Abstract: A sheet stacking system includes a main conveyor configured to carry sheets in a downstream direction, an accumulator section downstream of the main conveyor configured to receive the sheets from the main conveyor, at least one tamping plate in the accumulator section, and at least one linear motor connected to the at least one tamping plate. The at least one linear motor is configured to move the at least one tamping plate back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the downstream direction to tamp a stack of the sheets in the accumulator section.

Abstract: A stacking device is provided for stacking plugs, in particular paint or installation plugs for motor vehicles, having a housing which has an opening, at at least one axial end, on a front side and in which extend in the axial direction, on an inner wall of the housing, at least two retaining and guide devices for the plugs. The retaining and guiding devices are designed to keep the plugs stacked in position, to allow axial movement of the plugs, and to guide the plugs in the axial direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for de-stacking sheet metal blanks uses electro-magnetic pulses to separate sheet metal blanks from a stack of blanks. A fixture supports an electromagnetic attraction device that includes one or more multi-turn electrical coils and one or more insulated metal screens. The coil is electrically connected to a bank of capacitors. The metal screen is disposed in an electrical insulation material and is retained by the fixture between the coil and the top blank of the stack of blanks. Suction cups perform the primary lifting function and are connected to a vacuum source. The suction cups may be supported by the same fixture or another associated fixture that cooperates with the coil and insulated screen.

Abstract: A method of delivering proppant to a well site has the steps of transporting a load of proppant in a vessel to a desired location, moving the load of proppant from the vessel into a container so as to create a proppant-loaded container, unloading the proppant-loaded container into a pneumatic bulk trailer, and transporting the unloaded proppant in the pneumatic bulk trailer to well site. The container is placed onto a bed of a truck and moved in proximity to the vessel. The proppant-loaded container is placed onto a tilting mechanism and then tilted so that the proppant is discharged through a flow gate of a container into a hopper. The proppant in the hopper can then be conveyed to the pneumatic bulk trailer.

Abstract: In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for using containers, instead of pneumatic transfer, to move bulk material from a transportation unit to a blender receptacle (e.g., hopper or mixer of a blender) are provided. A transportation unit may deliver multiple containers of bulk material to the well site, where multiple conveyors may deliver the containers to a location proximate the blender receptacle. Openings at the bottom of the containers are arranged adjacent one another so that the load of two containers may be delivered to the tight space occupied by the blender receptacle. Since the transportation unit is able to unload the containers of bulk material without pneumatic transfer, the containers may enable a cleaner and more efficient bulk material transfer at the site.

Abstract: A device for feeding parts to a manufacturing system, the device includes a housing that with a base at a lower end of the housing and a hopper at an upper end. A double action cylinder drive is fixed to the base of the housing. An end of a piston is fixed to a drive lever in a by a hinge mechanism, and a cam follower is secured to the drive lever with the cam follower spaced apart from the piston rod. Vertically extending spaced apart guide rods are fixed to the base plate inside the housing. each guide ford provided with a linear bearing that slides along the guide rod; and A dynamic part feeding plate that is fixed to a mounting member which in turn is fixed to each of the linear bearings. The mounting member provided with a cam member having a cam profile surface that mates with the cam follower of the driver assembly drive lever to move the dynamic feeding plate vertically through the hopper of the housing along a wall of the hopper.

Abstract: A contact interface includes a first contact member including a first contact surface with a first material subsurface and a second material subsurface. The second material subsurface protrudes transversely above the first material subsurface. A second contact member includes a second contact surface to slide in contact with the first contact surface. The first material subsurface comprises a first material. The second material subsurface comprises a second material. The second material has a lower hardness than the first material.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a lift plate, an actuator, a photosensor, and a controller. Paper is placed on the lift plate. The lift plate is driven to increase a first inclination angle in response to a decrease in a residual amount of the paper placed on the lift plate. The first inclination angle indicates an angle of inclination of the lift plate with respect to a horizontal plane. A second inclination angle indicating an angle of inclination of the actuator with respect to the horizontal plane increases in response to an increase in the first inclination angle. The actuator increases or decreases a transmitted light quantity along with an increase in the second inclination angle. The photosensor detects the transmitted light quantity. The controller calculates the residual amount of the paper on the basis of the transmitted light quantity.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for unstacking preformed products (2), for example packaging units, stacked in a stack, these products comprising for example planar parts (4) and projecting parts (3) which are all stacked onto and into each other in line, wherein the method comprises,—placing a gripper with at least a single suction cup unit (51) of flexible material, more particularly a suction mouth thereof, on a planar product part (4) of such a product,—suction-engaging such a product,—conveying the product to a delivery location, and—releasing the product, wherein upon suction the planar product part (4) is pulled against a plate (55) which is part of the apparatus. It has been found that in this way in a suitable manner stacks of flexible and thin-walled packaging units can be unstacked, without the stack being disturbed or the packaging unit taken off being damaged or being picked up in the wrong position.

Abstract: An automatic feeder for a strip of material, comprising: an orientation assembly (10), structured to retain a free end (T) of a strip (R) on a predetermined gripping plane (11), in a waiting position; a gripping device (20), structured to grasp the free end (T) of a strip (R) and to translate the end (T) from the waiting position to a feeding position, in which the end (T) can be grasped by another operating device (D).

Abstract: A conveyor includes a first conveyor deck having a first plurality of contact elements, each having a contact surface movable around a closed path from a contact region to a non-contact region, the first contact regions lying in a plane or being bounded by the plane and a second conveyor deck having a second plurality of contact elements, each having a contact surface movable around a closed path from a contact region to a non-contact region, these contact regions lying in a second plane or being bounded by the second plane. The transport path of the conveyor is defined by the contact surfaces of the first and second contact elements in the contact regions, and the first plurality of contact elements are belts and the second plurality of contact elements are wheels.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus includes an upper conveyor and a lower conveyor, the top of the lower conveyor facing the bottom of the upper conveyor and defining with the bottom of the upper conveyor a sheet transport path. An air duct having an opening facing the top of the upper conveyor is mounted over the upper conveyor, and a fan is provided that is in fluid communication with the air duct. The fan draws air through the opening, into the air duct and out an exhaust vent. A housing substantially encloses the upper conveyor and the lower conveyor and is connected to the air duct, and the housing has a bottom opening located below the sheet transport path such that a majority of the air drawn through the opening by the fan passes through the upper conveyor.

Abstract: A diverter conveyor includes a frame supporting an upper conveyor that has an upstream end and a downstream end and that is configured to carry sheets in a first, downstream, direction. A plurality of nip rollers are mounted on the frame upstream of the upstream end of the upper conveyor and are spaced from the upstream end of the upper conveyor by a gap. The nip rollers feed the sheets along a main path to the upstream end of the upper conveyor. A rejection conveyor is supported by the frame and has a portion beneath the gap and extends away from the upper conveyor at an acute angle. A plurality of paddles are mounted at the first gap, and an actuator is operably connected to the paddles and configured to shift the paddles from a first position out of the main path to a second position in the main path.

Abstract: A stacker device in an items processing system is a last station of a mail line. The stacker device has a receiving plate to receive flat items, a longitudinal alignment wall, graduated in at least two steps, at a rear side of the stacker device, and a stop wall that is arranged at the downstream end of the receiving plate.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a power tape dispenser which capable to automatically dispense and cut packaging tape at a desired speed. The operations of the tape dispenser such as taping and cutting process are controlled by the engagement of surface triggering device, the main triggering device and the electrical components.

Abstract: A sheet post-processor of this disclosure is provided with a punching device and a registration roller. The punching device is capable of forming punch holes along a first side end edge of a sheet parallel to a sheet width direction orthogonal to a sheet conveyance direction and a second side end edge of the sheet parallel to the sheet conveyance direction. The registration roller is disposed downstream of the punching device in the sheet conveyance direction. The punching device includes a punch unit that forms punch holes through a sheet and an edge sensor that detects the second side end edge of a sheet. In a case of forming punch holes along the second side end edge of a sheet, without skewing of the sheet being corrected by the registration roller, the edge sensor detects the second side end edge, while the punch unit forms punch holes through the sheet.

Abstract: A resilient cable caddy comprising a portable housing for storing reels of cable that has a lower base with a hinged top forming an enclosure for the reel. A reel of cable is rotatably mounted within the interior. A handle formed by abutting base and top portions enables carrying. Each reel comprises a spool with a central axle coupled at each end to spaced apart end caps, being retained by mounting rings. The spindles have bearing rings journaled to bearing races defined in the end caps. Both spindles comprise hubs disposed within case gudgeons. A two-piece spindle has a removable hub portion fitted to an internal socket. When reels are transported they may be stacked vertically atop one another with the one piece spindle engaging the empty and exposed spindle hub socket of an upper reel. Caddies may also be opened and stacked vertically for transportation.

Abstract: A device for braking lines of tying twine, for agricultural machines, of the type of balers, round balers and the like. Such machines are provided with assemblies for tying bales of previously-cut agricultural products, of the type of grass, wheat, maize, hay, forage, and the like. The braking device comprises an electronic unit for controlling and managing at least one actuator (2) for moving at least one braking element (3), which is actuated by the electronic unit by way of the actuator (2), in order to retain at least partially at least one respective length of at least one line of twine (A), during its unreeling.

Abstract: A cable reel that has at least one support frame having an outwardly extending braking gear member and a first flange having a central opening with an internal braking gear member engaging the outwardly extending gear member of the frame, thereby rotatably coupling the at least one support frame and the first flange. A hub is provided between the first flange and a second flange that opposes the first flange. The hub is configured to support cable, wherein the engagement of the gear members provides friction for cable payoff from the hub.

Abstract: Floor content information of an elevator is described. According to an embodiment, a device is disclosed, comprising: a processor; a storage comprising a set of instructions; wherein the set of instructions cause the processor to: Receive a destination floor of the elevator; Receive information describing content of the destination floor, wherein the content identifies the content located within the destination floor; Based on the destination floor and the information describing the content of the destination floor, display a data notification to at least one user using the elevator travelling to the destination floor. According to other embodiments, an elevator, a method and a computer program product is described along with the features of the device.

Abstract: An elevator system has a car and a suspension device, wherein the car is least partially carried by the suspension device. The suspension device includes several electrically conductive tension members that are arranged parallel to one another and are essentially enclosed by a jacket. The suspension device is attached to suspension device mounting fixtures, wherein the suspension device mounting fixtures each include a housing and a clamping element. The housing and the clamping element have clamping surfaces between which the suspension device is clamped. The clamping element and/or the housing is made of an electrically insulating material.

Abstract: A belt for suspending and/or driving an elevator car of an elevator system includes a plurality of tension members arranged in a lengthwise direction and a jacket substantially retaining the plurality of tension members. The jacket includes a traction portion, a back portion, and an inner portion between the traction portion and the back portion. The traction portion is formed from a first material and the inner portion is formed from a second material having an increased fire resistance compared to the first material. A method of forming an elevator system belt includes arranging a plurality of tension members in a lengthwise direction and securing the plurality of tension members in a jacket by at least partially enclosing the plurality of tension members in the jacket. The jacket includes a traction portion, a back portion, and an inner portion having a greater fire resistance than the traction portion.

Abstract: An automatic marking system (8) is provided which comprises a rope inspecting device (10) including a camera (15) and an image processor (14) and a rope marking device (17) for providing a mark on the rope in response to the image processor (14) detecting a defect on the rope. The mark distinguishes the type or level of the defect. The rope may be a hoisting rope (3) of an elevator device. The defect may include at least one of reduced diameter, rust, wire brakeage and strand brakeage of the hoisting rope (3).

Abstract: The present invention provides improved elevator door hatches. The elevator door hatches drop open into the elevator cab and slide at a desirable angle just underneath the elevator cab ceiling, without extending too far or too low into the interior cab space. The elevator door hatches are able to accommodate light fixtures and cabling installed into the elevator door hatches without disconnecting when the door hatches are slid underneath the elevator cab ceiling in the open position. The door hatch also allows for the drop ceiling to be mounted closer to the canopy, which increases the usable height of the elevator cab.

Abstract: An elevator car (6) comprises at least one movable wall panel (16, 18), which is movable between a closed position, in which the at least one movable wall panel (16, 18) constitutes a portion of a sidewall of the elevator car (6), and at least one open position providing an opening (24) which allows access to areas outside the elevator from inside the elevator car (6). The at least one movable wall panel (16, 18) includes a first movable wall panel (16) constituting or supporting a car operation panel (7b).

Abstract: An elevator includes at least one elevator shaft and at least one elevator car traveling in the elevator shaft. The elevator has at least one elevator motor including at least one linear stator located vertically along the elevator shaft and at least one mover located in connection with the elevator car and co-acting with the stator. The elevator includes a vertical stator beam supporting at least one stator, which stator beam has at least one side face carrying ferromagnetic poles of said stator spaced apart by a pitch. The mover includes at least one counter-face facing the side face(s) of the stator beam, in which electro-magnetic components of the mover are located.

Abstract: Elevator doorway display systems and methods of operation including an elevator car having elevator car doors, a detection device configured to detect the presence of an object or person located in a detection zone when the car doors are opened, an imaging device configured to capture an image of an opening formed by the elevator car doors when the detection device detects the presence of an object or person in the detection zone, and a display located within the elevator car and configured to display a display image when the detection device detects an object or person within the detection zone.

Abstract: Car door (1) comprising: two sliding door panels (2, 3); two profiles (6, 7), each of which is arranged below one of the two door panels (2, 3), the profiles (6, 7) being partially counter-shaped so as to slide with respect to one another therefore while the door (1) is opening they move towards one another to compose a sill (5).

Abstract: A people conveyor comprises two landing areas located at two opposing ends of the people conveyor; a movable conveying element extending between the two landing areas and configured for conveying passengers between the two landing areas; a handrail extending parallel to the conveying element between the two landing areas and configured for moving with the conveying element; a handrail exit/entry portion located at one of the landing areas and configured for receiving a return portion of the handrail; and a safety switch assembly provided at the handrail exit/entry portion and configured for stopping the handrail when activated. The safety switch assembly comprises at least one sensor surface providing a touch sensor for detecting any part of a human body, in particular a finger, approaching and/or touching at least one of the at least one sensor surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus including a base, a guide arm pivotable relative to the base, the guide arm movable between a raised position and a lowered position. A tension linkage having a distal end extending away from the base, the tension linkage supported by the guide arm when the arm is in the raised position. A tension linkage guide disposed on the guide arm, the tension linkage guide movable along the tension linkage as the guide arm moves between raised and lowered positions. A lid hook connected to the distal end of the tension linkage. When the lid hook is engaged with a cargo vessel lid, the tension linkage forms a first tension angle and a second tension angle when the guide arm is in the raised position and the lowered position respectively, the second tension angle being less than the first tension angle.

Abstract: Provided is a core grasping method of grasping a core using a core grasping apparatus. The core grasping apparatus includes grasping devices respectively having expandable and contractible grasping parts. The core includes holes, and at least one of the holes has an inside diameter that decreases in the opposite direction from a direction of a turning moment occurring on the core. The core grasping method involves, when grasping the core, expanding the grasping parts inserted in the holes so as to bring the grasping parts into contact with inner walls of the holes of the core, and grasping the core and applying a force that suppresses the turning moment to the core.

Abstract: A crane controller for a crane includes: a sliding position sensor for sensing a sliding position of a crane sliding arm, and a memory for storing entries for limit values for an operating parameter of the crane characteristic of the instantaneous crane load. Entries for maximum permissible limit values are stored in the memory for at least two sliding positions of the crane sliding arm. The crane controller also has an overload monitor, and a limit value for at least one operating parameter of the crane can be specified by the overload monitor of the crane controller. The limit value is specified by the overload monitor based on the stored entries according to the sliding position of the crane sliding arm. A limit value between the stored entries with respect to magnitude can be specified for a further sliding position between the stored sliding positions of the crane sliding arm.

Abstract: A winch is described comprising a guide that includes a fairlead for positioning a cable around a rotatable drum, wherein one or more bristles are positioned within an orifice in the fairlead. The bristles may have an angular orientation such that they provide active cable wiping during winding and passive cable wiping during unwinding of the cable around the drum. Active wiping may reduce the likelihood that dirt, mud, debris, and/or other materials accumulate within the winch during winding.

Abstract: A winch is described comprising a compressional wiper system activated by a sensor that detects which direction a cable is moving. When the cable is being pulled in, the compressional wiper system tightens a clamp or fastens a rotatable clamping device inside a fairlead. The tightened clamp or fastened clamping device act to decrease the likelihood that dirt, mud, debris, or other materials that adhere to the cable accumulate within the winch, by wiping or scraping off said materials from the cable.

Abstract: A light-weight kit for lifting vehicles, configured to be removably added to and used with a two-post vehicle lift by one person with no tools or with just conventional hand tools. A kit may include a pair of support beams each extending longitudinally from a front end to a back end and each comprising at least two arm connection structures each configured to removably engage and be supported by the vehicle support pad structures on the ends of the arms of the vehicle lift. A pair of baskets may be configured to support a vehicle each have an upwardly-concave cross-section extending between first and second transversely spaced hanging structures configured to be removably and selectably attached with and supported by the support beams at longitudinally-spaced mounting positions on the support beam.

Abstract: A forklift truck includes a two-dimensional rangefinder, a mover device, a calculator, and a determiner. The two-dimensional rangefinder emits a measurement wave in a downwardly inclined direction from above and toward a first load and measures a distance to a measurement point located on a surface of the first load. The mover device moves the two-dimensional rangefinder. The calculator calculates a longitudinal distance between the emitting source and the measurement point. The determiner determines that the first load is in a condition in which there is a level difference between a front part and a rear part of an upper surface of the first load, and the front part is higher than the rear part, when a variation in the longitudinal distance that is generated in response to a displacement of the two-dimensional rangefinder moved by the mover device exceeds an upper limit of a specified threshold range.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for monitoring the position of a handle of a material handling vehicle comprising a handle, a first sensor positioned along the material handling vehicle, a second sensor positioned along the handle, and a controller configured to retrieve first positional information from the first sensor, retrieve second positional information from the second sensor, and compare the first positional information with the second positional information. The controller can adjust the operation of at least one of a lift motor and a drive motor of the material handling vehicle based on the comparison of the first positional information with the second positional information.

Abstract: An insulated boom knuckle cover for high voltage line truck includes an insulating sheathing unit disposed for expedient attachment to a boom arm of a high voltage line truck. The sheathing unit includes an upper section, attachable to the boom arm at a position proximal a knuckle of the boom arm, and an arched knuckle cover section disposed depending from the upper section. The arched knuckle cover section includes a lowermost portion disposed to overlie the knuckle of the boom arm when the boom arm is disposed in a lowered, folded position, and yet maintain appropriate coverage of the knuckle when the boom arm is also extended away from the lowered, folded position. The present invention therefore prevents direct contact of high voltage lines with the knuckle, or portions of the boom arm proximal the knuckle, and shields the knuckle from arcing.

Abstract: A tree watering device. The tree watering device includes an elongated body having a channel therethrough. A funnel having an open upper end is disposed on an upper end of the elongated body, wherein the funnel is in fluid communication with the channel. A hollow stake having an open lower end is disposed on a lower end of the elongated body, wherein the hollow stake is in fluid communication with the channel. A fastener disposed on the elongated body is configured to secure the elongated body to the tree. A valve disposed on the elongated body is configured to selectively allow water to flow from the funnel through the channel and out of the open lower end of the hollow stake for providing water to a tree such as a Christmas tree.

Abstract: A water cooling apparatus and a water purifier having a water cooling apparatus is provided. The water cooling apparatus may include a case, a water tank provided within the case, a cooling block provided to be in contact with the water tank and to cool the water tank through heat exchange, a thermoelectric element having one side in contact with the cooling block and provided so as to transfer heat from the one side to another side of the thermoelectric element when power is applied thereto, an insulator provided within the case and that covers the water tank and the cooling block, and a heat dissipation block provided outside of the case and provided to be in contact with the other side of the thermoelectric element to dissipate heat from the other side of the thermoelectric element.

Abstract: A vent system for a fuel storage tank and a pressure vacuum valve (PVV) module for use with such a vent system are disclosed. The vent system defines a vent path from the fuel storage tank to atmosphere. An elongate vent pipe extends vertically to a rain cap located at the upper end of the vent pipe. A pressure vacuum valve (PVV) is located in the vent path between the lower end of the vent pipe and the tank. The pressure vacuum valve maintains the vent path in a closed condition unless the pressure in the tank is above or below a predetermined pressure. By separating the PVV from the rain cap and placing it between the lower end of the vent pipe and the tank, it is possible to site the PVV at an accessible level for maintenance.

Abstract: Fuel dispensers, systems and methods are provided for electronically transmitting data characterizing fueling transactions in a fueling environment, and in particular from a fuel dispenser. In an exemplary embodiment, a fuel dispenser is provided having a printer module that can perform operations that enable any one or more of replacing a printer, providing a user with a printed transaction record at a remote location, and/or provide the user with an electronic transaction record. The application of the printer module can facilitate providing a user with a printed and/or electronic transaction record, while minimizing, or eliminating, changes to standard communication protocol associated with components of a payment terminal that can deliver formatted transaction data to a typical printer.

Abstract: Fuel dispensers, systems, and methods are provided for allowing a user to dynamically create a customized fuel blend, also referred to as a fuel mixture. In an exemplary embodiment, a fuel dispenser is provided having an interactive display, such as a touchscreen display, and a data processor that can perform operations that enable any one or more of replacing PTS buttons, integrating additive pumps to combine fuel mixtures and additives, mixing fuels and additives, calculating fuel mixture prices, and allowing a user to customize fuel mixtures. The application of the interactive display and the control module, as well as other components, can facilitate allowing a user to create customized fuel mixtures, while minimizing changes to standard communication protocol associated with components such as, e.g., a point-of-sale (POS), a forecourt controller, and a fuel controller that can control dispensing of fuel.

Abstract: An object is to suppress excessive insertion of a fueling nozzle during fueling. A nozzle guide configured to form a nozzle guide path that guides a fueling nozzle is placed inside of a filler neck main body configured to include a fuel passage that introduces a fuel supplied from the fueling nozzle toward a fuel tank. This nozzle guide comprises a first projection for nozzle restriction provided on a nozzle guide end opening portion at an end of the nozzle guide path along a nozzle guide direction and protruded from an end opening circumferential wall of the nozzle guide end opening portion to narrow at least part of a diameter of the nozzle guide path; and a second projection for nozzle restriction provided on a downstream side of the first projection along the nozzle guide direction and protruded from the end opening circumferential wall to narrow at least part of the diameter of the nozzle guide path.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle is provided including a fuel spout configured to dispense fuel and an enhanced tip disposed at a dispensing end of the fuel spout, the enhanced tip comprising a generally smooth exposed surface configured to limit abrasion of materials contacted by the dispensing end of the fuel spout.

Abstract: A micromechanical component including a mounting support, a coil winding retained by a coil brace, and an adjustable part, the coil brace and the adjustable part being connected to each other and via at least one spring element with the mounting support in such a way that the adjustable part is adjustable relative to the mounting support about at least one axis of rotation, and a stop support being fixedly disposed or developed on the mounting support and being at least partially framed by the coil brace, which stop support has at least one first stop area protruding on a surface of the mounting support, which limits a relative movement at least of the coil brace in at least one direction relative to the mounting support by a contact of the at least one first stop area with the coil brace.

Abstract: Implementations of absolute pressure sensor devices may include a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) absolute pressure sensor coupled over a controller die. The MEMS absolute pressure sensor may be mechanically coupled to the controller die and may also be configured to electrically couple with the controller die. A perimeter of the controller die may be one of the same size and larger than a perimeter of the MEMS absolute pressure sensor. The controller die may be configured to electrically couple with a module through an electrical connector.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation system including: a reformer generating hydrogen-containing gas using a raw material and reforming water; a combustor combusting hydrogen-containing gas and air and generating exhaust gas; a first channel passing cooling water; a condenser generating condensed water by heat exchange between exhaust gas and cooling water; a tank storing condensed water as cooling water; a pump supplying cooling water from the tank to the condenser; a second channel branching at a branch between the pump and condenser in the first channel, and passing some cooling water to the reformer as reforming water; a heater provided downstream of the branch, and heating the first channel; a temperature detector detecting the temperature of the first channel; and a controller, in an activation operation mode, determining whether the second channel is filled with reforming water, based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector after the heater has operated.

Abstract: A process for preparing nitric acid may involve vaporizing ammonia in at least one first ammonia vaporizer to produce an ammonia gas, oxidizing this ammonia gas to nitrogen dioxide in a plant section of a nitric acid plant, and absorbing the nitrogen dioxide in water to produce nitric acid. A residual gas containing nitrous gases may be taken off from the plant section of the nitric acid plant and conveyed to a residual-gas cleaning apparatus. The residual gas containing nitrous gases may be reduced by means of ammonia in the residual-gas cleaning apparatus, wherein ammonia-containing wastewater obtained in the at least one first ammonia vaporizer may be conveyed to the residual-gas cleaning apparatus. Such a process may eliminate or at least substantially reduce ammonia-containing wastewater. Furthermore, a plant can be used in this process for preparing nitric acid.

Abstract: A material comprises a carbon nanotube and a methyl methacrylate group covalently bonded to a surface of the carbon nanotube. In some examples, the material can further comprise a polymeric chain appended to the surface of the carbon nanotube via the methyl methacrylate group. In some examples, the polymeric chain can include styrene monomer repeating units and butadiene monomer repeating units. In some examples, the polymeric chain can include a flame retardant moiety appended thereon and/or flame retardant monomer repeating units. In some examples, the carbon nanotube can be incorporated or combined with a resin material to provide a composite component. A method to produce a carbon nanotube having a polymeric chain appended thereto is also described.