Abstract: A device is provided for diffusing volatile treatment products into the soil. The device includes a mount frame. Pumps are provided on the mount frame for pumping the products contained in storage compartments. Feeding circuits are arranged with the pumps and connect the storage compartments to a manifold. A diffusing tube is formed on a coulter of a tractor and is connected to the outlet of the manifold to diffuse in the soil a gas stream derived from the reaction of the treatment products when the coulter is introduced into the soil.

Abstract: A method of applying a selected first combination of application rates of each of a plurality of crop inputs on a first zone in a field and applying a selected second combination of application rates of each of the crop inputs on a second zone in the field. The method comprises towing a seeding implement through the first zone in the field with metering devices adjusted to apply the first combination of application rates; visually judging when the seeding implement crosses a first boundary from the first zone to the second zone; and, by performing a single action, adjusting the metering devices to apply the second combination of application rates on the second zone.

Abstract: An embroidery machine includes a plurality of heads installed above a working table and spaced apart from each other. A needle holder inside each head is slidingly movable up and down and includes a plurality of hooks at a lower part vertically opposite to the needle holder. A plurality of embroidery frames are installed between the needle holder and the hook. A guide rail is disposed in the X direction with respect to each embroidery frame, and an X-axis driver linear motor moves the embroidery frame in the X direction. A guide rail is disposed in the Y direction with respect to each embroidery frame, and a Y-axis driver linear motor moves the embroidery frame in the Y direction. A controller controls a plurality of X-axis and Y-axis driver linear motors and actuates or stops only one of the plurality of embroidery frames.

Abstract: A dualistic stern-appendant device comprises, in integrated form, at least two gate-supportive bodies and at least one flap-hydrodynamic body. The device is characterized by an alternating arrangement of bodies (totaling an odd number of at least three bodies) whereby no two consecutive gate-supportive bodies are next to each other and no two consecutive flap-hydrodynamic bodies are next to each other. Each gate-supportive body has an upper surface which is a gate-supportive surface, all of the gate-support surfaces together representing a cumulative gate-supportive surface. Each flap-hydrodynamic body has a lower surface which is a flap-hydrodynamic surface, all of the flap-hydrodynamic surfaces together representing a cumulative flap-hydrodynamic surface. The geometric plane defined by the cumulative gate-support surface is not encroached upon by any flap-hydrodynamic body.

Abstract: The apparatus is a boat with a device for lifting a worker up to a location under bridges for maintenance or inspection. The preferred embodiment of the invention is an outboard motor propelled catamaran with a scissors type lift elevator or aerial boom located approximately in the center of the boat. One or more outrigger pontoons that are partially filled with water stabilize the boat, and the pontoons are pivoted back aboard the boat and emptied for over the road transport of the boat.

Abstract: An improved turret for a turret mooring arrangement characterized by the turret including an upper section and a lower section which are coupled together by a flex joint. The turret mooring arrangement also includes a turret insert tube with a lower section that is rotatably coupled to the vessel by a radial bearing assembly. The radial bearing assembly includes an outer member having an outer profile arranged and designed to cooperate with a complementary profile in the interior of the turret insert tube so that the outer member is turned by the turret insert tube when the vessel rotates about said turret, without fixed attachment of the outer member to the turret insert tube. Methods of installing a turret and lower bearing assembly within a turret insert tube of a vessel are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hull attachment for submersible vehicles are disclosed. In one embodiment, a submersible apparatus includes a hull having an elongated channel, a sliding member moveably disposed in the channel, and a mounting assembly attached to the sliding member. The mounting assembly includes an engagement member selectively engageable between a first position wherein the mounting assembly is moveable along the channel, and a second position wherein the mounting assembly is secured in a fixed position along the channel. The apparatus advantageously permits a wide variety of equipment or devices (e.g. tow point assemblies, wing assemblies, tail assemblies, propulsion units, illumination devices, imaging devices, instrumentation, sensors, etc.) to be adjustably attached to the hull, and provides improved adjustability, maintainability, integrity, reliability, and overall improved mission performance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tugboat. The design comprises a towing installation which can turn through 360° in the horizontal plane about a vertical shaft. Above the towing installation there is a pilot house, and beneath it there are one or more propellers. This design provides optimal thrust in all directions in line with the rowing cable, in combination with good resistance and swell properties.

Abstract: A Small Waterplane Area MultiHull non-motorized vessel having an upper hull platform located above the design water line of the vessel which is maintained above the surface of a body of water by at least two cylindrical submerged hulls joined thereto by supporting struts. A buoyant core material is contained between inner and outer walls of the submerged hulls which define a cylindrical space in which a rotary propulsive means may be housed. In one embodiment, an engine means is situated . . . means to provide a propulsive force.

Abstract: A device for launching and recovering an underwater vehicle comprises a submersible assembly comprising a lower chassis and an upper chassis, which are connected by a flexible connection so that the distance between them is adjustable. The flexible connection and the lower and upper chassis form a receiving cage provided with an opening, whose vertical dimension can be adjusted. Moving the lower and upper chassis apart makes it possible to enlarge the vertical dimension of the opening. Moving the lower and upper chassis closer together makes it possible to support the underwater vehicle on the lower chassis and hold it in place using the upper chassis.

Abstract: A dog whistle comprises a body formed in two parts (2,3) and provided with a mouthpiece (4) which communicates through an air passage (10) with a sound chamber (5) having a vent (6) provided with an air splitter (9), the air passage containing a ramp (8) which directs the airflow produced by blowing the whistle into the sound chamber and towards the air splitter which thereby produces a whistling sound. The chamber produces sound having a narrow frequency bandwidth lying in the range 400 to 800 Hertz, preferably about 400 Hertz. The diameter of the sound chamber is within about 10% of its length and the ramp is at an angle of less than 8°, preferably 4° 30′, to the axis of the air passage. The angle of the surface of the air splitter is greater than 38° preferably 55°.

Abstract: An irreversible humidity indicator card comprising an intermediate carrier member containing one or more holes, a clear, water vapor permeable first outer layer secured to the first side of the carrier member, a deliquescent material contained within the holes in the carrier member, a dark colored, absorbent sheet material secured to the back side of the carrier member to cover the holes in the carrier member and a second outer layer which covers the colored absorbent sheet material and a portion or all of the back side of the intermediate carrier member.

Abstract: An installation for coating food products with a layer of coating substance, such as for coating a meat product or a vegetable product with a batter, comprises a container in which the coating substance can be accommodated, two endless conveyor belts located one above the other, those parts of which that face one another extending through the container enclosing a gap for feeding the food products through the coating substance, as well as adjustment means for moving the conveyor belts apart or towards one another in connection with adjustment of the width of the gap. The adjustment means have a central control for adjusting the width of the gap.

Abstract: A method for improving the comfort, health, and grooming of an animal by providing a bedding material made of cottonseeds. A fragrance and/or a pesticide may be added to the cottonseeds.

Abstract: A device for indicating the presence of an electrical path on a pet accessory includes a first contact disposed on a probe, and a second contact disposed in a spaced apart arrangement relative to the first contact. An activation device is responsive to the presence of an electrical path or lack thereof between the first and second contacts. The activation device provides an indication of the state of the electrical path between the first and second contacts. The device preferably includes a pet dish and the probe extends into the dish to indicate a desired level for liquid in the dish, and the indication of state is performed by at least one of an audio message, a visual effect and a mechanical motion.

Abstract: A collapsible container having three generally rectangular panels each of which has opposed parallel side edges and opposed parallel end edges. The side edges of each panel are hingedly secured to one side edge of each of the other panels. Additionally, one of the panels includes a fold line extending midway between and parallel to the side edges of that panel thus dividing that panel into two subpanels. The panels are movable between an open and a closed position. In their open position, the panels form a triangular shaped structure whereas in their collapsed position, the panels and subpanels lie in closely adjacent and generally parallel planes to each other. Optionally, the triangular structure can contain cat litter on its interior.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the disposal of excrements of animals kept in a stable, wherein solid manure is separated from liquid manure in the stable and separately removed from the stable and separately stored and/or subjected to further processing. The new system is characterized in that the removal of solid and liquid manure and storing/further processing thereof is effected before the onset of decomposition and in that further processing of the solid manure comprises at least the following steps: surface expansion of the fresh manure and drying of the manure with a humidity content preventing decomposition. The invention also relates to a device for implementing the method.

Abstract: An apparatus for grooming cats which includes a source of food located in an enclosure and a grooming brush assembly forming an adjustable aperture which is mounted between a portal formed in the enclosure and the source of food.

Abstract: A shield for a combustion chamber of a hot water heater is described. The combustion chamber is a sealed or not combustion chamber and the metal heat shield encircles and is spaced about the burner and pilot which is located in the combustion chamber. The shield is also spaced from the skirt and a bottom wall of the combustion chamber. The shield is further provided with apertures to permit passage of air supplied by an air supply duct. The shield provides for heat concentration on a lower heat transfer wall of the inner casing containing the water to be heated. The shield also reduces heat loss through the skirt and the bottom end wall of the combustion housing.

Abstract: An improved gas-fired water heater is disclosed which comprises a sealed cylindrical shell extending from the base of the water tank to the top, enclosing the burners and controls so as to shield them from flammable vapors in the immediate vicinity. The cylindrical shell forms an annular passage outside the tank (and insulation, if present), which facilitates the intake of combustion air. This annular passage is shielded from above and the side adjacent the top of the tank by a cover fitted to the tank top which extends downward from the top to form a lip which laterally shields the annular passage and directs intake combustion air upward from outside the shell to enter the annular passage. The bottom of the heater can be extended by a cylindrical skirt extension which encloses the burner of the heater in an airtight manner except for air inlets in the bottom of the extension.

Abstract: A method of hydrating the intake air of an internal combustion engine with cool purified water, deriving benefits of preventing the formation of excessive oxides of nitrogen and carbon, effecting a more complete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels, reducing the latent heat of combustion and increasing the power of combustion. The invention utilizes one or more ultrasonic devices to supply an aqueous vapor with droplets of less than 10 microns in size, varying in quantity according to engine size and load, having electronic sensors and controls for precision switching, metering and delivery. Thus equipped, an engine can be run as a lean burn, low emissions prime mover.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of cooling an internal combustion engine, to an internal combustion engine assembly. The invention provides an internal combustion engine which has a primary and a secondary flow of coolant together with a method of cooling such and engine. The secondary flow of coolant is injected into the primary flow of coolant in dependence upon a variable provided by a sensor, which provides an indication of the temperature of the engine body in the region where the secondary flow of coolant mixes with the primary flow of coolant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for chemically heating one or more components of, or intake air flowing to, an internal combustion engine by feeding hydrogen to a catalyst. In accordance with the invention, condensation of fuels on cold engine cylinder walls during and after cold start-ups is prevented, thereby reducing wear on the engine. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for reducing pollutants commonly occurring during cold start-up of combustion engines by heating components of, or intake air flowing to, a combustion engine, in order to quickly warm the engine and its catalytic converter to operating temperatures. Preferably, the hydrogen is supplied from an electrolyzer or other on-board source of hydrogen and the hydrogen and a source of oxygen are provided to the catalyst resulting in exothermic oxidation of hydrogen to heat the air intake or other components of the engine.

Abstract: A variable tuned telescoping resonator which militates against the emission of noise energy caused by intake air in a vehicle wherein the connector length and the volume of the resonator are varied as a function of engine speed simultaneously to provide attenuation of noise energy over a wide frequency range.

Abstract: A multipart cooled piston for a combustion engine comprises a piston upper part of steel comprising a combustion bowl and a ring wall with ring belt, and a piston lower part comprising a box-shaped piston skirt, pin bosses for receiving the piston pin connecting the piston to the connecting rod, and pin boss supports connected to the piston skirt, an inexpensive manufacture with high form stability and improved cooling system is to be achieved in that a cooling channel formed in the piston upper part has holes spread over its circumference towards the piston crown, with the piston material present between such holes forming supporting ribs that each form sections of an all-round ring rib radially to the longitudinal piston axis (K), in that the piston lower part has an annular and all-round carrier rib connected to the pin boss supports, and in that the piston upper part and the piston lower part are non-detachably connected by means of the ring rib and the carrier rib.

Abstract: A single-part cooling channel piston for a combustion engine with a piston head of forged steel comprises a combustion bowl in the piston crown, a ring wall with ring belt and an all-round closed cooling channel level with the ring belt. The piston skirt is connected to the pin bosses attached to the piston head. Inexpensive manufacture together with improved cooling and good form stability of the piston is achieved by providing the cooling channel with holes spread over its circumference towards the piston crown and spaced such that the piston material present between such holes forms supporting ribs for the piston crown.

Abstract: A crankshaft phase adjustment structure for performing work via a single window. A clutch and ACG are arranged on both right and left sides of a crankcase. On the side of the clutch of the crankshaft, a primary drive gear engaged with a primary driven gear of the clutch is fixed by a bolt. A window for performing work is open to a case cover in the vicinity of the bolt and is covered with a cap. The center line of the window for performing work is set off the axis of the bolt, the window for performing work is located in a position in which a head of the bolt and an alignment mark provided to the outside periphery of the side of the primary drive gear are simultaneously viewed. At the edge of the window for performing work a second alignment mark is provided.

Abstract: A homogenous charge compression ignition barrel engine includes an engine housing with a first and second end. An elongated power shaft is longitudinally disposed in the engine housing and defines a longitudinal axis of the engine. A plurality of cylinders surround the longitudinal axis with each cylinder having a closed end and an open end. Each cylinder has a central axis. The open ends of the cylinders are each generally directed toward the first end of the housing. An intake system is operable to introduce a combustible mixture of air and fuel into each of the cylinders. A track is disposed between the first end of the housing and the open ends of the cylinders such that a portion of the track is disposed generally in alignment with the central axis of each of the cylinders. The track has a cam surface that longitudinally undulates with respect to the open ends of the cylinders. A portion of the cam surface is disposed generally in alignment with the central axis of each of the cylinders.

Abstract: A hybrid engine including an electric generator, an electric motor, and a rotary internal combustion engine including pivoted vane elements mounted on a rotor and biased into engagement to sequentially form intake, compression, combustion and exhaust chambers between the rotor and its annular wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for dividing up a total fuel amount, which is to be injected into the combustion chamber of a cylinder during a combustion cycle, into a plurality of injections. To this end, a first fuel amount, which is to be injected during a first injection is determined, a fourth, minimum fuel amount for a third injection is determined, and the total fuel amount minus the first fuel amount is compared to the fourth, minimum fuel amount. When the total fuel amount minus the first fuel amount is greater than or equal to the fourth, minimum fuel amount, the first fuel amount and a second fuel amount, which is to be injected into the combustion chamber of the cylinder during a second injection, are set to zero, and a third fuel amount, which is to be injected during a third injection, is set to the total fuel amount.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for providing a variable output torque based upon a constant input force. The assembly includes an actuator for providing a constant input force and at least one link operatively coupled to the actuator and a pivot point such the constant input force is converted to the variable output torque.

Abstract: A method and apparatus compensates throttle area in an engine control system with an electronic throttle using intake diagnostic residuals. A plurality of tables relate throttle area, breakpoint numbers, flow loss factors and residual values. At least one of the tables is updated based on the intake diagnostic residuals to generate a compensated throttle area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radial piston pump for high-pressure fuel supply, having a drive shaft supported in a pump housing. A plurality of pistons are disposed radially with respect to the drive shaft in a respective cylinder chamber; the pump housing includes a housing base body, in which the drive shaft is supported, and one housing head for each piston. The housing head has a through opening that extends radially to the drive shaft and a bush that serves to receive the piston is shrink-fitted into the through opening bush.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston internal combustion engine comprising upper camshafts (2, 3) for actuating gas exchange valves, whereby respectively adjacent lying bearings of the induction-side camshaft (2) and the exhaust-side camshaft (3) are provided with a covering element (5) scaling both bearings. The inventive engine is also provided with direct fuel injection by means of a respective injector device (7) which has a nozzle part and which is associated with a cylinder (I, II, III, IV). The nozzle part is sealingly inserted into an opening in the cylinder head (1) and a cross brace (8) is fixed to the cylinder head (1) in a deflection-resistant manner, overlapping with at least one injector device (7). The cross brace is connected to tightening elements (11) enabling the injector devices (7) to be sealingly tightened in relation to the cross brace (8). The cross brace (8) is connected to least two neighbouring bearing-covering elements (5).

Abstract: A fuel supply system for an outboard motor regulates the fuel pressure to a vapor separator in a fuel injection system by using a pressure relief valve that returns excess fuel to the intake of the fuel pump. In order to permit excess fuel flow without substantial excess at low speeds, the fuel pump speed is regulated depending upon engine speed, fuel temperature, and fuel pressure.

Abstract: In a method for operating an internal-combustion engine, a fuel/air mixture is fed to a combustion chamber of the internal-combustion engine and is ignited therein. At least for a defined period during the starting and/or warm-up of the internal-combustion engine, at least some of the liquid fuel is replaced with fuel which is in vapor form and is ignited in the at least one combustion chamber of the internal-combustion engine. The fuel which is in vapor form is taken from at least one fuel tank, which is connected to the internal-combustion engine, above a liquid-fuel level and/or from a charcoal canister which is connected to the fuel tank.

Abstract: An absorbent, such as, for example, an active carbon, is provided in an intake air passage, for example, in an air cleaner, to efficiently adsorb fuel vapor. To ensure that fuel vapor adsorbed into the intake air passage can be efficiently desorbed even when there is only a small amount of the intake air, an intake throttle valve is provided upstream of the adsorbent and an opening of the intake throttle valve is throttled so as to decompress an area near the adsorbent. Desorption of fuel vapor also can be efficiently promoted by using a heater to directly heat the adsorbent in the intake air passage or by heating the intake air to indirectly heat the adsorbent.

Abstract: An air-natural gas carburetor for a constant load stationary internal combustion engine including an air inlet passage connected to the intake manifold of an engine, a manually-controlled air valve in the inlet passage, a gas inlet conduit entering the air inlet passage and terminating in a discharge opening; a downstream pressure gas regulator supplying a constant gas pressure to the gas conduit and a manually-controlled valve in the gas conduit between the pressure regulator and the discharge opening which is independent in operation from the air valve.

Abstract: A reciprocating internal combustion engine with balancing and pre-compression is provided. The internal combustion engine comprises: at least one active cylinder, at least one auxiliary cylinder positioned at right-angles to the active cylinder, the throw of the pistons of the relative cylinders positioned on the same drive shaft, and fuel supply parts. Further, the internal combustion engine comprises the auxiliary cylinder equipped with cylinder head with a one-way valve for air inlet and a one-way valve for air outlet. Additionally, the cylinder head of the active cylinder has at least one outlet valve and at least one opening for the inlet of the air into the active cylinder. Finally, the phase of the piston of the auxiliary cylinder precedes the phase of the piston of the active cylinder by 90 degrees. The description includes two-cylinder versions, two-and four stroke, for petrol and diesel cycles, as well as multi-cylinder and turbocharged versions.

Abstract: A pressure sensor (40) is mounted in an internal combustion engine (1) for determining induction pipe pressure (P) in a connecting line (30) between the induction pipe (5) and the fuel pressure regulator (35). When checking the exhaust gas recirculation valve (20), induction pipe pressure (P) rises. Said change in pressure is safely and reliably recorded independently of actuation of other pneumatic consumers (vacuum power booster).

Abstract: A pipe mechanism for an exhaust gas recirculation system includes a joint pipe connected to an exhaust pipe, an inner tube through which flows exhaust gas, and an outer tube. The inner tube has an upstream end and a downstream end, with the downstream end being located in the intake pipe. The outer tube has an upstream end connected with the joint pipe and a downstream end attached on the outer surface of the inner tube. The outer tube is located around the inner tube with a predetermined clearance between the inner and outer tubes.

Abstract: A method of controlling exhaust gas recirculation by means of an EGR valve (55). An electromagnetic actuator (41) is associated with a housing (47) to transmit movement of an actuator output (75) into reciprocating movement of the EGR valve in response to changes in an electrical input signal (95), and the method comprises generating (93) a compensator gain value to modify the electrical input signal (95). The improved method provides a valve position sensor (79) and generates a position signal (97) representing instantaneous valve position. The next step is storing (105) a first relationship (DCTHLD) of the electrical input signal (95) required to change the instantaneous valve position, then, during ongoing operation, generating (105) a then-current, second relationship (DC) of the electrical input signal (95) required to change the instantaneous valve position.

Abstract: Engine speed data N and engine fueling data MFDES are processed by a strategy (22) that multiplies (28) fueling transient data MFDES TRANSIENT and speed-based modifier data EGR_N_TRANS_MULT to develop speed-based fueling transient data. The speed-based fueling transient data is then processed according to a function (32) that correlates values of a fueling transient modifier with values of speed-based fueling transient data to develop exhaust gas recirculation modifier data. The exhaust gas recirculation modifier data and basic exhaust gas recirculation data are multiplied (34) to develop modified exhaust gas recirculation data, and exhaust gas is recirculated in accordance with the modified exhaust gas recirculation data. Using engine speed as a determinant of the extent to which the basic EGR rate should be modified during a fueling transient enables better control over certain exhaust emissions over certain speed ranges.

Abstract: Joint portions to which tubes are coupled are provided with a pair of connector portions which are engaged/disengaged in accordance with the engagement/disengagement of the joint portions. Further, a detection circuit is provided which detects the non-conduction state between terminals provided at the connection portions. The detection circuit is arranged to output an alarm signal when the state between the terminal metal members is non-conductive. Thus, when one of the joint portions disengages, the corresponding one of the connector portions also disengages, so that the state between the terminal metal members becomes non-conductive and the alarm signal is generated.

Abstract: In an ignition device for use in an internal combustion engine in which a spark plug and an ignition coil are integrated with each other and mounted in a cylinder head, a case is made of an electrical conductive material and one end portion of a secondary winding of the ignition coil is electrically connected to a center electrode of the spark plug while the other end portion of the secondary winding and an earth electrode of the spark plug are electrically connected to the case. Thus, the low-voltage side of the secondary winding and the earth electrode are electrically connected to each other through the case. This eliminates the need for a connector terminal and a wire harness for the electrical connection of the low-voltage side of the secondary winding to the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Catalyst structure, engine, and fuel injection system are disclosed, in which a catalyst structure is positioned between a fuel injector and a combustion chamber in which most or all combustion occurs. The catalyst structure typically promotes some combustion of the fuel, reforming of fuel to generate hydrogen and other reduced species of fuel molecules, or both. The catalyst structure may instead or additionally promote evaporation of fuel droplets. Benefits include reduced emissions of pollutants.

Abstract: An archery bow includes a rigid frame having an upper limb, an opposite lower limb and a handle therebetween. A bowstring has one end attached to an upper wheel rotatably mounted to the upper limb and another end attached to a lower wheel rotatably mounted to the lower limb. The lower limb screwthreadedly receives an adjustable, rotatable self-contained tensioning unit having a variably compressible power coil spring therein. A cam is rotatably mounted to the lower limb between the lower wheel and the tensioning unit and is engaged by a cable which connects the spring with the lower wheel so as to provide a resilient pull to establish a draw weight required to move the bowstring from an at-rest position to a drawn position. A pin is variably positioned on the lower wheel for movement towards an engagement with a stop member fixed on the lower limb so as to establish a desired draw length for the bow.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pneumatic toy gun which may include a cylinder having an open end and an outlet, a piston disposed within the open end of the cylinder, and a valve having a valve inlet and a discharge outlet. The valve may have a normal position wherein the discharge outlet is sealed to prevent the flow of air through the discharge outlet, and an open position wherein the discharge outlet is unsealed to permit the flow of air through the discharge outlet, with the outlet of the cylinder being in fluid communication with the valve inlet. The pneumatic toy gun may further include a pressure gauge in fluid communication with the outlet of the cylinder and the valve inlet, with the pressure gauge having a cavity with a fluid disposed therein, and the cavity having a transparent portion through which the fluid is visible.

Abstract: Cutting tools and machining tools are provided having PCBN tips and/or coatings bonded to their cutting or machining surfaces for cutting or machining cement and/or mineral based hard building materials such as Hardiplank®.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture for mounting a substrate to mounting tape on a film frame so as to retain the substrate to the film frame for dicing. A plurality of grooves for receiving a cutting saw extend longitudinally and transversely across the fixture to define die regions. The fixture also includes a plurality of apertures that align with the substrate and with dies to be cut from the substrate. The aligned apertures supply vacuum to the substrate to retain the substrate and cut dies in the fixture. When the dicing is completed, the vacuum is turned off and the individual dies can be readily removed from the fixture.