Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved level wind arm for a winch drum assembly, and a winch drum assembly incorporating such a level wind arm. The level wind arm includes a cross member adapted to bias against an outwardly extending portion of rope, the cross member being concave so that more force is required for the rope spindle associated with the cross member to “climb” the slope of the cross member, causing a momentary pause in motion of the spindle after it reaches the end of wind stroke. This momentary pause allows for rope being wound onto the drum to rise up the end wall of the drum to create a new layer which is aligned and consistent with the layer below, without causing gaps in the rope or other circumstances which could lead to the rope accumulating at any one point, or becoming tangled. The present invention also includes means of ensuring that tension is maintained in the rope, and that the rope does not jump off the reel and, for example, into the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extension device, lifting device or jack that can be locked in a raised configuration and used to safely support a raised load. An extension device according to the invention comprises a housing having a closed first end and an open second end, a support member inside the housing projecting from the first end thereof, a piston slideably mounted in the housing around the support member, means for extending the piston out of the second end of the housing, means for retracting the piston into the housing, and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the piston to the support member, wherein the locking mechanism comprises one or more locking members mounted on the support member operable to be selectively moved in and out of locking engagement with the piston.

Abstract: A lift mast for an industrial truck has a plurality of frames disposed within one another that are adjustable in height relative to one another. A lift height sensor assembly has a pulse generator and a sensor unit. The pulse generator is configured as an elongated element disposed on one frame and the sensor unit is disposed on a second frame. The sensor unit has a sensor head having at least one running wheel. The sensor head is mounted pivotably and the running wheel rests against the first frame or pulse generator under pretension using a resilient element.

Abstract: A holding device for lifting and/or moving an article including at least one substantially planar outer surface is designed for mounting on an implement carrier, which includes a carrier part. The holding device can be mounted on, and released from, the implement carrier. At least one holding unit can come into contact with the article and can grip the article by surface contact between the at least one holding unit and one outer surface of the article to be lifted and/or moved. The carrier part includes at least one backstop against which the article can rest when the article is to be released from the at least one holding unit while the at least one holding unit is movably mounted to the carrier part. The holding device also includes at least one actuator for moving the at least one holding unit relative to the at least one backstop.

Abstract: In some aspects, an in-line passive heave compensator system includes a damper actuator, a fluid vessel, and a hydraulic manifold. The damper actuator extends and retracts in response to an external dynamic load, and the fluid vessel transfers hydraulic fluid between itself and the damper actuator (e.g., back and forth) as the damper actuator extends and retracts. The hydraulic manifold provides the channel of fluid transfer between the damper actuator and the fluid vessel. The hydraulic manifold includes an extension flow control device in an extension fluid path between the damper actuator and the fluid vessel. The extension fluid path receives fluid flow only during extension of the damper actuator. The hydraulic manifold includes a retraction flow control device in a retraction flow path between the damper actuator and the fluid vessel. The retraction flow path receives fluid flow only during the retraction of the damper actuator.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to lift vehicles that include a carriage having at least three wheels, a lift and a load carrying frame. The load carrying frame is connected to the lift, which is connected to the carriage. A selectively deployable platform is disclosed that is pivotably connected to the carriage and movable between a stowed position and a support position. At least two rollers may be spaced apart and configured to engage and slidably support a battery above the carriage.

Abstract: A transportable tool and accessory carrier for use on aerial lifts is disclosed. The system comprises a carrier configured to mount on an upper railing member of an aerial lift, and moveable support members to permit the carrier to be secured to a lower railing member as well. In some cases the support members are telescoping in order to more easily move between a stowed and operating configuration, and to easily fit a range of aerial lift railing member configurations.

Abstract: A counterweight balancing system for filming cranes that are mounted on a vehicle and used to film moving images. The filming crane (1) has a rotating center (4) with a counterweight system (2), on one side, and a filming camera (3), on the other side, which oscillate as if on a balance. A pantograph mechanism enables the counterweight system (2) to be maintained in relation to the ground, in the event of any ascending or descending movement of an arm, holding the filming camera (3), as a result of the system being equipped with articulated points (6, 7, 8 and 9), fixed shafts (10 and 11) and shafts (9 and 9?) movable in relation to a central shaft of the crane (5), thereby forming the pantograph mechanism.

Abstract: An engine-powered forklift truck including a work device which is hydraulically driven by an oil hydraulic pump whose driving source is an engine, and including a load handling interlock mechanism which brings a work device operation into a locked state by turning a key switch off or turning a seat switch off, includes: a release control apparatus configured to, when the locked state exists, release the locked state on condition that the key switch is ON, the seat switch is ON, and the engine is rotated under a predetermined engine speed or more.

Abstract: A self-centering and self-gripping corkscrew is provided. A centering and locking mechanism is integrated into the bottle receiving opening of the corkscrew such that in one downward motion a bottleneck is securely gripped and automatically centered under the cork removing device (e.g., a worm screw). The centering and gripping mechanism is spring biased downward and utilizes compression techniques configured into an outer mechanism (contained within the bottle receiving opening of corkscrew) and the body of the corkscrew to simultaneously grip and align the bottle with the axis of the cork removing device. The locking mechanism is part of the centering mechanism and allows the corkscrew to remain locked onto the bottleneck (after centering and gripping) during activation of the cork removing device and removal of the corresponding cork. An upward motion opposite the locking motion disengages the mechanism, removing the corkscrew from the bottle.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing assembly, including a valve, a housing, a user interface, and a fitting to couple to a fluid source. The valve may include a first sensor detecting proper placement of the fluid container based on a magnetic material positioned at the bottom of the fluid container, a plunger having a plunger shaft coupled thereto, the plunger selectively placing the valve in fluid communication with the fluid container, and a solenoid coupled to the plunger shaft and moving the plunger shaft to transition the plunger between an open position and a closed position. The user interface may be coupled to the valve to enable selection of at least a fluid container size and a dispensing mode.

Abstract: The present application provides a rotary carbonator for use with a beverage dispensing system. The rotary carbonator may include an off-center carbonator chamber, a rotor positioned within the off-center carbonator chamber, and a number of vanes extending from the rotor. The vanes may define within the off-center carbonator chamber a first number of vane cavities with an increasing area and a second number of vane cavities with a decreasing area. A water inlet and a gas inlet may be positioned about the first vane cavities and a carbonated water outlet may be positioned about the second vane cavities.

Abstract: A beverages dispenser, particularly for carbonated beverages, comprises a cooled tank where beverage is stored, an inlet pipe to the tank, an inlet valve on the inlet pipe, a pump downstream the inlet valve for feeding a beverage to the tank in order to maintain a predetermined level wherein, an outlet pipe from the tank to a beverage dispensing nozzle, and an outlet valve on the outlet conduit. An auxiliary pipe is disposed between the inlet pipe downstream the inlet valve and the outlet pipe downstream the outlet valve and a control unit is adapted to close the inlet valve and to run the pump in order to empty the outlet pipe into the tank after the beverage is dispensed in order to prevent dripping.

Abstract: An interactive device for catching drips from a spout commonly associated with bag-in-the-box liquid containers. The apparatus attaches to features of the spout and a pendulum element blocks access to the liquid flow path beneath the spout. A cup makes contact with the pendulum, forcing it aside to gain access to the liquid flow path. The pendulum returns beneath the spout, via gravity, when interaction is complete.

Abstract: A cooling system for a beverage comprises an enclosure for housing a beverage container, a cold plate through which the beverage flows, and a refrigeration system that controllably cools the enclosure and the cold plate in a differential manner. In preferred embodiments, preference is given during normal operation to cooling the cold plate, and only cooling the enclosure when the cold plate is determined to be at or below a desired temperature. In some embodiments a special defrost cycle warms the cold plate while continuing to cool the enclosure. Controls can be mechanical, electronic or any combination of the two, and preferably utilizes information from both pressure and temperature sensors.

Abstract: A water dispenser includes a raw water container having an inner tube a water outlet port of the raw water container. The inner tube is provided with a stepped portion having a smaller diameter at its portion closer to the interior of the raw water container, and a fastening belt portion formed contiguous to the stepped portion on the smaller diameter side thereof. The water server also includes a joint portion in the form of a cylindrical member including a straight portion (73) configured to be fitted tightly to the fastening belt portion, and provided with a water flow hole formed in a size so as not to cover the entire axial width of the fastening belt portion while the straight portion is being inserted into the fastening belt portion.

Abstract: A core coupling module for use with a dispenser system includes a plurality of sockets. Each of the plurality of sockets includes a socket fitting configured to couple to a compatible core fitting configuration. At least two of the plurality of sockets each include a socket fitting configured to couple to the same compatible core fitting configuration.

Abstract: A cleaning product dispensing machine having compartments where users can refill their used cleaning product containers at convenient locations. The cleaning product dispensing system includes a plurality of cleaning products stored inside the machine. The quantity levels for each product is monitored by float sensors connection to wireless communication equipment capable of notifying the administration of the machines when the amount of a given product is running low or in the case of malfunction. The cleaning dispensing machine is compatible with product cleaner containers of different dimensions and of different types of cleaners.

Abstract: A mobile or portable pumping platform for being conveyed to a point of use where there are tanks containing a liquid, such as fuel, to be dispensed is disclosed. The platform comprises at least one station including a display indicating at least price/quantity of liquid to be dispensed, and possibly type of liquid. In some embodiments, the platform includes at least one metering station and a computer for calculating price of dispensed fluid. The pumping platform may be mounted to a truck or skid and deployed for use, or configured as a trailer to be towed to a point of use.

Abstract: Imaging systems may include an image sensor and a microelectromechanical systems array. The microelectromechanical systems array may be mounted over the image sensor. The system may include an infrared lens that focuses infrared light onto a first surface of the microelectromechanical systems array and a visible light source that illuminates an opposing second surface of the microelectromechanical systems array. The image sensor may capture images of the opposing second surface of the microelectromechanical systems array. The system may include processing circuitry that generates infrared images of a scene using the captured images of the microelectromechanical systems array. Microelectromechanical systems elements in the microelectromechanical systems array may change position or shape in response to infrared light that is absorbed by the microelectromechanical systems elements. Each microelectromechanical systems element may include infrared absorbing material on a metal layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor layer having an opening and a MEMS resonator formed in the opening is disposed between first and second substrates to encapsulate the MEMS resonator. An electrical contact that extends from the opening to an exterior of the MEMS device is formed at least in part within the semiconductor layer and at least in part within the first substrate.

Abstract: An integrated MEMS system in which CMOS and MEMS devices are provided to form an integrated CMOS-MEMS system. The system can include a silicon substrate layer, a CMOS layer, MEMS and CMOS devices, and a wafer level packaging (WLP) layer. The CMOS layer can form an interface region, one which any number of CMOS MEMS devices can be configured.

Abstract: A single silicon wafer micromachined thermal conduction sensor is described. The sensor consists of a heat transfer cavity with a flat bottom and an arbitrary plane shape, which is created in a silicon substrate. A heated resistor with a temperature dependence resistance is deposed on a thin film bridge, which is the top of the cavity. A heat sink is the flat bottom of the cavity and parallel to the bridge completely. The heat transfer from the heated resistor to the heat sink is modulated by the change of the thermal conductivity of the gas or gas mixture filled in the cavity. This change can be measured to determine the composition concentration of the gas mixture or the pressure of the air in a vacuum system.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus including devices that include layers of passivation material covering at least a portion of an exterior surface of a thin film component within a microelectromechanical device. The thin film component may include an electrically conductive layer that connects via an anchor to a conductive surface on a substrate. The disclosure further provides processes for providing a first layer of passivation material on an exterior surface of a thin film component and for electrically connecting that thin film component to a conductive surface on a substrate. The disclosure further provides processes for providing a second layer of passivation material on any exposed surfaces of the thin film component after release of the microelectromechanical device.

Abstract: A nanoparticle organic hybrid material (NOHM) containing an organic polymeric corona having a molecular weight in a range of 100-50,000 g/mol, wherein the organic polymeric corona is covalently attached to an inorganic nanoparticle core, wherein the NOHM exhibits liquid-like properties so that the NOHM moves freely and flows in a manner so that when the NOHM is in a container, the NOHM takes the shape of the container, and wherein the NOHM has a volume fraction (fc) of the inorganic particle ranging from about 0.05 to 0.75, methods of making the NOHMs, and compositions containing the NOHMs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to carbon based materials that are employed for hydrogen storage applications. The material may be described as the pyrolysis product of a molecular precursor such as a cyclic quinone compound. The pyrolysis product may then be combined with selected transition metal atoms which may be in nanoparticulate form, where the metals may be dispersed on the material surface. Such product may then provide for the reversible storage of hydrogen. The metallic nanoparticles may also be combined with a second metal as an alloy to further improve hydrogen storage performance.

Abstract: An on-board Flex-Fuel H2 Generator provides devices and the methods of operating these devices to produce H2 and CO from hydrocarbons and bio-fuels. One or more parallel autothermal reformers are used to convert the fuels into H2 over the Pt group metal catalysts without external heat and power. The produced reformate is then cooled and the dry gas is compressed and stored in vessels at a pressure between 1 to 100 atmospheres. For this system, the pressure of the storage vessels and the flow control curves are used directly to control the amount of the reformers' reformate output. To improve thermal efficiency of a mobile vehicle or a distributed power generator, a portion of the reformate from the storage vessels is used to mix with the primary fuels and air as part of a lean burn fuel mixture for the engine/gas turbine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a bis(sulphonato)imide salt of formula: (III) (SO3?)—N?—(SO3)3C+??(III) where C+ represents a monovalent cation, comprising the reaction of amidosulphuric acid of formula: (OH)—SO2—NH2??(I) with a halosulphonic acid of formula: (OH)—SO2—X??(II) where X represents a halogen atom, and comprising a reaction with a base which is a salt formed with the cation C+. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of bis(fluorosulphonyl)imide acid of formula: F—(SO2)—NH—(SO2)—F??(V) and to a process for the preparation of lithium bis(fluorosulphonyl)imide salt of formula: F—(SO2)—N?—(SO2)—F Li+.

Abstract: A hafnium telluride compound includes a layered crystal structure and represented by the following Chemical Formula 1. Hf3Te2-xAx??[Chemical Formula 1] Herein, A is at least one selected from phosphorus (P), Arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), bismuth (Bi), sulfur (S) and selenium (Se), and 0<x?1.

Abstract: A composition and a method for producing mesoporous carbon materials with a chiral or achiral organization. In the method, a polymerizable inorganic monomer is reacted in the presence of nanocrystalline cellulose to give a material of inorganic solid with cellulose nanocrystallites organized in a chiral nematic organization. The cellulose can be carbonized through thermal treatment under inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen or argon) and the silica may subsequently be removed using aqueous solutions of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or hydrogen fluoride (HF) to give the stable mesoporous carbon materials that retain the chiral nematic structure of the cellulose. These materials may be obtained as free-standing films with very high surface area. Through control of the reaction conditions the pore-size distribution may be varied from predominantly microporous to predominantly mesoporous materials.

Abstract: Problem To provide a process for producing single-walled carbon nanotubes with which highly pure, high-quality single-walled carbon nanotubes can be produced with high efficiency, and to provide a transparent conductive film using the single-walled carbon nanotubes obtained by that production method. Solution A process for producing single-walled carbon nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), wherein particles of a nonmetallic material containing 500 ppm or lower of metallic impurities including metals and compounds thereof are used as growth nuclei; and after a growth gas is introduced into a furnace used for growing carbon nanotubes, the growth gas used in an initial stage of growth of carbon nanotubes and the growth gas used in a stage of growth of regular carbon nanotubes (stationary growth stage) thereafter are prepared to different compositions and different partial pressures.

Abstract: A process for producing graphene by providing a plurality of metallic particles as templates for graphene formation and providing a carbon source; reacting the metallic particles and carbon source under conditions suitable for graphene formation; and forming graphene particles on the metallic particles. The graphene particles formed on the metallic particles are of a size and shape substantially corresponding to the size and shape of the metallic particles.

Abstract: A method of producing pristine graphene particles through a one-step, gas-phase, catalyst-free detonation of a mixture of one or more carbon-containing compounds hydrocarbon compounds and one or more oxidizing agents is provided. The detonation reaction occurs very quickly and at relatively high temperature, greater than 3000 K, to generate graphene nanosheets that can be recovered from the reaction vessel, such as in the form of an aerosol. The graphene nanosheets may be stacked in single, double, or triple layers, for example, and may have an average particle size of between about 35 to about 250 nm.

Abstract: A composition generally includes carbon particles. The particles are prepared by dissolving a carbohydrate-based precursor in water to form a precursor solution and placing the precursor solution in a pressure vessel. The precursor solution is placed in a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is heated to a reaction temperature to form carbon particles. The carbon particles are subjected to a chemical activation and a physical activation. The composition includes, by weight, about 5% to about 30% oxygen.

Abstract: A silicon carbide powder includes at least one group selected from a first group comprising an alpha phase silicon carbide pulverulent body of which a granule size (D50) is greater than 0 ?m and less than 45 ?m with impurities less than 10 ppm, a second group comprising an alpha phase silicon carbide pulverulent body of which a granule size is greater than 45 ?m and less than 75 ?m with impurities less than 10 ppm, and a third group comprising an alpha phase silicon carbide pulverulent body of which a granule size is greater than 75 ?m and less than 110 ?m with impurities less than 10 ppm. In addition, a method for preparing a silicon carbide powder includes adding seeds to a beta silicon carbide powder, and forming an alpha silicon carbide powder by heat treating the beta silicon carbide powder.

Abstract: To provide trimanganese tetraoxide from which a lithium manganese oxide with less fusion of particles by firing, i.e. necking phenomenon, is obtained. Trimanganese tetraoxide characterized in that the pore volume of pores having 5 pore diameters of from 0.3 to 2 ?m is at least 0.1 mL/g. The pore volume of pores having pore diameters of from 0.5 to 1 ?m is preferably at least 0.03 mL/g.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for modification of a lithium ion battery positive electrode material. The method comprises the following steps: (1) mixing organic acid and alcohol to obtain an organic solution; (2) adding positive electrode material into the organic solution to obtain a suspension; (3) washing with alcohol solvent after centrifugal separation; (4) drying treatment; the positive electrode material is a nickel-based metal oxide positive electrode material LiNixM1-xO2, wherein 0.5?x<1 and M is one or two selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn, Al, Cr, Mg, Cu, Ti, Mg, Zn, Zr and V.

Abstract: A device and method of accelerating the evaporation of wastewater and concentration of solids wherein an evaporative material contacts wastewater allowing the wastewater to migrate onto the surface of the evaporative material where the sun and wind evaporates the wastewater in an accelerated manner due to the configuration of the evaporative material.

Abstract: A method for removing acid-gases from water includes introducing acid into a flow of aqueous solution having acid-gases and associated conjugate bases having an initial pH to lower the pH. The lowered pH solution has a stripping gas passed therethrough, resulting in a vapor phase of liberated acid-gas and stripping gas vapors, and a liquid phase comprising a lower concentration of acid-gases and associated conjugate bases than the aqueous solution. The liberated acid-gas and stripping gas vapors are collected and treated to remove acid-gas components, resulting in clean stripping gas product. The liquid phase is separated and collected with a second treating step, resulting in a final aqueous product having a lower concentration of acid-gases and associated conjugate bases than the liquid phase.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dissolved air floatation (DAF)-type pretreatment apparatus. The dissolved air floatation (DAF)-type pretreatment apparatus includes: a floatation tank for removing foreign objects of floating matter, turbid matter, or alga contained in raw water of seawater, sewage, or wastewater; a filtering compartment part provided in the floatation tank and having one surface and the other surface which are partially opened to allow treatment water obtained by primarily removing floating matter from raw water to pass therethrough; and a plurality of filtering balls confined in the filtering compartment part and including a fibrous or spongy material to filter turbid matter or floating or suspended solids remaining in the treatment water introduced to the interior of the filtering compartment part.

Abstract: An oil absorbing article which includes an oil absorbent material which is stable against melting at a temperature of at least about 100° F. in an aqueous environment; a receptacle for holding the oil absorbent material having a porous material which is stable against melting at a temperature of at least about 100° F. in an aqueous environment and which permits the passage of water and oil components through the receptacle; and a flexible handle attached to the receptacle for hanging the oil absorbent article in the aqueous environment. Also, a method for using the oil absorbing article by placing the article in an aqueous environment having a temperature of at least about 100° F. and which is contaminated with oil components for a period of time sufficient to remove at least a portion of the oil components.

Abstract: An efficient method and system for the electrochemical treatment of waste water comprising organic and/or inorganic pollutants is disclosed. The system comprises an electrolytic cell comprising a solid polymer, proton exchange membrane electrolyte operating without catholyte or other supporting electrolyte. The cell design and operating conditions chosen provide for significantly greater operating efficiency.

Abstract: An electrolysis water-making apparatus (1) generates electrolyzed products by supplying a raw material solution into an electrolytic cell (4) to perform electrolysis, and generates electrolyzed water by diluting the electrolyzed products. The electrolysis water-making apparatus (1) includes a casing (20) configured to accommodate the electrolytic cell (4), and a bracket (30) fixed to the casing (20) in a freely detachable manner, and the bracket (30) includes a pair of rigid walls to which one end and the other end of the electrolytic cell (4) are attached. The pair of rigid walls have a dimension therebetween that can be adjusted according to the linear dimension of the electrolytic cell (4).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for removing phosphates, nitrates and heavy metals from aqueous solutions.

Abstract: Disclosed are sol gel derived materials obtained from at least one first precursor and at least one second precursor, as well as sol gel derived compositions containing a plurality of alkylsiloxy substituents obtained from such sol-gel derived materials.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes independent wastewater treatment facilities. Each of the facilities has a number of wastewater treatment subsystems. A wastewater collection subsystem holds wastewater to be treated. A pump subsystem moves wastewater from a wastewater collector to a filtration subsystem having a bioreacting filter. The filter has a sump and a fluidized-bed filter therein and supports the filter upright. The filter has an upwardly expanding, hollow, conical filter body with filter media. A monitoring subsystem measures wastewater process parameters. Control devices receive control commands and, dependent upon the command received, alter parameters of the wastewater treatment subsystems.

Abstract: A treatment agent for salt-containing organic waste liquid, the treatment agent including: Scuticociliatida, wherein the treatment agent treats salt-containing organic waste liquid; and a treatment method for salt-containing organic waste liquid, the treatment method including: bringing Scuticociliatida and salt-containing organic waste liquid into contact with each other to treat the salt-containing organic waste liquid.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating brine recovered from a coal seam gas operation. The process entails directing brine recovered from a coal seam gas operation to a mixed reactor and mixing an alkaline earth reagent with the brine. This results in the precipitation of alkaline earth salts and silica, which form alkaline earth salt crystals having silica adsorbed thereto. Thereafter, the alkaline earth salt crystals and adsorbed silica are directed to an evaporator that produces a concentrate having the alkaline earth salt crystals and adsorbed silica.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an optical fiber cooling system includes a first cooling tube oriented substantially in parallel with and spaced apart from a second cooling tube such that an optical fiber pathway is positioned between the first cooling tube and the second cooling tube. The first cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the first cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the second cooling tube. The second cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the second cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the first cooling tube.

Abstract: Provided is a glass base material elongating method of using a glass base material elongation apparatus including a heating furnace, a feeding mechanism, and a pulling mechanism to elongate the rod-shaped glass base material to form a thinner glass rod, the method comprising gripping a pulling dummy rod connected to a bottom end of the glass base material with first pulling rollers of the pulling mechanism and, together with the feeding mechanism, feeding the glass base material to the heating furnace; and before a pulling force necessary for pulling the pulling dummy rod to elongate the glass base material reaches a load force that causes slipping between the pulling dummy rod and the first pulling rollers, gripping and pulling the pulling dummy rod with second pulling rollers of the pulling mechanism in addition to the first pulling rollers.