Abstract: Disclosed are electroless nickel plating composition including nickel, a reducing agent, a complexing agent, and an accelerator, wherein the accelerator is a mesoionic compound in an amount sufficient to accelerate the rate of deposition the composition

Abstract: There is disclosed a dampening composition for lithographic printing which comprises a (poly) propylene glycol alkyl ether and an ethylene oxide adduct of acetylene glycol.

Abstract: A dye for ink-jet printing on both hydrophilic and hydrophobic papers. The dye includes a chromophore ionically coupled to a counterion. One of the chromophore and the counterion includes a hydrophilic moiety. The other includes a hydrophobic moiety.

Abstract: A cyan dye set and ink-jet ink composition with high water-fastness. The cyan dye set is suitable for use in ink-jet printing and includes Acid Blue 90 dye and at least one copper phthalocyanine type blue dye. The cyan dye set has good water-fastness and exhibits improved printing quality when applied in ink-jet printing.

Abstract: An aqueous inkjet ink and an inkset using such ink, the ink comprising as colorant, a Copper Phthalocyanine (CuPc) dye compound having formula II: 1

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink composition comprising water, a colorant, and a borate ester, said ink containing water in an amount of at least about 5 percent by weight and containing water in an amount of no more than about 50 percent by weight, wherein either (a) the ink also contains an amine compound, or (b) the borate ester is hydrolytically stable.

Abstract: This invention features a hot melt ink composition. The composition includes a vehicle; a pigment having a modifying group on a surface of the pigment; and a polymeric dispersant including a group which associates with the modified surface and a backbone which is miscible with the vehicle.

Abstract: Expanded perlite products having controlled particle size distribution, methods of producing the expanded perlite products, and methods of use thereof are provided. The expanded perlite product has, for example, a low ratio of standard deviation of particle size distribution to median particle size (for example, less than 0.63) and low median particle size (for example, less than 50 microns). The expanded perlite product may be used in a variety of applications including filter applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing pigments, which comprises

Abstract: The invention relates to a silicatic coating mass, a method for producing the same, the use thereof and a substrate that is coated with the silicatic coating mass. The silicatic coating mass comprises water glass or a mixture of water glass and silica sol. The molar ratio of SiO2 and alkali oxide is 5 to 30 mol SiO2 per mol alkali oxide. Said coating mass also comprises one or more organic ammonium compound/s, one or more filler/s and optionally other additives. The inventive silicatic coating mass is provided with increased shelf live when consisting of one component and the coated substrate is characterised by an increased stability against atmospheric influences.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel phosphomagnesium hydraulic binder and a mortar obtained from said novel binder. The phosphomagnesium binder comprises at least a magnesium compound and a mixture of phosphorus compounds, the mixture comprising at least two compounds selected among an aluminum phosphate, a potassium phosphate and an ammonium phosphate. Said binder preserves good mechanical properties after exposure to high temperatures.

Abstract: A high early-strength cementitious composition comprising a hydraulic cement; and a combination admixture system wherein the combination admixture system comprises a polycarboxylate high range water reducing dispersant in combination with an accelerator and a retarder. The admixture allows for acceptable workability and development of high early-strength in cementitious compositions without the use of an external heat source.

Abstract: An electrical raceway assembly for use with a table-top structure. The raceway assembly includes an elongated raceway and a locking element. The locking element includes a first end detachably engaged to the raceway, and an opposite second end having a locking lever movable between a locked position for quickly engaging the raceway to the structure and a released position for quickly releasing the raceway from the structure. The elongated raceway has a length, a transverse base and a pair of opposite upstanding sidewalls extending along the length to define at least one open channel configured for retaining electrical wires. The raceway is engageable to the table-top structure in either a first position, wherein the raceway extends above the upper surface, or a second position, wherein the raceway extends beneath the lower surface. The raceway is further engageable in either a forward facing orientation or a reversed orientation.

Abstract: A folding table (10) having a table top (14) and a support frame (12) which includes a perimeter frame assembly (41) and a central support/pivot assembly (26). The perimeter frame assembly (41) includes first (20) and second leg assemblies (22) which are pivotally attached to said the central support/pivot assembly (26). Also a frame (12) for a folding table (10).

Abstract: An automatic coal stoker is disclosed having at the base of its hopper an enclosed reciprocating pusher assembly rectangular box shaped which delivers compressingly a defined but variable quantity of coal into a restricted passageway. Successive quantities form a compressed strip of coal to be burned between side rails of a fire grate situate and over an air box fed with a forced air supply. As the strip works its across the substantially horizontal grate, it burns without forming clinkers, discharges ashes at the bottom of the incline, and effects a minimal degree of uncombusted coal in the ashes. The fire grate of the present invention is substantially horizontal throughout its functional length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combusting black liquor generated by semi-chemical and other pulping processes, using a draft airflow furnace such as a rotating kiln, and a lower end mixing nozzle for black liquor and combustion air. A combustion agent is added to the black liquor to support ignition and permit a closely controllable combustion plume or flame adjacent the nozzle. Resulting combustion is complete and well below government environmental air emission standards. Chemical recovery is efficient, clean, and free from products of incomplete combustion.

Abstract: An improved sewing machine is disclosed for making consistent edge seams. The improvement automatically adjusts a width of a sewn seam based upon feedback from a sensor which detects a position of a sewn edge. Feedback from the sensor causes a transverse adjustment in the position of an edge guide. An outside foot of the sewing machine may be suspended on a biased linkage to permit its transverse displacement when making an adjustment to a seam width.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stand-up type personal watercraft capable of easily discharging water in an engine room of a body that is limited in space even when the watercraft is beached. The stand-up type personal watercraft comprises a bulkhead 12 that defines an engine room 10 in the body 2 surrounded by a hull 3 and a deck 4; a water intake 16 formed in the hull 3, through which water is sucked by a water jet pump; a penetrating hole 26 formed in a lower portion of the bulk bead 12; a fitting member 27 mounted to the penetrating hole 26, a plug 28 removably attached to the fitting member 27; a hollow drain plug 24 provided at the periphery of the water intake 16, for mounting the grate plate 19; and a hose 29 connecting the fitting member 27 to the drain plug 24.

Abstract: A personal watercraft in which a battery is easily placed and charging and maintenance of the battery are easily performed, comprising: a body constituted by a deck and a hull; an engine room formed inside the body, for containing an engine; and a battery-accommodating portion for containing the battery for the engine, wherein the battery-accommodating portion is provided in the deck outside the engine room.

Abstract: A combination engine compartment cover and privacy enclosure includes a frame member, which is rotatable about a pivot adjacent to an engine compartment access through a deck of a pontoon boat. The entire enclosure can rotate to a position to access the opening, or the enclosure can be used as a privacy enclosure. A top cover of the unit is also rotatable relative to the frame and has a support bracket attached to a back of the top cover, where the bracket is rotatable to an upright position, where a privacy curtain may be assembled around the enclosure by way of snap members.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a watercraft control mechanism that is capable of steering, decelerating, and/or trimming a watercraft without causing the stern to elevate and the bow to dive; steers or assists steering in off-power situations; steers, trims and/or decelerates a watercraft, or assists in steering, trimming, and/or decelerating a watercraft that can be stowed or retracted to minimize hydrodynamic drag at high speeds; steers, trims and/or decelerates a watercraft, or assists in steering, trimming, and/or decelerating a watercraft that does not become clogged or jammed by seaweed or flotsam or foreign objects floating in the water; and decelerates or assists in decelerating a watercraft in a smooth and stable manner when the watercraft is travelling at high speeds.

Abstract: This invention includes an adjustable boat top, that can be lowered in order to permit the boat to travel under bridges and other obstructions that might otherwise preclude the passage or movement of the boat. The boat top is lowered as the boat top slides forward to the front to the boat. The top frame of the boat top is supported by a forward frame and a rearward frame, which may be connected to pivots on the deck surface. In lowering the boat top, the pivots are unlocked so that the forward frame and rearward frame can pivot forward. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the raising and lowering of the boat top uses a piston assist, but the raising and lowering of the boat top can also be done manually. Preferably, the area of the boat from the pivots out to the side of the boat are not impeded by the boat top in either raised or lowered positions.

Abstract: It comprises a lower area (1), an upper area (2) or deck, a height-movable roof (3) forming part of the craft and drive means allowing to automatically cover or uncover the upper area (2) that comprise hydraulically driven telescopic bars (4). The roof (3) of the deck includes solar panels for clean energy generation and their design keeps the external aesthetic line of the craft when it is in closed position. Means for activation of the roof (3) are provided in the craft allowing to drive it from the interior thereof.

Abstract: A rear deck pad cover for the rear deck pad of a power boat. The rear deck pad cover is designed to protect an upholstered rear deck pad, and yet stow in a compact easily managed package that minimizes the consumption of limited storage space. The rear deck pad cover has a tailored rectangular shape with a pocket along one side that is particularly configured to cling to the rear deck cover when it is applied thereto. The rear deck pad cover protects the rear deck pad upholstery from damage, staining or fading, and it allows for quick and easy insertion and removal.

Abstract: A fitting bracket, which may be compiled from one or a pair of interconnecting Tees, may include the application and securement of a cap, for accommodating a fastener for holding any type of a lamp to the bracket for its application to the side rail of a boat, for securement to the supporting structure of a vehicle, or any other tubular support. The pair of such Tees may be combined together, perpendicularly arranged, so that the lower modified T may snap onto the side rail of, for example, a boat, while the upper T may accommodate the insertion of the handle of a rod and reel or other fishing pole therein, during usage. In addition, a singular Tee may be modified for snap bracketing onto the side rail of a boat, and hold other framework that forms a grid work of frames over and above the boat, for supporting covering material, camouflaged cloth, or any other type of protective covering.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a residual life indicator. The residual life indicator comprises a solid, surface active, waterproof support medium having a concentric pattern imprinted thereon. The concentric pattern comprises a center pattern and at least one outer pattern. An indicator dye spot is disposed within the center pattern of the concentric patter. When the indicator dye is exposed to contaminants, the indicator dye spot visually moves toward the outer pattern.

Abstract: AlxGayInzN, wherein 0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1, 0≦z≦1, and x+y+z=1, characterized by a root mean square surface roughness of less than 1 nm in a 10×10 &mgr;m22 area. The AlxGayInzN may be in the form of a wafer, which is chemically mechanically polished (CMP) using a CMP slurry comprising abrasive particles, such as silica or alumina, and an acid or a base. High quality AlxGayInzN wafers can be fabricated by steps including lapping, mechanical polishing, and reducing internal stress of said wafer by thermal annealing or chemical etching for further enhancement of its surface quality. CMP processing may be usefully employed to highlight crystal defects of an AlxGayInzN wafer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a waveguide in ferroelectric crystals, comprising the following steps. A ferroelectric crystal is provided. A vapor phase proton is diffused into the ferroelectric crystal by a vapor proton-exchange process to form a vapor proton-exchange (VPE) waveguide material structure having a step refractive index profile. The VPE waveguide material structure is treated with one or more processes selected from the group consisting of: a post thermal anneal process and an additional reverse proton-exchange process to complete fabrication of the waveguide, whereby the refractive index profile of the fabricated waveguide can be flexibly optimized. This method can form a high-quality waveguide and also provides a full degree of design flexibility for device optimization in several applications.

Abstract: A method of forming a tungsten nucleation layer using a sequential deposition process. The tungsten nucleation layer is formed by reacting pulses of a tungsten-containing precursor and a reducing gas in a process chamber to deposit tungsten on the substrate. Thereafter, reaction by-products generated from the tungsten deposition are removed from the process chamber. After the reaction by-products are removed from the process chamber, a flow of the reducing gas is provided to the process chamber to react with residual tungsten-containing precursor remaining therein. Such a deposition process forms tungsten nucleation layers having good step coverage. The sequential deposition process of reacting pulses of the tungsten-containing precursor and the reducing gas, removing reaction by-products, and than providing a flow of the reducing gas to the process chamber may be repeated until a desired thickness for the tungsten nucleation layer is formed.

Abstract: A crucible for growing III-nitride (e.g., aluminum nitride) single crystals is provided. The crucible includes an elongated wall structure defining an interior crystal growth cavity. The crucible includes a plurality of tungsten grains and a wall thickness of at least about 1.5 times the average tungsten grain size. In particular embodiments, the crucible includes first and second layers of tungsten grains the first layer including grains forming an inside surface thereof and the second layer being superposed with the first layer. The crucible may be machined from a bar, plate, or billet of powder metallurgy tungsten.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes and reactor apparatus for rapidly producing large diameter, high-purity polycrystalline silicon rods for semiconductor applications. A.C. current, having a fixed or variable high frequency in the range of about 2 kHz to 800 kHz, is provided to concentrate at least 70% of the current in an annular region that is the outer 15% of a growing rod due to the “skin effect.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a spraying end of a paint sprayer includes a solvent vessel having an opening and containing a solvent. The opening is configured to receive the spraying end of the paint sprayer. A rotatable brush is only partially submerged in the solvent such that the spraying end contacts the brush when inserted into the opening. A motor is interconnected with and provides rotation to the brush. A signal generator is operable to provide an actuation signal that activates the motor such that the brush rotates and cleans paint from the spraying end of the paint gun.

Abstract: A powder spray booth (2) with a powder recovery system having an overspray intake (18) communicating with the interior of the booth. A vertically extending duct (20) leads from the overspray intake to a powder recovery system such as, for example, a cyclone. The vertically extending duct may have doors (32) opening to the interior of the booth to provide access to the vertical duct for cleaning. The doors may have holes (120) to aspirate air from the booth interior to optimize air flow patterns within the booth. A diverter plate (26) within the booth (2) defines with the booth floor (10) a floor duct leading to the overspray intake (18). The diverter plate has apertures for allowing oversprayed powder to be collected through the plate.

Abstract: A coating apparatus has a paint supply device, a mouthpiece for dispensing a paint supplied from the paint supply device, and a stage for holding a coated object. A 10-point average roughness Rz of a surface of the mouthpiece facing the coated object is not more than 1.0 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A substrate processing chamber component is a structure having an integral surface coating comprising an yttrium-aluminum compound. The component may be fabricated by forming a metal alloy comprising yttrium and aluminum into the component shape and anodizing its surface to form an integral anodized surface coating. The chamber component may be also formed by ion implanting material in a preformed metal shape. The component may be one or more of a chamber wall, substrate support, substrate transport, gas supply, gas energizer and gas exhaust.

Abstract: A CVD (chemical vapor deposition) apparatus is provided which deposits a film having uniform thickness and quality on a substrate. The CVD apparatus includes a partition wall for dividing a reactor chamber into a first space in which the substrate is to be placed and a second space into which a source gas is initially introduced, the second space being used as a gas storage chamber. The partition wall has a multiplicity of holes formed therein for uniformly supplying the source gas onto the substrate in the first space.

Abstract: Superconductor reactors, methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid delivery system having safe unit includes: an injection valve connected to a chamber; a mass flow controller connected to the injection valve; an auxiliary valve connected between the injection valve and the mass flow controller; an auxiliary pump connected to the auxiliary valve; and a relay electrically connected to the auxiliary valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying cesium that can readily control the amount of supplied cesium gas and continuously supply the cesium gas for a long period of time are disclosed in the present invention. The apparatus for supplying cesium includes a gas flow controller controlling an amount of an externally introduced inert gas, a pre-heater pre-heating the inert gas introduced through a first gas flow tube from the gas flow controller, a cesium vaporizer emitting a cesium gas from a cesium containing source to a third gas flow tube by using the inert gas introduced through a second gas flow tube from the pre-heater, and a pressure detector detecting a vapor pressure of the cesium vaporizer. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming an opening in a shell of an avian egg such that the potential for cracking is greatly reduced are provided and comprise moving a punch through an egg shell at speeds equal to or greater than thirty (30) inches per second. Punches may be driven via various devices including gravity-assisted devices, spring-assisted devices, solenoid-assisted devices, and fluid-assisted (e.g., compressed air, compressed nitrogen, liquid, etc.) devices. The shell of an egg may be pierced without causing cracking by hurling one or more small projectiles at the egg shell at speeds in excess of 30 inches per second. A punch may be mounted on a piezoelectric actuator configured to vibrate at frequencies in a range of between about 1,000 Hz and about 100,000 Hz. These frequencies effectively cause a punch to move at speeds in excess of 30 inches per second.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to animal feeders and particularly to a bird feeder having a construction that allows bird seed cakes of various ornamental designs to freely hang while providing a separate area for multiple visiting birds to perch. The grid-patterned perch hangs around the cake, thereby minimizing both premature destruction of the cake and obstructions to a view of the visiting birds and the decoratively shaped seed cake.

Abstract: A wildlife feeder has a generally tubular, upright housing or base unit that is designed to remain permanently attached to its means of support, such as an upstanding post or an overhead hanger, while refillable feed cartridges are readily removed from the housing as need be for refilling or cleaning. In its preferred form, the housing has a pair of internal, upright retaining sockets at its opposite ends that receive a pair of cylindrical, transparent cartridges. The cartridges are open at the top and closed at the bottom, with dispensing ports in the sidewalls thereof. A pair of tall window openings at opposite ends of the housing provide both unimpeded visual examination of the feed level of the cartridges from remote locations and means for removing the cartridges from and reinserting them into the housing.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for predicting an accurate body condition score (BCS) for pets. The method includes selecting a BCS based upon a BCS chart, answering a questionnaire regarding the pet, and applying the selected BCS and at least one answer from the questionnaire to a model to determine a predicted body condition score.

Abstract: A collapsible animal container (10) having a lightweight construction is disclosed. The animal container (10) is constructed of a flexible housing (12) suspended by rigid panels (14) separated by struts (16). The housing (12) includes a top wall, bottom wall, a pair of end walls and a pair of sidewalls. One or more struts (16) are provided and are biased between the rigid panels (14) to maintain the animal container (10) in an open and usable configuration. When removed, the struts (16) may be stored in pockets (20) formed in the sidewalls to simplify transport. A strap (36) and/or leash may also be provided to bundle the rigid panels (14) together when not in use or for transport. A handle (18) may also be incorporated into the animal container (10) or strap (36), particularly, to further simplify transport.

Abstract: A collapsible animal container 10 having a lightweight construction is disclosed. The animal container 10 is constructed of a flexible housing 12 suspended by rigid panels 14 separated by struts 16. The housing 12 includes a top wall, bottom wall, a pair of end walls and a pair of side walls. One or more struts 16 are provided and are biased between the rigid panels 14 to maintain the animal container 10 in an open and usable configuration. When removed, the struts 16 may be stored in pockets 20 formed in the side walls to simplify transport. A strap 36 and/or leash may also be provided to bundle the rigid panels 14 together when not in use or for transport. A handle 18 may also be incorporated into the animal container 10 or strap 36, particularly, to further simplify transport.

Abstract: A pet carrier having series of interconnected panels and removable stiffening members forming a flexible pet enclosure that can be carried by a pet owner or secured in a vehicle for transport. As the support members are semi-rigid, the roof of the enclosure may be resiliently deformed as needed, such as for placing the carrier under a passenger airline seat. Removal of the support members allows a user to collapse the pet carrier to a substantially flat configuration. The pet carrier may be carried by a pet owner via a six-point shoulder strap system that is capable of levelling the carrier during use. The pet carrier also has several openings to provide ventilation and a compartment that communicates with the inside of the carrier for inserting an air conditioning pad.

Abstract: An improved flue pipe construction particularly adapted for a fuel fired water heater is disclosed which serves to reduce or minimize heat loss when the water heater is in a standby mode. The flue pipe construction comprises inner and outer concentric flue pipes which define an air space therebetween and one or more valve arrangements associated therewith to selectively restrict air flow through such air space. The valve arrangements include a thermally responsive actuator operative to open and close the valve member in response to heat generated by firing of the burner assembly without the need for any external power supply or interlocks.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine that combines the concepts of a rotary engine with those of a piston engine. This engine can be adapted to embody many different forms to be appropriate for operating environments ranging from small engines up to large engines for use in power plants. The engine is less complex than a conventional reciprocating engine, but more efficient than a conventional rotary engine.

Abstract: Continually variable valve timing, lift and duration in an engine are achieved by altering the location of the pivot of the rocker arm and by using a mechanical lash compensator. The pivot of the rocker arm alters when a variable valve lift disc rotates. The lash compensator comprises a cylindrical plunger inserted in a body. The plunger and the body are separated by a spring. The separation gap or lash varies depending on the amount of rocker arm pivot movement. The larger amount of lash results in lower valve lift and small amount of lash results in higher valve lift. The variable lift disc is used to alter the position of the rocker arm pivot and it has engaging teeth that mate with a helical gear. The rocker arm pivot shaft is mounted on the variable lift disc, when the disc rotates, it alters the rocker arm pivot position. The disc rotates under the longitudinal movement of the helical gear controlled by the hydraulic oil pressure from lubricant.

Abstract: An intake system for an internal combustion engine is provided which comprises a variable valve control apparatus capable of variably and continuously controlling the amount of intake air of an internal combustion engine by varying valve lift characteristics of an intake valve, a collector fluidly connected with a plurality of intake passages for cylinders of the internal combustion engine, and a pressure control mechanism for producing within the collector a vacuum that increases with increase of one of the amount of intake air, engine speed and engine load of the internal combustion engine.