Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the growth of an oxide, such as a gate oxide, in a semiconductor device manufacturing process takes into consideration the ambient atmospheric pressure in order to reduce the variance in gate oxide thicknesses between wafer lots. The pressure in the oxide diffusion tube is maintained at a constant pressure near the ambient atmospheric pressure during the oxide diffusion process. Alternatively, the furnace time is changed from lot to lot as a function of changes in the ambient atmospheric pressure in order to maintain the gate oxide thickness at a constant value between wafer lots.

Abstract: Plasma assisted polymerization and deposition of a very thin inner surface coating in a plastic or metal container without an undesirable increase in container surface temperature is provided to change the surface properties of the internal plastic surface of a container by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas which has been energized to produce a plasma or the surface is activated by a plasma of reactive gas so that it becomes receptive to a further surface reaction.

Abstract: An apparatus for confining plasma within a process zone of a substrate processing chamber. In one aspect, an apparatus comprises an annular member having an upper mounting surface, an inner confinement wall, and an outer confinement wall. The apparatus is disposed on or otherwise connected to a gas distribution assembly of the processing chamber to prevent plasma edge effects on the surface of a substrate. The apparatus provides a plasma choke aperture that reduces the volume of the process zone around the periphery of the substrate thereby eliminating uneven deposition of material around the edge of the substrate.

Abstract: A CVD apparatus produces plasma to generate radicals and uses the radicals, silane, and the like so as to deposit films on substrates in a vacuum vessel 12. The vacuum vessel has a partitioning wall section 14 for separating the inside thereof into a plasma-generating space 15 and a film deposition process space 16. The partitioning wall section has a plurality of through-holes 25 and diffusion holes 26. An interior space 24 receives the silane or the like fed into the film deposition process space through diffusion holes 16. The radicals produced in the plasma-generating space are fed into the plasma-generating space through the through-holes. The through-holes satisfy the condition of uL/D>1, where u represents the gas flow velocity in the through-holes, L represents the effective length of the through-holes, and D represents the inter-diffusion coefficient.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for an upgraded CVD system providing a remote plasma for efficiently cleaning a chamber, according to a specific embodiment. Etching or depositing a layer onto a substrate also may be achieved using the upgraded CVD system of the present invention. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides apparatus for an easily removable, conveniently handled, and relatively inexpensive, robust microwave plasma source as a retrofit for or a removable addition to existing CVD apparatus. The present invention provides an improved CVD apparatus or retrofit of existing CVD apparatus capable of producing a remote plasma for efficiently cleaning the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a CVD apparatus having a high productivity, involving less contamination on the back surface of a substrate and having a high yield.

Abstract: A control system for milking parlors. The control system allows the neck rails move from an open position to a predetermined time period after the operator presses an open all gates button. The lowering of the neck rail is restricted or slowed such that the cow has time to exit the milking stall and any contact by the neck rail with the cow is gentle.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a pet booster seat mountable on the seat of a vehicle. The booster seat includes a frame member with a height, an open top, and an interior area. At least two restraining belt openings are defined in the frame member, and at least one strap attachment point is defined on the frame member. A cushion is placed and held in the interior of the frame member, where the cushion preferably has a height substantially equal to or less than the height of the frame member. At least one harness strap is attached to a strap attachment point on the frame member. In one embodiment, a frame cover is removably mounted over the open top of the frame member.

Abstract: A pet sheet includes a hydrophilic top sheet arranged on the absorbing material, wherein a flap which is formed at least adjacent a peripheral edge of the absorbing material and opens toward the center of the absorbing material. Urine, which is not absorbed in the absorbing material and flows on the hydrophilic top sheet, enters between the hydrophilic top sheet and the flap, and can be stopped there.

Abstract: A pet sheet includes a hydrophilic top sheet arranged on the absorbing material, wherein a flap which is formed at least adjacent a peripheral edge of the absorbing material and opens toward the center of the absorbing material. The flap has an upper surface of hydrophilic.

Abstract: A cage guard which is adaptable to a variety of cage shapes and types is described in the present invention. The cage guard is a flexible form composed of a nonporous bottom portion, an optional nonporous side portion, a porous side portion, and means to secure the cage guard to a cage. The cage guard is produced in such a way that it conforms to the cage. This gives the cage guard the advantageous property of keeping debris and excretions inside the cage so the animal can be enjoyed in a clean, sanitary way.

Abstract: The present invention provides itching model animals usable for evaluating the therapeutic effect of medicines, medicinal compositions, external preparations for the skin, etc. on itching induced by hypofunction of cutaneous barrier and also for evaluating the effect in improving the barrier function of the skin weakened and converted to be itchy by an external preparation for the skin or a cosmetic. The present invention also provides a method for producing such animals.

Abstract: A synthetic chew toy can be formed as a composite of two different materials. The toy can be formed with a rigid synthetic frame, supporting a softer chew portion. The chew portion can include a plurality of projections, preferably having a cylindrical shape with a hemispheric end, extending outward from a base of the chew portion. Thus, the rigidity of the frame provides structure, support and durability for the chew toy, and the relatively softer chew portion can provide beneficial effects to a pets teeth and gums, or provide greater chewing pleasure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for electronically deterring an animal from approaching an exclusion area around an exclusion unit or from entering or leaving an area bounded by a wire. The animal is provided with a collar unit, which includes a sensor adapted to sense the strength of electromagnetic signals generated by the exclusion unit or wire and a correction unit adapted to provide correction to the animal in response to a sensor output. The portable unit reports to a central controller which selects a correction strategy, such as level of correction to be applied to the animal approaching the perimeter. The controller provides warnings to the user, including warnings for when the battery in the collar unit goes low and when the animal stays in a correction zone for too long. The controller may control a number of exclusion units and/or power units, and may select an appropriate correction for one of a plurality of animals.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus for feeding a gas phase reactant from a reactant source into a gas phase reaction chamber. In the method a reactant which is a liquid or solid at ambient temperature is vaporized from the reactant source at a vaporizing temperature; and the vaporized reactant is fed into the reaction chamber. According to the invention the reactant source and the reaction chamber are located in separate vessels which can be individually evacuated. By means of the invention it becomes possible to change and load new reactant chemical without breaking the vacuum of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A water heater has a cold water inlet bushing which screws into a threaded boss in the side wall of a hot water tank near its bottom. Cold water is injected through a pipe into the inlet bushing. A blind passageway is formed within the inlet bushing which extends radially inwardly from the tank outer wall. An outlet port intersects the blind passageway at 90 degrees, and is positioned tangent to the circular outer wall of the hot water tank at the point the tank is penetrated by the inlet bushing. The inlet bushing creates a jet of water which results in the water within the tank rotating. When turbulent mixing and circulation are created by the inlet water jet, smaller particles of sediment which are placed into suspension can be removed from the hot water tank along with the hot water.

Abstract: In a control arrangement for the flow of a coolant of a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine having a radiator for cooling the coolant, a pump for pumping the coolant through the cooling circuit and a control element for controlling the flow of the coolant and wherein a radiator circuit including the engine, the coolant pump and the radiator and a short circuit by-passing the radiator are provided, the control element includes flow control means for selectively establishing a flow circuit through either one or both of the radiator and radiator by-pass flow circuits and also for blocking both the radiator and radiator by-pass flow circuits providing for rapid engine warm-up.

Abstract: A piston cooling system is provided for an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft, a plurality of pistons connected to the crankcase shaft, and a crankcase housing partitioned by a plurality of partition walls into a plurality of partitioned sections, and a pressurized lubrication fluid circuit integrated with the crankcase housing for the circulation of lubricant therethrough. The piston cooling system includes a plurality of bores each formed in a respective partition wall and communicated with the pressurized lubricant fluid circuit. The piston cooling system also includes a plurality of spray nozzles, each spray nozzle being mounted in a longitudinal bore formed in a respective partition wall. Each spray nozzle is oriented for spraying lubricant onto the underside of a piston. Each spray nozzle is formed by a lathe process.

Abstract: An improved journaling and sensor mounting arrangement for the VVT mechanisms of a twin overhead cam engine. By utilizing a combined single bearing cap for the VVT ends of the camshafts that mounts the sensors that are associated with timing wheels on the respective camshafts, it is possible to maintain a very neat external appearance and a compact construction. Also, high accuracy can be obtained because of the positive rotation of the components. In addition, a simplified oil supply and control arrangement is also disclosed for lubricating the thrust surfaces of the camshaft bearings and other bearing surfaces as well as supplying hydraulic fluid to the VVT mechanisms.

Abstract: An engine control device with a variable valve timing mechanism is provided for preventing an abrupt engine output fluctuation in the process of transmission operation or lock up clutch switching operation in an engine with the variable valve timing mechanism, and a torque shock is restrained accordingly. An ECU determines whether or not an automatic transmission is in the process of transmission operation or whether or not a lock up clutch is in the process of switching. If the automatic transmission is in the process of transmission operation or the lock up clutch is in the process of switching, a target valve timing is not updated, and the valve timing at the time is held. Thus, the operation of a VVT in the process of transmission operation of the automatic transmission or the switching operation of the lock up clutch is stopped, so that an engine output fluctuation caused by change in the valve timing can be prevented and the torque shock can be restrained.

Abstract: A quantity of internal EGR gases remaining in an engine is estimated in accordance with an exhaust valve closing timing, an intake valve opening timing and an engine speed. The estimated internal EGR quantity is a sum of a base quantity and an increase correction quantity determined in accordance with a valve overlap period, its middle angular position in crankshaft rotation and intake pressure. The estimated internal EGR quantity is used for estimating an engine cylinder intake air quantity and for engine control such as ignition timing control, and intake air quantity control.

Abstract: A valve spring retainer is mounted to the upper end of a poppet valve via a pair of cotters in an internal combustion engine of an automobile. The valve spring retainer has an intermediate portion and an outer flange which is engaged with the upper end of a valve spring. The lower surface has a gap between the outer flange and the intermediate portion to decrease wear which is caused by engagement with the valve spring. There is also provided a valve operating mechanism which has a valve spring retainer which has a projection on the lower surface so as to prevent wear.

Abstract: An inertia charge intake manifold is associated with an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders. The intake manifold includes a plurality of elongated separate branch pipes each corresponding to a respective one of the cylinders. The intake manifold also includes a common flange for connecting a first end of each branch pipe to the internal combustion engine. The common flange has a first surface attached to the internal combustion engine. Further, the intake manifold includes a surge tank to which a second end of each branch pipe is connected. The common flange, the surge tank and each branch pipe are made of a hard thermoplastic synthetic resin. The common flange is integrally connected to the surge tank.

Abstract: A four stroke internal combustion engine is disclosed having a power take off housing located at one end of the engine. A crankshaft is operatively connected to a drive shaft and the cam shaft within the power take off housing. Furthermore, the crankshaft is operatively coupled within the power take off housing to at least one of a generator, an engine starting mechanism, a balance shaft, and a supercharger.

Abstract: A crankshaft rotational support for an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft supported by rotational support elements spaced from one another along the longitudinal direction of the internal combustion engine is provided. The crankshaft rotational support includes a plurality of bearing blocks and a plurality of bearing covers. Stiffening elements extend longitudinally for interconnecting H-shaped side projections of the bearing covers to one another. The bearing blocks, the bearing covers, and the stiffening elements collectively form a unit which is cast as an integral unit during a casting process with the cast bearing covers and the cast bearing blocks being separable from one another along a break line. The side projections and the stiffening elements each have an open profile that does not comprise any fully encircled apertures in which a casting sand core may remain after casting.

Abstract: A safety fuel tank and filler cap apparatus is disclosed for use with a powered implement such as a lawnmower, tiller, weed trimmer or the like. The apparatus includes a switch member mounted on a fuel cap and tank that disallow engine operation when the filler cap is separated from the tank such as during refueling. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a locking mechanism that can be mounted on the engine body or fuel tank that disallows removal of the filler cap until the engine has cooled to a predetermined temperature that will not cause the fuel to ignite.

Abstract: A direct injection type internal combustion engine control apparatus is capable of increasing the frequency of performing the compression-stroke fuel injection following an automatic start of the engine by maintaining a sufficient fuel pressure for the compression-stroke injection even after the engine has been stopped by an automatic stop function. When an immediately-before-automatic-stop flag is “ON”, the control apparatus sets the control duty of an electromagnetic spill valve to 100(%) to raise the fuel pressure immediately before the automatic stop. As a result, after the engine stops, the fuel pressure starts to decrease from a high pressure, so that there will be a long time before the fuel pressure decreases to a level that makes it impossible to perform appropriate fuel injection into the combustion chamber during the compression stroke.

Abstract: A control system is described for optimizing the reduction of nitrogen oxides in exhaust gas produced by an internal combustion engine, especially those internal combustion engines that employ a lean air-fuel ratio. The control system employs a temperature control assembly that is capable of selectively heating the exhaust gas prior to introduction into the NOx catalyst system, thus rapidly bringing the temperature of the NOx catalyst system up to operating temperature.

Abstract: A fuel system for a diesel engine having a plurality of combustion chambers, the engine having ignition cackle occurring in at least one combustion chamber includes a standard fuel injector being associated with each of the non-cackling combustion chambers, and a non-standard fuel injector being associated with each of the cackling combustion chambers, each of the non-standard fuel injectors having an increased pilot volume of fuel, the increased pilot volume of fuel having a quantity of fuel therein for injection into the associated combustion chamber. A non-standard fuel injector and a method for affecting cackle are also included.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure damper element is manufactured by shaping a stainless steel tube; flattened each end of the tube; and sealing a gas within the tube. Wire retaining devices may also be attached to the ends of the damper in order to support the device within a fuel rail tube in a fuel system.

Abstract: A fuel injector fixing structure for use with an in-cylinder injection type engine is improved to reduce the number of processing man-hours and the number of parts as well as the number of assembling man-hours. In detail, each fuel injector is inserted into an injector fixing hole of a cylinder head, followed by attaching an injector fixing bracket. Then, each connecting portion of a fuel delivery pipe is connected to a fuel inlet of each fuel injector, followed by inserting a common bolt through an fixing boss portion and an injector fixing bracket, and fixing these elements to a common boss portion of the cylinder head. In this way, each fuel injector and the fuel delivery pipe can be fixed in the cylinder head by virtue of a common bolt, thereby making it possible to reduce the number of processing man-hours and the number of parts as well as the number of assembling man-hours.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system having a fuel reservoir connected to a suction side of a pump, a fuel delivery line connected to an output side of the pump, a number of fuel injectors connected to the delivery line, and a return line from the injectors to the suction side of the pump. The pump has a housing, a pumping chamber within the housing, a driver rotor and a driven rotor within the pumping chamber, and an input shaft t the housing. The input shaft is arranged such that rotation of the input shaft effects rotation of the driver rotor. The driver rotor is caused to rotate by the input shaft via a magnetic coupling. The magnetic coupling is arranged to slip when a predetermined value of torque is applied across the coupling such that a maximum pressure value of about 12 bar is attained at the output side of the pump.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for distributing exhaust gases or gases which are ventilated from a crankcase or an evaporator of a combustion engine having a cylinder head (8) with intake valves and an intake manifold (3) with a flange (9) for mounting on the cylinder head. The intake manifold is provided with at least one collecting channel (11) which extends across each intake pipe of the intake manifold. The ventilation is made by sucking the gases from the collecting channel (11) directly into each intake pipe through a non-return valve (16, 17, 18, 19) arranged in connection with each intake pipe, which non-return valve is controlled by pressure pulses from the intake valves.

Abstract: An ignition control system for an internal combustion engine comprising a signal generator to generate pulse signals at a peculiar rotation angle position of the internal combustion engine and a position detection circuit to output a position detection signal whenever a zero cross point of a waveform of an output from a magneto AC generator driven by the engine is detected whereby when the engine should start, the engine is ignited as the signal generator generates the pulse signal, when the engine is idling, it is ignited as the position detection circuit outputs the position detection signal during the period after the pulse signal is generated and before the next pulse signal is generated and in the area exceeding the idling rotational speed, it is ignited at the ignition position arithmetically operated by a microcomputer.

Abstract: An electrically operated paintball gun operable to fire paintballs including a barrel, a trigger, and a breech connected to a rear end of the barrel, as well as a bolt movable in the breech between a rearward position and a forward shooting position. A hammer is connected to the bolt and movable therewith and is slidable in a sealable chamber between a rearward position and a front shooting position. A spring biases the combination of the bolt and hammer towards the rearward position of each. A pneumatic circuit is provided to drive the hammer towards the front position and includes a control valve in the form of a solenoid valve to receive gas under pressure and direct it into the chamber at the rear of the hammer when the gun is shot. An electronic circuit controls the pneumatic circuit and is operated by an electrical switch operated by the trigger.

Abstract: Self contained and transportable camp heater with a burner within a casing and a fuel tank operably connected to the burner. A stack is removably mounted on the casing and is positioned on a holder with the casing and the fuel tank after removal for transportation purposes. A regulator is operably connected to the fuel tank and, thence, to the burner. The regulator is conveniently a zero pressure regulator.

Abstract: A portable cooking device for grilling and/or smoking food products which can be attached to a trailer or cargo hitch of a vehicle, or which can be quickly and easily converted to free-standing use.

Abstract: A heat generating unit is incorporated in a mask in order to actively supply warm steam, and also drug vapor, to the nose and throat, and moisturize the upper respiratory tract. It is preferable that a metal powder, salt, and water be contained in the heat generating unit, and that an exothermic composition that releases steam in conjunction with the oxidation reaction of the metal powder be used therein. It is preferable that either an inhalation valve or exhalation valve be provided in the main mask body.

Abstract: A lightweight oxygen delivery system for a patient comprising a curved resilient headband to extend from side to side over a patient's head and to be comfortably seatably engaged thereon. A clip is secured towards one end of the headband. An elongated tubular boom is secured at one end to the clip to extend and hold its position, when in operation from said one end at the clip to another end located at a space in front of, and proximal to the patient's nose and mouth. An oxygen diffuser port is located at the other end of the boom, to deliver oxygen from the boom to the space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth. The clip is constructed so as to hold securely an oxygen delivery tube from an oxygen source in fluid communication with said one end of the boom so as to deliver oxygen from the source to the boom for discharge through the diffuser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for respiratory assistance which comprises a tube (4) having at least one auxiliary channel (8) connected to a source of respirable gas (25).

Abstract: Emergency support for stabilization of individual limbs or body parts for transport or for performance of surgical-treatment measures, including a granulate-filled cushion (1) which is provided with a valve (2) for purposes of alternating evacuation and filling, and which allows at least partial surrounding of the limb or body part, made of two lengths of airtight flexible material which are connected on their edges, in which within the cushion interior which contains the granulate there are chokes (7) to prevent the free flow of granulate and the cushion in the middle area of its outer surface which faces away from the body after application is provided with a Velcro strip border (8) as part of a Velcro-pile connector, for fixation on a solid structure.

Abstract: A device avoids chafing on the feet due to the use of new shoes. This device is formed by a complete body of flexile material such as plastic that has a generally prismatic shape open on one of the lateral sides and on the upper base. On the lower face and on the adjacent at the rear, openings or holes ventilate the rear part of the foot when the device is placed inside the rear part of the shoe.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for use in treating a patient receiving a biological substance, such as a cancer vaccine, to optimize therapy and prevent an adverse response. This system employs surrogate markers or indicators including blood levels of the vaccine to determine the next required dose for a patient. Since the surrogate markers may be employed as a percent change in status, virtually any indicator can be used. Surrogate markers could include any measure of the effectiveness of the vaccine's action. Given the effectiveness of the vaccine's action relative to the surrogate markers, a change in vaccine dose is calculated by the system. Conversely, by employing this system, one could determine the expected result of the vaccine dose change on the surrogate markers.

Abstract: Personal holographic nails are provided in which one or all are supplied with a holographic image. The fingernails would be made of acrylic or plastic and would be available in multiple sizes. The holographic image is a two dimensional/three dimensional type holographic image created from flat (two-dimensional) artwork. These types of holographic images are produced by a means of layering a series of images at different stages to generate an illusion of depth. The holographic image is applied to the top surface of the fingernail using a suitable adhesive via a coating brush. The fingernail can be removed and reused as the user wishes.

Abstract: An application member for applying a product to a surface may comprise a base portion and a plurality of teeth extending from the base portion. Each of the plurality of teeth may be formed of an elastically deformable material and may comprise a free end and an end adjacent to the base portion. At least one of the teeth may further comprise a dispensing orifice at the free end and a passage configured to enable flow communication between the dispensing orifice and a reservoir associated with the application member. The application member may further comprise at least one wall on the base portion. The at least one wall may be located at least partially along a periphery of a region of the base portion from which at least some of the teeth extend and may be configured to collect product flowing from the dispensing orifice of the at least one of the teeth.

Abstract: In a vacuum processing system used in a semiconductor device manufacturing process, a plate-shaped placement area protector made of a dielectric material having a surface of dimensions and shape matching those of a surface of a substrate or an area for substrate placement in a surface of a substrate stage in place of the substrate. An etching gas is introduced into a vacuum vessel by a gas introduction mechanism and predetermined high-frequency electromagnetic wave power is applied to the substrate stage from a stage high-frequency electromagnetic wave power source. Plasma is formed in the proximity of the surface of the substrate stage by the applied high-frequency electromagnetic wave power, and a deposited film on the surface of the substrate stage is removed with the plasma. The placement area protector has the same electrical properties as the deposited film.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a mixture of a treatment liquid and ozone for treatment of a surface of a workpiece, and a corresponding method are set forth The preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a liquid supply line that is used to provide fluid communication between a reservoir containing the treatment liquid and a treatment chamber housing the workpiece. A heater is disposed to heat the workpiece, either directly or indirectly. Preferably, the workpiece is heated by heating the treatment liquid that is supplied to the workpiece. One or more nozzles accept the treatment liquid from the liquid supply line and spray it onto the surface of the workpiece while an ozone generator provides ozone into an environment containing the workpiece.

Abstract: A processing system for cleaning, washing, drying, and sorting cherry pits. Once the pits are removed from the cherries, they are washed, scrubbed, and cleaned. Any excess water is removed from them and the pits are then thoroughly dried. Any partial or broken pits are removed, as well as any metal impurities. The cleaned and dried whole cherry pits can then be inserted into bags or containers and included in a therapeutic product, such as a cushion, U-shaped neck device, or a huggable stuffed animal character.

Abstract: An improved dishwashing machine is proposed which has a dish-cleaning compartment, a dish-rack rotating mechanism, a re-circulating fluid spraying system, a non re-circulating fluid spraying system, a drainage mechanism, a waste filter tank and a controlling means. The dish-cleaning compartment consists of a cover and a casing, which includes a re-circulating fluid spray arm and a non re-circulating fluid spray arm. Automatic chemical dispenser, hot air dish-drying system and ultraviolet light sterilizer are included as optional features. Dish-cleaning operation starts with a flush cycle and then follows by a wash cycle and a rinse cycle. A dish-drying operation is introduced at the end of the rinse cycle, to dry as well as to sanitize dishes.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a cyclonic power system and method of using the system to clean flat surfaces. The cyclone power system includes a driven spindle that is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. There are a plurality of radially extending straight rod extending from the spindle. Curved blades are connected at one end to the spindle and at their other end to the free end of a straight rod. The centrifugal force, generated as a result of the rotation of the driven spindle is not effective to cause the straight rods, which are constructed of stainless steel, to lengthen and since the curved blades are connected to the straight rods, the centrifugal force is not effective to lengthen the curved blades. In an embodiment of the invention a perforated disc is secured to the bottom surface of the spindle and to the free ends of the straight rods. In this embodiment the water and debris is pulled up through the perforations in the disc.