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: A sheet stacking system is disclosed that has improved tolerance for sheets that are not flat. Successive sheets are aligned onto a stack by a plurality of registration belts. The heights of the pivoting registration belts are compared with one another to determine the unevenness of the top of the stack. This unevenness is represented by the difference between the heights of the highest and lowest registration belt ?stack-height and is monitored to quantify the planarity of the top of the stack. When the unevenness (?stack-height) exceeds a threshold, the system switches to a modified method to control the elevation of the stack. This method may include stopping the machine from stacking before the unevenness is too large for the registration belts to uniformly drive sheets. This invention prevents the stacker from attempting to stack when sheets are expected to skew thereby preventing jams and unusable stacks.

Abstract: A sheet processing device includes a stapler that executes stapling processing, a sheet detection sensor that detects a sheet as a processing target, and an execution button that receives an instruction to execute the stapling processing from a user. The sheet processing device lights up the execution button when the sheet detection sensor detects the sheet, and causes the execution button to blink when the execution button is pressed or a predetermined time period has elapsed.

Abstract: An assembly and method for automated cutting of undesired stretched yarn in a yarn system. Stretched yarn can hang away from the yarn system differently than desired yarn. A cutter head is positioned a predetermined distance relative to yarn traveling through the yarn system so that the stretched yarn is cut by the cutter head and the desired yarn passes the cutter head without being cut. A plurality of cutter heads can be used to cut stretched yarn hanging away from the yarn system in different locations.

Abstract: Method for implementing a correct winding of a wire on a spool (100). The method also comprises a step for calculating the angular speed of a motor (43) displacing the wire dispensing device (40) according to the wire winding step and according to the dancer error, detected by a position sensor (35) that provides an analogical signal with respect to a zero position and to a tolerance value, in order to determine the presence of a possible “valley error”, or of a possible “peak error”. In this method, if during the spool winding, a “valley error” or a “peak error” is detected, the control device decides whether to slow down or to increase the speed of the wire dispensing device (40) with the aim of filling the depression or skipping the peak.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mandrel comprising a radially movable portion (6, 8) and a retaining device for a sleeve (7) having an annular cross-section. Said device comprises a mounting (14), inserted in or built into the mandrel, and a retaining tab (1) pivotably mounted around an axis (3) that is in a direction parallel to the axis of the mandrel and onto said mounting (14). Said retaining tab (1) is designed to be, during use, pivotable from a first position, in which said retaining tab covers a portion of the annular surface of the sleeve (7), toward a second position, in which said retaining tab releases the annular surface of the sleeve (7). The pivotal movement from the first position toward the second position, or vice versa, is, during use, automatically actuated by radially moving the movable portion (6, 8) of the mandrel.

Abstract: A removable media handling module includes a body that is horizontally slidable into and removable from an imaging apparatus. The media handling module includes a lower media guide extending between a front and a rear of the body in a direction of insertion of the body into the imaging apparatus. With the media handling module inserted into the imaging apparatus, the lower media guide is positioned parallel to and spaced from a corresponding upper media guide mounted in the imaging apparatus to form at least a portion of a duplex media path therebetween. The media handling module includes a media feed through channel extending from a bottom of the body to an entrance of a simplex media path to allow media to be fed from a media tray below the media handling module and into the simplex media path when the media handling module is installed in the imaging apparatus.

Abstract: The safety circuit includes a safety switch or a series circuit of safety switches, which includes an input for an electrical safety circuit signal as well as an output, in which the electrical safety circuit signal being supplied to the input is present when all the safety switches are closed. The safety circuit also includes a cable including an optical fiber as well as a transmitter circuit for the optical signal, the output of which circuit is connected to the cable including an optical fiber. The input of the transmitter circuit is connected to the output of the aforementioned safety switch or of the series circuit of safety switches, and the transmitter circuit is configured to transmit in the optical fiber of the cable the safety circuit signal that is present in the output of the safety switch or of the series circuit of safety switches.

Abstract: A building elevator system is provided having: an elevator system having an elevator car; a control system configured to control the building elevator system and determine evacuation information; and a dynamic display configured to display the evacuation information when an evacuation call is received by the control system. The evacuation information includes at least one of an estimated time of arrival of the elevated car, an evacuee recommendation, a directional map, and directional instructions.

Abstract: An elevator includes an elevator car; a counterweight; a drive wheel mounted stationary, and having a rotational axis; first diverting wheel(s), mounted on the elevator car, and having a rotational axis parallel with the rotational axis of the drive wheel; a second and a third diverting wheel mounted on the counterweight radially side by side, each having a rotational axis, which is at an angle of 60 to 90 degrees relative to the rotational axis of the drive wheel; a roping suspending the elevator car and counterweight and including a first belt-like rope and a second belt-like rope, each having a first end and a second end fixed to a stationary rope fixing, and each comprising one or more load bearing members made of fiber-reinforced composite material; wherein the first rope and the second rope are arranged to pass side by side from the fixing of the first end downwards to the elevator car; and to turn side by side under said first diverting wheel(s); and to pass upwards to the drive wheel; and to turn side

Abstract: A device (1) for conveying a load from a first to a second level, in particular a stair lift (4), comprising a rail (3) and a frame (9) which is movable along said rail (3), on which a load carrier (10) is mounted and which is provided with support and guide means (16, 17, 33, 36) that engage around at least part of the rail (3), which rail (3) extends above steps of a staircase near a wall or a handrail on one side of the staircase, the rail (3) comprising a tube and a strip (6) that extends radially away from the tube surface, which strip (6) is engaged by the support and guide means (16, 17, 33, 36), whereby the strip (6) extends obliquely from the tube in a direction that extends between the horizontal direction toward the wall or the handrail and the vertical direction toward the steps.

Abstract: An elevator system includes a linkage, a control system and a friction belt drive. The linkage is adapted to attach to an elevator door. The friction belt drive is adapted to move the elevator door with the linkage between an open position and a closed position. The friction belt drive includes a v-belt with one or more markers arranged along a length of the v-belt. The control system is adapted to control the friction belt drive, and includes a sensor adapted to detect at least one of the markers.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to lifting gear such as cranes which use high-strength fiber ropes instead of steel ropes. In this respect, the invention in particular relates to an apparatus for recognizing the discard state of a high-strength fiber rope in use at such lifting gear comprising a detection device for detecting at least one rope parameter as well as comprising an evaluation unit for evaluating the rope parameter and for providing a discard signal in dependence on the rope parameter evaluation. In accordance with the invention, the detection device of the apparatus for recognizing the discard state comprises a plurality of differently configured detection means for a magnetic, mechanical, optical and/or electronic detection of a plurality of different rope parameters which can be evaluated by the evaluation unit individually and/or in combination with one another for recognizing the discard state.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mobile crane with a vehicle framework and at least one support device positioned on the vehicle framework, whereby the at least one support device comprises a sliding beam box and at least one sliding beam supported therein in a telescopable manner, whereby the sliding beam box consists of a fixed partial sliding beam box and of a detachable partial sliding beam box, and whereby the fixed partial sliding beam box is firmly fixed to the mobile crane, particularly on the vehicle framework, and the detachable partial sliding beam box is detachably connected or connectable with the fixed partial sliding beam box.

Abstract: A lifting device including a recessed inlet molded into an envelope structure of the lifting device at a notch section. The notch section, in turn, may include one or more protruding surfaces configured to protect the inlet, or air hose coupling attached to the inlet, from contact (e.g. falls/bumps) that may otherwise damage one or more of the air hose coupling or the recessed inlet while the lifting device is being stored, deployed, or used.

Abstract: A self-elevating platform comprises a deck structure, a plurality of legs, a plurality of footings, and a jacking system, wherein the plurality of legs pass through the deck structure and are supported by the plurality of footings; and wherein the jacking system comprises a jackcase structure with a first locking pin, a jacking yoke with a second locking pin, a plurality of jacking cylinders with a first end and second end, where the first end of the jacking cylinders is supported by the jackcase structure, and the second end of the jacking cylinders by the jacking yoke; and a fixation system comprising a plurality of tension rods, wherein each tension rod has a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the tension rods is securely coupled with the jacking yoke, and the second end of the tension rods is securely coupled with the deck structure; thereby when the plurality of tension rods secures the jacking yoke to the deck structure, the load can be removed from the hydraulic cylinders and tran

Abstract: A load-bearing assembly including a clamping-force sensor in a pivoting support assembly that is adjustable to vary a radial spacing between a pivot pin and a clamp pad mounted on the support assembly. A plurality of clamping-force sensors may be included in a plurality of pivoting clamp pad support assemblies to support a clamp pad and may be arranged to sense the magnitude of a clamping force exerted by a particular adjustable pivoting clamp pad support assembly and send signals indicative of the magnitude of the force to a controller. A load sensor may be located between a pivot pin and a bearing block, or strain gauges may be mounted in the pivoting bearing block so as to measure forces carried through the bearing block. Force values sensed and transmitted to the controller may be used to evaluate and adjust the clamp arm assembly to grasp a load with a desired clamping force or distribution of clamping forces.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for rotatably engaging an additive manufacturing build plate are disclosed. An apparatus may include: a height adjustable platform; a rotatable member coupled to the height adjustable platform; an alignment member coupled to a first end of the rotatable member; and first and second coupling members each extending from the first radial end of the alignment member wherein the first and second coupling members are oriented substantially parallel to the rotatable member.

Abstract: A safety barrier for a loading dock lift that includes a lift platform that can be raised and lowered. The safety barrier includes a sleeve attached to the lift platform extending along a vertical axis. The sleeve includes guides to define open and closed positions of said gate and said shaft includes a pin that interacts with the guides to produce rotation of said gate between open and closed positions. Consequently each embodiment gate automatically closes due to gravity whenever the lift is raised off the ground and thereby assures that that gates are locked in position when the lift platform has been raised a short distance.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for emptying containers, including first and second holding devices which are suitable for holding first and second regions of containers that are to be emptied, wherein the second region is a distance from the first region, including a movement device which suitable for moving the first holding device towards the second holding device to compress the container located between the first holding device and the second holding device, and including a withdrawal device which has a flow connection to the interior of the container and via which liquid located in the container can be withdrawn as a result of compression of the container, including a drive device for driving the movement device, and including a control device which controls the relative movement of one holding device relative to the other holding device as a function of an internal pressure inside the container.

Abstract: A valve device of a direct watering type drinking water dispenser comprises a body unit formed with a water inlet through which the water purified by a filter is introduced, a water outlet through which the purified water is discharged, and a flow path enabling the water inlet to be in communication with the water outlet; a closing unit provided at the inside of the body unit to open or close the flow path; a lever provided inside the body unit and having one end inserted into the inside of the body unit while being rotatably hinged to the body unit; and a magnet provided at the inside of the body unit which opens the flow path by having the closing unit move upwards and be attached thereto by magnetic force when moved downward by a predetermined depth due to being pushed by the rotation of the lever.

Abstract: A milk jug includes a pitcher body, a handle, a blade retainer, and an expiration tag retainer. The milk jug is useful for containing and dispensing milk packaged in bags while retaining necessary accessories on the pitcher. The milk jug improves the utility and convenience of using milk bags by preventing the loss of the blade and expiration tag commonly used with milk bags.

Abstract: An attachment for communication of fluid from a fluid source. The attachment may include at least one fluid passage permitting fluid flow through the body of the attachment, and at least one valve engaging portion in the body. The valve engaging portion may be configured to open a valve of the fluid source when the attachment is attached to the fluid source or when the attachment is moved towards the fluid source.

Abstract: A bucket bottling stand is described. The bucket bottling stand may comprise a top platform and a bottom platform that are attached via a hinge and one or more springs. The top surface of the top platform may include a recess for holding a container and the front of the top and bottom platform may include a hemispherical cut-out. One or more legs may be attached to the bottom platform. Upon emptying a container located on the top platform, the spring may tilt the top platform relative to the bottom platform to aid in dispensing the container.

Abstract: A MEMS apparatus includes a substrate, a cover disposed on the substrate, a movable mass disposed on the substrate, and an impact absorber disposed on the cover. The impact absorber includes a restraint, a stationary stopper disposed on a lower surface of the cover, a movable stopper, elastic elements connecting the restraint and the movable stopper, a supporting element connecting the restraint and the stationary stopper, and a space disposed between the stationary stopper and the movable stopper. The impact absorber is adapted to prevent the movable mass from impacting the cover. In addition, the supporting element may be made of an electrical insulation material to reduce electrostatic interaction between the movable mass and the movable stopper.

Abstract: A method of forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) includes forming a lower electrode on a first insulator layer within a cavity of the MEMS. The method further includes forming an upper electrode over another insulator material on top of the lower electrode which is at least partially in contact with the lower electrode. The forming of the lower electrode and the upper electrode includes adjusting a metal volume of the lower electrode and the upper electrode to modify beam bending.

Abstract: A method for bonding two substrates is described, comprising providing a first and a second silicon substrate, providing a raised feature on at least one of the first and the second silicon substrate, forming a layer of gold on the first and the second silicon substrates, and pressing the first substrate against the second substrate, to form a thermocompression bond around the raised feature. The high initial pressure caused by the raised feature on the opposing surface provides for a hermetic bond without fracture of the raised feature, while the complete embedding of the raised feature into the opposing surface allows for the two bonding planes to come into contact. This large contact area provides for high strength.

Abstract: For simplifying the manufacture of a MEMS structural component including a deflectable diaphragm which spans an opening in the rear side of the structural component, and including a fixed counter-element, which is provided with passage openings, the counter-element from the base substrate of the MEMS structural component is patterned and the deflectable diaphragm is implemented in a layered structure on the base substrate. These measures are intended to improve the diaphragm properties and reduce the overall height of the MEMS structural component.

Abstract: A method of forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) includes forming a lower electrode on a first insulator layer within a cavity of the MEMS. The method further includes forming an upper electrode over another insulator material on top of the lower electrode which is at least partially in contact with the lower electrode. The forming of the lower electrode and the upper electrode includes adjusting a metal volume of the lower electrode and the upper electrode to modify beam bending.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic nose device based on chemically sensitive field effect transistors. In particular, the sensors of the electronic nose device are composed of non-oxidized, functionalized silicon nanowires which can detect volatile organic compounds with very high sensitivity. Methods of use in diagnosing diseases including various types of cancer are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for processing unconditioned syngas first removes solids and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC), then removes volatile organic compounds (VOC), and then removes at least one sulfur containing compound from the syngas. Additional processing may be performed depending on such factors as the source of syngas being processed, the products, byproducts and intermediate products desired to be formed, captured or recycled and environmental considerations.

Abstract: A system and method for processing unconditioned syngas first removes solids and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC), then removes volatile organic compounds (VOC), and then removes at least one sulfur containing compound from the syngas. Additional processing may be performed depending on such factors as the source of syngas being processed, the products, byproducts and intermediate products desired to be formed, captured or recycled and environmental considerations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying raw-material gases by fractionation. In particular, the present invention relates to a process for cleansing chlorine gas of bromine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of cyclododecasulfur, a cyclic sulfur allotrope wherein the number of sulfur (S) atoms in the allotrope's homocyclic ring is 12. The method includes reacting a metallasulfur derivative with an oxidizing agent in a reaction zone to form a cyclododecasulfur-containing reaction mixture.

Abstract: Methods for the synthesis of tricalcium phosphates are presented, as well as a series of specific reaction parameters that can be adjusted to tailor, in specific ways, properties in the tricalcium phosphate precursor precipitate. Particulate tricalcium phosphate compositions having an average crystal size of about 250 nm or less are provided. Compositions of the invention can be used as prosthetic implants and coatings for prosthetic implants.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a porous carbon material which includes a portion having a continuous porous structure and a portion having no continuous porous structure and has even pore size and matrix size in the material center part thereof, thereby being easy to composite with other materials and being able to be used in various applications; a porous-carbon-material precursor; a process for producing the porous-carbon-material precursor; and a process for producing the porous carbon material. A porous carbon material of the invention is a porous carbon material which includes a portion having a continuous porous structure and a portion having substantially no continuous porous structure, in which the portion having the continuous porous structure has a structural period of 0.002 to 1 ?m.

Abstract: A method for making carbon fiber film includes drawing a carbon nanotube film from a carbon nanotube array. The carbon nanotube film is successively passed through a first room and a second room. A carrier gas and a carbon source gas are supplied to the first room and a carbon layer is formed on the carbon nanotube film located in the first room. The carbon nanotube film with the carbon fiber film is taken into the second room from the first room, and the carbon layer is graphitized.

Abstract: A method of producing a carbon nanostructure is provided that enables production of a high-quality carbon nanostructure with a high yield. The method of producing a carbon nanostructure includes supplying a feedstock gas to a catalyst and growing a carbon nanostructure by chemical vapor deposition. A gas X that is derived from the feedstock gas and that comes into contact with the catalyst contains a hydrocarbon A having at least one cyclopentadiene skeleton and a hydrocarbon B having at least one acetylene skeleton. A total volume concentration [A] of the hydrocarbon A is at least 0.06%.

Abstract: A CNT dispersion liquid of the preset invention includes a CNT agglomerate arranged with a mesh body formed from a plurality of CNTs, the CNT agglomerate being dispersed in a dispersion medium is provided wherein a CNT agglomerate is obtained by extracting from the dispersion liquid and drying the CNT agglomerate the obtained CNT agglomerate has a pore size of 0.02 ?m or more and 2.0 ?m or less being maximized a differential pore volume in a pore size range of 0.002 ?m or more and 10.00 ?m or less measured using a mercury intrusion porosimeter.

Abstract: A polycrystalline CVD diamond material comprising a surface having a surface roughness Rq of less than 5 nm, wherein said surface is damage free to the extent that if an anisotropic thermal revealing etch is applied thereto, a number density of defects revealed by the anisotropic thermal revealing etch is less than 100 per mm2.

Abstract: A precursor having at least five percent of lignin based coke and d002 spacing of more than 3.36 angstroms and less 3.44 for making graphite. Methods for making a green/graphite article include mixing coke derived from a petroleum product, a coal product or a bitumen product with coke derived from lignin. Alternatively, the precursor material for the various types of coke may be mixed and coked together. The mixture may be formed into a desired shape. The article may be subsequently carbonized and graphitized. The amount of lignin derived coke comprises a sufficient quantity to change at least a selected property of the graphite article.

Abstract: Methods for purifying a halosilane-containing process stream include a process stream purified by removing arsenic and phosphorous impurities by use of distillation.

Abstract: A process for preparing precipitated silica in which: (i) an aqueous stock having a concentration of alkali metal silicate less than 20 g/L is formed; (ii) acid is added to said initial stock, until at least 50% of the amount of M2O is neutralized; (iii) silicate and acid are simultaneously added, such that the degree of consolidation is greater than 4 and at most 100; (iv) silicate and acid are simultaneously added, such that the pH of the reaction medium is between 7 and 10; (v) acid is added until a pH value of between 2.5 and 5.3 is obtained; and (vi) the reaction medium is placed in contact with acid and silicate, such that the pH is between 2.5 and 5.3, wherein the acid used in at least one of the process steps is a concentrated acid.

Abstract: A process for preparing precipitated silica in which: (i) an stock having a concentration of alkali metal M silicate less than 20 g/L is formed; (ii) acid is added to said initial stock, until at least 50% of the amount of M2O is neutralized; (iii) silicate and acid are simultaneously added, such that the degree of consolidation is greater than 4 and at most 100; and (v) acid is added until a pH value of between 2.5 and 5.3 is obtained, wherein the acid used in at least one of the process steps is a concentrated acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing spherical submicron particles of amorphous silicon dioxide, in which silicon dioxide and a reducing agent is injected into a reaction vessel of zirconium oxide in molten state, said zirconium oxide is serving as a heat reservoir, in which silicon dioxide reacts with the reducing agent producing a silicon-sub-oxide vapor, said silicon-sub-oxide vapor is oxidized into said spherical submicron silicon oxide particles.

Abstract: A method of producing one of magnetite and ferrite nanoparticles comprising the step of mixing an iron containing metal chemical with a fatty acid.

Abstract: A filter cartridge and closure system is described comprising a filter cartridge for holding a filter pod that may be used, for example, to filter domestic water. In one embodiment, the filter cartridge and closure system enables the use of reusable filters in water pitchers, including reusable gravity-flow water filters.

Abstract: A control valve (10) includes a valve body with a plurality of ports (A, B, C, D, E, F) and a plurality of annular flow passages (53, 55, 57). A piston (34) which includes a plurality of annular flow passages and a longitudinal flow passage is selectively movable within a bore (32) within the valve body through operation of a valve controller (70). The valve controller is selectively operative to control the position of the piston so as to enable liquid flow through a plurality of flow paths. The valve controller further includes a installable and removable valve controller housing (74) which is releasibly engageable with a valve base (72). The valve may include a changeable piston and changeable injector and plug components to adapt the valve to different flow and fluid mixing requirements.

Abstract: A secure automated water treatment trailer for inserting chemical in a pipeline, the trailer having a frame with at least one axle and a tongue, a base, a plurality of connected walls, a top engaging each of the plurality of connected walls opposite the base forming an enclosure, a door, a plurality of discharge ports, a plurality of suction ports, a controller in communication with each of the pumps and a network, a plurality of pressure measurement devices, a power supply, a plurality of valves, and a plurality of back pressure control regulators. The secure automated water treatment trailer automatically processes multiple fluids simultaneously into the pipeline. Each fluid has fluid characteristics and a specific gravity.

Abstract: An ammonia removal system can remove ammonia from liquid, and can include an ammonia removal portion having liquid flow surfaces for flowing the liquid downward with gravity, and for receiving vapor moving upwardly past and over the downward flowing liquid for absorbing and removing ammonia from the liquid. An evaporator can be positioned below the ammonia removal portion for receiving the downward flowing liquid now with reduced ammonia from the ammonia removal portion. One portion of the liquid with reduced ammonia can evaporate and produce the vapor for moving upwardly into the ammonia removal portion for removing the ammonia. Another portion of the liquid with reduced ammonia can be drained for removal or use. A compressor can be in communication with the ammonia removal portion for compressing the vapor after exiting the ammonia removal portion. A condenser can be in communication with the compressor for receiving compressed vapor from the compressor for condensing into liquid condensate.