Abstract: The present invention relates to improved devices and methods for popping popcorn, comprising moving popcorn kernels within a heating chamber with airflow and subjecting the popcorn kernels to focused microwave energy sufficient to cause the popcorn kernels to pop. In some embodiments, the devices and methods utilize a single-mode resonant microwave applicator to generate a standing microwave energy field comprising an array of one or more anti-node high intensity microwave regions and subjecting popcorn kernels to the microwave energy in the one or more high intensity microwave regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for popping kernels, comprising a heating chamber for containing kernels, a microwave emitter configured to produce microwave energy within the heating chamber and heat the kernels, a single-mode resonant microwave applicator configured to generate a standing microwave energy field comprising an array of one or more high intensity microwave regions, and a device configured to move kernels within the high intensity microwave regions.

Abstract: Provided is a steam cooking appliance. The steam cooking appliance includes a main body having a cavity that provides a cooking space in which a food is accommodated, a water tank separably coupled to the main body outside the cavity, and a steam supply unit disposed outside the cavity to heat water supplied from the water tank to generate steam, the steam supply unit supplying the generated steam into the cooking space within the cavity.

Abstract: Provided is a steam cooking appliance. The steam cooking appliance includes a main body having a cavity that provides a cooking space in which a food is accommodated, a backguard extending upward from an upper portion of the main body, a water tank separately mounted on the backguard, a steam supply unit disposed outside the cavity to generate steam, thereby supplying the steam into the cooking space, and a water supply tube to supply water within the water tank into the steam supply unit.

Abstract: An accessory is provided for adapting cooking grills, especially grills including a hinged lid, for improved cooking of pizzas and other foods. The accessory includes a body adapted to be disposed between the base and lid portions of the cooking grill, the body being configured to mate with an inner surface of the lid and to cooperate with the base and lid portions to define therebetween a substantially-enclosed cooking chamber when the lid is positioned in a partially-closed position between the open and closed positions. A hinged-lid grill including the accessory is provided also.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a parboiled rice manufacturing apparatus capable of efficiently manufacturing good-quality parboiled rice without increasing the overall size of the apparatus.

Abstract: A food processor and a steam channel structure thereof. The food processor comprises a processor body (100), a steam generation device (200) and a heating cup (300). The heating cup is provided with a steam inlet (310) and a steam outlet (320); a steaming cup (400) is arranged in the heating cup; an air hole (410) is provided at a bottom wall of the steaming cup; a first gap (500) and a second gap (600) in communication with each other are respectively arranged between a side wall of the steaming cup and a side wall of the heating cup, and between the bottom wall of the steaming cup and a bottom wall of the heating cup; the steam channel has the following structure: a steam inflow channel is arranged in the first gap, and steam diffuses from the steam inlet on the heating cup towards two sides to enter the steam inflow channel, and enters the steaming cup through the air hole after entering the second gap from the steam inflow channel.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus for use with an oven to reduce the cooking time of sliced prime rib steaks and prevent the steaks from overcooking includes a base pan to be placed in the oven and a rising pan disposed on the base pan, the rising pan having a top sheet able to be a heating surface for the steaks and at least one insulation layer that creates a first air pocket between the top sheet and the at least one insulation layer, and a second air pocket between the at least one insulation layer and the base pan. The steaks are cooked from heat emanating from above the top sheet. The base pan and insulation layer shield the steaks from rising heat, thereby preventing the steaks from overcooking.

Abstract: A food preparation apparatus includes a thermal fluid reservoir formed with an internal cavity for holding a thermal transfer fluid. A fluid transfer unit circulates the thermal transfer fluid through the reservoir and through a thermal transfer unit. The thermal fluid reservoir may be formed into a food receptacle with a thermal contact surface for the reservoir coincident with a food contact surface in the receptacle. Alternatively, a food receptacle may be formed separately from the reservoir and may either attach to the thermal contact surface or may be easily removable. Embodiments may selectively heat or cool food in the food receptacle by transferring thermal energy between the thermal transfer fluid and the thermal contact surface. A setpoint temperature is accurately maintained everywhere on the thermal transfer surface to avoid hot spots or cold spots in the food receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking and retaining goods such as Christmas trees on a pallet includes a conveyor moving pallets from one end of the conveyor to an opposite end of the conveyor. The conveyor has a stacking section, a clamping section, and an unload section. The stacking section has a stacking bin receiving trees on a pallet positioned within the stacking section, and the clamping section is positioned between the stacking section and the unload section of the conveyor. The clamping sections provides stabilizers for placing a case about the trees and banding reels for wrapping a band about a pallet of trees within the case. The unload section of the conveyor extends from the clamping section and positions a completely stacked and banded pallet of trees thereon while a different pallet is in the clamping section and yet another pallet is in the stacking section.

Abstract: A manually operated press includes a cam disc that is pivotably mounted about an axis, an actuation member that acts upon the cam disc for producing a pivoting movement, a press slide and a press stand that accommodates the press slide allowing it to perform a stroke movement. The pivoting movement triggered by the actuation member is converted by the cam disc into a stroke movement of the primary piston and is transferred to the press slide via the hydraulic line and the secondary piston.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a principal substance applies the principal substance onto a surface and deposits drops of a gating agent onto a first portion of the principal substance applied to the first surface. The depositing of each drop of gating agent is individually controlled. A second portion of the principal substance not covered by the gating agent is transferred from the first surface to a second surface. A printing system adapted to transfer principal substance from a first surface to a second surface is also disclosed, wherein the printing system exerts mechanical pressure between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a printing form and a process for preparing the printing form from a curable composition that includes an epoxy resin, less than a stoichiometric amount of at least one amine curing agent, and optionally a catalytic curing agent and/or a latent curing agent. The process includes applying the curable composition to a supporting substrate to form a layer, partially curing the layer at a first temperature, engraving the partially cured layer, and then completing the curing by heating at a second temperature greater than the first temperature. The less than stoichiometric amount of the amine curing agent guarantees that after the first curing step, epoxy functionalities in the curable composition will be available for second curing step. The optional catalytic curing agent or latent curing agent promotes completion of the cure at higher temperature.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the distances between cylinders of an inking unit limiting at least two cylinder gaps and in which the distances are adjusted based on measurements, which are gathered from the surface of at least one of the cylinders of the inking unit. It is considered novel and inventive that information is used, which was gathered during the adjustment of the distance between the two cylinders limiting a first cylinder gap for adjusting the distance between the two cylinders limiting a second cylinder gap. A printing machine is also described and claimed for executing the above-described method.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a machine (1) for printing plate elements (12) equipped with at least one rotary impression cylinder (27) includes the steps of measuring a speed of the element (12, 13) passing through the machine (1), generating an operating signal (34) as a function of the measured speed and a tangential speed of the cylinder (27), and adjusting an operating speed of the machine (1) as a function of the signal generated so that the operating speed of the machine (1) is such that the speed of the element (12, 13) is substantially equal to the tangential speed of the cylinder (27).

Abstract: A device for positioning a platen roller is provided, the device including a body, a first clip, a second clip, a first rotating arm, a second rotating arm, a first linkage, a second linkage and a first elastic element. The first clip and the second clip are disposed movably on the body; the first and the second rotating arm are disposed rotatably on the body; the first linkage couples the first rotating arm and the first clip; the second linkage couples the second rotating arm and the second clip; the first elastic element connects the first clip and the second clip, wherein when the first clip and the second clip move toward a first moving direction and a second moving direction respectively, the first elastic element provides elasticity so that the first clip and the second clip restore.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a process for making a lithographic printing plate that enables a one-bath processable lithographic printing plate having excellent printing durability, ink laydown and resistance to staining during printing.

Abstract: An inert axisymmetric projectile is provided for launching from a shipboard gun and dispersing submunitions at a target. The projectile includes a base plug, a sabot housing, a submunitions package, and a retainer ring. The sabot housing includes a plurality of sabot petals angularly arranged and attached to the plug. The housing includes a payload portion and a nose portion, with a passage corridor between these portions. The submunitions package is contained within the payload portion and constrained radially by the housing. The retainer ring constrains the petals for joining together. Upon launch aerodynamic pressure fractures the ring and causes the petals to unfurl, thereby releasing the submunitions package for dispersal.

Abstract: A rail guide for loading railroad rails onto a rail train. The rail guide includes a guide beam disposed to depend vertically downward over each shelf in a rack on a rack car. The guide beam extends substantially the length of the rack car and is coupled to a corresponding guide beam of an adjacent car via a bridge that is configured to accommodate relative movement between the cars. A shoe is provided that is coupled to a leading end of a rail to be loaded. The shoe includes a follower that engages the guide beam to guide a rail being loaded along a path defined by the guide beam. The guide beam can provide vertical and lateral support to the leading end of the rail during loading.

Abstract: A railroad tie plate dispenser includes a feed chute having a top portion for receiving a stack of railroad tie plates and a push tab at a bottom portion of the feed chute for stripping railroad tie plates from the feed chute through an opening in the feed chute to dispense railroad tie plates from a front side of the feed chute.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a new apparatus and process for maximizing the storage space in a warehouse while minimizing aisle space. The invention resides in an apparatus comprising a track assembly and a wheeled platform assembly, whereby a wheeled platform and load (pallet+boxes or crates of goods) are placed on a track assembly and roiled deeper into storage, while leaving room for another load to be placed in front. The invention also teaches various improvements on the design that maximize durability accessibility, and safety.

Abstract: A brine generation system includes a tank unit having a tank body and a divider which separates the tank into an upper portion for holding salt crystals and a lower portion for holding brine. The divider is adapted to resist the movement of salt crystals greater than a predetermined size and to permit the brine solution to pass from the upper portion through the divider to the lower portion by the effect of gravity. The divider includes a sump channel having an opening in communication with the upper portion of the tank unit. The sump channel is adapted to collect non-soluble particles greater than a predetermined size and permit the brine solution in the sump channel to pass therethrough to the lower portion of the tank unit. The sump channel is in communication with a sediment discharge port defined in the tank body.

Abstract: This invention provides a viscosity modifier for high concentration dispersion of inorganic fine particles which can reduce, by giving excellent viscosity modifying function to a high concentration dispersion of inorganic fine particles (e.g., printing ink composition, functional paste composition or paint composition, of high concentration dispersion of inorganic fine particles), the occurrence of inconvenience in a printing step or coating step for the manufacture of components or substrates, and also provides a high concentration dispersion of inorganic fine particles which contains said viscosity modifier.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aqueous dispersions comprising: at least one pigment present in an amount of at least 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the dispersion, the at least one pigment being selected from oxidized carbon blacks and modified carbon blacks having attached at least one organic group; and at least one organic solvent present in an amount of at least 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the dispersion, the at least one organic solvent having a Hansen hydrogen bonding parameter (?H) ranging from 13 to 50 MPa0.5, and a Hansen polarity parameter (?p) ranging from 5 to 13 MPa0.5, wherein the dispersion is substantially free of a surfactant. Also disclosed are methods of preparing aqueous dispersions and injet ink compositions prepared from the same.

Abstract: Waterborne aqueous-alcohol soluble protein compositions, methods of making the compositions, and applications thereof are disclosed. The dispersion compositions include protein, water, acid, and optionally an ester of a carboxylic acid. The methods of making the compositions including combining the protein, water, acid and optionally ester to form a dispersion without the benefit of alcohol. Applications include industrial and food applications, such as binders and coatings, for example paint binders or coatings for paper products and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of aqueous and non-aqueous film coating of substrates like pharmaceutical tablets, nutritional supplements, food, confectionery items, agricultural seeds, and the like, and is specifically concerned with coating substrates with a coating based on low molecular weight hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose having low viscosity. The invention provides a composition where it provides a relatively faster rate of coating than those known in the prior art. The invention also relates to method of preparing such rapid film coating composition.

Abstract: Techniques for disposing of one or more toxic materials, such as coal waste (e.g., fly ash, sludge, etc.), include incorporating the toxic materials into artificial feldspar or forming artificial feldspar from the toxic material(s). The artificial feldspar may be used to form an artificial aggregate, which may be used in a construction material, as road base, as a fill material or for any other suitable purpose. Artificial aggregates that are formed from toxic materials are also disclosed, as are construction materials that include such artificial aggregates.

Abstract: A process for treating a tailings stream comprises (a) contacting (1) a gelling agent and (2) an activator with said tailings stream to produce a gel; (b)entrapping solids including sand and clay, and other solid particles with the gel; and (c) allowing the gel to strengthen and solidify to produce a trafficable deposit; wherein the tailings stream comprises water and solids, which solids comprise sand, clay and other solids particles, and wherein 5% by volume to 100% by volume of the solids have a particle size less than 0.05 mm, based on the total volume of the solids. The process may further comprises spreading the gel produced in step (a) or the trafficable deposit produced in step (c) over a surface. The present invention is particularly useful to treat tailings streams produced in processes to extract bitumen from oil sands ores.

Abstract: This invention relates to synthetically derived zinc phlogopite platelets, of superior aspect ratio, effect pigments comprising such synthetically derived platelets and methods of forming said platelets. More specifically the disclosure describes an improved hydrothermal synthesis of zinc phlogopite suitable as a platelets for interference pigments, barrier and flame retardant applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a CICP that maintains high durability and excellent color properties inherent in chromium-containing CICP while allowing a reduced amount of hexavalent chromium elution from the pigment. The CICP with reduced elution of hexavalent chromium therefrom characterized in that the pigment consists of: a pigment component selected from the group consisting of Colour Index (C.I.) Pigment Blue 36, C.I. Pigment Green 17, C.I. Pigment Green 51, C.I. Pigment Green 26, C.I. Pigment Yellow 162, C.I. Pigment Yellow 163, C.I. Pigment Red 233, C.I. Pigment Red 235, C.I. Pigment Red 236, C.I. Pigment Red 230, C.I. Pigment Brown 24, C.I. Pigment Brown 33, C.I. Pigment Brown 35, C.I. Pigment Brown 39, C.I. Pigment Brown 40, C.I. Pigment Brown 46, C.I. Pigment Black 27, C.I. Pigment Black 28, C.I. Pigment Brown 29, and C.I. Pigment Black 30; and an additive component in an amount of 0.

Abstract: The present description is directed to a cement or cementitious mixture that includes fly ash, zinc oxide and borate. Importantly, the cementitious mixture includes greater than 50% of fly ash by weight, or alternatively greater than 75% by weight of fly ash, or still further alternatively greater than 90% or 95% by weight of fly ash. Zinc oxide is incorporated in the cementitious mixture at levels of 2.5% and greater, or alternatively at the amounts of about 5 to 20% zinc oxide. Finally, a borate compound in needed for use as a set retarder.

Abstract: A portable cushion tray includes a cushion coupled to a tray. The tray has a first maximum perimeter. The cushion has a second maximum perimeter. The first maximum perimeter is one of the same as the second maximum perimeter and disposed inside of the second maximum perimeter. The portable cushion tray is used as a furniture accessory and selectively provides each of a pillow and a working surface for use with furniture.

Abstract: A paperboard pallet is provided that includes first and second cardboard stringers positioned substantially parallel to each other. A space is formed between the first and second stringers. At least a first deck board is attached to and positioned substantially perpendicular to the first and second stringers. Both the first and second stringers include a notch on their top sides. Each notch on the top side of the first and second stringer is sized to receive the first deck board, and is located so a first side of the first deck board in each notch in the top side of the first and second stringers is located substantially flush with the first end of the first and second stringers.

Abstract: A pallet (10) includes a base layer (20), a cargo layer (30) and spaced apart support elements (40) positioned between the base layer (20) and the cargo layer (30) and forming a gap (50) therebetween for receiving a lifting member. The cargo layer (30) includes a pair of spaced apart connector boards (32) and a pair of spaced apart end deck boards (34) orthogonal to the pair of connector boards (32). Each support element (40) extends in length between the pair of spaced apart end deck boards (34) and is configured as a one-piece skid, and includes an open recessed channel (60) therein to receive a respective connector board (32) from the cargo layer (30).

Abstract: A reliable, light, inexpensive, and durable support shield for wooden pallets that protects the entry points of wooden pallets from the exterior pallet damage traditionally associated with pallet/forklift interaction.

Abstract: In a combustion system, a charge source is configured to cooperate with a collection plate and a director conduit to cause at least one particle charge-to-mass classification to be reintroduced to a flame for further reaction.

Abstract: An applicator for applying dry fertilizer or livestock waste in the form of a slurry beneath the soil surface with minimum soil displacement includes a leading spring-cushioned, conical-shaped, wavy coulter angularly offset from the direction of travel which displaces soil laterally in forming a furrow adapted to receive fertilizer. The coulter is trailed by a single, or a pair of, rotary blade(s) which fill the furrow, covering the deposited fertilizer. A second embodiment includes a second wavy coulter disposed between the leading coulter and the trailing rotary blades for directing soil in a laterally opposed direction from the soil displaced by the leading coulter in forming a wider furrow. The single conical coulter and dual conical coulter embodiments are easily interchangeable in the applicator, and are easily removed and replaced with a curved shank and sweep assembly to convert to sweep fertilizer application.

Abstract: A frame for sewing upper pillows on covering shells for mattresses, which comprises four perimetric walls; each wall is perpendicular to the two contiguous walls and comprises at least one laminar portion that constitutes a resting surface, the laminar portion being co-planar with a lower edge of the respective wall, at least one of such walls comprising at least one locking element for at least one component, selected from between an upper pillow and a covering shell, arranged on a respective laminar portion.

Abstract: A material for use as a wound dressing, the material being in the form of a roll and comprising gel forming fibers and the material having lines of longitudinal stitching.

Abstract: An inflatable hull including at least one air casing that has two walls placed one over the other. The walls each include a fabric sheet, are connected therebetween by a plurality of connecting wires distributed over the entire surface of the sheets while forming a structure suitable for being inflated to a pressure capable of rigidifying the structure, and are capable of ensuring the buoyancy of the hull separately from any reported buoyancy element. The casing has a first transversely cross-sectional curvature and a second longitudinally cross-sectional curvature that is present over at least the front portion of the casing. One of the walls corresponds to the inside of the curvature, and the other of the walls corresponds to the outside of the curvature. The casing has at least one clip set up such as to form a stem.

Abstract: A free-floating, compact, self-stabilizing, self-monitoring, remote-controlled, shallow-water, solar, high-speed, air displacement watercraft lift constructed of polyethylene tanks, and non-metallic structure. This device provides vertical lifting by inflating 4 or more air tanks at once using a blower for each tank, pushing water out an exit hole on the bottom of each tank. Each tank has an electric valve for filling and another for exhausting air. Pairs of tanks are pivotally connected along the centerline, and pairs of tanks are connected with a union tube inside the axles. A monitoring system fills the air tanks if air leaks. The width of the lift is adjusted by adjusting the center bunk height, or by adding a spacer.

Abstract: A spring-loaded flap rudder or flap stabilizer adapted to be mounted to the hull structure of a ship. In a geared version of the invention, the rudder or stabilizer includes a member and a gear including teeth. The rudder or stabilizer also includes a flap member pivotally connected to the member with a component, such as a spring, arranged to limit jamming between the gear and a movable flap gear. The flap gear includes a rod movably engaged in a socket of the flap member and gear teeth for engagement with the teeth of the gear.

Abstract: A streamer steering device to be attached to a streamer or a source of a marine seismic survey system. The streamer steering device includes a casing configured to be attached to the streamer or to the source; a wing assembly connected to the casing and having an active surface used to control depth and/or lateral position of the streamer; and an actuating mechanism located inside the casing and connected to the wing assembly, the actuating mechanism being configured to change a state of the wing assembly from an operational state to a folded state. The active surface has substantially the same area during the operational state and the folded state.

Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for recording seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The AUV includes a body having a head part and a tail part); a propulsion system for guiding the AUV to a final target on the ocean bottom; a jet pump group connected to the body and including plural jet pumps; a control device connected to the jet pumps; and a seismic sensor configured to record seismic signals. The jet pump group controls a steering of the AUV by generating water jets according to a given sequence.

Abstract: A rudder position indicator that is gravity driven, designed to reduce the opportunity for misalignment, and can be recalibrated without being detached in the event that misalignment occurs. The rudder position indicator includes a gear assembly having an angle indicator and a position indicator assembly that are housed within an indicator case. A dampening fluid is filled within the indicator case as well, and acts to reduce the possibility of misalignment by reducing wobble of the angle indicator as a ship wheel is rotated. The indicator case is attached to the ship wheel by means of a mounting case; the mounting case being attached to the ship wheel using an adhesive. The indicator case is rotatably positioned into the mounting case and is stepped, such that the indicator case can be locked in and out of position to calibrate the angle indicator.

Abstract: A rifle shaped flagpole is adapted to carry a flag and to be supported on a flagpole holder. The flagpole includes a barrel portion and a stock portion, and the barrel portion extends longitudinally beyond a forestock part of the stock portion. An elongate rod extends from a butt part on the stock portion in a direction generally opposite the barrel portion. One end of the rod is secured in a bore in the stock portion at the butt part, and the other rod end is adapted to be received in an elongate bore of a flagpole holder. A flag may be attached to the flagpole at an eyelet on the barrel portion and an eyelet on the stock portion. Each eyelet is preferably part of an eye bolt having a threaded portion, and the threaded portions thereof extend through the respective barrel and stock portions and form aiming sights.

Abstract: This invention relates to synthetically derived zinc phlogopite substrates, of superior aspect ratio, effect pigments comprising such synthetically derived substrates and methods of forming said substrates. More specifically the disclosure describes an improved hydrothermal synthesis of zinc phlogopite suitable as a substrate for interference pigments, barrier and flame retardant applications.

Abstract: A selective epitaxial growth method includes preparing a target object including a single crystal substrate in which an epitaxial growth region is partitioned by a suppression film; and growing the epitaxial layer on the epitaxial growth region of the target object until a predetermined film thickness is obtained. The growing the epitaxial layer includes first source gas supply process of supplying a source gas onto the target object under a first pressure to grow a first epitaxial layer on the epitaxial growth region, first removing process of removing deposits on the suppression film, second source gas supply process of supplying the source gas onto the target object under a second pressure higher than the first pressure, and second removing process of removing the deposits on the suppression film. The second source gas supply process and the second removing process are repeated until the predetermined film thickness is obtained.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of growing chalcogen-linked metallic films on a surface in a chamber. In some embodiments, the method comprises placing a metal source and a chalcogen source in the chamber, and gradually heating the chamber, where the heating leads to the chemical vapor deposition of the chalcogen source and the metal source onto the surface, and facilitates the growth of the chalcogen-linked metallic film from the chalcogen source and the metal source on the surface. In some embodiments, the chalcogen source comprises sulfur, and the metal source comprises molybdenum trioxide. In some embodiments, the growth of the chalcogen-linked metallic film occurs by formation of nucleation sites on the surface, where the nucleation sites merge to form the chalcogen-linked metallic film. In some embodiments, the formed chalcogen-linked metallic film includes MoS2.

Abstract: A system for depositing a film on a substrate comprises a lateral control shutter disposed between the substrate and a material source. The lateral control shutter is configured to block some predetermined portion of source material to prevent deposition of source material onto undesirable portion of the substrate. One of the lateral control shutter or the substrate moves with respect to the other to facilitate moving a lateral growth boundary originating from one or more seed crystals. A lateral epitaxial deposition across the substrate ensues, by having an advancing growth front that expands grain size and forms a single crystal film on the surface of the substrate.