An improved system for removing bitumen from tar sands comprises a pre-treatment system utilizing a vibratory load hopper for classifying and sizing said tar sand particles communicating with a dryer for heating and drying said tar sand particles to a predetermined temperature thereby controlling the moisture content of said tar sands. An extraction system is also included for accepting said tar sands from the dryer comprising a plurality of extraction vessels arranged in series for transporting said tar sands from a first extraction vessel to a final extraction vessel. Furthermore, a solvent system for supplying a predetermined volume of solvent flow through said extraction vessels is employed, whereby solvent is supplied to the last extraction vessel and a solvent and bitumen mixture is withdrawn from the first extraction vessel.

The improved methods relate to desalting hydrocarbon feeds using a separator with a stacked disk centrifuge to separate an emulsified oil and water rag layer. This method is effective for desalting heavy, high ionic, and non-traditional crude oils.

The invention relates to a process for the purification of crude and apparatus for its implementation. This process comprises a separation into gas and degassed emulsion and separation of the degassed emulsion into water and oil. The invention also relates to a process of separating a hydrocarbon emulsion and apparatus for implementing this. This process comprises washing of the emulsion at an oil/water interface.

A water recovery process for a steam assisted gravity drainage system for a heavy oil recovery facility, the process comprising a flash drum and a flash drum heat exchanger/condenser, wherein the water recovery process receives hot water produced by a facility at a temperature above the water atmospheric boiling point and cools it to a temperature below the water atmospheric boiling point before transferring it to the remaining section of the water recovery process.

A system and process for integrated desulfurizing, desalting and deasphalting of hydrocarbon feedstocks is provided. A hydrocarbon feedstock, a water soluble oxidant, and a water soluble catalyst can be introduced in a oxidation zone and retained for a period of time sufficient to achieve the desired degree of desulfurization, or introduced directly into the desalting zone along with wash water. Catalyst and dissolved salt are discharged along with the wastewater effluent from the desalting zone. A hydrocarbon stream including converted hydrocarbons and oxidation by-products is passed to a deasphalting zone. In the deasphalting zone, phase separation occurs, whereby a light phase including desulfurized hydrocarbons are produced, and a heavy phase including asphaltenes and oxidation by-products are discharged, e.g., passed to an asphalt pool.

A sandwich cookie dipper for dipping sandwich cookies in milk includes a handle, a cookie cradle and a transition element that interconnects to and sets off the cookie cradle from the handle. The cookie cradle comprises a thin, resilient rod-like member configured to substantially conform to a part of an outer circumference of a crème layer sandwiched between two disk-like cookie members of a sandwich cookie. The sandwich cookie secured thereby is less likely to dislodge as it is dipped and brought to the cookie eater's mouth.

A method of converting a conventional atmospheric frying device to a vacuum frying device is provided. The method includes positioning a hood on top of a conventional frying device to provide an enclosure for drawing a vacuum within the modified devices. In addition, the method can include strengthening the existing vat so that it is capable of withstanding the forces associated with vacuum frying.

The present invention includes a novel method capable of identifying a compound as an imaging agent using a DAZAX-based scaffold or derivative thereof. The present invention further includes novel imaging agents. The present invention further includes a method of modifying a DAZAX-based scaffold or derivative thereof. The present invention further includes a method for imaging a sample.

A recombinant vector comprises simian adenovirus 36, simian adenovirus 42.1, simian adenovirus 42.2 and/or simian adenovirus 44 sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences. A cell line which expresses one or more simian adenovirus-36, -42.1, -42.2 or -44 gene(s) is also described. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.

Fibrous structures that exhibit a novel combination of properties and to methods for making such fibrous structures are provided.

A fabric covered button comprising a button head having a peripheral groove for receiving a locking ring. The fabric is secured to the button head and the marginal edge thereof is retained within the groove by the locking ring.

A universal assembly machine manufactures conventional buttons with formed backs. The machine comprises a rotatably indexable die table to which are mounted pickup and crimp dies. The die table indexes about a center column of the machine frame. A ram die is advancable and retractable in a pickup stroke and a crimp stroke by means of a handle. The ram die includes a ram outer ring that is rotatable by means of a shifter post joined to the die table. Indexing the die table causes the shifter post to rotate the ram outer ring into a pickup mode or a crimp mode to suit the ram pickup and crimp strokes, respectively. The universal assembly machine also manufactures buttons with flat backs by using a different crimp die pedestal than is used with the formed backs. An adapter on the crimp die pedestal used with formed backs allows that crimp die pedestal to also be used for manufacturing buttons with flat backs. The invention also embraces button medallions. A flat back button is loaded into the pickup die, and the die table is indexed. The ram die is advanced in a third press stroke to bend the shell frusto-conical wall of the flat back button inwardly to be flat and parallel to the flat back.

The object of the present invention is to provide a soy sauce with a pH of less than 4.6, which has reduced acidic taste and acidic odor and improved umami in the aftertaste. The soy sauce with a pH of less than 4.6, which has reduced acidic taste and acidic odor and improved umami in the aftertaste can be obtained by adjusting the ethyl lactate concentration per 1 w/v % of total nitrogen concentration in the soy sauce to 20 ppm or more.

A salad making device is able to be used to make a handheld salad for easier consumption instead of the typical salad in a bowl. A wrapper is able to be used to secure the compacted salad materials.

Cat food products are provided. The cat food product may comprise a single sealed container comprising 10 g to 40 g of a complete and balanced semi-moist or wet cat food, or may comprise a plurality of such sealed containers. Methods of providing a cat food are also provided and comprise filling a container with from 10 g to 40 g of a complete and balanced semi-moist or wet cat food and sealing the container.

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing irregular pieces of meat from meat products. Further, a method of mass-producing a home-style meat product with an irregular appearance includes combining whole muscle meat with a mixture having a low-phosphate solution and/or a low-salt solution and cooking the combination to produce whole muscle meat logs. Once the whole muscle meat has been cooked, the meat may be pulled, shredded, or sliced on a variety of pulling, shredding, and slicing equipment to create a home-style meat product with an irregular appearance.

Barley based beverages are produced in large quantities, employing highly energy consuming methods, for example in the malting and brewhouse facilities for kiln drying and wort boiling operations, respectively. The present invention relates to energy saving methods for preparing barley based beverages, as well as to barley plants useful in such methods. In particular, the invention describes barley plants with combined traits of null-lipoxygenase-1 (null-LOX-1), null-lipoxygenase-2 (null-LOX-2) and null-S-adenosylmethionine:methionine S-methyltransferase in one plant, which is particularly useful for energy saving methods to prepare barley based beverages, such as beer.

An adaptor tool comprises a locking pin removably engaged with a main body defining a hook portion. The main body is configured to pivot about a pivot pin. The adaptor tool further includes a first link having first and second ends, and a first contact face. The first link is configured to receive the locking pin. A second link includes first and second ends, and a second contact face. The second link is pivotally coupled to the main body via the pivot pin. At least a third link includes first and second ends, and a third contact face. The first, second, and at least third links are pivotally coupled end-to-end such that the first, second, and third contact faces define a circular opening. The circular opening is configured to receive a workpiece such that rotational force applied to the main body rotates the adaptor tool and the workpiece.

A safety tool is specifically adapted to aid in opening hinged rear doors of industrial containers safely, while also ensuring that the operator of the safety tool remain outside the potential zone of danger whenever the rear door has the potential to swing open. The present safety tool not only provides convenience and leverage for commonly performed door opening procedures, but also ensures that the operator's body and hands remain safely distanced from the direction of door travel and the potential discharge path of material contained within the cargo box. In addition, the present safety tool is lightweight and compact, allowing the tool to be easily stowed in or around a cargo box and/or truck to and thereby ensure that the safety tool is available whenever it may be needed to aid in opening and/or closing the cargo box door.

A torque wrench includes a hollow body, a clutch mechanism, a force-applying member, and driving arms. The clutch mechanism is mounted in the hollow body. The force-applying member is pivotally mounted in the hollow body. Each of driving arms has a coupling end is detachably mounted at the second end of the force-applying member and a driving end for driving a workpiece, wherein each of the driving arms is coaxial to the force-applying member when the coupling end thereof is mounted at the second end of the force-applying member, and wherein the interchangeable driving arms are different in length from each other.

The invention relates to a guiding device for guiding an oblong intermediate element while joining at least two decorative elements by means of this intermediate element.

A feeder movement compensation algorithm for use within a processor controlled sewing machine. The sewing machine configured with a reciprocating needle and thread, and including a stitch plate upon which fabric to be sewn is positioned beneath the needle and thread. The machine also includes a feeder mechanism driving a feed dog thru a movement. The feed dog movement pushes the fabric along the stitch plate and the reciprocating needle and thread form stitches in the fabric. During the stitch cycle, the feed dog movement completes at least one feeder stroke. The feeder stroke includes a portion of the feed dog extending above the stitch plate and moving along the direction of feed. The feeder stroke thus pushes the fabric along the stitch plate. The compensation algorithm calculates a theoretical feeder stroke length based upon a desired stitch. The compensation algorithm then calculates a modified feeder stroke length using the theoretical feeder stroke length and at least one feeder calibration data element. The modified feeder stroke length is then performed by the feed dog during the stitch cycle to form the stitch.

A tension release device for compensating mechanical error of a tension device for a sewing machine includes a rotary arm, a tension release shaft, a guiding member, an actuating member, and a micro-adjustment member, the rotary arm is located at one end of the tension release shaft which is inserted through the base, the tension release shaft is coupled to the guiding member, the guiding member is provided with an arc-shaped guiding flange which includes a first end and a second end higher than the first end. On the actuating member is provided a push portion which protrudes toward and is pushed by the guiding flange of the guiding member, a micro-adjustment hole is formed at one end of the actuating member or at the one end of the control shaft, and the micro-adjustment member is screwed in the micro-adjustment hole and extends toward the tension release shaft.

A thin film forming apparatus and a thin film forming method using the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the thin film forming apparatus comprises a mask that includes a blocking portion and an opening. It also includes an etching source that jets an etching gas through the opening of the mask to etch a thin film according to a pattern. The mask includes a gas blower for blowing a gas around the opening so that the etching gas does not penetrate into a thin film area corresponding to the block portion. When the thin film forming apparatus is used, a normal residual area of a thin film may be safely preserved and patterning may be accurately performed. Thus, the quality of a product manufactured by using the thin film forming apparatus may be improved.

A method of dispensing adhesive onto a stretched elastic strand includes applying a first volume of adhesive onto a first portion of the elastic strand, applying a second volume of adhesive onto a second portion of the elastic strand, and applying a third volume of adhesive onto a third portion of the elastic strand. The second volume is less than the first and third volumes. When the elastic strand is adhered to a substrate to form a personal disposable hygiene product, the first and third portions of the elastic strand define opposing ends of the elastic strand, which are adhered with a larger amount of adhesive to resist creep at the opposing ends. The reduction of adhesive in the second or central portion between the opposing ends significantly reduces the adhesive add on in the personal disposable hygiene product.

A method for making a water-degradable paper sheet involves the following: providing at least one strip of a water-soluble binding material in the form of a dry film; providing at least two strips each made of at least one ply of cellulose wadding; placing the strip of water-soluble binding material between the two strips of cellulose wadding; humidifying, assembling and pressing the three strips; and drying the complex strip thus obtained. The sheet thus obtained can be used for making a roll carrier mandrel by helically winding one or more strips from the sheet about a cylinder. Articles produced from the sheet can particularly be used in the field of products for sanitary or domestic use.

A universal heat press machine includes an adjustable supporting frame having, a main body, an actuating handle assembly, and a heat pressing assembly. The heat press assembly includes a first pressing member attaching on the actuating handle assembly, and a second pressing member suspendedly extending from a lower portion of the main body to define an operational space. When the heat pressing assembly is in a heat press position, an imprinting surface of the work piece is arranged to rest on the second pressing member while other parts of the work piece is allowed to temporarily accommodate in the operational space. The first pressing member is pivotally moved to bias against the second pressing member and the imprinting surface of the work piece for imprinting the graphics on the imprinting surface.

A pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film of the invention comprises an optical film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer provided on the optical film, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has a thickness (μm) standard deviation of 0.12 μm or less. The pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film makes it possible to reduce the problem of visible unevenness caused by a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.

A ‘bioactive’ composition that has one or more oligogalacturonans ((1→4)-α-D-galacturonan) or any other oligosaccharides (oligoguluronans) that may present an ‘egg box’ conformation, this conformation being further stabilized by one or more polycationic saccharide(s), preferably either a chitosan oligosaccharide or a chitosan polysaccharide. A method prepares this composition and it is used, in medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, nutraceutical, food, feed, textile, cosmetic, industrial and/or environmental applications.

A method for manufacturing pelletized fertilizer includes the following steps of: mixing a biodegradable material and a water-soluble polymer material to form a first mixture; mixing a polyol, water and a nutrient salt to form a second mixture; mixing the first mixture and the second mixture to form a conglomerating gathered third mixture, and stirring the conglomerating gathered third mixture to form small lumps of the third mixture; spraying probiotic endo spores on the small lumps of the third mixture to form a plurality of fertilizer blocks; heating the fertilizer blocks, and extruding the fertilizer blocks to form a fertilizer strip; and cutting the fertilizer strip to form a plurality of pelletized fertilizer.

An esteramide compound of the following formula (I): R1OOC-A-CONR2R3 (I) is described, wherein: A is a covalent bond or a methylene group —CH2—;R1 is an optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon group including from 5 to 36 carbon atoms,R2 and R3, either identical or different, are groups selected from a hydrogen atom, and optionally substituted hydrocarbon groups, preferably including from 1 to 36 carbon atoms, andR2 and R3 not being simultaneously hydrogen atoms. Also described, are applications for using the esteramide compound, notably as a solvent.

A water-insoluble phosphate fertilizer, methods of producing, and methods of using the same are provided. The fertilizer may comprise at least one alkaline earth metal selected from calcium and magnesium and optionally at least one nutrient ion selected from the group consisting of potassium, ammonium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron, chlorine, iodine, molybdenum or selenium. The fertilizer compounds are preferably water-insoluble, dilute acid-soluble, and free-flowing powders.

An engineered topsoil for use in soil reclamation and a method of producing the same are disclosed that seek to replicate undisturbed native reference topsoil from near the site in need of land reclamation. The engineered topsoil is formed from a base amount of subsoil and amendment comprised of an effective amount of surrogate humin material sufficient to replicate the estimated humin organic carbon content of the native reference topsoil, and an effective amount of plant residue material sufficient to replicate the estimated non-humin organic carbon content of the native reference topsoil.

A composition includes a first chelating agent, a second chelating agent, and a plurality of metal ions. In one embodiment, the second chelating agent includes citric acid and is different than the first chelating agent. A method for forming a composition includes mixing a first chelating agent, a second chelating agent, and a metal salt together to form a mixture and processing the mixture to form at least one of a granulated composition and a powdered composition. In some embodiments, the second chelating agent includes citric acid and is different than the first chelating agent.

A spring-based mechanism for saving labor of a bicycle rider is disclosed and in one embodiment includes an axle operatively connected to a chain wheel and a first set of bearings via a gear assembly; a housing for mounting a shaft therein wherein the first set of bearings is provided at one end of the shaft; a second set of bearings provided at the other end of the shaft; a spring in the housing and having one end attached to one end of the shaft and the other end attached to the other end of the housing; and a clutch provided externally of the other end of the housing, the clutch being operatively connected to the second set of bearings and including a lock lever. The mechanism can store elastic force by counterclockwise pedaling and release the stored energy by disengaging a clutch from the mechanism when riding uphill.

A tensioner as well as a method for fitting a safety line cable on the tensioner. The tensioner designed for the safety of personnel attached to the cable while working under dangerous conditions. The tensioner has a fixing element configured to couple to an external element such as a wall and has two sections capable of separating and absorbing energy as a result of a fall of a worker while attached to the safety line cable. A section of the cable passes through and is crimped in a sleeve of the tensioner while the cable is kept under tension.

A printer includes a controller configured to execute a printed matter producing process including printing page images on a medium in a first position on a conveyance path while conveying the medium along the conveyance path, storing a cut target position for each page image and cutting the medium in a second position downstream of the first position in a conveyance direction when the cut target position reaches the second position, an interrupting process including interrupting the printed matter producing process and storing an uncut position as a cut target position located between the first and second positions when the printed matter producing process is interrupted, when an error occurs during the printed matter producing process, and a resuming process including resuming the printed matter producing process when the error is settled during the interruption of the printed matter producing process, and cutting the medium based on the uncut position.

A printer includes a controller configured to execute a printing process including sequentially printing a plurality of page images on a print medium based on print data while conveying the print medium in a conveyance direction, execute a first interruption process including, when a next cut distance is equal to or less than a printable distance, interrupting the printing process and stopping the print medium such that the next cut position coincides with a cutter position, and cutting the print medium, and execute a second interruption process including, when the next cut distance is more than the printable distance, interrupting the printing process and stopping the print medium such that the next cut position coincides with a position that is located an offset upstream of the cutter position in the conveyance direction.

Apparatuses and embodiments related to compensated laser cutting of labels. A computer system receives an image of a label, and rasterizes the image. The computer system determines how much of each type of printer ink of a label printer to deposit at each pixel location of the image. The computer system determines which pixels intersect a cut line, and determines the characteristics of the ink of the pixels, such as the quantity or thickness of the ink at the pixel locations. The computer system determines laser data including power, cut speed, and/or frequency of a laser that is tuned to accurately cut through the ink that forms the image, the material(s) of the label, and the adhesive that removably adheres the label to base material(s), but to not excessively damage the base material(s). A laser cutting system uses the laser data to control a laser.

In accordance with an embodiment, a thermal printer comprises a first thermal head, a first sensor and a control section. The first thermal head prints a first mark on a first surface of an image receiving medium. The first sensor detects a printing density of the first mark. The control section determines whether or not the printing density of the first mark is in a predetermined range, and adjusts the printing density by the first thermal head in the predetermined range in response to determining that the printing density of the first mark is out of the predetermined range.

A self-supporting, rigid, and collapsible reusable bag made from flexible material and having a bottom, two first sidewalls, two second sidewalls, a top opening, and rigid insert. A rigid full-wall board is embedded in each of the two first sidewalls. A rigid insert comprised of at least one pair of sidewalls and bottom with substantially similar dimensions to the second sidewalls and bottom of the bag are placed in the interior and in frictional contact with the second sidewalls and bottom of the bag. The rigid insert sidewalls are held in place with securing devices located on the interior upper corners of the sidewalls of the bag. The bag can be collapsed by moving the rigid insert away from the second sidewalls and bottom to allow the second sidewalls to fold either inward or outward. A full-wall pocket is provided for each first sidewall to receive the full-wall board.

A method, apparatus and system for testing the self-sealing properties of a concrete sample. The method may include providing an apparatus for creating a consistent and reproducible crack in a concrete sample and creating a consistent and reproducible crack in the concrete sample with the apparatus. The method may further include providing a fluidic delivery system that provides a consistent flow of fluid for testing the self-sealing properties of the concrete sample and testing the self-sealing properties of the concrete sample with the system.

Methods and devices for inline sampling of a bulk material, such as a powder, are provided. The material's bulk density can be determined from samples drawn using methods and devices described herein. One embodiment of a method of sampling a material allows the material to flow through a sampling compartment, closes off the flow of material below the sampling compartment, builds up a column of material through the sampling compartment, shifts the sampling compartment to remove a slice of material in the column, and places the slice of material into a sample container. A device for sampling a material is provided in another embodiment. The device includes an inlet, an outlet aligned with the inlet, and a sample collector. The sample collector can include at least one through hole and be configured to move such that the at least one through hole can be moved into and out of alignment with the inlet and the outlet.

A bearing for a sail furling apparatus includes a spherical body having a longitudinal axis and containing a cylindrical longitudinal through-opening for receiving a cable of the furling apparatus. The body is freely rotatable on the cable and protects the furled sail from abrasive contact with the cable. The body contains a plurality of spaced longitudinal channels in the outer surface to define a plurality of spaced flutes to further space the furled sail from the cable and to facilitate smooth furling and unfurling of the sail.

A method and device to permit a water vessel to releasably capture a line in a towing station, remote from a parent ship. The towing station may be attached to the parent ship via a tow line. The line capturing device is an actuated catch that includes a hook assembly that is moveable between a release mode and a retrieval and holding mode. The actuated catch also includes a spring biased retaining catch that prevents a captured line from being inadvertently released.

An adaptor for an unmanned vehicle for inspecting an object, the adaptor includes a moveable ring assembly and a fixed ring. The moveable ring assembly rotates around a periphery of the unmanned vehicle and allows the unmanned vehicle to move along a surface of the object while maintaining a fixed stand-off distance between an exterior surface of the adaptor and the surface of the object. The fixed ring is connected around the exterior surface of the unmanned vehicle and secures a lateral position of the moveable ring assembly with respect to the unmanned vehicle.

A paddle for stand-up paddle boards includes a paddle blade at a lower end of the paddle shaft and a sail assembly slidingly stowed within the shaft, with the sail deployed by sliding the sail assembly distally out of the shaft upper end. The sail assembly may include a sail and support frame. A method and system for transporting a user across water or other surfaces has a board for the user to stand upon and a paddle with sail slidingly deployed from inside a paddle shaft via an opening in the upper end. To propel via paddling, the user leaves the sail stowed within the shaft. The propel via wind, the user deploys the sail out of the shaft, places the blade onto the board upper surface, and angles the paddle and sail to catch the wind and propel the user across the water.

A system comprising a surface vessel floating on a body of water; an oil leak located in the body of water; a remotely operated vehicle located near the oil leak; a connection between the surface vessel and the remotely operated vehicle; wherein the remotely operated vehicle comprises a mixer and a dispersant injector.

A rack of the type for circulating air interiorly for drying multiple pairs of boots and/or gloves, where the articles to be dried are sprayed with a liquid sterilizing agent while on the rack. The blower housing, manifold and hollow members of the rack have no exterior horizontal surfaces to prevent pooling of the sterilizing agent. In addition, drain holes are provided in the blower housing, rack tubes and manifold to prevent interior trapping of sterilizing agent or moisture from condensation. In one version intended for sterilizing with power connected, a conduit in the manifold drains any liquid in the blower housing directly into the rack tubes. Another lower cost version is intended for sterilizing after electrical power has been externally disconnected and has liquid/moisture drain holes in the blower housing. Either version may be wall mounted or arranged as portable free standing single or double sided rack drying systems.

A laundry drying unit includes a process air circuit and a component arranged in the process air circuit. Provided above the component is a washing tank for dispensing a cleaning fluid, with a flow of cleaning fluid dispensed from the washing tank to the component being controlled by a controllable valve. The valve can be controlled on the basis of an amount of cleaning fluid in the washing tank.