Abstract: An orifice plate for improving particle distribution within a coal piping system includes a plate body defining a central orifice therethrough bounded by an inner periphery of the plate body. The plate body is configured and adapted to be affixed between end flanges of adjacent pipes in a coal piping system so as to generally align the central orifice with an internal flow passage through the coal piping system. Flow disruption features are defined in the inner periphery of the plate body. The flow disruption features are configured and adapted to disrupt a flow of air and particles flowing through the central orifice to provide a more uniform distribution of particles downstream of the plate body than upstream.

Abstract: A quilting machine including a roller frame (5) to support at least one pair of rollers (1,2,3), adapted to support quilting, the rotation of the rollers (1,2,3) allowing the fabric to move towards and away from the arm of a sewing machine, a sliding track (7,8) adapted to support the sewing machine and allow its movement in the plane of the roller axes, a pivoting element (14) to enable the roller frame (5) to pivot about an axis parallel to the roller axes so the fabric may be kept at a constant distance from the sewing machine as the diameter of the rolled fabric changes.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes: a memory unit for storing design pattern information corresponding to different design patterns, and stitch type information corresponding to different types of stitch patterns; a selecting unit operable so as to output a control signal corresponding to a selected design pattern and a selected type of the stitch pattern; a processing unit coupled to the memory and the selecting unit, and responsive to the control signal from the selecting unit to output an image signal; and a projector receiving the image signal from the processing unit and operable so as to project an image corresponding to the image signal. The image shows a picture corresponding to the selected design pattern and having a contour formed by the selected type of the stitch pattern.

Abstract: A mechanism for releasing and retracting an anchor chain into/from water in marine vehicles, comprising a stowing reservoir which is driven by a motor for automatically stowing the chain.

Abstract: A swingable spacing dock is configured to berth a ship spaced from the shoreline and includes a support positioned on shore, a swingable dock arm pivotally mounted on the support, and a powered drive. The dock arm is driven by the powered drive to swing between a ship docking position where the dock arm extends outwardly beyond the shoreline to engage the berthed ship and a storage position where the dock arm is positioned substantially entirely over the shore.

Abstract: A stabilizing chamber to be used with a mobile offshore unit and a method of manufacturing and stabilizing therewith are disclosed. The stabilizing chamber includes a housing configured to removably receive and retain fluid therein, a first support, and a second support. The first and second supports are attached to the same side of the housing, and at least one of the supports is configured to support the weight of the stabilizing chamber. These supports are then configured to removably connect with the mobile offshore unit. The housing of the stabilizing chamber may be filled with fluid to at least partially submerge the stabilizing chamber. After fluid is received within the stabilizing chamber, the stabilizing chamber may be disconnected from the mobile offshore unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a watercraft attachment device for joining two watercrafts comprising: a pair of parallel tubes, where said parallel tubes are substantially parallel to the watercrafts; a pair of perpendicular tubes, where said perpendicular tubes are substantially perpendicular to the two parallel tubes and adjoin the parallel tubes; four abutting corners, where the four abutting corners are formed by the intersecting tubes; a plurality of hook attachments extending from the each corner, where said hook attachments extend over a lip of each cockpit within the watercrafts to connect the watercrafts to the watercraft attachment device; and at least one tension cord extending from each corner, where said tensioning cords tighten the hook attachments to secure the watercraft attachment device in place.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a whistle which has a resonance frequency shifted to the low-frequency side and a pleasant tone while retaining a compact size and light weight. In order to attain this object, a whistle comprises a mouthpiece portion, inside which an air passageway is formed and in which an air opening is opened, and a body portion, in which a connected resonance chamber that is connected to the air passageway is formed; the connected resonance chamber comprises a first resonance chamber, a second resonance chamber in which a sound-emitting opening is opened, and an orifice connecting the first resonance chamber and the second resonance chamber.

Abstract: A whistle is provided with an interior that can be cleaned. The whistle has a body with a resonance chamber wall. One face of a resonance chamber formed by the resonance chamber wall is open. A side plate is formed separately from the body, and can be attached to and removed from the body. The side plate has a first portion that blocks the one face of the resonance chamber when attached to the body. A first flange is provided on the first portion and is engageable with the resonance chamber wall. At least one of the resonance chamber wall and the first flange is elastically deformable. An air passageway, the resonance chamber, an air opening that is opened in the air passageway, and a sound-emitting opening that is opened in the resonance chamber are formed by the body and the side plate.

Abstract: An indicating device includes a drive member and a driven member. The driven member is non-rotatably immobilized by the successive engagement of a convex surface on the drive member with a plurality of concave surfaces on the driven member. The driven member further includes a plurality of protrusions that are successively received in a recess of the drive member as an engagement member engages the driven member and rotates the driven member. The driven member has dispensing indicia. In another aspect, an indicating device includes an indicator member having dispensing indicia. A stop member is selectively engaged with successive ones of a plurality of stop surfaces on the indicator member such that the indicator member is non-rotatable. Methods for indicating the amount of substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container are also provided.

Abstract: An analog-style gauge for displaying the value of a parameter measured or sensed by a remote sensor. The gauge comprises an actuator having a selectively rotatable shaft and a pointer fixedly attached to the actuator shaft and capable of being internally illuminated by light directed into the pointer. A light source is disposed to direct light of at least two colors into the pointer. Control circuitry is operably connected to the actuator, the light source and a remote sensor. The control circuitry rotates the actuator shaft within a range of motion in response to signals received from the remote sensor indicative of changes in the value of the sensed parameter. The control circuitry changes the color of light directed into the pointer when the pointer reaches a pre-determined point within the range of motion, whereby the internal illumination of the pointer will change color when the pointer reaches a predetermined point within the range of motion.

Abstract: A crucible holding member includes a crucible supporting portion and an external fitting member. The crucible supporting portion includes a plurality of divided graphite pieces longitudinally divided in parallel to an axis line of the crucible supporting portion and radially arranged. The external fitting member is circularly formed and fitted on a body portion of the crucible supporting portion to bind the divided graphite pieces in a circumferential direction. The external fitting member is made of a C/C composite.

Abstract: A silica glass crucible having a sidewall portion and a bottom portion is provided with a first synthetic silica glass layer constituting an inner layer at least in the sidewall portion, a second synthetic silica glass layer constituting an inner layer at least in a region including a center of the bottom portion, and a natural silica glass layer constituting an outer layer in the sidewall portion and the bottom portion. A melting rate of the second synthetic silica glass layer with respect to a silicon melt is higher than that of the first synthetic silica glass layer. An aluminum concentration of the second synthetic silica glass layer is higher than that of the first synthetic silica glass layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic assembly comprising a cosmetic or dermatological composition contained in a reservoir, the said composition being liquid and comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one pulverulent phase, and the said composition having a viscosity ranging from 5 to 500 mPa·s, and to a device for spraying the said composition, comprising a sonotrode (82) that is fed with composition via a hollow channel for feeding with product to be sprayed.

Abstract: In a powder spraycoating cabin or substructure for same, a cabin bottom contains bottom flaps configured near outer longitudinal walls and a walk-on bottom part situated between the bottom flaps. The bottom flaps are rotatable about an axis of rotation running in the lengthwise cabin direction, as a result of which the width of lengthwise bottom gaps situated bilaterally about the flaps can be varied. A suction duct is situated underneath. The walk-on bottom part is fitted with compressed-air outlets to blow compressed air toward/into the lengthwise bottom gaps.

Abstract: The invention to a device (10) for supporting a substrate during the manufacture of semiconductor components, comprising a substantially flat plate with an upper surface (11) on which the substrate can be positioned. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a device (10). The object of the invention is to provide a device (10) according to the preamble, which is of inexpensive and simple construction but which also allows the passage of a process gas in the direction of the substrate under certain manufacturing conditions, for example for supplying a protective gas to the substrate or having the substrate rest on an air cushion. According to the invention, the upper surface (11) of the plate is at least partially porous (14). Thus, costly and extremely precise machining of the device (10), as usually required in the current state of the art, is unnecessary, thereby making it possible to manufacture the device (10) at much lower cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for hot-dip coating of a metal strand, in particular a steel strip, in which the metal strand (1) passes vertically through a vessel containing a melted coating metal (2) and an upstream guide channel (4) in a region of which at least two inductors (5) for producing an electromagnetic field are arranged on both sides of the metal strand (1) for retaining the coating metal (2) in the vessel and an increased volume of the coating metal (2) is available in at least one section (4a). For killing the coating metal bath, according to the invention, the increased volume is provided in a region of the magnetic field of the inductors (5).

Abstract: A machine for applying ultraviolet light to curable coatings on floors and other wide area surfaces. A housing encloses rotating arms carrying UV lamps spinning about a central axis. Rotation is caused by reactive momentum from heated air jets coming from fans in barrels blowing air over heated wires, resembling hand held hair dryers, with the barrels supported under rotating arms. The heated wires are ballast for the lamps, providing thermal and electrical stability. The rotating lamps cover an annular pattern which, when advanced forwardly, becomes a linear swath, almost as wide as the housing. A floor, or similar surface, can be cured in a few minutes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing apparatus of a semiconductor device, having a pattern-forming apparatus using a droplet-discharging method that is suitable for a large substrate in mass production. A plurality of pattern-forming apparatuses using a droplet-discharging method and a plurality of heat-treatment chambers are provided, and each of which is connected to one transfer chamber, which is a multi-chamber system. Discharging and baking are conducted efficiently to improve productivity. A gas is blown in the same direction as the scanning direction (or a scanning direction of a discharging head) on a substrate just after a droplet is landed, by providing a blowing means in the pattern-forming apparatus, and a heater is provided in a gas-flow path for local baking.

Abstract: A film depositing apparatus comprises: a transport unit that transports a substrate along a predetermined transport path; a first film deposition compartment that is provided with a first film depositing unit for forming an organic layer on a surface of the substrate; a second film deposition compartment that is disposed downstream of the first film deposition compartment in the transport path and which is provided with a second film depositing unit for forming an inorganic layer on top of the organic layer; and an evacuating unit that reduces the pressures within the first film deposition compartment and the second film deposition compartment.

Abstract: A susceptor includes a first step portion on which a wafer is placed; and a convex portion placed on a bottom surface of the first step portion, wherein a void is formed between a top surface of the convex portion and a rear surface of the wafer in a state in which the wafer is placed on the top surface of the convex portion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing flow uniformity are provided herein. In some embodiments, a slit valve having increased flow uniformity may be provided, the slit valve may include a housing having an opening disposed therethrough, the opening configured to allow a substrate to pass therethrough; a gas inlet formed in the housing; an outer plenum disposed in the housing and coupled to the gas inlet; an inner plenum disposed in the housing and coupled to the outer plenum via a plurality of holes; and a plurality of gas outlets disposed in the housing and fluidly coupling the opening to the inner plenum.

Abstract: A dairy stable (5) and a method for controlling a stable (1), preferably a dairy stable (5) for milking livestock (4), having at least one milking system including at least one, preferably automatic, milking stations (8, 9, 12, 13, 14), and where the individual animal's access to milking is controlled, preferably via a transponder or similar on the animal. Furthermore, a milking station (8, 9, 12, 13, 14) for use in connection with a method and a dairy stable (5). In this manner, it is ensured that, within a given time interval, all animals (4) are guided to one or more selected milking stations (8, 9) at least once, where the selected milking station or stations (8, 9) are adapted in a special way with test equipment for determining various conditions of or at the milk and differently as compared to other milking stations (12, 13, 14).

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention are directed towards an apparatus for feeding, amusing, and training animals and pets. Various embodiments of the invention comprise a remote control vehicle that is configured to feature a vessel. The vessel may be loaded with foods or treats in order to reward an animal that successfully completes a chase of the vehicle.

Abstract: A cat litter box having a base and detachable cover secured to the base. The front portion of the top of the cover and an inwardly and outwardly swinging door attached to the front portion together form a bifolding door for opening the front and a portion of the top of the box for servicing the litter box. The cover when detached from the base nests with the base for storage and shipping the box.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of free L-proline in the preparation of a supplement, and to a supplement so prepared, as well as a method using such a supplement for supplementing the concentration of cellular free L-proline in abalone and for restricting the dehydration of abalone. The supplement is further effective in reducing the levels of free radicals in abalone experiencing water stress and hypoxic stress. The invention further relates to a method of restricting the dehydration of abalone during storage and transportation including the step of administering to abalone an effective amount of free L-proline.

Abstract: Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.

Abstract: The invention provides an indoor livestock confinement system that includes a plurality of hollow plastic panels. Each panel includes a plurality of spaced tabs at its ends. A first end of each panel includes a first set of tabs, and a second end of each panel includes a second set of tabs. Each set of tabs includes at least one tab at a top portion of the end, at least one tab at an intermediate portion of the end, and at least one tab at a lower portion of the end. The tabs of the first set are offset vertically from the tabs of the second set such that the first set of tabs of a first panel fit vertically between the second tabs of another panel when the ends of the panels are put together. Each tab includes a hole such that a rod can be inserted down through the tabs to lock the panels together. The livestock confinement system may include additional features, such as ventilation components, reinforced panels, and bucket holders.

Abstract: A pet grooming comb includes a grip having a plurality of first coupling portions circularly arranged around a longitudinal axis thereof and a comb head having a plurality of teeth and a second coupling portion selectively coupled to one of the first coupling portions. Thus, a user can adjust a setting angle of the comb head relative to the grip by means of the engagement of one of the first coupling portions of the grip with the second coupling portion of the comb head, thereby enhancing convenience of use.

Abstract: A pet grooming comb includes a grip and a comb head. The comb head has a comb bar connected to the grip, and a comb plate provided with a base portion detachably mounted to the comb bar, and a plurality of teeth mounted to the base portion. A user can use different comb plates that have different types of teeth to comb different characteristics of a pet's hair, thereby enhancing convenience of use.

Abstract: A grip for a pet grooming comb includes a head portion, a body portion, a concavity at at least one of top and bottom sides of the head portion for accommodation of a user's thumb or forefinger, and two opposite curved surfaces at a junction of the head portion and the body portion to be nestled by a part of the user's hand between the thumb and the forefinger. Thus, the grip of the present invention has an ergonomic design to be operated effortlessly.

Abstract: A method of reducing herbaceous fuels may include identifying a region to reduce herbaceous fuels, dividing the region into susceptible areas, placing the susceptible areas in an order, and introducing an ingestible into a first susceptible area in the order. The method may also include selecting an ungulate group and the ingestible may be highly palatable, portable, and self-limiting. Placing the susceptible areas in an order may include analyzing the susceptible areas for a level of susceptibility, prioritizing the susceptible areas based on each area's conditions and surroundings, and/or considering practical aspects of treating all of the susceptible areas of the region. The ingestible may be moved throughout the region to reduce herbaceous fuels.

Abstract: A wound disturbance protection device can utilize a small replaceable battery of about three volts, and utilizes a circuit board containing a micro-controller, a sensible voltage output circuit, which may have a direct current or an alternating current output, and an extended tongue or other structure touch circuit having a replaceable flexible adhesive backed electrical circuit. The flexible circuit is preferably attached in a spiral fashion to present an alternating set of conductors and may preferably be used atop a bandage. The applied shock is only external to the bandage and will thus be localized to the animals sense organs on touch and will avoid any possibility of current and voltage coursing through other parts of the animal's body.

Abstract: A wound disturbance protection device can utilize a small replaceable battery of about three volts, and utilizes a circuit board containing a micro-controller, a sensible voltage output circuit, which may have a direct current or an alternating current output, and an extended tongue or other structure touch circuit having a replaceable flexible adhesive backed electrical circuit, and the circuit board may be removable from the flexible adhesive backed electrical touch circuit. The bandage protector includes embodiments which may be attached in a spiral fashion, an adhesively attached fashion or in an overlapping fashion, and in a number of specialized shapes for special service on an animal, including breathing holes and incision openings. The applied shock is only external to the bandage and will thus be localized to the animals sense organs on touch and will avoid any possibility of current and voltage coursing through other parts of the animal's body.

Abstract: A heatable pet garment comprised of a garment covering the body of an animal with an opening for the head of said animal and at least two openings for the legs of said animal; a heat device within said garment to produce heat to warm said garment; a rechargeable electrical source to power said heat device; a mechanism to recharge said electrical source; and a control unit to turn said electrical source on and off.

Abstract: A wound disturbance protection device can utilize a small replaceable battery of about three volts, and utilizes a circuit board containing a micro-controller, a sensible voltage output circuit, which may have a direct current or an alternating current output, and an extended tongue or other structure touch circuit having a replaceable flexible adhesive backed electrical circuit, and the circuit board may be removable from the flexible adhesive backed electrical touch circuit. A deep sleep mechanism operates to conserve battery power when the flexible electrical circuit is not connected. The applied shock is only external to the bandage and will thus be localized to the animals sense organs on touch and will avoid any possibility of current and voltage coursing through other parts of the animal's body.

Abstract: A cooling system for air ports and other ports in furnace walls includes a cooling medium pumping system and ports provided with a cooling medium piping or channels inside the metallic port material. The liquid flow generated by the cooling medium system cools the ports. The ports are constructed of a casting material, and the ports are provided with a cooling liquid flow, which passes in a piping or pipings or channels inside the casting material of the ports.

Abstract: A flue offering reduced pluming is provided, the flue comprising a flue pipe for carrying flue gas and a liquid collector adapted to collect condensation from the interior of the flue pipe and to shield it from the flue gas.

Abstract: A cooling structure for a working vehicle in which a shroud is attached to a radiator provided to a vehicle body, and an air-cooling fan is made face to an airflow opening of the shroud, wherein the shroud comprises a shroud body attached to the radiator, and an opening member having the airflow opening, and further comprises securing means capable of fixing the opening member to the shroud body, and of freely adjusting a fixing position of the opening member with respect to the shroud body, and a relative position between the air-cooling fan and the airflow opening of the shroud is made freely adjustable. With the configuration above, the sufficient amount of heat radiated by the radiator can be obtained without causing the disadvantages such as increased noise.

Abstract: A cooling air conduit for motorcycle engine which is particularly suitable for V-twin cylinders is provided which is constructed of a conduit body of elongated, tapered shape formed by a top panel, a bottom panel and two side panels such that a cool air passageway is formed inbetween the panels to direct cool air, away from the first cylinder, and onto the second or rear cylinder for efficient cooling.

Abstract: A drive unit and a method for the operation thereof. The drive unit has an internal combustion engine in operative connection with a driven shaft and a reciprocating piston expansion engine in an operative connection with a crankshaft. The driven shaft is mechanically connected to the crankshaft by a clutch in such a way that torque is transmitted from the crankshaft to the driveshaft. The reciprocating piston expansion engine has at least one cylinder, and a fluid is guided from a fluid supply into an interior of the at least one cylinder at least occasionally via an inlet valve and a bypass valve which is arranged in parallel with the inlet valve.

Abstract: An improved ball type valve rotator is provided that includes a main body segment having a bottom wall with an upper surface, and a body cap that overlies the main body segment. A ball cages assembly is housed between the main body segment and the body cap. The ball cages assembly includes multiple ramps with lower surfaces that are spaced from the bottom wall upper surface of the main body segment. This allows the multiple ramps to deflect toward the bottom wall upper surface of the main body segment. The multiple ramps can deflect independently of each other, so that different distances can be defined between the different ramps and the bottom wall upper surface of the main body segment. In so doing, the ball cage assembly can accommodate non-uniform applications of force into the valve rotator.

Abstract: A continuously variable valve lift apparatus includes an input cam disposed to a camshaft and rotating, a follower supporting portion rotatably disposed to the camshaft for changing a relative angle of the follower with respect to the camshaft, a follower that includes a center shaft, is connected with the follower supporting portion via the center shaft, and pivots around the center shaft by receiving rotation movement of the input cam, a straight line guide, an output cam that contacts the follower and reciprocates along the straight line guide, and a valve opening unit that is opened by pushing of the output cam.

Abstract: A continuously variable valve lift apparatus may include an input unit, a camshaft for receiving rotation from the input unit, wherein one end portion of the camshaft is slidably coupled to the input unit in a longitudinal direction of the camshaft, a controlling unit for controlling a relative position of the camshaft in the longitudinal direction of the camshaft, a slanted cam disposed to the camshaft and a cross-section of which is slanted with a predetermined angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the camshaft, a mediating unit slanted with substantially the same angle of the slanted cam and pivoting in response to rotation of the slanted cam, and a valve opening unit that is opened/closed in response to the pivoting motion of the mediating unit.

Abstract: A device (1) for modifying the control times of an internal combustion engine (100) is provided, including a drive gear (13), a driven element (4) and a swashplate mechanism (2). The torque of the crankshaft (101) is transferred via a primary drive to the drive gear (13), and via the swashplate mechanism (2) to the driven element (4) which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the camshaft (11). The drive gear (13) can be rotated in relation to the driven element (4) via the swashplate mechanism (2), whereby a continuous phase modification of the camshaft (11) relative to the crankshaft is possible. According to the invention, foreign body collecting pockets (33) are provided in the housing of the swashplate mechanism (2), wherein foreign substances entering into the lubricant can be collected.

Abstract: When an engine speed of an engine is low, a force by a spring to bias a low speed lock pin in the direction in which the pin is to be inserted into a low speed pin introduction hole is greater than a centrifugal force acting on a weight. This causes the low speed lock pin to be inserted into the low speed pin introduction hole, so that the phase of an intake camshaft relative to an exhaust camshaft is fixed. When the engine speed of the engine is high, a force to bias a high speed lock pin in the direction in which the pin is to be inserted in a high speed pin introduction hole by a centrifugal force acting on a weight is greater than a force by a spring to bias the high speed lock pin in the direction in which the pin is pulled out from the high speed lock pin introduction hole. This causes the high speed lock pin to be inserted into the high speed pin introduction hole, so that the phase of the intake camshaft relative to the exhaust camshaft is fixed.

Abstract: A vane-type phaser connected to drive an assembled camshaft includes a drive member and a driven member each connected to a respective one of the inner and outer shafts of the camshaft. A first of the members includes a disc with at least one arcuate cavity that is open at both axial ends. The second member includes two closure plates sealing off the axial ends of each cavity of the first member and at least one vane formed separately from the closure plates which is movably received in a respective cavity to divide the cavity into two variable volume working chambers. Each vane is secured at both its axial ends to the two closure plates.

Abstract: A camshaft adjuster (1) for an internal combustion engine is provided, which includes a housing (21) and in which a relative angular position between a driving gear (22?) and an output element allocated to the camshaft is adjustable. In a first connection region (28), the housing is connected in a fixed manner to a support element (20) which is connected in a fixed fashion to a plastic toothed ring (19) in a radially outward direction in a second connection region (29). The outer surface of the carrier element (20) fits an inner surface of the toothed ring (19) in the second connection region (29). The carrier element (20) makes it possible to bridge the radial gap between the toothed ring (19) and the outer surface of the housing (21), and the second connection region accurately predefines a position of the toothed ring (19).

Abstract: A valve drive system comprises a power transmitting mechanism (13) that converts rotary motion of an electric motor (12) into opening and closing motion of an intake valve (3) provided in a cylinder (2) of an internal combustion engine (1) to transmit power from the electric motor (12) to the valve (3) via a cam (152); and a rotational angle restricting mechanism (16) that is provided in a motion transmission path that extends from the electric motor (12) to the cam (152) and restricts rotation of the cam (152) within a predetermined angular range that is set so that a piston (5) of the engine (1) and the intake valve (3) do not interfere with each other. The rotational angle restricting mechanism (16) comprises a flange (161) that rotates as a unit with a camshaft (151) and forms a slotted groove hole (161a) thereon; and a stopper pin (162) that is inserted into and retracted from the groove hole (161a).

Abstract: Provided herein are, among other things, jet fuel compositions and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, the fuel compositions comprise at least a fuel component readily and efficiently produced, at least in part, from a microorganism. In certain embodiments, the fuel compositions provided herein comprise a high concentration of at least a bioengineered fuel component. In further embodiments, the fuel compositions provided herein comprise amorphane.