Abstract: An ski paraphernalia basket for use with a chair ski lift having a pivotally moveable safety bar is disclosed. The basket includes a floor suitable for receiving ski paraphernalia, first and second side walls extending upwardly from the floor, and front and rear walls extending upwardly from the floor. The front wall includes an exterior surface having a plurality of inner fastening blocks disposed on thereon. Each inner fastening block includes a recess and each recess is preferably shaped to cradle the safety bar. An outer fastening block is preferably attached to each inner fastening block. Each outer fastening block includes a recess shaped to cradle the safety bar and a sub recess shaped to receive a clamp associated with the safety bar.

Abstract: An aqueous fire resistance treatment composition consisting of water, sodium silicate, a calcined filler and a latent acid catalyst is disclosed. The composition may be applied to cardboard substrates such as corrugated cardboard. The composition is then cured to provide enhanced fire resistance.

Abstract: A problem of the present invention is to provide an ink set and an ink jet recording method, according to which a high-quality printed article can be provided for which deformation such as wrinkling does not occur, the color density is high, and there is little blotting or unevenness even if regular paper is used as the recording medium.

Abstract: Multicolor dye set with high chroma and broad color space. The dye set of the present invention is suitable for color inkjet printing and includes (1) Direct Blue 199 dye, Acid Blue 9 dye, and Direct Blue 87 dye; (2) Reactive Red 158 dye, Reactive Red 159 dye, and Acid Red 92 dye; and (3) Acid Yellow 23 dye and Direct Yellow 86 dye. The dye set of the present invention has light-fastness and water-fastness when used in thermal bubble inkjet printers. In addition, the dye set has special viscosity, good surface tension, broad color space, and high quality color image, greatly improving printing properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid dispersion of metal ultrafine particles, which can maintain a desired flow ability even at a high concentration, which is free of any aggregation between fine particles and which can be concentrated. This liquid dispersion is used in, for instance, multilayer distributing wires of, for instance, IC substrates and internal distributing wires of semiconductor devices. If using, as a dispersant, at least one member selected from the group consisting of alkylamines, which are primary amines and whose main chain contains 4 to 20 carbon atoms, carboxylic acid amides and amino-carboxylic acid salts, metal ultrafine particles having a particle size of not more than 100 nm are individually or separately dispersed in the resulting liquid dispersion.

Abstract: A composition comprising:

Abstract: Lightfast additives for inkjet inks are provided. These additives exhibit excellent lightfastness of many dyestuffs (both water-soluble and water-insoluble). The lightfast additives exhibit good water solubility and significant effect on dye and pigment molecules which fade most when exposed to UV, ambient light, etc., and are suitable for improving permanence of inkjet inks, including thermal inkjet ink, piezo inkjet ink, and the like. The lightfast additive comprises a molecule which is composed of three parts or moieties: A-X—B, where (a) moiety A is an aryl sulfonic acid or aryl carboxylic acid, either in acid form or salt form, with or without substituents (e.g.

Abstract: Improved inkjet ink compositions have a sufficient amount of an acetylenic alcohol incorporated therein to reduce the corrosiveness of the ink without adversely affecting the printing characteristics of the ink composition. The inkjet ink compositions of the invention include a carrier, a colorant that is soluble or dispersable in said carrier, and a sufficient quantity of at least one acetylenic alcohol to reduce the corrosiveness of said ink composition to metal placed in contact with said ink composition. The inkjet ink compositions may also include at least one acetylenic alcohol that contains a terminal acetylene and an &agr;-hydroxy group. A method for reducing corrosiveness of an inkjet ink composition includes adding to said inkjet ink composition a sufficient quantity of at least one acetylenic alcohol to reduce the corrosiveness of said ink composition to metal placed in contact with said ink composition.

Abstract: An inorganic composition comprises an inorganic matrix, wherein an inorganic layered compound is contained in the inorganic matrix. The inorganic matrix is preferably a metal oxide glass produced by a sol-gel method, and the inorganic layered compound is preferably swelling synthetic mica. A method of producing a film includes the steps of: hydrolyzing, dehydrating, and condensing an organic metal compound to obtain a reaction product; adding and dispersing the inorganic layered compound in the reaction product; coating the reaction product containing the inorganic layered compound on a substrate surface; and heating the substrate surface coated with the reaction product at a temperature of not more than 200° C. to vitrify the reaction product.

Abstract: The invention relates to particles with an opalescent effect, which have a particle size in the range from 5 &mgr;m to 5000 &mgr;m, comprising monodisperse spheres having a diameter of 50 nm to 2 &mgr;m with a standard deviation of less than 5% in a packed and regularly ordered structure which is three-dimensional -in terms of domains and is mechanically stabilized by physical or chemical modification.

Abstract: The invention relates to fiber compositions that can be pumped and metered in the fashion of fluid chemical admixtures into a concrete mix, thereby enabling the fibers to be dispensed by concrete ready-mix plant operators who can provide verification of fiber administration and dosage. The fibers, particularly plastic shrinkage control fibers having large cumulative surface area, are suspended in an aqueous medium such that their surface area is already wetted out, thereby virtually assuring that substantial uniform fiber dispersion can be achieved without clumping and the delay that is usually required by fiber intermixing.

Abstract: A permeable cement composition comprises an aqueous slurry of a hydraulic cement including a water-immiscible dispersed fluid phase, such as oil or gas, and a hollow particulate material, the hollow particulate material being one which breaks down in the presence of the cement so as to leave voids which together with the dispersed phase create a permeable structure in the cement.

Abstract: Methods for drilling well bores and cementing a pipe string in the well bores using oil-based settable drilling fluids are provided. The oil-based settable drilling fluid compositions basically comprise an oil external emulsion comprising oil, water and an emulsifying surfactant; a hydraulically settable component; and a de-emulsifying surfactant for de-emulsifying the oil-external emulsion when the emulsion is cured.

Abstract: An elevation-adjustable table has a table plate and a seat. A pair of telescopic tubes are installed at each of two sides of the table and connected between the table plate and the seat. Elastic shielding pieces are arranged between a pair of juxtaposed telescopic tubes. Since the shielding piece is telescopic, the shielding piece will change telescopically as the elevation of the table is adjusted by adjusting the telescopic tubes. The shielding piece can be patterned so as to present various outlooks with the change of the length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cultivating leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce and the like, according to which a net (3) with meshes which are smaller in size than the overall volume of the leafy body of the fully grown vegetables is spread over the surface of the cultivation bed. The cultivation method according to the present invention offers the considerable advantage that the vegetables, once the roots have been cut, may be retrieved, amassed or in any case simply harvested by raising the net from the ground, without any risk that the quality or integral nature of the vegetables may be adversely affected in any way.

Abstract: An agricultural seed planter and seed meter therefore, wherein the seed meter includes a rotary vacuum drum disposed within a stationary housing to entrain individual seeds on an annular circumferential periphery of the drum. As the entrained seeds rotate with the drum the seeds are singulated before being released from said vacuum drum. The seed metering and dispensing device is adapted to be mounted below the seed hopper to discharge the seeds into a seed tube as is conventional, or alternatively the seed metering and dispensing device is preferably adapted for mounting just above the soil surface and between the furrow opening assembly and furrow closing wheel assembly of a conventional agricultural planter such that the seeds are deposited directly into the seed furrow.

Abstract: An automated sewing device for automatically sewing together rectilinear and curved end portions respectively of two base materials. A guide element is provided to separate the two base materials from each other and guide them in a sewing direction, and a guide roller mechanism is provided, which operates to adjustingly bring one guide roller to contact with the base material having the curved end portion and rotate the guide roller to move that base material in a direction orthogonal with the sewing direction, thereby keeping the rectilinear and curved end portions in alignment with each other. Hence, a seam is created along the curved end portion with a constant margin given between the seam and the curved contour of the curved end portion. A pair of guide rollers may be provided to move two curved end portions in a direction orthogonal with the sewing direction for the same alignment purpose.

Abstract: A device for the automatic tufting of upholstery units using tufts (22) comprising a retaining link (12) with a tuft element (14a, 14b) at either end and associated with further tufts (24, 26) is provided. The device comprises engagement means (30, 34) for a tuft (22); means (20) for separating the engaged tuft (22) from the associated tufts (24); means for driving one tuft element (14a) and the retaining link of the engaged tuft (22) through an upholstery unit (40) and withdrawing the engagement means once the tuft is released; and means for automatically reloading the device with a further tuft. A method of automatically tufting upholstery units using such a device is also provided.

Abstract: A control device for a kite comprises an elongate rigid control bar extending either side of a central region to provide separated hand-grippable regions for a kite user and anchor points for first and second control lines of a kite. A third control line for the kite is attached to a harness loop at one end and extends from the harness loop towards the kite. A stopper is rigidly fixed to the third control line adjacent the harness loop. The stopper is wedge shaped in a predetermined plane. A body is attached to the central region of the control bar. The body has a cavity for releasably receiving the stopper and an opening in a wall of the cavity. The cavity is wedge shape towards the opening for rotating the stopper to the predetermined plane when it engages against the inner walls of the cavity.

Abstract: A collapsible boat includes a center pontoon and two side pontoons which can be moved toward or away from one another and toward or away from the center pontoon. The center pontoon is fixed in position and is accommodated by a cradle fixed in position on a trailer. The trailer includes two movable cradles which accommodate the movable side pontoons of the collapsible boat so that the trailer can be widened or narrowed when the boat is widened or narrowed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for permitting the passage of conduits through the hull of a boat without the creation of additional holes. Briefly, a conduit-accommodating passageway is defined through the boat's scupper which bypasses the check valve that is associated with the scupper to prevent backflow. An annular body having a radially-extending conduit-accommodating passage communicating between its O.D. and its I.D. is positioned with respect to the scupper so that the fluid passing through the scupper and check valve passes through the generally annular body's ID while conduit passing through the radially-extending passage passes through the scupper but bypasses the check valve.

Abstract: The present invention is a grappling hook for use in mooring boats. It has an elongated shank defining an axis and having first and second ends thereon. The shank has a mooring line fastened to the first end and a hook-shaped grasping end at the second end extending outward from the axis. The hook has a balance point on the shank where the weight of the first end equals the weight of the second end. To moor the boat, the hook is thrown therefrom over an obstruction by the mooring line and drawn toward the boat, and when the balance point on the shank reaches the obstruction, the force of gravity lifts the hook end from the obstruction and rotates it downward about the shank to engage the obstruction, making fast the boat.

Abstract: For aiding in the interconnection of a trailer (10) of the so-called fifth wheel variety to complementary hitching apparatus (22) mounted to the bed of a towing vehicle (14), an alignment target (24) is removably positioned on the vehicle bed along the bed longitudinal axis via which the vehicle driver effects interconnection with maximum driving efficiency and minimal backing attempts.

Abstract: A novel vehicle flag system is provided. The vehicle flag systems allows an automobile owner to display one or more flags, logos or insignias simultaneously.

Abstract: A vehicle signaling system for alerting drivers approaching from a rear of a vehicle is provided which includes an audio signal emitting device, preferably arranged on the vehicle facing rearward, having an activated state in which an audio signal is emitted and an inactivated state in which an audio signal is not emitted.

Abstract: A combination whistle (1) having a mouthpiece (2) leading to bulbous whistle portion (3) which is gripped by hand when blowing into the mouthpiece. Mouthpiece (2) is common to trill chamber (4) and two pea-less chambers (5 and 6), chamber (6) being located under chamber (5).

Abstract: A dial plate includes a substrate having a curve with an opening formed at the center; and an indicating member attached onto the curve of the substrate. The indicating member is a planar ring-shaped transparent resin film having an indicating portion with a scale consisting of characters and symbols and a recess portion formed partially. In this configuration, the dial plate can provide a new shape with a scale indication with a sense of depth. A mater including such a dial plate can be also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing compound semiconductor quantum particles from at least a metallic element selected from Groups IIA, IIB, IIIA, IVA, and VA of the Periodic Table and at least a non-oxygen reactant element selected from the group consisting of P, As, S, Se, and Te. The method includes: (a) operating a heating and atomizing means to provide a stream of super-heated fine-sized fluid droplets of a selected metallic element into a reaction chamber; (b) directing a stream of a reactant element-containing fluid medium into the chamber to impinge upon and react with the super-heated metal fluid droplets to form substantially nanometer-sized phosphide, arsenide, sulfide, selenide, and/or telluride compound particles; and (c) cooling and/or passivating the compound particles to form the desired compound semiconductor quantum particles. These quantum particles are particularly useful for photo luminescence and biological labeling applications.

Abstract: A process for growing a single crystal silicon ingot having an axially symmetric region substantially free of agglomerated intrinsic point defects. The ingot is grown generally in accordance with the Czochralski method; however, the manner by which the ingot is cooled from the temperature of solidification to a temperature which is in excess of about 900° C. is controlled to allow for the diffusion of intrinsic point defects, such that agglomerated defects do not form in this axially symmetric region. Accordingly, the ratio v/G0 is allowed to vary axially within this region, due to changes in v or G0, between a minimum and maximum value by at least 5%.

Abstract: There can be provided a silicon single crystal wafer grown according to Czochralski method wherein the whole plane of the wafer is occupied by N region on the outside of OSF generated in a shape of a ring by thermal oxidation treatment and there exists no defect region detected by Cu deposition. Thereby, there can be produced a silicon single crystal wafer according to CZ method, which does not belong to any of V region rich in vacancies, OSF region and I region rich in interstitial silicons, and can surely improve electric characteristics such as oxide dielectric breakdown voltage characteristics or the like under stable manufacture conditions.

Abstract: An enhanced n+ silicon material for epitaxial substrates and a method for producing it are described. The enhanced material leads to improved gettering characteristics of n/n+ epitaxial wafers based on these substrates. The method for preparing such n+ silicon material includes applying a co-doping of carbon to the usual n dopant in the silicon melt, before growing respective CZ crystals. This improves yield of enhanced n+ silicon material in crystal growing and ultimately leads to device yield stabilization or improvement when such n/n+ epitaxial wafers are applied in device manufacturing.

Abstract: Silicon carbide single crystal is produced by allowing a silicon raw material to continuously react with a carbon raw material to generate gas, which reaches a seed crystal substrate on which a silicon carbide single crystal grows. Preferably, the silicon raw material is continuously fed onto the carbon raw material placed in a reaction crucible, and the carbon raw material is maintained at a temperature such that carbon is allowed to react with silicon in a molten state or a gaseous state to generate the reaction gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving a level exposed surface of a viscous material pool for applying viscous material to at least one semiconductor component by contacting at least a portion of the semiconductor component with viscous material within a reservoir. A level viscous material exposed surface is achieved by using at least one mechanism in association with the reservoir. The mechanism is configured to level the exposed surface of viscous material and maintain the exposed surface at a substantially constant level. The reservoir may be shaped such that the exposed surface of viscous material is supplied to a precise location.

Abstract: A central controller for a powder coating system has a single processor connected to a memory, a gun controller input/output device and gun control logic for controlling a characteristic of a spray gun. An air flow controller input/output device and air flow control logic for controlling a characteristic of a pump providing air flow may also be included. A process input/output device for electrically communicating with a process input or a process output may also be included. Part identification and tracking logic, gun triggering logic, gun movement logic, booth control logic, part profiling logic and system monitoring and logging logic may also be included.

Abstract: A lid assembly and a method for ALD is provided. In one aspect, the lid assembly includes a lid plate having an upper and lower surface, a manifold block disposed on the upper surface having one or more cooling channels formed therein, and one or more valves disposed on the manifold block. The lid assembly also includes a distribution plate disposed on the lower surface having a plurality of apertures and one or more openings formed there-through, and at least two isolated flow paths formed within the lid plate, manifold block, and distribution plate. A first flow path of the at least two isolated flow paths is in fluid communication with the one or more openings and a second flow path of the at least two isolated flow paths is in fluid communication with the plurality of apertures.

Abstract: A deposition apparatus for organic light emitting devices. The deposition apparatus includes a substrate conveying system and at least a chamber. In this case, the substrate conveying system is a circular turntable shape. The chambers are provided around the substrate conveying system in a specific order. While the substrate conveying system rotates in a circular direction, at least a substrate is transferred into the chambers for deposition. After the deposition, at least a layer is deposited on each of the substrates, so as to manufacture at least an organic light-emitting device.

Abstract: A plasma implantation system and method implants ions from a plasma in a semiconductor substrate while the substrate is at two or more different positions. The semiconductor substrate may be moved during implantation processing, e.g., to help compensate for non-uniformities in the dose delivered to the substrate. In addition, only a portion of a substrate may be implanted during a portion of an implantation process for the substrate. A plurality of substrates may be simultaneously implantation processed in a same plasma implantation chamber, thereby potentially reducing implantation processing times.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for a low-pressure steady-state direct current or long-pulse mode of plasma immersion ion implantation. A conducting grid is located between the wafer stage and the supply of plasma. The supply of plasma may be controlled through a variable aperture in which is provided the conducting grid.

Abstract: A Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) vaporizer comprising: a liquid supply assembly having an environment supporting a liquid state for a plurality of precursor components of a liquid precursor blend; a venturi operative to atomize said liquid precursor blend; a vaporization chamber, located proximate to said liquid supply assembly and said venturi, having an environment supporting a vapor state for said plurality of precursor components; and a thermal barrier located between said liquid supply assembly and said vaporization chamber enabling preservation of a large temperature disparity between said liquid supply assembly and said proximately located vaporization chamber.

Abstract: A device for milking animals, such as cows, which device comprises at least one teat cup and a foremilk reservoir for containing a certain amount of foremilk, substantially obtained at the beginning of the milking process. The foremilk reservoir is provided with an inlet and an outlet with an outlet-closing means for the foremilk. The device is provided with a milk container for containing milk obtained, and with at least one milk line connecting the teat cup to the milk container. The foremilk reservoir is integrated in the teat cup.

Abstract: An automatic food dispenser for animals, fish or the like, comprising of a housing, controls, and with a hopper within, for containing food, the base of said hopper having an opening for the food to exit (feed exit), said opening being in close proximity to a dispensing mechanism, said mechanism having a surface, thus creating a sufficient seal to prevent the undesired escape of food from said hopper, said dispensing mechanism having an aperture on it's surface, whereupon, with the rotation of the dispensing mechanism about it's axis, and the subsequent alignment of the aperture with opening at the base of the of the hopper, feed may escape from the hopper through said aperture, and hence directly through the open base of the dispensing mechanism, the volume of feed dispensed being a function of the variable speed of rotation, and the number of “to and fro” motions of the dispensing mechanism past the feed exit.

Abstract: A pet dish adapted for use in a car or other vehicle. The dish has a lower section designed to fit into a cup holder; an enlarged upper section; and an asymmetric overhanging section which extends well beyond the outer diameter of the upper and lower sections. Preferably all three sections form a single continuous container. Alternatively, the lower section may be partitioned and may contain either a permanent or removable counterweight. The dish may be fitted with an optional mounting strap or hook so that it may be suspended from a window, door, or other structure. One side of the dish may be flattened to reduce rotational movement about the mounting strap or to improve clearance.

Abstract: A pet excreta treating unit comprising a tray, a drainboard disposed in the tray, and a low water absorbing excreta treating material disposed on the drainboard. There is a space under the drainboard in which a liquid containing a germicide or a deodorizer or a water-disintegrable sheet impregnated with the liquid is adapted to be put.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for improving the raising of pre-adult anadromous fish, or preparing pre-adult anadromous fish for transfer to seawater. The methods involve adding at least one Polyvalent Cation Sensing Receptor (PVCR) modulator to the freshwater in an amount sufficient to increase expression and/or sensitivity of at least one PVCR; and adding feed for fish consumption to the freshwater, wherein the feed comprises an amount of NaCl sufficient to contribute to a significantly increased level of the PVCR modulator in serum of the pre-adult anadromous fish.

Abstract: A method is provided for raising poultry, such as chickens, for food production. In a first preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of: providing a facility for housing the poultry, providing at least one light-absorbing ventilation fan associated with the facility for ventilating the facility, exposing an interior of the facility to natural light cycles of an outside environment for a first period and regulating light cycles of the interior for a second period, thereby mimicking daylight duration variation representative of seasonal changes for stimulating sexual development of the poultry. In a second preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of: providing a facility for housing the poultry, providing at least one light-absorbing ventilation fan associated with the facility for ventilating the facility, limiting exposure of an interior of the facility to light to produce a brown-out effect therein for enhancing physical development of the poultry.

Abstract: A highly styled pet carrier having a housing defined by a body which body has upper and lower portions attached together through mating trackways with the line of attachment being inclined upwardly from the front of the body to the rear of the body to present an aesthetically pleasing, functional article. The pet carrier has a front door, in one embodiment, which is swung upwardly and horizontally inwardly so that it is retained within the interior of the housing unopened. In a further embodiment a recess in the top wall of the upper portion of the body may serve as a storage compartment with a swingable closure door or, in the alternative, as an access opening into the interior of the housing, the access opening being closed by a swingable closure grille.

Abstract: The pet training device comprises a handheld wireless command module, a wireless receiver module connected to an adjustable collar assembly. The wireless command module is used to select a stimulation mode, stimulation duration, and a stimulation intensity level through the used of one-touch digital switches located on the device front panel. The selected functions are displayed on a LCD. The stimulation commands are transmitted to the wireless receiver module where they are demodulated into control signals that trigger a shock, a vibration, or both. When the wireless receiver is placed in the no-bark mode, the wireless receiver module will generate a shock when triggered by a bark sensor. Power controllers built into both the wireless command module and wireless receiver module optimizes battery life by turning the devices off after a period of inactivity.

Abstract: A shotgun sound simulating device comprises an elongate tube having a hollow interior, an open end at one end of the tube, an ignitable mixture arranged to be injected into the tube, a baffle within the tube and an ignition device arranged to ignite the ignitable mixture. Ignition of the ignitable mixture with the tube creates a sound effect to simulate a sound created by the firing of a shotgun.

Abstract: A pet training device comprises a wireless command module, a wireless receiver module connected to an adjustable collar assembly. The wireless command module is used to select a stimulation mode, a stimulation duration, and a stimulation intensity level through the use of one-touch digital switches located on the wireless training device front panel. The selected functions are displayed on an LCD. Stimulation commands are transmitted to the wireless receiver module where they are demodulated into control signals that trigger a shock, a vibration, or a shock and vibration. When the wireless receiver module is placed in a no-bark mode, the wireless receiver module will generate a shock when triggered by a bark sensor. Power controllers built into both the wireless command module and wireless receiver module optimizes battery life by turning the training devices off after a period of inactivity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an animal includes a motorized and programmable actuator unit that is coupled to a bridle on the horse. The actuator unit includes a motor and a pulley to control tension on lines leading to the horse, the tension providing a control stimulus to the animal. A clutch coupling the motor and pulley provides a release function to automatically release tension on the lines once the motor is deactivated.