Abstract: An ink-jettable composition including a palladium aliphatic amine complex solvated in a liquid vehicle can be used in formation of electronic devices. The ink-jettable composition containing a palladium aliphatic amine complex can be jetted onto a substrate in a predetermined pattern. A second composition can also be applied to the substrate using ink-jet printing or other printing techniques, wherein the second composition Is applied onto at least a portion of the predetermined pattern. The second composition can include a reducing agent which is capable of reducing the palladium aliphatic amine complex to palladium metal, typically upon the application of heat. The described ink-jettable palladium complex compositions can be stable over a wide range of conditions and allow for the formation electronic devices on a variety of substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phase change ink comprising (a) a carbon black pigment, (b) a bis-urethane, and (c) a phase change ink carrier, said carrier comprising (i) a branched triamide and (ii) a Fischer-Tropsch wax having an average peak molecular weight of from about 300 to about 800 and a polydispersity of from about 1.001 to about 3.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing an improved asphalt composition is air blown for a reduced period of time prior to addition of polyphosphoric acid. The air blowing process is performed at temperatures and using air volumes typically used for air blown asphalt. The process may be performed using neat asphalt, or it may be used on mixtures of asphalt with flux, slop, or mixtures of flux and slop. After the initial air blowing period, polyphosphoric acid is added to the asphalt. The polyphosphoric acid may be added while the asphalt is at temperature, or the asphalt may be allowed to cool slightly before the addition of the polyphosphoric acid. Following addition of the polyphosphoric acid, the asphalt may undergo further air blowing to obtain desired properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pearlescent pigment comprising a metal oxide-containing, platelet-shaped substrate and having a first and a second protective layer, wherein the metal oxide has a refractive index greater than 1.

Abstract: A cementitious composition being a mixture of mono ammonium hydrogen phosphate, magnesium oxide, silicate fibers and water. For the dry components, approximately 40 to 90 wt. percent magnesium oxide, approximately 30 to 5 wt. percent mono ammonium hydrogen phosphate and approximately 30 to 5 wt. percent silicate fibers are mixed.

Abstract: The object of the invention is an hydraulic setting composition comprising: (a) an aggregate comprising calcium carbonate; (b) an aggregate comprising silica; (c) alkaline hydroxide; and (d) a suitable quantity of water, characterized in that it contains less than 20% by weight of component (c) and that the sum of the content of cations other than Si and Ca of components a) and b) is less than 10%.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a multi-position table for use in confined spaces, particularly a multi-position table attached to a wall in a recreational vehicle. In one embodiment, the table comprises a table top and a bracket pivotably connected to the table top to the wall. The table top is movable between a storage position in which the table top is folded against the wall, a first deployed position, and a second deployed position without disconnecting the table top from the bracket. The table top may include clearance openings to allow the bracket to pass from a first side of the table top to a second side of the table top when the table top is moved from the first deployed position to the storage position.

Abstract: A style of lawn glider that consists of a table and chairs which travel forward and backward as one gliding frame over a second lower frame which rests on a reasonable flat surface. The use of four hard wheels, which roll in between four lower concave tracks that are part of the lower frame and four convex tracks that are part of the upper frame, provide the gliding action. The lower frame provides a retractable transport wheel system that allows easy relocating of the entire mechanism. A cloth guard system provides a way of preventing unintentional contact with moving parts. The current glider is made of wood and common fasteners, but it could be made of other materials such as plastic, metal or composite materials. Seat cushions and overhead sun shade are considered part of this product. The glider is designed to be packaged and sold in a kit form.

Abstract: A child play table and kit accompanying the same is disclosed. In one embodiment, the child play table may have contoured terrain, such as a mountain, valley, or other types of terrain that may include a waterfall, a river, lake and/or an ocean featuring water flow produced by a pump. A controller may be included that activates the pump in coordination with a story line, which may be incorporated into a book, and/or user activity. The kit may include accessories corresponding to the story line such as human, dinosaur, fish and animal figurines, buildings, homes, forts, castles, roads, bridges and other structures as well as miniaturized toy vehicles. The controller may also generate audio signals corresponding to the story line.

Abstract: A load carrier has a rectangular bottom part and feet disposed at least in the corner regions of the bottom part. A groove for accommodating a load-securing belt is provided above the feet, encircling the bottom part. The front edge of each corner foot projects beyond the related bottom corner edge, and a nub-like elevation is provided on this projecting front edge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a kit and method for encasing an object such as a gun safe made out of a magnetic attracting material such as ferrous metal. The disclosed invention provides for the adhesion of heavy materials such as wood panels and related components to provide an ascetic appearance of fine furniture through the use of magnetic forces providing a solid and simple assembly allowing any user to improve the appearance of an existing object, such as a gun safe.

Abstract: An adjustable riffler can be used in a piping system connecting a pulverizer and a furnace. The adjustable riffler includes a support member, at least two plates spaced apart along an axis, and at least one inclined flange. The two plates include a fixed plate attached to the support member and a translatable plate positioned adjacent to the fixed plate. The translatable plate is translatable along the axis with respect to the fixed plate. The at least one inclined flange is connected to one of the fixed plate and the translatable plate and extends along the axis between the plates to form a channel between the fixed plate and the translatable plate.

Abstract: An oxycombustion apparatus comprising an air separation unit (2) in which oxygen (10) is produced optionally by cryogenic distillation, an oxycombustion boiler (1), means for sending the oxygen and a fuel (14) to the oxycombustion boiler, means (19) for recovering carbon dioxide-containing flue gases from the oxycombustion boiler, and means (7) for purifying the flue gases in order to extract carbon dioxide therefrom, the air separation unit being provided for producing oxygen to be sent to the boiler having a purity not exceeding 95 mol %.

Abstract: A seed planting device. The seed planting device includes an elongated member defining a plurality of shallow depressions regularly spaced along one or more of the member's faces. Each depression defines a volume capable of receiving a seed. A practitioner uses one face or edge of the device to create an indentation in the soil. The practitioner then lifts the device and tilts it so that the seeds fall out of the shallow depressions into the indentation. The practitioner then covers the seeds with soil by filling in the indentation with loose earth or potting soil.

Abstract: A presser foot drive structure of an embroidery machine, by which a vertically movable presser foot for preventing a sheet of cloth to be sewn from rising in a sewing operation is vertically moved inside a sewing head. The presser foot drive structure includes a presser foot drive holder, which is vertically slidable and is mounted on the outer circumference of a needle bar, which is vertically driven; a presser foot drive shaft, which is disposed parallel to the needle bar via the presser foot drive holder; and the presser foot, which is disposed at the lower end of the presser foot drive shaft and vertically reciprocates. It is possible to reduce the stroke of a presser foot so that it is smaller than that of a needle bar, enhance the supporting force for a needle bar, and reduce the shaking of a presser foot.

Abstract: A personal dive device includes a body having a power source that is disposed in the body with a voltage of the power source being greater than or equal to about 37 volts. A controller is in electrical communication with the power source. A rotary device is in selective electrical communication with the controller and a propeller assembly is engaged with the rotary device. A method for controlling the speed of a personal dive device includes providing a personal dive device having a power source disposed within a body and an electronic controller. A signal from a trigger mechanism is received. An effective power output from the power source is varied based on the signal from the trigger mechanism. The effective power output from the power source is provided to a rotary device that is in selective electrical communication with the electronic controller.

Abstract: A spring stand to minimize impact shock to the back and lower body extremities of a person standing on a surface exposed to vibration and/or intermittent impact forces. The stand includes a spaced-apart upper platform and lower stand support platform with two vertical stabilizer members near each side edge and an array of spaced-apart springs distributed between the upper and lower platforms. The lower platform has three or more spaced-apart footers to rest on the deck of the boat as well as drain holes to drain water that might splash inside the stand between the platform members. The lower platform has vertically upright sides around the perimeter of the lower platform that are partially overlapped by vertical sides depending from the perimeter of the upper platform. The top surface of the upper platform has a non-slip cushioning surface made from a foam and/or rubberized material.

Abstract: An assured grounding identifier includes a base unit connectable to an electrical cord, one or more indicators selectively adjustably mounted to the base unit and having colored regions, and a cover with one or more viewing windows aligned with the indicators. An assured grounding identifier includes a housing with a viewing window and a slot mountable around an electrical cord, an indicator having a plurality of colored regions disposed between the housing and the cord, and a tab extending from the indicator through the slot for positioning the indicator to align a selected colored region with the viewing window. An assured grounding identifier includes one or more indicators having a plurality of translucent color coded segments and an indicator light aligned with a viewing window to illuminate through the translucent color coded segments.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for crystal growth using VGF and VB growth processes to reduce body lineage. In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of inserting an ampoule with raw material into a furnace having a heating source, growing a crystal using a vertical gradient freeze process wherein the crystallizing temperature gradient is moved relative to the crystal and/or furnace to melt the raw material and reform it as a monocrystalline compound, and growing the crystal using a vertical Bridgman process on the wherein the ampoule/heating source are moved relative each other to continue to melt the raw material and reform it as a monocrystalline compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing single crystals according to the Czochralski method, the apparatus including a chamber that can be divided into a plurality of chambers; at least one of the plurality of divided chambers having a circulating coolant passage in which a circulating coolant for cooling the chamber circulates; and measuring means that respectively measure an inlet temperature, an outlet temperature, and a circulating coolant flow rate of the circulating coolant in the circulating coolant passage; the apparatus further including a calculating means that calculates a quantity of heat removed from the chamber and/or a proportion of the quantity of removed heat, from the measured values of the inlet temperature, outlet temperature, and circulating coolant flow rate; and a pulling rate control means that controls a pulling rate of the single crystal based on the resulting quantity of removed heat and/or the resulting proportion of the quantity of removed heat.

Abstract: Until pulling a silicon single crystal is started after silicon raw materials filled in a quartz crucible are melted, the quartz crucible containing silicon melt is rotated while a rotating direction thereof is periodically alternated. Then, the silicon single crystal is pulled up by the CZ method. This pulling method can reduce micro defects, which are caused by bubbles formed in an inner surface of the quartz crucible, and dislocation in the single crystal.

Abstract: In a method of producing a group III nitride crystal in which a melt holding vessel where a melt containing a group III metal and flux is held is accommodated in a reaction vessel and a group III nitride crystal is produced as a substance containing nitrogen is supplied from an outside to the reaction vessel through a pipe, the method includes a step of forming an accumulated part of a liquid in the pipe to thereby temporarily close the pipe before growing the group III nitride crystal in the melt holding vessel.

Abstract: A single crystal pulling apparatus comprises: a chamber; a crucible disposed within the chamber for containing a melt; a water-cooling means disposed within the chamber in such a manner as surrounding a single crystal pulled up from the melt in the crucible; water piping for feeding cooling water to and discharging the same from the water-cooling means; and supporting arms connected to the chamber for supporting the water-cooling means, wherein the supporting arms are disposed between the single crystal and the water piping. According to this configuration, the supporting arms can prevent the water piping from being damaged in the event of fall and collapse of the single crystal due to failure of the seed neck portion or in the event of rupture of the single crystal due to thermal stress, for instance.

Abstract: This invention relates to reusable crucibles for production of ingots of semiconductor grade silicon made of nitride bonded silicon nitride (NBSN). The crucibles may be made by mixing silicon nitride powder with silicon powder, forming a green body of the crucible, and then heating the green body in an atmosphere containing nitrogen such that the silicon powder is nitrided forming the NBSN-crucible. Alternatively the crucibles may assembled by plate elements of NBSN-material that are to be the bottom and walls of a square cross-section crucible, and optionally sealing the joints by applying a paste comprising silicon powder and optionally silicon nitride particles, followed by a second heat treatment in a nitrogen atmosphere.

Abstract: A vacuum processing apparatus capable of attaining compatibility between the decrease for the number of foreign particles deposited on a sample in a lock chamber and improvement of the throughput, in which an open speed controllable valve is disposed and the depressurization speed can be controlled automatically by a controlling computer.

Abstract: A tire dressing applicator comprises a support shaft mounted between the ends of a bracket and a plurality of tire dressing applicator foam rollers mounted on the shaft for rotation both with the shaft and in unison with one another and, as necessary when contacting a tire sidewall, relative to the shalt itself to prevent and/or reduce unnecessary roller wear. A drizzle-type system of dressing dispensers pipes drizzles dressing onto the outside surfaces of the rollers and a felt flap spreads the dressing and prevents waste which is characteristic of spray type systems. A quick-release mechanism associated with one end of the roller shaft where it is connected to the bracket permits the shaft to be released for the purpose of replacing worn rollers. Individual rollers are constructed using hard plastic cages which are adhesively bonded in toroidal foam volumes to prevent lateral scrunching or distortion of rollers during use.

Abstract: A tire dressing applicator comprises a support and one or more foam plastic elements mounted on the support so as to contact a tire sidewall and transfer dressing onto the tire sidewall. A distribution system drips or drizzles dressing onto the element(s) after which it is spread over and into the element(s) surface. The elements can be toroidal or rectangular and have anti-distortion pins embedded therein.

Abstract: A cartridge changer (41) is composed of a swing arm (48) with a cartridge gripper (48B) for gripping a paint cartridge (24), and an arcuate moving portion (46) for putting the swing arm (48) in swinging movements in a horizontal plane. The cartridge changer (41) is adapted to pick up a replenished paint cartridge (24) on the mount deck (42) by the cartridge gripper (48B) and transfer the swing arm (48) to a changing position “O” by the arcuate moving portion (46). By the operation, a used paint cartridge (24?) will be replaced by the replenished paint cartridge (24) between the mount deck (42) and a common body (15) which is located in the changing position “O” of the atomizing head changing and washing device (31).

Abstract: A gas head that, at low cost, is capable of suppressing any deactivation of radical gas and capable of uniformly introducing a raw material gas on a substrate; and a relevant thin-film manufacturing apparatus are provided. A gas head (13) according to the present invention includes a reactive gas introduction port (30A) for introduction of a reactive gas, a plurality of raw material gas introduction ports (30B) for introduction of a raw material gas, and a dispersion board (32) for dispersing the raw material gas, wherein the plurality of the raw material gas introduction ports (30B) are disposed so as to surround the periphery of the reactive gas introduction port (30A). The reactive gas having been introduced in the reactive gas introduction port (30A) is mixed with the raw material gas having been introduced through a plurality of raw material gas introduction ports (30B) and dispersed by means of the dispersion board (32).

Abstract: A reaction tube for a semiconductor process for performing a heat process on a plurality of target objects stacked at intervals under a vacuum state is integrally made of an electrically insulating and heat-resistant material. The reaction tube includes a cylindrical sidewall that has a load port at a lower end for loading and unloading the target objects to and from the reaction tube, and a circular ceiling wall that closes an upper end of the sidewall and has a flat inner surface extending in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the sidewall. The ceiling wall has an annular groove formed in a peripheral region of an outer surface along the sidewall.

Abstract: A raw material feeding device for feeding a gaseous raw material formed by sublimating a solid raw material to a film formation system includes a raw material container for holding the solid raw material therein, a first heating unit placed at a first side of the container, a second heating unit placed at a second side thereof, the first temperature control unit for conducting a first process of controlling the first and the second heating unit to make the temperature of the first side higher than that of the second side to thereby sublimate the solid raw material disposed at the first side, and the second temperature control unit for conducting a second process of controlling the first and the second heating unit to make the temperature of the second side higher than that of the first side to thereby sublimate the solid raw material disposed at the second side.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing uniformity of thin films deposited on a substrate includes multiple deposition sources to accommodate and discharge evaporation material. A member supports the deposition sources in a selected arrangement. A heater can be used to apply heat to the deposition sources. In another embodiment, the apparatus can include a container to accommodate evaporation material. The container may include aperture at or near its center. A cover caps an opening of the container and includes multiple gas outlets. The apparatus further includes a heater disposed along an inner surface of the aperture and along an outer surface of the container.

Abstract: A film forming apparatus includes a chamber for accommodating a wafer; a mounting table arranged in the chamber to mount the wafer thereon; a shower head arranged to face the mounting table for injecting a processing gas into the chamber; and a gas exhaust mechanism for evacuating the chamber. The shower head is provided with a center portion in which a plurality of gas injection holes are formed for injecting the processing gas; and an outer peripheral portion disposed at outside of the center portion without having the gas injection holes. The film forming apparatus further includes a heat dissipating mechanism for dissipating heat of the shower head from the entire circumference of the outer peripheral portion to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A collapsible bowl described herein includes a base, wherein the base includes a top, a bottom, a chamber that is between the top and the bottom, a first edge, and a seam, wherein the base is foldable along the seam. The collapsible bowl also includes a first side that includes a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge of the first side is coupled to the first edge of the base, wherein the chamber is configured to receive a foldable cooling apparatus that is adapted to modify a temperature of a liquid in the collapsible bowl.

Abstract: Provided are methods for preparing edible aquatic animals for storage by placing a living aquatic animal into a medium containing trehalose, allowing the live animal to remain in the trehalose solution for a period of time, and removing and processing the animal for storage and/or use for human consumption. The medium may contain a sugar alcohol, such as maltitol. Also, the living aquatic animal may be placed in a medium containing an acid, such as citric acid.

Abstract: A marginals aquarium planting system includes a hanging planter and at least one disc-like trellis raft floating in front of the hanging planter. The trellis raft is comprised of sections of closed-cell foam that form an asymmetrical latticework. The system can also include supplementary floats.

Abstract: An automated feeding station feeds an animal in a feeding event. An automated collection system, such as a urine collection system, fecal collection system, or combination urine/fecal collection system, collects and excrement from the animal in an excrement elimination event. The feeding event and excrement elimination events provide insights into the health of the animal.

Abstract: The bird waste catcher for a cage door is a device that is adapted for mounting on the door of a standard wire mesh birdcage. A pair of brackets attaches to the cage door with nuts and bolts and supports a detachable receptacle. The receptacle is mounted on the door of the birdcage for catching excrement and other debris created by a pet bird perched on top of the birdcage door.

Abstract: A cat litter box has a housing and a tray. The housing has a bottom segment and a top segment. The bottom segment has a lower chamber, a front open end and a slope. The slope is formed in the lower chamber. The top segment is formed on the bottom segment and has an upright passage and a front entrance. The upright passage is above the slope. The tray is mounted in the lower chamber through the front open end. The cat litter box is configured to provide litter-cleaning procedures to cats so that a cat may drain in the cat litter box without bring inadvertently out litter particles to pollute everywhere to result in frequently cleaning of the indoor environment.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, an animal behavioral control apparatus includes a cartridge, a housing, a head, and a horn. The cartridge contains pressurized gas. The housing surrounds at least a part of the cartridge. The head is connected to the housing and includes an actuator and a valve. The valve engages the cartridge when the actuator is actuated in order to release gas out of the cartridge. The horn is removably connected to the head. When the horn is not connected to the head, the animal behavioral control apparatus ejects a blast of gas when the actuator is actuated. And when the horn is connected to the head, the animal behavioral control apparatus emits a sound when the actuator is actuated.

Abstract: A protective enclosure, such as a visor, for use on a dog (or other animal) comprising a body foldable into the general shape of the animal's head, wherein the body includes an upper portion adapted to fold around the animal's snout so as to form a front opening for the animal's mouth and nostrils, and a rear portion adapted to be foldable over the rear of the animal's head so as to form one or more ear openings, and wherein said body includes a compliant internal spacer adapted to hold the enclosure snugly in engagement with the animal's head when applied to the animal.

Abstract: A water heater includes a sealed combustion chamber and one or more fans for raising pressure in the combustion chamber to increase efficiency of the water heater. The pressure permits a more restrictive baffle to be used in the flue compared to baffles used in atmospheric water heaters. The water heater may include a water temperature sensor that activates the fan without activating the burner if water temperature raises above a desired temperature. The water heater may also include pressure and vapor sensors to ensure the combustion chamber is properly sealed and there are no flammable vapors present prior to igniting the burner. The fans are relatively small and run off the same DC power that runs an electric gas valve. The fans may be, for example, 12 or 24 Volt fans with power inputs of about 10 Watts or less.

Abstract: An engine system comprising an engine, hydrogen medium capable of repeating chemically storing and discharging hydrogen, an exhaust gas pipe from said engine; and a reactor unit bearing a catalyst; wherein the hydrogen generated using the heat of the exhaust gas in said reactor unit or the mixture of the hydrogen and said hydrogen medium being supplied to said engine; wherein said reactor unit includes at least first reactor and second reactor in said exhaust gas pipe and each of said reactors comprises a partition wall disposed between an exhaust gas passage and a hydrogen medium passage; and wherein the thermal resistance of said partition wall of said first reactor positioned on the upstream side is larger than that of said second reactor positioned on the downstream side, and said hydrogen medium is supplied from said first reactor to said second reactor.

Abstract: A cooling system (100) for an engine (150), comprising at least one coolant pump (120) for pumping a coolant through the engine (150) and a thermostat (140) operable to selectively direct said coolant from said engine (150) via a bypass (115) back to said engine (150) or via a main radiator (110) back to said engine (150) in response to a temperature of said coolant from said engine (150), and an expansion vessel (130) for deaerating said cooling system (100). The system (100) includes a first deaeration conduit (13V) connecting a high point of said engine (150) to said expansion vessel (130), and a second deaeration conduit (138?) connecting a high point of said main radiator (110) to said expansion vessel, and said first and second deaeration conduits (137?, 138?) are provided with at least one heat exchanger (145, 145?) for cooling coolant flowing through said deaeration conduits (137?, 138?).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a reciprocating combustion engine. A method includes operating a dual-piston engine including introducing a gas into a pair of combustion chambers; introducing a fuel into the pair of combustion chambers; compressing the gas; combusting the gas and the fuel; and exhausting combusted gases. Each of the pistons drives a reciprocating crankshaft that protrudes through a cylinder wall and cooperatively rotate a pair of rotors by engaging substantially sinusoidal cam tracks on the rotors. An apparatus includes a cam driven, concentric drive rotary-valve dual-piston engine.

Abstract: The present invention includes fluid control systems employing compliant electroactive materials.

Abstract: A valve actuation system for providing added motion in the valve mechanism of an internal combustion engine with at least one inlet valve and at least one exhaust valve is provided. The valve mechanism includes a rotatable camshaft including rising and falling ramps designed to interact with a valve control plunger inside a cylinder for actuation of the inlet or exhaust valve under the action of a valve spring. The cylinder communicates with a hydraulic fluid feed line via a check valve and with a hydraulic control circuit allowing a return movement of a valve to be delayed in relation to the timing of the corresponding falling ramp. The hydraulic control circuit includes a first and a second hydraulic fluid flow restrictor connected to the control plunger cylinder at different levels along its longitudinal axis. A selector valve enables a connection between the cylinder and hydraulic fluid return line to be opened via either one only or both flow restrictors.

Abstract: To provide a variable valve driving device which can accurately control the lift amount of valves and can be manufactured at a low cost. The device has: valves (10) serving as intake valves or exhaust valves of an engine; springs (11) for biasing the valves (10) in the valve closing direction; a cam (12) for pressing the valves (10) in the valve opening direction against a biasing force of the springs; a piston (19) joined to the valves (10); a control chamber (21) configured by a piston insertion hole (20) into which the piston (19) is inserted; and a control mechanism (24) for changing the valve closing timing of the valves (10) by controlling the introduction and discharge of a working fluid into and from the control chamber (21).

Abstract: When an engine operates at low engine speed, the tip end of a cam nose of an intake cam is at a second position. As the engine speed increases and exceeds a first engine speed, the tip end of the cam nose of the intake cam moves to a first position. When the engine operates at high engine speed, the tip end of the cam nose of the intake cam is at the first position. As the engine speed decreases and becomes lower than a second engine speed smaller than the first engine speed, the tip end of the cam nose of the intake cam moves to the second position different from the first position.

Abstract: In a variable intake apparatus for a V-type internal combustion engine, each of plural intake pipes is separated from a surge tank by a partition wall, and communication ports, provided in the partition wall for the respective intake pipes, are opened and closed by respective variable intake valves to adjust length of intake passages. The variable intake valves in one of two parallel rows are offset from the variable intake valves in the other row. The variable intake valves are opened and closed by turning the turning shafts to which the variable intake valves are connected. Further, a synchronization mechanism synchronously turns the turning shafts (5a; 5b), and is connected between the paired turning shafts. The turning motion of one turning shaft is transmitted to the other turning shaft via the synchronization mechanism, and the variable intake valves are synchronously opened and closed.