Abstract: A method and apparatus for growing a single crystal Kb2Cl5 material in a growth furnace comprising an upper zone set at 480° C. A single crystal Kb2Cl5 material is grown from a single Kb2Cl5 grain until a eutectic point is reached. The upper zone is cooled at 1°/hour to 380° C. The single crystal Kb2Cl5 material is annealed. The single crystal Kb2Cl5 material is cooled at 10°/hour to room temperature. Optionally, the method further includes loading an ampoule with Kb2Cl5 powder, the ampoule including a plug, which includes a seeding well and an aperture. The Kb2Cl5 powder is melted, thereby generating a melt. The melt is frozen to capture a polycrystalline Kb2Cl5 material in the seeding well, thereby generating a polycrystalline Kb2Cl5 seed. The ampoule is loaded into the growth furnace. The polycrystalline Kb2Cl5 material is melted except for the polycrystalline Kb2Cl5 seed, the polycrystalline Kb2Cl5 seed including the single Kb2Cl5 grain.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming monocrystalline silicon ribbon. The apparatus includes a crucible wherein a silicon melt is formed. The melt is allowed to flow substantially vertically out of the crucible and to contact a silicon seed crystal before solidification. Pursuant to solidification into a ribbon, further cooling of the ribbon occurs under controlled conditions and the ribbon is ultimately cut. Also, a method for forming monocrystalline silicon ribbon using the aforementioned apparatus.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a group III nitride semiconductor crystal is provided, comprising: the step of preparing a seed crystal; and the convex surface growing step of growing the group III nitride semiconductor crystal, with a growth surface of the group III nitride semiconductor crystal constituted only by a plurality of surfaces not vertical to a growth direction, and the growth surface constituted of the plurality of surfaces formed into a convex shape as a whole.

Abstract: A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused ceramic fiber material, wherein the CNT-infused ceramic fiber material includes: a ceramic fiber material of spoolable dimensions; and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) bonded to the ceramic fiber material. The CNTs are uniform in length and uniform in distribution. A continuous CNT infusion process includes (a) disposing a carbon-nanotube forming catalyst on a surface of a ceramic fiber material of spoolable dimensions; and (b) synthesizing carbon nanotubes on the ceramic fiber material, thereby forming a carbon nanotube-infused ceramic fiber material.

Abstract: An apparatus for dressing and/or cleaning tires of a vehicle. The apparatus has a plurality of brushes in a line, at least some of which further apply fluid onto the tire.

Abstract: A paint drying booth includes a plurality of walls, a ceiling, and an access door for egress and ingress. A turbine generates heated compressed air which is delivered to the interior of the booth via a duct system. The duct is in fluid communication with an air knife having a slit which delivers a stream or sheet of air into the interior of the booth. More than one air knife can be provided, and the orientation of the plurality of air knives are coordinated to provide a flow of heated turbulent air within the booth to accelerate the drying of painted items within the booth. The turbine comprises a multi-stage compressor including a plurality of rotors and stators for compressing air passing therethrough. Optionally a pneumatic spray gun can be provided for painting the items within the booth as well.

Abstract: A substrate holder mounting device is provided that is compact and has a simple structure. The substrate holder mounting device according to the present invention is provided with: a first and a second mounting mechanisms (5, 7) that are housed in a chamber and that are respectively configured to be capable of mounting a plurality of substrate holders along a row; row direction drive means that moves the first mounting mechanism to a row direction relatively with respect to the second mounting mechanism; a shifting mechanism (30) that shifts the substrate holders between the first and second mounting mechanisms; and a link-up mechanism that changes positions of the substrate holders in the row direction in the first or second mounting mechanism by a linkage between the shifting mechanism and the above-described row direction drive means.

Abstract: A mask frame assembly for thin film deposition includes a frame having an opening and at least two unit masks having end parts in a longitudinal direction fixed to the frame, each of the unit masks comprising first regions and second regions, the first regions having unit masking patterns, each of the unit masking patterns having a plurality of openings for thin film deposition, the unit masking pattern being spaced apart from each other, each of the second regions being interposed between a pair of adjacent ones of the first regions, the first regions having a first thickness from a first surface of the unit masks, and at least a portion of the second regions having a second thickness from a second surface of the unit masks opposite to the first surface of the unit masks, such that the first regions and the at least the portion of the second regions are offset from each other in a direction normal to the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a magnetic rotatable roller with a smooth even outer surface for aligning magnetic flakes in a carrier, such as an ink vehicle or a paint vehicle to create optically variable images in a high-speed, linear printing operation. Images can provide security features on high-value documents, such as bank notes. Magnetic flakes in the ink are aligned using magnetic portions of the roller, that can be formed by permanent magnets embedded in a non-magnetic roller body, or selectively magnetized portions of a flexible magnetic cover of the roller. In some embodiments, the roller is assembled for a plurality of interchangeable sections, which can include spinning magnets. Selected orientation of the magnetic pigment flakes can achieve a variety of illusive optical effects that are useful for decorative or security applications.

Abstract: A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused carbon fiber material that includes a carbon fiber material of spoolable dimensions and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) infused to the carbon fiber material. The infused CNTs are uniform in length and uniform in distribution. The CNT infused carbon fiber material also includes a barrier coating conformally disposed about the carbon fiber material, while the CNTs are substantially free of the barrier coating. A continuous CNT infusion process includes: (a) functionalizing a carbon fiber material; (b) disposing a barrier coating on the functionalized carbon fiber material (c) disposing a carbon nanotube (CNT)-forming catalyst on the functionalized carbon fiber material; and (d) synthesizing carbon nanotubes, thereby forming a carbon nanotube-infused carbon fiber material.

Abstract: A spray nozzle 10 for a laser deposition apparatus, comprises an elongate nozzle aperture 16, a powder supply chamber 18 in fluid communication with the elongate nozzle aperture and upper and lower elongate gas apertures 26, 28 located above and below the elongate nozzle aperture respectively and extending substantially parallel to the elongate nozzle aperture. In use the powder supply chamber supplies powder to the nozzle aperture under pressure so as to cause a wide powder stream to be ejected from the nozzle aperture and the upper and lower elongate apertures eject a wide gas stream above and below the wide powder stream. When used with a laser deposition apparatus 10 a relatively wide coating of a substantially uniform thickness can be deposited.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for generatively manufacturing a three-dimensional object (3), comprising: a frame (1) defining a building field (6) at an upper portion (2) thereof; a plate (12) which connects the frame (1) with a housing (100) of the device; a support (5) which is arranged in the frame (1) and vertically movable by a lift mechanics (4) at least below the building field (6); a radiation device (7) which generates an energetic beam (8, 8?) which is focused by a deflection means (9) to arbitrary points in the building field (6), so as to selectively sinter or melt a powdery material (11) which is present in the building field (6); a coater (10) for applying a layer of powdery material (11) onto the support (5) or a previously applied layer of the powdery material (11). A thermal insulation (13) is arranged between the frame (1) and the plate.

Abstract: A spray nozzle 10 for a laser deposition apparatus comprises an array of nozzle apertures 16 arranged side-by-side, and a powder supply chamber 18 in fluid communication with the nozzle apertures 16. In use the powder supply chamber 18 supplies powder to the nozzle apertures 16 under pressure so as to cause a wide powder stream to be discharged from the array of nozzle apertures 16. When used with a laser deposition apparatus 100, a relatively wide coating of a uniform thickness can be deposited.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a first method is provided. The first method includes the steps of (1) preconditioning a process chamber with an aggressive plasma; (2) loading a substrate into the process chamber; and (3) performing plasma nitridation on the substrate within the process chamber. The process chamber is preconditioned using a plasma power that is at least 150% higher than a plasma power used during plasma nitridation of the substrate. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma film forming apparatus. In the plasma film forming apparatus, a flow control jig is disposed between a plasma nozzle and a film formation region of a substrate. The flow control jig has a plasma supply path, a raw material supply path, a film formation joined path formed by combining the plasma supply path and the raw material supply path, an exhaust path for discharging a plasma discharge gas and an unreacted raw material transported from the film formation region, and a recovery path for returning the unreacted raw material in the exhaust path to the plasma supply path.

Abstract: A dairy milker unit detacher having a milker unit support arm that resists damage and breakage by incorporating a breakaway mechanism that disengages and then automatically or easily returns the support arm to a functional arrangement when a dairy animal or other force engages the support arm.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for positioning milking cups on respective teats of a milk-yielding animal by; generating a 3D direct recording of at least one of the milking cups and at least one of the teats of the milk-yielding animal, determining a relative distance between the milking cup and the teat from the 3D direct recording using an image processing device, using a control device to process data about the relative distance determination and then calculate a drive movement for one or more actuators for moving the milking cup(s) and reducing the relative distance between a milking cup and a respective teat, carrying out the drive movement provided that an error does not occur, and making at least one 3D direct recording for being evaluated.

Abstract: A device for milking animals including a plurality of milking stations, wherein each milking station includes a milk collecting container and a displacing mechanism for displacing liquid from the milk collecting container. The milk collecting container (is connected to a first discharge line and to a second discharge line, a second central milk line is connected to the second discharge line for leading milk from a plurality of milking stations to a collective liquid discharge and further includes a line cleaning device connected to the second central milk line for cleaning at least the second central milk line with a cleaning liquid, wherein the connection of the line cleaning device with the second central milk line is located at least equally far from the liquid discharge as the connection of a second discharge line with the second central milk line.

Abstract: There is provided a method for improving the reliability and performance of a valve device that transitions between the pressure and vacuum phases for the purpose of milking animals. The improvement reduces physical wear of the movable parts within the valve device while ensuring proper function of said movable parts.

Abstract: Method of supplying feed to animals with the aid of a group of feed stations which are accessible to those animals, wherein the feed stations, following the identification of an animal, supply feed to that animal according to a feed program for that animal adjusted to that individual animal and taking into account data relating to earlier feed supplies to that animal, wherein data relating to a feed supply to an animal are made available to each feed station via data connections, and wherein, in the event of failure of the data connection for at least one of the feed stations, at least one of the feed stations is operated to switch over to a safety feed program to reduce the feed supply to an animal identified at that feed station.

Abstract: A method of feeding aquatic organisms with an artificial food. The food is in the form of microcapsules having an outer permeable polymeric shell of chitosan or alginate and an inner core of liquid food for the aquatic organism. The method involves introducing the microcapsules into an aquatic environment where they are available to be consumed by the organism. The shells of the microcapsules consist of a single polymer, the liquid food has a dry matter content comprising water-soluble, hydrolyzed proteins, peptides and amino acids, and the capsules are arranged to leak the liquid food into the aquatic environment through the shell such that at least 40% of the dry matter content remains in the capsules once the leakage has substantially ceased.

Abstract: The present invention is a nectar feeder for birds. The nectar feeder has a container for storing nectar feed. A base tray is attached to the container and connected in fluid communication with the container. A float is positioned between the container and the base tray. A ball is positioned on the float. The ball regulates the fluid communication between the container and the base tray. In operation, the nectar feed flows through the container and into the base tray until the float rises to a level where the ball prevents fluid from flowing into the base tray.

Abstract: An aquarium containing a completely submerged, substantially transparent, air chamber display case connected to the bottom floor of the aquarium. The aquarium contains an opening in the bottom floor to allow access to the air chamber display case from below. The aquarium is full of water and utilized to house aquatic animals. The air chamber display case is in fluid communication with the atmosphere and is utilized to display a bird. The aquarium is supported by an enclosed cabinet. A bird being temporarily displayed in the air chamber display case lives in a portable, self-contained, bird enclosure that is hidden from view beneath the aquarium and enclosed by the cabinet. An opening in the top of the bird enclosure is aligned with the access openings to the air chamber display case to allow the bird to travel from the bird enclosure to the air chamber display case.

Abstract: The invention comprises an aquarium drain line attachment or guard apparatus and method for the application thereof. During use, the attachment affixes to the top of an aquarium drain stand pipe. The guard contains a water flow path passing through an opening having physical dimensions limiting passage of snails and/or invertebrates. The silencer includes one or more of: a snail or invertebrate barrier, an angled overflow, a housing, a cap, a drain line size adaptor, and an auto-leveler and/or placement fitting or ring.

Abstract: An animal cage including a plurality of joined walls defining an interior and presenting a first opening for accessing the interior. A door that is mounted over the first opening is moveable between closed and open positions alternately limiting and allowing access to the interior. A divider is operable from outside the cage to removably engage at least one of the walls for dividing the interior into first and second chambers. The divider presents an opening for passage between the chambers. A door panel is supported by the divider and is moveable relative to the divider between a closed position blocking the opening in the divider and an open position allowing passage between the first and second chambers. The cage may comprise a cage run consisting of one or more elongated enclosures that can be divided with the removable dividers into a plurality of cage compartments.

Abstract: A system for generating evaporative cooling supported by a portable means. In particular, the present invention is related to a system and method for cooling livestock during various stages of transport or relocation. A hydraulic system is ideally described that supplies cooling liquid over at least the length of a mobile carrier to utilize evaporative cooling via nozzles and fans that can be controlled all together or separately.

Abstract: An animal restraining device and method provide dual capability for restraining an animal and administering medications. A first embodiment provides an administration tube connected to a body with handles which can be grasped by user to position the device either for restraining or administering medications. A second embodiment is a continuous hook-shaped member having a hollow passageway in order to introduce medications. The second embodiment is reversible to place either end of the device in the animal's mouth for restraining or administering medications, depending upon the size of the particular animal. The method of restraint includes positioning the device in the animal's mouth and applying a force to elicit a natural response by the animal which causes the animal to pause or remain motionless for a period of time while a caregiver may treat or examine the animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an animal restraining device to securely accommodate the animal and further prevent it from escaping the device. The device includes a substantially cylindrical shaped body having a front end, a rear end and a cavity. The front end includes an opening to the cavity for passage of the animal during loading and unloading of the animal. The device also includes a slot formed in the body configured to receive a tab following the loading of the animal in the cavity in order to block the animal from escaping the device. The device further includes an access opening formed on the top portion to permit access to body of the animal.

Abstract: A device for training or proving horses comprising a movable target which can be moved in multiple speeds and in multiple directions to simulate the natural movements of a live cow. Said target movements may be controlled by activating or creating programmed runs or by manual operation. System control and operation may be accomplished through a remote transmitter or other control interfaces.

Abstract: A modular unit is composed of a cylinder sleeve and a crankcase for an internal combustion engine. The cylinder sleeve and the crankcase each have a face surface and a cooling water space that at least partly surrounds the cylinder sleeve and is open toward the face surfaces is configured between the cylinder sleeve and the crankcase. A holder ring is provided, which completely covers the cooling water space and at least partially covers the face surface of the cylinder sleeve.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a number of power cylinders furnishing exhaust gases to at least two turbochargers having a common air inlet housing which is divided into a separate compressor housing for each of the turbochargers.

Abstract: An exhaust valve control method may include displacing an exhaust valve in communication with the combustion chamber of an engine to an open position using a hydraulic exhaust valve actuation system and returning the exhaust valve to a closed position using the hydraulic exhaust valve actuation assembly. During closing, the exhaust valve may be displaced for a first duration from the open position to an intermediate closing position at a first velocity by operating the hydraulic exhaust valve actuation assembly in a first mode. The exhaust valve may be displaced for a second duration greater than the first duration from the intermediate closing position to a fully closed position at a second velocity at least eighty percent less than the first velocity by operating the hydraulic exhaust valve actuation assembly in a second mode.

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus includes a drive-side rotation member synchronously rotating with a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, a driven-side rotation member integrally rotating with a camshaft, a rotational phase adjusting device including a retarded angle chamber and an advanced angle chamber, the rotational phase adjusting device adjusting the relative rotational phase between the drive-side rotation member and the driven-side rotation member, and a boss member provided at a portion of the driven-side rotation member facing an outer wall surface of the internal combustion engine and including a thrust surface that extends to be perpendicular to a rotational axis of the camshaft and that is exposed to the outer wall surface of the internal combustion engine. The boss member causes the drive-side rotation member to be prevented from making contact with the outer wall surface by making contact with the outer wall surface of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A device for variable adjustment of the timing of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine, which has a hydraulic phase shifting device, a camshaft and a pressurizing medium distributor. The phase shifting device can come into drive linkage with a crankshaft and is rigidly connected to the camshaft. A phase position of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft can be variably adjusted by the phase shifting device. The interior of the camshaft has a cavity that communicates with one or more camshaft bearings which are separate from a rotating pressurizing medium conveyor. The pressurizing medium distributor is disposed in a receiving area of the camshaft. The camshaft has an opening in the area of the pressurizing medium distributor, which communicates with the interior of the camshaft and the pressurizing medium conveyor. A pressurizing medium path is inside the camshaft, which communicates the opening and hydraulic phase shift device.

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus includes a phase holding mechanism for holding relative phase between an inner peripheral member and an outer peripheral member to a predetermined intermediate phase between a most advanced angle phase and a most retarded angle phase, a fluid feeding device for feeding fluid to an advanced angle chamber or a retarded angle chamber through a first fluid passageway or a second fluid passageway, and a fluid control valve for switching over the passage for the fluid discharged from the fluid feeding device to either the first fluid passageway or the second fluid passageway and controlling the feeding amount of the fluid. The phase holding mechanism is configured to have its holding state for holding the relative phase released by a fluid pressure of the first fluid passageway or the second fluid passageway to whichever the fluid control valve starts the feeding of the fluid.

Abstract: Described is an electric machine (1) in a vehicle, in particular a starter or a starting device for starting an internal combustion engine, comprising a first electric terminal (2) and at least one second electric terminal (3). In order to make it easier and less expensive to design and assemble the electric machine in a vehicle, the at least two electric terminals (2, 3) are arranged such that an electric connection to the at least two terminals (2, 3) can he established by means of a connecting device that forms a unit and has at least two electric power cables.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reducing gear (3), in particular for a starter device (1) of an internal combustion engine, for speed-reducing coupling of a drive shaft and a driven shaft (5, 7), said coupling accomplished by way of at least two toothed gears (11) that engage with one another. The toothed gears (11) comprise straight cogs, and the cogging (30) is extra deep cogging (31). The invention further relates to a starter device (1) of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A control system for an engine including a starter may include a speed determination module that determines a first rotational speed of the engine during a run period contiguously following a period of starting the engine using the starter, and a speed control module that, when the first rotational speed falls below a predetermined speed greater than zero during the run period, selectively activates the starter to increase the first rotational speed. The speed control module may selectively activate the starter by selectively adjusting, based on the first rotational speed, a second rotational speed of a motor drive of the starter that supplies torque for cranking the engine and subsequently selectively engaging one of the motor drive and a first rotational member of the starter rotationally driven by the motor drive with a second rotational member of the engine. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A starting system for an internal combustion engine includes a pinion gear selectively driven by a starter motor, a drive plate having a set of teeth in constant meshed engagement with the pinion gear and a one-way clutch adapted to interconnect the drive plate and an engine crankshaft. The clutch assembly includes an inner race adapted to be fixed for rotation with the crankshaft. An outer race is fixed for rotation with the drive plate and has circumferentially spaced apart cam surfaces. The clutch also includes a cage for positioning rollers in circumferentially spaced apart alignment with the cam surfaces. A pair of seal plates are coupled to one of the inner race and the outer race. Each seal plate is positioned proximate to and spaced apart from the other of the inner race and the outer race.

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes an inner race, an outer race and a plurality of roller elements positioned radially therebetween. The clutch assembly also includes a cage assembly, a seal and a retaining ring. The cage assembly includes a skeleton coupled to a spring ring having a plurality of radially extending guides arranged to circumferentially space apart each roller element in alignment with cam surfaces formed on the outer race. The guides are resiliently deformable to allow concurrent engagement of each roller element with both the inner and outer races. The seal engages an inner surface of the outer race and an outer surface of the inner race, and is positioned axially outboard of the roller elements. The retaining ring is positioned within ring grooves formed on each of the inner and outer races to restrict movement of the cage.

Abstract: A modular intake manifold system that allows different assembly embodiments enabling different ramming effects for a V type multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. The present invention comprises a uniquely shaped runner manifold and plenum chambers for optimized airflow.

Abstract: A mounting device can mount an intake manifold to an engine and includes a bending moment applying device applying a bending moment to the intake manifold as the intake manifold is mounted to the engine.

Abstract: A carburetor provided on an intake pipe is disclosed. The carburetor includes a rotary cock attached to a fuel chamber. The cock is used for opening and closing fuel channels and drain channels. The cock has a rotational axis inclined relative to the central axis of the intake pipe.

Abstract: An engine valve is provided with a valve head, a cap disposed opposite of the valve head; and a stem interposed between the valve head and the cap. The stem has a cylindrically shaped surface and at least one helical section embedded in the stem. The helical section includes alternating crests and roots in which the roots depend inwardly in a direction of a centerline of the valve such that the surface area of the stem is periodically interrupted by the helical section. The introduction of the valve with helical section in an engine increases engine efficiency and reduces fuel consumption. Methods of making and using the engine valve are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston for an internal combustion engine, having shaft wall sections on the pressure and counter-pressure side, and connecting walls between the shaft wall sections, characterised in that the connecting walls are arched on the counter-pressure side, and that the connecting walls are largely straight on the pressure side such that the counter-pressure side is more elastic than the pressure side.

Abstract: A lubricating oil supply device for an internal combustion engine in which a lubricating oil pump is provided to one end of a balancer shaft, but an oil conduit is not required to be provided to the balancer shaft. The lubricating oil pump is connected to one end of the balancer shaft. An intake oil conduit for directing lubricating oil to the lubricating oil pump is disposed inside a wall thickness of a crankcase. A discharge oil conduit for directing lubricating oil pressurized in the lubricating oil pump to the in-shaft oil conduit is disposed within the wall thickness of the crankcase.

Abstract: An engine provided with a turbocharger includes a timing chain, a chain case mounted to one end in an axial direction of a crankshaft disposed in the so as to cover the timing chain to define a chain chamber, a turbocharger disposed on one side in a width direction of the engine and driven by an exhaust gas and including a bearing portion, and a lubricating device for lubricating oil within the engine. The lubricating device includes an oil pan disposed below the engine, and an oil drain passage through which the oil lubricating the bearing portion returns to the oil pan. The oil drain passage has an oil drain port which is opened to the chain chamber defined by the one end portion of the axial direction of the crankshaft in the engine and the chain case.

Abstract: A rotary apparatus is described having: a vane; a rotor comprising a center, the rotor configured to carry the vane; and a housing, the rotor operatively mounted within the housing. The vane includes: a central vane axis extending longitudinally through the vane along a y-axis, the y-axis comprising a line from the center of the rotor to the housing, and a vane end intersecting the y-axis, the vane end proximate an inner surface of said housing. The vane end of the vane further includes a vane extension protruded radially outward from about the vane end along an x-axis about perpendicular to the y-axis, the vane extension comprising at least one aperture therethrough. During operation of the rotary apparatus, fuel flows through the aperture reducing pressure between a portion of the vane extension and the housing, which facilitates vane sealing to the housing and improves efficiency by reducing engine chatter.

Abstract: The present application describes systems for water retrieval from the engine exhaust. This collected water can be used both for removing ethanol from ethanol-gasoline blends, and for use as a knock suppressant. The water that is removed from the exhaust can be used as the only source of water or in combination with water that is externally supplied. The present application also describes new means for removal of water from the exhaust that can be employed for applications. In some embodiments, an auto-heat exchanger is employed to recover water from the engine exhaust.

Abstract: An engine with a high flow capacity brake booster is disclosed. In one example, an actuator is adjusted in response to a flow between the brake booster and an engine intake manifold. Operation of the engine and vehicle brakes may be improved especially when the engine is turbocharged.