Abstract: A device for the sublimation growth of an SiC single crystal, with foil-lined crucible. The device for producing an SiC single crystal includes a crucible with a crucible inner zone. Inside this zone, there is a storage area for storing a stock of solid SiC and a crystal area in which an SiC single crystal grows onto an SiC seed crystal. A heater device is arranged outside the crucible. On a side that faces the crucible inner zone, the crucible is lined with a foil of tantalum, tungsten, niobium, molybdenum, rhenium, iridium, ruthenium, hafnium or zirconium. As a result, the crucible is sealed and a reaction between the aggressive components of the SiC gas phase and the crucible wall is prevented.

Abstract: A chamber with a quartz crucible established therein for growing a single crystalline ingot with a predetermined diameter D which is to be put in the crucible. The quartz crucible is wrapped in a crucible supporter fixed to a rotational axis, with a heater surrounding the crucible support and a thermos surrounding the heater to prevent heat radiated from the heater from propagating into a wall of the chamber. A thermal shield is included which has a first cylindrical shielding part installed between the ingot and the crucible, a second flange type shielding part connected to an upper part of the first shielding part, and a third shielding part connected to a lower part of the first shielding part and protruding toward the ingot.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and/or cooling a plurality of particles including a generally circular bed for holding the particles, the bed having a substantially centered annular inner bed wall, an outer bed wall and an irregular bottom. The apparatus also includes a drive mechanism rotatably affixed to said bed, where rotation of the drive mechanism at a predetermined rate produces a displacement of the bed horizontally and vertically resulting in a particle flow in the x, y and z directions. The particle flow in the x and y planes for a majority of said particles is in a dominant direction. The apparatus also includes an airplant which provides a heated and/or cooled airflow tangentially into the bed in a direction opposite to the dominant direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying powder coating material onto large objects such as automotive, truck or other vehicle bodies includes a powder spray booth defining a controlled area within which to apply powder coating material onto the vehicle bodies, a powder kitchen located at a remote position from the powder spray booth, and, a number of feed hoppers located proximate the booth which receive powder coating material from the powder kitchen and supply it to automatically or manually manipulated powder spray guns associated with the booth. Oversprayed powder coating material is removed from the booth interior by a powder collection and recovery system which transmits the oversprayed powder back to the powder kitchen for recirculation to the powder spray guns.

Abstract: A solid imaging printer for generating colorized three-dimensional models is disclosed. The solid imaging printer comprises a printerhead assembly having a plurality of compartments, wherein at least one of the compartments receives a model building material from an attached conduit, and each of at least three of the compartments retains a differently colored model building material for applying substantially to a surface of a model generated by the solid imaging printer. A controller for directing an application of the model building material and the differently colored model building materials for generating the model by a successive layering of the model building material and the differently colored model building materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for semiconductor processing includes a process chamber having a process evacuation pathway from the process volume to atmosphere; a transfer module to transfer a workpiece to and from the process chamber, the transfer module and process chamber in combination defining a backflow pathway; and a backflow remover element coupled to the backflow pathway, the backflow remover element removing a portion of process vapor in the backflow pathway.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide a module defining processing regions in which substrates can be processed. One embodiment of the module has a serial arrangement of processing regions, where a first processing region is disposed at a front end portion of the module and a second processing region is defined at a back end portion of the module. A substrate transfer passageway fluidly communicates the first and second processing regions.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus comprising at least a reaction chamber and a substrate holder located within the reaction chamber, a silicon nitride film is deposited on the substrate holder within the reaction chamber, and then, a semiconductor substrate is put on the silicon nitride film of the substrate holder within the reaction chamber. A titanium film or a titanium nitride film is deposited on the semiconductor substrate within the reaction chamber, by a chemical vapor deposition process using a titanium halide as a raw material gas.

Abstract: A method and system of holding a substrate where foreign substances on the back surface can be decreased. The substrate holding system comprises a ring-shaped leakage-proof surface having a smooth surface on the specimen table corresponding to the periphery of the substrate, a plurality of contact holding portions within the periphery of the substrate, and electrostatic attraction means for fixing the substrate by contacting the back surface of the substrate to the ring-shaped leakage-proof surface and the contact holding portions. The substrate contacts to the cooling surface at the ring-shaped leakage-proof surface and the contact holding portion placed on a position inside the ring-shaped leakage-proof surface. The back surface of the substrate and the cooling surface do not contact to each other in the large portion of the remaining area.

Abstract: A resistance heating element 33 for heating a wafer W is embedded within a ceramic heater 22 that forms a susceptor for a semiconductor wafer W to be processed, and power lines 35 from the resistance heating element 33 extend out of the processing chamber 20. A sheathing bellows 38 that houses the power lines 35 in an insulated state is interposed between the ceramic heater 22 and a base plate 24 of the processing chamber 20, and an end piece 39 of the sheathing bellows 38 is connected by screws 40 to the ceramic heater 22 to provide a space 50 therebetween. The screws 40 are such as to permit the thermal expansion of the sheathing bellows 38. This configuration makes it possible to make the temperature distribution in the surface of the semiconductor wafer uniform and thus improve the uniformity of film formation, and also prevent corrosion of components such as the power lines and terminals, and suppress the generation of particles.

Abstract: An improved pet bed for cats and small dogs, such pet bed including an upwardly extending base which encircles an open center area. Such pet bed also includes a sheet of flexible material sized and shaped to cover most of the open center area. Attachment members are provided for attaching peripheral portions of the flexible material to the inner wall of the base at a level partway up the base. A cushion is located in the open center area of the base and supported by the flexible material.

Abstract: A collapsible pet chair for dogs and cats which is comfortable, sturdy, easy to use and attractive in appearance. This pet chair includes a four-cornered chair cover having attachment pockets at the four corners thereof. It also includes a metal rod support frame having upwardly extending support members for engaging the attachment pockets and downwardly extending leg members for engaging a support surface such as the floor. The support frame is provided with pivotal joints for enabling the support frame to be placed in a collapsed condition for transportation or storage.

Abstract: An automatic feed and water dispensing apparatus for pets, where such pets may be left unattended for extended periods of time. The apparatus includes a housing having a pair of fixed hoppers and an intermediate rotating drum for transferring selected quantities of feed between the fixed hoppers. Additionally, the apparatus sidably and removably mounts a water dispensing receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treatment of liquid or semi-liquid animal waste using porosive particulate matter to remove malodorous materials, and to an organic fertilizer composition comprising organic substances derived from animal waste, said organic substance being held in pores of porosive, nutritionally inert particulate matter.

Abstract: A disposable pet litter bag including: a bottom wall, first and second side walls connected to the bottom wall, a rear wall and a front wall connected to the bottom wall and to the first and second side walls to form a bag having a top opening. The front wall has an opening for the ingress and egress of the pet. The upper ends of the rear and front walls are provided with a mechanism for detachably connecting the rear and front walls, such that the top opening can be secured closed. The bag is designed and configured to be unfolded just before use. The bag is further designed and configured to enable the establishment of the bag in an open position by pressure exerted by hands inserted through the top opening, and to conveniently allow the addition of fresh litter through the top opening. The bag is further designed and configured such that on demand, the top opening is securely closable.

Abstract: Animal management systems that utilizes artificial insemination (27) samples of isolated X-chromosome bearing and Y-chromosome bearing populations of spermatozoa to inseminate female animals (17) an embodiment of which can provide an alternative to traditional harvesting or marketing (20) of non-replacement heifers.

Abstract: Machine provided with a main chamber (1) with two lower compartments (8) and (11) defined by an intermediate partition (9) communicated on their upper part, compartment (8) establishing a purine preheating coil (5), an extension of the out-put tube (4) of a burner combustion chamber (2) for obtaining a solid phase of said purines by their instantaneous desiccation. Coil (5) additionally acts as elevating wheel of the purines towards a tray (12) located on combustion chamber (3), which pours on the latter, the residues falling towards a bottom collector tray (15), from where they are brought out to the exterior of the chamber (1), whilst the gaseous phase (water and methane vapour) comes out of chamber (1) through out-let (22) for subsequent separation from its components.

Abstract: A hair grooming device includes a casing having a handle section adapted to be grasped by hand and a hair engaging section and respective planar attachment surface on which hair grooming tools are attached. A voltage generator is contained within the casing. An electrode assembly is mounted within the hair engaging section and operatively connected to the voltage generator for generating ionized and ionized air onto hair to be groomed. An ultrasonic wave generator is mounted within the hair engaging section and operatively connected to the voltage generator for generating ultrasonic waves onto hair for repelling fleas.

Abstract: A securing system configured to be coupled to an object to facilitate the securing of an animal to the object with a lead line is provided. The device comprises a plurality of spaced-apart members coupled configured to accept a length of the lead line in an interlaced fashion to frictionally retain the lead line, and a mounting structure coupled with the plurality of spaced-apart members, the mounting structure being configured to couple the device to the object.

Abstract: An economical pet restraint device and method of making thereof for use in one's lawn which is readily installed and removed. A concrete block having a ringed pin with the ring disposed in a cylindrical recess defined in the top surface of the concrete block is implanted in the lawn. The pet's tether can then be attached to the ring by a spring clamp. Multiple animals can be leashed to the anchor.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the movement of an animal, such as a pet dog, using an integral collar and self-retracting leash apparatus. According to the invention, an elastomeric cord is attached to a strap, which is adapted to be secured around the neck of an animal. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the strap encloses the fixed end of the elastomeric cord, which is attached to an anchor located near the first end of the strap. The cord extends from the anchor in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strap and passes around about 180° of a pulley or spool located near the second end of the strap. The cord then extends from the pulley in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strap to an opening located near the first end of the strap. The free end of the cord passes through the opening in the strap.

Abstract: A steamer for pastries and the pastries to be steamed thereby. The steamer includes primary and secondary receptacles, a lid, and a mold. The primary receptacle holds water therein that is turned into steam when the primary receptacle is heated. The lid selectively closing the primary receptacle. The secondary receptacle is steam permeable and holds the pastries to be steamed above the water in the primary receptacle, and is disposed in the primary receptacle. The mold contains the pastries and is hingedly attached to the secondary receptacle so as to allow the mold to pivot upwardly from the secondary receptacle for insertion of, and removal of, the pastries, and has a piece of perforated material that allows the steam to pass therethrough, as opposed to being trapped therein, and as result thereof, provides the pastries with a pleasing texture. The pastries include flour, yeast, sugar, milk, salt, and either butter or margarine.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a temperature of an engine by controlling the flow of a liquid engine coolant to a radiator is disclosed. The apparatus includes a thermostat having a thermally responsive valve for substantially blocking or opening the flow of coolant to the radiator to maintain the engine at or about a preferred engine operating temperature. Also included is a thermally activated actuator for opening the valve in response to an engine condition such as load or a need for power. The actuator is activated at a temperature different than the thermostat. A source of electro thermal energy is provided to motivate the actuator so the valve may be opened on demand. In one aspect the invention provides a method of controlling the temperature of the engine by opening the valve in response to engine monitoring.

Abstract: An engine cooling system for an all-terrain vehicle provided with a front fender (12), and an engine (3) provided with water jackets and mounted on a body frame (F) at a position between front and rear wheels includes a radiator (45) provided with a water inlet (54) and disposed in a front part of the body frame (F), a water filling cup (16) provided with a water filling opening (16a), and a thermostat case (17) holding a thermostat (17a) therein. The water filling cup (16) is separated from the radiator (45). The water filling cup (16) and the thermostat case (17) are placed in a part of a connecting pipe connecting the water inlet(54) of the radiator (45) and the outlets (57, 58) of the water jackets of the engine (3) at the highest level in a cooling water circulating passage. A protruded portion (18) is formed on the front fender (12) so as to surround a steering shaft, and the water filling cup (16) and the thermostat case (17) are placed inside the protruded portion (18).

Abstract: A water-cooled magnetorheological fluid controlled combination fan drive and water pump 60 used in a cooling system. Introducing a magnetic field within a working chamber 91 between a drive ring 74 and a driven ring 84 increases the viscosity of a magnetorheological fluid by changing the state of the magnetorheological fluid from a free flowing liquid to a semi-solid state. The shear rate of the magnetorheological fluid in an activated state creates additional torque to drive an output shaft 108, and coupled fan 110, at a higher rotational speed to cool the engine coolant flowing through a closely coupled radiator. The rotation of the drive ring 74 also rotates an attached impeller assembly 112 having impellers 114 to move engine coolant through the cooling system.

Abstract: A water-cooled remote fan assembly 59, 100 having an extra pulley set mounted between a water drive mechanism 81, 122 and a cooling fan 68, 114 for creating a second overdrive mechanism used to increase the rotational speed of the fan 68, 114 relative to the engine input speed. This provides the pulley-driven engine cooling system with improved cooling capabilities at low engine speeds. By decreasing the radius of one of the pair of auxiliary pulleys 62, 102, 87, 104 mounted to a transfer drive mechanism 66, 116 relative to the radius of a crankshaft pulley 80, 130, the transfer drive mechanism 66, 116 can rotate at a faster rate than the crankshaft pulley 80, 130. One or both of the pair of auxiliary pulleys 102, 104 may be mounted on a shroud 106 of the radiator 108 to provide better fan orientation and higher efficiencies for fan performance.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a variable cam timing mechanism in cooperation with a plurality of deactivatable cylinders and corresponding intake valves includes the steps of scheduling a transition mode of the engine, determining a desired engine torque during the transition mode, determining a VCT phase angle based on the desired engine torque and operating the variable cam timing mechanism in accordance with the VCT phase angle to provide the desired engine torque during the transition mode.

Abstract: The invention aims at achieving better filling of the cylinders located in the body of the valve (1) by implanting valves (2) with an elliptical head (3) whose linear opening/closing movement is complemented by a lateral rotation with a 55° amplitude, said rotational movement being accomplished by using a guide (8) having two symmetrical and helicoidal tracks (9) on which two pivots (10) that are provided for said purpose can slide on points diagonally opposite to the stem pertaining to the corresponding valve (2). The overhead with the composite movement elliptical valves can be used in all internal combustion engines such as spark ignition or compression ignition internal combustion engines regardless of the number of cylinders and their utilization.

Abstract: Oil metering valve means in a hydraulic valve lifter configured such that a metering plate cooperates with a pushrod seat to meter the flow of oil in a forward direction. The metering means is also conducive to the flow of oil in the reverse direction, permitting an oil reservoir in the lifter to be filled by reverse oil flow, either after assembly of the lifter or upon engine shutdown. Embodiments of such oil metering valve means may include: a metering plate having one or more notches around its periphery to permit oil to flow past the plate and a feature supporting the plate; a metering plate having one or more apertures to permit oil to flow through the plate; a metering plate having one or more nonplanar areas along the edges of the plate to prevent sealing of the plate against the supportive feature; and a metering-plate supportive feature having one or more irregularities, such as grooves, bumps, or undulations to permit flow around the edge of the plate past the irregularities.

Abstract: A control system for automatically stopping and starting the vehicle's engine is disclosed, which performs the automatic engine-stop and start control while the negative pressure of the fuel tank is maintained at a suitable level. The system comprises a canister for absorbing evaporating fuel generated in the fuel tank and purging the absorbed evaporating fuel into an air intake system of the engine; a pressure control section for controlling the inner pressure of the fuel tank in a manner such that the internal pressure is maintained at a predetermined level lower than the atmospheric pressure at least while the engine is operated; and an engine stop/start determining section for stopping or starting the vehicle according to the driving state of the vehicle, wherein the engine stop/start determining section determines to prohibit an engine stopping operation when the internal pressure of the fuel tank is higher than the predetermined level.

Abstract: For introduction of the pistons with piston rings, bevels have to be arranged on the cylinder bore. These bevels are usually arranged on the cylinder top surface and are used to position a compressor. As a result, dead spaces which occupy a relatively large volume are formed in the region of the combustion chamber, in which dead spaces only inadequate combustion takes place, which may have an adverse effect on the raw emissions. According to the invention, there is provision for a run-up cone, which is used for introduction the piston and compression of the piston rings, to be fitted at the crankshaft-side end of the cylinder bore.

Abstract: An improved control method for a solenoid-operated hydraulic actuator for deactivating an engine valve mechanism characterizes the dynamic response of the mechanism based on a lumped parameter model of the solenoid, the hydraulic sub-system, and a locking pin mechanism actuated by a control pressure developed by the hydraulic sub-system. In response to a mode change request, constituent delay times associated with the solenoid, the hydraulic sub-system, and the locking pin mechanism are determined and summed to form an estimate of the overall delay time required to complete the requested cylinder deactivation. The solenoid activation is then scheduled based on the estimated delay time and a window of opportunity in the engine cycle for cylinder deactivation.

Abstract: A device and a method for monitoring an interval between a first injection operation and a second injection operation of a combustion cycle in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine are described, in which it is determined whether an electrical actuator element has fully opened after the first injection operation and in which it is determined whether energizing sequences of the electrical actuator element overlap. Then, the interval between the first injection operation and the second injection operation is modified as a function of the determination results of the preceding determination operations.

Abstract: A governor for use in an engine provided with an overspeed protection device arranged to trip in the event that engine speed exceeds a predetermined speed. The governor comprises a centrifugal weight mechanism comprising at least one weight coupled to an angularly adjustable metering valve member through a lever member, the metering valve member being operable to control the level of fuelling of the associated engine depending on engine speed. The governor further comprises a damping arrangement associated with the lever member which is arranged to damp oscillatory movement of the lever member, in use, and a prevention arrangement for preventing the overspeed protection device associated with the engine tripping upon engine start up.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for providing a variable output torque based upon a constant input force. The assembly includes an actuator for providing a constant input force and at least one link operatively coupled to the actuator and a pivot point such the constant input force is converted to the variable output torque.

Abstract: A intake air flow rate controlling device including a throttle valve 3 located in an intake air passage 2 of a combustion engine, a motor 5 controlling an intake amount by controlling the throttle valve 3, a motor driving means 12 driving the motor 5, the throttle sensor 6 detecting a throttle opening degree, a target opening degree setting means 9 operating a target throttle opening degree and outputting a target position signal to the motor driving means 12, a completely closing position learning means 10 learning a completely closing position of the throttle valve 3 from a completely closing position signal from the throttle sensor, and a completely closing position detecting and correcting means 11 detecting a stop of operation of the combustion engine, controlling the throttle valve 3 to be in a completely closing position, detecting the completely closing position, and correcting the target position signal outputted from the target opening degree setting means 9 in a completely closing state by shifting

Abstract: A system (20) for controlling a transmission throttle valve in a vehicle having a fuel management device (500) having a rotatable linkage member (508) includes an adapter plate (22) which is mountable beneath the fuel management device (500), a bracket (26) which is connectable to the adapter plate (22), and a throttle valve cable (30) which is connectable to the bracket (26). Throttle valve cable (30) has a tubular housing (32) which is fixedly connectable to bracket (26) and a cable (34) which is slidably disposed within tubular housing (32), the cable (34) having a first end (36) and an opposite second end connectable to the transmission throttle valve. An adjustment mechanism (38) having a slot (40) is connectable to the rotatable linkage member (508). First end (36) is selectively connectable along slot (40) so that at any connected position a cable pull distance (CP) is substantially constant.

Abstract: The system has a high-pressure pump having a number of mechanical pumping elements for pumping high-pressure fuel to a common rail; and a number of injectors communicating with the rail and activated to inject a quantity of fuel sequentially into the corresponding cylinders of the engine. Each pumping element has a delivery at least equal to the maximum draw of each injector, and is activated in phase with at least one of the injectors to minimize the variations in fuel pressure in the rail. Each pumping element may be activated by a cam, which may even have a segmented profile to effect a portion of the travel of the respective pumping element in phase with a corresponding injector.

Abstract: A pump, pump components and method for pumping high pressure fluid with an unobstructed inlet passage during return strokes of the piston and an improved near spherical interface between a piston and a slipper.

Abstract: A connection for a feed line at a feed pump pumping fuel out of a fuel tank, includes a nonreturn valve disposed in a horizontal portion of a connection stub. The connection stub is held on the feed pump by a latching device. The connection permits a particularly compact configuration of the feed pump.

Abstract: A vapor evacuation system that is used to intermittently remove hydrocarbon vapors from vehicle components to an available vapor storage canister using an electrically controlled small flow rate vapor-handling pump. The vapor-handling pump is intermittently turned on and off as a function of ambient temperature or inlet manifold temperature and as a function of time since last engine-on operation.

Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the head space in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the head space, a purge valve, and all associated.

Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.

Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the head space in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the head space, a purge valve, and all associated.

Abstract: A fuel system supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The fuel system includes an integrated pressure management system managing pressure and detecting leaks in the fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.

Abstract: A vapor purge system that permits evaluation of the system with a minimum number of hoses and connections, and without the use of additional components. The system includes a valve having first and second ports in communication with a first chamber and a third port in communication with a second chamber, the first and second chambers being defined by a metering member that divides an internal volume of a housing. A first conduit connects a diagnostic member having first and second operative states with the first chamber, the connection being made through the second port. The first operative state prohibits communication with an exterior of the valve, and the second operative state permits communication with the exterior. The diagnostic member provides the ability to reliably measure flow through the valve. The system can use three (3) hoses including five (5) connections from a vapor supply port connected with the first port to the third port operatively connected with a manifold.

Abstract: A gas fuel system for a bi-fuel engine includes an injector block assembly that supports gas fuel injectors between an injector block and an inlet header. The block assembly may be mounted beside or behind the engine remote from the engine intake ports where gasoline fuel or gaseous fuel (gas) may be injected for powering the engine. The block assembly connects the injectors through individual distribution lines with separate port openings of an adapter plate mounted between the air intake manifold and the engine intake ports to provide for injection of gas to the intake ports from the remote location. Mounting of the injectors in the remote block assembly, which feeds the adapter, avoids changes to a developed gasoline fuel system in the engine, thus reducing development and production costs. The block assembly may also be modified to use other available gas injectors without affecting the conventional engine components.

Abstract: An air intake assembly for an internal combustion engine includes an intake member having a passage for communicating air and a heater. The heater includes a first holder, a second holder, a heating element positioned between the first holder and the second holder, biasing means for urging one of the first holder and the second holder away from the other of the first holder and the second holder, and a retention mechanism coupling the first holder and the second holder to the intake member within the passage. The retention mechanism includes first and second tabs coupled to the first holder and second holders which biasedly engage the intake member.

Abstract: A multi-speed gear arrangement for use in a centrifugal engine charger. A planetary gear set has a ring gear, at least a first and a second set of planetary gears, and at least a first and a second sun gear. A fixed carrier is provided for the planetary gear set, and the planetary gear set has a rotary input and an output that is linked to a rotor of a centrifugal engine charger.

Abstract: A device and a method are described for controlling an internal combustion engine, in which a control deviation and a governor are allocated to each cylinder of the internal combustion engine, each governor preselecting a cylinder-specific triggering signal on the basis of the allocated control deviation. Cylinder-specific actual values are ascertained on the basis of a signal from a sensor arranged in the exhaust train and are compared to a setpoint value. Triggering signals for the cylinder-individual control of the fuel quantity and/or air quantity are preselected on the basis of the comparison.