Abstract: A thick fabric of poor surface smoothness, such as a fabric for wet suit, can be fed reliably, smoothly and uniformly to perform sewing of excellent finish, without requiring any oil application to the fabric surface before sewing, by arranging a presser foot body, a small presser foot and a roller as follows. The presser foot body is fixedly supported to a lower end portion of a presser bar supported to a sewing arm part so that it is free to move vertically and reciprocally. The small presser foot resiliently pressing the fabric to the upper surface side of a throat plate is disposed on the downstream side than a needle location hole of the presser foot body in the sewing direction. The roller is disposed on the upstream side than the needle location hole in the sewing direction and is rotatable such that its contact portion with the fabric is successively changed with the fabric feed.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has an improved ventilation system for an engine compartment. The ventilation system is disclosed in the context of both two-cycle and four-cycle engines. The system includes a plurality of ducts that are strategically positioned on the watercraft. One of the ducts extends through a sidewall of a pedestal that carries an operator seat. Another of the ducts extends through a bottom plate connecting the seat to the hull. The ducts are configured to create airflow across various engine and exhaust system components. For instance, a portion of an exhaust system is interposed between two ends of two separate ducts in one arrangement. In another arrangement, a duct draws or forces air past a portion of the exhaust system. The portion of the exhaust system can include a catalyst. The system also creates a flow of air across a cylinder head in one arrangement and a lubricant reservoir in another arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of fabricating a thin film using an atomic layer deposition, the method including: a first step of disposing a silicon substrate in a reaction chamber; a second step of introducing a first reactive gas and a carrier gas into the reaction chamber during a first period such that the first reactive gas is chemically adsorbed on the silicon substrate, wherein the reaction chamber is set to a first pressure during the first period; a third step of introducing a second reactive gas into the reaction chamber during a second period such that the second reactive gas is chemically adsorbed on the silicon substrate and discharges a residual portion of the first reactive gas out of the reaction chamber, wherein the reaction chamber is set to a lower second pressure than the first pressure during the second period; and further introducing the second reactive gas into the reaction chamber for a third period such that the second reactive gas is further chemically adsorbed on the sili

Abstract: A diaphragm is integrally formed with a movable section and a perimeter section. The movable section is adapted to be reciprocally moved, and the perimeter section is disposed around the movable section and shaped to provide a clamp receiving portion adapted to be clamped into a fixed position. A bending portion along which the movable section is reciprocally moved with the clamp receiving portion clamped is located closer to the movable section than the clamp receiving portion of the perimeter section.

Abstract: A semiconductor processor for spray coating wafers or other semiconductor articles. The processor has a compartment in which are mounted a wafer transfer, coating station and thermal treatment station. The coating station has a spray processing vessel in which a movable spray-head and rotatable wafer holder. The spray station has coating viscosity control features. An ultrasonic resonating spray-head is precisely supplied with coating from a metering pump. The heat treatment station heat cures the coating and then cools the wafer. The system allows coatings to be applied in relatively uniform conformational layers upon irregular surfaces.

Abstract: A spin coating method comprises applying a carbon dioxide liquid to surface portion of a substrate; and then rotating the substrate about an axis to distribute the carbon dioxide liquid on the substrate. The carbon dioxide liquid can be distributed on the substrate as a carrier, for the purpose of depositing a material such as a coating on the substrate. In addition, the carbon dioxide liquid can be distributed on the substrate as a solvent, for the purpose of solubilizing, dissolving or removing a material previously deposited on the surface of the substrate. Apparatus for carrying out the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The optical fiber coating device includes a die-support into which is integrated in one piece a grid, the die-support accommodating an entry die and an exit die with the entry die on one side of the grid and the exit die on the other side of the grid. The outside diameter of the die-support on each side of the grid is greater than the outside diameter of the grid, so as to define a chamber which has a large volume when the coating device is placed in its support.

Abstract: In order to provide a walk-on platform arrangement, comprising at least one first sub-platform, which is movable from a rest position in a direction of extension into a working position, and a second sub-platform, which in the working position is disposed behind the first sub-platform, wherein a rear boundary edge of the first sub-platform and a front boundary edge of the second sub-platform in the rest position are spaced vertically apart from one another, with which platform arrangement the risk of accident for an operative walking on the platform arrangement in the working position is reduced, it is proposed that the platform arrangement comprises a guide system, by means of which the relative motion between the first sub-platform and the second sub-platform as the first sub-platform moves into the working position is guided in such a way that the vertical distance between the rear boundary edge of the first sub-platform and the front boundary edge of the second sub-platform in the working position is smal

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for applying a plaster-like coating material to the decorative exposed surface of a preform workpiece. The apparatus comprises; means for mechanically advancing a workpiece along the apparatus along a straight horizontal axis over a non-continuous surface; means for engaging the bottom portion of a workpiece to constrain lateral and vertical movement as the workpiece passes along the apparatus; and means for applying a desired thickness of plaster-like coating material to a decorative surface of an advancing workpiece. Both the method and apparatus provide on a consistent basis, a smooth coating with a controlled thickness tightly bonded to the entire exposed decorative surface of a workpiece. The method and apparatus provide a simple, efficient, cost effective and reliable means for applying a plaster-like coating to the exposed decorative surface of a workpiece for use on a commercial scale in the construction industry.

Abstract: A plurality of baths for dipping and the like is arranged in series so that these baths contact one another, and a conveyor 2 is linearly arranged above the dipping bath in one plane. A workpiece 1 is tact-conveyed on the conveyor 2 in a floor conveyor position. The workpiece 1 is stopped at each bath for dipping and the like, wherein when the workpiece 1 is rotated horizontally about 180° to change its position to an overhead conveyor position, it is immersed in the corresponding bath for dipping and the like for dipping treatment.

Abstract: A clamp for holding at least one laser component during a facet coating process. The clamp includes a first elongate member for contacting a first side of the laser component(s) and a second elongate member for contacting a second opposing side of the laser component(s). The clamp also includes spacers disposed between and abutting the laser component(s). The first and second elongate members hold the laser component(s) and the spacers therebetween.

Abstract: In order to produce a tank for accommodating a fluid used for the surface treatment of work pieces, especially vehicle bodies, wherein the fluid accommodated in the tank can be kept free of dirt particles with little outlay, it is proposed that the tank comprise dirt collecting compartments which are arranged in the base region of the tank.

Abstract: A central powder supply plant, includes a housing; and operating and control devices, integrated in the housing, for powder supply and/or electrostatic. The operating and control devices can be arranged individually or in groups or they may be combined to units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of supplying a developing solution to a surface of a substrate to perform developing treatment for the substrate, comprising a first step of supplying the developing solution to the surface of the substrate while a developing solution supply nozzle is moving relative to the substrate and a second step of developing the substrate for a first predetermined period of time, and the second step has the step of stirring the developing solution on the surface of the substrate after a second predetermined period of time from the completion of the first step. Because of stirring, the concentration of the developing solution on the substrate is made uniform, resulting in a rise in the uniformity of developing treatment.

Abstract: A gas delivering device inside a gaseous reaction chamber capable of increasing gas flow in areas having a deficient supply of gas by forming additional air holes in corresponding positions. Because a gas-delivering panel design having asymmetrical air holes is employed, gas flow rate within the reaction chamber can be roughly balanced. Hence, a homogeneous stream of gaseous reactants can be maintained above the surface of a reacting wafer.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus and a semiconductor device manufacturing method, a furnace tube port gas introducing pipe (9) for supplying gas to only one end portion of a furnace tube (2) is provided separately from a process gas introducing pipe (5) for supplying process gas into the furnace tube (2), and when wafers (4) are inserted into the furnace tube (2), an oxygen atmospheric layer (11) is formed only at the furnace tube port by oxygen gas or oxygen gas diluted with nitrogen gas which is supplied from the furnace tube port gas introducing pipe (9).

Abstract: A temperature-controlled exhaust assembly with cold trap capability. One embodiment of the exhaust assembly comprises a multi-heater design which allows for independent multi-zone closed-loop temperature control. Another embodiment comprises a compact multi-valve uni-body design incorporating a single heater for simplified closed-loop temperature control. The cold trap incorporates a heater for temperature control at the inlet of the trap to minimize undesirable deposits. One embodiment also comprises a multi-stage cold trap and a particle trap. As a removable unit, this cold trap provides additional safety in the handling and disposal of the adsorbed condensables.

Abstract: A semiconductor device fabrication apparatus is provided for increasing the deposition rate of a film. The apparatus includes a process tube. Process gas injection portions in a slit configuration and waste gas exhaust portions formed as holes are integrated into the interior of the body of the process tube.

Abstract: Particles are cooled at a particle introducing section by a cooling device. A vapor of modifying agent for modifying the particles is produced by heating the modifying agent in a vapor producing chamber by a heating device. Further, a supersaturated vapor of the modifying agent is produced around the particles by mixing the cooled particles with the vapor of the modifying agent. The modifying agent condenses on the surface of the particles by the production of the supersaturated vapor, and consequently, a film of the modifying agent is formed on the surface of the particles. A thick film of the modifying agent can be formed if this film forming step is carried out repetitively. Thus, modified particles having formed thereon a thick uniform film of the modifying agent can be produced by quite a simple manipulation in a very short time.

Abstract: A process for plasma treatment of particulate matter, and more particularly, an apparatus for plasma induced graft polymerization of particulate matter in a continuous or semi-continuous manner, and a process for plasma induced graft polymerization of particulate matter in a continuous or semi-continuous manner is provided.

Abstract: In a film formation chamber, a gas flow to be introduced is rectified in a direction away from the film formation surface of the substrate on which the film is to be formed, so as to exhaust the fine particles generated in the discharge space and the fragmental particles generated by exfoliation of the film from the wall of the vacuum chamber and the discharge electrode, thereby preventing the particles from adhering the film formation surface of the substrate. The fine particles and fragmental particles are sucked and exhausted from a plurality of apertures provided on the entire surface of the discharge electrode to establish a steady state in which the amount of a film deposited on the discharge electrode and the amount of an exfoliating film to be exhausted are equal to each other, thereby allowing continuous film formation without cleaning the discharge electrode over a long period.

Abstract: A plurality of microwave introduction windows are placed at the top wall of the reaction chamber. Microwaves of the same power are introduced into, e.g., two microwave introduction windows that are equivalent in location relationship with respect to the sidewall of the reaction chamber, while microwaves of different power are introduced into, e.g., two microwave introduction windows that are non-equivalent in location relationship with respect to the sidewall. Thus, a cost-effective plasma process apparatus is obtained which can realize uniform plasma processing even if the plasma being generated within the reaction chamber has varied load impedance.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus applies a high-quality process to an object to be processed by preventing impurities from being generated due to a microwave transmitting through a dielectric plate. The dielectric plate is provided between a process chamber of a plasma processing apparatus and a slot electrode guiding a microwave used for a plasma process. A thickness H of the dielectric plate has a predetermined relationship with a wavelength &lgr; of the microwave in the dielectric plate so that an amount of isolation of the dielectric plate due to transmission of the microwave is minimized. The wavelength &lgr; is represented by &lgr;=&lgr;0n, where &lgr;0 is a wavelength of the microwave in a vacuum and n is a wavelength reducing rate of the dielectric plate represented by n=1/(∈t)½, where ∈t is a specific dielectric rate of the dielectric plate in a vacuum.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a workpiece in a micro-environment includes a workpiece housing connected to be rotated by a motor. The workpiece housing forms a substantially closed processing chamber where one or more processing fluids are distributed across at least one face of the workpiece by centrifugal force generated during rotation of the housing. A sump is connected to an inlet and an outlet in the chamber. Rotation of the workpiece housing recirculates fluid into the chamber.

Abstract: A machine for processing the front side of a flat media workpiece, such as a silicon wafer, seals the backside of the wafer from processing chemicals. A rotor has an inside ring and an outside ring protruding from the rotor face. The inside ring and outside ring are separated by an annular groove in the rotor. A O-ring is positioned between the inside ring and the outside ring. A membrane extends from the inside ring, over the annular groove and the O-ring, to the outside ring. The membrane and face of the rotor form a sealable wafer back face chamber between them. Vacuum is applied to the back face chamber to hold the wafer against the membrane. The back surface of the wafer is sealed from processing chemicals, which are allowed to contact only the front surface and edges of the wafer.

Abstract: An animal monitoring system comprises a plurality of sensors positioned in a containment area and emitting infrared light across the containment area. A plurality of infrared light-detecting sensors receive said infrared light from said transmitters and provides a signal indicating such reception to a controller. The controller monitors the presence of interruptions in said light beams and infers that, in the presence of said interruptions, the animal is standing. If no interruption is present for a predetermined amount of time, an alarm may be generated to alert an individual monitoring the animal.

Abstract: A failure detection apparatus for a cooling system of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The cooling system has a radiator, a cooling water pipe for circulating a cooling water in the engine to the radiator, and a thermostat provided in the cooling water pipe for opening and closing the cooling water pipe. An estimated cooling water temperature of the engine is calculated according to the engine operating condition. The estimated cooling water temperature is compared with a determination threshold set according to the detected vehicle speed at the time the detected cooling water temperature has exceeded a predetermined water temperature. If the estimated cooling water temperature is lower than or equal to the determination threshold, it is determined that the thermostat is normal.

Abstract: A crankcase with integrated exhaust chambers and crank chambers partitioned from one another by partitions is provided and includes a plurality of cylinder liners and a plurality of bores each for receiving therein one of the cylinder liners. The crankcase also includes plenum chambers extending lengthwise on both sides of the crankcase for passage thereinto of the blow by and a plurality of bands each for partitioning off the plenum chambers relative to a respective crank chamber in cooperation with the cylinder liners. Window openings in the partition walls and transition passages associated with a respective one of the plenum chambers effect the connection of the crank chambers with the plenum chambers.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an electromagnetic valve driving mechanism adjusts an amount of magnetizing current to be applied to the electromagnetic valve driving mechanism in accordance with a temperature or viscosity of a lubricant used in the electromagnetic valve driving mechanism. Accordingly, intake and exhaust valves can be driven with an electromagnetic force corresponding to a viscosity of the lubricant. Therefore, changes in opening-and-closing operation speeds of the intake and exhaust valves resulting from a temperature or viscosity of the lubricant that is supplied to a sliding portion of the electromagnetic valve driving mechanism can be reduced.

Abstract: A valve operating system of an internal combustion engine enabling both valve working angle and phase to be varied, includes a variable working angle control mechanism being responsive to a supply pressure of working fluid to adjust a working angle of an intake valve, and a variable phase control mechanism being responsive to a supply pressure of working fluid to adjust a phase of the working angle of the intake valve. A control unit controls the supply pressure to each of the control mechanisms depending on engine operating conditions. In a cold-engine state that the temperature of working fluid is below a predetermined temperature, an intake valve open timing is retarded in comparison with a predetermined stability-limit valve open timing, by limiting a controlled variable of at least one of the control mechanisms.

Abstract: Either of intake and exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine is provided with a variable valve timing device. In a low-speed, low-load range, exhaust valve advanced-closing control is performed to close the exhaust valve at an earlier timing than the top dead center on the intake stroke, thereby trapping residual combustion gases in the cylinder. Furthermore, the cylinder temperature is raised by setting the intake valve opening timing at around the top dead center on the intake stroke or at a later timing thereof to thereby compress by the piston the residual gases in the cylinder during a period from closing the exhaust valve till the top dead center on the intake stroke. Thus it becomes possible to take in the air-fuel mixture into the cylinder at a higher cylinder temperature than the gas temperature of internal EGR caused by conventional valve overlap.

Abstract: An expandable chamber piston type internal combustion engine operating in an open thermodynamic cycle includes a combustion process having a constant volume (isochoric) phase followed by a constant temperature (isothermal) phase.

Abstract: A direct injection fuel system for internal combustion engines is disclosed, which relies on a novel device for preparing, injecting and igniting a stratified air-fuel charge inside the cylinder of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A stratified exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR) engine uses an exhaust port per cylinder for exhausting exhaust gases and to re-circulate exhaust gas. The EGR valve may be phased from the exhaust stroke to the intake stroke. The EGR valves that control the exhaust gas re-circulation ports may be on a separate camshaft from the other valves. The EGR ports and an intake port for each of the cylinders may be helical or tangential ports that stratified the exhaust gas and the air in the cylinder. The engine may be a direct injection or a port fuel injection engine with one or more exhaust manifolds. The exhaust gas re-circulation ports may be controlled by a single flow valve or each port may have a separate flow valve. The intake ports may be controlled by a single flow valve or each intake port may have a separate flow valve.

Abstract: To obtain a knock control apparatus for internal-combustion engine having a function of judging whether or not the causes for failure have been solved for returning to normal knock control at the time of the solution, and capable of easily judging failure even in a failure mode in which it is difficult to raise the filter value and it is difficult to judge the failure.

Abstract: A fuel injection control device of an engine having a plurality of cylinders, that prevents sudden change in combustion condition. The control device calculates a basic amount of fuel to be injected into cylinders. The controller then decides an amount of adjustment ultimately made to the basic amount of fuel based on an engine revolution speed difference between the cylinders. The adjustment is stepwise made to the basic amount of fuel so that a total amount of fuel gradually increases or decreases. Since a steep change does not occur in the total amount of fuel, the combustion condition does not change suddenly and the engine does not vibrate.

Abstract: A fuel injector with a neck at an upstream end and a downstream end located at a distal end from the upstream end, a fuel channel extending from the upstream end to the downstream end and defining a substantially longitudinal axis, and a check valve located in the fuel channel proximate the upstream end; and a fuel rail with a housing defining an opening having a substantially longitudinal axis passing therethrough, and a one-way flow inhibitor is located in the opening. When removing the fuel injector from the fuel rail, reducing leaks by biasing a plunger of the check valve against a seat of the check valve in the fuel injector and biasing a plunger of the one-way flow inhibitor against a seat of the one-way flow inhibitor in the fuel rail.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel injection control device in which the cost is low and the fuel injection quantity is flexibly adjusted corresponding to the operating conditions.

Abstract: A fuel-air mixing device for installation preferably between an intake manifold and air intake duct of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The device extends downstream into the air intake duct, and has an open inlet end for channeling the air-fuel mixture into the device. A closed downstream end forces the air-fuel mixture to flow into the downstream end of the intake duct via special apertures which are adapted to atomise the fuel and mix the same with air. The arrangement ensures that the air-fuel mixture is urged towards the along the walls of the air intake duct, thereby vaporising the fuel by thermal contact therewith.

Abstract: A single stage regulator is disclosed wherein a piston-type configuration is utilized to regulate an input working pressure as high as 4,500 PSI, to an output delivery pressure from 200 PSI to 1100 PSI. The single stage regulator can be used on paintball guns, markers and similar devices powered by compressed gas.

Abstract: A combination including a paint ball gun with a gun barrel has both a muzzle portion and at least two interchangeable compression zone portions of slightly differing diameters. The compression zone portions are preferably attachable and deattachable from the muzzle portion by a non-threaded connection mechanism, such as by a snap-on type connection mechanism, a cam-lock type connection mechanism or a bayonet connection mechanism. The invention allows the user of a paint ball gun to select a compression zone portion which is most optimally matched to the diameter of the paint ball ammunition to be used in the paint ball gun. The invention thereby optimizes paint ball gun performance.

Abstract: A fireplace assembly comprises a smoke chamber and a firebox in fluid communication with the smoke chamber. A masonry casing partially surrounds the firebox, the casing having a pair of spaced-apart side walls which together define an opening to the firebox. In one aspect of the invention, a lintel supports at least one chimney breast block across the opening, the lintel extending between the side walls and being supported by the side walls. In another aspect of the invention, a damper is mounted above the smoke chamber. In another aspect of the invention, the firebox is comprised of a plurality of firebrick, a metal firebox frame for guiding installation of the firebrick, and insulation between the firebox frame and the firebrick. In yet another aspect of the invention, insulation surrounds the back and sidewalls of the firebox and smoke chamber.

Abstract: Hollow eyeglass frames are combined with a wearable distributed air pump to form a portable positive pressure powered air purifying delivery system for inconspicuously supplying respirable air to the nostrils of an individual. Ambient air is pressurized by combining the outputs of a plurality of piston compression tubes arranged and connected to form a thin flexible pump that can be worn around the waist. This pressurized air is passed through filter and conditioning modules to form respirable air, which is then piped to air inlet ports on the hollow frame eyeglass temples using small diameter tubing. Nose tubes on the hollow eyeglass frames near the nose inconspicuously direct the respirable air into the nostrils at a rate that exceeds the peak inhalation rate of the individual, thereby preventing the inhalation of unfiltered air.

Abstract: A humidifier and humidity sensor is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus. The humidity sensor preferably includes means to sense absolute humidity, relative humidity and/or temperature at both the patient end and humidifier end. The humidifier may also include provision to both control independently the humidity and temperature of the gases. Further, a chamber manifold is disclosed to facilitate easy connection of the humidifier to various outlets, inlets and sensors. A heated conduit is described which provides a more effective temperature profile along its length.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective spark cover for covering the exterior face of a filter for use with a respirator or the like. During metal welding, smelting and cutting operations and similar activities creating sparks, splatter and the like, exposed respirator filters may be perforated and made unusable. The present invention protective spark cover provides a removable cover to protect such filter elements from welding and spark damage and other similar mechanical damage. The invention is essentially a screen cover to protect the filter element and a frame to hold the screen in place over the filter.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway has a curved tubular guide for insertion through the patient's mouth and oropharynx. After insertion of the guide, the beveled distal opening of the guide abuts the laryngeal inlet, while the guide's proximal opening remains outside the patient's mouth. A laryngeal mask surrounds the distal opening of the guide to substantially seal the laryngeal inlet about the distal opening of the guide A ventilation port adjacent to the proximal opening of the guide supplies air/oxygen through the guide into the patient's lungs. An endotracheal tube can then be advanced along the length of guide and through the patient's larynx without interrupting ventilation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of delivering substances for permeation through the skin of a subject, by energizing the stratum corneum in conjunction with various delivery means including gels and patches. Permeability enhancement or reduced electrical impedance of the skin, increases the variety of substances capable of permeation, and increases the permeation rate and the effectiveness of the permeation, including permeation enhanced by iontophoresis. The method allows for the use of improved delivery means that were previously unavailable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating snoring include selecting an implant formed of a bio-compatible material having a longitudinal length between a proximal end and a distal end. The material is compliant in response to tensile forces along the length. The material is sized to be inserted into the soft palate with the longitudinal length extending aligned with an anterior-posterior axis of the palate and with the thickness contained within a thickness of the soft palate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating snoring include selecting an implant formed of a bio-compatible material having dimensions including a longitudinal length, a thickness and a width. The material is sized to be inserted into the soft palate with the longitudinal length extending aligned with an anterior-posterior axis of the palate and with the thickness contained within a thickness of the soft palate. The implant includes a tissue growth-inducing material having a plurality of spaces for accepting tissue growth from the soft palate into the spaces. The material is contractible in at least one of the dimensions in response to implantation of the implant in a body tissue.

Abstract: A laryngoscope-associated arrangement provides for focused delivery of a chemostimulant from a nebulizer through a delivery conduit to a patient's larynx to allow a practitioner to directly observe the function of the patient's larynx during the course of delivery of the chemostimulant. This not only provides the practitioner with a visualization of whether the patient's laryngeal vestibule is functioning properly, but allows the practitioner to be satisfied that the chemostimulant is accurately delivered to the intended region of interest.