Abstract: A collapsible frame for a cloth or canvas-like top for a boat, having latching members which retain the collapsible frame to a plurality of mounting brackets secured to the boat frame. The latching members allow for the boat frame to be quickly orientated in either an open position, providing protection to the occupants of the boat, a closed position, used to store the frame on the boat when not in use, or a travel position, securing the boat cover frame in a manner sufficient to allow movement of the boat on a trailer. In changing the position of the frame, the latching member may be disconnected from the mounting brackets without the use of tools or removable parts that may be lost or misplaced. Additionally, the latching members include a pair of wings including retaining ridges which allow a latching of frame members to one another, securing frame members not in use during various configurations of the collapsible frame.

Abstract: Seat 2 is mounted to slide blocks 24 and rails 22, which in turn are mounted to upstanding brackets 20. The fore-and-aft adjustment of the seats is thus raised above the level of floor 16, avoiding fouling by sand and dirt; corrosion; and shorting where electric seat adjustment is used. Seat 2 comprises frame 4, backrest 14, and tip-up seat 8 which can be raised around pivots 6, 6′ to allow a higher seating position for marine use. In marine mode, the helmsman sits on cushion 10; in road mode, the driver sits on cushion 12. Latches are provided for fore-and-aft and tip-up cushion adjustment. Flaps 26 may protect sliding surfaces from contamination. Rails 22 may face upwards (34, FIG. 3), downwards (44, FIG. 4), or sideways, as convenient; the seat may be supported on a cradle (40, FIG. 4). Slide blocks may be replaced by rollers (32, FIGS. 2, 6).

Abstract: Display devices in the shape of a flag assembly are provided. The display devices are constructed of solid plastic materials that withstand damage caused by contact with air turbulence or adverse weather conditions, particularly when attached to a mount on a moving vehicle, and that withstand detachment from a mount caused by such air turbulence or adverse weather conditions. The display devices allow an observer to openly view a display when a vehicle is stationary or moving, and allow a motorist of another vehicle to view the display while having an unobstructed view of traffic conditions surrounding the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly beacon or light for illuminating a pole-mounted, halyard-hoisted flag, banner, pennant or the like that has a luminous source located in a cover, is mounted on top of the pole, and is capable of continuously directing a narrow beam of light toward the flag, banner, pennant or the like as the wind blows the same around the pole. The flagpole beacon of the present invention is designed to replace the knob of an existing pole and may be used on poles having either an internal halyard configuration or an external halyard configuration.

Abstract: A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding or otherwise opening the shell. The devices according to the present invention may be used as temperature sensors or warning devices, drug delivery devices, and the like.

Abstract: A crystal growth method of a group III nitride includes the steps of forming a melt mixture of an alkali metal and a group III element in a reaction vessel, and growing a crystal of a group III nitride formed of the group III element and nitrogen from the melt mixture in the reaction vessel, wherein the step of growing the crystal of the group III nitride is conducted while controlling an increase rate of degree of supersaturation of a group III nitride component in the melt mixture in a surface region of the melt mixture.

Abstract: A three dimensional photonic crystal and layer-by-layer processes of fabricating the photonic crystal. A substrate is exposed to a plurality of first microspheres made of a first material, the first material being of a type that will bond to the templated substrate and form a self-passivated layer of first microspheres to produce a first layer. The first layer is exposed to a plurality of second microspheres made of a second material, the second material being of a type that will bond to the first layer and form a self-passivated layer of second microspheres. This layering of alternating first and second microspheres can be repeated as desired to build a three dimensional photonic crystal of desired geometry. Charged polymers such as polyelectrolyte coatings can be used to create the bonds.

Abstract: A high temperature/high pressure (HP/HT) apparatus for converting feedstock housed in a capsule into product crystals, comprising at least two electrical heating paths for independent control of both the mean temperature in the reaction cell and the temperature gradient across the reaction cell.

Abstract: An opto-electronic device array is made from a multilayer epitaxial film by the following steps. The multilayer epitaxial film is separated into a plurality of segments. The segments are transferred to a first substrate to be arranged in an array substantially. Active regions are respectively confined in the segments so that the active regions form the array.

Abstract: A method of crystallizing amorphous silicon is used for manufacturing an array substrate having thin film transistors, pixel electrodes and an alignment key. The method includes forming an amorphous silicon layer over a substrate, forming an alignment key in the amorphous silicon layer, preparing a mask including pattern portions and an alignment key pattern, disposing the mask over the substrate having the amorphous silicon layer, wherein the alignment key pattern is aligned with the alignment key, and applying a first shot of a laser beam to in the amorphous silicon layer to form first polycrystalline silicon areas corresponding to the pattern portions of the mask.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a SiC substrate which has a first principal surface and a second principal surface, includes the step of removing, by a vapor phase etching process, at least a portion of a work-affected layer which is formed by mechanical flattening or cutting on the first principal surface of the SiC substrate.

Abstract: To provide a device for refining a solid material and a process for refining it, whereby from the supply of the material to the operation for recovery of crystals can be carried out batch-wisely or continuously, and inclusion of foreign matters such as particles can be efficiently prevented. A device for refining an evaporable or sublimable solid material, which comprises a housing, and at least one rotatable roller for evaporation and at least one rotatable roller for precipitation, installed in the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method which is suitable for the bubble-free application of a resin to a substrate. The apparatus typically includes an airtight chamber which receives the substrate and a resin dispenser for dispensing the liquid resin onto the substrate. After a vacuum pressure is induced in the chamber, the resin is dispensed onto the substrate. Accordingly, air is substantially incapable of becoming trapped between the resin and the substrate and forming air bubbles during subsequent processing of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a machine and method for applying chemicals with substrates in a continuous manner, as opposed to batch processes. The machine uses non-aqueous solvents as a carrier medium for the chemicals. The non-aqueous solvents are then evaporated away, leaving the chemicals on the substrates. Additionally, the non-aqueous solvents are then continuously condensed, purified and recycled through the machine.

Abstract: The installation for coating a workpiece with powder in accordance with the invention comprises a powder spray device and a guide arm, the powder spray device being supported in such a manner as to be rotatable with respect to the guide arm around a rotation axis and giving rise to a principal powder spraying direction that differs from the rotation axis.

Abstract: A powder coating booth containment structure including first and second canopy halves, each of which is a substantially nonconductive, seamless, structural composite to substantially reduce oversprayed powder particle adhesion to the booth inner surfaces. The composite canopy halves, when assembled into a spray booth additionally including either a floor or a utility base and one or a pair of end units in the form of aperture bulkheads, vestibules, or a combination of both, are structurally sufficiently strong that no external support frame is required. The composite canopy halves can each include sidewall and ceiling portions, in an embodiment, that can be connected to a floor. In another embodiment, the canopy halves each additionally include a floor portion such that they may be connected together at a floor edge and placed atop a utility base. They may be connected to the utility base.

Abstract: The invention device measures the instantaneous rotation speed of a turbine (6) which is housed inside the body (3) of the paint sprayer (2) and which rotationally drives the rotating bowl (5) when the paint sprayer is mounted on the end of an arm (8) of a robot or an analogous multi-axis machine. A disk (10) which is disposed to the rear of the turbine (6) and which rotates therewith, cooperates with the front end (11a) of an optical-fiber-type light guide (11) which is interrupted (11b) at the rear (7) of the body (3) of the paint sprayer (2). Transmitting and receiving optoelectronic means are mounted on the end of the arm on the mounting pane (9) of the paint sprayer, opposite the rear end (11b) of the light guide (11). Said means covert a reflected optical signal which is carried by the optical guide (11) into an electronic signal which is carried by an electric cable (22) placed in the arm (8). The inventive device is suitable for use with machines on automatic painting lines for automotive vehicles.

Abstract: A coating film forming apparatus for forming a film by applying a coating solution to a substrate, which is provided with a cassette section, coating unit, developing unit, pre-treatment/post-treatment units and a main arm for transferring the substrate between the respective units. In the coating unit, provided is a coating section in which a resist is applied on the substrate in a manner of single stroke by intermittently moving the substrate in a Y-direction and by moving a nozzle in an X-direction, and provided is a reduced-pressure drying section for drying under reduced pressure the substrate after being applied, and further provided is equipment for removing the coating film adhered to a periphery of the substrate. Additionally, when the reduced-pressure drying section is arranged outside the coating unit, the main arm is covered with a cover so that the inside thereof is under a solvent atmosphere.

Abstract: An observation window airtightly installed at a wall of a processing room of a plasma processing apparatus includes a body having a through hole with an opening facing the processing room, a transparent member installed at a side of the body opposite to the processing room and a magnetic pole pair having two different magnetic poles disposed opposite each other with the hole interposed therebetween. The magnetic pole pair is configured to have a sufficient magnetic field strength to prevent electrons which form a plasma in the processing room from reaching the transparent member through the hole.

Abstract: Methods for passivating exposed surfaces within an apparatus for depositing thin films on a substrate are disclosed. Interior surfaces of a deposition chamber and conduits in communication therewith are passivated to prevent reactants used in a deposition process and reaction products from adsorbing or chemisorbing to the interior surfaces. The surfaces may be passivated for this purpose by surface treatments, lining, temperature regulation, or combinations thereof. A method for determining a temperature or temperature range at which to maintain a surface to minimize accumulation of reactants and reaction products is also disclosed. A deposition apparatus with passivated surfaces within the deposition chamber and gas flow paths is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thin-film deposition device for forming an organic thin-film having uniform thickness on a substrate includes a vacuum chamber, a substrate holder provided in the vacuum chamber, and at least one tubular gas supply end that supplies gas towards a substrate mounting-face on the substrate holder. The gas supply end includes therein barriers that control the gas flow in the gas supply end and that are disposed at predetermined intervals toward a gas supply port of the gas supply end. Each of the barriers is provided with a plurality of apertures.

Abstract: A reaction gas made of a hydrogen-based carrier gas and a silane gas or the like is brought in contact with a heated catalyzer of tungsten or the like, and a DC voltage not higher than a glow discharge starting voltage or a voltage produced by superimposing an AV voltage or an RF voltage on the DC voltage is applied on the produced reactive species, so as to provide kinetic energy and carry out vapor growth of a predetermined film on a substrate, thereby providing a film of high quality.

Abstract: A direct vapor deposition (DVD) method and apparatus for applying coating(s) on substrate(s), including: presenting at least one of the substrates to a chamber, presenting at least one evaporant source (125) in crucible (110) to the chamber; presenting at least one carrier gas stream (105) to the chamber using a ring-shaped (133) converging/diverging nozzle (130); impinging at least one evaporant source with at least one electron beam in the chamber to generate an evaporated vapor flux in a main direction respective for any of the evaporant sources impinged by the electron beam; and guiding at least one of the generated evaporated vapor flux by at least one carrier gas stream from the ring shaped gap (132), which is essentially parallel to the main direction and substantially surrounds A the evaporated flux. The evaporated vapor flux at least partially coats at least one of the substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed herewith is a diamond film depositing apparatus using microwaves and plasma. The apparatus comprises a rectangular wave guide (125), a mode transition coupler (120), an antenna rod (130), a quartz bell jar (140), a workpiece holder (116), a microwave cavity resonator (112), a source gas inflow ring (160), a mechanical support cylinder (164), a cooling jacket (165), gas inflow and outflow conduits (172 and 174) and a vacuum seal (190). The microwave cavity resonator (112) has a cylindrical shape the diameter of which is decreased in a downward direction. The microwave cavity resonator (112) may have a hemispherical shape, the flat surface of which is oriented upward.

Abstract: For the determination of the occupancy of a milking stall by an animal, in particular a cow, in a rotary milking parlor with a plurality of milking stalls which are disposed on a rotatable milking platform, a process is proposed in which the identification of the animal only takes place after it has entered the milking stall in which it is supposed to be milked.

Abstract: An animal bed for dogs or other pets including a bed top and a bed bottom side, the bed top having a perimeter with a series of bed bolster rails, which are generally a semi-rigid foam within a fabric sleeve. The bed bottom side has a bottom access preferably in the form of a fold over closure. The bed is filled with a bed filler of either loose material or a pad. Disposed on the bed top are a series of corner clips to which a removable pad, bed sides, or a dome cover may be attached.

Abstract: A treat dispensing device includes a dispenser mechanism for dispensing individual treats, and a clicking mechanism associated with the dispenser mechanism for providing a clicking noise to signal and reward an animal each time the dispenser mechanism is operated to dispense a treat. The device includes a housing and a dispenser wheel rotatably connected to the housing. The dispenser wheel and housing define a plurality of compartments for holding individual treats. A bottom opening is provided in the housing through which individual treats can be loaded into the compartments and from which the treats can be dispensed. The clicking mechanism includes a structure which is biased into engagement with an inner surface of the dispenser wheel. The inner surface has a plurality of circumferentially spaced grooves corresponding in number to the compartments, so that a clicking noise is made each time the dispenser wheel is rotated to expose another compartment.

Abstract: A dispenser guard for use in a bird feeder including a seed storage and a seed dispenser having a seed reservoir connected from the seed storage for receiving seed from the seed storage and allowing access to the seed. An upper guard plate extends across the seed reservoir and includes a first plurality of upper access openings and a lower guard plate is located between the upper guard plate and the seed reservoir and extends across the seed reservoir and includes a second plurality of lower access openings. The dimensions of the upper access openings and of the lower access openings and the distance between the upper guard plate and the lower guard plate are selected to prevent a squirrel from removing seed from the reservoir.

Abstract: A bird feeder having one or more of feeding slots, filling cap, perch support, and rain guard is disclosed. The feeding slots preferably include a narrower slot for smaller seeds and a larger slot for a larger seeds. The filling cap preferably includes a dome top. The perch support is preferably attached to the bird feeder by a plurality of spokes. Preferably, one of the spokes has a diagonal portion and a horizontal portion. The rain guard is located above the feeding ports.

Abstract: A bird feeder having a container, a selector, and a base is disclosed. The selector has at least one large opening and at least one small opening. The base includes at least one feeding port. When one of the openings is aligned with the feeding port, the other opening is covered by a perimeter wall of the base. In preferred embodiments, the base includes a rain guard above the feeding ports.

Abstract: The subject invention provides pet food dispensers. Embodiments of the subject pet food dispensers include a housing and a resealable opening therein. The housing is configured for retaining and controllably dispensing a selected amount of flowable pet food through the resealable opening. Also provided is packaged pet food. Embodiments of the packaged pet food include a subject pet food dispenser and ambient temperature stable flowable pet food retained therein. In certain embodiments, the subject dispensers are pre-filled with multiple servings of pet food, e.g., multiple servings of ambient temperature stable flowable pet food.

Abstract: An animal water bowl assembly is maintained clean by allowing a bowl to dry out after a use period, before refilling. Uses include: birdbath and pet and farm animal watering. Two bowls can be coordinated so that one is in use with water while one is drying out. A two-faced assembly with oppositely facing bowls can automatically coordinate the steps for the two bowls. The process of filling a bowl, allowing it to be used, emptying it, filling another, allowing it to be used while the first dries out, can be automated with an actuator and a controller. An animal water bowl assembly has at least two bowls, with means for coordinating the filling and use and drying steps. As an example, a two faced bowl is rotatable around an axis. An electronic controller opens a valve to provide power to a hydraulic actuator, which flips the two faced bowl to empty the first and present the second for filling. Filling with water occurs automatically, also using water from the hydraulic source.

Abstract: Large, complex pedigrees of animals and plants group individuals for improved visualization. A computer transforms data from each mating to display nodes having separate symbols only for groups of offspring having common sex and/or traits. Pedigrees can include complex breeding structures. Input parameters select particular individuals, grouping, and formatting, including visual properties such as colors for distinguishing various aspects of a pedigree. Layout includes curved as well as straight lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract. Deployment of the membrane is facilitated by tapering its wall thickness towards its tip.

Abstract: A large low cost vessel for holding flowable materials is disclosed. The vessel has a body formed of elongate rollable sheets of buoyant material that when assembled into an upwardly concave vessel having bulkheads at its ends, the vessel is self-supporting in both water and land and does not require additional forms or supports to maintain its shape.

Abstract: A lightweight, rectilinear, aluminum knock down dog box of attachable panels which store on suspension hooks. Each of six panels has an internal frame of square aluminum tubing. Each panel has rigid insulation between frame members and is covered by an aluminum alloy sheet skin on an interior side, and by either an aluminum alloy sheet or a polyvinyl chloride sheet on an exterior side. Adhesive bonds the skin to the internal frame and rigid insulating foam. Hinge halves connect the panels by pins vertically at each wall corner and clips at the top and bottom. The front panel has a vertically swingable, latched and lockable cage door. Sealing strips are used at panel joints and a sliding panel is installable for winter. Louvered ventilator panes are installed in the sidewalls and rear wall, the panes being supported by metal angle segments attached to the internal frame members.

Abstract: The invention relates to an animal keeping device comprising a floor (1), a tending device and a drive means (4) for the tending device. The tending device may be intended for cleaning or feeding. The purpose of the invention is to automate this work in a cost-effective manner. In accordance with the invention the floor (1) is vertically movable for the absorption of energy and is provided with energy-absorbing means (5) arranged to take up energy generated when an animal (2), due to its movement, subjects the floor to dynamic loading (F). The dynamic loading effects vetical movement of the floor (1). The energy-absorbing means (5) is arranged to provide the drive means (4) with energy. The invention also relates to a method for animal keeping wherein tending is performed using the device claimed.

Abstract: A dog toy having a central axle member and a pair of opposing rotating wheels wherein the entire exterior surface is covered with a flexible cover that is resistant to punctures.

Abstract: An animal umbrella is disclosed. The animal umbrella comprises a saddle, straps connected to the saddle for detachably attaching the saddle to the animal, a collapsible canopy, a shaft with first and second ends, connected at the first end to the canopy, and connected at the second end to the saddle in a pivotable manner, and a position lock to releasably secure the shaft in a vertical position. The shaft can be pivoted between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position, so that in a vertical position the canopy is open and held vertically, and in a horizontal position the canopy is closed and lies horizontally along the animal's back.

Abstract: An injection lance for injecting a fluid over a predefined target area within a system includes a support block with an inlet side and an outlet side. A plurality of channels are disposed non-parallel with respect to each other within the support block and extend between the inlet and outlet sides of the support block so as to receive fluid at the inlet side and deliver fluid through the support block for injection from the outlet side of the support block over the target area. At least two channels extend from the inlet side toward the outlet side in a direction away from a central axis of the support block, where the central axis intersects the outlet side. The target area includes a plurality of consecutively aligned sectors, and the channels are oriented within the support block so that a central axis of a fluid stream injected from each channel over the target area is centered between longitudinal boundaries defined by a respective sector.

Abstract: Method and system embody a valve timing strategy to control the autoignition timing of a four stroke internal combustion engine (10) operated in an HCCI mode at different engine operating conditions such as different engine speed and torque. A particular valve timing strategy varies lift timing of the intake valve (20) relative to the exhaust valve (28), or vice versa, and relative to top dead center in response to a change in engine torque, for example, to vary amount of trapped residual burned gas in the combustion chamber (12) flowing to an intake or exhaust port (16,18) and back to the combustion chamber during which the residual gas is cooled. Control of the flow of residual gas between the combustion chamber and intake or exhaust port and thus its temperature by the valve timing strategy, in turn, is used to control the temperature of the fresh air/residual gas/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber (12) and thus autoignition timing in response to a change in engine torque.

Abstract: For an effectively working regulation of the combustion process in the HCCI mode, a modeled combustion process, to be described by internal variables of state, is formed by using process-influencing variables. Output variables of the actual and modeled combustion process are then used to regulate the process-influencing variables.

Abstract: An engine for a personal watercraft uses an open-looped cooling system and comprises a cylinder block having a water jacket within which cooling water flows, and a piston that reciprocates within the cylinder block, and a dimension of the water jacket in a reciprocation direction of the piston is equal to or less than a half of a reciprocation distance of the piston.

Abstract: In an engine of a compression-ratio variable type, a subsidiary rod and a piston connected to a crankshaft are connected to each other through a connecting rod, and an eccentric shaft mounted at an eccentric location on a support shaft turnably carried in an engine body and the subsidiary rod are connected to each other through a control rod, so that the compression ratio of the engine is changed by changing the turned position of the support shaft. The engine further includes a one-way clutch mounted between the support shaft and the engine body for limiting the direction of turning of the support shaft. The turned position of the support shaft is limited selectively at a plurality of points by a turned-position limiting means, and a load applied to at least one of the support shaft and the turned-position limiting means is moderated by buffering means.

Abstract: An adjustment device for two subassemblies standing in rotary drive connection is presented, especially for the adjustment of a camshaft to the drive wheel that drives it, wherein a control gear is arranged between the two that is drivable via a direct current commutator motor for adjustment.

Abstract: A cam 13 formed so that cam height and a cam operation angle continuously change, and constituted to be rotated integrally with a camshaft 11 and relatively movable in an axial direction thereof, a valve lifter 20 pressed by a cam surface of the cam 13 to advance and retreat a valve, and an accelerator shaft unit 40 for moving the cam 13 in the axial direction of the camshaft 11 are included. The accelerator shaft unit 40 includes an accelerator shaft 41 placed to be capable of reciprocating in the axial direction of the camshaft, and an accelerator fork 42 supported at the accelerator shaft 41 and engaging with the cam 13, and has an adjust mechanism 70 for finely adjusting a relative position in an axial direction of the accelerator fork 42 with respect to the accelerator shaft 41.

Abstract: A decompressor for use in an internal combustion engine is disclosed The decompressor is at least partially located within the venting passageway in response to pressure in the combustion chamber for selectively opening the venting passageway such that combustion gas located within the chamber is vented to the induction passageway. The decompressor opens the venting passageway when the engine is off and during an engine start up operation. The decompressor includes an expansible cavity operatively connected to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A vibration damper includes a crankshaft drive sprocket, a bearing, a friction module, and at least one bumper. The bearing is seated directly upon the crankshaft of the engine and receives the vibrations of the crankshaft. Bosses of the bearing are received within the well of the drive sprocket. Specifically, the bosses are seated within gaps formed within the well by bumpers, which are also seated within the well. The gear is seated upon the raised collar of the bearing and held in secure contact with the bearing by a wave spring. A friction ring is located between the bearing and the drive sprocket. The friction ring dampens the vibrations transferred between the bearing and the drive sprocket.

Abstract: A piston ring assembly includes a piston, and at least one piston ring positioned within a piston groove. Stabilization and support of the piston is provided by a support arrangement, including at least one support member positioned radially between a back wall of the ring groove and the piston ring. The support arrangement desirably acts to accommodate transverse loads exerted upon the piston during normal operation, and can optionally be configured for enhanced sealing of gasses.