Abstract: The present invention relates to an inkjet ink composition comprising: a colourant; a carrier; and a saccharide additive comprising: (a) a monosaccharide and/or derivative thereof; and/or (b) a disaccharide and/or derivative thereof; and/or (c) a tri- or polysaccharide and/or derivative thereof.

Abstract: The adhesive compositions that include starch derivatives, plasticizers, optionally cellulose derivatives, and optionally other additives. By tailoring the composition and concentration of these components, hot melt adhesive compositions, hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive compositions, and pressure sensitive adhesives have been produced. Further, these adhesive compositions may be useful in articles including diapers, laminates, repositionable advertisements, and many more.

Abstract: Methods for making composite products are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the method can include combining a plurality of lignocellulose substrates, a free radical precursor, and a polyphenolic material to produce a mixture. The polyphenolic material can be in a liquid form, a solid form, or both when combined to produce the mixture. The method can also include maintaining the mixture at a temperature of less than 60° C. for at least 10 minutes while retaining at least 11 wt % of the free radical precursor charged to the mixture. The mixture can also include heating the mixture comprising at least 11 wt % of the free radical precursors charged to the mixture to a temperature of at least 60° C. to about 300° C. to produce a composite product.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions for, and methods of, delivering treatment compounds to lignocellulosic substrates, wherein the solvent is recovered using RF energy.

Abstract: A red leuco dye demonstrates unusually good thermal and photo stability. The red dye may be used with developers and wax carries for microencapsulation to form thermochromic pigments for use in inks, coatings and the like. This pigment is particularly desirable for use in metal-deco coatings, such as those used in aluminum cans in high beverage canning operations.

Abstract: A water repellent sand mixture includes at least water repellent sand and cement at a weight ratio of 2% or more and 5% or less relative to the water repellent sand. The mixture achieves condensation between the water repellent sand particles by the hydration reaction of the cement, which improves dynamic stability. The mixture can be kept in a block shape due to such improved dynamic stability, water repellency, and less slidable surfaces of the sand particles.

Abstract: A pre-mixed mortar, stucco or masonry composition includes from 30 percent to 72 percent masonry sand by weight, from 20 percent to 50 percent concrete sand by weight, from 15 percent to 20 percent slag cement by weight, from 1 percent to 4 percent acetic acid by weight, from 3 percent to 10 percent fly ash by weight, from 1 percent to 5 percent clay bentonite by weight, from 1 percent to 5 percent calcium oxide by weight, and from 3 percent to 10 percent sodium carbonate by weight.

Abstract: A utility multi-function tray attachment for children's high chairs that provides an integrated insert retainment and display area for electronic entertainment computer based devices of tablet configurations. The tray has a perimeter lip formed thereon with a tray top surface having a transparent waterproof viewing and activation surface window for display and activation of a computer tablet selectively inserted into and retained in the tray. Chair adapted receiving brackets on said tray bottom provide for universal engagement and a pair of folding deployable legs provide for dependent and independent tray use with a variety of high chair designs.

Abstract: Overlays for the interior of safe doors, such as doors of metal gun safes. In some embodiments, the safe may comprise a door frame comprising an interior surface. A door backing may be coupled to the interior surface of the door frame. A sheet of material may be coupled to the door backing, and an overlay may be positioned to extend along one or more edges of the interior surface of the door frame such that at least a portion of the sheet of material is positioned between the overlay and the door backing. Such configurations may allow for utilization of the interior of the safe door for storage of various items, such as firearm ammunition and other accessories, and further may simplify the process of manufacturing such accessories and/or improve the appearance of the interior of the door.

Abstract: A system for thermally processing solid fuel to produce pyrolysis gases, syngas, tar, char, and/or torrefied products, which includes a bulk solids pump having a curved passage to move a feedstock therein and wherein the pump includes a spool supported for rotational movement. A sleeve shaped chamber or chambers surround all or a portion of at least an axial extent of said curved passage to permit containment of heated gases to heat solid fuel within the curved passage to thermally process the feedstock within the pump.

Abstract: This disclosure may relate generally to systems, devices, and methods for a injecting a compound through a sootblower, burner or other utility furnace hardware, such that the compound can be delivered to targeted areas on the inside of a utility furnace. In one embodiment, the compound is a chemical for improving environmental controls. In another embodiment, the compound is a fuel. In that embodiment, compound can facilitate retrofitting a burner to a dual fired utility furnace. In another embodiment, the compound is a chemical for removing slag from the furnace.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for controlling an agricultural implement having a plurality of row units. In some embodiments, seeds are planted by rotating a seed disc in a first direction; seeds are then unloaded from a seed disc into a seed pool by rotating the seed disc in a second direction. In some such embodiments an amount of rotation in the second rotation is selected to ensure that seeds are released into the seed pool and not released from the from the seed meter.

Abstract: A direct drive cloth feeding mechanism of a sewing machine includes a cloth feeding structure, a vertical driving structure and a direction adjustment structure. The cloth feeding structure includes a swing shaft and a cloth feeding teeth member. The vertical driving structure includes an eccentric shaft connected to the cloth feeding teeth member, and an eccentric cam disposed on the eccentric shaft. The direction adjustment structure includes a stepping motor, and a rotating shaft driven by the stepping motor to rotate and switch between a first position and a second position. When the stepping motor directly drives the rotating shaft to the first position, the cloth feeding teeth member performs a forward feeding process. When the stepping motor directly drives the rotating shaft to the second position, the cloth feeding teeth member performs a reverse feeding process.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a bed, a needle plate, a needle bar, a needle bar swing mechanism, a lift mechanism, an optical detecting portion, and a control portion. The lift mechanism is configured to raise and lower a presser foot. The optical detecting portion is configured to optically detect a cord guided by the guide portion, and to output data representing the cord. The control portion is configured to calculate a width of the cord based on the data output by the optical detecting portion, calculate a height position of the presser foot based on the width of the cord, and cause the lift mechanism to move the presser foot to the height position.

Abstract: A buttonhole presser device includes a fabric presser unit; a fabric feed frame unit including a start position detecting member and an immovable receiving portion, the fabric feed frame unit being slidable relative to the fabric presser unit between a start position and an end position of the buttonhole; a button-diameter measuring unit including an end position detecting member and a movable receiving portion, the button-diameter measuring unit being configured to grip a button by being slid relative to the fabric feed frame unit; and a fixing unit that fixes the button-diameter measuring unit to the fabric feed frame unit when the button-diameter measuring unit is gripping the button between the immovable receiving portion and the movable receiving portion and that allows the button to be removed after the button-diameter measuring unit has been fixed to the fabric feed frame unit.

Abstract: A steering control system for ski boat with an inboard motor and a single, non-steerable propeller. The control system augments the traditional aft rudder with a forward rudder (located immediately in front of the propeller), and controls one or both rudders to improve steering when backing and in low forward speed conditions. The control system may control only the forward rudder, while the pre-existing controls operate the aft rudder, or optionally controls both rudders. The rudder angle control algorithm calculates proportional rudder angles based on helm and throttle settings, or optimal rudder angles based on more sensed conditions including the operator's helm and throttle controls, the ski boat's direction and speed, propeller RPM and thrust direction, and each rudder's angle. An electronic controller sends control signals to the rudders to achieve the optimal rudder angles.

Abstract: A chain support, hinged on two perpendicular axes to allow chain movement in two perpendicular planes is disclosed. The apparatus provides an improved arrangement to allow chain to be pulled at an angle above the chain support while maintaining straight pull across a stopper mechanism.

Abstract: A variable rigidity tow cable for attaching a first vehicle with a second vehicle. The tow cable includes a tension control cable having a first end and a second end. Tension on at least one of the ends of the tension control cable can be controlled to increase or decrease the length of the tension control cable. A plurality of beads are slidingly disposed on the tension control cable between the first end and the second end. The beads are free to move relative to one another on the tension control cable when the tension control cable is slack, and the beads are engaged with each other to form a rigid structure around the tension control cable when tension is applied to the tension control cable.

Abstract: A floating element is for forming a modularly constructed buoyancy system. The floating element is provided with a cavity. At least the first side face of the floating element is provided with at least one first cut-out which, at its first end, is connected to a first channel whose mouth is in a first coupling face, and which, at its second end, is connected to a second channel whose mouth is in a second coupling face. A buoyancy system is made up of a plurality of floating elements. A method is for forming such a buoyancy system.

Abstract: A vessel for installing a platform on an offshore support structure comprises a floating body, a lifting device which is tiltable about a tilting axis with respect to the floating body and a tilting force member for applying a tilting force to said lifting device. The lifting device is provided with a static part that is tiltable about the tilting axis and a movable part which is movable in vertical direction with respect to the static part. The tilting force member engages a drive location at the static part.

Abstract: A system for attitude control of an underwater vehicle 20 of the present invention includes an underwater vehicle 20 with a thruster 65, an assist device 10 that is coupled to the underwater vehicle 20 with a cable 1 and has cable handling equipment 2 and a thruster 58, a cable attachment-to-attachment distance detection unit 50 that detects distance between a cable attachment of the underwater vehicle 20 and a cable dispenser of the assist device 10, and a control unit 32 that previously stores the relationship between the attachment-to-attachment distance and cable length including a predetermined amount of slack and determines the amount of cable to be wound up or let out based on the cable length associated with the detected attachment-to-attachment distance.

Abstract: A rail system (40, 40?) of a ship (30) for positioning and arresting a hose (28) for supplying fluid material to an oil rig (10) from the ship (30) or supplying fluid material to the ship (30) from the oil rig (10). The rail system (40, 40?) comprises a rail (44, 44?, 46, 46?, 47) extending lengthwise at the upper edge of the bulwark of the ship (30). A vertical notch (48, 50) is provided in the rail having a bottom width corresponding to the diameter of the hose (28), and a locking element (52, 52?) of an elongated configuration being pivotally journaled adjacent to the vertical notch and being shiftable between a vertical position in which the hose (28) may be freely introduced into and positioned in the vertical notch (48, 50) and a horizontal position in which the locking element is blocking the entry into the notch and rests on the hose (28) for arresting the hose in the notch.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flag system including a mounting sleeve and a flag. The mounting sleeve is adapted for attachment around a rod, such as a roll bar of an open-top off-road vehicle or an antenna. In one embodiment, the flag is adapted to be releasably fastened to the mounting sleeve. The mounting sleeve includes a section of material adapted for attachment around a rod by means of a zipper secured with hook-and-loop fastener, and a zipper for releasably fastening the flag to the mounting sleeve. The flag includes an ornamental portion, a zipper tape, and a transition strip having a first side coupled to the ornamental portion and a second side coupled to the zipper tape.

Abstract: A method for recharging a crucible with polycrystalline silicon comprises adding flowable chips to a crucible used in a Czochralski-type process. Flowable chips are polycrystalline silicon particles made from polycrystalline silicon prepared by a chemical vapor deposition process, and flowable chips have a controlled particle size distribution, generally nonspherical morphology, low levels of bulk impurities, and low levels of surface impurities. Flowable chips can be added to the crucible using conventional feeder equipment, such as vibration feeder systems and canister feeder systems.

Abstract: A sapphire crystal growth apparatus is provided that includes a chamber, a hot zone and a muffle. More specifically, the hot zone is disposed within the chamber and includes at least one heating system, at least one heat removal system, and a crucible containing feedstock. Additionally, a muffle that surrounds at least two sides of the crucible is also provided to ensure uniform temperature distribution through the feedstock during crystal growth to allow the crystalline material to be grown with a square or rectangular shaped cross section.

Abstract: A method of epitaxially growing a final film using a crystalline substrate wherein the final film cannot be grown directly on the substrate surface is disclosed. The method includes forming a transition layer on the upper surface of the substrate. The transition layer has a lattice spacing that varies between its lower and upper surfaces. The lattice spacing at the lower surface matches the lattice spacing of the substrate to within a first lattice mismatch of 7%. The lattice spacing at the upper surface matches the lattice spacing of the final film to within a second lattice mismatch of 7%. The method also includes forming the final film on the upper surface of the transition layer.

Abstract: According to the disclosed embodiments, a repeatable interface in a crystalline material growth system is achieved through an automated heat exchanger alignment apparatus and method. In one embodiment, a furnace chamber including a bottom wall and side walls that define an interior portion is provided. A crucible is disposed in the interior portion of the furnace chamber and configured to contain a crystalline material growth process. Also, a heat exchanger includes an elongated shaft that extends in a vertical direction and traverses the bottom wall of the furnace chamber, whereby a first end portion of the heat exchanger shaft is coupled to the crucible. Furthermore, an automated lifting device is configured to be actuated to adjust a position of the heat exchanger shaft in the vertical direction, whereby a second end portion of the heat exchanger shaft is coupled to the automated lifting device.

Abstract: A continuous galvanizing line having an annealing furnace of an all radiant tube heating type includes a moisture removal device, dew-point meters, outlets through which the atmospheric gas in the furnace is collected and inlets through which the atmospheric gas from which moisture has been removed with the moisture removal device is fed into the furnace, the dew-point meters and the outlets being placed at least at two points which respectively exist on a side wall in the vicinity of the entrance of the annealing furnace and on a side wall in the vicinity of the furnace top or the furnace bottom at a position where a steel sheet has a maximum end-point temperature, the inlets being placed at two points which respectively exist on side walls on the sides opposite to the sides of the two points for the outlets in the height direction of the furnace, making it possible to steadily control the dew-point of the atmospheric gas to be ?45° C. or lower and ?80° C.

Abstract: A milker unit teat cup assembly for dairy animals having a shell and liner combination that resists twisting by the liner barrel relative to the shell using a recess in the liner that is engaged by a key in the shell.

Abstract: A livestock air bed system including a livestock air bed having a bottom sheet made of a substantially impervious material; a top sheet made of a substantially impervious material and joined to the bottom sheet to define a number of air chambers, each air chamber defining a central portion having a first cross-sectional dimension and an end portion having a second cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension; a bed inflation system; an air chamber inlet sealing system; and an anchoring system.

Abstract: A feed level sensor for a poultry feeding system is positioned within the drop tube of a control feeder of the feeding system. The sensor comprise a first light emitter/light detector pair to detect when the level of feed in the drop tube falls below a predetermined “empty” level and a second light emitter/light detector pair to detect when feed in the drop tube is at a predetermined “full” level in the drop tube. The sensor emits a “start” signal to activate a drive to deliver feed to the feeders along a feed line when it is detected that feed in the control feeder drop tube falls below the “empty” level and emits a “stop” signal to deactivate the drive when it detects that feed within the drop tube is at the “full” level.

Abstract: An automated feeding apparatus for animals comprises an inlet hopper having a discharge outlet provided with a feeder actuable in accordance with a predetermined feeding regime, the discharge outlet being of variable size. The discharge outlet is adjustable in length and depth to enable variation of volumetric flow therethrough, with the distance between the auger and the top wall being at least the average size of the food particles.

Abstract: A bird screen is provided having a post assembly and a feeder assembly. The post assembly has a ground spike and a first support pipe is disposed internal to the ground spike. A second support pipe is disposed in the first support pipe and the second support pipe has a locking collar that supports the bird feeder assembly. The bird feeder assembly has a frame that is supported by the locking collar. The second support pipe extends through the frame and a screen and a bird feeder cover and into a birdfeeder to secure the birdfeeder in place. The feeder assembly has first, second, third and fourth support posts, and has first, second, third and fourth feeder sidewalls at least one of which is connected to the frame with hinges and is movable between up and down positions on hinges.

Abstract: The invention provides animal litters that have an increased absorption rate and methods of making and using such litters. The animal litters comprise one or more animal litter particles that have been produced by fragmenting extruded animal litter particles that have a film on the surface of the particle that adversely affects the absorption rate. The fragmenting exposes the interior of the extruded animal litter particles, which does not have this film, to the external environment and increases the absorption rate.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of an integrated fish diversion system, and lighting device used therein. One embodiment provides a system for diverting approaching fish from a predominant water flow path and toward a bypass. The system comprises a structural diversion assembly to be disposed across the predominant water flow path to guide the approaching fish along the structural diversion assembly to the bypass, while allowing passage of water through the structural diversion assembly along the predominant water flow path. The system further comprises one or more lighting devices to be cooperatively disposed in relation to the structural diversion assembly to further guide the approaching fish toward the bypass; and a controller operatively coupleable to the one or more lighting devices and operable to select an output spectrum thereof to optimize fish guidance thereby.

Abstract: A dog bed for facilitating the lounging and security of a dog of a known size. A resilient compressible fill material is contained within a shell material which defines the size and shape of the dog bed. A pouch is configured onto the shell material, the pouch having a size and opening matched to the known size of the dog such that the pouch and opening facilitate the dog being able to enter and reside within the pouch.

Abstract: A pet ear cleaning device is disclosed for gently cleaning an animal's ears. The device can be used for home or veterinary use. The device comprises a nozzle, a liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the nozzle, an internal pump assembly, and a tip for cleaning a pet's ear. A user would press a manual dispensing component which would activate the internal pump assembly which would then draw fluid from the liquid reservoir and transfer it to the nozzle. The liquid reservoir is typically a reusable reservoir that a user would re-fill with ear cleaning solution when empty, or it can be a replacement cartridge. Further, the nozzle and tip typically comprise male and female interlocking components for retaining the tip on the nozzle. After use, a user would discard the tip via a manually operated discard component that allows a user to remove the soiled tip hands free.

Abstract: Embodiments of an animal chew are provided as having a first club end and a second club end coupled by a narrowed neck. The club ends are at least substantially cylindrical in shape, each including a plurality of nubs protruding radially outward therefrom. Animal chews according to the present invention are formed from a combination of materials and include a healthy blend of protein, fat, fiber, and fatty acids.

Abstract: A dog toy is a multifunctional device that is utilized by a dog for entertainment, encouraging physical activity, and improving oral hygiene. The dog toy may be used as a chew toy and features a transparent chewable shell with at least one vibration-activated light-emitting diode (LED) assembly within that is activated upon shaking, throwing, or otherwise physically stimulating the dog toy. Emitted light is visible through the transparent chewable shell. The dog toy may additionally be used as a tug toy through the incorporation of a first tug handle and a second tug handle positioned at opposite ends of the dog toy. Finally, the dog toy may be used as a fetch toy as a human user may throw the dog toy for a dog to retrieve. The dog toy is capable of massaging a dog's gums during chewing as well as flossing the dog's teeth.

Abstract: Vapor wake detection is a highly advantageous method and system for detecting explosives and other illicit substances. With vapor wake detection, a canine and a handler are used; however, unlike other detection schemes, the canine leads the handler. After the handler positions the canine in a desired location, the canine detects scents in the air that come to the canine. When the canine detects a trained scent, the canine leads the handler to or follows behind the carrier of the item with the scent. Once the carrier is identified by the handler, the proper personnel are contacted. To implement vapor wake detection effectively, specific rigorous training is utilized.

Abstract: An example pet temperament indication may be provided on a harness or a leash. A symbol representative of one of a variety of pre-established pet temperaments may be provided to the harness and/or leash to allow for appreciating the temperament of a pet wearing the harness from a distance. The indication may include a first symbol if a pet's temperament is friendly, a second symbol if the pet's temperament is sometimes unfriendly, a third symbol if the pet's temperament is unfriendly and providing a fourth symbol if the pet's temperament is unclear or special. Any combination of symbols may also be used.

Abstract: A detangling lead assembly comprising an elongated flexible lead having a first lead end and a second lead end, a body subassembly comprising a pulley, the lead retained in a lead path from a distal end of the body assembly, around the pulley and extending from the distal end of the body subassembly whereby the first lead end and the second lead end extend generally in a distal direction from the handle subassembly and the lead is generally movable back and forth around the pulley. In some embodiments, the lead assembly further comprises a handle subassembly rotatably coupled to a proximal end of the body subassembly. In some embodiments, the housing further comprises exit points for the lead ends defining a moment arm for a moment to force the body subassembly to rotate and uncross a crossing of the lead ends.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to devise a flow control for a continuous-flow water heater, which is used to control the flow of gas to a burner of a heat exchanger as a function of the passage of water, in which only one operating element has to be actuated. Because of the reduction in the apertures through the housing wall of the flow control, at the same time the risk leaks occurring is reduced. Furthermore, the expenditure in manufacturing is to be minimized. To this end, in addition to the operating element (8), a switching element (9) is rotatably mounted on a spindle (7) projecting from the water-carrying housing (5), wherein a rotary movement of the operating element (8) can be transmitted via drivers (10; 11) to the switching to element (9), which also has a switching contour (13) by means of which a fixedly arranged microswitch (14) can be actuated, by means of which an electronic ignition and monitoring device (3) can be electrically actuated, by means of which gas flow to the burner can be shut off.

Abstract: A heat exchanger which is used primarily in oil and gas operations to heat tanks of liquids, such as drilling mud, water, heavy oil or other such fluids from freezing or becoming too viscous to pump.

Abstract: The boiler of the present invention which enables the simultaneous use of heating and hot water includes: an internal heating-water discharge line for heating water, which has a circulation path for heating water forcibly fed by an internal circulation pump between a tank and a main heat exchanger; a supply water discharge line for heating water, which has a circulation path for heating water forcibly fed by an external circulation pump and supplied and returned from/to the tank and an indoor heating mechanism; and a three-way valve provided on a second indoor heating water connecting pipe of the internal heating-water discharge line for heating water, which adjusts the degree to which it is opened according to the indoor heating load and the hot water load in order to supply hot water passing through the main heat exchanger to the tank and a hot-water heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low-noise gas instantaneous water heater, belonging to the technical field of gas appliances. The low-noise gas instantaneous water heater comprises a combustion device, a heat exchanger and a blower; wherein the combustion device, the heat exchanger and the blower are arranged such that a combustion flue gas is discharged after passing sequentially through the heat exchanger and the blower; the blower comprises a stepless speed regulating motor with a motor control panel and an impeller driven by the motor, and at least one thermal insulation device is arranged between the motor control panel and the combustion flue gas generated by the combustion device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a condensing heat exchanger and a boiler/water heater including the same and, more particularly, to a condensing heat exchanger, which can increase a contact area between water and a combustion gas having high temperature and improve efficiency by passing a combustion gas, generated from a combustion chamber, through a plurality of exhaust pipes and which can be fabricated in a small and compact size, and a boiler/water heater including the same.

Abstract: A system includes the HRSG having an economizer disposed along a fluid flow path, and a drum disposed along the fluid flow path downstream of the economizer. The HRSG also includes a drum level control module configured to modulate an amount of the fluid provided to the drum along the fluid flow path and a supplemental control module configured to control an amount of the fluid in a different manner than the drum level control module. The heat recovery steam generator also includes a drum level event controller configured to monitor a rate of change of a level of the fluid in the drum. If the rate of change is over a threshold value, a signal goes to the supplemental control. If the rate of change is less than or equal to the threshold value, the signal goes to the drum level control module.

Abstract: An engine cylinder head is provided. The engine cylinder head includes a portion of a first combustion chamber, an upper coolant core and a lower coolant core directing heat from the first combustion chamber and including a first coolant passage and a second coolant passage, the first coolant passage and the second coolant passage laying along a lateral axis, at least a portion of the first coolant passage separated from the second coolant passage via first and second walls.

Abstract: Methods for indicating whether a crankcase of an engine is breeched are provided. One example method comprises restricting a communication of the crankcase with atmosphere, acting to increase or decrease a crankcase pressure, and indicating whether the crankcase is breeched based on the crankcase pressure. Another example method comprises sensing a crankcase pressure component, and indicating whether the crankcase is breeched based on the crankcase pressure component, the crankcase communicating with atmosphere via a conduit, a restrictedness of the conduit responsive to one or more of a crankcase pressure and a signal from an electronic control unit of the motor vehicle. Still other examples provide more particular methods for indicating whether the crankcase is breeched, and example configurations that enable the various methods.