Patents Issued in April 29, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040079259
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing cementitious materials. The method comprises combining together approximately 12 parts sand with 1 part lime to form a sand and lime mixture where mixture has a sufficient water content to permit at least partial hydration of the lime. The sand and lime mixture is maintained at a temperature of approximately 60° Celsius for a period of between two and four hours. Thereafter water is mixed into the sand and lime mixture at a weight ratio of from between 5 to 15 percent. Pieces of shredded automobile or truck tires are then added to the sand, lime and water mixture at a weight ratio of between 5 and 15 percent. The combination is then subjected to an autoclave process where it is maintained at a pressure of approximately 16 Bar and at temperatures of between 160 and 180 degrees Celsius for between four and eight hours during which the mixture is allowed to cure and harden.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Felix Manig
  • Publication number: 20040079260
    Abstract: A building product incorporating synthetic microspheres having a low alkali metal oxide content is provided. The synthetic microspheres are substantially chemically inert and thus a suitable replacement for natural cenospheres, particularly in caustic environments such as cementitious mixtures. The building product can have a cementitious matrix such as a fiber cement product. The synthetic microspheres can be incorporated as a low density additive and/or a filler for the building product and/or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Amlan Datta, Hamid Hojaji, David L. Melmeth, James A. McFarlane, Thinh Pham, Noel E. Thompson, Huagang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040079261
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a foldable table tennis table which is capable of being fabricated without the necessity for welding or other expensive labor intensive operations, which can be boxed and shipped to the customer in a compact, minimal profile package and which can be assembled easily and quickly by the customer by hand without the need for tools. More specifically the table top is divided into four separate rectangular parts two of which are each joined along their middle edges to form first and second table top halves, each table half having a center edge, a front edge and opposing side edges. The respective table halves are pivotably supported adjacent their respective center edges by a central support unit so that they can be pivoted between an essentially horizontal playing position and an essentially vertical storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: SPORTCRAFT, LTD.
    Inventor: Michael Nally
  • Publication number: 20040079262
    Abstract: The plant for the thermal treatment of material, in particular scrap material, comprises at least a reaction zone (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) within a rotary kiln (12) having the longitudinal axis inclined of an angle in the range 0°±45° with regard to an horizontal plane and provided of first heating means (14) and of at least a rotary screw (16) having second heating means (18). The screw shaft (20) is hollow and has, at least locally, apertures allowing the flow of gas from and/or into the reaction zone (10, 10a, 10b, 10c), a plurality of thermally conductive particles being movable within the reaction zone (10, 10a, 10b, 10c).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Andreas Hornung, Henning Bockhorn, Karl Appenzeller, Carlo Maria Roggero, Wander Tumiatti
  • Publication number: 20040079263
    Abstract: A growing system for plant seedlings that takes into consideration the varied requirements of the seedling; seedling and transplant environment; seedling cell (312) size; mechanical transplanter requirements; seedling leaf, stem and root development and coordinates all these requirements to increase transplanting yields may include larger containers that maximize yield and minimize damage. Aspects may eliminate left-over seedlings, reduce the number of manual steps, decrease labor, and increase transplant yields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth K Tagawa, George H Tagawa, Randall E Tagawa, William A Kluth
  • Publication number: 20040079264
    Abstract: A nurse distribution system provides dual capabilities for planting different seed varieties from a single planting mechanism. The air cart carries two tanks in which different seed varieties can be placed. The nurse mechanism selectively distributes seed from one tank to the on-row singulation meters, yet can switch to the seed in the second tank to correspond to different soil conditions encountered by the planting mechanism. The planting mechanism carries a first line from the first tank to the nurse receiver and a parallel second line from the second tank to the same nurse receiver. By keeping the nurse receiver as small as possible, thus having a small seed reservoir, the seed variety selection can be switched from one tank to the other in an effective manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Dean J. Mayerle, Ronald Engen, P. Allen Evans
  • Publication number: 20040079265
    Abstract: A sewing machine needle capable of preventing stitch skipping and fabric yarn breakage, irrespective of high-speed and multifunction sewing machines and diversified materials being used. Over a predetermined length from an edge, closer to a needle point, of a needle eye toward the needle point, a blade has a straight profile extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the needle as viewed from a side of the needle in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the needle eye extends. Over a predetermined length from the straight profile portion toward the needle point, the profile of the blade is a flat cross-section in which the thickness thereof in the direction in which the needle eye extends is larger than the width thereof in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the needle eye extends. In a needle point portion following the flat cross-section portion and extending to the needle point, the blade has a sectional shape of a perfect circle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Yutaka Toya
  • Publication number: 20040079266
    Abstract: A self-stabilizing catamaran wing assembly for a windsurfing catamaran that provides all the sailing characteristics and benefits of a windsurfer, yet allows operation even by sailors with physical limitations. In such a wing assembly, the wing or sail is automatically moved to the correct position by using counter balancing water pressure from a rotating central keel connected to the central mast structure of the catamaran. The central keel rotates in the opposite direction of the wing structure of the catamaran when the wing is moved off center by the wind. The keel also rotates such that a greater surface area is presented to the water flow that approaches the keel from the direction the catamaran is headed toward, guided by dagger-boards and rudders on the hulls. The force of the water on the keel offsets the force of the wind against the sails and automatically pushes the keel and mast structure back towards a stable upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Enrique Petrovich
  • Publication number: 20040079267
    Abstract: A personal watercraft deck structure includes a deck, a rear portion opening provided continuously to the rear of a seat underlying opening in the deck, and a bridge member is removably attached at a boundary between the seat underlying opening and the rear portion opening (or at the rear portion opening). A rear portion of a seat is supported by the bridge member, while the rear portion opening is operatively closed with a rear cover. When maintenance of an engine and other equipment disposed within the deck structure is to be performed, the bridge member may be removed. As a result, the seat underlying opening and the rear portion opening are connected to each other and fully exposed, and therefore, a large opening can be obtained for facilitating maintenance of the engine and other equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Nakajima, Tadaaki Nagata, Takayoshi Miura
  • Publication number: 20040079268
    Abstract: A very large hydrocarbon production vessel (10) of at least 40,000 tons steel weight, is constructed without requiring a very long reserve time period in a very large dry dock. The hull of the vessel is constructed in at least three different hull sections, including a midship hull section (24) and bow and stern hull sections (20, 22), with each preferably constructed at a different construction site. The hull sections are then brought together in a very large dry dock and welded together, so a minimum amount of time must be reserved in the very large dry dock. The midship hull section is preferably constructed in a specialized shipyard, and the same shipyard installs drilling equipment (50) and equipment that connects to risers that bring up hydrocarbons, so the expertise of the shipyard is used for both the midsection hull construction and specialized drilling and riser handling equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Adam F. J. M. Lambregts, Bram Van Cann, Sjoerd Maarlen Hendriks, Leendert Poldervaart
  • Publication number: 20040079269
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding a sail while it is being hoisted on a sail-powered marine vessel are disclosed. The apparatus is a pre-feeder or feeder for use on a forestay, mast, or foremast; the apparatus having two oppositely-facing members that are movable in relationship to each other thereby forming an adjustable opening for receiving and partially encircling the luff portion of a sail. The two members are movable about a hinge and a locking mechanism prevents the members from separating inadvertently. For use with a forestay, the pre-feeder is attached near the bow of the boat or directly to the forestay below the grooved track. The method of using the pre-feeder includes gripping the two members and pulling them apart, inserting the luff, closing the two members, and pulling on a halyard attached to the sail. The apparatus and method of the present invention can reduce the time required to hoist a sail and may be performed by a single crewmember.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Sailing Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: G. Benjamin Cudd, Sonia Galindo
  • Publication number: 20040079270
    Abstract: A pontoon includes a generally elongated shell made of at least two shell segments assembled in an end-to-end configuration. Each segment has a segment peripheral wall surrounding a segment inner volume. Each segment defines at least one end aperture extending into the segment inner volume from one of the segment longitudinal ends. A filling component is positioned within the segment inner volumes. The filling component is made out of a generally buoyant material. Manufacturing the pontoon involves slidably inserting the filling component into the end apertures in a direction generally along the shell longitudinal axis and towards the opposed segment longitudinal end. The volume of the filling component slidably inserted into the shell is such that the combination of the shell and the filling component forms a generally buoyant combination. A mold for the fabrication of the shell segments is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Trepanier
  • Publication number: 20040079271
    Abstract: A technique for guiding a riser in an offshore environment. The technique utilizes a keel guide that permits the passage of connectors or other components therethrough. A bushing is mounted within the keel guide to guide the relative linear motion of the riser assembly through the keel guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Alan Charnock, Amrik Singh Nijjar, Marcus Alan Smedley, Juan Carlos Gillen
  • Publication number: 20040079272
    Abstract: An underwater motive device utilizes a plastic rear housing which includes a battery storage space sealed with a tight fit to provide sealing, a pressured removal system is provided to pressurize the sealed battery chamber to enable the front wall to be removed. The motor is microprocessor controlled for safety by providing a slight delay before energizing the motor, and by providing some time in residence at a slow speed before switching to a higher speed. The result is a safe underwater motive device which will not accidentally become power actuated before the user is able to securely grasp and direct it, and which will not go to full speed except from a low speed to give the user a chance to stabilize himself in the water. Further, the control circuitry includes other features to provide both long battery life, good serviceable usage and battery preservation and motor preservation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Pat Y. Mah
  • Publication number: 20040079273
    Abstract: A kayak cooler has an enclosure with a rigid outside surface and a contoured bottom. The kayak cooler has a plurality of securing tabs disposed about the rigid outside surface of the enclosure. The enclosure has a top with an access opening and the contoured bottom has a shape approximating the contour of a foredeck of a kayak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Godek
  • Publication number: 20040079274
    Abstract: The present invention provides a color coded identification system for identifying a hand tool. The system includes a chart defining operating characteristic of the hand tool by use of a first group of colors and handle size by used of a second group of colors. The hand tool has a handle and an operative member. The handle includes a first portion with a color chosen from the first group of colors. Further, the handle includes a second portion with a color chosen from the second group of colors. The operative member connects to the handle with the operating characteristic corresponding to the color of the first portion of the handle. A label is further disposed onto the operating member having an icon illustrating a portion of the hand tool in the same color as the color of the first portion of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Warner Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: David R. Henke
  • Publication number: 20040079275
    Abstract: A mouth whistle that is comprised of a plastic card with substantially the same dimensions as a standard credit card, a fold, and registered air inlets that are substantially aligned when the card is folded. The Wallet Whistle can be unfolded for convenient storage. It can be printed with attractive logos, pictures, and/or designs. The card is made of a flexible material that can be repeatedly bent without fracturing along an axis substantially bisecting the plane of said card. The axis of the card may contain a previous fold, crease, score, openings, or a flexible membrane, any of which acts as a hinge to facilitate folding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory Alan Falla
  • Publication number: 20040079276
    Abstract: This invention is based on the problem of achieving the most planar possible phase boundary extending in the horizontal direction between the still molten material and the material that has already crystallized out in a vertical Bridgman crystal-growing furnace or vertical gradient freeze crystal-growing furnace for crystallizing out the semiconductor melt (4) and doing so at a low cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Andreas Muhe
  • Publication number: 20040079277
    Abstract: A method for forming a suspended microstructure is provided. The method includes providing a monocrystalline target substrate and subjecting the surface of the monocrystalline target substrate to ion implantation to form a microstructure layer at the surface of the monocrystalline target substrate. An epitaxial material layer is formed overlying the microstructure layer. A handle substrate is provided and a patterned interposed material layer is provided between the epitaxial material layer and the handle substrate. The epitaxial material layer, the patterned interposed material layer and the handle substrate are affixed. The method further includes thermally treating the monocrystalline target substrate to effect separation between the microstructure layer and a remainder of the monocrystalline target substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Mattes, Ralph B. Danzl
  • Publication number: 20040079278
    Abstract: A method of forming an assembly of isolated nanowires of at least one material within a matrix of another material is provided. The method comprises: providing a substrate; forming a catalyst array on a major surface of the substrate; growing an array of the nanowires corresponding with the catalyst array, the nanowires, each comprising at least one material; and forming a matrix of another material that fills in spaces between the nanowires. The method is useful for producing a variety of structures useful in a number of devices, such as photonic bandgap structures and quantum dot structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Theodore I. Kamins, Philip J. Kuekes
  • Publication number: 20040079279
    Abstract: An SixNy or SiOxNy liner is formed on a MOS device. Cobalt is then deposited and reacts to form an epitaxial CoSi2 layer underneath the liner. The CoSi2 layer may be formed through a solid phase epitaxy or reactive deposition epitaxy salicide process. In addition to high quality epitaxial CoSi2 layers, the liner formed during the invention can protect device portions during etching processes used to form device contacts. The liner can act as an etch stop layer to prevent excessive removal of the shallow trench isolation, and protect against excessive loss of the CoSi2 layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Chong Wee Lim, Chan Soo Shin, Ivan Georgiev Petrov, Joseph E. Greene
  • Publication number: 20040079280
    Abstract: The present invention deals with the generation of sharp single crystal diamond tips and the arrays of these tips, and their fabrication technology. The invention combines the deposition of synthetic diamond films with reactive etching processes. Upon the diamond orientation prepared and reactive etching environment with considerable directivity of ions, single crystal diamond tips with different apical angles can be fabricated. Very sharp diamond tips with an apical angle of no more than about 28° and a tip radius smaller than 50 nm are fabricated on pyramidal-shaped [001]-textured diamond films by subsequent reactive etching., The technology is based on selective etching of sp2- and sp3- hybridized carbons by the activated constituents of an etching environment, in particular based on atomic hydrogen, in a way similar to ion bombardment, which contributes to overall etching and local conversion of diamond to graphitic phase promoting further etching with chemically activated species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Shuit-Tong Lee, Igor Bello, Wenjun Zhang, Chit Yiu Chan
  • Publication number: 20040079281
    Abstract: There is provided a deposition system (1) for yielding substantially uniform deposition of an evaporant material onto a substrate. The deposition system (1) comprises: a source (10) for generating a coherent energy beam; a substantially planar target (60) containing the evaporant material and disposed in spaced relation to the substrate; a focusing element (30) optically coupled to the source for focusing the coherent energy beam onto the target (60); and, an actuator (40) coupled to the focusing element (30) for reversibly translating the focusing element (30) along a scanning path directed substantially parallel to a target plane defined by the target (60). The focused coherent energy beam defines an impingement spot (14) on the target (60). The impingement spot (14) is displaced responsive to the translation of the focusing element (30) along the scanning path. The focus of the coherent energy beam on the target (60) thus remains substantially preserved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: NEOCERA, INC.
    Inventor: Hans M. Christen
  • Publication number: 20040079282
    Abstract: An adhesive layer is provided on a base material in the shape of an elongated film, powder particles are adhered thereon, and then other powder particles and media vibrated in a container are contacted with this adhesive layer. Next, the powder particles are embedded on the surface of the adhesive layer as a monolayer in which part of the powder particle protrudes, so as to form a laminate, and excess powder particles adhered to the laminate are removed. Therefore, a monolayer powder film, consisting of many powder particles embedded as a monolayer so that part thereof protrudes, is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Tomoegawa Paper Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Sano, Kensaku Higashi
  • Publication number: 20040079283
    Abstract: In an apparatus in which when a photothermographic material is produced, a photosensitive layer liquid coating composition including a silver component and a non-photosensitive protective layer liquid coating composition are applied onto a web employing a slot coater, a coating apparatus for producing a photothermographic material wherein the slot coater is constituted so that the center-line surface roughness Ra of the lip plane, which comes into contact with at least the photosensitive layer liquid coating composition, is equal to or less than 0.5 &mgr;m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Keiichi Aoki
  • Publication number: 20040079284
    Abstract: A spraycoating device comprising at least one coating liquid spray gun (2) which contains a measuring valve device (40) opening or closing a compressed gas measuring valve flow path (42) depending in the positions of a liquid feed valve (4). The measurement of the compressed gas flow allows automatically determining whether the liquid feed valve (4) is situated in a fully close or a fully open position or in an arbitrary intermediate position thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: ITW Oberflachentechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Manfred Dankert
  • Publication number: 20040079285
    Abstract: High quality epitaxial layers of monocrystalline materials (26) can be grown overlying monocrystalline substrates (22) such as large silicon wafers by forming a compliant substrate for growing the monocrystalline layers. An accommodating buffer layer (24) comprises a layer of monocrystalline oxide spaced apart from a silicon wafer by an amorphous interface layer (28) of silicon oxide. The amorphous interface layer dissipates strain and permits the growth of a high quality monocrystalline oxide accommodating buffer layer. The growth of the monocrystalline oxide film for accommodating buffer layer (24) is achieved through an automated oxygen delivery system (200) that controls a variety of oxygen control parameters, such as pressure control, ramp control, and flow control. The oxygen delivery system (200) is preferably a dual stage pressure control system (204, 206) with the ability to precisely control the oxygen profile in the growth chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.
    Inventors: Hao Li, Ravindranath Droopad, Dirk Jordan, Corey Overgaard, Zhiyi Yu
  • Publication number: 20040079286
    Abstract: Methods and structures provide vaporized reactant from a liquid source to a vapor deposition reactor, such as an atomic layer deposition (ALD) reactor. A storage container holds the bulk of liquid reactant (or solid reactant dissolved in a liquid solvent) outside of the reactor hot zone(s), and so are not subject to decomposition from prolonged exposure to high temperatures. The storage container is in fluid communication with a vaporization chamber within a hot zone of the reactor, such that a high vapor pressure can be maintained within the vaporization chamber. Refilling the storage container outside of the hot zone(s) is simplified, and the bulk of the liquid reactant is not subject to prolonged exposure to destabilizing temperatures. At the same time, the advantages of maintaining a vaporization chamber within a hot zone are maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Sven Lindfors
  • Publication number: 20040079287
    Abstract: An apparatus for dissociating gases includes a plasma chamber that may be formed from a metallic material and a transformer having a magnetic core surrounding a portion of the plasma chamber and having a primary winding. The apparatus also includes one or more switching semiconductor devices that are directly coupled to a voltage supply and that have an output coupled to the primary winding of the transformer. The one or more switching semiconductor devices drive current in the primary winding that induces a potential inside the chamber that forms a plasma which completes a secondary circuit of the transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Applied Science & Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald K. Smith, Xing Chen, William M. Holber, Eric Georgelis
  • Publication number: 20040079288
    Abstract: A deposited film-forming apparatus comprising a reaction chamber capable of being vacuumed in which glow discharge is caused by means of a high frequency power supplied by a high frequency power introduction means to form a deposited film on a substrate positioned in said reaction chamber, wherein said high frequency power introduction means comprises an insulating material as a base constituent and has a region isolated from a glow discharge zone of said reaction chamber by means of said insulating material wherein an electrode comprising an electrically conductive metallic material having a thickness capable of sufficiently transmitting said high frequency power is disposed in said region such that it is contacted with said insulating material in a state with no clearance. A deposited film-forming process using said deposited film-forming apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20040079289
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a semiconductor wafer. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a wafer port flange including an electrostatic chuck and a top plate including a lip. The electrostatic chuck defines a circumferential gas distribution groove and a gas gap positioned between a backside of a semiconductor wafer and the electrostatic chuck. The lip is positioned to shield an outside band of the wafer. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR §1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Peter L. Kellerman, Kevin T. Ryan, Robert J. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20040079290
    Abstract: A 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 hopper elements including impermeable side walls juxtaposed to form a hopper assembly of maximum capacity and minimum footprint and a front wall with feed apertures to enable birds to access bird food within the hopper element. Each hopper may be selectively removed and replaced without disturbing the other elements. In one embodiment, the hopper elements form segments of an inverted frustoconical hopper assembly which may be selectively and individually removed from the bird feeder without disassembling the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: David W. Swift, Edward J. Holliday, Christopher T. Rich
  • Publication number: 20040079291
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for more efficiently and hygienically managing and disposing waste that is otherwise stored in the holder or tray of a self-cleaning cat litter box is presented. It enables waste to channel into a garbage bag instead of accumulating in a relatively smaller and expensive tray, thereby, reducing the frequency of disposal and maintenance and minimizing unhygienic conditions that occur when waste exceeds tray capacity. It can be shaped in the form of a table, for positioning below said litter box, with it's intake hole positioned below said tray, so that waste falling from a hole in said tray enters and channels into a garbage bag/container positioned across the outflow opening of the apparatus. It may also be shaped to substitute for said holder or tray, with the added element of an outflow opening to which a plastic garbage bag can positioned to receive and store waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Henry Francis Romatowski
  • Publication number: 20040079292
    Abstract: Moisture absorbing efficiency of excrement is enhanced by providing a high degree of porosity and a high porosity ratio to a hydraulic granulated body and a non-hydraulic granulated body in a method of manufacturing a granulated body for absorbing excrement of animals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Shotaro Mochizuki
  • Publication number: 20040079293
    Abstract: The animal litter of the present invention is composed of plural discrete particles that are dual component granules. Each of the absorbent granules of this invention is made up of an inner core and an external coating complex. Preferably, the inner core of the granule is made with natural or artificial fibers, mineral filler, and binder. Preferably, the coating of the granule is made with an agglomerating agent and with natural or artificial materials that reduce odors and/or prevent the formation of malodors. Most preferably, the external coating layer consists essentially of bentonite, zeolite and/or boric acid, and, optionally, fine cellulose fibers. The granules of this invention are designed to agglomerate into clumps when wetted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Kobi Rasner, Nimrod Eitan, Ziv Gilo
  • Publication number: 20040079294
    Abstract: A quality assurance program for consistently producing high quality meat products broadly comprises selecting a plurality of calves that meet a set of standards and managing the calves according to a set of protocols. The standards are used to cull out low quality calves that are expected to yield low quality meat products. The protocols ensure the calves are properly nurtured so that they may yield high quality meat products by dictating how the calves are fed and treated. For example, the protocols preferably dictate what and when vaccines are given to the calves. The program may be broken down into three growth phases, such as an initiation phase in which the calves are managed during their first weeks, a growth phase in which the calves are managed during their growth, and a finishing phase in which the calves are managed leading up to slaughter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Raymond Hawn, Robert W. Balding
  • Publication number: 20040079295
    Abstract: The Bird Nesting Box is one of the most innovative products of its kind. It allows clear visibility of the bird's, their eggs, and young while permitting the owner or caregiver to view and monitor the nesting process without disturbing the birds. This can be exciting and also very educational. This improved design is constructed of durable plexiglas versus the standard wooden nesting box. It is very easy to maintain and inexpensive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Queen Annette Sims
  • Publication number: 20040079296
    Abstract: A device for training a dog or other animal to not jump up on persons. The device is formed by a plate releasably securable to the forward surface of a user's thigh proximate to the knee. The plate has a forwardly projecting prong. The user raises his/her leg to contact the prong against the dog during the jump up action, thereby irritating the dog and discouraging the behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Juan Manuel Villanueva
  • Publication number: 20040079297
    Abstract: A pet step is a modular foam core item which can be used alone or in an arrangement with other pet steps—referred to as cubes—to form a stair and offers a comfortable way for a pet that has been debilitated by age, surgery, illness, or injury to climb, e.g., from the floor to the couch and down, eliminating the impact of jumping. Each step is formed of a washable fabric cover stretched across a high-density foam core, the core being usually of regular block shape, but alternatively in the shape of a trapezoidal block, right wedge, or other. The cover may be made from various fabrics with different textures, colors, and designs, and is secured around the foam core using a band of elastic. Thus, the cover is easily removable and washable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Jeanne Rae Wolfington, Karen Kristen Hanson
  • Publication number: 20040079298
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a circulation system which circulates a heat medium, a cylinder head part channel which circulates the heat medium into a cylinder head, a cylinder block part channel which circulates the heat medium into a cylinder block, a connecting channel which connects the cylinder head part channel with the cylinder block part channel, a heat supply device that supplies heat accumulated in the regenerator to the internal combustion engine, and restraining device that restrains heat circulation in the connecting channel when heat is supplied by the heat supply device or the internal combustion engine is under cold conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Kobayashi, Kazuki Iwatani, Makoto Suzuki, Katuhiko Arisawa, Masakazu Tabata
  • Publication number: 20040079299
    Abstract: A lightweight, four stroke engine includes a crankcase enclosure and at least one piston assembly disposed within the crankcase enclosure. The piston assembly cooperates with the crankcase enclosure to provide an internal pressure to the crankcase enclosure which varies between a positive and a negative pressure. An air intake assembly is operatively coupled to a first section of the engine and the crankcase enclosure, the air intake assembly including at least one air conduit configured to provide non-combustive air flow from the first section of the engine to the crankcase enclosure of the engine. At least one valve is disposed within the air intake system, the valve being configured to restrict air flow from the crankcase enclosure when positively pressurized and to allow airflow into the crankcase enclosure when negatively pressurized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Pearson Motor Company Limited
    Inventors: William Llewis White, Stuart Gilbert Pearson
  • Publication number: 20040079300
    Abstract: A water jacket structure for a cylinder head and cylinder block of an automobile engine with a split cooling system adapted therein is disclosed, in which the shape of the inlet of the water jacket is altered to diminish the flow loss, and the position of the outlets for the cylinder head and the cylinder block is disposed at the same height to improve the life expectancy of the thermostat device. Water jackets are formed for the cylinder head and the cylinder block respectively and independently. An inlet is shared between the cylinder head and the cylinder block, with its cross sectional area being reduced inward, and two outlets are formed on the cylinder head respectively and independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Kyoung-Hee Kim
  • Publication number: 20040079301
    Abstract: Described herein is a microgenerator of electrical energy with a high power density, which uses an internal-combustion micromotor with two combustion chambers set opposite to one another, within which a piston is displaced with reciprocating motion. The piston is at least in part made of magnetic material and is wound with a coil, within which is generated an electric current by induction. The fuel, the oxidant, and preferably a catalyst, are injected into each of the two combustion chambers by means of injectors that are substantially of the same type as those used in ink-jet printer heads. The dimensions of the device are comparable to those of a 1.5-V NiCd battery of a traditional standard type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: C.R.F. SOCIETA CONSORTILE PER AZIONI
    Inventors: Piero Perlo, Gianfranco Innocenti, Gianluca Bollito, Bartolomeo Pairetti, Alessandro Zanella, Cosimo Carvignese
  • Publication number: 20040079302
    Abstract: An internal combustion-engined setting tool includes a drive piston (15) displaceably supported in the piston guide (17) and displaceable in a setting direction (4) by expandable gases produced in the main combustion chamber (11) of the tool and pre-chamber (20) for generating pressure that is transmitted to the main combustion chamber (11) before the ignition (19) of the air-fuel mixture in the main combustion chamber takes place, with the pre-chamber (20) being formed by space a within the piston guide (17) beneath a bottom of the drive piston (15) remote from the main combustion chamber (11), when the drive piston occupies its initial position, and with the pre-chamber (20) being connected with the main combustion chamber (11) by a transfer guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Iwan Wolf, Ulrich Schiestl, Ulrich Rosenbaum, Hans Gschwend
  • Publication number: 20040079303
    Abstract: A piston engine includes a nozzle-diffuser providing air-fuel to the crankcase. The nozzle-diffuser has input and output ends, and a throat between the input and output end having a cross sectional area that is smaller than the cross sectional areas of the input or output ends, and in which the interior surfaces of the intake port are tapered. The nozzle-diffuser may be housed in the crankshaft, and it alters the speed, pressure and temperature of the air fuel charge. Improvement of fuel air mixing to a more homogeneous charge and delivery rate of result in increased power, improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust gas emissions by the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Philipe F. Saad, Lloyd Kamo, Roy Kamo
  • Publication number: 20040079304
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a crankcase scavenging internal combustion engine (1) having a transfer passage (8) interconnecting the crankcase (3) and the cylinder (2) via a conventional transfer port (20). An air supply tube (16) is connected to the transfer passage (8) via a reed valve (17). The transfer passage has a volume which is an appreciable percentage of the swept volume of the cylinder. When the crankcase is depressurized, air enters via the reed valve (17) and scavenges the transfer passage (8). When the crankcase is pressurized and the transfer port opens, the air remaining in the transfer passage which is substantially free of fuel is used to scavenge the cylinder. Some of this air enters the exhaust port (7) and some remains in the cylinder to form part of the combustion gases. The fuel free air remaining in the cylinder enables the quantity of oil in the gasoline/oil fuel mixture to be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: John Arthur Notaras, Angelo Lambrinos Notaras
  • Publication number: 20040079305
    Abstract: A working machine, particularly an internal combustion engine-driven tamper for compacting soil comprises a tamping system, which is driven by the internal combustion engine and which is provided with an oil lubrication. The enclosure surrounding the tamping system comprises a small opening, which is situated downstream from an air filter and which leads into an air induction channel of the internal combustion engine. The cross-section of the opening is dimensioned so that it enables an equalization of pressure between the tamping system and the surrounding area and allows oil to travel from the tamping system and into the air induction channel of the engine. Oil for lubricating can be supplied to the engine via the opening. The opening is also suited for equalizing pressure which is particularly necessary when the tamping system and its enclosure heat up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Martin Greppmair
  • Publication number: 20040079306
    Abstract: A variable lift electromechanical valve actuator for use with an internal combustion engine. The electromechanical valve includes a first electromagnet, a second electromagnet, and a hydraulic lifting mechanism. The upper electromagnet is fixedly mounted to a housing while the lower electromagnet slides in conjunction with the hydraulic lifting mechanism. Multiple valve lifts are provided for by the movement of the lower electromagnetic electromagnet. Variable valve lift allows for more efficient operation of the engine and reduced power consumption, noise, vibration, and wear concerns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: John D. Norton, James Alexander, Ha T. Chung
  • Publication number: 20040079307
    Abstract: A hydraulic manifold assembly for variable actuation of engine valves in accordance with the invention includes oil flow galleries. Engine oil under pressure communicates with a global supply gallery in the manifold assembly, from which pressurized oil is supplied selectively via individual supply galleries to each variable actuator for each valve through the action of solenoid valves. At engine startup, all galleries may be empty of oil, or partially filled. A global relief valve at the end of the global supply gallery causes air to be purged immediately upon startup of the engine. Each solenoid and individual gallery is provided with a low pressure relief valve leading back to the crankcase when the solenoid supply valve is closed. A bleed orifice between the global supply gallery and each individual gallery continually bleeds oil under low pressure into the individual gallery, which purges initial air therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J. Dinkel, Doug Gnage, Dave Beiswenger
  • Publication number: 20040079308
    Abstract: A device is described for controlling gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine, which has hydraulic valve positioners (17, 18), each having a positioning piston (26) acting on the gas exchange valve (12, 13) and two hydraulic working chambers (27, 28), delimited by the positioning piston (26), of which the first working chamber (27), for closing the gas exchange valve (12, 13), is continuously under fluid pressure and the second working chamber (28), for opening the gas exchange valve (10), may be alternately filled and emptied with pressurized fluid via a first and second electrical control valve (34, 35).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Udo Diehl, Bernd Rosenau, Simon Kieser