Abstract: An outlet gate assembly has upper and lower gate assemblies with independent drive mechanisms to open and close the gates. The drive mechanisms may be rack and pinion drives. The racks for the lower gate do not enter the gate cavity. The outlet gate assembly can be used for vacuum, gravity or pneumatic sled discharge. The vacuum openings are offset from the center plane of the discharge area to allow free flow of lading. The lower gate assembly includes surfaces that cover and protect the lowermost horizontal surfaces of the assembly when the lower gate assembly is closed. Thus, no separate mud plate is needed. The outlet gate assembly includes seals made of an ultra high molecular weight polymer.

Abstract: A non-aqueous ink composition includes solvent, dispersant and coloring material. The solvent contains therein not smaller than 10% by weight non-polar organic solvent which is not higher than 280° C. in 50% running point and not smaller than 20% by weight polar organic solvent which is not lower than 300° C. in 50% running point.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides novel and unique fused fibrous compounds for addition to and manufacture of bone and dental cement systems and methods of making the same. The preferred embodiment of the fused fibrous compound material made therefrom comprises a rigid three-dimensional network of fibers fused together at their points of contact wherein said network is greater than 60% by volume void space, has mean pore diameters greater than 10 microns, or both. The fused fibrous compound is preferably manufactured from fibers and a fusion source and is added to the composition in particle form.

Abstract: Mold release agents useful for the production of plastic molded parts having reduced concentration of undesirable, potentially health hazardous substances in the edge zone and on the surface of the molded part and a process for the production of low toxicity plastic molded parts using such mold release agents. These mold release agents have at least one group which is reactive with the undesirable materials that form on the surfaces and in the edge zones of the molded parts.

Abstract: An emulsion for sealants, coatings and/or mastics including a bitumen and a slurry of water and substantially fully hydrated colloidal clay is disclosed. The preferred emulsions include bentonite and a bitumen in preferred ratios such that the composition has characteristics adapted to cold application processes. Such emulsions are also disclosed as capably emulsifying high melt bitumens. Furthermore, a method of preparing such emulsions is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions containing inorganic UV absorbers and to coatings produced therefrom for the long-term protection of materials, especially plastics, against photochemical degradation.

Abstract: The invention relates to adhesives manufacturing. These adhesives are used in household and industry for adhering various materials (concrete, ceramics, different coatings, etc) exploited under temperatures +50° C. to −20° C and under elevated humidity. The adhesive composition represents the product of interaction between potassium silicate aqueous solution (density of 1.3 to 1.37 g/cm3, molar ratio SiO2/K2O of 3.4 to 3.7), anhydrous lithium hydroxide mixed with di- or trihydric alcohol, vollastonite (particle size of 150 &mgr;m and smaller, length to diameter ratio 5-3:1), talc (particle size of 10 to 20 &mgr;m mainly) and inorganic pigment. The adhesive composition is prepared by a given consecutive mixture of components. The adhesive composition has enhanced activity (storage stability) and water resistance. It also has improved strength of adhesion junction while adhering various materials; it is non-toxic and pollution-free.

Abstract: An extendable table having a stowable leaf member. The table includes a first table section having a first table surface and a second table section having a second table surface. The second table section is movably coupled to the first table section in a coplanar relationship. A leaf member is further provided and is selectively positionable in an operable position between the first table surface and the second table surface and a stowed position below the table surface. A pivoting assembly couples the leaf member to the first and second table sections and permits the leaf member to rotate about a generally vertical axis and a generally horizontal axis between an operable position and a stowed position. When in this stowed position, the leaf member is generally nestled along the underside of the extendable table out of sight of a guest.

Abstract: Methods for improving the strength of alumina refractory materials are disclosed. The method involves exposing the alumina material to a halogen gas. The treated materials can be used in furnaces for producing fused silica optical members.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating organic waste, which include determining the ignition threshold temperature for the organic waste and at least one mineral by-product, selecting a ratio of organic waste:mineral by-product(s) based on the determined ignition threshold temperature, combining the mineral by-product(s) with the organic waste, so as to arrive at a mixture having the selected ratio of organic waste:mineral by-product(s); and drying the mixture of organic waste and mineral by-product(s) to produce organic waste solids. The treatment methods of the present invention are methods of stabilizing the treated organic waste so as to control the tendency of the organic waste to ignite. Also provided are organic waste solids formed by the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: A buttonhole sewing machine comprises work piece clamps with a pneumatically actuated displacement drive for displacement relative to each other of the work piece clamps from an initial position of spread by a length of spread into a final position of spread. Only the first work piece clamp is displaceable relative to the x-y table. The displacement of the first work piece clamp is defined between two stop positions. A control unit stores data for triggering an x drive for reversed displacement of the x-y table by half the given length of spread.

Abstract: A buttonhole sewing machine comprises work piece clamps with displacement drives for displacement from an initial position of spread by a length of spread into a final position of spread. The work piece clamp comprises a supporting plate for accommodation of a work piece and a clamping plate mounted on the supporting plate. A clamping drive for actuation of the clamping plate supports itself on the supporting plate.

Abstract: An anchor includes an anchor shank, a fluke disposed on the leading terminal side of the anchor shank as folded back therefrom, and a buoyancy part disposed on the leading terminal side of the anchor shank. The buoyancy part has a buoyant force that causes the leading terminal side of the anchor shank to rise upward and the basal terminal side thereof to contact the water bottom when the anchor is positioned on the water bottom, allows the leading terminal part of the fluke to remain in contact with the water bottom under its own weight, and enables the fluke to retain a posture for forming a given inserting angle relative to the water bottom.

Abstract: A submersible catamaran made of two parallel submergible floats, each having a triangular bow, a float midsection, a tail, and stern, a solid support surface forming a top to the two submergible floats adapted for supporting heavy loads, two movable columns disposed on the solid support surface, a fixed column on each submergible float, a ballast system disposed in each submergible float to raise and lower the catamaran with respect to the waterline, a horizontal positioning system with maneuvering winches and maneuvering lines connected to the winch and an object at sea, a controller for orienting the catamaran relative to the object at sea, and a vertical positioning system with two lines secured substantially vertically to the object at sea, two motion compensation systems disposed for monitoring the line tensions, and a control system to control the tension between the two motion compensation systems and the object at sea.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a lifting device for a boat, the lifting device including a first platform and a plurality of linkage members, the plurality of linkage members configured to form at least two four-bar linkage assemblies, each having a first end pivotally attached to the platform and a second end pivotally attached to a boat. The lifting device further including at least one hydraulic cylinder, the cylinder having a first end and second end, the first end being pivotally affixed to the structure of a boat and the second end pivotally attached to at least one linkage member, and a fluid device in communication with the hydraulic cylinder. A load sharing member connects the two four-bar linkage assemblies and prevents uneven or tilted motion of the platform.

Abstract: This is a very simple arrangement, easily used and installed by almost anyone. It differs from the nearest patented counterpart in minimizing parts, construction, and expense of production. And it works.

Abstract: An elastic O-ring or other expandable type ring indicator is disclosed that has indicia around its periphery identifying time, day, date or dose intervals. The ring is secured around either a cap or a neck of a conventional medicine or pill bottle. The cap or neck is provided with a pointer. The user then rotates the cap relative to the container to line up the pointer with the appropriate indicia on the ring. In another embodiment the user rotates the O-ring relative to the container or the cap to line up the pointer with the appropriate indicia on the ring. The ring is reusable and fits on conventional containers and caps.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single crystal Czochralski-type silicon wafer, and a process for the preparation thereof, which has a non-uniform distribution of crystal lattice vacancies therein, the peak concentration being present in the wafer bulk between an imaginary central plane and a surface of the wafer, such that, upon being subjected to the heat treatment cycles of essentially any arbitrary electronic device manufacturing process, the wafer forms oxygen precipitates in the wafer bulk and a thin or shallow precipitate-free zone near the wafer surface.

Abstract: A doped semiconductor wafer of float zone-pulled semiconductor material contains a dopant added to a molten material and has a radial macroscopic resistance distribution of less than 12% and striations of −10% to +10%. There is also a process for producing a doped semiconductor wafer by float zone pulling of a single crystal and dividing up the single crystal, in which process, during the float zone pulling, a molten material which is produced using an induction coil is doped with a dopant. It is exposed to at least one rotating magnetic field and is solidified. The single crystal which is formed during the solidification of the molten material is rotated. The single crystal and the magnetic field are rotated with opposite directions of rotation and the magnetic field has a frequency of 400 to 700 Hz.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for depositing especially, organic layers. In a heated reactor, a non-gaseous starting material that is stored in a source in the form of a container is transported from said source to a substrate by a carrier gas in gaseous form and is deposited on said substrate. The rate of production of the gaseous starting material by the source is unpredictable due to a heat input that cannot be regulated in a reproducible manner and due to cooling resulting from the carrier gas. The invention therefore provides that the preheated carrier gas washes through the starting material from bottom to top, the starting material being kept essentially isothermal in relation to the carrier gas by the heated container walls.

Abstract: A booth for coating objects with powder, in particular for powder painting, comprises in a manner known per se a housing, in which there is situated at least one application device, with which powder can be applied to the objects. Situated in the upper region of the housing is an air plenum, which is fed with supply air via an inlet opening. The air plenum is closed off downwardly by a filter ceiling. In contrast to known filter ceilings, the one according to the invention is air-permeable in its marginal region only, while in its central region it consists of air-impermeable material. The supply air is thus introduced into the interior of the booth as a kind of “air curtain” which flows mainly along the side walls of the housing of the booth, entrains in the process stray excess powder which has not adhered to the objects to be coated, and supplies it to at least one extraction opening situated in the bottom of the booth.

Abstract: The invention is a contact die for dispensing of flowable material on a substrate. The contact die includes at least one die block including a first internal passage. A die lip portion is disposed on the die block having a lateral dimension. A first plurality of orifices is disposed through the die lip portion proximate to each other and in communication with the internal passage to dispense flowable material as a single strip on the substrate. A first edge is disposed on one lateral side of the first plurality of orifices to direct the flowable material.

Abstract: Semiconductor processing apparatus is disclosed which provides for movement of a scanning arm 60 of a substrate or wafer holder 180, in at least two generally orthogonal directions (so-called X-Y scanning). Scanning in a first direction is longitudinally through an aperture 55 in a vacuum chamber wall. The arm 60 is reciprocated by one or more linear motors 90A, 90B. The arm 60 is supported relative to a slide 100 using gimballed air bearings so as to provide cantilever support for the arm relative to the slide 100. A compliant feedthrough 130 into the vacuum chamber for the arm 60 then acts as a vacuum seal and guide but does not itself need to provide bearing support. A Faraday 450 is attached to the arm 60 adjacent the substrate holder 180 to allow beam profiling to be carried out both prior to and during implant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing harmonic energy within a plasma to ground in a plasma enhanced semiconductor wafer processing reactor. A model of the chamber is used to determine the pathway for RF power and the harmonic energy of that RF power through the chamber. From this model, the placement and design of a harmonic routing circuit is determined to shunt the harmonic energy to ground.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for fabricating spring structures that minimize helical twisting by reducing or eliminating stress anisotropy in the thin films from which the springs are formed through manipulation of the fabrication process parameters and/or spring material compositions. In one embodiment, isotropic internal stress is achieved by manipulating the fabrication parameters (i.e., temperature, pressure, and electrical bias) during spring material film formation to generate the tensile or compressive stress at the saturation point of the spring material. Methods are also disclosed for tuning the saturation point through the use of high temperature or the incorporation of softening metals. In other embodiments, isotropic internal stress is generated through randomized deposition (e.g., pressure homogenization) or directed deposition techniques (e.g., biased sputtering, pulse sputtering, or long throw sputtering). Cluster tools are used to separate the deposition of release and spring materials.

Abstract: The invention includes an engagement mechanism for semiconductor substrate deposition process kit hardware, including a body having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The body is sized for movement through a passageway of a semiconductor substrate deposition chamber through which semiconductor substrates pass into and out of the chamber for deposition processing. At least engager is mounted to the distal portion of the body The engager is sized for movement through said passageway with the body. The engager is configured to releasably engage a component of process kit hardware received within said chamber. The invention includes methods of replacing at least a portion of semiconductor substrate deposition process kit hardware. The invention includes methods of depositing materials over a plurality of semiconductor substrates. Other implementations are contemplated.

Abstract: A plasma CVD apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, a showerhead, and a susceptor characterized in that an insulation ring is placed and embedded in a peripheral portion of the susceptor to increase the electrically effective distance between the showerhead and the susceptor, both of which functions as electrodes.

Abstract: A liner for use with a teat cup having a rigid hollow shell having a central aperture is shown. The liner comprises a teat chamber having an opening which extends axially therethrough and terminates in a distal end and which has an axial length greater in length than a length of a teat terminating in a distal tip which is to be inserted into the teat chamber. The distal tip of a teat is positioned in a spaced relationship from the distal end of the teat chamber. The liner includes a transition chamber having an axially extending reducing inner passageway which has an inlet contiguous to and communicating with the opening in the distal end. The inner passageway inlet has a dimension substantially equal to the opening and decreases in dimension to an outlet having an outlet dimension less that the inlet dimension.

Abstract: A feeding stand for a packaged food product includes a body comprising a bowl-shaped base defining a dish receptacle therein, said receptacle comprising a first rim support having a first diameter for supporting the dish, and a second rim support having a second diameter, said second diameter less than said first diameter.

Abstract: An animal litter box liner has a sufficient amount of sodium bicarbonate incorporated into the sheet-like material of the liner to facilitate the control of odors from the litter box when the litter box is used by an animal. The amount of sodium bicarbonate used is small enough that it does not compromise the structural integrity of the liner. The amount of sodium bicarbonate incorporated into the liner is preferably within the range of from about 2% to about 12% by volume.

Abstract: A livestock cooling system creates an environment for protecting the health and productivity of animals, particularly dairy cows. One or more cooling fans are connected to programmable oscillation means, enabling the herds man to program fan oscillation according to the location of the livestock. Water is injected under high pressure into the air stream of the fans to create a fog. The system is also programmable according to various environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and wind velocity. The pressure and volume of the injected water are programmable and may be adjusted by the controller according to the observed environmental conditions. The disclosed system provides a cool and healthy environment for livestock, where the environment is programmed to track the animals according to the time of day and the location of shade.

Abstract: A pet shelter that enables efficient stacking of multiple shelters in a bottom-top-bottom-top-bottom-etc. arrangement is provided. The shelter comprises a bottom section and a top section. Both the top and bottom sections are preferably hollow rectangular boxes with one missing side. Both sections have sloping sidewalls and a substantially U-shaped opening in one sidewall. The sidewalls of the top and bottom sections slope at roughly equal angles. The legs of the U-shaped openings are bent at roughly equal angles on both the top and bottom sections. The height of the top section is roughly equal to the height of the bottom section. The roof of the top section has a very gradual slope, such that the peak of the roof does not obstruct insertion of a top section into a bottom section. Thus, the top and bottom sections are configured such that an inverted top section fits snugly within an interior of a bottom section, and a bottom section fits snugly within an interior of an inverted top section.

Abstract: The present invention a cattle flooring method & apparatus comprises interlocking mats including mat sections, inter connected with interlocking webs defined at mat edges; and mat connectors forming a mat connection such that a connection is made across a mat edges by placing one mat connector adjacent a top surface of said mats and a second mat connector placed adjacent a bottom surface of said mats such that said top and upper and lower mat connectors are adapted to interlock though mat holes in said mats thereby connecting together adjacent mat sections and clamping onto said mats. The cattle flooring apparatus further includes a slat anchor including a dome member for securing said mat together with said slat anchor to a slatted floor by urging said dome member of said slat anchor through a mat opening and into a slat opening.

Abstract: Animal bedding disinfecting methods and systems are disclosed that facilitate removal of contaminants and pathogens from reusable animal bedding. A disinfecting method includes: preparing soiled animal bedding for disinfecting; disinfecting the soiled animal bedding; and reusing the disinfected animal bedding. A disinfecting system for supplying at least one disinfecting medium to animal bedding includes: a cover configured to create a controlled environment around the animal bedding; and at least one disinfecting medium reservoir associated with the cover configured to supply at least one disinfecting medium to the animal bedding within the controlled environment. A disinfecting system for supplying heat to animal bedding includes a heating cover configured both to create a controlled environment around the animal bedding and to supply heat at a temperature of at least approximately 200° F. for a time period of at least approximately 5 minutes to the animal bedding.

Abstract: A reconfigurable modular play structure for animals including a base, a plurality of cylindrical support members, and one or more platforms to support an animal. The cylindrical support members are helically wrapped with a plurality of flexible line wrappings, allowing different colors and types of wrappings to be used in combination. Special access apertures and holes facilitate locking the line wrappings to the support members. One or more of the platforms or an upper portion of the structure may be rotated on a rotating connection. The structure may also include one or more play members held by an open spring or a soft flexible material playhouse for the entertainment of an animal.

Abstract: A livestock weighing and sorting apparatus includes a frame, a weighing station supported by the frame and defining inlet and outlet openings and a passageway extending therebetween for permitting an animal to go through the weighing station and be weighed while therein, dual inlet gates mounted to the frame side-by-side one another adjacent to the inlet opening and movable toward and away from each other between opened and closed positions, a first actuator mechanism actuatable to move the dual inlet gates between the opened and closed positions, an outlet sort gate mounted to the frame adjacent to the outlet opening and movable between a centered closed position and either a first opened position or a second opened position, and a second actuator mechanism actuatable to move the outlet sort gate between the centered closed position and either the first or second opened positions.

Abstract: A method of reducing smoke and particulate emissions from steam boilers and process heaters operating on solid fuel by adding a fuel additive which contains an oil-dispersible iron compound and an over-based magnesium compound to the solid fuel.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine and its method of operation including at least one embodiment operating on a six-stroke cycle and including at least one piston and cylinder assembly. The six-stroke cycle includes two power strokes, the latter of which is the result of a water to steam conversion process utilizing the heat of the exhaust gas from the first power stroke. A second embodiment comprises a hybrid power generating assembly incorporating alternative, first and second power sources respectively comprising an internal combustion engine and a water injection engine, the latter of which operates on the water to steam conversion process, wherein the required heat therefore is derived from the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine. The second power source drives a source of electric energy which powers an electric motor, wherein the electric motor and the internal combustion engine are both connected in driving relation to a power take-off.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, particularly suitable for use in a work machine, is provided with a combustion cylinder, a cylinder head at an end of the combustion cylinder and a primary piston reciprocally disposed within the combustion cylinder. The cylinder head includes a secondary cylinder and a secondary piston reciprocally disposed within the secondary cylinder. An actuator is coupled with the secondary piston for controlling the position of the secondary piston dependent upon the position of the primary piston. A communication port establishes fluid flow communication between the combustion cylinder and the secondary cylinder.

Abstract: Efficiency almost doubles as the normally lost combustion chamber volume in an internal combustion engine, which does no work, is utilized to produce work. An internal combustion engine of positive displacement type with little fixed combustion chamber volume. A secondary cam actuates a secondary piston through a secondary cam follower. The secondary cam is driven by a timed means of gear or chain or belt from the rotation of the crankshaft. An interconnecting passage forms a gaseous communication between the primary and secondary piston. The secondary piston activated by the secondary cam stores fresh gasses in the compression cycle. The secondary piston then returns the gasses to be combusted to the volume on top of and provided by the primary piston in the power stroke. At the proper compression ratio the mixture is ignited.

Abstract: To provide a two-cycle combustion engine having a two-staged piston, which is simple in structure and inexpensive and in which an undesirable blow-off phenomenon of the air-fuel mixture can be avoided effectively, the two-cycle combustion engine includes a cylinder block 1 having a two-staged cylinder bore defined therein and having a reduced diameter bore portion 1a and a large diameter bore portion 1b, and a two-staged piston 10 having a reduced diameter piston portion 10a and a large diameter piston portion 10b and drivingly accommodated within the two-staged cylinder bore. An annular auxiliary chamber 11 is defined between the large diameter bore portion 1b of the two-staged cylinder bore and the reduced diameter piston portion 10a of the two-staged piston.

Abstract: To provide a two-cycle combustion. engine having a two-staged piston, which is simple in structure and inexpensive and in which an undesirable blow-off phenomenon of the air-fuel mixture can be avoided effectively, the two-cycle combustion engine includes a cylinder block 1 having a two-staged cylinder bore defined therein and having a reduced diameter bore portion 1a and a large diameter bore portion 1b, and a two-staged piston 10 having a reduced diameter piston portion 10a and a large diameter piston portion 10b and drivingly accommodated within the two-staged cylinder bore. An annular auxiliary chamber 11 is defined between the two-staged cylinder bore and the reduced diameter piston portion 10a of the two-staged piston.

Abstract: A two-step finger follower rocker arm assembly including a follower body having a socket at a first end for engaging a hydraulic lash adjuster and a pad at an opposite end for engaging a valve stem. A passage through the follower body in the direction of actuation by an engine cam lobe is slidingly receivable of a slider member for variably engaging a central cam lobe, preferably a high-lift lobe. A latch member driven by a piston selectively locks the slider member to the follower body such that the follower follows the motion of the central cam lobe. When the latch member is disengaged from the slider member, the slider member slides within the follower body. The body is provided with a stud extending from an upper surface thereof and formed as an extension of the passage for supporting the slider over a greater length thereof such that a counter-torque moment on the slider in the passage is reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling first and second phase shiftable camshafts in a variable cam timing engine is provided. The method includes determining when the first camshaft is moving toward a first scheduled phase angle with respect to the crankshaft with a larger camshaft angular positioning error than the second camshaft. Finally, the method includes slowing down the first camshaft so that synchronized camshaft positioning can be better achieved.

Abstract: A valve control mechanism for an internal combustion engine is disclosed which includes a camshaft carrying a plurality of cams, the cams cooperating with and thereby serving to actuate valves which control the induction of fluids into, and the exhaust of fluids from, a combustion cylinder during the operating cycle of the engine; wherein:

Abstract: A two-step finger follower rocker arm assembly including a follower body having a socket at a first end for engaging a hydraulic lash adjuster and a pad at an opposite end for engaging a valve stem. A passage through the follower body in the direction of actuation by an engine cam is slidingly receivable of a slider member for variably engaging a central high-lift lobe. A lost-motion spring urges the slider member into contact with the central lobe. A latch member driven by a piston selectively locks the slider member to the follower body, causing the follower to follow the motion of the central cam lobe. When the latch member is disengaged, the slider member slides within the follower body, allowing lateral rollers to follow lateral cam lobes. The lateral rollers may be supported on the body by a rotatable cross-shaft or a fixed cross-shaft, or by a pair of fixed stub shafts, or by a pair of fixed bearing races.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to functionally improve a hydraulic play compensation element for a valve gear of an internal combustion engine. To this end, the play compensation element is characterized by the following features. Both components (4; 6) enclose a pressure chamber (7) between them, which is sealed from the exterior and which has a volume that depends on the relative position of both components (4; 6). A pressure spring (5) that presses both components (4; 6) away from one another is mounted inside the pressure chamber (7). The pressure chamber (7) can be connected to the storage chamber (8) via a spring-loaded one-way valve (10) through which media can flow exclusively into the pressure space. An additional controllable stop valve (11) is provided in the connection of the pressure chamber (7) to the storage chamber (8). A throttling channel (17), which serves as a bypass to the one-way valve (10), is provided between the pressure chamber (7) and the controllable stop valve (11).

Abstract: In cold weather the inconvenience of plugging in a motor vehicle to ensure starting and warmer starts is generally considered well worth the effort. This inconvenience includes monitoring the weather to anticipate cold nights, and plugging the motor vehicle into power on cold nights to ensure smooth starts on following mornings. This inconvenience also includes passing up potential parking locations where an adjacent power source is unavailable. A convenient method of preheating a vehicle engine having a first battery, charged by an alternator comprising the steps of: providing for a second battery electrically charged by the alternator, said second battery electrically isolated from the first battery by a battery isolator, so that the first battery is not depleted by a load drawn from the second battery; and, providing an engine heater which draws power from the second battery. In a preferred aspect of this method the further steps of providing a thermostatic switch and a timer are included.

Abstract: An air intake channel system for internal combustion engines comprises several air intake channels (48,50) each of which is formed by at least a first and a second channel member (52,54). A common channel member (52) allocated to two air intake channels (48,50) comprises two air inlet openings (60,62). By pivoting the common channel member (52), the length of the air intake channels (48,50) can be jointly varied.

Abstract: A cylinder liner for use in an internal combustion engine has an inner peripheral surface at which a surface treatment layer is formed upon water vapor treatment. The surface treatment layer has a surface configuration capable of providing excellent lubrication oil retaining function and initial break-in property as well as capable of being machined easily. The treatment surface of the cylinder liner has a plateau configuration providing a surface roughness Rz of 0.8 to 5.9 &mgr;m, and the plateau configuration is defined under DIN4776 by a reduced peak height Rpk of not more than 0.64 &mgr;m, a core roughness depth Rk of 0.05 to 1.8 &mgr;m, and a reduced valley depth Rvk of 0.15 to 3.3 &mgr;m. For grinding to the surface, a honing machine employs a grindstone containing metal bonded diamond grains at high density. Diamond grain size is not less than 4000.