Abstract: The present invention relates in a system and method for handling and processing substrates for magnetic and optical media and other types of substrates, such as wafers and lenses, requiring thin-film coatings. The system includes input and output locks which act as buffers between atmosphere and the high vacuum within the system and a transfer/main chamber which is comprised of a variable number of chamber modules. The system also includes various mechanisms for moving the substrates and the substrate carriers within the system, and components for dealing with the process and environmental requirements.

Abstract: A retainer for the game of Go so configured that when the retainer is secured over a board on which a game is in progress, each stone on the board is constrained to remain in its proper position. Retention means are provided for holding the retainer and the playing board together reliably so that they can be moved about, placed on edge for storage, etc., as may be convenient. Integral means are provided for indicating which side has the next turn, the color and the net number of the captured stones, and the intersection, if any, on which immediate play is forbidden because of an active "ko".

Abstract: The invention provides a method for separating fuel from water in a marine propulsion system and a reusable device for separating water from fuel in marine and diesel engines thereby preventing or limiting water from entering the combustion process of the engine. The device includes two generally thin-walled housings which secure and contain a plurality of petroleum sorbent filter elements therein. The filter elements are constructed from multiple adjacent microfibers layers bonded to each other by entanglement of said microfibers between adjacent layers, each element allowing passage of fuel therethrough but being substantially impervious to the passage of water. At least some of the filter elements are treated such that the surface of the element which faces the incoming fuel is heated until at least some of the microfibers coalesce and bond together.

Abstract: A method and reusable device for preventing or limiting the leakage of flowable material from a damaged flexible bulk container. The device includes a central panel and a plurality of flexible aprons, brought into firm engagement with the bottom and lower side, respectively, of the damaged flexible bulk container by means of elastic members. After securing the device to the damaged flexible bulk container, the container may be handled, stored and transported, with the device minimizing and containing spillage of flowable material in and about the damaged flexible bulk container. An aperture in the central panel accommodates the flexible bulk container discharge spout, and allows the contents of the container to be discharged therethrough. Other embodiments of the invention include an aperture in one of the flexible aprons to accommodate side-discharge flexible bulk containers, and extension flaps on each flexible apron to contain leakage from the upper sides of a damaged flexible bulk container.

Abstract: A Fish and Crustacean Trap Escape Vent System, consisting of an inexpensive conical-shaped escape vent with minimal water current noise or resistance, which presents a diminishing perspective to fish and crustaceans in the trap, secured to the trap with Coded, Corrosive-Release Fasteners of different diameters, thereby allowing for easy recognition by fishermen and enforcement authorities of which diameter of fastener is in use. Coding means includes offsets, crimps or color-coating imparted to different Fasteners. If the trap is lost or unrecovered for a predetermined time, the Coded Corrosive-Release Fasteners completely disintegrate and allow the Escape Vent to detach from the trap and allow any trapped fish and crustaceans to escape the trap. The unrecovered trap is now theoretically prevented from further fishing. The Escape Vent remains attached to the trap by conventional hog rings, and can be reused if and when the trap is recovered.