Abstract: To prevent a window intruding into a cab of a rail vehicle in the event of an impact, the vehicle including a protective structure between the window and the interior of the cab and the protective structure including an opening facing the window, the protective structure supports anti-intrusion members which can move to obstruct at least part of the opening.

Abstract: A release agent for use in imaging systems having hot a fuser roller wherein the release agent is a hydrocarbon.

Abstract: An aggregation stabilizer is further added to an ink composition for inkjet recording which contains a colorant, a humectant, water, and a water-soluble substance that is condensation-polymerized in the absence of the water. With this aggregation stabilizer, a hardly-soluble or insoluble component formed by the colorant and the water-soluble substance is modified so as to be readily dissolved in water, whereby generation of an aggregate in the ink is prevented.

Abstract: Novel pigment compositions comprising pigmentary salts and polymers are provided. Pigmentary salts of triphenylmethane dyes are co-precipitated with polyfunctional polymeric acids to form pigment compositions having greatly increased hydrophilicity, dispersability and compatibility with water/polymeric dye vehicles. Processes for forming these pigment compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Monoazo dyes of general formula (IV) 1

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing the nano-sized lithium-cobalt oxide using flame-spraying pyrolysis is provided. The method of producing a nano-sized lithium-cobalt oxide comprising the steps of: spraying minute droplets formed at normal temperature from a solution dissolved with a certain ratio of lithium salt and cobalt salt; atomizing the minute droplets through rapid expansion by spraying into a high temperature environment generated by the combustion of oxygen and hydrogen; decomposing the atomized minute droplets thermally at high temperature. An apparatus for producing a nano-sized lithium-cobalt oxide by utilizing a flame spraying pyrolysis comprises a minute droplet generating section (100), a combusting section (200) and a particle collecting section (300). The produced nano-sized lithium-cobalt oxide can be applied to a highly efficient lithium battery.

Abstract: Corrosion-inhibiting pigments based on manganese are described that contain a heptavalent (permanganate), hexavalent (manganate), or pentavalent (manganate) compound. An inorganic or organic material is used with the heptavalent, hexavalent, or pentavalent manganese ion to form a compound that is sparingly soluble in water. Specific solubility control cations are chosen to control the release rate of heptavalent, hexavalent, or pentavalent manganese during exposure to water and to tailor the compatibility of the powder when used as a pigment in a chosen binder system. Solubility control agents may also modify the processing and handling characteristics of the formed powders. Many permanganate or manganate compounds are presented that can equal the performance of conventional hexavalent chromium systems. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A method for increasing the drying rate of set plaster by adding fatty alcohol sulfate to the slurry of calcium sulfate hemihydrate from which the plaster is made.

Abstract: Disclosed are cementitious mortar additives including at least a hydroxyalkyl guar derivative. Also dislcosed are dry cementitious mortar competitions including from 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of the additive and cured cementitious mortars obtained by addition of water to the dry cementitious mortar compositions.

Abstract: The present invention describes a furniture unit or a toy which employs base, top, and curved members along with a support member which extends along the inner surfaces of the top, base, and curved members. The shape of the invention allows it to be selectively positioned such that it can be adapted for a plurality of uses. For example, one embodiment of the present invention may be adapted for use as a desk, sofa, chair, or rocking toy.

Abstract: A large “U” or “L” shaped decorative 2-sided washable, fabric napkin/placemat sewn flat & placed around the standard coffee machine to accommodate the coffee cup, spoon, creamer & sugar bowl & prevent drips and spills on the countertop.

Abstract: A foldable and stackable utility table having a blow molded table top and two leg assemblies. The table top includes four corners which are offset downwardly to allow self centering and locking table stacking. The offset includes corner depressions in the upper surface of the table top and complimentary protrusions extending from the underside of the table top to allow nesting. The table includes two side rails attached to the sides of the table top and lateral tubes supported by the side rails for strengthening the table. The leg assemblies are also mounted to the side rails.

Abstract: An enclosure lock comprises at least one keeper 2 and latch 5. The keeper is mounted to an interior of the enclosure body 18. The latch is mounted to the interior side of the enclosure door 1. The keeper includes spaced projecting lugs 3 having an aperture 4 therebetween. The latch includes a mount 6 having a projecting lug 7 and a slidable bolt 8. The bolt includes spaced projecting lugs 12 having an aperture 13 therebetween. The bolt can slide between door locking and unlocking positions. When the door is closed, the mount lug 7 is positioned within the keeper aperture 4. The bolt lugs 12 can then be slid to the locking position behind the keeper lugs 3 to lock the door to the enclosure body. The locking arrangement prevents the door from being opened by rotating the door or by laterally sliding the door.

Abstract: A process for the pyrolysis of waste materials, particularly medical waste, is provided. In the pyrolysis process, waste material is placed in a sealed container. The sealed container is placed in a load chamber and the waste material is subjected to pyrolysis. The process generates pyrolysis gases containing volatile organic compounds which are fed to an oxidation chamber containing tangential and radial air inlet ports. The pyrolysis gases are combusted and hot gases are produced in the oxidation chamber. In the operation, at least a portion of the generated heat and hot gases is fed to the load chamber which holds the pyrolysis container.

Abstract: The planting of individual sea grass plants or small bunches of sea grass plants is known in the prior art. In the prior art these plantings are made either manually or with appropriate machinery. This invention deals with the digging, transporting and planting of large slabs of sea grass. The process of the invention comprises the steps of digging a slab of sea grass, transporting the slab of sea grass to a new location, digging a furrow with the same apparatus that is used to dig the slab of sea grass and depositing the slab of sea grass in the furrow. In this invention the digging of a sea grass slab may be effected with a clam shell type bucket. The surfaces of the clam shell type bucket which support the sea grass slab are acruate. A mechanical assist sweep arm for the removal of the sea grass slab, from the clam shell bucket, is further provided for.

Abstract: A liquid manure applicator comprises a frame having support wheels mounted to a carriage movable relative to the frame and one or more transversely extending shafts of tines positioned rearward of the support wheels. Rearward of the tines are distributed one or more sprays. The frame is mounted to the vehicle through vertically reciprocating parallelogram linkage which permits the frame to move vertically while maintaining the orientation of the frame and the ground. The supporting wheels are pivoted so as to passively steer as the frame is moved laterally. The elevation of the tine assemblies and sprays relative to the ground is adjusted through manipulation of the height of the supporting wheels. A minimal number of large bore clog resistant sprays is used, supplied from a distributor.

Abstract: A ground engaging tip for a seed boot attachment for depositing a seed within a furrow. The tip including a conical shape member formed of three generally planar shape side surfaces wherein two of the side surfaces meet to form an inclined leading edge extending from a tip of the conical shape member; and at least one wear resistant insert. The insert is secured to the leading edge of the ground engaging tip and includes a generally elongated bar having a leading end, a trailing end and three connecting side surfaces, a first side, second side and third side. The first, second and third side surfaces form a bar having a generally triangular cross-section, wherein the leading end of the bar is angled.

Abstract: Monitoring of the rotation speed and stationary state of the lower thread bobbin in a sewing machine is performed using a light emitter and two reflected light receivers. The light rays reflected at the surface of the front flange of the bobbin are incident in a sequence which differs in time on the reflected light receivers. These data are evaluated by a computer, which can be the computer of the sewing machine, and are used to stop the machine or the sewing process before the thread end leaves the stitch plate of the sewing machine. It can also be determined from the observed direction of rotation of the bobbin whether the bobbin is correctly placed in the bobbin housing. From the relationship of kind of stitch, stitch speed, and bobbin rotation speed, the bobbin thread supply can also be calculated.

Abstract: The invention describes a cost-effective alternative for deploying and installing subsea equipment using a workboat or other vessel of opportunity. The equipment is not supported directly by the vessel, but is instead supported by one or more buoys below the wave zone. The buoys are controlled by a combination of chain, wire rope, and synthetic line linking it to the workboat. As such, the buoy system described herein decouples vessel motion from the payload by supporting the payload from the buoys below the wave zone. Because the buoys are below the wave action and its associated turbulence, there is little energy and hence little tendency for motion. The result is a stable, inexpensive, maneuverable system capable of servicing large subsea payloads in a wide range of water depths.

Abstract: A floating hull for a spar-type offshore oil and gas drilling and production platform comprises a plurality of parallel tubular cells that are subdivided into compartments having a buoyancy controlled by one or both of fixed and variable ballast. The cells may be fabricated in a variety of ways and shapes and include side wall openings for admitting and discharging seawater and petroleum ballast with pumps. Fixed and/or variable ballast may be disposed on or in the cells to adjust buoyancy, trim, and stability. Lower and upper portions of the cells may extend above or below the others for trim or stability. Longitudinal recesses may be formed in an exterior peripheral surface for routing of mooring lines and piping. Stepped helical strakes can be disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the platform or some of the cells to reduce vortex-induced vibrations of the platform. Methods are described for efficient construction of the floating hull in water.

Abstract: Floating structures are provided. The floating structures are suitable for use as floating runways for aircraft, floating roadways, and supports for other facilities. The floating structures include a deck and one or more pontoons attached to the deck. The pontoons, with the deck attached, are caused to float in water contained in a basin, which in turn floats in a body of water. The basin provides damping or isolation of forces due to currents in the body of water, or prevailing winds, to reduce undesired or excessive motion of the deck. The deck supports are preferably capable of limited lateral movement relative to the pontoons, thereby permitting some movement of the pontoons independently and reducing stresses on the structure.

Abstract: A control system to control the descent of a seafaring vessel, such as a lifeboat, into water is disclosed herein. The control system, and an accompanying method, control the descent speed of the seafaring vessel to minimise the possibility of setback after splashdown, and thus increase the probability of a safe and orderly launch.

Abstract: A dual scale gauge, such as a speedometer, for a motor vehicle. The gauge includes a mechanical indicator, an overlay, a first light source, and a second light source. The mechanical indicator moves in response to a sensed condition of the motor vehicle. The overlay is positioned behind the indicator. The overlay includes first and second scales that are only visible when illuminated. The first light source illuminates the first scale when the gauge is operated in a first mode. The second light source illuminates the second scale when the gauge is operated in a second mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of preparing artificial calcium fluoride (optical fluorite) single crystals by growing from a melt by the directed crystallization and by using a seed crystal. The aim of the invention is to obtain oriented single crystals with a small deviation from the given direction. The technical result is achieved by the selection of a concrete technological mode in which the leading role has a period for melting of seed crystal. The optical fluorite single crystals are grown by crystallization on the oriented seed inserted into the central part of a bottom of crucible. Before the beginning of crystallization the crucible with a melt is maintained in a melt zone for a time that is sufficient for the homogenization of the whole melt and in this time the bottom part of a seed crystal appears below a melt zone. Subsequently, the crucible with a melt and with a seed crystal is moved from the melt zone into the annealing zone with the given speed.

Abstract: A periodic pattern of thin-film metal (gold) island regions 25 is formed over the entire surface area of a (111) single-crystal silicon layer overlying a layer of a material (silicon dioxide) 22 different in refractive index from silicon, and silicon monocrystalline rods 26 are grown beneath the thin-film metal island regions in a silicon tetrachloride gas atmosphere at high temperatures to form columnar crystallites, thereby manufacturing a photonic crystal of a structure having the columnar crystallites arranged at periodic intervals. It is possible to obtain columnar crystallites whose surface roughness is as small as 10 nm or less in terms of the center-line average roughness Ra, for instance.

Abstract: A process for heat-treating a single crystal silicon wafer to influence the precipitation behavior of oxygen in the wafer in a subsequent thermal processing step is disclosed. The wafer has a front surface, a back surface, and a central plane between the front and back surfaces. In the process, the wafer is subjected to a heat-treatment to form crystal lattice vacancies, the vacancies being formed in the bulk of the silicon. The heat-treated wafer is then oxidized by heating in the presence of an oxygen-containing atmosphere in order to establish a vacancy concentration profile within the wafer. The oxidized wafer is then cooled from the temperature of said oxidizing heat treatment at a rate which allows some, but not all, of the crystal lattice vacancies to diffuse to the front surface to produce a wafer having a vacancy concentration profile in which the peak density is at or near the central plane with the concentration generally decreasing in the direction of the front surface of the wafer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the technical field of the manufacture of calcium fluoride single crystals by growing from a melt by the directed crystallization and by using a seed crystal, such crystals having high optical homogeneity and small birefringence. The method includes crystallization from a melt and an annealing of crystals with the subsequent cooling in the vacuum furnace by continuous transfer of the crucible containing a melt from a melt zone into the annealing zone at independent regulation of modes of both zones in which the cooling of crystals in the range 1100-700° C. is carried out with a rate of 1.3-2.0° C./hr, a constant axial temperature drop with a gradient 20-50° C./m at is provided in the absence (or minimum) radial gradient, and this is provided by moving downwards a water-cooled rod moving at a speed of 0.8-1.4 of the speed of the crystal movement, the water-cooled rod being arranged towards a crucible bottom at a distance equal to 0.3-0.

Abstract: Gases for film formation are introduced from a plurality of holes provided at a gas nozzle into a processing chamber of a batch-type CVD film-forming apparatus to cause a turbulence of the gases within the processing chamber. In the state where the chamber is kept at a pressure within an atmospheric and quasi-atmospheric pressure region, a silicon-germanium film is epitaxially grown on a semiconductor wafer placed within the processing chamber. Subsequently, a strained silicon film is epitaxially grown on the silicon-germanium film. Thereafter, a semiconductor element is formed in the semiconductor wafer on which the silicon-germanium film and the strained silicon film have been formed, respectively.

Abstract: There is provided a substrate processing apparatus which can efficiently form, e.g. by electroless plating, an interconnects-protective layer on the surface of a substrate at a low initial cost for apparatus and a low running cost without the need for a wide installation space.

Abstract: A mask frame assembly for evaporation includes a mask and a frame which supports the mask. The mask includes a metal layer having a predetermined pattern, and a coating layer which is formed on a surface of the metal layer so as to increase a precision of the predetermined pattern and a surface roughness of the mask.

Abstract: A mask frame assembly includes a frame having an opening and a mask having at least two unit mask elements. Both ends of each unit mask element are fixed to the frame in a state of tension. The unit mask elements include a unit masking pattern, and overlap each other on a predetermined width to form a single mask pattern block. Each unit mask element has a recessed wall in an overlapping portion thereof so as to maintain the thickness of the mask constant at an overlap between the unit mask elements. Accordingly, the mask frame assembly reduces distortion in an evaporation pattern due to an increase in the size of a mask pattern, facilitates the adjustment of a total pitch of evaporation patterns, and prevents evaporation from occurring at undesired positions.

Abstract: A coating control system and method for monitoring and potentially adjusting system at least one spray property at various stages of the painting process, thereby also providing an efficient set-up and monitoring process involving less manual labor, less waste, and less harmful exhaust to the atmosphere, wherein the coating control system includes at least one spray gun, at least one light emitting source and at least one receiver.

Abstract: A pressure-regulating device for use with a vapor reaction chamber, and methods of its use, are disclosed. In one embodiment according to the invention, the device comprises a magnetically-actuatable valve having an aperture, a plug containing a plug magnet within the valve, a magnet disposed around the valve and magnetically associated with the plug magnet, and an actuator associated with the magnet. The actuator moves the magnet to magnetically bias the plug magnet thereby moving the plug into and out of sealing engagement with the aperture and regulating pressure within the reaction chamber. Plug movement is achieved without interconnecting mechanical parts disposed through the body of the valve that provide surfaces on which adduct, from depositing vaporous by-product material, can accumulate. Since magnetic interaction moves the plug rather than mechanical parts attached to the valve body, build-up of adduct on the internal surfaces of the valve is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas heating apparatus that activates reaction gases for a chemical vapor deposition. The gas heating apparatus includes a chamber becoming enclosures of the gas heating apparatus; a heat insulating material 20 formed on an inner surface of the chamber so as to thermally insulate the inside of the chamber from the outside; a quartz tube having a gas inflow pipe, a gas outflow pipe, enlarged-pipe portions and abridged-pipe portion, wherein the enlarged-pipe portions and the abridged-pipe portions are alternately repeated and constitute a zigzag shape in an up-and-down direction in the chamber; a plurality of ceramic balls located inside the enlarged-pipe portions of the quartz tube; and a heater having a shape of coil spring and surrounding the zigzag shape of the quartz tube in the chamber.

Abstract: The apparatus for producing sheeting includes a transport unit which transports a web of sheeting along its length direction, a pattern transfer unit which forms a pattern on a surface of the sheeting by transfer and that is provided in a pathway where the web of sheeting is transported by the transport unit, a film depositing unit which performs vacuum film deposition on the patterned surface of the web of sheeting and that is provided downstream of the pattern transfer unit in the pathway, and a pressure retaining unit which retains pressure within the film depositing unit and that is provided in a region of the film depositing unit into which the web of sheeting is transported and in a region of the film depositing unit from which the web of sheeting emerges.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing bulk GaN and AlGaN single crystal boules, preferably using a modified HVPE process, is provided. The single crystal boules typically have a volume in excess of 4 cubic centimeters with a minimum dimension of approximately 1 centimeter. If desired, the bulk material can be doped during growth to achieve n-, i-, or p-type conductivity. In order to have growth cycles of sufficient duration, preferably an extended Ga source is used in which a portion of the Ga source is maintained at a relatively high temperature while most of the Ga source is maintained at a temperature close to, and just above, the melting temperature of Ga. To grow large boules of AlGaN, preferably multiple Al sources are used, the Al sources being sequentially activated to avoid Al source depletion and excessive degradation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vapor deposition device suitable for multiface cutting by using a large area board, having a high efficiency of utilizing an EL material and excellent in uniformity of a film, wherein a board 13 and a vapor deposition mask 14 are mounted above board holding means 12, an interval between a vapor deposition source holder 17 and an object to be deposited (board 13) is narrowed to be equal to or smaller than 30 cm, preferably, equal to or smaller than 20 cm, further preferably, 5 through 15 cm and in vapor deposition, the vapor deposition source holder 17 is moved in the X direction or Y direction in accordance with an insulating member (referred to also as bank, partition wall) 10 and a shutter 15 is opened and closed to thereby form a film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing semiconductor substrates by reacting hydroxyl radicals with a precursor to cause the precursor to decompose and form a film which deposits on a substrate. Hydroxyl radicals, which are produced in a hydroxyl-ion producing apparatus outside of a chemical vapor deposition reactor, are mixed with a precursor to form a hydroxyl ions-precursor mixture. The hydroxyl ions-precursor mixture is introduced into the chemical vapor deposition reactor.

Abstract: A system and method for containing plasma and forming a Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) magnetic topology are described in which plasma ions are contained magnetically in stable, non-adiabatic orbits in the FRC. Further, the electrons are contained electrostatically in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. The simultaneous electrostatic confinement of electrons and magnetic confinement of ions avoids anomalous transport and facilitates classical containment of both electrons and ions. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by nuclear force, thus releasing fusion energy. Moreover, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement system and method are not limited to neutronic fuels only, but also advantageously include advanced fuels.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a semiconductor device includes a reaction or process tube provided with at least one reinforcement member. The reinforcement member is attached to a body portion of the reaction tube and extends in a longitudinal direction of the reaction tube. A heater surrounds the reaction tube and a substrate loaded in the reaction tube is heat-treated by the heater.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for depositing especially, crystalline layers onto one or more, especially, also crystalline substrates in a process chamber using reaction gases which are guided into said process chamber, where they undergo pyrolytic reaction. The device has a heatable support plate wherein at least one substrate holder lies loosely, especially rotationally, with its surface flush with the surroundings. A compensation plate which adjoins the at least one substrate holder, following the contours of the same, is provided on the support plate in order to keep the isothermal profile on the support plate as flat as possible.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vaporizer constituted of a dispersing section 8 and a vaporizing section 22. The dispersing section 8 comprises a gas introduction port 4 for introducing a carrier gas 3 under pressure into a gas passage, means for feeding raw material solutions 5a and 5b to the gas passage, and a gas outlet 7 for delivering the carrier gas containing the raw material solutions to the vaporizing section 22. The vaporizing section 22 comprises a vaporizing tube 20 having one end connected to a reaction tube of the MOCVD system and having the other end connected to the gas outlet 7 of the dispersing section 8, and heating means for heating the vaporizing tube 20. The vaporizing section 22 serves to heat and vaporize the raw material solution containing carrier gas 3 delivered from the dispersing section 8. The dispersing section 8 includes a dispersing section body 1 having a cylindrical hollow portion, and a rod 10 having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical hollow portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotating shaft that can extend between two regions having different ambient pressures. The rotating shaft can include a rotatable hollow outer shell that is coupled to a proximal portion of an inner shaft with a limited number of contact points. A plurality of thermal breaks disposed between the inner shaft and the hollow outer shell impede heat transfer between these two components. A rotary seal coupled to the distal portion of the inner shaft preserves the pressure differential between the two regions. Further, a heat sink removes heat transferred to the seal to ensure that the temperature of the seal remains within a range suitable for its operation. The rotating shaft of the invention can be utilized, for example, in an ion implantation system by the coupling of the outer shell to a wafer holder to position and orient a wafer in a path of an ion beam.

Abstract: A process for cooling liquids wherein a coolant is cooled in a chiller during off-peak electrical demand periods, then directed to a first insulated storage vessel where it is stored until off-peak electrical demand periods have ended. During peak electrical demand periods, the coolant flows from the first insulated storage vessel to a flat plate heat exchanger, where a flow of liquid to be cooled, entering through a second conduit, is cooled. The cooled liquid exiting the heat exchanger is directed to a second insulated storage vessel where little or no further cooling of the liquid will be necessary during peak electrical demand periods.

Abstract: A wall supported modular cat furniture structure is disclosed comprising a number of interconnecting components such as vertical posts, horizontal platforms, and base coupling which are press-fitted together to form an upright structure characterized by a central support post to which platforms connect and extend outward therefrom. The structure is positioned adjacent a flat wall or a corner wall surface and platform edges are securely attached to the supporting wall giving stability to the structure, added support to the platforms, and effectively restricting the movement of both. The structure, which satisfies the needs of cats to climb, scratch, and perch in elevated places, has carpet, sisal rope or other claw penetrable material covering exposed surfaces. Numerous other advantages are claimed herein including having lightweight, interchangeable components, a variety of height and configuration options, simple construction and assembly, vertical expandability and minimal space requirements for use.

Abstract: An interactive aquatic animal feeding method and device includes an elongated lead secured to a body with non-living edible material. The body can have characteristics to aid in the attraction of a feeding response from the aquatic animal, such as movement, shape, scent, coloring, flavoring, and texture. Movement may be facilitated by use of a flexible, resilient and/or elastic elongated lead. The body can be manipulated and moved in an aquarium. One or more devices can be packaged in a shell with a plurality of cavities to receive the bodies, and slits formed in walls surrounding the cavities to receive and bind the elongated leads. A series of channels adjacent to the walls or a single channel formed around the wall can be used to secure and store excess length of the elongated leads.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of determining dog's emotions from its voice with objective supports.

Abstract: A device to be used for the control of animals, which has a latching feature to prevent their passage during certain periods of time. The latching element is comprised of a mechanism activated by a timing device. When the mechanism is activated by the timing device, a latch is retracted, allowing a self closing door to open by swinging in either direction. When the mechanism is not activated by the timing device, the latch is extended and prevents the door from opening, or swinging, in one direction, while allowing it to open in the other direction.

Abstract: An article for a domestic bird is provided with a perch rod surrounded by protective base, window wall, and side walls for mounting inwardly of a window of a building. A domestic bird free-flying in the building, or a clipped bird climbing a ladder or braided rope, can alight on the perch rod in the article and enjoy the light of the window while being prevented from pecking and damaging the wood and other structure of the window. The window wall and side walls of the article extend well above or beyond the perch rod a distance greater than the maximum reach of the bird's beak while the bird is standing on the perch rod. A portion of the article also comprises a base below the perch rod, for catching droppings and spatters of the bird. The article is mounted to the window glass by suction cups, and can be further supported by cushions on the base of the article which engage a horizontal surface of the window structure, as a sill of the window structure or the top of a lower sash.

Abstract: The invention provides an animal play toy with a surface, a handle, a housing defining an interior volume, and a spring arrangement connected to the animal mouthpiece and the handle, the spring arrangement positioned in the interior volume. The invention further describes a method of playing with an animal. A method provides gripping a handle, placing a mouthpiece in an animal's mouth, placing a force between the handle and the mouthpiece, and measuring the force between the handle and the mouthpiece.