Abstract: A manifold actuator assembly is provided with a manifold comprising a block, and a hydraulic actuator connected to a solenoid valve within the block. The solenoid valve controls hydraulic, linear movement of a rod of the hydraulic actuator. The manifold actuator assembly may be used in a metering system to open and close movable gates disposed downstream from a meter roller before product enters a distribution system. The manifold actuator assembly may also be used as a locking apparatus to lock and unlock members in a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: A trench opener/closer is provided for an agricultural seeding machine movable in a planting direction. The trench opener/closer includes a disc opener assembly, a gauge wheel assembly, a closing assembly, a boot member, and a seed delivery member. The disc opener assembly has a first axis of rotation. The gauge wheel assembly has a second axis of rotation disposed rearward of the first axis of rotation in the planting direction. The closing assembly has a third axis of rotation disposed rearward of the second axis of rotation in the planting direction. The boot member extends between the disc opener assembly and the closing assembly. The seed delivery member is disposed rearward of the disc opener assembly in the planting direction. The seed delivery member is disposed adjacent to both a trailing edge of the boot member and the closing assembly.

Abstract: A planting unit for a seeding machine having a seed meter with a metering member that moves seed sequentially along a first path to a release position at which the seed is moving in a first direction and a delivery system adapted to take seed from the metering member at the release position and control movement of the seed from the seed meter to a discharge location adjacent a seed furrow formed in soil beneath the seeding machine. The delivery system, at the release position, moves seed in a second direction along a second path.

Abstract: A planting unit for a seeding machine having a seed meter with a metering member. The metering member has a sidewall with inner and outer surfaces and apertures extending through the sidewall. The metering member is adapted to adhere seed to the apertures to sequentially move seed to a release position at which the inner surface of the sidewall is facing downward such the seed is hanging beneath the sidewall. A mechanical seed delivery system takes seed from the metering member at the release portion and controls movement, of seed from the seed meter to a discharge location adjacent a seed furrow formed in soil beneath the seeding machine.

Abstract: Seed meters, agricultural planters, and methods of planting seed are provided. Such meters, planters, and methods may include a housing defining a chamber, a seed disc rotatably coupled to the housing and at least partially positioned within the chamber with the seed disc adapted to engage a seed, and a sensor for detecting a characteristic of the seed after the seed disengages the seed disc and before the seed exits the seed meter. The sensor may be coupled to a seed chute of the seed meter and may detect a wide variety of seed characteristics such as seed position within the seed chute, seed size, and seed shape. The seed characteristic may be used to adjust operation of the seed meters, agricultural planters, and methods. In some instances, the adjustment may be manual. In other instances, the adjustment may be automatic.

Abstract: A data generating device includes a selection portion that selects a plurality of patterns from among patterns that are to be sewn based on sewing data stored in a storage portion, an acquisition portion that acquires first sewing data that are sewing data for sewing the plurality of patterns selected by the selection portion, an arrangement setting portion that sets an arrangement of the plurality of patterns selected by the selection portion, a first sewing data generating portion that generates second sewing data based on the first sewing data that are acquired by the acquisition portion, and a first storage control portion that causes the second sewing data generated by the first sewing data generating portion to be stored in the storage portion such that it can be acquired by the acquisition portion.

Abstract: A water jet propulsion boat has a water jet propulsion device in a body, and is propelled by the water jet propulsion device. An electric unit having a waterproof structure and being separate from the body can be removably disposed in a storage section without using any tools. The storage section is defined by a recess provided in the body and being open upward.

Abstract: A bridle line control winch for a deflector for marine towing, with fore and aft double or triple bridle lines to attachment points in upper, possible middle, and lower parts of the deflector, preferably in horizontal plate frames, wherein at least said fore or aft bridle lines are arranged to be adjusted inwardly and outwardly so as for adjusting an attack angle of said deflector relative to a course line. The bridle line control winch is provided with a pivotally arranged control winch frame arranged between said bridle lines' attachment points to the deflector, and the bridle lines themselves. The control winch frame is provided with a winch sheave with an asymmetrically arranged pulley arranged on said winch sheave for holding an eyelet or end of said bridle line. The winch sheave is arranged to be driven by an actuator in a desired direction of rotation.

Abstract: A shallow draft boat having a boat hull that allows for stability, maneuverability, and speed while needing only inches of draft. The hull generally includes a ski, a bottom shell, a left and right chine and a bow wrapper.

Abstract: The invention is a method for mooring a marine vessel (P) using three or more anchor lines (11a, 11b, . . . ) comprising—laying out each anchor line (11) with an anchor in a desired position relative to the platform, with a seabed anchor chain (10) extending towards the desired position of the platform (P), with the seabed chain (10) connected to a fibre rope's (20) arranged for being extended through the sea and connected to an anchor winch chain (30) and being tightened by an anchor winch (31) on the vessel (P), wherein the fibre rope (20) is prepared by being packed to a bundle or coil (21) arranged in a protective container (24) on the seafloor, and arranged for being released and pulled out of the container (24) at a predetermined pulling force, and arranged for being picked up and connected to the anchor winch chain (30).

Abstract: A subsea vertical glider robot which supports deployment in subsea oilfield activities is disclosed. This vertical glider robot can also be used in oceanographic research exploration. One application of this vertical glider robot is the autonomous delivery of equipment and sensor systems to a precise predetermined location on the sea floor. The vertical glider robot is deployed from a surface ship or any other suitable sea surface platform and allowed to free fall to the bottom of the ocean. The traversal through the body of water is performed primarily by converting initial potential energy of the apparatus into kinetic energy, it does not use propellers. The traversing of the seafloor is controlled with a steering module that refines orientation while processing information about the vertical glider robot's current position and the target where it has to land.

Abstract: A wakeboard tower having an elevated tow point and a bimini or other sun cover integrated to the tower in a manner that does not interfere with the tow point.

Abstract: A fluid detecting adhesive article that indicates when a substrate or device to which the adhesive article is applied has been submerged in a fluid, such as water. The adhesive article may be an adhesive tape, label or sheet.

Abstract: Multi-sector mechanism (1) for displaying a physical quantity on a timepiece (100), on several partial displays (2), each representing the change in said physical quantity over a given partial range (3), the total range of variation in said quantity being covered by the set of said partial ranges (3), each partial display (2) including an indicator (4) that moves relative to a scale (5) representing the partial range (3) specific thereto. Each partial display (2) includes a continuous mechanism (11) for moving the moving indicator (4) thereof opposite a scale representing said total range, and includes eclipsing means arranged for only allowing said moving indicator (4) to be seen opposite said scale (5) representing the partial range (3) specific thereto, and for reducing or obscuring visibility of said moving indicator (4) opposite the scales representing any other partial ranges, and said continuous mechanisms (11) of said partial displays (2) are all synchronous with each other.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a single crystal pulling-up apparatus of pulling-up silicon single crystals by a Czochralski method, is provided with: a neck diameter measuring portion which measures a diameter of a grown neck portion; a first compensation portion which outputs a first compensated pulling-up speed for the seed crystals based on a difference between a measured value of the diameter of the neck portion and a target value of the neck portion diameter previously stored; a second compensation portion which outputs a second pulling-up speed while limiting an upper limit of the first pulling-up speed to a first limit value; and a crucible rotation number compensation portion which lowers the number of a rotation of a crucible at least in a period where the upper limit of the first pulling-up speed is limited to the first limit value.

Abstract: A pressure differential is applied across a mold sheet and a semiconductor (e.g. silicon) wafer (e.g. for solar cell) is formed thereon. Relaxation of the pressure differential allows release of the wafer. The mold sheet may be cooler than the melt. Heat is extracted almost exclusively through the thickness of the forming wafer. The liquid and solid interface is substantially parallel to the mold sheet. The temperature of the solidifying body is substantially uniform across its width, resulting in low stresses and dislocation density and higher crystallographic quality. The mold sheet must allow flow of gas through it. The melt can be introduced to the sheet by: full area contact with the top of a melt; traversing a partial area contact of melt with the mold sheet, whether horizontal or vertical, or in between; and by dipping the mold into a melt. The grain size can be controlled by many means.

Abstract: A wafer holder used in a film forming apparatus is disclosed. The wafer holder including a boat holding a plurality of wafers and a reaction gas supply part supplying a reaction gas from a side surface of the plurality of wafers held by the boat, and the wafer holder further includes an upper wafer holder being placed to cover an upper surface of each of the plurality of wafers when the plurality of wafer is supported by the boat and including a gas introduction suppression part suppressing an introduction of the reaction gas onto the upper surface of each the plurality of wafers by surrounding each of the plurality of wafers.

Abstract: A semiconductor epitaxial substrate includes: a single crystal substrate; an AlN layer epitaxially grown on the single crystal substrate; and a nitride semiconductor layer epitaxially grown on the AlN layer, wherein an interface between the AlN layer and nitride semiconductor layer has a larger roughness than an interface between the single crystal substrate and AlN layer, and a skewness of the upper surface of the AlN layer is positive.

Abstract: Equipment for depositing a fluid deposition substance onto baked goods, comprises a reservoir for the fluid deposition substance. a deposition unit to deposit the fluid deposition substance onto the baked goods, a feed means to feed the fluid deposition substance from the reservoir into the deposition unit, a conveyor configured underneath the depositing unit to convey the baked goods relative to the deposition unit along one direction of conveyance, a collecting unit situated underneath the conveyor to collect excess deposition substance that was not received on the baked goods, and a temperature controller allowing to temperature-control the equipment at least in segments. The conveyor is fitted with substantially bar-shaped baked-goods support elements which are configured mutually spaced apart in the direction of conveyance (R1) and in a direction (R2) transverse to the direction (R1).

Abstract: Methods and process steps for mapping, cleaning and providing barrier coatings to interior walls of piping systems. An entire piping system can be cleaned in one single pass by dry particulates forced by air and the piping system coated in one single pass. Pipes can be protected from water corrosion, erosion and electrolysis. Pipes having diameters of approximately ?? up to approximately 6? are treatable. Piping systems such as potable water lines, natural gas lines, HVAC, drains, and fire sprinkler systems in homes, apartments, high-rise hotel/resorts, office towers, high-rise apartment and condominiums and schools, can be treated. The coating forms an approximately 4 mils or greater covering inside the pipes. Buildings can return to service within approximately 24 to approximately 96 hours.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell manufacturing apparatus is provided which prevents the occurrence of transport wrinkles due to driving rollers transporting the film substrate, and which can improve workability.

Abstract: A conveying device for a deposition device includes a transport device and a carrier. The transport device includes a main body, two wheels, a connection shaft, and a first bevel gear. The connection shaft is mounted on the main body. The two wheels are mounted on two opposite ends of the connection shaft. The first bevel gear is sleeved on the connection shaft. The carrier includes a revolving frame, a rotating shaft, a second bevel gear, and at least one carrying bar. The rotating shaft is mounted on the revolving frame. The second bevel gear is sleeved on one end of the rotating shaft and meshed with the first bevel gear. The revolving frame rotates relative to the rotating shaft. The at least one carrying bar is mounted on the revolving frame and driven by the rotating shaft to rotate. Each carrying bar includes supporting elements for carrying workpieces.

Abstract: An activator means for use in activating or re-activating adhesive and sealant compositions that have been pre-applied to a bonding surface prior to mating said bonding surface said means having a plurality of features for directly acting upon the pre-applied composition.

Abstract: A surface wave plasma CVD apparatus includes a waveguide that is connected to a microwave source and formed of a plurality of slot antennae; a dielectric member that introduces microwaves emitted from the plurality of slot antennae into a plasma processing chamber to generate surface wave plasma; a moving device that reciprocatory moves a substrate-like subject of film formation such that the subject of film formation passes a film formation processing region that faces the dielectric member; and a control device that controls the reciprocatory movement of the subject of film formation by the moving device depending on film forming conditions to perform film formation on the subject of film formation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to apparatuses for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes. In one embodiment, a reactor lid assembly for vapor deposition is provided which includes a first showerhead assembly and an isolator assembly disposed next to each other on a lid support, and a second showerhead assembly and an exhaust assembly disposed next to each other on the lid support, wherein the isolator assembly is disposed between the first and second showerhead assemblies and the second showerhead assembly is disposed between the isolator assembly and the exhaust assembly.

Abstract: A method of forming (and apparatus for forming) a metal oxide layer, preferably a dielectric layer, on a substrate, particularly a semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly, using a vapor deposition process and ozone with one or more metal organo-amine precursor compounds.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out atomic layer deposition onto a surface of a substrate by exposing the surface of the substrate to alternate starting material surface reactions, the apparatus including two or more low-pressure chambers, two or more separate reaction chambers arranged to be placed inside the low-pressure chambers, and at least one starting material feed system common to two or more low-pressure chambers for carrying out atomic layer deposition. The apparatus includes at least one loading device arranged to load and unload substrates to/from the reaction chamber and further to load and unload the reaction chambers to/from the low-pressure chambers.

Abstract: A thermal spraying apparatus prevents adhesion of spray fumes to unsprayed regions of a bore surface during arc spraying. The apparatus includes a spray gun movable within a cylinder bore. The spray gun has at one end thereof a first discharge opening facing a direction orthogonal to the movement direction, has a second discharge opening facing direction orthogonal to the nozzle, and has, at a predetermined region located further to the side in the movement direction of the spray gun than the nozzle, third discharge openings for discharging a fluid and facing the same direction as the nozzle. A droplet, formed as arc spray wire material melts at the tip of the spray gun, is stretched with auxiliary air. By blowing atomizing air onto the droplet, spray particles are formed and sprayed onto the bore surface. Simultaneously, fume adhesion prevention air is blown toward the cylinder bore surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to apparatuses and methods for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes. In one embodiment, a CVD reactor has a reactor lid assembly disposed on a reactor body and containing a first showerhead assembly, an isolator assembly, a second showerhead assembly, and an exhaust assembly consecutively and linearly disposed next to each other on a lid support. The CVD reactor further contains first and second faceplates disposed on opposite ends of the reactor body, wherein the first showerhead assembly is disposed between the first faceplate and the isolator assembly and the exhaust assembly is disposed between the second showerhead assembly and the second faceplate. The reactor body has a wafer carrier disposed on a wafer carrier track and a lamp assembly disposed below the wafer carrier track and containing a plurality of lamps which may be utilized to heat wafers disposed on the wafer carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides an evaporation boat, comprising: a source material container configured to contain source material and provided with an opening; a cover plate disposed, with a predetermined gap, above the opening of the source material container, wherein the vertical projection of the cover plate covers the opening of the source material container, so that the scattering range of the source material vapor formed by evaporating the source material is controlled by the cover plate as the source material vapor scatters through the predetermined gap to the outside of the evaporation boat; and a supporting member connecting the source material container and the cover plate to maintain a predetermined gap therebetween.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a system for cleaning teats of multiple milk-producing animals, wherein the animals are housed in a parlor area and the teats are cleaned or disinfected before a milking operation is started. The system comprises an aqueous chlorine dioxide disinfectant solution source provided at the parlor area; and, a hand-held applicator having a housing volume within which one or more scrubbing elements are positioned for engaging a teat of the milk-producing animal having been inserted in the volume for cleaning. The hand-held applicator is remotely operable relative to the disinfectant solution source.

Abstract: A milk pump that is connected to, but electrically isolated from dairy lines, pipes, and other electrically conductive components using insulators in the milk pump between a motor and a pump.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of supplying liquid consumable substances to animals using a dispenser device, including storing a volume of viscous fluid in a storage chamber of the dispensing device, capturing a roller ball in a flanged opening at an open end of the dispensing device such that a first surface of the roller ball communicates with the storage chamber, communicating at least a portion of the stored volume to the first surface such that a quantity of the stored volume adheres to the first surface, and exposing a second surface of the roller ball to an animal's tongue such that when the animal licks the second surface, the roller ball rotates with respect to the flanged opening to deliver at least a portion of the adhered quantity to the animal as a reward for a desired exhibited behavior of the animal.

Abstract: The disclosure provides processes that maintain or adjust levels of ammonia and nitrite in a liquid. The processes utilize a bacterial composition capable of oxidizing ammonia and nitrite. The processes are useful in the rescue or preservation of aquatic organisms.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for applying a chemical, such as an ammonia control chemical, in an animal house. The apparatus includes spreading apparatus adapted to be installed at an elevated position in the animal house and adapted for spreading the chemical onto the floor in the house. The apparatus also includes feeding apparatus adapted for feeding the chemical from a supply to the spreading apparatus. A method of controlling ammonia emissions from an animal agriculture operation includes applying an ammonia control chemical during both the early part and the late part of the grow out of the animals so that the chemical contacts ammonia from animal waste and reduces or prevents its emission into the air.

Abstract: A woodchip based bio-filtration system for odor and particulate matter removal from exhaust fan emissions from confined animal feeding operation buildings where visual inspection of the initial point of contact between the airflow from the building and the organic media can be made, and where the initial point of contact is directly sprayed with nozzles and/or stirred or agitated manually or mechanically to disperse matter (feathers, dust, fecal matter, etc.) which might tend to restrict airflow through the media.

Abstract: An animal toy includes a compressibly elastically deformable hollow thin-walled elastomer core sealingly circumscribing a center, includes an exterior including a first gravure elastomer relief surface and a second surface, includes a wall less than about eight millimeters thick, and includes points on the exterior at varying distances from the center. A fabric cover is affixed to the second surface and has a selected thickness, the ratio of the thickness of the fabric cover to the thickness of the wall being in the range of 1:6 to 1:0.15.

Abstract: A device and methods of using the device to deter squirrels from accessing an elevated location such as a bird feeder or birdhouse. The device includes an exposed coiled spring that surrounds the supporting pole, stick, wire or string. The coil is exposed, with no structure (e.g., a tube, cylinder, etc.) covering at least the bottom of the coil, preferably the entire length of the coil. When the device is on pole and a squirrel jumps on it as it attempts to climb, the coiled spring collapses under the weight of the squirrel, dropping it back to the ground. When the device is hung above a bird feeder around the support and a squirrel attempts to descend to the feeder, the coiled spring collapses under the squirrel's weight, stretching the squirrel's body and causing it to pull itself back up to the tree branch.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for averting water fowl settlements using a humane, non-lethal, optionally solar and rechargeable battery operated microcontroller controlled by preset code, a multi-patterned and changing light generating apparatus, with at least 500 nm to 570 nm visible and 300-399 nm ultraviolet spectrum LED lights, activated by means for sensing ambient light levels to determine activation periods and resting periods for retraining water fowl to relocate settlements to an alternate location by disrupting their dark-adapted night vision. The apparatus may be in the form of a floating buoy or a land or other structural surface mountable device and includes means to prevent perching thereon.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a hands-free device for restraining and controlling pets (mostly dogs) and small children. The device allows a person to walk pets and children allowing for a host of conveniences, heretofore not available. The invention has three main elements: (1) a Hip Strap; (2) a sliding component called the “Slider;” and (3) a hands-free retractable leash connected to the “Slider.” The user wears the device at the hips below the waistline adjusting hip belt at his/her convenience. By connecting the end of the hands-free retractable leash lead to a dog collar, or a child's harness, user is ready for walking. To accommodate user's needs, the device is adaptable for light, medium, and heavy pulling forces. Additional features may be incorporated such as reflectors and other safety features.

Abstract: A diaper is provided for a domesticated animal and includes a first portion and a second portion, each sized based on a circumference of a waist of the animal. The diaper includes a third portion to link the first portion and the second portion, and is sized based on a second distance from a location on a back of the animal within the circumference to a location on an underside of the animal within the circumference of the waist. The diaper further includes a hole formed within the third portion to pass the tail of the animal. A first edge of the tail opening is positioned based on a first distance from the back location to the first edge of the tail, and a second edge of the tail opening is positioned based on a mid-point of the second distance.

Abstract: The collar for animals, in particular dogs, has a fastener which is designed as a click lock and has a housing (20) and a locking tongue (22). The housing (20) and locking tongue (22) can be plugged in in a plug-in direction (24). The housing (20) and the locking tongue (22) each have an end piece (46). A lead can be releasably fastened to a lead ring (26). A neck part (28) can be connected to the fastener to form a ring; said neck part has two connecting regions (42), each of which is connected to an end piece (46). A bearing opening (64) is formed in the fastener, the bearing opening having an axis line which runs transversely with respect to the plug-in direction (24) and substantially parallel to a central axis (66) of the collar. The lead ring (26) is held pivotably in the bearing opening (64).

Abstract: This invention relates to a heating/cooling system operating on the basis of a novel SPLIT BUFFER TANK; representing an efficiency improvement alternative to HVAC systems functioning with existing commercial buffer tanks. Currently, commercial buffers have the heat source provider (HSP)-return and system-return discharging to a common buffer/vessel. Novel SPLIT BUFFER is provided with a SEPARATION DISK placed inside the tank as mechanical way of separating the hot water inflow from the HSP from the warmer water inflow from system return. The disk moves up and down along the tank driven by demanded water supply and return. Pump-1 circulates hot water from the hot section of the buffer to the secondary system claiming for heat. Pump-2 circulates warmer water from the warmer section of the buffer through the HSP where it is reheated, and subsequently stored in the hot section of the buffer to reinitiate this cycle again.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water heater comprising a water tank, and a number of passageways for connection of valves and water tubes, in which an integrated channel or void is at least extending below the water tank and leads into an outlet to a drain. In one aspect, the invention also relates to a combination for a water heater comprising a top cover and a bottom tray, and in another aspect to a bottom cover for a wall mounted water heater.

Abstract: The insulation kit for covering a hot water boiler has a series of insulation panels joined to each other along straight joints and corner joints. Each of the straight joints and corner joints has elastic tape mounted transversely thereon in a stretched mode, for maintaining the joints in a compressed state. In another aspect, each vertical corner joint is a miter joint forming a right angle, and is made with abutting edges each having a 55° bevel angle thereon in a relaxed mode.

Abstract: A circulating fluidized bed boiler includes a rectangular furnace which is horizontally enclosed by a front wall, a back wall and two sidewalls, and multiple particle separators connected to the upper portion of each of the front wall and the back wall. Each particle separator includes a gas outlet, and flue gas duct system connected to the gas outlets for conducting cleaned flue gas to a back pass. The particle separators are arranged in pairs of particle separators. Each pair of particle separators includes a front separator arranged adjacent to the front wall and a back separator arranged adjacent to the back wall. The flue gas duct system includes cross over ducts, each cross over duct connecting the gas outlet of a front separator of a pair of particle separators, across and over the furnace, to the gas outlet of the back separator of the same pair of particle separators, and to the back pass, which back pass is arranged on the back wall side of the furnace.

Abstract: One embodiment of an improved method for reducing engine system (10) fuel requirement comprised of recovering engine (12) waste energy (30) and of converting (60) engine waste energy (30) into usable energy (64)(66); and, a means of re-introducing usable energy into engine (12), whereby engine primary fuel requirement is reduced and air emissions diminished. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: A general-purpose liquid-cooled engine delivers a coolant cooling an engine body to a radiator and delivers a cooling air to the radiator by use of a cooling fan to cool the coolant. A cover structure of the general-purpose liquid-cooled engine covers the engine body and the radiator. An engine cover is configured so as to allow the cooling air to be delivered to the radiator. A muffler cover covers a muffler disposed adjacent to an external surface of the engine cover. An exterior cover covers an entire engine including the engine cover and the muffler cover.

Abstract: Embodiments for cooling a turbine of an engine are provided. In one example embodiment, an internal combustion engine comprises a turbocharger including a turbine having a coolant jacket integrated in a housing of the turbine, and an oil circuit coupled to the coolant jacket of the turbine. By cooling the turbine with the oil circuit, the turbine may be constructed from less-heat resistant materials.

Abstract: A liquid-cooled engine provided with cooling means for cooling an area surrounding a combustion chamber using a cooling liquid cooled by a radiator and caused to flow through a cooling passage. The cooling passage is embedded inside a cylinder block and a cylinder head. The cooling passage is formed in a continuous fashion such that the cooling liquid is introduced from the radiator to cool an area surrounding the combustion chamber, and thereafter returns to the radiator by looping around an area surrounding an exhaust valve for opening and closing an exhaust port of the combustion chamber.