Abstract: A disconnectable mooring system for connecting an LNG carrier vessel to a permanently moored LNG liquefaction process vessel in combination with an LNG offloading system. One end of a mooring yoke is suspended from a frame at the stern of the LNG process vessel. A male coupler is mounted to an opposite end of the mooring yoke via a universal joint. A female coupler is mounted on the LNG carrier vessel, with pull-in arrangements for pulling the LNG carrier vessel into position and the male coupler into selective coupling with the female coupler.

Abstract: A streamer cable connector including a cylindrical inner race and an outer race with a cavity formed therein to capture the inner race. The outer race has leading and trailing fairings to minimize abrupt structural changes along the longitudinal length of the connector in order to minimize self-generated noise as the streamer cable is pulled through the water. The fairings are fabricated of compliant material so that the connector can be wound around a reel while under tension to inhibit damage to the inner race or to the cable itself.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing bulk materials in a marine environment is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible pod configured for fluid communication to a host vessel. The pod stores materials under water.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention an offshore construction system is provided. The offshore construction system comprises a work module support vessel having a ballast-down mode, in which a deck of the work module support vessel is submerged, and a ballast-up mode, in which the deck is above water. The system further comprises a pontoon supported work module carried on the deck of the support vessel. The system further comprises a draw connected between the work module and the work module support vessel having a draw-over mode, in which the work module is drawn over the deck, and a remove mode, in which the work module is removed from the deck.

Abstract: A water sports performance boat includes a hull having a sharpened angle keel for cutting into the water. Reverse chines are carried on port and starboard sides and extending from a forward portion of the hull to an aft portion for inducing a lifting of the bow at generally low boat speeds and for providing a stabilizing effect. Port and starboard spray pockets are located at the aft portion of the hull for reducing a side spray of water near the transom. Performance strakes are formed within the hull with each extending from an aft position rearwardly to the transom. An elliptical shaped dispersion tunnel formed along the keel within an aft most portion of the hull extends through the transom and provides a desirable wake shape.

Abstract: A gate like device is hinged to a bow pulpit of a sailboat and acts as a swinging bowsprit to which a spinnaker may be removably affixed.

Abstract: A signaling apparatus has a signaling element connected to one end of a metal column and a magnet connected to the opposite end of the column. The metal column is of sufficient stiffness to support the weight of the signaling element and maintain the element above the magnet when the magnet is attached to an object. The signaling element assists an individual in estimating distances of object relative to said signaling element.

Abstract: An indicator including a transmittable indicator panel attached to a shielding holder (a housing), and a character or a graphic form indicated inside the indicator panel. The character or the graphic form is irradiated by a light emitting diode located inside the housing. The indicator panel is formed by a character indicating part that indicates a character or a graphic form and transmits light, a masking part that intercepts light by surrounding the character indicating part, and a transmittable margin that surrounds the masking part and transmits light. With this configuration, a character or a graphic form becomes conspicuous during the daytime, and at night is never more conspicuous than is required. Thus, the visibility of the indicator can be improved. Moreover, the configuration of the transmitting light from the light source of the indicator allows it to be accommodated in the limited space available on the indicator panel.

Abstract: An adjustable marker for delimiting boundaries comprised of a spacing rod, an anchoring peg and a pivotal connection pivotably engaging between the said spacing rod and the said anchoring peg.

Abstract: Bulk GaN and AlGaN single crystal boules, preferably fabricated using a modified HVPE process, are 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, for example to achieve n-, i-, or p-type conductivity.

Abstract: In a creation section of GaN crystal nuclei, a gallium vapor and an ammonia gas are chemically reacted to create GaN crystal nuclei, which are transported into a growth section of GaN powders with a nitrogen carrier gas. In the growth section of GaN powders, a gallium chloride created in a pre-reactor is chemically reacted with the ammonia gas transported from the creation section of GaN crystal nuclei on the GaN crystal nuclei, to produce GaN powders through the crystal growth.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides for thin films and methods of making comprising inorganic semiconductor-nanocrystals dispersed in semiconducting-polymers in high loading amounts.

Abstract: A method of producing a p doped wide bandgap semiconductor including growing a semiconductor in the presence of an element apt acting as a surfactant at a growth surface of the semiconductor and inhibiting formation of vacancies, and doping the semiconductor with a selected p dopant.

Abstract: An atomic layer deposition method includes positioning a semiconductor substrate within an atomic layer deposition chamber. A fixed volume first precursor gas charge is provided within a gas flow path to the deposition chamber. A fixed volume purge gas charge is provided within the gas flow path serially upstream of the first precursor gas charge. The first precursor gas charge and the purge gas charge are serially flowed along the gas flow path to the substrate within the deposition chamber effective to form a monolayer on the substrate and purge at least some of the first precursor gas from the substrate. Apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A printing device for digital printing on a print medium is comprised of a wheel rotatable by a motor, a liquid dispenser for depositing a quantity of liquid on the wheel along the outer edge, and an air jet positioned adjacent the outer edge for removing the liquid from the outer edge and directing the liquid toward the print medium as the wheel rotates through the air jet. The outer edge includes a plurality of teeth transport the paint from the dispenser to the air jet. An electronically controlled motor is used to selectively rotate the wheel through the air jet thereby removing a desired amount of liquid from the wheel. The liquid is transported by the air jet toward the print medium. By employing a plurality of such printing devices, a full color digital image can be reproduced on any print medium.

Abstract: Within a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method for forming a microelectronic layer there is provided a source material dispensing nozzle employed within a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) apparatus which is employed within the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method for forming the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) deposited microelectronic layer upon a substrate positioned within the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) apparatus. There is then calibrated the source material dispensing nozzle to provide a calibrated source material dispensing nozzle. There is then employed the calibrated source material dispensing nozzle within the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) apparatus while employing the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method for forming the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) deposited microelectronic layer upon the substrate positioned within the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a plasma chamber containing a plasma for a plasma-assisted material process upon a substrate; a shielding plate within the plasma chamber to actively direct ion flux to desired areas of the substrate; and a supporting structure to support the shielding plate within the chamber is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vacuum coating apparatus to produce high quality coatings with a low degree of roughness and a high degree of thickness uniformity. The vacuum coating apparatus comprises a consumable metal cathode coupled to an arc discharge power supply and accommodated in a housing used as an anode, which is electrically coupled to a vacuum chamber and connected to the arc discharge dc power supply, a solenoid disposed on the anode, and an arc striking system connected to an initiation unit.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a vaporizer valve which accepts a carrier gas and a pressurized liquid and forms a mixture of the carrier gas and vaporized liquid. An internal cavity receives the carrier gas through a carrier aperture and the liquid through a liquid aperture, and the mixed gas and vapor are exhausted out of the cavity via a third aperture. A moveable diaphragm disposed adjacent to the liquid aperture forms a vaporization region having a pressure gradient. The liquid passing through this pressure gradient vaporizes due to expansion. By controlling the diaphragm position with a feedback control circuit responsive to a liquid flow rate monitor, the liquid flow rate may be controlled independently of the carrier gas flow rate.

Abstract: A method of automatically milking an animal having at least two udder quarters. The milking of the at least two udder quarters is performed at least partially simultaneously. The method includes the step of controlling the milking intensity during at least a part of the milking of each udder quarter in such a way that all udder quarters will be milked-out according to a predetermined chronological order. The method also includes the step of determining, during milking, for each udder quarter a value of a milking parameter of the milk obtained from the relevant udder quarter, the milking intensity during at least a part of the milking of each udder quarter being controlled with the aid of the determined value of the milking parameter in such a way that all udder quarters will be milked-out according to a predetermined chronological order.

Abstract: A method of and a device for automatically milking one animal selected from a group of animals, a milking criterion being established for a milking-related action, and a desired cumulative amount of milk to be produced by the group of animals being established. The milking criterion is adapted with the aid of the cumulative amount produced and the cumulative amount desired.

Abstract: A method of and a device for automatically milking one animal selected from a group of animals, a milking criterion being established for a milking-related action, and a desired cumulative amount of milk to be produced by the group of animals being established. The milking criterion is adapted with the aid of the cumulative amount produced and the cumulative amount desired.

Abstract: A device for automatically milking an animal, which device is provided with a milking robot, a computer for controlling the operation of the device, a measuring device for performing measurements on milk obtained from an animal, at least two teat cups, and a common milk line for discharging milk coming from the at least two teat cups, each teat cup being connected via a teat cup line to the common milk line. The device is provided with a milk-determining element for determining the teat cup from which comes the milk present in the common milk line and for emitting a determination signal. The measuring device comprises a common sensor for performing measurements on milk obtained from an animal and for emitting a measurement signal. The common sensor is disposed in the common milk line. The computer is suitable for combining the measurement signal and the determination signal.

Abstract: A device for automatically milking an animal, which device is provided with a milking robot, a computer for controlling the operation of the device, a measuring device for performing measurements on milk obtained from an animal, at least two teat cups, and a common milk line for discharging milk coming from the at least two teat cups, each teat cup being connected via a teat cup line to the common milk line. The device is provided with a milk-determining element for determining the teat cup from which comes the milk present in the common milk line and for emitting a determination signal. The measuring device comprises a common sensor for performing measurements on milk obtained from an animal and for emitting a measurement signal. The common sensor is disposed in the common milk line. The computer is suitable for combining the measurement signal and the determination signal.

Abstract: A device for milking animals is provided with at least two milking robots, each for automatically connecting at least one teat cup to a teat of an animal. Each milking robot is provided with a milking vacuum unit for generating a milking vacuum for milking an animal. The device is provided with a common ring line and with a controllable, central vacuum system for generating a vacuum with a first pressure on the common ring line. Each milking vacuum unit is connected to the ring line via a passage, control means being provided for controlling the size of the passage.

Abstract: A device for automatically milking an animal. The device is provided with at least two teat cups to be connected to respective teats of the animal. The milking vacuum unit generates a milking vacuum in the teat cups, which milking vacuum unit comprises at least two vacuum lines that are each connectable to a respective teat cup. The milking vacuum unit comprises a common vacuum pump and a common buffer vessel to which vacuum can be applied by means of the common vacuum pump. All vacuum lines are connectable to the common buffer vessel. An individual buffer vessel is provided in each vacuum line and is disposed between the common buffer vessel and the respective teat cup. An individual buffer vessel is connectable to the common buffer vessel by a first vacuum line portion and is connectable to the respective teat cup by a second vacuum line portion. An individual buffer vessel is provided with a respective individual vacuum pump for applying vacuum to the individual buffer vessel.

Abstract: A gazebo-style bird feeder wherein a housing includes a plurality of modular hopper elements with a floor underlying and supporting the hopper elements and a roof overlying the hopper elements, the roof being movable relative to the floor to enable the hopper elements to be selectively removed from the housing to be cleaned, refilled or replaced when empty. The roof may simply rest on a plurality of vertical posts and be otherwise unattached to the posts with a rope having opposed ends connected to the floor and an intermediate portion passing through apertures in the roof and forming a loop for attachment to a supporting element. Each of the hopper elements is preferably rectangular in transverse cross-section, and comprises a pair of spaced, generally triangular, parallel sides interconnected by a pair of spaced, generally rectangular, sides angled from the upper portion of the hopper element to the lower portion thereof, with the parallel sides of adjacent hopper elements juxtaposed in the housing.

Abstract: A squirrel proof bird feeder wherein there is provided a lower movable shroud which extends about a lower portion of the feed container having feed access openings therein, a spring member biasing the shroud to a position wherein feed container access openings and shroud access openings are substantially aligned while permitting the shroud access opening to move out of alignment with the feed container access opening when a predetermined weight is placed on the shroud. An adjustment is provided for adjusting the weight required to move the shroud.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from a fluid bag to an animal caging system for housing an animal may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid delivery valve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the fluid bag to facilitate the providing of the fluid to the caging system. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise an upper member having a piercing member and a connecting member, the upper member having a fluid channel defined therethrough, a base having a flange member and a base fluid channel defined therethrough, wherein the base is designed to be matingly coupled to the upper member. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise a spring element disposed within the base fluid channel and a stem member disposed in part within the base fluid channel, wherein a portion of the spring element abuts the stem member to apply a biasing force.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water director for distributing a surge or flow of water to one or more of a plurality of output ports, which can vary in shape, size, and number, typically for use in marine and fresh water aquariums. Water pumped through a conduit into the hermetically sealed Switching Current Water Director (SCWD), powers an internally mounted gear driven fluid motor, which turns a rotational valve, alternately opening and closing a plurality of water outlet ports. When mounted externally to an aquarium, proper placement of output nozzles, which are connected to a water conduit attached to the various SCWD outlet ports, provides the desired opposing, or switching back and fourth currents. Depending on the inlet and outlet port configuration, the SCWD can be adapted to suit many applications.

Abstract: A swinging gate assembly is provided for use in an electronic livestock feeding station and an automated sorting system. The gate assembly has a generally V-shaped configuration in plan view with first and second side openings defined on each side of the V-shape. A gate panel has a first side edge pivotally connected to the frame for rotation about a substantially vertical first pivot axis at the apex of the V-shape. The gate panel is swingable about the first pivot axis between a first position in which the first side opening is closed by the gate panel and a second position in which the second side opening is closed by the gate panel. A mechanical actuator and locking assembly is provided for moving the gate panel between the first and second positions and locking the gate panel in a selected one of the positions.

Abstract: The device of the subject invention is a self-medicating applicator device that can be used to apply a treatment to animals.

Abstract: Device for pneumatically milking a cow, comprising a number of milk extractors, each comprising a teat cup as well as milk line connected to the lower end of the teat cup, which line leads from the teat cup to a collection chamber for the milk from the teat cup, each milk extractor being provided with a supply for a cleansing medium, such as a disinfectant, to the teat cup, in particular to a teat present in the teat cup, the supply comprising a line having an end portion with discharge end, and each milk extractor being provided with means for closing off the passage of the milk extraction at or downstream of the discharge end of the line for cleansing

Abstract: A toy with loop ends, finding particular applicability as a toy for an animal's use, especially for a dog or a cat. A cord loop is disposed within a body of the toy, with portions of the loop extending away from the body. Each loop portion extends outwardly from the body at a sufficient distance to be manipulated, for example, gripped in the teeth of a dog or a cat.

Abstract: A livestock management system is provided that sorts animals for split-weight feeding based on a calculated median weight of a herd. The system includes a pen area partitioned into a first feeding area containing at least a first feeder, a second feeding area containing at least a second feeder, and a common watering area containing at least one waterer. First and second one-way gates are respectively provided between the feeding areas and the watering area allowing animals to pass from the feeding areas into the watering area. A walk-through scale has an inlet open to the watering area, and first and second outlets open to the first and second feeding areas, respectively. The walk-through scale has a sort gate for selectively directing animals into the first and second feeding areas based on a comparison of a detected weight of the animal and a calculated median weight of the herd.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a hot water dispenser capable of heating water to near boiling temperatures (e.g., 205° F. to 212° F.). When water at near boiling temperatures is required, a secondary heating element is activated. The secondary heating element is in thermally coupled to the dispensing tube so that the water in the tube may be further heated as it passes through the dispensing tube from the tank to the dispensing outlet. Heating the water to near boiling just prior to its being dispensed reduces energy costs because the near boiling temperature water is not stored and allowed to cool. Additionally, the need for expensive insulation or expensive thermostats is eliminated.

Abstract: The invention concerns reciprocating piston internal combustion engines and in particular six-stroke type, FIG. 1. In this engine, one cycle comprises an intake stroke, a compression stroke, a power stroke, an exhaust stroke, the fifth stroke and the sixth stroke. In this engine, all combustion chamber valves A, B, C and D FIGS. 1 and 2 function as both intake valves in the intake stroke and exhaust valves in the exhaust stroke. The name of the valves A, B, C and D is intake-exhaust valves or (inlet-outlet valves). Intake ports 1, 2, 3 and 4 and exhaust ports 5, 6, 7 and 8 are connected to each other in the cylinder head 22 of the engine. As a result, fuel-air mixture is drawn into a cylinder 21 via the intake ports 1, 2, 3 and 4 and all combustion chamber valves (intake-exhaust valves) A, B, C and D in the intake stroke and exhaust gases are expelled from the cylinder via the same valves (intake-exhaust valves) and the exhaust ports 5, 6, 7 and 8 in the exhaust stroke.

Abstract: The Warren Cycle engine is an engine that has one heat exchanger (high-pressure side 10 and low-pressure side 20) serving four cylinders 100, 200, 300 and 400. The Warren Cycle is an engine cycle where compression is adiabatic, heat is added at constant volume, expansion is adiabatic and complete, and the exhaust heat is captured and returned to the compressed air. Movable wall 104 is provided to take in cold air and push exhaust air out of cylinder 100. As the exhaust moves out of the engine, it gives up heat to low-pressure side of heat exchanger 20. During the heating portion of the cycle, the compressed air gains heat from high-pressure side of heat exchanger 10. The engine can be operated with complete expansion of the heated charge.

Abstract: A two-stroke engine, especially for a portable handheld work apparatus, has a combustion chamber (3) configured in a cylinder (2). The combustion chamber is delimited by a reciprocating piston (5). The two-stroke engine (1) includes at least one transfer channel (10, 11) which is configured in the cylinder (2) and this transfer channel fluidly connects the combustion chamber (3) and a crankcase (4) at pregiven positions of the piston. The transfer channel (10, 11) is delimited by a set wall (19) with respect to the interior space (18) of the cylinder at least over a portion of its longitudinal extent. In order to provide for a simple manufacture of the two-stroke engine (1), the set wall (19) is held with respect to the interior space (18) of the cylinder by a device configured with the cylinder (2) as one part.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic controller having a plurality of solenoid operated valves mounted in inlet and outlet ported valving cavities on a non-metallic manifold block. The manifold block has inlet and outlet ports sealed by a gasket for communication with corresponding ports in a metallic base to which the manifold block is attached. The base is sufficiently rigid to resist prohibitive deflection when exposed to the forces of fluid pressure when secured over the open hydraulic channels of an automatic transmission shift circuit deck. The non-metallic manifold may be fabricated to “Net Shape” without costly secondary operations to achieve critical dimensions.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a compression ignition internal combustion engine capable of making compatible an increase in compression self-ignition operating area with an optimum output torque control in the operating area and also smoothly switching between a self-ignition combustion and a spark ignition combustion. The compression ignition internal combustion engine operates by switching between the spark ignition combustion using an ignition device and the compression ignition combustion which self-ignites a mixture by piston compression. Variable valve mechanisms (15a, 15b) vary at least one of the valve timings and valve lifts of an intake valve and an exhaust valve. Intake air regulating means (7; 30; 32; 40, 42) vary the amount of air intake into a combustion chamber on the upstream side of a combustion chamber inlet of the compression ignition internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An actuator for changing a relative position of at least an intake or exhaust camshaft, and a crank shaft; a cylinder identifying unit for performing cylinder identification in accordance with results detected by a crank angle sensor and a cam angle sensor; a valve timing detecting unit for detecting valve timing in accordance with the results detected by the crank angle sensor and the cam angle sensor; and an OCV for controlling the actuator based on a value detected by the valve timing detecting unit are provided. Control is performed at a neutral point by a valve timing controlling unit when the cylinder identification by the cylinder identifying unit is in an indefinite state.

Abstract: A system for variably actuating valves by means of cams for internal combustion engines has the following type of construction: A camshaft is rotationally supported in the cylinder head and has a fixed position in relation to the valves and their associated stroke-transmitting arrangements. A stroke-transmitting arrangement guided in a fixed position is associated with each of the valves arranged in the cylinder head and closes by means of spring force. A variable position element for adjusting the stroke of the valve is guided in a stationary manner in the cylinder head. An intermediate element is supported and pivotably guided on the variable position element. A cam of the camshaft is engaged by the intermediate element and is supported in a stationary manner in the cylinder head, as well as the stroke-transmitting arrangement associated with the valve.

Abstract: A drive shaft is synchronously rotated with a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. A cylindrical hollow cam shaft is rotatably disposed about the drive shaft keeping a first cylindrical clearance therebetween. The cam shaft is formed with at least one cam that actuates an engine valve for opening and closing the same. A bearing bears a given portion of the cam shaft keeping a second cylindrical clearance therebetween. A movement transmitting mechanism transmits a torque of the drive shaft to the cam shaft while converting a rotation movement of the drive shaft to a swing movement of the cam shaft. The thickness of the first cylindrical clearance is smaller than that of the second cylindrical clearance.

Abstract: A valve timing adjusting device adjusts valve timing by shifting rotational phase of a camshaft relative to a crankshaft. The device has an electric motor for rotating a rotor member that drives and moves a phase defining member to a required position. The phase defining member defines the rotational phase of the camshaft in accordance with the position itself. The phase defining member may be a planetary gear rotatably supported on an eccentric shaft as the rotor member. The planetary gear works as both a reduction mechanism and a phase shifting mechanism. The phase defining member may be a control pin slidably supported on a rotatable member as the rotor member. A planetary gear may be additionally used as the reduction mechanism for rotating the rotatable member. It is possible to control the phase with high accuracy and durability.

Abstract: The valve timing control system of the present invention comprises an actuator for changing an actual valve timing of an intake valve or an exhaust valve; an oil pressure adjusting unit for supplying operating oil to the actuator, and adjusting the oil pressure thereof; an actual valve timing control unit for controlling the actuator by controlling the oil pressure adjusting unit, so that the actual valve timing follows up a target value; and an oil temperature estimation unit for estimating the temperature of the operating oil, according to an operating state of the internal combustion engine from a previous operation, and according to its current operating state. Based on the estimated oil temperature, the actual valve timing control unit switches a control amount for controlling the oil pressure adjusting unit.

Abstract: A valve timing control device for an internal combustion engine, comprises a drive rotary member rotated by a crankshaft of the engine, a driven rotary member to rotate a camshaft of the engine upon rotation of the drive rotary member; a rotational phase control mechanism having an intermediate rotary member rotated relative to the drive and driven rotary members to cause relative rotation between the drive and driven rotary members and an braking mechanism having a hysteresis brake that generates a braking force to cause the intermediate rotary member to rotate relative to the drive and driven rotary members.

Abstract: An intake pipe (10) for an internal combustion engine composed of shells (11a, 11b) in which the geometry of the joining surfaces (19) adopts an approximately stepped course in areas with a slight incline relative to to joining force (F). This produces areas with a greater or lesser inclination relative to a joint line (16) indicating the average inclination of the joining surfaces. This results in areas which can be welded with a high degree of stability because of their considerable incline towards the joining force. These areas can then support areas which are less inclined towards the joining force. This allows the shells (11a, 11b) to have strongly curved joining surfaces, which increases the geometric design freedom of the intake pipe and, in particular, makes it possible to manufacture intake pipes with strongly curved intake channels constructed from just two shells.

Abstract: An engine intake system including an air cleaner with an intake noise-damping box. The system is easily switchable from a noise-damping state to a non-noise-damping state when high output of the engine is regarded as important. The intake noise-damping box is attached to one side wall of an air cleaner. It is formed by a substantially rectangular air intake frame, the inside of which functions as an air intake open to the inside and the outside of the air cleaner. A passage former can be attached and detached to/from the air intake frame. When attached, the passage former forms an air passage extending in the longitudinal direction of the air intake frame, and communicating with the inside and the outside of the air intake frame at the air intake.