Abstract: A tunnel relief device includes an arcuate frame member, at least two fire-extinguishing arms, and a transport assembly. The arcuate frame member traverses along a length of the tunnel via first guide rails positioned on an inner surface of the tunnel. The fire-extinguishing arms are positioned on an inner surface of the arcuate frame member and traverse along the inner surface of the arcuate frame member via second guide rails to extinguish fire induced in the tunnel. The transport assembly comprises extendable arms and housed in an upper region of the arcuate frame member. The extendable arms are movable in a horizontal or vertical direction. The transport assembly is rotatably engaged to the upper region of the arcuate frame member to transport the vehicles in the tunnel from a first position to a second position to ensure safe and unobstructed movement of the vehicles in the tunnel.

Abstract: A method for controlling the orientation of a load (18) suspended from a bearing wire (16) about said bearing wire (16), comprising the following steps: a.—providing a winch arrangement (10), comprising; one master winch (32), one slave winch (34) and a winch control system (31), each of said winches (32, 34) having a winch motor (58) and a bi-directional rotational spool (54) with a tagline (40, 42), wherein the winches (32, 34) are placed on the ground, on the crane or on the load, wherein each tagline (40, 42) is provided with attachment means (44, 46) for attachment to the load (18) and for applying a controlled torque to the load (18) about the bearing wire (16), and wherein the control system (31) comprises tension sensor means (48) for determining tagline tension and spool rotation sensor means (50) for determining spool rotation, and wherein the control system (31) is controllably connected to each winch motor (58) for controlling spool rotation, b.

Abstract: A wear pad assembly for a telescopic boom includes a wear pad having a first side for contacting an outer wall of an inner section of the boom, and a second side facing an inner wall of an outer section of the boom. At least one rigid plate is secured to the second side of the wear pad, and a stud in screw-threaded engagement with the outer section of the boom or a plate secured to the outer section of the boom is associated with each rigid plate, the end of stud and the associated rigid plate having mating formations to enable the stud to urge the first surface of the wear pad against the outer wall of the inner section while preventing the wear pad from being displaced in a plane normal to the axis of rotation of the stud.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined counterweight hitching device and method thereof, and a counterweight mounting structure.

Abstract: A crane comprises an undercarriage, an upper carriage arranged on the undercarriage, a rotary connection for rotatably mounting the upper carriage on the undercarriage about an axis of rotation, as well as a support unit attached to the upper carriage for increasing the distance of a tilting edge from the axis of rotation, so that the crane has an increased structural stability and an increased load capacity.

Abstract: A method for operating a winch and a winch having a winch drum for spooling a spoolable medium, wherein the winch drum is rotatable about a first axis, a guiding member for guiding the spoolable medium, wherein the guiding member is movable along a second axis between two end positions, and an electric drive having a first electric motor for driving the guiding member towards one of the two end positions during spooling in or spooling out of the spoolable medium. The electric drive is configured to change the driving direction of the guiding member when a monitored torque of the first electric motor, or a quantity indicative thereof, exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A winch system for controlling the elevation of an aerostats restrained by a cable is provided. The system includes a capstan arrangement configured for reducing the tension in a segment of a cable extending between an aerostats side and a drum side thereof; a spool drum configured for wrapping therearound a segment of the cable extending from the drum side of the capstan arrangement; a first drive mechanism configured to selectively activate the capstan arrangement in a released mode, in which the cable is let out towards the aerostats, and a pulling mode in which the cable is pulled in towards the spool drum; and a second drive mechanism configured to rotate the spool drum in the released mode and in the pulling mode such that the segment of the cable extending from the drum side of the capstan arrangement is pulled in a counter direction to the direction of the tension exerted on the cable.

Abstract: A self-synchronizing wheel lift system configured to lift a vehicle using compressed air. The lift system comprises a plurality of pneumatic wheel lifts and a lift control system. The lift control system is configured to automatically synchronize the heights of the wheel lifts during vehicle lifting without causing any of the wheel lifts to completely stop during vehicle lifting.

Abstract: There is shown a dispensing apparatus for use with pressurized containers of fluids, particularly carbonated beverages such as beer. A base that fits onto the container has a piston member slidably fitted to it, along with a compressed gas housing and a pickup tube or assembly. A handle moves the piston member with respect to the base against a spring bias. A gas flow path from the housing to the container passes through a valve, that is opened by the piston member as the handle is moved. Moving the handle opens both a liquid flow path as well as a gas flow path.

Abstract: A method of operating an automated beverage generating system. The method comprises receiving one or more electrical signals representative of an order for a specified beverage. The method further comprises translating the order into one or more steps required to generate the specified beverage. The method still further comprises entering at least one of the required steps into a dynamic sequence corresponding to a module of the system configured to perform that particular step, the dynamic sequence representing an order in which one or more steps in the dynamic sequence will be performed by the module for one or more beverages to be generated by the system.

Abstract: Bits for horses are provided which include a central element, suitable for being inserted in a horse's mouth, a pair of lateral rings, each connected to a respective end of the central element for connection to the reins, and a pair of rosettes for protecting the horse's lip, each traversed by an axial hole to be fitted around the central element, next to the connection to the ring. The axial hole is made in an emerging portion axially facing at least the side opposite the lateral ring. The wall which delimits said axial hole may be sized to provide a stable connection due to the friction between the rosette and the central element.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) structure and a method for forming the same are disclosed. The MEMS structure includes a sacrificial layer, a lower dielectric film, an upper dielectric film, a plurality of through holes and a protective film. The sacrificial layer comprises an opening. The lower dielectric film is on the sacrificial layer. The upper dielectric film is on the lower dielectric film. The plurality of through holes passes through the lower dielectric film and the upper dielectric film. The protective film covers side walls of the upper dielectric film and the lower dielectric film and a film interface between the lower dielectric film and the upper dielectric film.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a substrate member having a surface region and a CMOS IC layer overlying the surface region. The CMOS IC layer has at least one CMOS device. The integrated circuit also includes a bottom isolation layer overlying the CMOS IC layer, a shielding layer overlying a portion of the bottom isolation layer, and a top isolation layer overlying a portion of the bottom isolation layer. The bottom isolation layer includes an isolation region between the top isolation layer and the shielding layer. The integrated circuit also has a MEMS layer overlying the top isolation layer, the shielding layer, and the bottom isolation layer. The MEMS layer includes at least one MEMS structure having at least one movable structure and at least one anchored structure. The at least one anchored structure is coupled to a portion of the top isolation layer, and the at least one movable structure overlies the shielding layer.

Abstract: A sub-millimeter packaged microsystem includes a microsystem located in a sealed cavity defined between first and second portions of a micropackage. One or both micropackage portions can be fabricated from a metal suitable for use in a harsh environment, such as an oil well environment. The microsystem includes electronic components and can be configured to communicate with external components through a wall of the micropackage by wireless communication or by conductive feedthroughs. Pluralities of microsystems, first micropackage portions, and/or second micropackage portions are simultaneously placed during a batch assembly process. The assembly process may include micro-crimping the first and second micropackaging portions together without the need for bonding materials and related process steps.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and structure for fabricating vias in a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate is first doped to make it mildly conducting, via holes are formed therein, and a conductive material is deposited in the holes. Using the moderate conductivity of the substrate, the conductive material may be plated into the holes.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated MEMS-CMOS device uses a micro-fabrication process that realizes moving mechanical structures (MEMS) on top of a conventional CMOS structure by bonding a mechanical structural wafer on top of the CMOS and etching the mechanical layer using plasma etching processes, such as Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE). During etching of the mechanical layer, CMOS devices that are directly connected to the mechanical layer are exposed to plasma. This sometimes causes permanent damage to CMOS circuits and is termed Plasma Induced Damage (PID). Embodiments of the present invention presents methods and structures to prevent or reduce this PID and protect the underlying CMOS circuits by grounding and providing an alternate path for the CMOS circuits until the MEMS layer is completely etched.

Abstract: A method for forming a functional part in a minute space includes the steps of: filling a minute space with a dispersion functional material in which a thermally-meltable functional powder is dispersed in a liquid dispersion medium; evaporating the liquid dispersion medium present in the minute space; and heating the functional powder and hardening it under pressure.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing germanium nanowires encapsulated within multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The method includes the steps of performing chemical vapor deposition using a combined germanium and carbon source having a general formula of GeR(4-x)Lx, where x=0, 1, 2, or 3; R is selected from a group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl and L=hydrogen, halide or alkoxide and growing germanium nanowires encapsulated within multi-walled carbon nanotubes on a substrate. A reaction product of that method or process is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for supplying high purity hydrogen through a hydrogen supply system comprising in fluid communication one or more storage caverns, multiple hydrogen production sources, and a pipeline distribution system capable of delivering hydrogen to a plurality of hydrogen demand points which coordinates the operation of the cavern, hydrogen plants, and pipeline distribution system to meet the real time dynamic demand profile.

Abstract: A process and a related equipment for producing ammonia synthesis gas from a hydrocarbon-containing feedstock (20), the process comprising the steps of: primary reforming with steam (21), secondary reforming with an oxidant stream (23), and purification of the effluent of said secondary reforming, said purification comprising a step of shift conversion (13) of carbon monoxide, wherein the synthesis gas (25) produced by said secondary reforming is subject to a medium-temperature shift over a copper-based catalyst, and the global steam to carbon ratio of the process is not greater than 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a disulfonylamine alkali metal salt, including a step of subjecting a disulfonylamine onium salt represented by formula [I] (wherein each of R1 and R2 independently represents a fluorine atom or a fluorinated alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, provided that at least one of R1 and R2 represents a fluorine atom, and each of R3, R4, R5 and R6 independently represents a hydrogen atom or the like) to a cation exchange reaction in an organic solvent, thereby producing a disulfonylamine alkali metal salt represented by formula [II] (wherein M+ represents an alkali metal cation, and R1 and R2 are as defined in formula [I]), and a step of filtering the organic solvent solution containing the disulfonylamine alkali metal salt through a filter having a particle retention size of 0.1 to 10 ?m to obtain a filtrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a preparation method of graphene, capable of preparing graphene having a smaller thickness and a large area, and with reduced defect generation, by a simplified process. The preparation method of graphene includes forming dispersion including a carbon-based material including unoxidized graphite, and a dispersant; and continuously passing the dispersion through a high pressure homogenizer including an inlet, an outlet, and a micro-channel for connection between the inlet and the outlet, having a diameter in a micrometer scale, wherein the carbon-based material is exfoliated, as the material is passed through the micro-channel under application of a shear force, thereby forming graphene having a thickness in nanoscale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of cross-linked graphene and graphene oxide networks, which are selected from aerogels and xerogels with improved performance and characteristics thereof. The invention is also concerned with graphene and graphene oxide networks, which are selected from aerogels and xerogels produced by such processes and uses thereof.

Abstract: Zirconia-based particles, sols containing the zirconia-based particles, methods of making the sols and the zirconia-based particles, composites containing the zirconia-based particles in an organic matrix, and sintered bodies prepared from the zirconia-based particles are described. The zirconia-based particles are crystalline, have a primary particles size no greater than 100 nanometers, and are doped with a lanthanide element or with both a lanthanide element and yttrium.

Abstract: In one example, a pitcher is provided that includes a chassis in which an untreated water reservoir is received. The untreated water reservoir has a candle that defines a receptacle with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, where the fluid outlet is arranged for fluid communication with the treated water reservoir, and the receptacle is configured to receive a filter cartridge. The candle also includes a filter seat that cooperates with the filter cartridge to form a substantially fluid-tight seal when the filter cartridge is positioned in a sealing range defined by the candle. The pitcher also includes a structural element that is connected to a portion of the pitcher and has a protruding portion that is located near the filter cartridge when the filter cartridge resides in the sealing range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-stage degassing unit for degassing waste water, such as effluent from grain milling processes, through impingement upon successive impact plates. The degassing unit has one or more stages of impact plates, which alternate with redistribution trays that receive the waste water that impinges upon the impact plates directly above the trays and then redistributes the waste water through a plurality of apertures in the redistribution tray. The process of impinging the waste water against the impact plates, collecting the water, and redistributing the water into a plurality of streams may be repeated as necessary to sufficiently remove gas clinging to biomass in the waste water. This degassing will promote the settlement of the biomass for reuse in the water treatment process to reduce biological oxygen demand.

Abstract: A water treatment device includes: an insulating divider which divides a space inside a water tank into two treatment vessels adjacent to each other in a horizontal direction, and includes a current carrier which is able to energize water in the two treatment vessels; a treatment unit including a pair of electrodes, a power supply, and a power supply controller; a water supplier which supplies water to each of the treatment vessels; and a draining member which drains water from each of the treatment vessels. The treatment unit includes a detector which detects a level of water in each of the treatment vessels based on an index corresponding to a current value between the pair of electrodes.

Abstract: In a water treatment system (1) and a water treatment process, a scale inhibitor is supplied to water to be treated containing Ca ions, SO4 ions, carbonate ions, and silica, and the water to be treated is adjusted to a pH at which silica is soluble. The pH-adjusted water to be treated containing the calcium scale inhibitor is separated in a demineralizing section (10) into concentrated water and treated water. In a crystallizing section (20), seed crystals of gypsum are supplied to the concentrated water, whereby gypsum is crystallized and removed. Silica in the water to be treated is removed from the concentrated water on the downstream side of the crystallizing section (20). Calcium carbonate in the water to be treated is removed from the concentrated water on the upstream side of the demineralizing section (10) or the downstream side of the crystallizing section (20).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for treating liquid streams containing quaternary ammonium compounds. In particular, the invention and its various embodiments relate to the addition of certain chemicals, such as inulins and derivatives thereof, including, for example, carboxymethyl inulin with or without various degrees of substitution of carboxymethyl groups per monosaccharide unit, to a liquid stream containing quaternary ammonium compounds to reduce, eliminate, or sequester the quaternary ammonium compound in the liquid stream.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for improved apparatus and methods for cleaning swimming pools or similar bodies of water. The apparatus includes a device selectively engageable with an elongated pole, which can be disengaged from the pole and thrown into the pool water where it will dispense surfactant during the cleaning process.

Abstract: Flow and product waste water from fracturing can be cleaned and reused utilizing a precipitation methodology incorporating, in part, a super critical reactor 30. Initially, the waste water is treated to remove solids, destroy bacteria, and precipitate out certain salts, such as barium, strontium, calcium, magnesium and iron. The waste water then can be passed through a radioactive material adsorption unit 20 to remove radium, as well as other radioactive materials, and then introduced into the super critical reactor 30. The super critical reactor is designed to bring the waste water to super critical conditions at a central portion of the reactor. This causes any dissolve solids, in particular sodium chloride and the like, to precipitate out of solution in the center 42 of the reactor 30 thereby avoiding scale formation on the walls of the reactor. A catalyst can be utilized to promote the breakdown of carbon bonds and promote the water/gas shift reaction.

Abstract: A method and system used to purify water that removes or reduces volatile organic compounds, calcium carbonate, cyanuric acid, and sodium bicarbonate from water to acceptable levels.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring speed, the length and elongation of a molten glass gob travelling along a defined path includes at least two optical detectors. A mask having at least two openings through which light passes to each of the optical detectors is disposed adjacent the optical detectors. A lens receives light from the moving glass gob and focuses such light through the openings of the mask. Electronics are coupled to each of the optical detectors for determining the speed of the molten glass gob as a function of timing of light sensed at the optical detectors. In exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, the optical detectors is disposed within the image plane of the lens and comprise different portions of a single light sensing device.

Abstract: A glass bottle includes a body having a closed end, a shoulder spaced from the end, a neck extending from the shoulder, and a neck finish at an end of the neck for attachment of a closure, characterized in that the neck finish and at least a portion of the neck adjacent to the neck finish have non-circular internal surfaces.

Abstract: A glassware-forming neck ring system includes a neck ring assembly and a carrier assembly carrying the neck ring assembly. The neck ring assembly includes a neck ring guide having a first forming aperture therethrough around a vertical axis, and a neck ring divided along a longitudinal axis into neck ring sections carried by the neck ring guide and movable toward and away from one another along the neck ring guide along a lateral axis. The carrier assembly includes a carrier having a body with a second forming aperture therethrough, longitudinally opposite ends, laterally opposite sides between the ends, and a channel extending between the sides, restricting movement of the neck ring assembly along the vertical and longitudinal axes, and permitting movement of the neck ring assembly along the lateral axis.

Abstract: A curved bullet-proof composite comprising: a glass or glass-ceramic external strike-face layer having been subjected to an ion exchange process and which is mechanically curved; at least one glass or glass-ceramic intermediate layer; an internal plastic layer; and an adhesive material between the strike-face layer, the at least one intermediate layer and the internal plastic layer.

Abstract: To provide a tempered glass sheet having a thickness of from 1.8 to less than 2.5 mm, which is capable of satisfying the fragmentation quality and impact strength quality required for windowpanes for automobiles. A tempered glass sheet having a first surface, a second surface opposed to the first surface and a side surface connecting the first and second surfaces, and having a thickness of from 1.8 to less than 2.5 mm, wherein at the first surface, the average value of the surface compressive stress is within a range of from 100 to 160 MPa, and the average value of the surface strength is within a range of from 220 to 400 MPa.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glass sheet having high transmission of infrared (IR) radiation. More specifically, the invention relates to a glass sheet having a composition which comprises, in a content expressed as percentages by total weight of glass: SiO2 55-85%; Al2O3 0-30%; B2O3 0-20%; Na2O 0-25%; CaO 0-20%; MgO 0-15%; K2O 0-20%; BaO 0-20%; Total iron (expressed in the form of Fe2O3) 0.002-0.06%, a chromium content (expressed in the form of Cr2O3) ranging from 0.0015% to 1% and a cobalt content (expressed in the form of Co) ranging from 0.0001% to 1%. By virtue of its high transmission of IR radiation, the glass sheet according to the invention can advantageously be used in a device using a technology requiring very good transmission of IR radiation, whether through the main faces or starting from their sheared edge (for example, a screen or panel or pad, the glass sheet defining a touch surface).

Abstract: The invention provides an optical glass with rather low transition temperature, high transmittance, chemical stability and good devitrification resistance, wherein the refractive index is 1.60-1.65 and the Abbe number is 62-66. The optical glass comprises, by weight percentage, 30-50% of P2O5, 35-50% of BaO, 2-6% of B2O3, 0-5% of La2O3, 0-5% of Gd2O3, 0.1-5% of Al2O3, 0.1-5% of Li2O, 2-10% of MgO, and 2-10% of CaO. According to the present invention, P2O5 is applied as the network generation body of glass so as to give high transmittance to the glass; a large amount of BaO is a key component for improving the transmittance of glass while improving the refractive index and weather durability of glass, and also the advantages of low transition temperature, good chemical stability and good devitrification resistance are provided.

Abstract: An Ag2O—V2O5—TeO2 lead-free low-melting glass composition that is prevented or restrained from crystallization by heating so as to soften and flow more satisfactorily at a low temperature contains a principal component which includes a vanadium oxide, a tellurium oxide and a silver oxide; a secondary component which includes at least one selected from the group consisting of BaO, WO3 and P2O5; and an additional component which includes at least one selected from the group consisting of oxides of elements in Group 13 of periodic table. A total component of the principal component is 85 mole percent or more in terms of V2O5, TeO2 and Ag2O. Contents of TeO2 and Ag2O each is 1 to 2 times as much as a content of V2O5. A content of the secondary component is 0 to 13 mole percent. A content of the additional component is 0.1 to 3.0 mole percent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conversion material, in particular for a white or colored light source comprising a semiconductor light source as primary light source, comprising a matrix glass that, as bulk material, for a thickness d of about 1 mm, has a pure transmission ?i of greater than 80% in the wavelength region from 350 to 800 nm and in the region in which the primary light source emits light, wherein the sum of transmission and reflection of the sintered matrix glass without luminophore is at least greater than 80% in the spectral region from 350 nm to 800 nm and in the spectral region in which the primary light source emits light.

Abstract: A material includes a substrate with a thin-film multilayer coated on at least one surface of the substrate, the thin-film multilayer including at least two films based on a transparent electrically conductive oxide. The at least two films are separated by at least one dielectric intermediate film having a physical thickness of at most 50 nm. No metal films is deposited between the at least two films based on a transparent electrically conductive oxide. The thin-film multilayer further includes at least one oxygen barrier film located above the film located furthest from the substrate of the at least two films based on a transparent electrically conductive oxide. Each film of the at least two films based on a transparent electrically conductive oxide has a physical thickness in a range of from 20 to 80 nm.

Abstract: Pumpable process-fluid compositions and methods for establishing hydraulic isolation in cemented subterranean wells comprise more than 1 wt % polyacrylamide and a non-metallic crosslinker. Upon entering voids and cracks in or adjacent to a cement sheath, and contacting the set-cement surfaces, the compositions react and form a seal that prevents further leakage.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating clay-bearing aggregates, particularly those used for construction purposes, whereby inclusion of fines is maximized due to minimization of clay washing which tends to remove such fines, and whereby performance of the aggregate-containing construction material is enhanced. Exemplary methods comprise introducing to clay a water-soluble, functionalized polyamine comprising a water-soluble polyamine formed by reacting an amine compound with an epoxy compound, the polyamine thus reacted being functionalized through the use of certain halide, sulfate, or epoxy compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cement formulation with two liquid components. This alleviates the problems which result from dust generation where a powdered cement component is employed. Furthermore, the cement may be formed with conventional liquid handling and mixing equipment. The cement binder formulation includes a plasticizer. As the plasticizer is non-volatile, it remains an integral part of both the formulation and the final product obtained after application and drying of that formulation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for weighing and mixing pigments for concrete in a granular form are provided. The systems and methods dispense one or more granular color pigments as a slurry at the point of concrete product.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use, in a foamy aqueous suspension of calcium sulfate hemihydrate, as an agent having the dual function of being a dispersing agent and an anti-defoaming agent, of a comb polymer made up of (meth)acrylic acid, a monomer which is an alcoxy- or hydroxy-polyalkylene glycol, and an ester of (meth)acrylic acid. It also relates to the aqueous suspensions thereby formed, and the plasterboard manufactured from 2 sheets of paper containing a body resulting from the drying of said suspensions.

Abstract: A roof cover board made from a mixture of 30-60% stucco; 20-50% perlite; 10-30% cellulose fiber; 3-20% starch; and siloxane. Also disclosed is a stucco-free roof cover board made from a mixture of 30-60% perlite, 30-60% cellulose fiber, 5-25% starch; and siloxane. Also disclosed are methods for making same.

Abstract: A magnetoelectric effect material includes as a primary component, a polycrystalline oxide ceramic containing at least Sr, Co, and Fe. In the polycrystalline oxide ceramic, the crystal c-axis is oriented in a predetermined direction, and the degree of orientation of the c-axis is 0.2 or more by a Lotgering method. A component substrate is formed of this magnetoelectric effect material.

Abstract: A composition used for forming a PZT-based piezoelectric film formed of Mn and Nb co-doped composite metal oxides is provided, in which the composition includes PZT-based precursors so that a metal atom ratio (Pb:Mn:Nb:Zr:Ti) in the composition satisfies (1.00 to 1.25):(0.002 to 0.056):(0.002 to 0.056):(0.40 to 0.60):(0.40 to 0.60), a rate of Mn is from 0.20 to 0.80 when the total of metal atom rates of Mn and Nb is 1, a rate of Zr is from 0.40 to 0.60 when the total of metal atom rates of Zr and Ti is 1, and the total rate of Zr and Ti is from 0.9300 to 0.9902 when the total of metal atom rates of Mn, Nb, Zr, and Ti is 1.