Abstract: A method for the division of single crystals, in particular of GaAs, is provided in which a single crystal (1) to be cut into at least two parts and a cutting tool (2, 3; 8, 8a, 8b, 8c) are moved relative to one another in a direction of advancement (V) and wherein the single crystal (1) is oriented in such a way that a specified crystallographic orientation (K) lies in the cutting plane (T), characterised in that an angle (&rgr;) between the specified crystallographic direction (K) and the direction of advancement (V) is chosen in such a way that forces which act on the cutting tool during cutting in a direction at right angles to the cutting plane compensate one another.

Abstract: A photonic crystal fabrication apparatus (10) has a LASER (12) optically coupled to a multi-mirror assembly (16) for directing beams of coherent light towards each other beneath a base (40) of a sample cell (18). The sample cell has a removable top (44) in order to permit receipt of components for fabrication of photonic crystals. Formative beams of coherent light interfere to form a grid (20) for receiving primary crystal ingredients, and manipulating beams of coherent light (124) designate defects in the grid for receiving sacrificial spacer materials. The apparatus and method presented herein are capable of fabricating single photonic crystals having properties substantially unobtainable with the prior art.

Abstract: A device for gel-coating seeds includes: a plurality of nozzles into each of which a gelling agent is filled and a seed is charged and held in the gelling agent to form a gel-coated seed; a pair of upper and lower nozzle casings joined with each other through a joint surface; galleries for the gelling agent formed on the junction surface; and passages formed in the lower nozzle casing which extend from the respective galleries to the respective gel-filled portions of the nozzles below the galleries. The nozzles vertically penetrate the upper and lower nozzle casings which may be comprised of a bottom plate and nozzle sleeves. The joint surface is arranged higher than a gel-filled portion of each nozzle.

Abstract: A method and system of applying a corrosion inhibitor to the interior component parts of a turbine to provide corrosion protection to the components is disclosed. A blower connected to the turbine introduces air into the turbine's interior. A fog of corrosion inhibitor is added to the air and introduced into the turbine through at least one inlet vent in the turbine for introducing the air from the blower into the turbine's interior, and introducing the corrosion inhibitor into the inlet vent while the blower is operating so that the corrosion inhibitor is caused to be drawn into and through the interior of the turbine to coat the interior component parts of the turbine.

Abstract: A method and reactant gas bypass system for carrying out a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process with improved gas flow stability to avoid unionized reactant precursors and thickness non-uniformities the method including providing a semiconductor process wafer having a process surface within a plasma reactor chamber for carrying out at least one plasma process; supplying at least one reactant gas flow at a selected flow rate to bypass the plasma reactor chamber for a period of time to achieve a pre-determined flow rate stability; and, redirecting the at least one reactant gas flow into the plasma reactor chamber to carry out the at least one plasma process.

Abstract: A vacuum chamber load lock purging method and apparatus is disclosed. The purging apparatus includes a purging gas diffusion device disposed in a rear portion of a load lock chamber. The purged gas diffusion device is located proximate the vacuum door and distal from the atmospheric door such that the purge gas diffuses towards the atmospheric door during purging. The purging gas diffusion device is porous and permits a purge gas such as nitrogen to purge a load-lock chamber of oxygen or other contaminants from the load lock. The purge gas diffusion device may be tubular and is positioned in the load lock chamber in an offset channel portion in communication with and offset from a through path portion of the load lock chamber, through which a product, such as a semiconductor wafer may proceed without disruption by the diffusion device.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling plasma. The system includes a semiconductor chamber comprising a powered electrode, another electrode, and an adjustable coupling to ground circuit. The powered electrode is configured to receive a wafer or substrate. There is at least one grounded electrode configured to generate an electrical connection with the powered electrode. At least one of the grounded electrodes is electrically coupled to the adjustable coupling to ground circuit. The adjustable coupling to ground circuit is configured to modify the impedance of the grounded electrode. The ion energy of the plasma is controlled by the adjustable coupling to ground circuit.

Abstract: A gas inlet manifold for a plasma chamber having a perforated gas distribution plate suspended by flexible side walls. The flexible suspension minimizes mechanical stress due to thermal expansion of the gas distribution plate. In another aspect, the suspension provides thermal isolation between the gas distribution plate and other components of the chamber.

Abstract: The surface shape of a power-applying electrode is altered in agreement with the curving of a substrate so that the electrode-substrate distance can be kept at a constant value. This enables formation of thin films having uniform film thickness in the substrate width direction even when the electrode-substrate distance is shortened in order to make film formation rate higher in deposited-film formation apparatus of a roll-to-roll system.

Abstract: Plasma deposition apparatus (1) and method that allows metal or nonmetal vapor (6) to be generated by electron-beam evaporation, guides that vapor using a noble gas stream (containing reactive gases in cases of reactive evaporation), ionizes the dense directed gas and vapor stream at working pressures above about 0.0001 mbar using a hollow cathode plasma arc discharge (11), and conveys the ionized vapor and/or gas stream towards the substrate (4) for impact on the surface at energies varying from thermal levels (as low as about 0.05 eV) up to about 300 eV.

Abstract: Provided is a power source and/or power converter. The power source includes a cell 910 for the catalysis of atomic hydrogen to form novel hydrogen species and/or compositions of matter comprising new forms of hydrogen. The reaction can be initiated and/or maintained by a microwave or glow discharge plasma of hydrogen and a source of catalyst The plasma power may be converted to electricity by a magnetohydrodynamic power converter 913 or a plasmadynamic power converter.

Abstract: An organizing fixture provides space for a number of frame carriers used for releasable mounting of a number of filament-positioning frames. Each filament-positioning frame holds a filamentary coil and a plurality of filaments formed into a parallel array of filaments, extending from the filamentary coil. A frame carrier includes a divider wall on which filament-positioning frames may be mounted so that parallel arrays of filaments extend over the upper edge of each divider wall. Organizing fixtures accommodate several layers of frame carriers that produce a stack of divider walls having gaps between layers through which filament ends protrude in a suitable position for application of condensable materials using vacuum deposition techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to the actuation of a carrying and withdrawing device for milking units, a process is proposed in which for the attachment of the milking unit a downwardly directed additional force acts on the counterweight during a primary milking phase no additional force acts on the counterweight, and, during at least one secondary milking phase, an upwardly directed additional force acts on the counterweight.

Abstract: A system for and method of determining a formulation for an animal feed having a customized heat increment value. The system can include an animal profile, an animal nutrient requirement profile, an evaluation criteria, and/or ingredient nutrient content profiles. The information contained in the profiles and criteria can be used to calculate a formulation having a desirable heat increment value. The heat increment value can be used to maximize satisfaction of an evaluation criteria.

Abstract: The uniqueness of our FEATHERDOME concept brings several features to the market that have been absent in the past, to wit:

Abstract: A terrarium water dish for use with an animal terrarium including a rectangular configuration having an internal length, width, and height. The terrarium water dish includes a front wall, an opposite parallel rear wall, an end wall and a hill portion joining the front wall and the rear wall. The hill portion includes a first edge, a second edge, a crest, a first incline between the first edge and the crest, and a second incline between the second edge and the crest. A water zone for holding water is located between the second incline, the front wall, the rear wall, and the end wall. The water zone includes a floor. The terrarium water dish includes a width substantially equal to the internal width of the animal terrarium.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder which includes a reservoir comprising a contiguous elastomer and an output port, and liquid hummingbird food disposed in that reservoir. The hummingbird feeder further includes a fluid conduit comprising an elastomer, a first end, and a second end, where that first end can be releaseably attached to the output port.

Abstract: A suck device for feeding favorite domestic animals includes a bottle containing the water, a lid engaged a neck of the bottle, an oblique pipette extended outward from a bottom of the lid communicating with the bottle and having an outlet in free end, a ball movably disposed into the oblique pipette and normal stopping the outlet. It is characterized in that a water guiding pipe of predetermined length movably disposed into the oblique pipette having a lower end stopped against the ball and an upper end reaching to the water interface in the lid by which the water from the bottle can be smoothly and continuously flow out when the animal lick and sucks the outlet of the oblique pipette.

Abstract: A pet watering system which includes a refillable reservoir for holding water. A base is provided that holds the reservoir and receives water therefrom. Secured to the front of the base is a bowl which receives water from the base. A pump circulates water between the base and the bowl. A well is associated with the base, into which water is received from the base before being circulated into the bowl.

Abstract: A cat lavatory with a lower part and a container holding an absorbent material that can be inserted into the lower part, characterised in that the container comprises a lining layer of non-woven material.

Abstract: A composition useful as an organic fertilizer that includes a mixture of ground drywall, wood, poultry manure, and used brooder litter. The ground drywall includes at least ground gypsum and ground paper backing. The mixture is cured for a period of time, screened, and then bagged for sale.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for obtaining and maintaining life-sustaining water conditions in tanks carried on trucks to keep fish alive for relatively long periods during transport. A flow of air from a blower is cooled in a heat exchanger by a stream of air from a refrigeration unit used also to cool a space enclosing the tanks, and the flow of air thus chilled in the heat exchanger is released into the water in the tanks through diffusers, cooling and aerating the water. Rising air from a diffuser can also be used instead of a pump to circulate water from a tank through purifiers. The blower used to provide the flow of air to the diffusers is driven by the engine associated with the refrigeration unit, providing a highly reliable, simple, system.

Abstract: Pigskin is processed to provide a bleached, expanded skin used in dog treat or chew products. The raw pigskin is dehaired and then daubed with an alkali mixture of an alkali liquid, alkali enzymes and lime, the mixture having a pH of greater than or equal to 12. The alkali mixture dissolves the colloidal protein. The alkali is removed by alternately rinsing the skin in water and agitating the skin with first ammonium chloride, or chloride sulphate or ammonium sulphide, and then second with ammonium chloride, or chloride sulphate or ammonium sulphide, and pancreatic enzymes. The skin is agitated with sodium carbonate and a degreaser to remove the fat. The skin is then washed with hydrogen peroxide, which bleaches and expands the skin. The skin is then formed into a dog product and dried.

Abstract: A hand held training device capable of producing discreet clicks when operated by a user, having a means by which the user can vary the volume and/or tone of the clicks produced.

Abstract: To secure a large space that can be utilized effectively above an air cleaner, a low-deck vehicle 10 is constructed to mount an engine shaped like a letter V in the fore-and-aft direction under a low-deck and an air cleaner. The air cleaner is adapted to be capable of being maintained and inspected from the side of the vehicle. A filter element is provided in the air cleaner, and is attachable and detachable by a lid member on the side of the air cleaner. An inspection lid opposing the lid member is provided on a vehicle body cover covering the air cleaner. A space for arranging vehicle accessories such as a fuel tank is provided above the air cleaner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for efficiently cooling a motor. Three components may be used to provide forced air through a motor and a motor bearing. An air guide plate may direct air in and out of a motor and move air through a bearing seal, a shaft, and the motor. The air guide plate also may shield the bearing from heat. A series of holes, with every other hole an inlet hole or an outlet hole, within the motor housing may be arranged in a common radial plane. The incoming air does not mix with the outgoing air. A series of fins on a rotor may move air in and out of the holes within the motor housing.

Abstract: A cylinder block has a number of cylinder bores and a water jacket at least partially surrounding the bores. When casting a cylinder block the water jacket is formed by a slender wall of a sand core. To enable the wall to be removed from the core box the wall must taper over its entire height. Prior art water jackets therefore taper from a minimum sand core wall width at the base to a large width at the top. The cylinder block of the invention has a water jacket which, when viewed in transverse section, is wider in an intermediate portion than at either its top or base. In providing a water jacket which is narrower at the top, there is more room for the addition of machined features on the top deck. Furthermore, a water jacket which is narrower at the base can have a greater depth than conventional water jackets.

Abstract: A swash plate engine comprises a counterbalancing swash plate assembly. In certain embodiments, the angle of a first swash plate assembly may be varied to vary the stroke of the engine. The swash plate assemblies may be operable such that during certain operating conditions of the engine a portion of one swash plate assembly passes at least partially through an interior passage provided in another swash plate assembly. In desirable embodiments, the stroke to bore ratio of the engine may be varied from greater than 1 to less than 1 depending on a vehicle operating parameter, such as the horsepower and/or torque of the vehicle engine and/or the position of a vehicle throttle pedal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve device for controlling the valve tappet of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. In this case, the movement of the valve tappet is generated by contraction/expansion or flexion or stretching of at least one artificial muscle. Furthermore, the artificial muscle can form a gas pressure chamber, by the action of pressure upon which a counterforce can be exerted on the valve tappet. Alternative embodiments of the invention relate particularly to the movement of valve flaps by artificial muscles and to the closing of a valve orifice by an artificial muscle of variable form.

Abstract: A valve-driving system which is applied to an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders for driving an intake or exhaust valve provided in each cylinder, including a plurality of valve-driving apparatuses provided for driving valves of different cylinders of the internal combustion engine, wherein each valve-driving apparatus includes an electrical motor as a driving source for generating rotation motion; and a power transmission mechanism for converting the rotation motion of the electric motor into opening and closing motion of the valve to be driven and for transmitting the opening and closing motion to the valve through a cam or a link.

Abstract: An engine has a cylinder head having a first surface and a second surface spaced from the first surface. A valve is moveably connected to the cylinder head. A rocker arm is connected to the valve, and a rocker shaft having a first location spaced a maximum distance from the cylinder head is connected to the rocker arm. A support member has and an actuator fluid passage network. The actuator fluid passage network defines a volume. The support member is connected to the cylinder head and is positioned such that a majority of the volume of the actuator fluid passage network is between the first location of the rocker shaft and the second surface of the cylinder head.

Abstract: Mechanical controls for continuously varying the length of the stroke of the valves in an internal-combustion engine and for maintaining the valves constantly closed while the engine is in operation while simultaneously varying how long the valve or valves remain open, whereby the valves are actuated by rocker levers that are in turn actuated by an angled lever, whereby the positions of the levers are varied in order to vary the length and duration of the stroke.

Abstract: A variable operating valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine that provides for improved combustion performance without enlarging the size of the cylinder head in the transverse direction. The variable valve mechanism includes a camshaft axially supported by the cylinder head, three-dimensional cams formed on the camshaft, a rocker shaft actuator able to displace the rocker shaft in the axial direction according to engine operating conditions, and a lift volume setting mechanism that changes the amount of valve lift dependent on the extent of positional change of the rocker shaft in the axial direction. The camshaft is at least axially supported on the intake port side of the cylinder head, a fuel injector (which injects fuel into the intake port) is installed to the part of the intake sidewall at the intake port of the cylinder head, and a concave part is formed into the intake sidewall above the fuel injector extending inward toward the camshaft.

Abstract: A plurality of transmission ports which are respectively closed by air-permeable members are disposed in at least two members selected from among the intake duct, the air cleaner, and the air cleaner hose in the intake apparatus. Amounts of air permeation of the air-permeable members are set so as to be mutually different in order to tune intake sound generated from the inlet port and transmitted sound generated from each of the air-permeable members. In addition, a cleaner-incorporated member may be accommodated in the air cleaner, the cleaner-incorporated member having one end communicating with one of the intake duct and the air cleaner hose in such a manner as to be separated from an interior of the air cleaner and another end which is open in the interior of the air cleaner. An outer wall of the air cleaner is formed by a dual-use outer wall portion which also serves as an outer wall of the cleaner-incorporated member as well as an exclusive-use outer wall portion for forming only the air cleaner.

Abstract: Surface treating methods of a titanium part may include the steps of determining an effective thickness of a hard oxide film to be formed on a surface of the titanium part, determining an effective surface roughness of the hard oxide film, and oxidation treating the surface of the titanium part under a desired treating temperature and a desired treating time such that both of the determined effective thickness and effective surface roughness are satisfied.

Abstract: The oil deflector apparatus can be installed in an internal combustion engine to deflect oil from gaskets mounted between an upper deck assembly and the engine block. The apparatus has a first portion that extends lengthwise along the upper deck assembly and includes mounting holes that accept mounting hardware to couple the apparatus to the engine block. A second portion is coupled lengthwise along the first portion and is angled downward to cover any exposed surface of the gasket from the internal oil generated by the engine operation. Layshaft support extensions are distributed lengthwise along the apparatus to permit the apparatus to fit around the layshaft support hardware in the engine and to keep oil splashed from the layshaft from reaching the gasket.

Abstract: An air intake shutoff device is disclosed for an engine. The device includes at least two air shutoff valve assemblies. Each of these assemblies has a gate for controlling air flow into the engine. A linkage couples together the gates of each of the air shutoff valve assemblies such that closing of one gate of the at least two air shutoff valve assemblies effectuates closing of all other gates of the at least two air shutoff valve assemblies.

Abstract: Generally in conventional methods the engine parts are usually dynamical supported by a single support, which is usually the crankshaft. The present invention provides various embodiments aiming to demonstrated how the use of more than one induction means enables to obtain a more versatile movement of the parts capable of providing energy gain. Moreover, even in engines which still have operating conditions of parts similar to those of conventional engines, the use of the concept of multiple induction for supporting the movement of the main parts provides considerable energy gains and corrects defects of machines such as engines compressors or conventional pumps, making them more efficient.

Abstract: A response time constant of an A/F ratio control system is calculated in accordance with an engine operating condition. A control gain is calculated based on the response time constant. A degradation index of a response of an A/F sensor is calculated, so as to be used as a parameter representing a model error or aging degree of the A/F control system. The control gain is corrected with a correction coefficient corresponding to the model error. An A/F feedback correcting amount is calculated using the response time constant, the control gain and a deviation between a detected A/F and a target A/F, so as to decrease the deviation. Thus, the A/F control system is prevented from a degradation caused by aging.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for delivering fuel to at least two combustion chambers of an engine. A fuel controller receives a first fuel quantity signal indicative of a first desired quantity of fuel to be delivered to each combustion chamber of the engine during a combustion cycle. The fuel controller transmits at least one second fuel quantity signal as a function of the first fuel quantity signal, and transmits at least one third fuel quantity signal as a function of the first fuel quantity signal. The second and third fuel quantity signals are indicative of a respective second and third desired quantities of fuel to be delivered during a combustion cycle. The sum of the fuel quantities corresponding to the second fuel quantity signals transmitted during a combustion cycle are less than the first desired fuel quantity.

Abstract: [Object]

Abstract: A cylinder head of an internal combustion engine comprises a structure cast in metal, the structure defining therein an intake port and having a side wall surface from which an upstream end of the intake port is exposed to the outside; and a partition plate of metal installed in the intake port to divide the same into two parallel intake conduits, the partition plate having lateral edges which are embedded in an inner wall of the intake port. The partition plate has an upstream edge which includes a major straight portion and two projected end portions which are provided on both ends of the major straight portion respectively, and the major straight portion is positioned inside relative to the side wall surface and the two projected end portions have upstream edges which are embedded in the inner wall of the intake port and machined to be flush with the side wall surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a module for actuating fuel injectors and valves an internal combustion engine. The actuation module includes a housing having a high pressure rail and a low pressure rail. A plurality of actuation pistons are disposed in the housing and engage fuel injectors and intake/exhaust valves of the engine. One or more actuating valve assemblies control the flow of hydraulic fluid from the high pressure rail each of the actuation pistons.

Abstract: An accumulator fuel system for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of engine cylinders, includes an accumulator fuel volume for supplying high pressure fuel to one or more of a plurality of injectors, each of which is arranged to supply fuel to an associated one of the engine cylinders. The accumulator fuel volume is integrated within an engine component, where the engine component provides a purpose other than that solely of an accumulator volume for storing high pressure fuel. The accumulator fuel volume is therefore defined in an existing engine component, to reduce part count, weight and cost. In one embodiment the accumulator fuel volume is defined within a rocker shaft of the engine and in another embodiment within the engine cylinder head.

Abstract: A fuel rail assembly for supplying fuel to a plurality of fuel injectors in an engine is provided. This assembly comprise an elongated conduit having a longitudinal fuel passage therein, a fuel inlet pipe fixed to an end or a side of the conduit, and a plurality of branch pipes. The former end of each branch pipe is adapted to communicate with the fuel passage. The rear end of each branch pipe is provide with a connecting member for receiving a tip of a fuel injector. The wall of the conduit is provided with holes for receiving the former ends of the branch pipes. Around each hole an inner collar and an outer collar are integrally formed with the conduit wall, and each branch pipe is fixed to the collars by brazing or welding. The drilling work is performed by a special drilling tool.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for clamping a fuel injector into a fuel injector bore located in cylinder head of an engine includes a housing having a housing opening, connectors coupling the housing to the cylinder head, and a compression spring. The compression spring is located in the housing opening, operably coupled to a top of the fuel injector, and axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the fuel injector.

Abstract: A fuel supply system comprising a means for detecting operating condition of an engine, a means for calculating the width of the fuel injection pulse including valve-opening signal and holding signal based on the detected operating condition, a means for supplying valve-opening current to the solenoid located in the fuel injector based on the fuel injection pulse width, and a means for supplying solenoid holding current for holding the valve-opening condition after the valve-opening current has reached the predetermined current value; and the fuel supply system supplying current to the solenoid when the logical product of the valve-opening signal and the holding signal has been formed, and the fuel supply system diagnosing an abnormality of the fuel injector when the time period from the start of the fuel injection pulse until the valve-opening current reaches the predetermined current value is shorter than the predetermined one.

Abstract: A spark ignition engine (2) has a fuel injector (8) in an intake port (7). An engine rotation speed sensor (9) detects the rotation speed of the engine (2). The controller (1) determines the target fuel injection amount of the fuel injector (8) during startup of the engine (2) by correcting the basic injection amount in response to the trend in the variation in the engine rotation speed. When the rotation speed of the engine (2) decreases, the controller (1) sets the target fuel injection amount to be smaller than when the rotation speed of the engine (2) is increasing at an identical rotation speed. As a result, effects on the air-fuel ratio related to wall flow relative to fluctuations in the rotation speed of the engine (2) are eliminated and the control accuracy of the air-fuel ratio of the engine (2) is improved.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing engine emissions in a locomotive are presented. In an embodiment, a fuel injector or a fuel injection pump of a fuel injection mechanism includes a plunger with an upper helix whose angle changes between points on the plunger that correspond to an idle throttle position and a full throttle position. As such, injection timing is optimized, and engine emissions are reduced.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydrocarbon-removing component for the air intake system of an internal combustion engine which removes hydrocarbons escaping a vehicle when the engine is not in use. The hydrocarbon-removing component of the present invention includes a duct with a hydrocarbon-removing material incorporated in an inner surface. The preferred hydrocarbon-removing material include activated carbon and zeolites.