Abstract: An apparatus of drying semiconductor substrate using azeotrope effect and a drying method using the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a bath for storing a fluid, a chamber located above the bath and an apparatus for supplying an organic solvent onto the surface of the fluid in the bath for forming an azeotrope layer at the surface of the fluid and for forming an organic solvent layer over the azeotrope layer. The organic solvent layer and the atmosphere thereon are heated by a heater. The apparatus may further include a drying gas conduit for introducing a drying gas into the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and apparatus for liquid treating and drying a substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer, the method comprising the step of immersing a substrate or a batch of substrates in a tank filled with a liquid, and removing the substrate(s) through an opening so that a flow of the liquid takes place through the opening during removal of the substrate. Simultaneously with the removal, a reduction of the surface tension of the liquid is caused to take place near the intersection line between the liquid and the substrate. For acquiring such a tensio-active effect, a uniform flow of a gas or vapor is used, or/and a local application of heat. The invention is equally related to an apparatus for performing the method of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the thermal secondary treatment of plastic material in granulate form, in particular of polyester material such as polyethylene-terephthalate, in a flat shaft reactor comprising a substantially rectangular cross-section. The shaft (1) consists of an upper region (4) and a lower region (5), whose horizontal cross-section (Q5) tapers downwards in a vertical direction. At least sections of the vertical shaft walls (4A) and (4B) have screen-type gas dispersion regions. The large opposing shaft walls 5a and of the lower outlet region (5) are likewise gas dispersion regions. The gas dispersion regions consist of wedge-wire screens, which can have different arrangements of gaps according to requirements. The special gap arrangements in the wedge-wire screens allow the standardisation of the granulate speed profile over horizontal cross-sections in the shaft region.

Abstract: A method of drying a paper web is provided. The method utilizes a dryer, such as a through-dryer, having a first dryer section and a second dryer section. Within the first dryer section, a relatively wet paper web is dried at an elevated temperature, such as between about 400° F. to about 500° F. After being dried by the first dryer section, the web is relatively dry and is further dried by the second dryer section at a reduced temperature, such as between about 300° F. to about 400° F. A variety of control techniques can also be utilized to control the temperature of each dryer section.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a dryer for easy discharge of heated air form an inside thereof. For this, the dryer of the present invention includes a drum (32) for receiving laundry and rotating in any one direction, heating means (33) for producing heated air to be supplied to the drum for drying the laundry, an air discharge assembly for discharging air from the drum (32) to outside of the dryer, and a cabinet (30) being configured to contain the drum (32), the heating means (33), and the air discharge assembly therein, the cabinet including an opening (50) for discharging air circulated around the heating means (33) or the air discharge assembly by rotation of the drum (32), thereby discharging air that is heated secondarily by the heating means (33) and the air discharge assembly.

Abstract: In the dry clearing machine, a common refrigerator is used for both the solvent cooler and the drying cooler, and the coolant compressed and liquefied in the refrigerator is supplied either one of the heat exchanger of the solvent cooler or that of the drying cooler, depending on the state of a switch. In the heat exchanger selected by the switch, the coolant is supplied and the solvent or the air is cooled when the coolant evaporates. That is, only the cooler selected by the switch works, but the other cooler not selected by the switch does not work. While the laundry is washed, normally, it is not necessary to supply air to the outer tub through the air path, and the drying cooler need not be operated. Thus, in the process of washing, the solvent is adequately cooled because an enough amount of coolant is supplied to the solvent cooler, and the temperature rise of the solvent is prevented.

Abstract: A medically used boot body for a user to wear on the foot. The boot body includes a boot and a soft pad body combined with the sole section of the boot. The cross-section of the pad body has a profile corresponding to that of the sole section of the boot. The pad body has a predetermined thickness. When a medical worker wears the boot and stands, the pad body is deformed to buff the force applied to the foot of human body.

Abstract: A ventilation device is provided in a shoe. The device includes a porous member fitted in a receiving means in a rear of the insole, an intake pipe interconnected between a first check valve and the porous member, and a discharge pipe interconnected between a second check valve and porous member. Foul air is driven from porous member to the outside through the intake pipe and second check valve when the porous member is compressed by a foot. Conversely, fresh air is drawn into the porous member from the outside through the first check valve and intake pipe when the porous member is returned from the compressed state to an original state as the foot stops exerting force thereon.

Abstract: A heel cushioning device with a cavity with a plurality of voids located within the cavity, the cavity conformed to accommodate a cushion formed with a terrace at the top of the cushion followed beneath by a plurality of generally concentric terraces or partial terraces increasing in area until reaching a lower portion of the cushion resting on a plurality of springs located in the voids.

Abstract: An anchoring assembly on a footwear includes a stationary member, a pivotable member, a pivot unit, and a releasable fastener unit. The pivot unit is provided on the stationary and pivotable members to permit pivoting movement of the pivotable member relative to the stationary member between a footwear tightening position and a footwear loosening position. The releasable fastener unit is provided on the stationary and pivotable members for releasably retaining the pivotable member at the footwear tightening position. The releasable fastener unit includes a positioning member, a first fastener member mounted to the positioning member, a second fastener member provided on the pivotable member and fastened releasably to the first fastener member, and a resilient member for urging the first fastener member to engage releasably the second fastener member.

Abstract: A sports shoe comprising a soft upper associated with a rigid shell and a rigid plate, externally associated with the shell and with the upper, and interacting with two fasteners.

Abstract: A traction system that prevents or minimizes horizontal or lateral movement when two surfaces are placed in contact with one another has been discovered. The traction system comprises a first surface having a microreplication surface material applied to the upper surface thereof and a second surface having a microreplication surface material applied to area thereof that will come in contact with the upper first surface. Footwear and body wear having improved traction have also been discovered. The footwear and body wear comprises microreplication surface material applied thereto. The traction system, footwear and body wear can be used to prevent or minimize unwanted movement on slippery or wet surfaces, such as a surfboard, boat deck or other watercraft.

Abstract: A shoe cleat with improved traction includes at least one resiliently flexible traction element extending from a hub and being resiliently deflectable in a direction toward the sole of a shoe when the cleat is secured to the sole. The cleat is further configured to trap and engage blades of grass during resilient deflection of the traction element when the shoe is forced against a turf surface. The grass blades are frictionally engaged and secured in a non-planar engaging area by the traction element resulting in an enhanced traction of the shoe with respect to the turf surface. A convex foot on the traction element includes a suitable curvature to facilitate sliding of the foot along the turf surface as the traction element deflects to avoid penetration into the turf.

Abstract: A metatarsal arch support is described, in which the support has a raised section of such a size and shape as to roughly match and fill the open space that exists between the insole of the shoe and the portion of the foot that spans the second, third, and fourth metatarsals, which normally constitutes an arch when the foot is supporting body weight. Shoes typically exert pressure, causing the metatarsal arch to flatten. Use of the arch support prevents this undesirable effect.

Abstract: A molded trenching tooth has a bracket (A) for attachment to a driven trenching member and carries a body having an outwardly inclined lower portion (B) and inwardly extending upper portion (C) that are joined by a curved intermediate portion integrally connecting the body members. A forward edge (D) is provided for facilitating entry of the tooth into the earth while at least one additional groove (E) in the body is aligned with the forward edge (D) providing a next successive edge of a new tooth formed thereby when the forward edge of the body wears away.

Abstract: An excavation system is described which comprises a bucket, defining an outlet at its base, in fluid communication with a suction tube in fluid communication with a jet pump, configured to create a suction in the suction tube. A related method of excavating is also described.

Abstract: A power shovel (10) is disclosed for use on a bucket (14) of a front end loader (12). No modifications are required to the bucket (14) other than several bolt holes to mount the upper support bracket (24) of the power shovel. Alternatively, the upper support bracket (24) may be welded directly to the upper portion of the bucket (14) without drilling holes for bolts. The power shovel (10) includes a lower support bracket (22) fit over the blade (16) of the bucket (14) and an upper support bracket (24) bolted onto the top of the bucket (14). Chains (26, 28) are tensioned between the lower and upper support brackets around the back of the bucket (14) to secure the lower support bracket (22) on the bucket (14). A digging portion (20) is welded to the lower support bracket (22) and further supported by support arms (30, 32) extending between the upper support bracket (24) and the digging portion (20).

Abstract: This engagement system for digger teeth, in particular a tooth from which there extend in the axial direction two rectilinear lugs which, being noticeably parallel to one another, emerge cantilevered from the mouth of a central housing and complement respective rectilinear, open recesses which are provided, also in the axial direction, on an adapter member, consisting in that the straight section of each of the rectilinear lugs of the tooth member, which is concave in one part and substantially complements the convex profile of the back of the rectilinear recesses of the adapter, has two end sections which meet in a convergent fashion on an intermediate section differentiated from the afore-mentioned sections and impinge thereon at a angle of between approximately 10° and 40°.

Abstract: A hand held appliance for use in applying steam to a garment or other item made of fabric includes a pump, a boiler and a switch. Power is applied through the switch to the pump. The pump pumps water from the water tank to the boiler. The water is converted to steam in the boiler and is expelled from the appliance through a set of nozzles. The appliance may include optional attachments for performing other operations on garments or fabric, for example, applying pressure, brushing, scrubbing or lint removal.

Abstract: A sandwich structure (5) is formed by a base layer (2) and a protective layer (4) that are assembled together through the interposition of a spacer layer (3) therebetween, in such a manner as to form a tightly sealed, insulated hollow space (13), in which high-luminosity LEDs are arranged to illuminate the number plate through transparent portions (14) of the protective layer (4). The LEDs are adapted to be connected to a power supply through conductive paths (20, 21) provided on the inner surface of the base layer (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decorative or branding affixture of words or figures, which includes a basic layer made of PET, PP, or PE, for being printed with desired words or drawings. An affixed layer of static electricity is coated on the basic layer, which is then capable of being affixed directly on glass of windows or surfaces of other objects to display a celebrating or branding effect.

Abstract: A tri-foldable card is provided having a first panel that defines first and second opposed lateral edges. A second panel and third panel are also provided, each having inner lateral edges. A first hinge joins the first lateral edge of the first panel to the lateral edge of the second panel. A second hinge joins the second lateral edge to the lateral edge of the third panel. The second hinge has a thickness greater than the first hinge such that the second panel is foldable about the first hinge to close the second panel, and the third panel is foldable about the second hinge to close the third panel after the second panel has been closed. A medallion can be contained in a housing that extends through one of the panels.

Abstract: A display box that includes: a) a base having a bottom and at least one wall that terminates in an upper perimeter, b) a product display holder positioned in the base, and c) a cover for the base. The cover comprises a clear window and a frame that contains the window. The frame irreversibly engages the upper perimeter of the base wall.

Abstract: A method for removing metal contaminants from water uses lignin derivatives, such as lignosulfonates and kraft lignin, a coagulant, such as a metal salt, and a pH-increasing composition. The lignin derivative is dispersed in the contaminated water, the coagulant is added and the pH is adjusted as required to cause flocculation. A sludge is formed that contains the metals and that is separated from the treated water by filtration. Related methods are used to reduce the leachable metal content of contaminated soils. The invention also provides a composition for stabilizing the metal contaminants in soil, comprising lignin derivatives, a coagulant and a composition for increasing the pH. The mixture is blended with the contaminated soil, reducing its leachable metal content.

Abstract: An aiming device for pistols comprises a rear sight (2) and front sight having a luminous dot on the side facing the eye (rear sight). The rear sight has a luminous mark and a recess which accommodates the contour of the front sight. The recess comprises a base line or bottom wall and two side lines or side walls. For aiming in poor visibility, the rear sight has a trapezoidal external contour, with the inclined trapezoid sides forming an acute angle at their upper ends with the side lines of the recess, and the rear sight has a second luminous dot centrally under the recess which is located precisely under the first luminous dot on the front sight when the pistol is being aimed.

Abstract: An improved wildlife decoy, which includes an internal electromechanical device which when operated, moves the center of gravity of the decoy back and forth. As a result the decoy changes attitudes continuously between a normal upright sitting posture and a forward tipping feeding posture, which creates lifelike movement and ripples upon the water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an electronic acoustic fish attractor for attracting fish to a desired location. The method comprises multi-step transmitting of attracting sounds from that location on the outside on various distances into a body of water. There are optimum energy datum points at distances from a source of a sound. SL1<SL2<SL3< . . . <SLn−2<SLn−1<SLn. SL1=I1, where I1 is intensity of a sound source at the first step of transmitting a sound. It includes the maximum excess of a hearing threshold of a fish at which it is not frightened off. I′1 includes the minimum excess of a hearing threshold of fish, which provides an enough active audibility at fish. The natural drop between I1 and I′1 at the first step occurs on very short distance from a source of a sound. At each subsequent step the precisely certain values I1 and I′1 are reached on the greater distances, which can reach several kilometers.

Abstract: A reflective hood for use with a natural baitfish or artificial lure baitfish. The baitfish is received within the hood, which is shaped to resemble a baitfish head and further includes two eyes. The fishing line with a hook attached passes through a hole in the front or nose portion of the hood and passes into the body of the baitfish, with the hook extending from the baitfish in the mid-body region.

Abstract: A unitary fishing sinker having a body with a buoyant portion having a density less than water and a weighted portion with a density greater than water. A further feature of the invention includes an elongated sinker body formed on a central wire with a line connection member at one end and a distal end extending outwardly from the body. The invention also relates to a method of making the above sinker.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for luring attack-prone, rabies-infected mammals (e.g., carnivores, bats) into restraint and/or euthanasia but not luring normal, uninfected animals.

Abstract: The Beaver Barrier is a unique use of rubber and steel to form a barrier that will restrict where beavers build dams without harm to animals. The material is recycled tire parts woven together which forms a tube composed of connected rings which allow water to freely pass through but restricts animals from plugging or moving the natural course of the water. This unit prevents the animals from being able to dam the flow of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to additives for enhancing the lubricity of hydrocarbon fuel oils, the inventive additive composition including one or more of the reaction products of (i) an alkylated polyamine and (ii) urea or isocyanate, or the salt adducts of these reaction products. More particularly, the present invention provides for a process for improving the lubricity of hydrocarbon fuel oils, which are low in inherent lubricity due to treatment to reduce sulfur and aromatic components for improved emissions.

Abstract: A stable, substantially clear and homogeneous fuel composition contains an additive comprising a nitrogen donor and carrier, the nitrogen donor being present in an amount sufficient to reduce the NOx emissions of the fuel when subject to combustion and the carrier being selected to render the nitrogen donor soluble and to give the additive a molecular weight compatible with the energy properties of the fuel.

Abstract: An additive for improving the lubricity of fuel oils having a maximum sulfur content of 0.

Abstract: A method for reducing the formation of combustion chamber deposits in an engine using a friction modifier for combustible fuels is provided. The friction modifier is prepared by combining a saturated carboxylic acid and an alkylated or alkoxylated amine. The particular selection of friction modifier enables a stable additive concentrate to be formulated providing a significant decrease in CCD without increasing the incidence of IVD deposits in combustion engines running on a fuel modified with the additive concentrate.

Abstract: A friction modifier for combustible fuels is provided that is prepared by combining a saturated carboxylic acid and an alkoxylated amine or etheramine. Furthermore, there also is an additive concentrate for use in fuels, especially in gasoline for internal combustion engines, comprising (a) a friction modifier comprising of a branched saturated carboxylic acid salt of an alkoxylated amine, such as isohexyloxypropylamine isostearate; (b) a detergent package, as well as the combustible fuels containing this additive concentrate. The particular selection of friction modifier (a) enables a stable additive concentrate to be formulated providing a significant benefit in friction loss when incorporated in gasoline used to fuel an internal combustion engine, and hence an improvement in fuel economy.

Abstract: A method of producing a synthetic fuel by treating fines of bituminous coal with an emulsion of a tall-oil mix, which may include enhancers that either increase the chemical change in the coal or reduce the cost of the synthetic fuel. Enhancers include poly vinyl acetate (PVA) and/or ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), glycol, lignosulfonate, beet sugar bottoms, corn bottoms, brewery bottoms, vegetable tall oil, vegetable oil, and/or spent frying oil. The emulsion is sprayed into, and reacted with, the coal fines, resulting in a cost effective and industry-usable source of synthetic fuel.

Abstract: A method, for inhibiting accumulation of light-colored ash on the walls of a furnace in which coal containing high levels of (coal-bound) calcium is burned, comprises adding an iron compound to the coal prior to burning the coal, burning the coal, and producing calcium ferrite, thereby improving heat transfer in furnaces and resultant plant efficiency without adverse environmental consequences.

Abstract: A moulded body for improving cultivation conditions for plants, which is suitable inter alia for arrangement in a plant holder. The moulded body has a tapered projection and is arranged in such a way that the projection protrudes into the plant substrate in the plant holder. The projection has elements allowing an exchange of substances between the interior and the surroundings of the projection. This allows the targeted introduction of air, water, nutrients and auxiliary substances into the plant substrate and the root conglomerates. The moulded body has a recess which acts as a water reservoir that is separate from the plant substrate. The moulded body is water-permeable in the upper part and essentially impermeable to water at the bottom, in the tip of the projection.

Abstract: The grow pole is a hollow tube for growing multiple plants. The tube has vertical portals into which plants and their supporting medium are inserted. The tube has an end cap on its bottom end for supporting growth media disposed in the tube. Thus, the tube is at least partially filled with plant growing medium, such as dirt, and supporting structure or material to hold multiple plants and to permit watering through one end of the tube. If desired, a plant may be inserted in one end of the tube. Along its length, the tube includes multiple ventilation holes to provide oxygen to the roots.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed toward a blind assembly having a pair of vertical elements. The vertical elements each have a top and bottom and a plurality of slots formed therein. An upper transverse element engages the tops of the vertical elements and a lower transverse element similarly engages the bottoms of the vertical elements. A plurality of slabs engage the slots of the vertical elements and extend substantially parallel with the upper and lower transverse elements. A mounting arrangement interlocks the upper transverse element to the tops of the vertical elements, the lower transverse element to the bottoms of the vertical elements, and the slabs to the vertical elements for eliminating the need to weld the blind assembly.

Abstract: An automatic sweep for a sliding door includes a seal member that is coupled to a housing at the bottom end of the door for movement between a raised position when the door is open and a lowered position when the door is closed, in which the seal member provides an acoustical seal for the gap that would otherwise exist at the bottom of the door. The sweep is actuated by an over-centre linkage that co-operates with an abutment adjacent the door opening. As the door reaches its closed position, the linkage is displaced from a normal extended configuration to an angled configuration, which laterally displaces an operating rod connected to a leaf-spring that then presses down on the seal member to move the member to its lowered position. When the door is opened, the over-centre linkage is moved back to its extended configuration, the rod is displaced in the opposite direction, and the leaf-spring raises the seal member.

Abstract: A drive system for a hinged gate of a vehicle, which includes: a motor unit, a rack and pinion mechanism, a link member connected to a point of the hinged gate, and a shaft member fixed to the rack, to which the link member is rotatably connected. The motor unit includes a motor, gears, and a casing accomodating the gears. The rack and pinion mechanism includes a pinion driven by the motor unit and the rack movably supported on the casing of the motor unit. The casing has a guide casing, which extends in a longitudinal direction of the rack. The guide casing is formed to have a closed section surrounding the shaft member and is provided therein with a guide member configured for guiding the rack.

Abstract: A vehicle door is assembled by immobilizing a cable drum with a wedge and then coupling the wedged drum to a drive member. A cable is wound onto the drum either before or after the positioning of the wedge. A drive member is then coupled to the wedged drum. After coupling, the drive member is fixed to the vehicle door. The window guide structure can also be inserted between the inner panel and an outer panel of the vehicle door. The wedge can be removed from the window guide structure, or alternately, the wedge can be fixed to the window guide structure. Alternately, the method further includes the steps of placing the cable in deflection pulleys before the steps of positioning the wedge and winding the cable. The drive member is pivotally mounted to the inner panel about an axis offset relative to the rotational axis of the drum, and the cable is tensioned by pivoting the drive member about the offset axis. The drive member is then fixed to the inner panel of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A profiled seal (11) for sealing a side window pane (19) which can be raised and lowered relative to a roof frame (1) of a convertible has a support rail (21) and a profiled elastomeric strip (10) which is co-extruded with the support rail. The profiled seal (11) is formed three-dimensionally and can be fixed on connection points (2) of the roof frame (1) by fixing elements (37, 38). At least two retaining elements (29), which are disposed spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction (30) of the profiled seal (11), co-operate with the fixing elements (37, 38) and are connected to the support rail (21), project out of the profiled elastomeric strip (10) transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction (30). Following the co-extrusion the retaining elements (29) are fixed on the support rail (21).

Abstract: A composite diamond compact is provided which has a diamond compact (12) bonded to a cemented carbide substrate (10). The composite diamond compact is characterised by the second phase for the diamond compact (12) and the binder for the cemented carbide substrate (1)) both being a nickel/cobalt alloy.

Abstract: A polishing material is provided in which the dispersibility of the abrasive grains of the polishing material having, as a major component, rare earth oxides including cerium oxide is made better and the hardness of abrasive grain precipitates is reduced, and at the same time high efficiency of polishing can be achieved stably. According to the present invention, in a polishing material having, as the major component, rare earth oxides including cerium oxide, any one of crystalline cellulose, calcium secondary phosphate, a condensate of sodium &bgr;-naphthalenesulphonate and formalin, and synthetic silica is contained as an anti-solidification agent capable of softening abrasive grain precipitates of the polishing material when the abrasive grains of the polishing material are dispersed into a dispersion medium, and sodium hexametaphosphate or pyrophosphate is contained as a dispersant capable of dispersing the abrasive grains of the polishing material into the dispersion medium.

Abstract: A polishing composition comprising an abrasive having an average primary particle size of 200 nm or less, an oxidizing agent, an acid having a pK1 of 2 or less and/or a salt thereof, and water, wherein the acid value (Y) of the polishing composition is 20 mg KOH/g or less and 0.2 mg KOH/g or more; a process for reducing fine scratches of a substrate, comprising polishing a substrate to be polished with the above-mentioned polishing composition; and a method for manufacturing a substrate, comprising polishing a substrate to be polished with the above-mentioned polishing composition. The polishing composition can be suitably used for final polishing memory hard disk substrates and polishing semiconductor elements.

Abstract: A firestop device (10) and firestop assembly for use in a plumbing system (100) installed in a structure to prevent the transmission of smoke and fire through the plumbing system. The firestop device includes a housing (12) with a connector (14) and intumescent material (16) mounted in the inner passageway (12C) of the housing. The firestop device is intended to be mounted over the hub portion (50B) of a plumbing fitting (50). When the housing is heated, the heat is transferred to the intumescent material which expands. As the intumescent material expands, the material crushes the conduit (102) extending through the firestop device and completely blocks the inner passageway (10C) of the firestop device which prevents smoke and fire from moving through the firestop device.

Abstract: A two-tired seating riser for a sports stadium comprises upper and lower metal plates bonded together by a solid elastomer core. The elastomer core has different thicknesses in the treads and rises. The lower tread has a lip portion in which the metal plates are flared to facilitate alignment with the riser below.