Abstract: A ballistic protection is described. The ballistic protection includes a rigid structure and a flexible structure, co-operating to dissipate energy associated to an incident bullet impact, the rigid structure and the flexible structure being separated by at least a first discontinuity layer. The rigid structure includes at least a first rigid layer, at least a second rigid layer, and at least a third layer interposed between the first and the second rigid layer. The material of the first discontinuity layer and of the third layer of the rigid structure are selected so that a speed of propagation of a sound wave through the first discontinuity layer and the third layer of the rigid structure is less than 50% of the speed of propagation of a sound wave through fibers of the first rigid layer. The third layer can have a frame shape extending along the edges of the ballistic rigid protections, so that protection is increased along the borders.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuation unit for controlling the starting and stopping of hydraulic motors includes a first main circuit and a second main circuit, a first recirculation circuit and a second recirculation circuit, a counterbalancing valve, which includes a shuttle, and a first discharge channel and a second discharge channel. The shuttle includes a first check valve and a second check valve. The first check valve includes at least one first flow control element that can move from an open position to a closure position. The second check valve includes at least one second flow control element that can move from an open position to a closure position. The first and second check valves respectively are provided with first damping means and second damping means in order to slow down the passage movement respectively of the first flow control element and of the second flow control element.

Abstract: A pump element includes a body defining a chamber. A piston assembly is biased to a first position within the chamber and is configured to be driven along an axis from the first position to a second position to compress fluid. At least one flow path is defined through the piston assembly from an upstream end to a downstream end, and the at least one flow path is configured to receive flow only in the axial direction.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, pistons and piston noses. One representative embodiment involves a brake piston that includes a piston body and a top surface, in which the top surface is wider than the piston body and has a small portion that is slightly raised, relative to the rest of the top surface, so that when in use only the small raised portion makes contact with a backing plate of a brake pad.

Abstract: The present invention discloses high performance cross-linked polyimide asymmetric flat sheet membranes and a process of using such membranes. The cross-linked polyimide asymmetric flat sheet membranes have shown CO2 permeance higher than 80 GPU and CO2/CH4 selectivity higher than 20 at 50° C. under 6996 kPa of a feed gas with 10% CO2 and 90% CH4 for CO2/CH4 separation.

Abstract: In a gas separation apparatus that separates carbon dioxide and water vapor from a first mixture gas containing at least carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapor, the energy utilization efficiency thereof is improved. The gas separation apparatus is constructed to include a first separation membrane 33 and a second separation membrane 34 that are made of different materials. When the first mixture gas is supplied, the first separation membrane 33 separates a second mixture gas containing carbon dioxide and water vapor that permeate through the first separation membrane by allowing carbon dioxide and water vapor to permeate selectively. When the second mixture gas is supplied, the second separation membrane 34 separates water vapor that permeates through the second separation membrane 34 by allowing water vapor to permeate selectively.

Abstract: A process for dedusting a dust laden vapor gas mixture (VGM) obtained by pyrolysis of a material containing hydrocarbons includes treating the dust laden VGM in a dry electrostatic precipitator at a temperature in a range from 380 to 480° C. so as to separate dust from the VGM. Then, the VGM is cooled to a temperature in a range from 310 to 360° C.

Abstract: A system for ridding the working area of a nail salon work station of fumes and nail dust. The system is self-contained within the particular work station and has a vacuum system that draws air in from the area surrounding and proximate the working area to remove the fumes and dust. A fan draws that air into a chamber containing a bag-type, particulate filter that filters out the nail dust. Downstream of the bag-type filter is a fume filter that receives the air from the bag-type filter, having been pressurized by the fan, and provides a filter of the fumes. The air, now having passed through a particulate filter and a fume filter is exhausted into the room at a location remote from the working area. The bag-type filter is inexpensive and readily replaced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a permanent and cost-effective composite electrode for electrolytically producing alkaline water, comprising an electrode core made of steel, a filler densely packed around the electrode core, said filler capable of creating a mildly aqueous and alkaline environment to motivate formation of a layer of magnetite over a surface of the electrode core, and a housing enclosing the filler, said housing having a pore size selected such that very low permeation of gas and liquid takes place. The invention also provides an apparatus comprising the composite electrode, and the use of the alkaline water produced by the apparatus of the invention. According to the invention, no additional undesired side products, such as toxic chlorine gas and other pollutants, are produced and discharged to the environment.

Abstract: The method for eliminating acidic compounds contained in a gaseous effluent consists of placing into contact, in column C1, a gaseous effluent 1 with an absorbent solution 4 comprising an aqueous solution of one or a plurality of dihydroxyalkylamines having one of the formulas (I) and (II).

Abstract: A system to reduce scaling within or downstream of an electrolytic cell includes sulfate removal membranes located upstream of one or more electrolytic cells which are arranged to receive a permeate feed stream from the sulfate removal membranes. The membranes can be nanofiltration membranes. The saline feed stream, permeate feed stream, or both may be de-aerated streams. The electrolytic cells may be part of an electro-chlorination unit and can be divided electrolytic cells.

Abstract: Contemplated gas-liquid separators and especially subsea gas-liquid separators have a main pipe with a plurality of descending branch pipes that are fluidly coupled to the main pipe and each other such as to allow disengagement of the gas into the main pipe while liquid and sand descend into the lower ends of the branch pipes. Sand accumulation in the lower ends of the branch pipes is preferably prevented by lateral serial flow of liquid and sand from one branch pipe to the next and use of a flush liquid that is drawn from one or more branch pipes.

Abstract: A liquid depth-operated valve assembly for use in a zero gravity environment includes a Pitot pump disposed within a centrifugal separator configured to separate an air and a liquid from one another. Also included is a Pitot opening disposed at a first radial location relative to a substantially central location of the centrifugal separator. Further included is a depth-sensing port disposed at a second radial location along the Pitot pump, the second radial location disposed radially inwardly of the first radial location, the depth-sensing port in operative communication with a valve.

Abstract: A device for filtering untreated air in an air supply of a clean room of a beverage treatment system, having more than one filter element and a pressure differential measuring assembly, in which the filter elements are connected to the pressure differential measuring assembly for pressure measurement such that a respective first pressure pick-up is arranged upstream of the respective filter element and a second pressure pick-up.

Abstract: The ventilation member of the present invention includes: a support; and an air-permeable membrane disposed on the support. The support includes: a base portion supporting the air-permeable membrane; and a leg portion extending from the base portion toward the interior space of a housing and adapted to fix the ventilation member to the opening of the housing. The leg portion includes: insertion portions separated from each other in a circumferential direction by slits formed between the insertion portions, the insertion portions being adapted to be elastically deformed radially inwardly when the insertion portions are inserted into the opening and then to be fixed to the opening; and rounded portions each formed in a region between an inner circumferential surface of the insertion portion and a circumferential end surface of the insertion portion at a root of the insertion portion and having a rounded convex surface.

Abstract: The ventilation member of the present invention includes: a support; and an air-permeable membrane disposed on the support. The support includes: a base portion supporting the air-permeable membrane; and a leg portion extending from the base portion toward the interior space of a housing and adapted to fix the ventilation member to the opening of the housing. The leg portion includes: insertion portions separated from each other in a circumferential direction by slits formed between the insertion portions in an insertion start side of the leg portion, the insertion portions being adapted to be elastically deformed radially inwardly when the insertion portions are inserted into the opening and then to be fixed to the opening; and receding portions in the insertion portions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ventilation member attachable to a housing having an opening for ventilation. This ventilation member includes: a support including: a base portion adapted to form an air passage between an interior space and an exterior space of the housing; and a leg portion extending from the base portion and adapted to be fitted into the opening; an air-permeable membrane disposed on the support to cover the air passage; and a sealing member made of a resin and placed at a root of the leg portion of the support. This sealing member has a compression set of 10% or less when measured under conditions of a test temperature of 100° C. and a test time of 100 hours in accordance with JIS K 6262. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a ventilation member suitable for preventing water from entering a housing even during a high-pressure car wash test using high-temperature water.

Abstract: A housing of a column unit is tubular-shaped, and includes a first opening and a second opening, and an inner space separated from outside air by an insulating material. An air cooling section including a cooling device is arranged on a side of the first opening of the housing. At the time of cooling the inside of the inner space of the housing, air is caused, by a fan, to flow through the air cooling section and from the side of the first opening to a side of the second opening. A column section including a separation column and a heater is arranged inside the housing. A gap through which air flows from the first opening to the second opening is formed between the column section and an inner wall of the inner space of the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate generally to distribution of flow into vessels containing packed beds of media. An example application of such beds is to pressure swing or temperature swing adsorption systems. Systems herein may include a vessel and a distributor for distributing flow into a lower portion of the vessel. The system may include: a vessel comprising a top head and a bottom head; and a bottom head feed/effluent nozzle. A lower distributor having at least one flow permitting surface is disposed within the vessel and encompasses an inlet of the bottom head feed/effluent nozzle. A flow gap is formed between a bottom portion of the lower distributor and the bottom head feed/effluent nozzle.

Abstract: An adapter for single serving cartridges includes a coffee maker readable identification feature. The identification feature may be visual (for example any feature which may be read or a bar code), a readable magnetic strip, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), or any feature able to contain information and provide that information to a reader. The adapter may be configured for known disposable single serving cartridges, and may include one or more needles to puncture the cartridges for use. The identification feature may inform the coffee maker that an adapter carrying a disposable single serving cartridge is in use, and adjust the coffee maker accordingly.

Abstract: A beverage filtering cartridge for obtaining beverages, such as coffee, tea or the like, is provided. The beverage filtering cartridge includes an impermeable cup-shaped container, a filtering element, an impermeable cover and a removable means. The container has a first opening and a second opening which is smaller than the first opening. The first opening is sealed with the impermeable cover and the second opening is blocked by the removable means. The filtering element is located in the container so as to divide the container into two chambers. The tea or coffee will be located between the filtering element and the impermeable cover. When the consumer uses the cartridge by a machine, the consumer must remove the removable means and then put the cartridge into the machine. The machine injects water into the cartridge so as to quickly brew the drink, i.e. tea or coffee.

Abstract: A receptacle holding unit (1) for a device for preparing a beverage from an ingredient contained in a receptacle (2). A first part (10) and a second part (20) are movable between a closed position for holding said receptacle and an open position for inserting said receptacle and/or for removal therefrom. A fastening arrangement comprises a locking member (30) movable between:—a locking position for preventing relative rotational movement of the first and second engagement surfaces (11, 21) when the parts (10, 20) are in the closed position; and—an unlocking position for allowing relative rotational movement of the of the first and second engagements surfaces (11, 21) and engagement and disengagement thereof.

Abstract: A cooking containment barrier for use with a cooking product comprising: a screen, where the screen is made from a mesh material; and a plurality of anchoring means, where the plurality of anchoring means secure the screen over an opening into an inner cavity of the cooking products to ensure that the inner contents of the cavity remain in place. The cooking containment barrier may be square or circular shaped to completely cover the opening.

Abstract: A barbeque grill and oven or food smoker having an offset firebox configuration is disclosed. Example embodiments include: an oven having an enclosed interior region for cooking food items; an offset firebox sharing at least a portion of a side of the oven, the offset firebox having a first opening over which a removable grill may be placed, the firebox having a second opening through which airflow may travel from the firebox into the oven; and an oven lid configured to produce an opening in the top of the Oven of any desired site the opening of the oven lid causing an increase in the flow of heated an from the firebox into the oven.

Abstract: A grill includes an upper cover, a supporting body and a grill frame. The grill frame is provided on the supporting body. The grill frame includes left and right boards, a back board and a front board, which all enclose into the grill frame. Heaters are provided within the grill frame and a roasting plate which tilts towards a front of the grill frame is provided above the heaters. The roasting plate has slots from which oil and grease drip down into an oil dripping slot provided on the front board and then into an oil guiding slot provided below the front board. The oil guiding slot has an oil channel of a certain angle. An oil collecting box is provided below a side of the oil guiding slot. A warming net is provided above the roasting plate and mounted on the left and right boards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an appliance for preparing foodstuff comprising a cutting unit (2) for use with a separately operated cooking unit (3) wherein the cutting unit (2) has a first base structure, at least one supply opening (27), cutting means (22, 24), and at least one outlet (28). The cutting unit (2) can be positioned in a side-by-side configuration with respect to the cooking unit (3), in which the outlet (28) is in a position for supplying cut food ingredients to a cooking unit (3). The cutting means (22, 24) comprise a first drive and at least one rotating cutting element arranged inside a cutting chamber provided on top of the base structure. The cutting chamber opens into the outlet opening via an overlapping area that is at least partly arranged below the cutting chamber.

Abstract: A cooking device comprising a first interior chamber, a second interior chamber being fluidly connected with the first interior chamber via a drain and comprising a first water reservoir, the drain and the first water reservoir forming a first air trap, and a device outlet downstream of the second interior chamber, whereby said air trap is adapted to be opened or closed by lowering or lifting the first water reservoir between the first interior chamber and the second interior chamber.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a glaze consisting of a base unit having a vat for storing a liquid which may be heated. A crock having a housing including a bottom wall, side wall and a lid for sealing an interior of the crock. A squeezable semi-rigid bottle for storing a glazing substance. A bottle lid having a nozzle having a glazing outlet enabling glaze contained within said semi-rigid bottle to be dispensed when said semi-rigid bottle has a force applied to it thereby forcing the glaze through the nozzle and wherein the semi-rigid bottle is positioned within said crock enabling glaze stored within said bottle to maintain a liquid state for dispensing.

Abstract: A food defrosting tray includes a tray body on which a frozen food adapted to be placed. The tray body is made of metal and includes a plurality of heat transfer pieces spaced in parallel. The food defrosting tray further includes two conjunction members which engage with first and second ends of the heat transfer pieces respectively. Each conjunction member includes a plurality of sheaths made of a pliable but strong material. Two adjacent sheaths are connected to each other through a collapsible portion so that the tray body and the conjunction members are collapsible and can be rolled up for better contact with a food material and preferable defrosting capability. Moreover, the foldable tray body allows the food defrosting tray to be rolled up easily for effective storage.

Abstract: A juice extractor includes a filter net which has a plurality of holes that are used to prevent residues of squeezed food from passing therethrough and allow juice of the squeezed food to pass therethrough formed thereon, and cutting blades which adhere to one or more lateral portions of the filter net to cut the food residues stuck in a plurality of the holes. According to the present invention, a user easily cleans the filter net after using the juice extractor.

Abstract: An agricultural baler including a base unit, a plurality of ground engaging devices supporting the base unit and at least one tie system mounted to the base unit. The at least one tie system including a needle moveable relative to the base unit and a needle stabilizer. The needle stabilizer attached to the base unit with the needle stabilizer contacting the needle over a portion of the movement of the needle.

Abstract: Waste objects, for example used oil barrels, are crushed using a device having a frame which supports first and second press plates so as to be movable towards one another in a crushing direction. A plurality of ball screw assemblies which are connected between the press plates each include a lead screw and a follower nut with roller elements in rolling engagement with the threads of the lead screw such that there is little or no static friction which must be overcome in order to release the press plate from the crushed object once the crushing operation is complete. A motor coupled to the ball screw assemblies applies a continuous torque throughout a full range of crushing movement of the second press plate relative to the first press plate to overcome the back pressure from the object being crushed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for compacting the springs of mattresses and box springs. The present invention compresses the springs in at least two, preferably three different directions. One compression is achieved through actuation of a crush chamber door. At least two of the three directions of compression are perpendicular to an axis through the springs. After the final compression is performed, the compressed springs are discharged from the crush chamber in a direction parallel to the direction of the final compression.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a cartridge holder configured to receive a pen or a cutter, a platen configured to receive an object, a first moving mechanism configured to move the cartridge holder, a reading unit configured to read image data from the object, a second moving mechanism configured to move the object to the reading unit, and a processor configured to instruct the apparatus to instruct the first moving mechanism to move the cartridge holder close to the platen, instruct the second moving mechanism to move the object so that the image data is read by the reading unit, extract, from the image data, a processing mark on the object, calculate a rotation angle for correcting image data, based on rotation angle, at least one of the processing mark, and correct, based on the image data and processing data.

Abstract: A method for in-line integrated raised printing. The method includes performing a plurality of separations, and generating an embossing effect based on the performing said plurality of separations, wherein the embossing effect comprises a three-dimensional effect.

Abstract: A balanced stencil foil tensioning frame with a foil alignment fixture removes the need for the complex air/bladder arrangement of conventional systems by pivoting side members to engage foil. With less components, the tensioning frame system is reliable and light weight with few moving parts. In one embodiment, a base member can receive a stencil foil and a frame top can lock into the base member, depressing the edges of the stencil foil. The amount of provided depression can adjust the tension of the foil. In another embodiment, a plurality of tension segments can move in a linear direction to create a uniform foil tension. The alignment fixture can be wall mounted to hold foil in a vertical position. This allows for consistent alignment and attachment of foil to the tensioning frame.

Abstract: A printing screen comprises a screen printing foil and a sub-frame component secured to an edge of the foil, wherein the foil is formed with cut-outs defining deflectable parts of the foil to be deflected out of the plane of the remainder thereof, and the sub-frame component comprises a fixed lip upon which part of the foil can be received, a recess into which the said deflectable parts of the foil can be deflected, and a moveable lip defining a series of spaced projections, the moveable lip being moveable to a position in which the projections bear against the deflectable parts of the foil, deflecting the deflectable parts into the recess to secure the foil to the sub-frame component.

Abstract: A method of making a bas relief from a two-dimensional image includes converting a two-dimensional image to a gray-scale image that comprises a plurality of shades of gray. Each shade of gray corresponds to a respective elevation of a three dimensional representation of the two-dimensional image. The gray-scale image is then converted to a half-tone bitmap image that is etched onto a print screen stencil. Meltable powder is forced through the open mesh areas of the print screen stencil to form a three-dimensional pattern of powder on a substrate positioned beneath the print screen stencil in spaced-apart relationship therewith. The three-dimensional pattern of the powder corresponds to the three-dimensional representation of the two-dimensional image. The three-dimensional pattern of powder is then heated to fuse the powder together to form a bas relief.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing an image on a substrate, wherein the image includes an indicia and a frame. The method includes covering at least a portion the substrate with a carrier comprising magnetically alignable flakes, aligning the magnetically alignable flakes with a magnetic field of a magnetic assembly comprising a metal plate with an opening, and solidifying the carrier. The frame is formed at an edge of the opening and the indicia is visible within the frame. The magnetic assembly includes two magnets disposed so that the North pole of one magnet and the South pole of another magnet are proximate to the metal plate at opposite sides of the opening.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling printed ink horizontal. cross-sectional areas using fluoropolymer templates. The method initially forms a fluoropolymer template overlying a substrate. The fluoropolymer template has a horizontal first cross-sectional dimension. Then, a primary ink is printed overlying the fluoropolymer template having a horizontal second cross-sectional dimension less than the first cross-sectional dimension. In the case of a fluoropolymer line having a template length greater than a template width, where the template width is the first cross-sectional dimension, printing the primary ink entails printing a primary ink line having an ink length greater than an ink width, where the ink width is the second cross-sectional dimension. In one aspect, the method prints a plurality of primary ink layers, each primary ink layer having an ink width less than the template width. Each overlying primary ink layer can be printed prior to solvents in underlying primary ink layers evaporating.

Abstract: A printing blanket is provided which may include a printable surface ply, a compressible ply, one or more reinforcing fabric plies, and a non-extensible backing layer comprising a polymeric material. The printing blanket has first and seconds ends which are adapted to be inserted into the gap of a printing blanket cylinder, where each of the first and second ends may include a relief area formed by removing or molding a portion of the blanket or by removing or molding a portion of the non-extensible backing layer such that the blanket may be mounted in a wide variety of printing presses using a number of different lock-up mechanisms.

Abstract: An extractor for placement adjacent to a rotor having processing positions in a circumferential area thereof extracts contaminants arising during container processing. The extractor has a hood forming an interior, an extractor channel, baffles, flow channels, and a joint suction channel. In operation, the hood, which does not move with the rotor, extends over part of the circumferential area. The hood's interior opens radially towards the rotor and is connected by the extractor channel to a suction device. The baffles, which are formed by wall elements in the hood interior, define the flow channels. The flow channels are open on a side of the hood that faces the rotor, and open inside the extractor hood into the joint suction channel.

Abstract: A plate making method of a lithographic printing plate, includes performing the following steps a) to d) in this order: a) supplying a negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor having on a support an image-recording layer containing an infrared absorbing agent, an initiator represented by formula (I) as defined herein and a polymerizable compound, wherein the image-recording layer is capable of being removed with at least one of ink and dampening water, b) image-exposing the negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor with an infrared laser, c) exposing the negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor to light for 5 minutes or more under a white lamp which has one light emission peak at 400 to 500 nm and one light emission peak at 500 to 600 nm and does not emit light at 380 nm or less, and d) removing an unexposed area with at least one of ink and dampening water.

Abstract: A multi-station flexographic printing system includes a plurality of flexographic printing stations. Each flexographic printing station includes a flexo master. Each flexo master comprises a Fresnel zone pattern in a unique position. A method of aligning a plurality of flexographic printing stations includes printing a Fresnel zone pattern on a substrate in a unique position for each flexographic printing station. Light is directed through the Fresnel zone patterns on the substrate. The light focused by the Fresnel zone patterns is captured with a sensor device.

Abstract: A multi-station flexographic printing system includes a first flexographic printing station that includes a first flexo master. The system includes one or more additional flexographic printing stations, wherein each of the one or more additional flexographic printing stations includes a flexo master. The first flexo master includes one or more alignment boxes in one or more unique positions. Each flexo master of the one or more additional flexographic printing stations includes an alignment box completion in a predetermined position. A method of marking a substrate for visual alignment includes printing one or more alignment boxes in one or more unique positions on a substrate. One or more alignment box completions are printed in one or more predetermined positions on the substrate. The one or more predetermined positions correspond to the one or more unique positions.

Abstract: A web printing system automatically detects the location of a wrinkle in a moving web. The web has a plurality of marked reference positions including an inboard position, a center position, and an outboard position. A plurality of contact image sensors detect the reference positions after the web passes through a spreader and an inboard distance and an outboard distance are respectively measured from the center position. If the inboard distance is less than a nominal inboard distance, the wrinkle is identified as inboard of the center position. If the outboard distance is less than a nominal outboard distance, the wrinkle is identified as outboard of the center position. The machine operator is notified of the fault condition and takes action to remedy the situation.

Abstract: Provided is a process for dry, solvent free, transfer of solid material onto a flexographic plate.

Abstract: An improved shotshell of the type having a hull, a head at the proximal end, propellant disposed in the hull, a wad disposed in the hull distal to the propellant, and a load disposed in the hull in distal to the wad. The improvement comprises the load including a plurality of individual shot, at least a portion of which are at least partially surrounded by a friable material that breaks up upon the firing of the shell to release to the shot and results in a reduced rate of dispersion of the plurality of individual shot compared to cartridges without the friable material.

Abstract: A high strength polymer-based cartridge casing can include a first end having a mouth and a neck extending away from the mouth. Next, a shoulder extends below the neck and away from the first end. The cartridge can have a frangible portion capable of being split upon discharge of a projectile. A projectile can be disposed in the mouth and a relief can be disposed on the neck near the mouth and projectile. The relief can form a gap between the neck and the projectile to receive an adhesive.

Abstract: This inflator (1) is provided with: a housing (10) that forms a combustion space (15) filled therewithin with a gas generant (17); a front pipe that forms a front-side space to which discharge holes (19) that discharged gas generated in the combustion space (15) of the housing (10) are provided; and a filter (16) that is housed in a manner so as to partition the front-side space and the combustion space (15). The inflator (1) is further provided with a partition plate (30) that is provided between the combustion space (15) and the filter (16), with a first gas passage section and a second gas passage section formed thereon.