Abstract: Disclosed are electrodeposition systems and methods wherein at least three electrodes are placed in a container containing a plating solution. The electrodes are connected to a polarity-switching unit and include a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode. The polarity-switching unit establishes a constant polarity state between the first and second electrodes in the solution during an active plating mode, wherein the first electrode has a negative polarity and the second electrode has a positive polarity, thereby allowing a plated layer to form on a workpiece at the first electrode. The polarity-switching unit further establishes an oscillating polarity state between the second and third electrodes during a non-plating mode (i.e.

Abstract: A method of depositing contiguous, conformal submonolayer-to-multilayer thin films with atomic-level control is described. The process involves electrochemically exchanging a mediating element on a substrate with a noble metal film by alternatingly sweeping potential in forward and reverse directions for a predetermined number of times in an electrochemical cell. By cycling the applied voltage between the bulk deposition potential for the mediating element and the material to be deposited, repeated desorption/adsorption of the mediating element during each potential cycle can be used to precisely control film growth on a layer-by-layer basis.

Abstract: A wing electrode is configured by disposing at least a wing in a circumferential direction at equal intervals, the wing having a specific width in an axial direction of the electrode shaft and a tip in a shape corresponding to an inner surface of the hollow tube. A housing tube is arranged concentrically to the electrode shaft and to house the wing electrode by winding the respective wings around the electrode shaft. A slit of the housing tube is arranged in the axial direction so as to correspond to each wing. A diameter adjustment unit is operable to expand and contract each wing in the radial direction by rotating the electrode shaft and the housing tube relatively after inserting each wing into the slit of the housing tube. As a matter of course, the electrolyte is filled in the hollow tube at any time before the electrolytic treatment.

Abstract: A method of making a photonic crystal includes step 1 providing a seed, followed by etching a surface of the seed to form thereon submicron voids; step 2 providing a graphite disk, followed by coating a side of the graphite disk with a graphite adhesive whereby the void-formed surface of the seed is attached to the graphite disk to form a seed holder; step 3 placing the seed holder above a growth chamber, followed by placing a raw material below the growth chamber; step 4 forming a thermal field in the growth chamber with a heating device to sublime the raw material; and step 5 controlling temperature, thermal field, atmosphere and pressure in the growth chamber to allow the gaseous raw material to be conveyed and deposited on the seed, thereby forming a photonic crystal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of washing animal fibers comprising contacting the animal fibers with a surfactant composition comprising a mixture of alcohol ethoxylate surfactants and optionally at least one propoxylated surfactant.

Abstract: A solution-dyed protein fiber of the present invention includes 0-100 mass % of silk fibroin and 100-0 mass % of a polypeptide derived from spider silk proteins when the protein fiber is assumed to be 100 mass %, wherein the solution-dyed protein fiber contains a solution-dyeing colorant. The fiber is obtained by: dissolving or dispersing a solution-dyeing colorant in a solvent used for a spinning solution or in dimethyl sulfoxide, thereby preparing a coloring liquid; adding a solvent to the coloring liquid in an amount necessary for a spinning solution; adding and dissolving protein powder into the solvent, thereby preparing a spinning solution; and subjecting the spinning solution to wet spinning or dry-wet spinning. Thereby, the present invention provides a low-cost solution-dyed protein fiber in which a solution-dyeing colorant is dispersed uniformly and that can exhibit bright color tone, and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: In an open-end spinning rotor with a rotor cup, and with a rotor shaft, through which the spinning rotor is supported in a bearing, the rotor shaft and the rotor cup are detachably connected to each other through a coupling device. The coupling device includes a positive-locking connection for the transmission of the turning moment between the rotor cup and the rotor shaft, along with a magnetic device for the axial connection of the rotor shaft and the rotor cup. The rotor shaft features at least one projection with a one turning moment-transmitting area, which engages in a recess of the rotor cup with a turning moment-transmitting counter-area. A socket for a permanent magnet is arranged on the rotor cup.

Abstract: An article comprising a knit fabric having a surface side and a base side, and including a set of ground yarns and a layer of effect yarns, wherein the ground yarns and effect yarns are knit through intermesh points in a predetermined arrangement wherein the effect yarns are alternately arranged with the ground yarns and wherein the ground yarns comprise at least one elastic fiber and optionally at least one hard fiber, and the effect yarns comprise at least one hard fiber and optionally an elastic fiber.

Abstract: Articles of knit fabric having a surface side and a base side, and including a set of ground yarns and a layer of effect yarns, wherein the ground yarns and effect yarns are knit through intermesh points in a predetermined arrangement, wherein the effect yarns are alternately arranged with the ground yarns, and wherein the ground yarns contain at least one elastic fiber and optionally at least one hard fiber, and the effect yarns contain at least one hard fiber or at least one elastic fiber are provided.

Abstract: A loom knitting apparatus that enables the user to complete the action of creating a purl or knit stitch on a loom in one fluid step, thereby speeding up the knitting process is provided. The knitting apparatus may include a handle coupled to an arm extending therefrom along a longitudinal axis. The distal end of the arm provides a first hook portion and a second hook portion, wherein the hook portions diverge away from each other along a shared plane, forming supplementary angles relative to the longitudinal axis. The angle of each hook portion is less than or greater than a right angle relative to the longitudinal axis by a predetermined range so as to enable the manipulation of knitting stitches and working stands in the one-step formation of the purl or knit stitches on the loom.

Abstract: A mobile cam device (1) for commanding needles of a needle bed of a knitting machine, the device (1) comprising: at least a body (2) having at least an air inlet (3) destined to be connected to a source of compressed air, at least a first housing seating (4a) for movably housing at least a first actuator (5a) in the body (2), and having at least a first air pathway (6a) defined internally of the body (2) and connecting the at least an air inlet (3) with the first seating (4a) for moving the actuator by means of the compressed air, the device further comprises at least a first command cam (8a) movably mounted and associated to the body (2) and destined to interact with at least a needle of a needle bed of a knitting machine, and at least a first actuator (5a), movably housed at least partially in the first housing seating (4a) in the body (2) and destined to move in a controlled way the first command cam (8a).

Abstract: A mobile cam device (1) for commanding needles of a needle bed of a knitting machine, the device comprising a body (2) of the device provided with at least a first housing seating (4a) having a longitudinal development and configured to movably house at least a first actuator (5a) in the body. The device further comprises at least a first command cam (8a) movably mounted and associated to the body and destined to interact with at least a needle of a needle bed of a knitting machine, and at least a first actuator (5a), movably housed at least partially in the first housing seating (4a) in the body and destined to move in a controlled way the first command cam (8a). The first actuator comprises a first piston (15a) and a second piston (16a) distinct from one another and translatably housed in the first seating, the first and second piston being arranged in series along the longitudinal extension of the first seating and being translatable independently with respect to one another.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to composite nonwoven fibrous web including an embedded phase having a population of particulates forming a substantially continuous three-dimensional network, and a matrix phase comprising a population of fibers forming a three-dimensional network around the particulates. The disclosure also relates to methods of making a composite nonwoven fibrous web including forming an embedded phase having a population of particulates in a substantially continuous three-dimensional network, and forming a matrix phase comprising a population of fibers forming a three-dimensional network around the particulates. Articles made from a composite nonwoven fibrous web prepared according to the methods as described above are also disclosed.

Abstract: Tough, durable nonwoven composite fabric panel product and two precursors thereof.

Abstract: The method of producing a spunbond nonwoven fabric promotes the bleed out of the additive, which has pleasant texture such as tactile feel and excellent flexibility. The spunbond nonwoven fabric is obtained by this method. Specifically, (1) the method of producing a spunbond nonwoven fabric includes annealing a spunbond nonwoven fabric formed by using a crystalline resin composition (I) containing a low crystalline olefin polymer (a) with an elastic modulus of 10 to 450 MPa in a content of 1 to 50% by mass, a high crystalline olefin polymer (b) with an elastic modulus of 500 to 2,000 MPa, the content of the component (b) being the rest, and an additive (c) in a content of 1 to 20,000 ppm by mass.

Abstract: The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a process for producing stretch nonwoven fabric having excellent stretchability. This production process has the following configuration. The process for producing stretch nonwoven fabric comprises: a step in which nonwoven fabric to be treated which comprises stretchable fibers and extensible fibers is unevenly stretched, while being conveyed, so that nonwoven fabric having both higher stretched regions and lower stretched regions is formed; and a step in which the nonwoven fabric having both higher stretched regions and lower stretched regions is heated for 0.1-10 seconds at a temperature which is 40° C. or higher but is lower than the melting point of the stretchable fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing humidity both within laundry and within a laundry treating appliance in response to a door being opened or closed are disclosed.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a rotatable treating chamber in which laundry is received for treatment, and a controller programmed to execute an automatic cycle of operation that includes spraying a pre-wash mixture comprising water and a color care agent onto the laundry to cover the laundry with the color care agent to protect the laundry from dyes released from the laundry during the wash phase.

Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine includes a casing, and a state sensing unit for sensing tilt of a predetermined angle or more of the casing or vibration of a predetermined magnitude or more applied to the casing. The state sensing unit includes a switching conductive element configured to move according to the tilt or the vibration, a contact electrode, and a guide electrode configured to guide movement of the switching conductive element and to be electrically connected to the contact electrode through the switching conductive element when the switching conductive element contacts the contact electrode.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a washer that will not start the wash sequence until each door is securely fastened shut. In exemplary embodiment, the washer may include at least one door having a locking mechanism that has at least one locking pin. The locking pin may be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position. When the door is shut, the locking pin may be received in a locking pin slot that is disposed in the body of the washer. The locking mechanism may also include a locking bracket that may be engaged with a locking hasp only when the locking pin is in the locked position. The washer may also include a sensor in communication with the controller. The controller only permits the operation of the washer when the sensor detects the locking bracket is engaged with the locking hasp.

Abstract: A system including an enclosure of a washing machine, a drum within the enclosure, a mixing unit, within the enclosure but separate from the drum and in fluid communication with the drum, a water supply unit coupled to the mixing unit, a reservoir having a conduit fluidly coupled to the mixing unit, and a container connecting assembly configured to fix a spout of a container to the reservoir. An apparatus including a reservoir, external to a washing machine, to receive a liquid wash aid, a container connecting assembly coupled to the reservoir and configured to fix a spout of a container containing liquid wash aid to the reservoir, a flexible conduit to pass liquid wash aid from the reservoir to the washing machine, and a wash aid control unit connected to the flexible conduit and adapted to meter a flow of liquid wash aid from the reservoir to the washing machine.

Abstract: An additive dispenser for an automatic washing machine includes a container with a compartment for a wash additive. The compartment has a siphon system and a water fall on a wall of the compartment. A flow homogenizing system at the entrance of the dispenser includes: (a) a connection nozzle with an inner part, where the connection nozzle allows communication with a source of wash water, and the inner part of the connection nozzle has two areas with a different size to produce a Venturi effect; and (b) a damping tank with a container and a cover. The homogenizing system homogenize the wash water flow which enters. A perimeter pathway for the transfer of the wash water is formed by the container and the cover; and a deflector to direct the wash water flow which travels through the perimeter pathway.

Abstract: An antimicrobial supply system employs a process water supply and incorporates a metallic ion supply connected to the process water supply to provide a high ion concentrate to an output. A dilution reservoir is connected to the metallic ion supply output and has an input from the process water supply. A pump is connected to an output of the reservoir. A manifold connected to the pump provides a dilute concentrate to at least one washing system. An electronics control module is connected to a first flow controller between the process water supply and the metallic ion supply and a second flow controller between the metallic ion supply and the reservoir for dilution control establishing a desired metallic ion concentration.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an error in the measurement of a water level in a washing machine includes a water level sensor measuring a water level in a washing tub; a water supply and drain device supplying water to the washing tub or discharging water from in the washing tub; and a control unit controlling the water supply and drain device to adjust the water level in the washing tub, and detecting a measurement error of the water level sensor based on a water level change measured by the water level sensor while the water level is adjusted.

Abstract: A connector including a first member having a cylindrical portion and a second member having a cylindrical portion that is frictionally engageable with the first member.

Abstract: A method of the present disclosure includes a first operation of supplying hot air to laundry until the dryness of the laundry has reached a predetermined standard dryness, and a second operation of alternately performing a moisture supply operation of supplying moisture to the laundry and a hot air supply operation of supplying hot air to the laundry.

Abstract: A collapsible structure that includes an openable end panel, three foldable side panels, an openable side panel, a partial side panel, and a removable end panel. At least a portion of the foldable side panels, openable side panel, and partial side panel may be connected by seams which may permit the panels to fold into a hamper state, an ironing board state, a laundry bin, state, and collapsible state. The collapsible state permits the user to efficiently store the collapsible structure when not in use.

Abstract: Described herein are modification of fabrics using a microwave initiation technique to produce a porous coating on the fibers providing adsorbent properties as well as the potential for further modification. In embodiments, the fabric incorporates a periodic mesoporous organosilica compound (PMO) optionally bound to a porphyrin or other functional group, and/or a catalyst or optical indicator.

Abstract: Polyurethane floor covering products are formed from a web layer containing at least 30% by weight fibers. A cooled polyurethane foam formulation which includes at least one polyisocyanate, water and at least one polyol having an equivalent weight of at least 500 is applied to the web layer. The wetted web layer is then compressed to mechanically wet out the fibers, gauged and heated to cure the foam formulation.

Abstract: An object is to obtain a pattern-transferred product excellent in fastness to washing. To achieve the object, the invention provides: a transfer film (10) including a transfer sheet (11) and a solvent UV ink layer (2) formed on the transfer sheet (11); and a transfer method including a hot-pressing step of sticking the transfer film (10) to the print object (20) and then hot-pressing the transfer film (10).

Abstract: Resin compositions, products made therewith, and methods for making such resin compositions and products. The resin composition can include a polyamide-epihalohydrin resin, a cationic styrene maleimide resin, and a urea-formaldehyde resin. The polyamide-epihalohydrin resin can include a reaction product of a polyamidoamine and an epihalohydrin. The cationic styrene maleimide resin can include a reaction product of a styrene maleic anhydride copolymer and an amine compound. The product can include a fiber web and an at least partially cured resin composition. The resin composition, prior to curing, can include a polyamide-epihalohydrin resin, a cationic styrene maleimide resin, and a urea-formaldehyde resin. The polyamide-epihalohydrin resin can include a reaction product of a polyamidoamine and an epihalohydrin. The cationic styrene maleimide resin can include a reaction product of a styrene maleic anhydride copolymer and an amine compound.

Abstract: Substrates for paperboard packing with improved internal sizing including the use of a combination of a dispersed rosin size (DRS) with an alkenylsuccinic anhydride size for reducing edgewicking with less use of the sizing agents.

Abstract: A support (32) adapted to be used in place of ballast in supporting a rail support member (31) of a rail track comprises a body (50). The body (50) includes a lower face (70) for resting on a support surface, and an upper surface (71) for supporting the rail support member (31).

Abstract: A paving machine that comprises a frame, a driving mechanism coupled to the frame, an asphalt delivery system, a spray assembly coupled to the frame, a pump coupled to the spray assembly, a screed coupled to a back side of the frame and configured to smooth asphalt material applied to the road, and a controller coupled to the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A joint density assembly adapted for use on a screed comprising an endgate having a vertical axis, a frame mounted to the screed, a mounting means adapted to mount the frame to the screed, and a fixed shoe, a bolt-on unit mounted to the screed and disposed between the screed and the endgate, and a means for adjusting the bolt-on unit between a downward position and an upward position. A method for increasing the density of an asphalt longitudinal joint comprising providing a joint density assembly and adjusting the bolt-on unit.

Abstract: A self-propelled construction machine includes machine frame that is laterally extendible to adjust a width of the machine frame. A frame lock can selectively lock and unlock the machine frame to permit the width adjustment. A controller includes a frame extension mode configured to steer at least one ground engaging unit to provide a lateral force to adjust the width of the machine frame as the machine is driven across the ground surface by the ground engaging units.

Abstract: In a method for optimizing a cutting process in milling machines which are used to machine road coverings, which comprise a milling device fitted with milling tools which is sprayed with liquid in order to cool the milling tools, in addition to a drive motor, the following steps are provided: detection of the at least one parameter which is representative of the instantaneous power output of the milling device and controlling the amount of cooling liquid supplied according to the at least one parameter which is representative of the instantaneous power output of the milling device.

Abstract: A piston-type variable-speed control device. The piston-type variable-speed control device comprises a plurality of piston-type speed bump structure apparatuses installed on a road surface, a vehicle speed detection device, a speed controller and an electrical power supply. Each of the piston-type speed bump structure apparatuses comprises a ridge platform. A height by which the ridge platform is raised, a time to raise the ridge platform, and a duration for which the ridge platform is raised are controllable to cause a jolting motion to one or more front wheels, one or more rear wheels, or a single wheel of a speeding vehicle. When the speed of a passing vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed limit, the piston-type speed bump structure apparatuses stay at moderately raised position to cause an obvious yet safe jolting motion to the passing vehicle.

Abstract: Reinforcement devices and systems for holding a traffic control assembly in compression are provided. The traffic control assembly includes a traffic signal disconnect hanger and/or a traffic signal and a first span wire positioned above the traffic control assembly. In some embodiments, the reinforcement device includes an upper support device connected to the first span wire where the upper support device has a length that is greater than a width of the traffic control assembly and the upper support device is configured to spread the load of the traffic signal assembly to the first span wire. The reinforcement device includes a lower support device operably connected to the traffic signal, a first vertical support member, and a second vertical support member where the first and second vertical members are tensioned when the upper support device, the lower support device and the first and second vertical support members are connected together.

Abstract: A safety warning device includes an integrally formed telescopic warning body which is a flexible bellows-shaped tube having a bottom end, a top end, and a bellows section connecting the top end and the bottom end. As a result, the telescopic warning body can be compressed and elongated by an external force, thereby minimizing the volume and facilitating the moving of the safety warning device, as well as achieving the goal of extending the usage life and having better safety.

Abstract: A guardrail extruder head includes: top and bottom feeder channels; an impact plate; a top plate connecting the impact plate to the top feeder channel; a bottom plate connecting the impact plate to the bottom feeder channel; a front extruder plate coupled between the top and bottom plates; a curved deflector plate attached to the front extruder plate and coupled between the top and bottom plates; a front brace on the front extruder plate near the curved deflector plate and coupled between the top and bottom plates; a back extruder plate opposite to the front extruder plate and coupled between the top and bottom plates; a front side plate and a back side plate positioned between the top and bottom feeder channels; a back brace on the back extruder plate near the feeder channels and coupled between the top and bottom plates; and an impact force transfer brace coupled to the front brace and the impact plate.

Abstract: A pet waste collection apparatus includes a mobile housing assembly defining an interior, a pick-up roller disposed within the interior, wherein the pick-up roller is configured to collect solid waste, a plurality of fragmentation rollers disposed within the interior upstream from the pick-up roller, wherein the plurality of fragmentation rollers is configured to progressively break up the solid waste, and a hopper disposed within the interior, wherein the plurality of fragmentation rollers transfer the solid waste into the hopper.

Abstract: An assembly includes a handheld work apparatus and a support. The support has a holder worn by an operator and a connector arrangement which is held at a first attachment on the holder and on a second attachment on the work apparatus. The connector arrangement is mounted on the second attachment so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis and supports the work apparatus in a rearward direction in relation to the operator and prevents a rearward movement of the work apparatus. The center of gravity of the work apparatus and the first attachment have a spacing (a) to one another measured in a horizontal and lateral direction in relation to the operator. The holder has, at the first attachment, a bracing device for supporting the tilting moment acting on the first attachment by the weight force (F) of the work apparatus because of the lateral spacing (a).

Abstract: A snow melting assembly includes a cart that may contain snow thereby facilitating the snow to be melted. A lid is hingedly coupled to the cart such that the lid is positionable between an open position and a closed position. An agitation unit is coupled to the cart such that the agitation unit may stir the snow within the cart. A heating unit is coupled to the cart such that the heating unit may melt the snow within the cart. A plurality of wheels is coupled to the cart such that the cart may be rolled along a support surface. A handle is movably coupled to the cart such that the handle may be manipulated.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an artificial dam of a distributed coal mine underground reservoir and its constructing method. The artificial dam comprises a support layer (10), an anti-seepage layer (20), and a concrete structure layer (30) that are successively formed in an auxiliary roadway (1) from inside to outside, the concrete structure layer (30) being embedded into a security coal pillar (2) and/or surrounding rock (3) around the auxiliary roadway (1). Because the concrete structure layer (30) is embedded into the security coal pillar (2) and/or the surrounding rock (3) around the auxiliary roadway (1), the artificial dam is combined to the security coal pillar (2) to together form a dam for an underground reservoir. Due to multi-layer design, anti-seepage performance and structural strength of the dam can meet the water storage requirements of the underground reservoir.

Abstract: A self-activating flood barrier includes a chamber (1) having first and second side walls (3, 5), a dam member (9) adapted to self-deploy in the event of a flood to inhibit the passage of water to a region to be protected, and a low-friction device (77, 79) positioned between the dam member and at least one of the first and second side walls of the chamber when the dam member is deployed. The low-friction device prevents jamming between the dam member and the at least one side wall.

Abstract: A bulkhead system and a method of implementing such a bulkhead system in relation to a dam are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, such a method includes providing a plurality of bulkhead sections assembled together as a bulkhead assembly, and coupling first side, second side, and bottom assemblies respectively to a first end, second end, and bottom surface respectively of the bulkhead assembly. Further, the method includes causing a first of the bulkhead sections to receive a respective amount of ballast within an internal cavity therewithin, receiving water pressure at an upstream surface of the bulkhead assembly such that the bulkhead system is forced against the dam and substantially sealed in relation thereto, and operating to counteract the water pressure and thereby prevent or limit the flow of water past the dam, where the operating is performed at least in part by the side assemblies and bottom assembly.

Abstract: A water repellent sand layer that is made of water repellent sand and serves as a water shield layer is provided to be slanted between upper and lower soil layers, a water conveying belt portion is provided to include at least one or both of gravel and a culvert that are provided between the water repellent sand layer and the upper soil layer, and a water shield wall is provided at a slant downstream side. Water falling and permeating from a ground surface into the soil layer is blocked by the water repellent sand layer, flows downward in the water conveying belt portion located above the water repellent sand layer to the slant downstream side, and is blocked by the water shield wall at the slant downstream side, so that the collected water is recovered from a drain hole in the culvert that penetrates the water shield wall.

Abstract: A drainage ditch, including: a ditch body. The ditch body includes, from the top down: a separate layer, a first filter layer, a second filter layer, and a third filter layer. The separate layer is straw or stover; the first filter layer is crush stones having particle sizes of between 5 and 15 mm; the second filter layer is crush stones having particle sizes of between 20 mm and 40 mm; the third filter layer is stones having particle sizes of between 30 mm and 70 mm. The separate layer is covered by a plough layer.

Abstract: A support structure (10) suitable for use as a support structure to an offshore platform (12), the support structure (10) comprising a main support strut (30) having a lower end and anchorable, in use, to the seabed (16) and an upper portion arranged, in use, to extend above sea level to a height substantially equal to, or greater than, that of the platform (12), the support strut (30) comprising a guide rail (62) extending upwardly from a level above the sea level (18) to the top of the support strut (30) for cooperating with a raising framework (90) slideably mountable to the guide rail (62), and further comprising drive means (98) cooperating between the raising framework (90) and the guide rail (62) for elevating the raising framework (90) relative to the support rail (62), the support structure (10) being characterized by: the support strut (30) and raising framework (90) each comprising tracks (70, 100) arranged to substantially align end-to-end when the raising framework (90) is elevated to the top of