Abstract: An apparatus for moving an elongate rod longitudinally and rotationally, and a method of moving the elongate rod longitudinally and rotationally, are provided. A translation member has a first translation member end held relatively stationary and a longitudinally spaced second translation member end which is selectively movable longitudinally with respect to the first translation member end via actuation of the translation member. The second translation member end is operatively connected to selectively impart longitudinal motion to the elongate rod. A rotation member has a first rotation member end held relatively stationary and a longitudinally spaced second rotation member end which is selectively rotatable with respect to the first rotation member end via actuation of the rotation member. The second rotation member end is operatively connected to selectively impart rotational motion to the elongate rod.

Abstract: A reel assembly includes a core, two flanges, and two end stands. The core defines a longitudinal axis and has two ends. Each of the flanges is coupled to one of the ends of the core, and at least one of the flanges includes a lock receiver. Each of the end stands is coupled to one flange, and at least one of the end stands includes a lock insert. The lock insert is configured to be inserted into the lock receiver in an axial direction. When the lock insert is within the lock receiver, contact between the lock insert and the lock receiver generates a frictional force against movement of the flanges relative to the end stands in a rotational direction orthogonal to the axial direction.

Abstract: A strap storage container has a strap storage rack and a crank mechanism for coiling the straps. The crank mechanism passes through the storage container and has a handle on a first end and strap receiving aperture (e.g., a slot) on a second end. The strap storage rack is removably insertable within the strap storage container.

Abstract: A platform lift apparatus moves objects vertically within a structure such as between floors of a residential or commercial structure. The platform lift apparatus further comprises a main body having a platform receiving portion and a utility portion. A drive train is substantially contained within the utility portion of the main body. The drive train comprises a rotatable shaft having plural lift drums and a motor operatively coupled to the shaft to cause selective rotation thereof. Each of the lift drums has an associated lift tether coupled thereto and wound thereon. A platform is coupled to respective ends of the lift tethers to suspend the platform from the platform receiving portion of the main body. The platform is selectively movable by operation of the drive train to travel vertically relative to the main body. The platform is substantially nested within the platform receiving portion of the main body when at an uppermost point of travel.

Abstract: According to an aspect, an elevator system includes a propulsion system having a plurality of motor segments forming a primary portion and a plurality of drives to impart force on a secondary portion coupled to an elevator car. The elevator system also includes a controller operable to identify a local neighborhood of the drives and determine a health status of each of the drives within the local neighborhood. The controller is further operable to adjust a thrust command per active drive of the local neighborhood based on at least one of the health status and a position of each active drive of the local neighborhood with respect to the secondary portion.

Abstract: An elevator with a brake device for braking a car and/or keeping it stationary on at least one braking rail. The brake device has at least two brake shoes situated opposite from each other, and at least one brake clamp with two clamp arms for opening and closing clamp jaws acting on the brake shoes. In certain embodiments, only one of the clamp arms is connected to the car in pivoting fashion via a bearing with a pivot axle that is affixed to the car, oriented parallel to the direction of travel. In certain embodiments, the brake clamp is supported on the car in such a way that the clamp jaws, by pivoting together in the same direction, are able to follow a movement that is forced on a brake shoe due to local position deviations of the associated braking rail.

Abstract: An elevator system that may be ropeless is in a structure and includes a guide rail and a guide rail extension that may generally guide a car between a hoistway and a transfer station of the system. The rail extension may generally project telescopically downward from the first rail and toward the transfer station. The telescopic relationship between the guide rail extension and the guide rail may generally compensate for vertical structure compression that may occur over a period of time.

Abstract: A guide rail arrangement for an elevator shaft includes two guide rails guiding the movement of an elevator car or a counterweight. Each guide rail guides the movement of a different elevator car or counterweight, the guide rails are connected to each other by a plurality of connector beams positioned along the length of the guide rails and each connector beam has two ends. Each end of a connector beam is attached to one guide rail for connecting the guide rails to each other and for rigidifying the guide rails. A method for installing guide rails in an elevator shaft and an elevator arrangement are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fabricating a rope terminal arrangement of an elevator, comprising providing a belt-shaped elevator rope comprising a coating forming the outer surface of the rope; providing at least one gripping member having a gripping face; providing a wedge frame delimiting a wedge-shaped space; placing the gripping face of each said gripping member against the coating of a rope section of the belt-shaped rope; bonding the gripping face of each said gripping member and the coating of the rope section together; wedging the at least one gripping member and the rope section in the wedge shaped space. The invention furthermore relates to a rope terminal arrangement fabricated with the method, as well as to an elevator implementing the rope terminal arrangement.

Abstract: A traffic barrier lifter mountable on a boom and having a gearbox with a first and a second rotating axis; a pair of opposing arms directly mounted to the first and second rotating axis and a rotator capable of rotating the lifter relative to the boom, wherein the gearbox is capable of moving the pair of opposing arms from an open position to a closed position such that the arms can clamp onto a traffic barrier. The rotator being capable of rotating the arms and traffic barrier relative to the boom.

Abstract: A controllably movable machine for moving a shipping container is disclosed. A shipping container can be connected to the machine such that, when the container is connected to the machine and the machine moves, the container moves with the machine. The machine has long-side structural members that extend generally along or adjacent the long sides of the container when the container is connected to the machine, and at least one short-side structural member that extends between the long-side structural members. When the container is connected to the machine, one of the short sides of the container is secured against or relative to the short-side structural member, and the container is secured between the long-side structural members, in such a way that the structure and/or rigidity of the container contributes to or supports the structure and/or rigidity of the machine.

Abstract: A method of operating a mobile crane with a boom includes the steps of determining maximum permissible loads for a plurality of positions in a predetermined position range of the boom, determining a load limit and/or one or more load ranges based on a suspended load and on the maximum permissible loads for the plurality of positions of the predetermined position range of the boom, and operating the mobile crane dependent upon the load limit and/or the one or more load ranges. The load limit can be a local load limit and the one or more load ranges can be one or more local load ranges.

Abstract: A winch assembly includes a lower body having a base, first and second sides, first and second upper body sides, a spacer positioned between the first and the upper body second sides, a first shaft extending through the upper body sides, the first shaft supporting first and second gears, a winding bar supported and rotated by the first shaft and attached to a first end of a strap, a second shaft extending through the first and second upper body sides and supporting first and second ratchet gears, the first ratchet gear meshing with the first gear and the second ratchet gear meshing with the second gear, a pawl for engaging one of the first and second ratchet gears, and a handle attached to the second shaft for rotating the second shaft, wherein rotation of the second shaft imparts rotation of the first and second ratchet gears and the first and second gears.

Abstract: A winch puller includes a frame having two sideboards spaced from each other. Each of the two sideboards includes first and second ends. The frame further includes a first bracket connected to the first ends of the two sideboards. The frame further includes a second bracket connected to the second ends of the two sideboards. The first bracket includes an intermediate section. A first hook includes a connecting rod mounted to the intermediate section of the first bracket. The first bracket is located between the first hook and the two sideboards. The connecting rod is an integral one-piece member. A ratchet wheel is rotatably mounted between the two sideboards by an axle. A lever is mounted to the axle.

Abstract: An oil return mechanism includes a base, a control switch, a first blocking ball mounted in the base, an elastic member mounted between the first blocking ball and the base. The base has a liquid storing cavity, a liquid returning cavity, a communicating cavity, a first communicating opening communicating between the liquid returning cavity and the communicating cavity, and a second commit eating opening communicating between the communicating cavity and the liquid storing cavity. The present invention can regulate a speed of a fluid flowing from the liquid returning cavity to the communicating cavity, and has the advantages of simple structure and great reduction of cost.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a material handling vehicle (MHV) and associated method provide for damping of mast oscillations of a mast of the MHV. In one approach, mast oscillations can be detected and/or anticipated and a countering force can be generated by an elevated reach actuator of the MHV to damp the oscillations.

Abstract: A method for automatically adjusting the position of an implement for a work vehicle may generally include receiving an input associated with a flow-related parameter of the work vehicle as loader arms of the work vehicle are being moved and determining a speed control signal for the implement based at least in part on the flow-related parameter, wherein the speed control signal is associated with an implement speed at which the implement is to be moved in order to maintain the implement at a fixed orientation relative to a given reference point. In addition, the method may include generating a valve command signal based at least in part on the speed control signal and transmitting the valve command signal to a valve associated with the implement in order to maintain the implement at the fixed orientation as the loader arms are being moved.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes a hydraulic brake device, a hydraulic load handling device, a first hydraulic circuit, a second hydraulic circuit, a pressure compensating circuit, and a controller. The controller sets an electromagnetic valve to a first position during operation of the load handling device. The controller sets the electromagnetic valve to a second position and controls an electric motor to drive a hydraulic pump when determining that pressure needs to be accumulated in a hydraulic accumulator based on a detection result of a detector. When the electromagnetic valve is at the second position, hydraulic pressure generated by driving the hydraulic pump is applied to a pressure compensating valve and produces a force acting in a direction to disconnect the hydraulic pump and an oil tank from each other, so that hydraulic pressure is generated in a first oil passage to be accumulated in the hydraulic accumulator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a perforator for breaking a closing member at a gas outlet of a gas bottle to allow a gas to flow out, including the cylindrical housing having three openings, namely, a first opening at a first end portion, a second opening at a second end portion which is opposite to the first end portion, and a third opening formed in a circumferential wall portion, an ignition device being fixed at the first opening, the second opening to be connected to the gas bottle and the third opening serving as a gas discharge portion, an first piston and a second piston being disposed, in the order of the first piston and the second piston, from the side of the ignition device to the side of the second opening in the cylindrical housing, and when a pressure created by actuation of the ignition device is received, the first piston moving in an axial direction inside the cylindrical housing, and the second piston moving towards the second opening inside the cylindrical housing by receiving the movem

Abstract: A water heating system is provided. The water heating system includes an inlet connectable to a supply of untreated water, supply and return lines connectable to a point-of-use water treatment system, and an output for dispensing a supply of treated and optionally heated water. An internal heating element is adapted to heat the treated water to one of a plurality of pre-selected temperature settings. Temperature control can be achieved by cycling the power applied to the heating element and/or controlling the flow rate of treated water through the heating element. The water heating system includes additional improvements in electrical compatibility, energy consumption, and remote failure detection.

Abstract: A fuel can adapter is designed to be used with a fuel can having a neck that is internally and externally threaded. The fuel can adapter includes a plate having external threads for engaging internal threads of the neck, the plate including a hole. The adapter includes a sliding tube mounted to slide within the hole in the plate. The adapter includes an elbow mounted at an upper end of the tube, the elbow including an outlet. The adapter further includes a protrusion extending from the plate beside the hole. The elbow bears against the protrusion to exert a torque on the plate that threads or unthreads the plate from the neck of the fuel can.

Abstract: A fuel tank system, comprising: a fuel tank configured to store a liquid fuel and a pressurized gaseous fuel capable of partially dissolving in the liquid fuel; a refueling conduit coupled to the fuel tank via a tank access valve; a first high pressure refueling port coupled to the refueling conduit; a low pressure refueling port coupled to the refueling conduit via a check valve. In this way, pressurized gaseous fuel or a pre-pressurized mix of fuels may be added to the fuel tank without active control any time the fuel pressure in the fuel tank is below a maximum allowable pressure, and liquid fuel may be added to the fuel tank with active control whenever the fuel pressure and liquid fuel level in the fuel tank are below threshold levels.

Abstract: A MEMS structure includes a substrate, an inter-dielectric layer on a front side of the substrate, a MEMS component on the inter-dielectric layer, and a chamber disposed within the inter-dielectric layer and through the substrate. The chamber has an opening at a backside of the substrate. An etch stop layer is disposed within the inter-dielectric layer. The chamber has a ceiling opposite to the opening and a sidewall joining the ceiling. The sidewall includes a portion of the etch stop layer.

Abstract: Stress relief structures and methods that can be applied to MEMS sensors requiring a hermetic seal and that can be simply manufactured are disclosed. The system includes a sensor having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface being disposed away from the first surface, the second surface also being disposed away from a package surface and located between the first surface and the package surface, a number of support members, each support member extending from the second surface to the package surface, the support members being disposed on and operatively connected to only a portion of the second surface. The support member are configured to reduce stress produced by package-sensor interaction.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pressure sensor includes: a pressure sensing chip, which includes a substrate, a sensing film, an insulation layer and a first bonding pad; wherein the sensing film is on the substrate, and a sagging step is formed at one side of the substrate; the insulation layer is prepared on the sensing film and the substrate; the first bonding pad is prepared on the insulation layer on a bottom surface of the step, and is connected to the region of the substrate close to the sensing film via a lead wire.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for forming micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) devices. The method includes providing a plurality of wafers; bonding a front surface of at least a first wafer onto a front surface of a second wafer; trimming an edge of and thinning the at least first wafer after the at least first wafer is bonded onto the second wafer; and bonding a first supporting plate onto a front surface of a third wafer. The method further includes thinning a back surface of the third wafer and forming alignment marks on a thinned back surface of the third wafer; bonding a second supporting plate onto the thinned back surface of the third wafer according to the alignment marks; and removing the first supporting plate and bonding the at least first wafer onto the third wafer according to the alignment marks to form a stack structure.

Abstract: A method for forming a micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) device is provided. The method includes bonding a semiconductor substrate with a carrier substrate through a dielectric layer and patterning the semiconductor substrate into multiple elements. The method also includes partially removing the dielectric layer to release some of the elements such that the released elements become one (or more) first movable element and one (or more) second movable element. The method further includes bonding a cap substrate with the semiconductor substrate to form a first closed chamber containing the first movable element and a second closed chamber containing the second movable element. In addition, the method includes opening the second closed chamber and sealing the second closed chamber after vacuumizing the second closed chamber such that the second closed chamber has a reduced pressure smaller than that of the first closed chamber.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to novel metal hydrides, processes for their preparation, and their use in hydrogen storage applications.

Abstract: Perforated sheets of graphene-based material having a plurality of perforations are provided. The perforated sheets may include perforated single layer graphene. The perforations may be located over greater than 10% of said area of said sheet of graphene-based material and the mean pore size of the perforations selected from the range of 0.3 nm to 1 ?m. Methods for making the perforated sheets are also provided.

Abstract: Using processes disclosed herein, materials and structures are created and used. For example, processes can include melting boron nitride or amorphous carbon into an undercooled state followed by quenching. Exemplary new materials disclosed herein can be ferromagnetic and/or harder than diamond. Materials disclosed herein may include dopants in concentrations exceeding thermodynamic solubility limits. A novel phase of solid carbon has structure different than diamond and graphite.

Abstract: A method of treating an offgas includes purifying the offgas to remove particulate matter, water, undesirable gaseous components and inert gases to produce a dried carbon oxide gas feedstock, and converting at least a portion of carbon oxides in the dried carbon oxide gas feedstock into solid carbon. In other embodiments, a method includes passing a dried carbon oxide gas feedstock through a multi-stage catalytic converter. A first stage is configured to catalyze methane-reforming reactions to convert methane into carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen with residual methane. A second stage is configured to catalyze the Bosch reaction and convert carbon oxides and hydrogen to solid carbon and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing carbon nanotubes which are capable of more effectively preparing carbon nanotubes having a uniform and fine size, and a dispersion composition of carbon nanotubes obtained using the same. The method for preparing carbon nanotube comprises the steps of: forming a dispersion comprising carbon nanotube bundles, a dispersant and a solvent; and enabling the dispersion to consecutively pass through a high pressure homogenizer, wherein the dispersant is a mixture of plural kinds of polyaromatic hydrocarbon oxides, and the carbon nanotube bundles are pulverized or disentangled while passing through a microchannel of the high pressure homogenizer under a shear force to form carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a composition comprising at least one graphene aerogel comprising a three-dimensional structure of graphene sheets, wherein the graphene sheets are covalently interconnected, and wherein the graphene aerogel is highly crystalline. Also described is a method for making a graphene aerogel, comprising preparing a mixture comprising a graphene oxide suspension and at least one catalyst; curing the reaction mixture to produce a wet gel; drying the wet gel to produce a dry gel; and pyrolyzing the dry gel at a temperature of 1500-3500° C. to produce the graphene aerogel.

Abstract: Multi-layer sheets of graphene-based material having a plurality of pores extending therethrough are described herein. Methods for making the sheets are also provided and include exposing a graphene-based material comprising multilayer graphene having from 2 to 10 layers of graphene to a particle beam comprising nanoparticles, the nanoparticles having an energy of at least 2 keV per nanoparticle.

Abstract: Using processes disclosed herein, materials and structures are created and used. For example, processes can include melting boron nitride or amorphous carbon into an undercooled state followed by quenching. Exemplary new materials disclosed herein can be ferromagnetic and/or harder than diamond. Materials disclosed herein may include dopants in concentrations exceeding thermodynamic solubility limits. A novel phase of solid carbon has structure different than diamond and graphite.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide gas stream is purified of contaminants by feeding it through a non-thermal plasma reactor. The contaminants are hydrocarbons and sulfur compounds which will be decomposed. The non-thermal plasma reactor may be part of an overall carbon dioxide purification process that uses a pre-purification step prior to further purification.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards methods of making titanium diboride products in various sizes. An aspect of the method provides (a) selecting a target average particle size for a target titanium diboride product; (b) selecting at least one processing variable from the group consisting of: an amount of sulfur, an inert gas flow rate, a soak time, and a reaction temperature; (c) selecting a condition of the processing variable based upon the target average particle size; and (d) producing an actual titanium diboride product having an actual average particle size using the at least one processing variable, wherein due to the at least one processing variable, the actual average particle size corresponds to the target average particle size.

Abstract: A method for recovering alkali and aluminum during treatment of Bayer red mud using a calcification-carbonation method, including steps of mixing the Bayer red mud with calcium aluminate or with calcium aluminate and lime, performing calcification dealkalization conversion in a high-concentration alkaline liquor, and carbonizing the calcified residues produced during dealkalization to obtain carbonized residues; and then performing low-temperature aluminum dissolution, aluminum precipitation and the like to obtain calcium aluminate products, which is returned to the calcification dealkalization conversion of the red mud for recycling. Part of an alkali-containing and aluminum-containing liquid phase after calcification dealkalization conversion can be used as supplementary alkali in the Bayer production course for recycling. The method is energy-saving and environmentally-friendly, and allows recovering alkali and aluminum from the red mud and harmless treatment of the Bayer red mud.

Abstract: A portable water feeder for collecting rain water for bees, butterflies and many other uses has a vessel in which rain water is collected. A filter removes impurities from the rain water and a wind-powered agitator maintains the water in motion to minimize the build-up of algae. A valve controls the quantity of water which flows from the vessel to a watering station where the water is available for use.

Abstract: A water filtration system and method combining the porous, filtering medium of activated charcoal with anti-algae effects of barley straw. Ground activated charcoal and ground barley straw are compressed into filtration matrices. Compressed filtration matrices are configured to be housed within a mesh container and for placement within an open pond or water tank. The water filtration system and method filters contaminants and inhibits algae growth in the water, thus cleaning, filtering, and clarifying the water.

Abstract: A method of treating fluids, including for recovery of water apart from impurities or undesired matter, utilizes application of shock waves to the fluids.

Abstract: The water purification system for flow-coupled installation with a tap water inflow for producing a relatively purified water outflow includes a purification unit having a tap water inlet port for receiving tap water inflow and a purified water outlet port for dispensing purified water outflow from said purification unit. A particulate catalyst retained within the purification unit is in flow through relation relative to said the water inflow and purified water outflow and catalyzes contaminants as the tap water inflow travels through the purification unit. A particulate agitator associated translates vibration to the particulate catalyst for substantially preventing channeling therein during relatively slow tap water inflow through the purification unit.

Abstract: A water softening device for use for a pet is provided, comprising: a first chamber having a shape of a hollow container; a second chamber having a shape of a hollow container, the second chamber being detachably attached to an upper section inside the first chamber; and a filter cartridge having a plurality of openings and containing an ion exchange resin therein, the filter cartridge being detachably attached to a bottom section of the second chamber and positioned to protrude from the bottom section of the second chamber to a lower section inside the first chamber. The second chamber is configured to receive and contain first water including tap water, and the lower section inside the first chamber is configured to receive and contain second water that is the first water after passing through the filter cartridge based on gravity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable water purification and sanitizing apparatus and method. Due to the limited size of the apparatus and its ability to utilize DC power, the apparatus can be transported and operated in remote areas across the globe. The apparatus and method generates electrolytic products of chlorine, hydroxide and ozone that are utilized to purify and sanitize water for human consumption.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for generating functional water which allows a container to be connected to a water bottle with an opening part which is standardized and available in the market, thus reducing water filled in the water bottle into functional water which is formed of oxygen water, sterilized and deodorized water, hydrogen or ionized water. The apparatus includes a container which accommodates a functional water generating member, wherein the upper and lower sides are blocked by an upper plate and a lower plate; and a water bottle connection part which is formed in the center of the upper plate while communicating with the inside of the container and is configured to connect separable the opening part of the water bottle.

Abstract: Provided are methods of inhibiting microbial fouling and improving efficiency in biocide dosing in an industrial process containing an aqueous liquid having a biocide demand. In exemplary embodiments, the methods comprise treating an aqueous liquid having a biocide demand with a biocide, monitoring the biocide demand of the aqueous liquid, and filtering a stream of the aqueous liquid. The filtering may be performed in a full-flow or side stream manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of dewatering an aqueous mineral suspension comprising introducing into the suspension a flocculating system comprising a poly(ethylene oxide) copolymer, in particular a copolymer of ethylene oxide and one or more epoxy or glycidyl ether functionalized hydrophobic monomer. Said poly(ethylene oxide) copolymers are useful for the treatment of suspensions of particulate material, especially waste mineral slurries. The invention is particularly suitable for the treatment of tailings and other waste material resulting from mineral processing, in particular, the processing of oil sands tailings.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for the preparation of an aqueous solution comprising at least one earth alkali hydrogen carbonate and its uses.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a kit and method for preventing a body of water from clouding, comprising: (a) a first container containing a first water treatment composition, the first water treatment composition comprising 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA); and (b) a second container containing a second water treatment composition, the second water treatment composition comprising an oxidizer; wherein the body of water contains polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reduce treating ballast water which has been subjected to a biocidal treatment with a chlorine-based oxidizing agent or an oxygen-based oxidizing agent, by using a tablet or pellet of sodium sulfite.