Abstract: A flechette has a forward body (20) containing its center of gravity which is connected to a tail section (24). The tail section has a pair of fins (24A, 24B) each having a preselected longitudinal angle and radial angle. When the two fins are viewed from the aft of the flechette, the pair of fins demonstrate a S-shaped orientation. The size, shape and orientation of the pair of fins provide aerodynamic stability to the flechette while allowing the flechette to be stacked with like-shaped flechettes. The two-piece assembly of the flechette easily accommodates the use of different density materials for the respective pieces.

Abstract: A method for extending a railway track downstream from an existing track end includes transporting a common track panel; positioning the common track panel downstream from the existing track, deploying an off-track moving mechanism and positioning an upstream end of the common panel vertically, in line with the existing track end; releasing the common track panel, removing the off-track moving mechanism; and installing the common track panel by lowering the common track panel until the upstream end of the common track panel is aligned with the existing track end.

Abstract: An automatic handling system applied to many wafer processing devices includes a handling rail unit and a transport vehicle unit. The handling rail unit includes at least one handling rail. The transport vehicle unit includes a plurality of OHT vehicles disposed under the handling rail and mated with the handling rail, wherein each OHT vehicle includes at least one sliding portion slidably disposed on the handling rail, at least one rotatable portion for clamping at least one wafer carrier device, and at least one suspended portion connected between the sliding portion and the rotatable portion, wherein the wafer carrier device has a wafer pick-and-place opening, and the wafer carrier device is rotated by the rotatable portion of the OHT vehicle according to the position of the wafer processing device for adjusting the direction of the wafer pick-and-place opening to face the wafer processing device.

Abstract: A railcar bogie includes: a cross beam configured to support a carbody; a pair of front and rear axles respectively provided on front and rear sides of the cross beam so as to extend along a crosswise direction; bearings respectively provided on both crosswise-direction sides of each of the axles and configured to rotatably support the axles; bearing accommodating portions configured to respectively accommodate the bearings; and plate springs extending in a front-rear direction so as to be respectively supported by both crosswise-direction end portions of the cross beam, end portions of each of the plate springs being respectively supported by the bearing accommodating portions. Each of the bearing accommodating portions includes: a case portion configured to accommodate the bearing; and supporting portions configured to support the plate springs. The plate springs are supported by the supporting portions on a center side of the axle in the front-rear direction.

Abstract: A foldable ramp for evacuation of a vehicle, the ramp including hingedly connected primary and secondary side members, a primary fixed panel fixedly attached the primary side members, a primary flipping panel extending between the primary side members adjacent the primary fixed panel and having a first end pivotally connected to the primary side members and a second end free from the side members, and a secondary flipping panel extending between the secondary side members and having a first end free from the side members and hingedly connected to the second end of the primary flipping panel and a second end pivotally connected to the secondary side members. The ramp is configurable between a folded and a deployed position, with the panels in the deployed position forming a ramp surface and the panels in the folded position being stacked one against the other.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various building materials used in the building and construction industry, and to buildings or objects constructed therefrom, and to methods of making these building materials. The building materials comprise a polymeric material, such as sodium alginate and/or calcium alginate which confers significant flame-, fire- and heat-resistance or imperviousness to the materials. Other substances can be added to the materials to improve cross-linking and/or to produce resistance to fungal degradation. The building materials which can be produced, processed, or treated using the alginate polymers of the invention include, but are not limited to, wood products; masonry products; wall, roofing, flooring and siding products; and paint products. Further, sodium alginate in the form of a gel may be used as a firebreak to effectively stop the advance of grass fires, wildfires, and forest fires.

Abstract: A method of preparing a pigment includes, in order, the steps of: a) providing a pigment containing a nucleophile group under basic conditions; b) reacting the pigment with a compound according to Formula (I): wherein, X is a halogen atom or a tosylate group, and R1 and R2 independently represent an alkyl group; and c) hydrolyzing the R1-O bond and/or the R2-O bond. The obtained pigments can be used in non-aqueous pigment dispersions.

Abstract: An ink composition for forming a chalcogenide semiconductor film and a method for forming the same are disclosed. The ink composition includes a solvent, a plurality of metal chalcogenide nanoparticles and at least one selected from the group consisted of metal ions and metal complex ions. The metal ions and/or complex ions are distributed on the surface of the metal chalcogenide nanoparticles and adapted to disperse the metal chalcogenide nanoparticles in the solvent. The metals of the metal chalcogenide nanoparticles, the metal ions and the metal complex ions are selected from a group consisted of group I, group II, group III and group IV elements of periodic table and include all metal elements of a chalcogenide semiconductor material.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polymer compositions comprising starch and articles made therefrom are water stable or may be rendered so. One method of making water stable thermoplastic compositions comprises the steps of mixing destructured starch with polyhydric alcohol and acid, and forming an ester condensation reaction product from at least a portion of the polyhydric alcohol and acid. In some embodiments, a pre-polymer formed from the ester condensation reaction may be provided as a pre-polymer that is mixed with the starch.

Abstract: A coating including a liquid-phobic and/or liquid-philic material, the coating configured to control the shape of a corresponding liquid to form a liquid lens of specific focal length on the coating.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a composition for cast-coating on ink-jet media. The composition includes a liquid vehicle, silica particulates, and an internal release agent. The composition is substantially free of polymeric binder and can improve the glossiness of a porous particulate-coated ink-receiving media by at least 2 gloss units at 20 degrees. The silica particulates can be suspended in the liquid vehicle at about 1-35 wt %, and can have a particle size of less than about 150 nm. The internal release agent can be present at about 0.5-10 wt %.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing lightweight aggregate concrete utilizing fully saturated aggregate particles includes a vacuum vessel that discharges substantially directly into a concrete mixer that combines the aggregates with quantities of cement and water to create a batch of lightweight aggregate concrete. The vacuum vessel receives a supply of non-saturated lightweight aggregates from a bulk supply bin. A pump evacuates the air from the vessel until a desired vacuum level is attained, which evacuates air from the pores and interstitial spaces within the aggregate particles. The volume of water needed to fully saturate the aggregates within the vessel is fed into the vessel to create fully saturated aggregates that are subsequently discharged into the concrete mixer. The second volume of water needed to hydrate the cement is added to the vessel to flush out the vessel and be discharged into the concrete mixer to produce the batch of concrete.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hydrating lime in a horizontally disposed vessel where adjacent oppositely rotating shafts have first sets of spaced blades extending coaxially with an axis of each shaft and an adjacent second set of blades extending to an angle to the longitudinal axis, the blades directing a mixture of quicklime and water upwardly into a space between the shafts and towards the cover, while forming hydrated lime.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for modifying cementitious materials such as by reducing setting time. Polymer compositions of the invention are derived by polyetherifying mono-glycerols, optionally with alkylene glycols, to obtain polyglycerol homopolymers or copolymers, and then carboxylating the obtained polyglycerol homopolymers and/or copolymers with an organic acid having at least two carboxylic functionalities. The set retardation effect of the carboxylated-carboxylic polyglycerol polymer compositions in cementitious materials is reduced is compared to polyglycerol polymer not having the carboxylated-carboxylic groups, while its water reducing ability is maintained without loss of early compressive strength. Cementitious compositions and methods involving the carboxylated-carboxylic polyglycerol are also covered by the invention.

Abstract: A table device comprises a base, a footing and a tabletop. The base is designed with an upper portion, which is rotatable relative to a lower portion in the horizontal plane. The lower portion of the base is arranged to abut a basis. The upper portion of the base is provided with two diametrically opposite castors abutting rollably the lower portion of the base. A friction element arranged to be able to abut the lower portion of the base, is connected to the upper portion of the base outside an axis extending between the two castors.

Abstract: A modular furniture system having planar vertical components having slots and/or tabs, and planar horizontal components having slots and/or tabs, wherein the vertical components and the horizontal components releasably and interlockingly mate with each other to form a plurality of different pieces of furniture.

Abstract: A foldable table that is supported by a pole includes a first table portion rotatably coupled to a second table portion. The table can be folded by rotating one or both of the table portions about a joint between the table portions. The table includes a recess for receiving the pole when the table is in an unfolded arrangement.

Abstract: A seed metering apparatus includes a seed container with a feed opening in a bottom thereof. A feed shaft is rotatably mounted across the feed opening. A feed disc is mounted to the shaft and disc recesses are spaced along a periphery thereof An upright shield plate extends across the feed opening adjacent to the shaft and defines a disc slot having a width corresponding to a thickness of the disc. An output portion of the feed disc extends through the disc slot forward of a front face of the shield plate. The feed shaft, feed disc, and shield plate are configured such that the shield plate seals the feed opening, and such that an intake portion of the feed disc is in the feed opening exposed to seeds. Rotation of the feed shaft carries seeds out of the seed container in the disc recesses and into a seed receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guiding device for guiding an oblong intermediate element while joining at least two decorative elements by means of this intermediate element.

Abstract: A wake tower for a powerboat for use in wakeboarding or other water sports is described. The wake tower can include base members attached to the powerboat and a U-shaped bar extending generally upwardly from the base members. The side bars can be tapered inward and can also be angled toward the bow of the powerboat. Support members can be positioned along the side bars to provide increased structural support to increase the maximum load of the wake tower and to increase the rigidity of the wake tower resulting in less shaking during use. A tow cross bar having a tow rope connector can be suspended generally between the side bars of the wake tower. The wake tower can be transitioned between an upright position and a lowered position. Shocks can be used to compensate for some of the weight of the wake tower to allow the wake tower to be raised and lowered with less effort by the user.

Abstract: A towrope winch with a safety shutoff device includes a winch configured to wind a rope; and a safety shutoff device which deactivates the winch if the rope moves outside a designated range of angles relative to an intake of the winch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transporting a civil engineering structure (1) comprising a mast (3) in an aquatic medium, the method comprising the following steps: associating the civil engineering structure (1) with at least one buoyancy unit (2) by a fastening means (10), moving the civil engineering structure (1) and the associated buoyancy unit (2) in the aquatic medium as far as a desired position, the fastening means (10) being located in a region of the civil engineering structure (1) that is situated above the centre of equilibrium of said civil engineering structure (1) associated with the buoyancy unit (2), and fastening means (10) being configured so as to uncouple the rotational movements of the buoyancy unit (2) and of the civil engineering structure (1) about at least one axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mast (3) of the civil engineering structure (1).

Abstract: A boat separator comprising a boat extender having a first cross member attached to a first end of the boat extender, and a second cross member attached to the second end of the boat extender. The boat separator preferably has an adjustable length such that the boat extender can be extended between 20 and 30 inches.

Abstract: A fin collar including a body having a proximal region locatable adjacent to an underside of a water craft. The fin collar also including a distal region, the body including a longitudinally extending slot adapted to receive a watercraft fin, the slot extending through the body between the proximal and distal regions. An outer surface of the body includes a fluid flow modification surface which extends around a perimeter of the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of growing a silicon ingot comprising a dopant material having a segregation coefficient of k, wherein the concentration of the dopant is axially substantially uniform throughout the ingot. The method comprises the steps of providing a crucible having an inner growth zone in fluid communication with an outer feed zone, and the inner growth zone and the outer feed zone have cross-sectional areas that are can be used to determine conditions for maintaining dopant uniformity for the specific dopant material used. A crystalline growth system for growing at least one uniformly doped silicon ingot is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for reducing or even eliminating dislocations in Czochralski-grown silicon ingots are disclosed. Generally, the methods involve controlling the growth conditions of the neck prior to formation of the ingot body.

Abstract: A method improves yield of an upgraded metallurgical-grade (UMG) silicon purification process. In the UMG silicon purification process, in a reaction chamber, purification is performed on a silicon melt therein by one, all or a plurality of the following techniques in the same apparatus at the same time. The techniques includes a crucible ratio approach, the addition of water-soluble substances, the control of power, the control of vacuum pressure, the upward venting of exhaust, isolation by high-pressure gas jet, and carbon removal by sandblasting, thereby reducing oxygen, carbon and other impurities in the silicon melt, meeting a high-purity silicon standard of solar cells, increasing yield while maintaining low cost, and avoiding EMF reduction over time. An exhaust venting device for the purification process allows exhaust to be vented from the top of the reactor chamber, thereby avoiding backflow of exhaust into the silicon melt and erosion of the reactor.

Abstract: A method for purifying silicon bearing materials for photovoltaic applications includes providing metallurgical silicon into a crucible apparatus. The metallurgical silicon is subjected to at least a thermal process to cause the metallurgical silicon to change in state from a first state to a second state, the second stage being a molten state not exceeding 1500 Degrees Celsius. At least a first portion of impurities is caused to be removed from the metallurgical silicon in the molten state. The molten metallurgical silicon is cooled from a lower region to an upper region to cause the lower region to solidify while a second portion of impurities segregate and accumulate in a liquid state region. The liquid state region is solidified to form a resulting silicon structure having a purified region and an impurity region. The purified region is characterized by a purity of greater than 99.9999%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tools and methods for disposing, coating, repairing, or otherwise modifying the surface of a metal substrate using frictional heating and compressive/shear loading of a consumable metal against the substrate. Embodiments of the invention include friction-based fabrication tooling comprising a non-consumable member with a throat and a consumable member disposed in the throat, wherein consumable filler material is capable of being introduced to the throat in a continuous manner during deposition using frictional heating and compressive/shear loading of the filler material onto the substrate. Preferred embodiments according to the invention include such tools operably configured for applying a force or displacement to the filler material during deposition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tools and methods for welding, coating, repairing, or otherwise modifying the surface of a metal substrate. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide self-reacting friction stir welding tools which have an internal channel that allows filler materials to be added to the weld joint or otherwise friction stir processed area. Embodiments also provide friction stir tooling having upper and lower shoulders disposed at a fixed distance from one another and connected by a fixed split-pin. The tooling can be configured for automatically dispensing varying amounts of filler material into the tooling in response to variations in thickness of a substrate being processed.

Abstract: A substrate support for receiving substrates or wafers to be processed and for transporting said substrates or wafers in or through processing installations has universal application, is easily adaptable for specific tasks and is economical in use of material. Within a frame made of longitudinal and transverse supports, a plurality of longitudinal and transverse members are arranged intersecting in a grid-like manner, such that a base grid for directly or indirectly receiving substrates is formed. Both the longitudinal and transverse supports and the longitudinal and transverse members are positively connected to one another.

Abstract: A mask frame assembly may be constructed with a supporting bar and a plurality of stick-type split masks installed on a frame while crossing each other. The supporting bar and the split masks are fixed to each other by being welded to each other at points where the supporting bar and the plurality of split masks cross, and a partial cutting portion is formed around each of the welding points by cutting portions of the split masks. By using the supporting bar, the split masks are prevented from drooping, and adhesion between the split masks and a substrate is enhanced.

Abstract: Provided is a split mask including a stick main body in which a deposition pattern is formed, a clamping portion extending from opposing ends of the stick main body away from the stick main body, wherein the clamping portion includes a first clamping portion extending horizontally from the stick main body, and a second clamping portion extending diagonally from the stick main body.

Abstract: A device, method, system, operating method, component and composition are disclosed for preventing deposits of a disposal agent, e.g., where a multi-component paint having two or more components such as a paint component and a hardener component, is employed, for example in a coating installation. Exemplary illustrations include a receiving device for disposal agent, e.g., for disposal agent from cleaning and/or rinsing processes of an application apparatus, comprising at least one inlet opening for introducing the disposal agent, and an outlet opening for removing the disposal agent. Furthermore, at least one loading means may be provided in order to load the receiving device with a loading agent, which may at least delay a deposition of disposal agent on or in the receiving device.

Abstract: A method for real-timely monitoring thickness change of a coating film is disclosed. In the method, a coating module having a chamber and a film thickness-monitoring module containing an SPR optical fiber sensor, a light source, a light-receiving detector, and optical fibers are first provided. The optical fibers are used to connect the SPR optical fiber sensor with the light source and the light-receiving detector. The SPR optical fiber sensor has a sensing area and is arranged in the chamber. The light source provides the SPR optical fiber sensor with light. Then, a substrate is put into the chamber. While coating process is performed on the substrate, a film is also formed on the sensing area of the SPR optical fiber sensor. The light-receiving detector receives signals output from the sensing area of the SPR optical fiber sensor and then outputs signals of light-intensity change.

Abstract: A device is provided for generating plasma by microwaves for CVD coating a substrate having a vacuum container into which a reaction gas can be fed and an electrical conductor arranged therein which is connected on each of both ends thereof to a device for coupling microwaves and to a voltage source with which a difference of potential can generated between the electrical conductor and the surrounding vacuum container. The electrical conductor is electrically insulated from the devices for coupling microwaves. The electrical conductor has a rod-shaped design or a curved run. The electrical conductor is connected to the voltage source via a feedthrough filter. The device for coupling microwaves expands in a funnel shape toward the electrical conductor and is partially or completely filled by a dielectric material. The device for coupling microwaves has groove-shaped recesses running along a circumference.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for focused electric field enhanced plasma-based ion implantation. The apparatus includes an implantation chamber, a vacuum pump for maintaining the pressure in the implantation chamber at a desired level, a sample holder, means for applying a negative potential to the sample holder, and means for supplying a gaseous or vaporized implantation material. The supplying means takes the form of a feed conduit having an exit opening located in the implantation chamber above the sample holder, and when a negative potential is applied to the sample holder the exit opening of the feed conduit is maintained at a potential that is positive relative to the sample holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum treatment chamber, comprising a coil arrangement for generating a magnetic field in the chamber, wherein the coil arrangement comprises at least one first coil section and a second coil section, wherein the first coil section and the second coil section are arranged adjacent to each other in cross-section and preferably in one plane, such that at least a partial section of the first coil substantially follows the course of a partial section of the second coil, wherein the spacing of the first partial section from the second partial section is at least one order of magnitude smaller than the cross-section of the optionally smaller coil section.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device has supplying a first reactant gas into buffer chamber provided in a reaction chamber of the film deposition apparatus to form a first film over an inner wall surface of the buffer chamber, and supplying a second reactant gas into the reaction chamber to form a second film over a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus in which a plurality of rod-like ceramic heaters are arranged in the form of islands and affixed to the top plate of a process chamber so as to face a wafer, and the lower end portion of each ceramic heater is provided with a metal catalyst layer in such a manner that the metal catalyst layer faces a gas discharge hole of a gas diffusion plate. Consequently, the metal catalyst layer is indirectly heated by the ceramic heater (a resistance heating wire), thereby activating a processing gas.

Abstract: A domed hay bale feeder cover comprising: a circular base unit; a plurality of curved beams attached to said circular base unit, where said plurality of curved beams intersect at a central point; a bolt through said central point affixing each of said curved beams together; a flexible covering placed over said curved beams; and a plurality of stretchable cords, wherein said stretchable cords attach said covering to said circular base unit. In one particular embodiment, the diameter of the circular base unit may equal a diameter of a cattle feeder that is on the subject of the feeder. The curved beams may be soldered at a junction point to the circular base unit. The curved beams may be arranged with a 45-degree separation beam at the junction points.

Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder is provided having a liquid container with a liquid flow opening at a lower end and a removable cap at an upper end, a feeding basin positioned below the liquid container, and a valve or sealing mechanism associated with the liquid flow opening and the feeding basin. The feeding basin includes an upwardly extending cylindrical well that receives the lower end of the liquid container, and the valve or sealing mechanism includes a float valve associated with the well. The feeding basin is filled by gravity feed of the liquid in the container through the liquid flow opening when the sealing mechanism is open. When the feeding basin reaches a full position, the liquid nectar raises the float valve which, in turn, acts to close the liquid flow opening.

Abstract: An improved poultry coop that facilitates the prevention of entry of predators and the transmission of pathogens to and between the housed birds. In a preferred embodiment, the coop, which advantageously meets bird flu guidelines, includes an insulated house, a covered run coupled to the house, and a covered feed house. All openings are preferably covered with ½? hardware cloth or mesh wire. the same cloth or mesh wire is preferably buried beneath the earth below the coop and coupled to the coop.

Abstract: A pet wash tub includes a funnel-type hair-diverter arrangement established at all corners near the drain, to slope from the front and sides of the tub, angled downwardly towards the drain. The tub is located inside a pet wash station, which includes a wash room and an equipment room. Specifically, the tub is located in the wash room that includes a floor with a slope that acts to rinse water spilled onto the floor under an opening under a dividing wall between the wash room and the equipment room. A collection trough is located in the equipment room to collect the water as it drains from the wash room. Further, the equipment room includes a control panel and hose extensions for air and washing water/soap such that a user can activate the various systems depending on preference while washing a pet.

Abstract: A pet wash station is provided that includes a wash room with a pet wash tub and a flexible spray hose to enable washing a pet in the tub. The tub drains into a collection trough in the floor of an equipment room. The equipment room and wash room share a common wall. The wash room floor extends under the common wall into the equipment room. The wash room floor drains towards the common wall, through a space between the wash room floor and the common wall, and into the trough in the equipment room floor.

Abstract: A cat scratching device for residing upon a substantially horizontal surface. The device includes three scratching posts each having first and second ends, the scratching posts being separated from one another at their first ends and joined to one another at their second ends resulting in a three-legged self supporting device. Each of the three scratching posts have scratching surfaces applied thereto.

Abstract: A retrieving device includes a body with at least one respiratory passageway formed in it through which a dog can breathe when holding the device in its mouth during retrieval. In some embodiments, the body is hollow and in the form of a shell defining an internal cavity that functions as a lateral respiratory passageway, with communicating respiratory passageways formed through the shell. In other embodiments, the body is solid with internal respiratory passageways formed through it. And in still other embodiments, the body has surface features (e.g., grooves or other thinned portions) that function as external respiratory passageways. In use, the respiratory passageways decrease obstructions to enable the dog to breathe more freely to avoid overheating and associated problems. In addition, one or more flotation elements can be provided in the body so provide buoyancy for the retrieving device in the event it's launched into water during retrieving activities.

Abstract: Edible animal chew and method of using the animal chew. The animal chew is edible and is configured to clean laniaries and gum tissue of an animal as the animal chews and eats the animal chew. The animal chew comprises all-natural ingredients and is, therefore, free of synthetic ingredients and unhealthy added ingredients, such as added sugars. The animal chew may further contain all-natural vitamins for improving health of the animal. A plurality of first projections and second projections on a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, respectively, are provided to clean laniaries and gum tissue for reducing risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. A plurality of raised nodules is also provided on the distal end portion for massaging gum tissue to reduce risk of periodontal disease.

Abstract: A leash pendant includes a pendant-shaped hollow housing containing a rotatably mounted reel. A length of leash is wound onto and unwound from the reel through a hole in the top of the pendant. The reel is resiliently biased so as to automatically retract the leash into the housing from the leash's extended position when in use. A one-way release mechanism allows extension of the leash and delays retraction of the leash until actuated. The housing is the leash handle. The free end of the leash attaches to a pet's collar.

Abstract: A control valve unit for a liquid circuit of an internal combustion engine, includes a valve housing (1) having at least one inlet opening (2) or outlet opening (2?) and at least two outlet openings (31, 32, 33) or inlet openings (31?, 32?, 33?) and at least two closing elements (41, 42, 43) actuated by a control device (22). The closing elements selectively open or close an associated outlet or inlet opening. The closing elements may be continuously adjusted between maximum open and closed positions. The control device (22) includes at least one displaceable or rotatable cam (6) and includes at least two cam tracks (71, 72, 73), each of which is assigned to a closing element (41, 42, 43) and acts on at least one driving pin (11) that is in contact with said closing element (41, 42, 43). The cams (6) are adjusted by an actuator (8).