Abstract: A flexible, digital enhanced reading device (P) comprises at least one label containing encoded information, a spatially structured element placed over the label itself, defined by a material indicating predetermined temperature level and exposure time range, and comprising a material with morphological and/or structural and/or chemical and/or physical state changing properties detectable following a predetermined heat absorption; the mentioned spatially structural element is adapted to at least partially cover determined zones of said label with dimensions between 0.01% and 100% of the surface of the label itself, and comprises molecular materials and/or polymer materials and/or liquid crystals and/or mixtures of said materials in any proportion.

Abstract: A monitoring unit for a measuring instrument (100) with a pointer (120) and a face (110), pointer (120) and face (110) having mutually differing reflection behaviors for light, comprising at least one first detecting means (210) with a light source (220) and a sensor (230), and at least one fastening means (250) for fastening the detecting means (210) on the measuring instrument (100), it being possible to arrange the detecting means (210) with the aid of the fastening means (250) such that the first sensor (230) can pick up light (228) reflected by the measuring instrument (100) that was emitted by the first light source (220).

Abstract: There is provided an indicator in which a moving member 9 on which a pointer 21 is installed is caused to run on a guide rail 1 formed along a scale formed on a dial, characterized in that the moving member 9 comprises a first support member 11 for pivotally supporting a plurality of pulleys 17 which are arranged along the guide rail 1 and a second support member 13 for pivotally supporting at least a pulley 17, and in that the plurality of pulleys 17 pivotally supported on the first support member 11 and the pulley 17 pivotally supported on the second support member 13 hold the guide rail 1 therebetween and the first support member 11 and the second support member 13 are assembled to each other so as to slide in an inter-axis direction of the plurality of pulleys 17 which are pivotally supported on the first support member 11 and the pulley 17 which is pivotally supported on the second support member 13, the indicator having further a spring member 15 for biasing the first support member 11 and the second su

Abstract: Methods and systems related to an improved controlled heat extraction system for crystal growth, such as sapphire crystal growth are described, including methods and systems for mechanical probe-based and pyrometer-based inspection and automation processes, methods and systems for avoiding fusion of components, methods and systems for purging an inspection window, and methods and systems related to alternative crucible shapes.

Abstract: A nitride semiconductor layer formation method includes the steps of: (S1) placing a substrate in a reaction chamber, the substrate including an m-plane nitride semiconductor crystal at least in an upper surface; (S2) increasing a temperature of the substrate by heating the substrate placed in the reaction chamber; and (S3) growing a nitride semiconductor layer on the substrate. In the temperature increasing step (S2), a nitrogen source gas and a Group III element source gas are supplied into the reaction chamber, whereby an m-plane nitride semiconductor crystal having a smooth surface can be formed even if the thickness of the layer is 400 nm, and its growth time can be greatly decreased.

Abstract: A coating apparatus includes a first vessel, a revolving unit, and a motor having a drive shaft. The first vessel has a receiving space defined therein for receiving substrates and a first solution. The revolving unit is received in the receiving space and rotatable relative to the first vessel to impart a centrifugal force to the first solution. The drive shaft is coupled to the revolving unit. The motor is configured for rotating the revolving unit.

Abstract: An automated fluid dispenser for smoothly applying a viscous fluid onto a component is provided. The automated fluid dispenser can have a nozzle with a nozzle tip and a support. The nozzle can be pivotally attached to the support about a pivot axis. In addition, a tension member can be attached to the nozzle, the tension member applying an anti-pivoting force to the nozzle when it pivots about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A deposition mask and mask assembly having the same capable of improving deposition effieiency is discussed. Both ends of the deposition mask have a pointed cross section such that at least a part of the neighboring deposition masks overlap each other at a boundary therebetween when deposition masks are consecutively arranged in parallel.

Abstract: A protective sheet 10 is provided which exhibits excellent properties as a protective sheet and a satisfactory handleability. The protective sheet 10 is formed of a substrate 1 which is a plastic film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 2 which is provided on one side of the substrate, and satisfies all of the following properties: (A) the total flexural rigidity DTrt at 25° C. in a first direction and a second direction is from 3.0×10?6 to 20×10?6 Pa·m3; (B) the total flexural rigidity DTht at 80° C. is from 0.10×10?6 to 1.2×10?6 Pa·m3; (C) the flexural rigidity ratio DR, defined as DTrt/DTht, is from 3.0 to 80; and (D) the tensions T1rt and T2rt at 25° C. when stretched 10% in the first direction and the second direction respectively are at least 5.0 N/10 mm.

Abstract: To provide an apparatus and method of curtain coating for applying onto a running web a coating solution from a lip top in the form of curtain to form a coating thereon, wherein a fluid is blown to remove excessive deposits of the coating solution that are formed at the edges in the width direction of the coating, and the deposits blown away by the fluid are ejected.

Abstract: Substrate processing systems and methods are described for site-isolated processing of substrates. The processing systems include numerous site-isolated reactors (SIRs). The processing systems include a reactor block having a cell array that includes numerous SIRs. A sleeve is coupled to an interior of each of the SIRs. The sleeve includes a compliance device configured to dynamically control a vertical position of the sleeve in the SIR. A sealing system is configured to provide a seal between a region of a substrate and the interior of each of the SIRs. The processing system can include numerous modules that comprise one or more site-isolated reactors (SIRs) configured for one or more of molecular self-assembly and combinatorial processing of substrates.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus is described and which includes a chamber having at least two processing stations which are separated by a wall. At least one channel is formed in the wall, and wherein the channel has a width to length ratio of less than about 1:3.

Abstract: [Summary] [Problem] Provided is a vapor phase epitaxy apparatus of a group III nitride semiconductor including: a susceptor for holding a substrate; the opposite face of the susceptor; a heater for heating the substrate; a reactor formed of a gap between the susceptor and the opposite face of the susceptor; a raw material gas-introducing portion for supplying a raw material gases from the central portion of the reactor toward the peripheral portion of the reactor; and a reacted gas-discharging portion. Even when crystal growth is conducted on the surfaces of a large number of large-aperture substrates, the vapor phase epitaxy apparatus can eject each raw material gas at an equal flow rate for any angle, and can suppress the decomposition and crystallization of the raw material gases on the opposite face of the susceptor.

Abstract: To prevent a liquid material outlet from being clogged with accretion. Disclosed is a vaporizer, which vaporizes a liquid material, discharged from the outlet of a nozzle, in a heated vaporization chamber to produce a raw gas, and which is provided with a cylindrical heated member, which is disposed between the front end of the nozzle and the vaporization chamber so as to cover the perimeter of the outlet, a carrier gas ejection port, which ejects a carrier gas from the vicinity of the outlet, a mixing chamber, wherein the liquid material discharged from the outlet is mixed with the carrier gas, which ejects the mixture toward the vaporization chamber, a first heating part, which heats the vaporization chamber from its exterior, and a second heating part, which heats the heated member from its exterior.

Abstract: A method of collecting and loading a plurality of insects of a particular type into respective insect holders includes extracting a plurality of insects from an insect habitat to a storage chamber which is operable to allow access to a plurality of exit holes and allowing access to the exit holes, followed by luring and/or compelling the insects to leave the storage chamber via the exit holes for subsequent loading into an insect holder.

Abstract: A bird feeder generally in the form of hopper feeder that is coupled with a water reservoir. The hopper feeder generally includes a seed reservoir that receives and holds bird seed, which is dispensed to the birds by way of feeding stations. The hopper further provides a liquid reservoir for dispensing drinking water to visiting birds.

Abstract: A housing for animal feedstuff including a base, a roof extending over the base, uprights spaced apart from one another and extending between the base and the roof, and a container locatable between the uprights for containing feedstuff. Livestock, such as cattle, access feedstuff within the container by way of spaces between the uprights. In an embodiment, the uprights are telescopic and the roof can be pivoted between raised and lowered positions relative to the uprights.

Abstract: A food bowl for a pet or bird having a circular member and a circular bowl for holding pet food or bird seed. The bowl is located within and spaced from the circular member to provide a gap between the circular member and the bowl. Pet food or bird seed that is either pushed or scattered out of the bowl by a pet or a bird can fall down thru the gap between the circular member and the bowl to a receiving chamber where it is collected in a removable receptacle for reuse.

Abstract: Described is a fluidic consumable dispensing device for reliably and consistently dispensing uniform animal consumables. More specifically, the device dispenses animal consumables having the viscosity of a fluid such that the consumables are not broken or malformed and do not become oriented within the device such that they clog the flow of consumables from the device.

Abstract: Containers and methods for storing animal waste, such as feline or canine waste, human waste, and/or soiled waste products, and controlling associated odor are described. A container having a compressible body with an open top, is provided, the body of the container including a material substantially impermeable to vapor to prevent permeation of odor through the body. Waste is deposited within the container, and a closing member is used to secure the open top of the container in a closed position to at least partially prevent exodus of air carrying the odor from the interior. A filtering member secured within the interior of the container further removes odor to minimize exodus of odor from the container into the surrounding environment. The container can thereby effectively store waste while controlling associated odors, enabling indoor storage, or similar temporary retention of the contained waste until outdoor disposal becomes convenient.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for incubating fish and other test specimens and a farming process for fish and other animals, both of which use an innovative concept for creating a microgravity environment on earth as a way to increase the efficiency of farming/development of fish and other animals in different stages of development.

Abstract: The invention describes previously undisclosed crystal forms of astaxanthin designated crystal form I and II. It has been surprisingly found that the two crystal forms of astaxanthin show an improved bioavailability, a relatively high solubility in specific organic solvents and an increased long-term stability. For example the new forms are stable in solid form for at least 90 days at a temperature of 20° C.-40° C. It was further found that the two crystal forms can be prepared from each other. Therefore the invention also relates to methods for preparing said crystal forms. In addition, the invention relates to administration forms (hereinafter also called “formulations”) comprising one of the two crystal forms according to the invention or mixtures thereof dissolved or suspended in oil or organic-solvent.

Abstract: A cage structure of an enclosure includes two fence panels facing to each other, and two flat panels parallel with each other. Each fence panel includes an end rod are transversely fixed onto two ends thereof. One fence panel includes several end hooks at two ends thereof; the other fence panel includes several end hooks at one end and several retaining sections at the other end thereof. Each flat panel includes an end shaft are transversely fixed onto two ends thereof and a plurality of extension sections extend outwardly from two ends thereof. One end shaft of each flat panel is accepted in the end hooks of each end of one fence panel. The other end shaft of one flat panel is accepted in the end hooks of one end of the other fence panel; the other end shaft of the other flat panel is accepted in the end hooks of the other end of the other fence panel. Therefore, the two fence panels clasp with the two flat panels to serve as the cage structure.

Abstract: A method is provided for locking a chain in a locking device. The method includes sliding a chain along a surface of a chain-locking device until contacting another surface of the chain-locking device. Subsequently, the chain is slid along the contacted surface until reaching the end of the contacted surface. At the end, or in close proximity thereto, the chain passes, or falls, or is slid into a slot of the chain-locking device to lock the chain in place. A method is also provided for coupling together a pair of portable-corral members. A portable-corral panel is provided as having a panel support structure, and a portable-corral door connected to and within the panel support structure such as to be generally flush with the panel support structure when in a closed posture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary brush for use in grooming a pet, such as a dog or cat. The brush includes a handle to which a head is rotatably mounted. The head preferably includes a series of channels that accepted elongated rows of tines. The tines can be formed in any of a variety of shapes or arrangements to facilitate proper grooming. A skin guard can also be included to prevent the tines from damaging the pet's skin. An accumulator is secured to the handle and is interdigitated with the series of upstanding tines. In this manner, the accumulator collects hair gathered by the tines.

Abstract: A tangle-free portable animal tethering device comprising a first ring with an outer circumference having a hinge and a locking mechanism, and a leash fastening member. The first ring is secured around a periphery of a cylindrical post via opening and closing the locking mechanism. The hinge is situated opposing the locking mechanism and the first ring is foldable about the hinge for ease of transport and storage. The leash fastening member may slide freely in relation to the first ring during in-use periods, and a leash may be secured to the leash fastening member allowing an animal to be tethered to the cylindrical post.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a chew-proof animal collar is provided. The collar includes a collar body portion having two or more lengths of wire rope that have a first end with a swaged termination that is attached to a fastener and a second end with a swaged termination that is attached to an acceptor. The acceptor engages the fastener wherein the engagement between the acceptor and fastener is adjustable. In another embodiment, a chew-proof animal leash is provided. The leash has a leash body portion having a length of wire rope, an owner end with a swaged termination that is attached to a carabiner, wherein the carabiner is attached to a handle, and an animal end wherein the animal end has a swaged termination that is attached to a swiveled snap-hook.

Abstract: The present invention is a multifunctional pet leash storage device for collecting and disposing animal waste. The multifunctional pet leash storage device comprises a leash housing, a waste storage compartment, a sanitary compartment, a sanitary wipe dispensing slot, a sanitary bag dispensing slot, a leash securing hole, a front lid button, a rear lid button, a handle and a battery storage compartment. The sanitary compartment includes a sanitary wipe storage area and a sanitary bag storage area. The sanitary wipe dispensing slot and the sanitary bag dispensing slot are bilaterally symmetrical to each other. The bilaterally symmetrical arrangement of the sanitary wipe dispensing slot and the sanitary bag dispensing slot provides good balance characteristics to the multifunctional pet leash storage device and an easy access of the at least one sanitary bag and the at least one sanitary wipe from the sanitary compartment.

Abstract: A twin pet leash prevents tangling by permitting the reel portion to rotate relative to the handle portion, and features individually controllable leash stop mechanisms. Even while an individual leash is stopped, the reel portion can rotate relative to the handle portion so that tangling of the pet leashes is avoided. The leash handle portion has two triggers which are color coded to match the color of the leash, so that a user can readily identify which of the two leashes are to be stopped. Either or both of the leashes can be stopped or released, without interfering with the operation of the other one of the leashes.

Abstract: A method of feeding different diets to different groups of pigs is disclosed which includes a two-way or three-way sorter in combination with a walk-through scale which directs pigs into different feed courts to feed the same different diets depending on their detected weights. The detected weights of the pigs are compared to weight set points of a pig weight growth curve in the software of the microprocessor associated with the invention.

Abstract: A rapid heating water storage water heater structure, structured mainly from a main body, two sides of which and a rear portion are fitted with hollow and interlinked water storage tanks, and a central position is provided with a holding space, which is fitted with circuitous bent pipe bodies. Fins of appropriate size are respectively fitted in gap positions between the pipe bodies, the upper portion of which is connected to a storage tank connected to the water storage tanks through a plurality of water channels, and a lower portion of the pipe bodies is fitted with a burning device used to heat the pipe bodies to produce hot water. Water within the water storage tanks is simultaneously heated and the heat retained. Accordingly, the next time hot water is required; functionality to rapidly raise the temperature of the water is achieved, and further achieves the objective of conserving energy.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing explosions, including a pressure-resistance container having a main explosion chamber introduced therein, further including a supply line for supplying a flowable explosible material, and a drain opening for the directed drainage of gas pressure caused by the ignition of the explosible material. The drain opening is closed directly by a closure means, preferably a plunger, which is pressed against the drain opening using a gas spring and held closed substantially up to the time of ignition. Before the actual main explosion, the closure means is moved by the igniting and the pressure force of an auxiliary explosion, thereby exposing the drain opening.

Abstract: A miniature sludge lance for a steam generator in a pressurized water nuclear reactor is provided. The sludge lance is structured to enter the steam generator via an inspection opening and has a body sufficiently thin to fit between adjacent tubes. The sludge lance rail has at least two types of nozzle assemblies that may be attached thereto. One nozzle assembly rotates and another nozzle assembly translates in a vertical direction. A drive assembly, a mounting assembly, an oscillation assembly, and flow straighteners are also provided.

Abstract: A miniature sludge lance for a steam generator in a pressurized water nuclear reactor is provided. The sludge lance is structured to enter the steam generator via an inspection opening and has a body sufficiently thin to fit between adjacent tubes. The sludge lance rail has at least two types of nozzle assemblies that may be attached thereto. One nozzle assembly rotates and another nozzle assembly translates in a vertical direction. A drive assembly, a mounting assembly, an oscillation assembly, and flow straighteners are also provided.

Abstract: A burner (20) for the combustion of hydrogen on a catalyst, has a body (21), a first self-ignition catalyst (23) and a subsequent group of oxidation catalysts (26), as well as a heat exchanger (35) heated by the burnt gases, wherein in the burner (20) the heat exchanger (35) is obtained as a common heat exchanger and it is arranged outside the body (21) of the burner (20) accommodating the catalysts (23, 26). A head (22) accommodating the self-ignition catalyst (23) may be separated by a body (40) accommodating the oxidation catalysts (26). A second heat exchanger (45), passed through by cold water, allows production of high purity distilled water. In the proposed boiler (41) a first part (42) accommodates the burner modules (20) and another part (43) accommodates the common heat exchanger (35) and the possible additional heat exchanger (45) for producing distilled water.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for producing steam are provided. A steam boiler system may include a steam boiler. The steam boiler may comprise an enclosure with a burner, first and second fluid conveyance members, and one or more radiants therein. The burner produces hot combustion gases which warm the fluid conveyance members and thereby the fluid therein. The radiants are also heated by the combustion gases, and they thereby emit radiation which is absorbed by the fluid conveyance members and/or the fluid therein. The boiler system may additionally comprise a steam separator which separates out a steam component. The steam component can be directed back through the enclosure in a third fluid conveyance member to expand the steam before being fed to a steam engine to produce power.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine comprises at least one cooling channel located only in the areas of at least one inflow and at least one outflow at a low level comparatively removed from the base of the piston and at a constant higher level closer to the piston base, said cooling channel comprising steep inclines between the areas located at the low and at the high level.

Abstract: A fluid cooling system of a combustion engine charged by a turbocharger includes, but is not limited to a first cooling circuit operable by a coolant pump which runs through an engine block cooling jacket and a second cooling circuit branched off from the first cooling circuit, which runs through a cooling jacket formed between an inner wall and an outer wall of a double-walled turbine housing of the turbocharger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve train for gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine, having a base camshaft, a plurality of cam carriers, which are arranged in a rotationally fixed and axially movable way on the base camshaft, as well as stopping devices for retaining the cam carriers in defined displacement positions along the base camshaft, with the stopping devices comprising in each case a pressure-applying element, which is inserted into a recess of the base camshaft and pressed in the radial direction of the base camshaft against an opposite inner circumferential section of the cam carrier. In order to counteract noise generation in the valve train, a first variant of the invention provides an additional pressure-applying element at an axial distance from the pressure-applying element. This additional pressure-applying element is pressed against an opposite inner circumferential section of the cam carrier.

Abstract: While an operating angle or a lift of an engine valve (211) is modified within a predetermined operating angle range or lift range, variation in an opening timing of the engine valve (211) is suppressed by displacing a rocker shaft (216b) relative to a drive shaft (213) such that an opening timing variation of the engine valve (211) accompanying angular variation in a straight line linking a center of the drive shaft (213) and a center of the rocker shaft (216b) and an opening timing variation of the engine valve (211) accompanying variation in a distance between the center of the drive shaft (213) and the center of the rocker shaft (216b) cancel each other out.

Abstract: A variable valve drive for internal combustion engines is used for activation of gas exchange valves, in which the gas exchange valves engage different cam profiles of a camshaft driven by the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. The camshaft has at least one displaceable cam segment that carries multiple different cam profiles having the same base circle section. Each one of the cam profiles is switched to be active for the related gas exchange valve, in accordance with the axial position of the cam segment relative to at least one related gas exchange valve. The axial positioning of the cam segment takes place by a setting shaft that can be rotated and is disposed parallel and next to the camshaft. The setting shaft has a guide track in which a tappet is guided, which acts on a transfer element that determines the axial position of the cam segment.

Abstract: A method for a laser ignition system to operate in at least two modes based on a four-stroke combustion cycle, wherein laser light energy is generated to ignite an air/fuel mixture for combustion and may be additionally used for heating cylinder walls, such as during a cold start, at times other than when the laser ignites an air/fuel mixture for combustion.

Abstract: An ECM 2 performs an idle-stop operation on a vehicle internal combustion engine 4 in an idle operation state. The ECM 2 is supplied with power from a battery 3. The ECM 2 restarts the internal combustion engine 4 upon request by supplying power from the battery 3 to the starter motor 5. The ECM 2 is programmed to determine if the ECM 2 has experienced an unexpected restart during an engine start-up operation (S1, S2), and prevent the idle-stop operation from being executed on the internal combustion engine 4 when the determination is affirmative. Thus, starting failure of the internal combustion engine 4 from an operation-ceased state can be prevented without preventing the idle-stop operation from being executed excessively.

Abstract: An insulative piston or piston cap creates a highly thermally resistive path in the axial direction of the piston or piston cap toward a crank case of an engine. An insulative cylinder is configured to be positioned around the insulative piston and adjacent an insulative cylinder head, and to provide thermal resistance in the cylinder's axial direction. The insulated cylinder head is configured to resist heat flow in the axial direction away from the crank case. High temperature insulation surrounding these structures is configured to resist heat flow out of a combustion chamber of the engine. These insulative components, together, form the fully insulated combustion chamber.

Abstract: A chain case structure of an engine includes an oil pump is disposed in a chain case and driven by a crankshaft of the engine and an oil pump case. The oil pump case includes an oil strainer mounting portion, an oil suction passage communicating the oil strainer mounting portion with a pump chamber, and a chain guide portion protruding toward the one end in the crankshaft direction of the engine and extending along an outer periphery of a timing chain. The oil strainer mounting portion is disposed below the chain guide portion, the oil suction passage portion is expanded from a wall surface of the oil pump case toward the engine and extended toward the chain guide portion, and the oil strainer mounting portion and the chain guide portion are connected by the oil suction passage portion.

Abstract: A motor vehicle and an oil supply device for a chain drive of a combustion engine for the motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to an oil collection device for collecting leakage oil of a component in the combustion engine and a feed line connected to the oil collection device, via which the leakage oil collected in the oil collection device can be fed to the chain drive.

Abstract: A compression-ignition internal combustion engine includes a plurality of combustion chambers operating in a four-stroke combustion cycle and is configured to operate at a geometric compression ratio greater than 10:1. A method for operating a the engine includes forming a fuel/air charge by injecting fuel into each combustion chamber during a compression stroke, wherein the injection is completed prior to any combustion within the combustion chamber. The method further includes operating the engine to manage temperature of the fuel/air charge in the combustion chamber below an auto-ignition point of the fuel/air charge, and providing a spark discharge in the combustion chamber subsequent to injecting the fuel and in advance of the fuel/air charge achieving an auto-ignition temperature.

Abstract: An air inlet system of an engine includes a throttle, a fan, a motor, and a throttle sensor. The fan is connected to the throttle. The motor is for driving the fan to force air into at least one intake manifold of the engine through the throttle. The throttle sensor is for controlling the rotational speed of the fan according to the motion of a throttle pedal.

Abstract: A method of managing a number of active cylinders of an engine can be provided. The method comprises: determining for a current engine operating condition a number of active cylinders required for the current engine operating condition; if the determined number of active cylinders is different than a current number of active cylinders, selecting one or more cylinder which is to be activated or deactivated in order to provide the determined number of active cylinders; where one or more cylinders is to be activated, retarding ignition timing for a cylinder preceding in firing order the first firing of a first activated cylinder; and where one or more cylinders is to be deactivated, advancing ignition timing for a cylinder that is not to be deactivated and which precedes in firing order a first cylinder which is to be deactivated.

Abstract: An engine is designed to allow a compression self-ignition combustion under an air-fuel ratio leaner than a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio to be performed at least in a partial-load range of the engine. Under a condition that an engine speed varies at a same load in an engine operating region of the compression self-ignition combustion, a compression end temperature Tx, which is an in-cylinder temperature just before an air-fuel mixture self-ignites, is controlled to be raised higher in a higher engine speed side than in a lower engine speed side. As one example of control for the compression end temperature Tx, an internal EGR amount is controlled to be increased larger in the higher engine speed side than in the lower engine speed side, to raise a compression initial temperature T0 which is an in-cylinder temperature at a start timing of a compression stroke.