Abstract: A water driven pedalcraft in which water propelling blades or paddles and a drive mechanism for driving the blades or paddles are associated with a framing system removably mounted atop a buoyant pontoon system. The drive mechanism preferably comprises conventional parts of a bicycle that are operably coupled to flexible and rigid drive shafts, or drive belts, which mechanism transmits torque to drive the water engaging paddle or propeller blades. The pontoon system includes a forward pontoon and a rearward pontoon, the pontoons being movable from a first position, wherein the pontoons are “inline” with one another, and into a second position, wherein the pontoons are at an angle to one another, when the user desires to steer the watercraft into another direction.

Abstract: In a marine gas cylinder apparatus provided with a switching valve apparatus capable of switching a communication state among a piston rod side oil chamber, a piston side oil chamber and a gas chamber, the switching valve apparatus is structured such that each of respective poppet valves are arranged in each of ports open to a communication chamber provided in a valve case, each of balls is held between a ball operation surface of a rotation plate supported to the valve case and each of the poppet valves. Each of the poppet valves is moved close to or apart from the corresponding port via each of the balls in accordance with a rotating operation of the rotation plate.

Abstract: In a marine gas cylinder apparatus provided with a switching valve apparatus capable of switching a communication state among a piston rod side oil chamber, a piston side oil chamber and a gas chamber, a relief passage communicating a communication chamber of the switching valve apparatus with the gas chamber is provided. A temperature compensating relief valve relieving an oil in the communication chamber to the gas chamber is provided in the relief passage.

Abstract: There is provided a conductive fiber capable of being sewn, woven or knitted, using conventional methods, into a conductive mesh for use with various wearable electronic devices and/or sensors that make direct contact with the skin. The conductive fiber, when combined with a non-slip fiber, facilitates comfortable electrical communication between different electronic devices and the skin.

Abstract: A fusible interlining includes a textile interlining web coated with a plurality of double-layered adhesive dots on a first side of the textile interlining web. Each of the plurality of double-layered adhesive dots includes a bottom dot facing the interlining web and an upper dot disposed above the bottom dot. Each bottom dot includes a binder paste containing 50 to 95 percent by weight of an acrylate binder dispersion having a glass transition temperature Tg<room temperature and 5 to 50 percent by weight of a substance that is one of an epoxy resin having an epoxy equivalent weight of 500 to 4000 mVal/kg and a copolymer of acrylates and monomers with at least one glycidyl side group. Each bottom dot may further include 0 to 20 percent by weight of a hardener. Each upper dot includes at least one of a copolyamide, a copolyester, a thermoplastic polyurethane and a polyolefin. A ratio of a mass of the bottom dot to a mass of the upper dot is from 1:0.5 to 1:5.

Abstract: A polymeric fibrous base textile with a chemically compatible hot melt coating disposed across the base textile is provided. The coating is present in an amount and is of a composition such that upon application of heat and pressure the coating may be melt bonded to a second surface material thereby establishing a bond between the base textile and the second surface material. In addition, the concentration and composition of the coating are such that scrap portions of the base textile including the coating may be directly reprocessed by shredding and melting to yield a fiber grade material suitable for fiber formation and reprocessing back into a suitable base textile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber complex where conductive composite fibers having a conductive thermoplastic component and a fiber forming component are mixed, characterized in that the conductive composite fiber is composed of a thermoplastic polymer containing carbon black and has a specific resistance of 106 &OHgr; cm or less, and the conductive thermoplastic component covers 50% or more of the fiber surface and has a structure continuous in the long axis direction of fiber, and working wears, filters and shoe insoles using the fiber complex.

Abstract: The invention is a new heat and fire resistant material and an improved wildland fire shelter and kit. The material is made of a woven silica-based cloth layered in several possible combinations with foil and fiberglass cloth layers. The layers can be arranged in a variety of sequences to minimize the thermal radiation to the inside of the material or shelter. However, a foil layer must always be the outermost layer to provide protection from radiant heat and a layer of foil must be present between the interior of the shelter or material and any layer of adhesive to limit accumulation of gases inside the shelter if the adhesive or other substance should break down when exposed to heat. The silica cloth, aluminum foil, and fiberglass cloth may be laminated or sewn together. The shape of the fire shelter is a half cylinder with ¼ sphere at each end. The shelter is contained in an easy-open polyvinyl bag which provides for quick removal and deployment of the fire shelter.

Abstract: Improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene tape fibers are provided. Such tape fibers are basically manufactured through the initial production of polypropylene films or tubes which are then slit into very thin, though flat (and having very high cross sectional aspect ratios) tape fibers thereafter. These inventive tape fibers (and thus the initial films and/or tubes) require the presence of relatively high amounts of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene tape fiber. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and allowing such an oriented polymer to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a burner membrane comprising at least one layer consisting of a compressed, needled fibre web with a porosity of between 60% and 95%, and that is constructed of heat-resistant stainless steel fibres. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for its manufacture, comprising the steps of providing a fibre web composed of heat-resistant stainless steel fibres, needling the fibre web, and compressing the needled fibre web to the desired porosity.

Abstract: An elastomeric film includes a first layer co-extruded with a second layer. The first layer includes a single-site catalyzed ethylene-alpha olefin copolymer having a density of about 0.860 to about 0.900 grams per centimeter. The second layer includes a styrene copolymer selected from styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene, or styrene(ethylene/propylene)-styrene-(ethylene/propylene). The first layer may optionally include filler particles. An extensible laminate including the elastomeric film is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nonwoven material which is formed of a blend of fibers diagonally needled together into an integral web for subsequent molded component parts.

Abstract: A tissue product containing a multi-layered paper web that has at least one layer formed from a blend of pulp fibers and synthetic fibers is provided. By containing at least one layer of synthetic and pulp fibers, it has been discovered that lint and slough of a tissue product formed according to the present invention can be substantially reduced. In addition, by limiting the amount and layers to which the synthetic fibers are applied, the increase in hydrophobicity and cost of the tissue product may be minimized, while still achieving the desired reduction in lint and slough. In some embodiments, the tendency of the synthetic fibers to sink or float in the fibrous furnish may be minimized to enhance processability by selecting certain types of synthetic fibers, e.g., those with a certain density imbalance.

Abstract: An incandescent halogen lamp used in connection with a vehicle headlamp system in which stray light attributable to reflection off of internal lamp components is reduced while the structural integrity of the lamp is maintained. The halogen lamp includes two filaments, several lead wires, and a support bridge all sealed within a glass envelope. Each filament is connected at its outermost end to a flattened end portion of a lead wire which extends along the length of the filament from near the support bridge to the upper end of the filament. The flattened outer ends of the lead wires have a narrow profile that is in alignment with the direction of illumination of light from their respective filaments. This arrangement reduces the surface area that could otherwise interfere with light emitted by the filaments, and thereby reduces the overall stray light produced by the lamp. The flattened outer ends can have a roughened surface to further help reduce the amount of light reflected off the lead wires.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of forming at low costs a surface conduction electron-emitting device by which microminiaturization can be easily realized and electron-emitting characteristics which are uniform over a large area can be obtained is provided. A resin pattern with ion-exchange performance is formed on a substrate, a solution containing a metal component is absorbed to the resin pattern portion by using a deionization reaction, thereafter, the resin pattern is baked to thereby form an electroconductive thin film, and a forming operation is executed to the obtained electroconductive thin film, thereby manufacturing the surface conduction electron-emitting device.

Abstract: An emitter includes an electron supply and a tunneling layer disposed on the electron supply. A cathode layer is disposed on the tunneling layer. A conductive electrode has multiple layers of conductive material. The multiple layers include a protective layer disposed on the cathode layer. The conductive electrode has been etched to define an opening thereby exposing a portion of the cathode layer.

Abstract: A projectile shooting toy comprises a body housing, a projectile delivery tube formed with an interior of the housing and a motor driven projectile firing apparatus having a trigger and projectile cannon pivotally mounted to the body housing. Activation of the trigger causes the cannon to move from a stored position to a deployed position, allowing a projectile to enter an inlet of the projectile cannon from the projectile delivery tube. Activation of the trigger further causes a firing ram to abruptly strike the projectile and fire it from the cannon. In a preferred embodiment, the projectile shooting toy is in the form of a helicopter.

Abstract: A toy assembly that includes a remotely controlled vehicle is disclosed. In one embodiment, the toy assembly includes a remote control that can be used to control a toy vehicle. In one embodiment, the remote control includes a chip with pre-recorded content stored thereon. In one embodiment, the remote control can be coupled to an audio amplifier that can generate audible outputs. In another embodiment, the remote control can be used in a hand-held configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising one or more inflatable three-dimensional humanoid figures for use in background scenes associated with still photography, motion pictures and video productions which are low in cost, lightweight, easy to use, easy to store, easy to transport and provides a greater range of viewing angles. It is also envisioned that this invention can be used for corporate conventions requiring the illusion of a large number of participants, in advertising and other functions where the illusion of large numbers of people enhance the overall objective of the functions.

Abstract: A toy action figure having connection capabilities in both hands and feet for selective connection to a toy vehicle. The feet of the action figure have retractable clips for attaching the same to various parts of a toy vehicle, while the hands have molded clips which allow for connection to the same and possible other parts of the toy vehicle. A strong detent system is disposed in the shoulder and hip joints of the action figure to provide for freedom in the selective positioning of the arms and legs, while maintaining rigidity in such positions so as to prevent the arms and legs from moving in the presence of toy vehicle movement.

Abstract: A toy for use in conjunction with a poseable doll having movable joints, and a height of between approximately three inches and eight inches, includes an article of doll clothing molded from a polymeric material. The polymeric material has a 100% modulus of greater than 220 psi (1517 kNm−2), and the article may be removeably donned onto the doll.

Abstract: A dynamic eye simulation mechanism in which an eye orb having a spherical surface has one area of that surface of a color simulating an eyelid and another area having a representation of an eye iris and surrounding sclera applied thereto wherein the orb is mounted for rotation relative to an eye aperture to simulate an eyelid closing and an eyelid blinking.

Abstract: A device for coupling tubular members including a sheet member having a first end and a second end where the first end and the second end are operatively arranged to overlap one another to form a substantially cylindrically shaped coupling, an abutment member mounted to the sheet member proximate the second end thereof, a male threaded member, a female member pivotably mounted proximate the first end of the sheet member and arranged for pivoting rotation about a pivot point, where the female member is arranged to threadably engage the threaded male member, and the male member is operatively arranged to abut the abutment member, wherein the male threaded member is operatively arranged to rotate in a first direction to abut the abutment member and expand the substantially cylindrically shaped coupling.

Abstract: A polishing tool such as a fixed abrasive polishing tool or a polishing pad is used in a polishing apparatus. A workpiece is pressed against a polishing surface of the polishing tool containing a resin to bring the workpiece into sliding contact with the polishing tool, thereby polishing the workpiece. The polishing surface of the polishing tool is kept at a temperature equal to or lower than a glass transition temperature of the polishing tool.

Abstract: An alignment mark and an exposure alignment system and method using the alignment mark for aligning wafers are described. The alignment mark is formed of a plurality of mesa or trench type unit marks that are aligned in an inline pattern within an underlying layer under a layer to which a chemical mechanical polishing process is applied to form an alignment signal during an alignment process, thereby preventing a dishing phenomenon caused by the chemical mechanical process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for planarizing a microelectronic substrate. In one aspect of the invention, a first portion of an energy-sensitive, non-sacrificial planarizing pad material is exposed to a selected energy without exposing a second portion of the material to the selected energy source. The planarizing pad material is exposed to a solvent to remove material from one of the first or second portions of the planarizing pad material at a faster rate than removing material from the other of the first and second portions. The process forms a plurality of recesses directly in the surface of the planarizing pad which are configured to support a planarizing liquid proximate to the surface of the planarizing pad material during planarization of the microelectronic substrate. Alternatively, the process can form a mold having protrusions that are pressed into the planarizing pad to define the recesses in the pad.

Abstract: The invention includes a semiconductive processing method of electrochemical-mechanical removing at least some of a conductive material from over a surface of a semiconductor substrate. A cathode is provided at a first location of the wafer, and an anode is provided at a second location of the wafer. The conductive material is polished with the polishing pad polishing surface. The polishing occurs at a region of the conductive material and not at another region. The region where the polishing occurs is defined as a polishing operation location. The polishing operation location is displaced across the surface of the substrate from said second location of the substrate toward said first location of the substrate. The polishing operation location is not displaced from said first location toward said second location when the polishing operation location is between the first and second locations.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing organic light emitting diode with improved electrical leakage employs a Chemical-Mechanical Polishing (CMP) process to flatten the surface of an Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) layer thereby to reduce leakage current occurred to an organic light emitting diode (OLED) element and increase efficiency and service life thereof.

Abstract: A system and method are described for processing a slider (e.g., one to be used in a disk drive apparatus). Corners of the sliders are abraded while still a part of a row of sliders in a part-off operation. By abrading the corners of the sliders, head slap events between the slider and the recording media result in less damage to the recording media and less particulate matter from the slider being left on the recording media, improving data integrity for the recording media.

Abstract: A wafer polishing head utilizes a wafer backing member having a wafer facing pocket which is sealed against the wafer and is pressurized with air or other fluid to provide a uniform force distribution pattern across the width of the wafer inside an edge seal feature at the perimeter of the wafer to urge (or press) the wafer uniformly toward a polishing pad. Wafer polishing is carried out uniformly without variations in the amount of wafer material across the usable area of the wafer. A frictional force between the seal feature of the backing member and the surface of the wafer transfers rotational movement of the head to the wafer during polishing. A pressure controlled bellows supports and presses the wafer backing member toward the polishing pad and accommodates any dimensional variation between the polishing head and the polishing pad as the polishing head is moved relative to the polishing pad.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for grinding metallic workpieces containing, in particular, nickel, whereby a rotationally driven grinding wheel (2) is continuously dressed by a rotationally driven dressing wheel (3) during the grinding of the workpiece (1) by the continual advance (vfrd) of the dressing wheel. In order to increase the grinding capacity, the invention provides that with a dressing advance velocity of 1 to 2 &mgr;m per rotation of the grinding wheel and with a circumferential velocity of the grinding wheel (vs) of at least 45 m/s, the advance (table velocity vt) is set such that the rate of metal removal is at least 90 mm3/mms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quill to be used to superabrasively machine complex shapes, such as airfoil shapes, into a substrate. The quill has a shaft portion, an enlarged head portion adjacent the shaft portion, and a tapered grinding portion adjacent the enlarged head portion. The tapered grinding portion has a layer of grit material selected from the group consisting of diamonds and cubic boron nitride thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the quill is a vitrified or plated cubic boron nitride quill on the grinding portion. A method of using the tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) equipment for use in planarizing a semiconductor wafer prevents slurry from being deposited on the surfaces of respective components of the equipment. The CMP equipment includes a turntable, a polishing pad mounted to the table so as to rotate with the table, a slurry supply unit for dispensing slurry onto the polishing pad, a polishing head unit for pressing a wafer downward atop the polishing pad, a conditioning unit for scoring the pad to maintain the surface of the polishing pad uniform, and a cleaning fluid supply unit. The cleaning solution supply unit has at least one spray nozzle by which cleaning solution is sprayed onto the polishing pad and respective components of the CMP equipment.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus is used for chemical mechanical polishing a copper (Cu) layer formed on a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer and then cleaning the polished substrate. The polishing apparatus has a polishing section having a turntable with a polishing surface and a top ring for holding a substrate and pressing the substrate against the polishing surface to polish a surface having a semiconductor device thereon, and a cleaning section for cleaning the substrate which has been polished. The cleaning section has an electrolyzed water supply device for supplying electrolyzed water to the substrate to clean the polished surface of the substrate while supplying electrolyzed water to the substrate.

Abstract: A fluid bearing polishing apparatus for carrying a polishing member for chemical mechanical polishing includes a fluid supply and a fluid dispensing structure to support the polishing member. A method of polishing a workpiece includes supporting a polishing member on a fluid bearing between a first end of the polishing member and a second end of the polishing member and moving the polishing member to polish the workpiece. The fluid bearing has a curved portion at which plane of travel of the polishing member changes from a first plane to a second plane. Advantages of the invention include smooth belt motion in all desired directions of movement.

Abstract: A sand-belt finishing machine having a reciprocal movement mechanism includes a main body, a swingable support rack, a finishing device, and an eccentric device. Thus, the eccentric unit of the eccentric device produces a driving force to pull and push the first roller of the finishing device, so that the first roller is oscillated successively and produces a vibration or shock force on the sand belt of the finishing device, so as to remove and clear the powder chips attached on the surface of the sand belt.

Abstract: A sand-belt finishing machine having a sand-belt replacement mechanism includes a support rack, a first roller, a second roller, an upright rod, an elastic member, a sand belt, and a pull lever. When the upright rod is moved by the pull lever to compress the elastic member, the distance between the first roller and the second roller is shortened. When the upright rod is released by the pull lever, the upright rod is returned to its original position by the elastic member, so that the distance between the first roller and the second roller is increased.

Abstract: An endless belt for a belt type polishing machine comprises a support fabric and a polymer layer of relatively low hardness. The polymer layer is formed with drainage grooves. The support fabric may comprise a non woven or woven material, or a membrane with oriented reinforcing yarns. A further version comprises a spiral-link fabric supporting a woven or non woven layer carrying the polymer layer. The polymer layer may be a double layer, the upper of which is either harder or softer than the lower layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer handler comprises a ring (70) attached to a hub (80) by a plurality of spokes (90). Vacuum is applied to the surface of the semiconductor wafer through orifices (100) containing in the ring (70). Water and/or nitrogen can be applied to the surface of the semiconductor wafer through orifices (110) contained in the spokes (90).

Abstract: An air-guiding structure for an air sander includes a muffler assembly integrally formed from plastic material, a main passageway and a sub-passageway formed in the muffler assembly, a dust collection port formed at a bottom end of the sub-passageway, and a baffle integrally formed within the main passageway to divide the main passageway into a front section and a rear section. One side of the main passageway communicates with the sub-passageway, and the main passageway has a joint port and an exhaust port opposite to the joint port. The joint port and the dust collection port of the muffler assembly connect to the outlet port and joint port of the air sander, respectively. The baffle is formed with a predetermined number of thin holes to communicate the front section with the rear section, wherein the rear section of the main passageway communicates with the sub-passageway.

Abstract: A fish-cutting machine for cutting fillets from the backbone of fish (38), the machine comprising a fish support (6), a feed-line for feeding fish through the machine and two mutually adjacent band saws (46) arranged along said feed-line. The band saws functions to cut on respective sides of the backbone of a fish (38) for filleting the abdomen-bone part of the fish and thus for separating the fish into two fish fillets and a carcass. Spine cutting means are arranged along the feed-line (40) and before the band saws (46) in a feeding direction of the feed-line, and the spine cutting means comprise two mutually adjacent cutting blades (14) for cutting of incisions in the spine part of the fish.

Abstract: A welding apparatus having specially designed louvers that are used to cover vent openings in the enclosure and contain the components of the welding apparatus. The louvers have a common side profile and have a configuration with a rear portion that is preferably horizontal and a front portion that angles downwardly, forming a front edge. An intermediate edge is formed by the front portion and the rear portion meeting at an angle. The intermediate edge is displaced away from a straight line drawn between the front edge and the rear edge. The configuration and spacing between adjacent louvers is designed such that a standard test probe cannot be inserted through the space between any two adjacent louvers.

Abstract: A satellite signal receiver includes a satellite signal reception unit, timer, and power-on/off controlling element. The satellite signal reception unit calculates a current position of the satellite signal receiver using an electric wave from a satellite, in response to a positioning request. The timer is used to clock an elapsed time in calculating the current position of this receiver. The power-on/off controlling element controls an on/off state of power supplied to both the satellite signal reception unit and the timer on the basis of information including the positioning request, the elapsed time clocked by the timer, and a reception condition of the satellite signal reception unit. Accordingly, a period of time for supplying the power is automatically turned on/off to be shortened in cases the positioning is impossible, thus the power being saved.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wireless LAN access point including a communication unit capable of communication by the first wireless communication method, a unit which detects that the traffic density in the communication band used by the first wireless communication method exceeds a predetermined traffic density, and a unit which limits the traffic density in the communication band of the first wireless communication method by a wireless LAN client when the traffic density is detected to exceed the predetermined traffic density.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, means, and computer program code for improving accuracy of radio timing measurements. According to some embodiments, a wireless terminal or other wireless device can make adjustments to a measurement made from a radio transmission source by adjusting timing measurements using a weighted average and/or synchronizing its timing to the timing of this or some other radio transmission source. The adjusted measurements can be obtained for times other than when the original measurements are made. Measurements for multiple radio transmission sources can then be adjusted to a common time wherein adjustment errors due to unknown timing drift in the radio sources and wireless terminal and Doppler errors due to unknown relative velocities can be reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing satellite positioning system (SPS) signals which are weak in level. In one embodiment, a SPS receiver receives at least two signal samples representing, at least in part, common information, wherein the two signal samples are associated with one or more satellite messages. By combining the two signal samples, navigational information (e.g., time, position, velocity, etc.) may be determined based on the combination of the two signal samples. According to another embodiment, the two signal samples are differentially demodulated and summed together to form the combination.

Abstract: A signal processing circuit for satellite communications signal includes a first one dimensional digital beam forming circuit for forming a beam signal in a first direction and a second one dimensional digital beam forming circuit for forming a beam in a second direction. A direction filtering circuit is coupled between the first one dimensional digital beam forming circuit and the second one dimensional digital beam forming circuit. The filtering circuit determining a communications signal direction of the satellite communications signal and tunes the filter to reduce a filter bandwidth and a frequency range of said beam signal prior to processing through the second one dimensional digital beam forming circuit.

Abstract: A tone generator in a transceiver of a communications device may generate an arbitrary signal using two shift registers to generate the time intervals. During each time interval, a different capacitor is switched onto the node to change the voltage potential on that node. The amplitude of the waveform during each time interval is changed to provide the desired tone.

Abstract: A method and system locate a transponder that has an associated identifier and content data, at a location substantially accessible to a user of the mobile terminal. The transponder is activated by the mobile terminal with a wireless signal. In response, the mobile terminal receives at least the identifier and the content data from the activated transponder at the mobile terminal. From the received identifier and/or content data, the method and system select one or more of the stored data items according to one or more criteria.

Abstract: A computer system, method, and computer program product for performing device detection and service discovery in a mobile ad hoc communications network. The method comprises conducting an inquiry of the mobile ad hoc communications network to discover nearby devices. If the inquiry indicates that the nearby devices may include a middleware layer, the method further comprises creating a connection to each of the nearby devices and confirming whether each of the nearby devices include the middleware layer. For each of the nearby devices that include the middleware layer, the method further comprises executing the middleware layer to perform application and service discovery, and to launch applications and services.