Abstract: A three-piece lightweight pallet involving the use of a basic pallet member constructed from a pair of generally flat, die cut panels of essentially rectangular configuration, with a plurality of longitudinally disposed structural members created on the inner surface of each panel. During the creation of a basic pallet member, one of the panels is turned such that its structural members are disposed in an angular relationship to the structural members of the other of the panels. A spaced plurality of slots are formed in the structural members of each basic panel member, with such slots in the structural members of one panel positioned to coincide with the slots of the structural members of the other panel, so that when the two panels are aligned and pushed together, the slots of the structural members of one panel enter and interfit with respective slots of the other panel.

Abstract: A collapsible table assembly for easier storage and transport of a portable table. The collapsible table assembly includes a pair of table end panels. Each of the table end panels comprises a top portion and a bottom portion. The collapsible table assembly also includes a plurality of table support sections. Each of the table support sections comprises at least a pair of cross-bars that have a pair of ends removably couplable to each of the end table sections. A table seat section comprises a panel that has a hole extending therethrough. In one embodiment, the hole has a size and shape designed for removably receiving the top portion of the end table panels therethrough. A tabletop section comprises a panel that includes a pair of ends and a pair of elongated slots extending therethrough for removably receiving a portion of the table end panels.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating fuel gas and optionally, activated carbon gasification from biomass fuel.

Abstract: Inhibition of forest damage exerts by ultraviolet rays. By selecting species having triploid or tetraploid of chromosomes and afforestating to form the ultraviolet resistant forest by forming the artificial forest.

Abstract: An apparatus for varying the rate of seed population by planters or drills, comprising first and second squeeze jack variable speed pulleys, and a belt running around the pulleys; a cog mounted on the first pulley and a cog mounted on the second pulley, and a drive chain running around the cog mounted on the first pulley and a row unit chain running around the cog mounted on the second pulley; and apparatus to vary selectively the speed of the row unit chain at any given speed of the drive chain.

Abstract: A furrow opener for attachment to a cultivator shank has a delivery tube located in front of the shank and close to the shank to facilitate trash flow around the shank. The product delivered can fall directly behind the furrow making device without negotiating an upward curve. A second delivery tube can be mounted behind the shank, and an economical manufacture of the opener is provided.

Abstract: A thread cutter for use in a sewing machine with a rotating hook (12) has a surface cam (60) which, together with a cam follower (58), controls the movement path of a pivotable thread catcher lever (26), which grasps the thread with a thread catcher (30, 36) and severs it at a cutter (82). With known solutions the surface cam is seated on the main shaft of the machine, which results in space-consuming structures with a large amount of parts. It is therefore proposed to connect the surface cam (60) in a torsion-proof manner with the hook (12) and to provide arresting means (38) which, only during a revolution of the hook (12) with the needle raised, maintain the thread catcher lever (26) radially outside the engagement range of the surface cam (60) and only with definite triggering release the thread catcher lever (26) with a cam follower (58) for contact with the surface cam (60).

Abstract: An apparatus for sewing finishing a piece cut from a length of textile material unwound from a roll and closing the leading edge thereof, comprising: advancement rollers for advancement of the length of textile material, to unwind two successive portions of the length of material, for a total longitudinal extension equal to the longitudinal extension of the piece; a cutting blade suitable to cut a piece from the length of textile material with a cut that is perpendicular to the unwinding direction and forms the rear edge of the cut piece and the leading edge of the length of textile material to be unwound; and positioning elements for arranging the leading edge of the unwound length of material with respect to a sewing machine.

Abstract: When the load of a movable object is applied on to a platform of the invention it will create a counter force to the original point of application by means of specifically arranged mechanical devices. With such action the platform turns into an inclined surface to provide an automatic moving force for the movable object without requiring any outside power source except for the force of gravity.

Abstract: A ship hull for a fire boat capable of speeds up over 18 knots and up to 22 knots formed from high tensile strength steel by a method comprising: (a) longitudinally framing said hull by forming a frame having more longitudinal members than transverse members, and wherein said longitudinal members are spaced to carry more and absorb more of the weight and stress than the transverse members, and wherein said longitudinal members are in a spaced parallel relations of between 12 and 24 inches apart, and said transverse members are in a spaced parallel relation of between 48 and 96 inches apart, and (b) plate and shape weight minimization modeling consisting of using rule based parametric equations to size plates and shapes which are based on industrial classification society standards.

Abstract: The present invention relates in particular to an autonomous container ship of the type having a hull, propulsion means, and loading and unloading means, characterized by having ballasting means and means (11, 12, 5) for varying the air draft without changing the draft.

Abstract: The guiding device of the invention introduces, close to the entrance of the groove in which the sail hoist rope is engaged, two guiding elements having on the side opposite the groove external guiding edges. In addition, the sail includes at least one protuberance situated at a distance from the hoist rope and is intended to take support and be guided by said external edges. The invention can be applied in particular to battened sails.

Abstract: A small boat stabilizer is formed by a pair of elongated tubular buoys secured in laterally spaced parallel relation to respective end portions of the boat by spars extending transversely of respective ends of the boat and secured thereto by adapters.

Abstract: A convertible control system for a kayak having a first and second unit. The first unit comprises a guide mounted with each side of the hull forward of the seat. A mounting bar is carried by each guide with each mounting bar carrying a plate and a shaft adjacent one end and in substantially perpendicular relationship thereto. A locking member is associated with each guide for releasably locking each mounting bar in a selected position along the longitudinal axis of to the guide. The second unit comprises a rudder connected with the stern, a rudder pedal pivotally mounted with each guide by way of the shaft in a position normally spaced from the associated plate. A cable extends between each rudder pedal and the rudder, whereby movement of the rudder pedals results in a corresponding movement of the rudder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polygonal section spar platform for drilling and production, which can raise efficiency in process and production and reduce manufacturing costs by making a section of a drilling and production spar platform in a polygonal shape. The drilling and production spar platform comprises a ballast tank, a spar hull, a mooring fairleader, a trim tank and a fixed ballast, wherein the spar hull, which is an underwater portion of the drilling and production spar platform, has a section being in the form of a polygon. By such spar platform, the present invention can largely increase the manufacturing performance and production and promote a general operational efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention is a drain plug apparatus designed and configured to remain in the drain hole of a conventional pleasure water vessel, regardless of whether the vessel is in or out of the water. This drain plug apparatus includes a body assembly having at least two chambers. One chamber will house a shut-off valve for enabling the boater to open or close the drain plug apparatus. This will render water to escape or prevent entrance to the boat, respectively. A safety assembly is included in the second and each subsequent chamber. The safety assembly will prevent water passage into the water vessel should the user forget to close the drain plug assembly, prior to placing the boat in water.

Abstract: A cover fastening system for affixing a cover to an object, e.g., a boat. A generally U-shaped retaining clip is affixed to the cover and is sized to fit about and selectively engage an outwardly protruding portion of the boat. In one embodiment, the retaining clip engages an aluminum extruded rail positioned generally about the perimeter of the boat. The retaining clip includes a retaining clip hook and the outwardly extending portion of the boat includes a protrusion. The retaining clip hook engages the protrusion to hold the retaining clip in place. The retaining clip hook is preferably positioned on a leg of the generally U-shaped retaining clip, which, in use, maintains a generally horizontal position. With this configuration, a generally horizontal force may be applied to the retaining clip to operably position same and engage the retaining clip hook with the protrusion.

Abstract: A gear indicator for a bicycle that includes first and second control cables connected to first and second shift actuators, respectively. The gear indicator includes a housing mounted onto the control cables. The housing is spaced apart from the shift actuators and is not attached to the handlebars. First and second pulleys are disposed in the housing and are rotatable by a displacement of the first and second control cables, respectively. First and second gear display elements are movable in response to the rotation of the first and second pulleys. The first and second display elements indicate the currently selected gears of the bicycle.

Abstract: A self powered spherical marker is mounted on a power line by extending the line though opposite openings in the marker. There are two sets of opposite openings to allow the marker to be oriented so that solar cells mounted on the exterior of the marker face a southernly direction. A battery inside the marker is maintained in a charged condition by the solar cells and power led lights that flash intermittently so as to draw attention to the marker. Two halves of the marker are secured together by pin-latch fasteners that are placed around shoulders extending around the periphery of the marker.

Abstract: A baseball score keeping device including a housing having a generally kidney-shaped configuration defined by a top wall, a bottom wall, and a surrounding side wall. The housing is sized to fit comfortably within a person's hand. The top wall has a plurality of windows formed therein. The windows have corresponding function labels. The function labels relate to the game of baseball. The side wall has a plurality of openings therein corresponding with the windows. A plurality of wheels are rotatably disposed within the openings in the surrounding side wall of the housing. The wheels have an upper surface, a lower surface, and a peripheral side wall. The peripheral side wall is knurled. The upper surface has a series of escalating numbers disposed thereon inwardly of the peripheral side wall. The numbers are individually viewable within the windows of the housing.

Abstract: A gallium nitride semiconductor layer is fabricated by exposing (111) crystallographic planes in a face of a (100) silicon substrate, and growing hexagonal gallium nitride on the (111) crystallographic planes that are exposed. Thus, a (100) silicon substrate, which is widely used for fabricating conventional microelectronic devices such as bipolar and field effect transistors, may be used to fabricate gallium nitride semiconductor layers thereon. The (111) crystallographic planes may be exposed in the face of the (100) silicon substrate by wet-etching the face of the (100) silicon substrate. More specifically, the face of the (100) silicon substrate may be dipped in KOH for a short period of time, such as about ten seconds or less, to expose the (111) crystallographic planes therein. The face of the (100) silicon substrate may be unmasked when dipped in KOH, to thereby expose randomly spaced apart (111) crystallographic planes in the face of the (100) silicon substrate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a semiconductor film having a reduced dislocation density. The film comprises at least one interlayer structure, including a group III-nitride layer, a passivation interlayer disposed on the group III-nitride layer, interrupting the group III-nitride layer, and an island growth interlayer disposed on the passivation interlayer, and interrupting the group III-nitride layer. A method of making a semiconductor film of the present invention comprises producing a semiconductor film including at least one interlayer structure, each interlayer structure produced by the substeps of growing a group III-nitride layer, depositing a passivation interlayer on the group III-nitride layer, depositing an island growth interlayer on the passivation interlayer and continuing growing the group III-nitride layer.

Abstract: When a SiC substrate is heated up to around 1800° C., sublimation of SiC occurs from the SiC substrate. Moreover, temperature of the front surface of the SiC substrate is lower than that of the back surface of the SiC substrate. Therefore, sublimation gas sublimed from a back-surface vicinity of the substrate, where temperature is high, moves to a front-surface vicinity of the substrate, where temperature is low, through the hollow micro-pipe defect. Epitaxial growth proceeds on the front surface of the substrate while the sublimation gas is recrystallized at the front-surface vicinity of the substrate, so that the micro-pipe defect is occluded.

Abstract: A process for producing a wear-resistant cylinder bearing surface includes rotating a laser about its longitudinal axis and simultaneously advancing the laser in a direction of the longitudinal axis which is coaxial with a cylinder of a crankcase. A powdery material is fed through the laser and a jet of the powdery material is directed toward the cylinder bearing surface. A laser beam is deflected to an impact region where the jet of the powdery material impinges on the cylinder bearing surface. The jet of the powdery material passes through the laser beam. The laser beam at least partially melts the impact region before the powdery material impinges on the impact region. A device for producing wear-resistant surfaces is also provided.

Abstract: A substrate support assembly for supporting a substrate during processing is provided. In one embodiment, a support assembly includes a support plate supported by a second plate. The support plate has a first side and a second side. The second side of the support has a recess formed therein. The second plate includes a boss extending from the second plate which mates with the recess of the support plate. Other embodiments include a flange that extends from the support plate that supports a shadow ring and a plurality of sleeves extending from the support plate for guiding lift pins.

Abstract: A set for producing labels, having an interactive printing program for an information carrier containing a configurable print image, having labels, which are applied with an adhesive surface to a carrier in an easily removable manner. A transparent cover material forming a laminar layer for covering the applied print image, wherein the cover material is a moisture-repellent plastic foil, is applied to a further carrier with a further adhesive layer in an easily removable manner and has UV protection to prevent the fading of the print image. A lasting, for example over several years, contrast and color brightness, along with great mechanical stability, are achieved because the cover material is of polyester and has a thickness of between 20 and 100 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A coating apparatus includes a first dynamic mixing system having a plurality of first coating components that are substantially free of effect pigments and a second dynamic mixing system having a plurality of second coating components having effect pigments. A first directional control device is connected to the first and second dynamic mixing systems. A plurality of reservoirs are connected to the first directional control device. A second directional control device is connected to the reservoirs. A plurality of applicators are connected to the second directional control device.

Abstract: A system for controlled dispensing of a material onto an elongated window component. A nozzle dispenses the material into contact with a surface of the elongated window component at a delivery site located along a path of travel of the elongated window component. A conveyer moves the elongated window component along the path of travel relative to the nozzle at a controlled speed. A metering pump delivers controlled amounts of the material to the nozzle. A pressurized bulk supply delivers the material to an inlet to the metering pump. A controller regulates the speed of the metering pump to control the flow rate of the material dispensed by the nozzle.

Abstract: An arc chamber of an ion implanter system comprising an electron emissive source extending into the arc chamber through a wall of electrically insulating material.

Abstract: An LPCVD apparatus comprising: a container for accommodating an organometallic compound which serves as a raw material; a heating means for heating the container and vaporizing the organometallic compound to obtain a raw material gas; a reactor for accommodating a substrate on which a thin film being precipitated; an exhaust pump for maintaining a low pressure atmosphere within the reactor; and a trap provided on the upstream side of the exhaust pump and cooling used raw material gas supplied from the reactor. In the reactor, the trap is provided with honeycomb-structure cylindrical fillers in a flowing passage through which the used raw material flows. The LPCVD apparatus according to the present invention enables recovery of a larger amount of used raw material without reducing its exhaust efficiency.

Abstract: A continuous feed coater for coating a length of substrate with vaporized or sprayed material, is disclosed. A specific example is a roll-to-roll coater which includes two lower supply rollers for supporting two webs of uncoated material, and two upper take-up rollers for supporting the webs after they are coated. A central web-support forms a plenum that acts as a deposition chimney or chamber by bringing the two webs into close proximity to each other to form two large walls of the plenum. The ends of the webs are sealed using side dams to form the chimney with a rectangular cross section such that the vapor cannot exit from the edges of the material. The vaporized coating constituents to be deposited on the rolled material are directed into the deposition plenum from a coating material supply source located at the bottom of the plenum, and are exhausted through the top of the plenum.

Abstract: A film formation apparatus in plasma CVD and etching methods making use of an inductive coupling method. The apparatus comprises a plurality of plasma generators in inductive coupling method, one or more film formation gas discharge means, and a substrate setting means facing the plurality of plasma generators via a reaction zone. The film formation gas discharge means is included in each of two movable members capable of performing reciprocating motions along a substrate surface on the substrate setting means, while intersecting each other. Thereby, a plasma with a relatively high density can be uniformly created over a large area, the film formation gas excited by free radicals in the plasma can uniformly spread over the film formation target, and a film can be formed with a high deposition rate. Consequently, a large-sized substrate with a good quality of thin film can be provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a plasma in a gas using a thermal source and a heat source in a common reaction zone. A process gas is flowed to a reaction zone and heated with a thermal energy source. Within the same reaction zone, a current is passed in the gas to generate a plasma within the gas. The plasma is directed to a substrate for treatment. The substrate may be a silicon wafer as part of an etching, ashing, wafer cleaning, and chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: A novel birdfeeder and method of attracting wild birds is provided. A birdfeeder provides a food chamber having a well in which live insects are maintained in a sustaining media. Viewing of, and access to, the insects is allowed through access holes which constrain birds from fully entering the food chamber. A presentation platform adjacent the food chamber is used to present a second quantity of insects which are visible to distant birds. The birds are initially attracted to the exposed insects and subsequently induced to remain at the feeder by the insects in the food chamber. Insects such as mealworms are used to attract primarily insect-feeding wild birds such as blue birds.

Abstract: A litterbox enclosure mounted on an exterior wall of a structure includes a gated passage permitting a pet free access to and from a litter container. The litter container may be filled and maintained from an outside location through an exterior access door. An exterior actuator handle pivots the container to discharge the contents into a lower chute to which a conventional plastic waste bag is secured, thereby avoiding direct contact between the attendant and the waste material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing herring roe on kelp is described. The method comprises sandwiching kelp between layers of uncured herring roe in a mold made of a mesh material. The mold containing the roe and kelp is submerged in salt water such that the eggs adhere to the kelp and to each other. The outer surface of the eggs on kelp is textured to yield a natural appearance by dipping the eggs on kelp in a brine containing uncured eggs or by directing a stream of uncured eggs on the cured eggs on kelp until the desired appearance is obtained. Alternatively, a stream of uncured eggs can be directed against a piece of kelp originally having no eggs adhering to it until a layer of eggs builds up on the sides of the kelp to a selected thickness. Eggs on kelp prepared in this manner avoid contaminants, and the quality and freshness of the product can be controlled.

Abstract: A submersible artificial fish bed is provided formed of hollow members that are self flooded in order to be placed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus that extracts the cooler deeper water with the warmer water near the surface in order to reduce the temperature of the upper layers of water within the cage. At the same time, the apparatus produces a water current at the surface that carries the harmful algae away from the set of cages. In addition, the apparatus extracts the oxygen-rich water from the surface and injects it into the deeper water that lacks sufficient oxygen content.

Abstract: A combination food and liquid dispenser for an animal cage including a first compartment and a second compartment being in vertical relation to each other. The second compartment is constructed to receive food therein and provide an animal access to the food item disposed therein and the first compartment is constructed to receive a liquid container therein and provide an animal with access to the liquid container disposed in the first compartment. A bracket assembly is affixed to the dispenser and supports the dispenser within the cage on less than four side walls thereof. A filter cap for the animal cage includes a body portion dimensioned to fit upon and cover over the top of the cage.

Abstract: A collar for use with a pet containment system is provided. The collar includes an inner collar portion having at least one hole passing therethrough and a radio unit attached to the inner collar portion proximate to the hole. The radio unit includes at least one probe protruding therefrom which passes through the hole. The collar also includes an outer cover portion having two ends, one of which is fixedly attached to the inner collar portion on one side of the hole and the other of which defines a free end. The collar further includes a detachable fastening system detachably attaching the free end of the outer cover portion to the inner collar portion on the side of the hole opposite to the side to which the outer cover portion is fixedly attached such that the outer cover portion covers the radio unit, while providing quick and easy access thereto.

Abstract: A transition element for providing an interface between a duct having a substantially rectangular cross section and an air preheater having a substantially circular cross section. The transition element includes an inner sidewall, an outer sidewall, and first and second end walls, where the outer sidewall and the first and second end walls form first and second transition corners. Each of the transition corners comprises first and second flow deflectors, each having an outer terminal edge and first and second side edges extending laterally from the terminal edge to an inner point. The first side edge of the first flow deflector is mounted to the second side edge of the second flow deflector and the outer terminal edges of the first and second flow deflectors are mounted to the duct to connect the air preheater to the duct.

Abstract: A sealing device for sealing a cavity (40) that can be rotated around a rotational axis (A) and including at least two sealing areas separated from each other by at least one intermediate zone (Z1 to Z3); two sealing faces (20, 21 to 24, 30, 31 to 33, 41, 71 to 74) continuously extending around the rotational axis and slidingly movable over each other upon rotation of the cavity (40), and at least one connection (A1 to A3, B1 to B3) for charging, discharging, or passing fluids into, out of, or through the at least one intermediate zone, respectively.

Abstract: In a method of utilizing a methane-containing biogas by feeding the methane-containing biogas to a gas engine of a gas engine/generator assembly generating electricity, the steps of passing the biogas through a membrane separating installation to divide the biogas into a first gas stream having a higher methane content than the biogas fed thereto and a second gas stream enriched in CO2, feeding the first gas stream to the gas engine as fuel, and returning the second gas stream to the source of the biogas.

Abstract: An improved unified cooling system for an internal combustion engine that generally includes a cylinder head and a cylinder block, in which the cylinder head and cylinder block are maintained at different operating temperatures despite using only a single coolant pump. The coolant pump pumps fresh coolant through the cylinder head and cylinder block. Coolant valves, which may be thermostatic valves or electrically actuable proportional valves, lie downstream of the cylinder head and cylinder block and individually control the amount of coolant flowing through the cylinder head and cylinder block so as to maintain a lower operating temperature for the cylinder head than for the cylinder block. Coolant is directed, in various configurations, through any or all of an oil cooler, a heat exchanger for a heater for a vehicle interior, and a coolant radiator, before being directed back to the coolant pump.

Abstract: The present invention is a double-walled tank for a generator set including an integral mounting assembly. The tank is formed of an outer basin having an open top, a bottom wall and a number of side walls that define an interior within the basin and form the exterior of the tank. An enclosed inner member having a top panel, a bottom panel and a number of side walls connecting the top and bottom panels is attached within the interior of the basin and provides a double-walled construction that serves to retain fuel within the tank when the external walls of the tank are damaged. An integral mounting assembly is attached to and extends across the basin over the inner member between the side walls of the basin and is configured to receive and support a generator, engine, and radiator to form a complete generator set.

Abstract: An electromechanical valve assembly 46 for an internal combustion engine 36 is provided. The valve assembly 46 includes a rotor 68 centered about a first axis 122 having a bore 114 extending generally axially therethrough. The valve assembly 46 further includes a stator 66 operatively disposed about the rotor 68 for producing a torque to cause rotation of the rotor 68 about the axis 122. Finally, the valve assembly 46 includes a valve 70 having a valve stem 126 and a valve head 84 The valve stem 126 extends generally axially through the bore 114 of the rotor 68. The valve stem 126 is also configured to move generally axially responsive to the rotation of the rotor 68 to selectively engage and disengage the valve head 84 with a valve seat 124 of the engine 36.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve actuator (EVA) for actuating movement of a valve in a vehicle engine includes a valve assembly operatively connected to the valve for movement therewith. The valve assembly includes a shaft connected to the valve. Two armature plates are operatively associated with the shaft, and each armature plate includes a permanent magnet. An electromagnetic coil is positioned between the two armature plates for selectively electromagnetically pushing and pulling the armature plates. Two springs are engaged with the two armature plates, respectively, for biasing the armature plates in opposing directions. The permanent magnets are operative to assist the electromagnetic coil in holding the valve in a desired position to reduce power consumption or assisting in repelling the armature for accelerating valve opening or closing.

Abstract: An electromechanical valve assembly 46 for an internal combustion engine 36 is provided. The valve assembly 46 includes a rotor 68 centered about a first axis 122 having a bore 114 extending generally axially therethrough. The valve assembly 46 further includes a stator 66 operatively disposed about the rotor 68 for producing a torque to cause rotation of the rotor 68 about the axis 122. Finally, the valve assembly 46 includes a valve 70 having a valve stem 126 and a valve head 84 The valve stem 126 extends generally axially through the bore 114 of the rotor 68. The valve stem 126 is also configured to move generally axially responsive to the rotation of the rotor 68 to selectively engage and disengage the valve head 84 with a valve seat 124 of the engine 36.

Abstract: A seal member of a seal unit of a valve timing adjusting device has foot portions and protrusive guides protruding from a seal reverse plane along internal surfaces of the foot portions. A plate spring of the seal unit has foot portions and fork portions arranged on top ends of the foot portions. A slit is formed in each fork portion to allow the insertion of the protrusive guide when the plate spring is fitted to the seal member. The positional relationship between the slit and the protrusive guide is determined on condition that the plate spring fitted to the seal member does not detach from the seal member and the plate spring doe not collide with the protrusive guide when the plate spring is bent to arrange the seal unit in the valve timing adjusting device. When the plate spring is fitted to the seal member, the slits of the fork portions are positioned just above the protrusive guides, and the plate spring is dropped according to the gravitational force.

Abstract: A turbocharged internal combustion engine is provided with a diverter valve arranged to divert part of the exhaust gas flow along a conduit for introduction into a turbine region. Exhaust gases flow from the conduit, through appropriate galleries in the turbocharger casing, into internal passages formed in at least some of the stator blades. From the internal passages, the exhaust gas passes through holes positioned near the downstream ends of the convex surfaces of the stator blades. In this manner, the diverted gas is introduced into the comparatively lower pressure of the turbine region thereby enabling the diverted exhaust gas to rejoin the mainstream exhaust gas and to do useful work in driving the rotor blades while, at the same time, avoiding choking the stator blades.