has a second door. A printer and a paper roll mount on the second door either directly or with a holding fixture. The second door moves from a closed configuration where the door is closed to an open configuration where the door is open to enable access to the printer and the paper roll. When the second door is in the open configuration at least a portion of the printer and the printer roll extend out from the device housing to facilitate maintenance.

Abstract: In an oxyfuel combustion boiler system, nitrogen gas separated by an air separation unit (ASU) is supplied as carrier gas to a pulverizer for drying and pulverization of fuel. A fluid mixture of the nitrogen gas from the pulverizer with pulverized fuel is supplied to a powder separation device where the pulverized fuel is separated. The separated pulverized fuel is mixed with the primary recirculated flue gas and supplied to a burner.

Abstract: A bonfire oven has a body placeable on the ground. The body has a combustion cabinet and an auxiliary equipment cabinet. A burner contained in the combustion cabinet has a fire grate, a side plate extending upward from the fire grate, a top plate opposite to the fire grate, a blowing space beneath the fire grate, and a hearth defined by the fire grate and the side plate. A fuel supply mechanism, an electrical equipment and an air blower is contained in the auxiliary equipment cabinet. The bonfire oven further has a flame portion on the top which is a flame roaring space formed by at least one piece of high temperature resistant glass.

Abstract: One row unit for an agricultural implement includes a ground engaging tool configured to penetrate soil and to form a furrow in the soil. The row unit also includes gauge wheels disposed adjacent to the ground engaging tool and configured to enable the ground engaging tool to penetrate the soil at a selectable penetration depth. Each of the gauge wheels extends substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the row unit.

Abstract: A vacuum planter exhaust filtration system for preventing seed treatment particles used in seed planting from entering the atmosphere. The vacuum planter exhaust filtration system generally includes an air filter fluidly positioned between the fan and the planting units of the vacuum planter. The air filter removes the particulate material prior to being exhausted into the surrounding environment by the fan. The air filter utilizes cyclonic separation to separate the particulate material from the contaminated air from the planting units. A particle container collects the removed particulate material and allows for environmentally friendly disposal of the particulate material.

Abstract: A supporting device for operably connecting a furrow device to a seed tube of a planting unit for planting seeds into a furrow is provided. The supporting device may include a clip configured to engage the furrow device and the seed tube. The clip may be at least partially positioned inside the seed tube. The clip may at least partially engage a top surface of the furrow device.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes: a needle rod being reciprocated vertically; tension discs sandwiching an upper thread; a feed mechanism transporting a sewing object in a vertical direction; a reciprocating mechanism reciprocating the needle rod laterally; an upper thread tension adjusting mechanism adjusting the tension discs; a feed amount adjusting mechanism adjusting a feed amount of the feed mechanism; a stitch width adjusting mechanism adjusting a stitch width of the reciprocating mechanism; and a control apparatus controlling the upper thread tension adjusting mechanism, the feed amount adjusting mechanism, and/or the stitch width adjusting mechanism. A common adjusting mechanism, being one of the feed amount adjusting mechanism and the stitch width adjusting mechanism, includes: a motor; an adjusting mechanism body being a tooth-missing gear and/or a cam; and a variation amount adjusting unit.

Abstract: A system and method of performing a dry-dock operation on a floating vessel, while the floating vessel may maintain operations. The dry-docking may be performed by another vessel, such as a semi-submersible transport vessel. The method may include: submerging the semi-submersible transport vessel, adjusting the positions of the vessels until the vessel is over the deck of the semi-submersible transport vessel, securing the vessel on the deck of the semi-submersible transport vessel, raising both vessels, performing the dry-dock operation, lowering the vessel back into the water, and unsecuring vessel from the semi-submersible transport vessel. The system may include suitable elements to perform the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an inflatable sail guide arrangement for use in a sail collapsing arrangement. The sail collapsing arrangement is used for collapsing (also called “dousing” or “snuffing”) a sail such as a spinnaker. The sail guide arrangement can be deflated for convenient storage and handling.

Abstract: A mobile offshore drilling unit is described that has an operating deck supported on a submersible deck, which may be a pontoon deck or a mat deck, by four or more columns, wherein a ratio of displacement of the mobile offshore drilling unit to total column cross-sectional area is at least about 40 mT/m2 during operation. The submersible deck has a recess at each end with a thruster group disposed in each recess. The thrusters of the thruster group are displaced in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction from each other.

Abstract: A submarine is provided with an upwardly directed drilling device (12, 12?). The drilling device (12, 12?) is arranged in a pressure hull (4) of the submarine and has a drill (14, 14?) which can be extended out of the pressure hull (4) through an opening (10) arranged on the upper deck of the submarine. The drill has a drilling head (42, 42?) which forms a closure body which closes the opening (10) of the pressure hull.

Abstract: An anti-friction slip plate for mounting on a hull of a marine vessel to reduce skin friction drag by acoustically generating microcavitation bubbles at a wetted area of the hull. The slip plate comprises a plate-like enclosure, an energy extraction mechanism to extract power from water current flowing along the hull when underway, a power generator driven by the energy extraction mechanism to produce electrical power, an acoustic signal generator powered by the power generator to produce an acoustic signal, and a series of transducers excited by the acoustic signal to effect emission of acoustic waves that produce cavitation bubbles in the wetted area. A bottom surface of the slip plate serves as an acoustic diaphragm to impart cavitation bubbles at the wetted area interface.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing single crystal based on a Czochralski method, including: analyzing Ni concentration in at least one of graphite components used in a furnace in which the single crystal is manufactured; and manufacturing the single crystal using the at least one of the graphite components when the analyzed Ni concentration is 30 ppb or less. As a result, in manufacture of the single crystal based on the Czochralski method, the method that enables manufacturing high-quality single crystal in which a reduction in LT (Life Time) or an LPD (Light Point Defect) abnormality does not occur can be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including a workspace for receiving a stent and a delivery device for the stent; a source for exposing the stent in the workspace to a plasticizing agent, vapor, or moisture, wherein the stent can be reduced in diameter in the workspace while under exposure of the plasticizing agent, vapor or moisture; and a device for reducing the diameter of the stent in the workspace to position the stent on or within the delivery device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a painting system which comprises a painting device (121) in the painting chamber (103), said painting device comprising a casing (113) that surrounds the workpiece support (107) such that paint droplets that are not deposited onto the workpieces are dripped onto the casing to a large extent and can thus be reused.