Abstract: A steering apparatus for a marine craft has a first bracket connectable to the stern of the marine craft. There is a second bracket connectable to the propulsion unit of the marine craft. The second bracket is rotatably connected to the first bracket for relative rotation about an axis of rotation. The propulsion unit can be rotated about the axis of rotation relative to the stem of the craft. The second bracket has a cylindrical bore extending therethrough. A piston is reciprocatingly received within the bore. The piston slidingly engages the bore and has a piston rod connected thereto. The piston rod is operatively connected to the propulsion unit. In an alternative embodiment a cable replaces the piston and is slidably received by a cable tube extending through end fittings in the bore.

Abstract: A mooring robot (100, 200) for releasably fastening a first moveable object (S) to a second nearby object (51) is disclosed. The first moveable object (S) moves in response to the application of external forces to the object (S). The robot (100, 200) operates to restore the first object (S) to a predetermined operating position. With particular reference to the mooring of a vessel (S), the mooring robot (100, 200) has attractive attachment element(s) (1) fixable to a ship's hull and includes a movement unit (10, 210), with active three-degree-of-freedom translation, for controlling the position of the attachment element(s) (1). The movement unit (10, 210) includes a restorative means associated with each of the two degrees of translational freedom in the horizontal plane which provide a restorative force acting to return the attachment element(s) (1) to the predetermined operating position.

Abstract: Wakeboarding performance is improved using a vessel which is fitted with a skeletal towing frame having spaced supports attached on opposite sides of the vessel while coupling upper extremities of the supports with a horizontal bridging portion, to which a tow rope attachment point is fitted.

Abstract: A shock mitigation system for a hydrofoil marine craft is provided, the shock mitigation system includes a pair of stacked lifting bodies, where an upper lifting body is used to provide initial lift for the craft. To mitigate the wave effects on the craft when operating at cruise speed, the distance between the upper lifting bodies and the waterline is proportionally related to the operational wave height. When operated within the selected operational parameters, the distance between the upper lifting bodies and waterline prevents the upper lifting bodies from becoming wetted and producing sudden increases in lift from wave impact.

Abstract: The invention provides an anchor (1) with four flukes (5, 6, 7, 8) which may be folded together for storage purposes, the flukes being both hinged together and hinged to a shank (2) such that the anchor can be deployed from a stowed to an operational state by a single action, the flukes (5, 6, 7, 8) and shank arranged to lie in a substantially flat position when stowed.

Abstract: A finger pinch guard is used in connection with railings on a boat. Stanchions of adjacent railing segments are mounted close together on the boat gunwales. Each pair of adjacent railings forms a generally Y shaped profile in an arcuate transition area wherein fingers can jam. A mounting member having an axle is attached to the railing in this area. A curved member, typically including a generally spherical wheel, is attached to the mounting member axle, and is able to rotate on the axle. Thus, a finger introduced into this area with downward force will cause the wheel to rotate, thereby directing the finger to roll outward off the wheel and away from the railing. Another embodiment has a mounting member with a unitary, non-rotating curved member. The finger will slide off the curved member and away from the railing.

Abstract: A platform structure surrounded by water is disclosed. The platform structure is put together with rigid hollow tubes passing through recesses and internal passages of inflated sacks floating on the water surface, to support a series of rigid slats under the water. The series of slats comprise a firm and flat underwater platform in the middle of two or more inflated sacks floating on the water surface. The apparatus is specially designed to be disassembled and carried compactly on the trunk of an automobile, with the sacks deflated and the series of slats rolled up. The rigid hollow tubes which join together the sacks and the slats can also be separated from one another.

Abstract: A watercraft seat suspension includes a damper mounted between a watercraft seat and the watercraft hull. The damper includes an electrically actuated mechanism controlling fluid flow from a first chamber to a second chamber within the damper. A sensor senses motion of the seat relative to the hull. A control unit interpolates the sensor signal and develops an actuating signal controlling the electrically actuated mechanism. In one arrangement, the electrically actuated mechanism is a solenoid actuated by the actuating signal to effect one of two different damping modes. In another arrangement, the electrically actuated mechanism includes a conductor coil and flux ring generating a magnetic field proportional to the actuating signal to vary the viscosity of magneto-rheological fluid in the damper.

Abstract: A hand-held guidance wand for use by a grounded human to guide a moveable dirigible craft. The wand comprises a straight, longitudinally elongated, polygonal-cross-sectioned member. The wand is preferably hollow and has either a triangular or a square cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed in one aspect to methods of making free-standing, internally-supported, three-dimensional objects having an outer surface comprising a plurality of intersecting facets wherein a sub-set of the intersecting facets have a diamond layer of substantially uniform thickness. The diamond layer may be formed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) over the surface of a substrate that has been fabricated to form a mold defining the sub-set of intersecting facets. A backing layer may be formed over at least a portion of the exposed diamond layer to enhance the rigidity of the layer when the substrate is removed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to method of preparing metal fluoride single crystals and particularly to crystals where the metal is calcium, barium, magnesium or strontium, or a mixture thereof. The invention uses a decreasing fast cooling profile and an increasing slow cooling profile for the hot zone and the cold zone, respectively, after crystal formation during cooling from melt temperatures to a first temperature. A substantially constant cooling rate is then applied to the both zones during cooling from the first temperature to a final temperature, usually room temperature. It has been found that the substantially constant cooling rate during the annealing process results in crystals having improved homogeneity and birefringence.

Abstract: The invention includes a novel synthetic gem comprising elements recovered from complete or partial human or animal remains. The invention also includes the process of manufacturing synthetic gems comprising carbon from a vertebrate by cremating human or animal remains to produce carbon in a particulate and gaseous form. The carbon is then filtered using a conventional filtering technique. The carbon and other elements are then purified and graphetized. The gems are then created using conventional sublimation techniques. The synthetic gems may be faceted and polished utilizing conventional faceting and polishing techniques. The gems may also utilize a conventional marking system.

Abstract: A pallet 1 for holding an FPC 9 in order to mount electronic components thereon includes a first adhesive holding region 21 in a peripheral portion and a second adhesive holding region 22 in a central portion. The first adhesive holding region 21 has a relatively low tackiness, whereas the second adhesive holding region 22 has a higher tackiness than that of the first adhesive holding region 21. The pallet 1 has through holes 31 for receiving push-up pins to be used when peeling off the FPC 9, and air outlets 32 for assisting in the peeling.

Abstract: A process tool, preferably a spin coater, includes a set of at least three arms and an adjustable rinse nozzle. The arms lift a substrate, e.g. a semiconductor wafer, from a chuck inside the process chamber after having performed the corresponding manufacturing step, e.g. coating. The contact area between the arms and the substrate is as small as possible. The rinse nozzle dispenses a solvent liquid onto the backside of the substrate, thereby removing contaminating particles located at the area of contact between the vacuum channels of the chuck and the substrate. The set of arms rotates for a homogeneous cleaning. A gas flowing out of vacuum ports of the chuck prevents the vacuum ports from being obstructed with particles. While the substrate is being lifted, the chuck can also be cleaned by dispensing the solvent liquid onto the chuck.

Abstract: A device for applying a reactive liquid, especially an adhesive, to an essentially level surface (3). The device comprises a liquid reservoir (4) and a plurality of outlet openings (8) for the liquid, which can be controlled and sealed by valves. The valves are formed by elastic, essentially tubular line segments (14), and the cross-sectional areas of the lines can be pinched off simultaneously by a clamping device (6). With the device the process safety and dependability in the application of reactive liquids, such as in the application of adhesive to the surface of panel materials, for example, can be improved significantly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a paint circulation system for a painting line, comprising a supply channel, a return channel and a plurality of drop lines downstream of the supply channel and upstream of the return channel, a paint pump means for circulating paint through the supply channel, the drop lines and the return channel with a corresponding flow rate through each drop line, and means for establishing a flow controlling pressure differential between the supply channel and the return channel in each drop line which is directly proportional to the paint flow rate, wherein a change in the flow controlling pressure differential in a given drop line causes a corresponding proportional change in the paint flow rate through the given drop line.

Abstract: A planarizing pad for planarizing a microelectronic substrate, and a method and apparatus for forming the planarizing pad. In one embodiment, planarizing pad material is mixed with compressed gas to form a plurality of discrete elements that are distributed on a support material. At least a portion of the discrete elements are spaced apart from each other on the support material to form a textured surface for engaging a microelectronic substrate and removing material from the microelectronic substrate. The discrete elements can be uniformly or randomly distributed on the support material, and the discrete elements can be directly affixed to the support material or affixed to the support material with an adhesive.

Abstract: A fluid ejection cartridge for dispensing a bioactive fluid including a first reservoir containing the bioactive fluid and a first fluid ejector fluidically coupled to the first reservoir. The first fluid ejector ejects at least a drop of the bioactive fluid onto the ingestible sheet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a substrate processing system and method. The substrate processing system generally includes two primary components. The first component is an interface section having at least one first substrate transfer robot positioned therein, and the second component is at least one processing module in communication with the interface section, the at least one processing module having a pretreatment and post treatment cell, a processing cell, at a second substrate transfer robot positioned therein. The substrate processing method generally includes transporting a dry substrate to a processing module via a dry interface. Once the substrate is positioned in the processing module, a robot transfers the substrate between a treatment cell and a processing cell contained within the processing module to complete a predetermined sequence of processing steps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating articles with coating material includes dispensing coating material from a coating dispensing device, maintaining the coating dispensing device at high-magnitude electrostatic potential, coupling articles to a conveyor on hangers constructed from electrically non-insulative strips, and conveying the articles through the dispensed coating material on the hangers.

Abstract: A diffusion furnace includes a support member, a process chamber, a sealing member for sealing from the process chamber the outside, and a cooling system for cooling the sealing member. The process chamber is installed on the support member, and the sealing member is inserted between the support member and the chamber. The cooling system has a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage. The first and second fluid passages are formed in the support member. A first fluid flows in the first fluid passage to cool the sealing member, and a second fluid flows in the second fluid passage to cool the sealing member when the supply of the first fluid is interrupted. With the present invention, cooling water and a coolant can be prevented from being mixed together. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the contamination of an apparatus and the waste of expensive cooling water.

Abstract: Reactors having gas distributors for depositing materials onto micro-device workpieces, systems that include such reactors, and methods for depositing materials onto micro-device workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a reactor for depositing materials onto a micro-device workpiece includes a reaction chamber, a passageway, and a door assembly. The reaction chamber includes a gas distributor configured to provide a flow of gas(es) to a micro-device workpiece on a workpiece holder. The passageway, which has a first end open to the reaction chamber and a second end apart from the reaction chamber, is configured to provide ingression to and egression from the chamber for processing the micro-device workpiece. The door assembly is configured to open and sealably close a door at the second end of the passageway. A gas conditioning system positioned in the door is configured to maintain a desired concentration and phase of gas constituents in the passageway.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a substrate (4) with a metal coating by vaporizing the metal in an enclosure (1) containing a selected gas and the substrate. The vaporized metal is deposited on the surface of the substrate either in a solid or molten form depending on the temperature of the substrate relative to the melting point of the metal being deposited. Alloying of the substrate and coating metal are possible with various postcoating heat treatments.

Abstract: A plasma processing unit of the present invention includes a processing container whose inner pressure can be reduced, a first electrode arranged in the processing container, a process gas supplying unit that supplies a process gas into the processing container, a high-frequency electric power source that outputs high-frequency electric power having a frequency in a VHF band, a matching unit electrically connected to the high-frequency electric power source and the first electrode for impedance matching, and a transmission line that transmits the high-frequency electric power from the high-frequency electric power source to the matching unit. A substrate to be processed is adapted to be arranged in the processing container. The high-frequency electric power transmitted to the first electrode is adapted to generate plasma in such a manner that the substrate to be processed can undergo a plasma process by means of the plasma.

Abstract: The apparatus for plasma treatment of a non-conductive hollow substrate (1), comprises a plurality of ionisation energy sources (7-10) disposed adjacent to each other all along the part of the substrate to be treated. The apparatus further comprises a processing means (11) for sequentially powering the plurality of ionisation energy sources from a radio frequency power source (6). Each ionisation energy source (7) is comprised of two parts (7a, 7b) sandwiching the substrate. The ionisation energy sources can be capacitively or inductively coupled plasma sources.

Abstract: There is provided a film formation apparatus for forming an organic compound film including a plurality of functional regions. A plurality of evaporation sources (203a to 203c) are included in a film formation chamber (210), functional regions made of respective organic compounds are successively formed, and a mixed region can be further formed in an interface between the functional regions. Also, when means for applying energy to an organic compound molecule to be formed into a film in a molecular activation region (213) is provided in such a film formation chamber, a dense film can be formed.

Abstract: Wafer holder for semiconductor manufacturing and semiconductor manufacturing device in which the holder is installed, the wafer holder having a wafer-carrying surface, wherein the isothermal rating of its wafer-carrying surface is enhanced. In the wafer holder having a wafer-carrying surface, by making the spacing of electrodes for supplying power to electrical circuits formed either on a surface other than the wafer-carrying surface of the wafer holder, or else inside it, 10% or more of the wafer holder thickness, the temperature distribution in the wafer-carrying surface can be brought to within ±1.0%. The electrical circuits can be heater circuits, electrostatic-chuck electrode circuits, RF electrode circuits, and high-voltage electrode circuits. One or more metals selected from the group being tungsten, molybdenum and tantalum preferably are incorporated into the portion of the power-supply electrodes that is directly connected to the circuits.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement comprising a support body with a substrate holder, mounted thereon on a gas bearing with rotating drive. The gas bearing and the rotating drive are formed by gas flowing in through nozzles arranged in the separating gaps between support body and substrate. The support body and the substrate holder are embodied as rings, whereby the rings lie on each other in a self-centering manner and the one ring comprises a ring bead extending into a ring recess on the other ring.

Abstract: This invention provides an electron source manufacturing apparatus which can be easily downsized and operated. The electron source manufacturing apparatus includes a support member for supporting a substrate (10) having a conductor (11), a vessel (12) which has a gas inlet port (15) and a gas exhaust port (16) and covers a partial region of the surface of the substrate (10); a gas inlet unit (24) connected to the gas inlet port (15) to introduce gas into the vessel, an exhaust unit (26) connected to the gas exhaust port to evacuate the interior of the vessel, and a voltage application unit (32) for applying a voltage to the conductor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for milking livestock such as cows. A block-shaped frame is open on one side and has a front side and a rear side relative to respectively head and udder of livestock are provided for milking in the milking box. A movable entrance and/or exit gate is provided for selectively opening an entrance and/or exit in the open side of the frame. Teat cups are provided for milking the livestock with, for instance, a milking robot. Placing means are provided for positioning livestock for milking at a desired location with udders thereof at a predefined location. The placing means comprise a frame part on the rear side of the frame. The frame part is movable away from and toward the front side of the frame. The milking robot is adapted to orient itself to the udders in relation to the frame part.

Abstract: A controller for monitoring and controlling an operating pulsator in a milking system is shown. The controller comprises a first sensor operatively connected to a designated pulsator for receiving a pulsating vacuum therefrom. The controller produces a first signal representing the pulsating vacuum level. A processor is operatively connected to the first sensor for receiving the first signal. The processor includes a comparator for comparing the first signal to a stored reference signal representing a predetermined vacuum range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for milking system pulsators. The processor generates at least one control signal when the designed pulsator pulsating vacuum level is at a vacuum level outside of the predetermined vacuum range. A control circuit signals that the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is outside of the range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for the milking system pulsators.

Abstract: In a milking facility (1) provided with on-site measuring equipment (9) capable of measuring a quality and/or quantity of milk produced, wherein the milk produced is stored in a milk tank (5) and is then collected (79) by a dairy plant, there is provided a method comprising the steps of: (i) receiving (61) a measured value indicative of the quality and/or quantity of milk produced in the milking facility from the on-site measuring equipment; (ii) receiving (99) from the dairy plant a corresponding measured value indicative of the quality and/or quantity of milk collected and transported, wherein the dairy plant is provided with high-quality measuring equipment (41); (iii) comparing (93) the measured values from the on-site measuring equipment of the milking facility and from the dairy plant; and (iv) calibrating or verifying (95) the on-site measuring equipment of the milking facility depending on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for supplying bioavailable methionine to a cow which comprises supplying to the cow an ester of methionine or methionine amide and/or an ester of the hydroxy analogue of methionine or a salt thereof.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an approach for noninvasively and remotely screening live animals for chronic wasting disease (CWD) via the processing of thermal and/or visible spectrum images. The image processing takes advantage of the anatomical observation that the prions and vacuoles associated with CWD first accumulate in a region of the brainstem, called the obex, which is strategically surrounded by the nuclei of the twelve cranial nerves. Using the cranial nerves as ‘implanted’ sensors, the sensitive image processing algorithms of this invention detect physiological indications of cranial nerve degradation indicating the presence and progression of the disease.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus that is a synergistic combination of a windshield and a pilot light assembly for a gas burner heater. The apparatus provides reliable operation of the gas burner heater in high air flow conditions, where the air flow would normally cause the pilot light to be extinguished. The windshield, which is a partially perforated tubular chamber, provides a protected zone against high velocity air infusion for the entire pilot light assembly. The apparatus works in concert with the pilot light assembly, which also has components that provide protection from wind and can be quickly removed allowing quick cleaning and easy maintenance. The major components of the pilot light assembly are a pilot light orifice with a flame, a vented pilot housing (stack), a flame deflector cap, a pilot light gas line, a thermocouple with connecting electrical leads, a pilot base, a mounting bracket, and a windshield that surrounds the pilot light and the thermocouple.

Abstract: A lightweight perch formed from plastic, wood or the like, has, in one embodiment, an outer surface on which is applied a granular material such as sand or the like. An adhesive or solvent may be used to apply the granular material to the perch. The resultant perch duplicates the healthy, stimulative effects of expensive concrete and sand perches at a tremendously reduced weight and cost. In another embodiment, a perch is formed from a plurality of parts of dissimilar materials that are joined together through the entrainment of one material from one part into the other material from the other part.

Abstract: Cow stanchion apparatus having a fixed support structure that carries a plurality of pairs of like double release stanchion bars which simultaneously swing towards and away from one another to control movement of cattle relative to such apparatus.

Abstract: Cow stanchion apparatus having a fixed support structure that carries a plurality of pairs of like double release stanchion bars which simultaneously swing towards and away from one another to control movement of cattle relative to such apparatus. The stanchion release bars are disposed in the path of vertically movable flaps which lock and unlock the stanchion release bars for relative swinging movement. The flaps are operatively connected to a positioner rod that is manipulated by a dairyman.

Abstract: A method of securing an animal to a fixed object with a securing device via a lead line is disclosed, wherein the securing device includes a frame and a retaining member coupled to the frame and is mounted to the object. The method includes inserting a segment of the lead line through the frame, extending the segment of the lead line around the retaining member, and pulling the lead line to bring the lead line into contact with the retaining member to thereby frictionally interlace the lead line with the frame and the retaining member such that a panicked animal can pull a length of lead line through the securing device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pet collar leash device adapted to be attached to and be carried on a pet collar. The collar leash device comprises a leash and a housing for receiving and storing the leash, wherein the housing is adapted to attach to and be carried on the pet's collar during and between uses of the leash. The pet end of the leash is secured within the housing, and the user end of the leash extends out of the housing and is accessible to the user. The collar leash device preferably possesses a handle attached to the user end of the leash for the user to hold when walking the pet. Preferably the housing is configured to receive and store the handle when the leash is not in use.

Abstract: A retractable leash for animals includes a housing in which the remaining length of a leash exiting the housing can be taken up, and can be arrested by means of actuating mechanisms and that the housing be provided with means for the attachment of additional elements for practical functions such as a flashlight and/or for connecting it to additional retractable leashes and similar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coolable annular support (1) for internally cooled piston rings, comprising an annular body (2) embodied as a circular ring and a cooling channel plate (3), the cooling channel plate (3) being a component of the cooling channel, and a method for the production thereof. The components forming the annular body (2) and the cooling channel plate (3) are connected together by means of laser beams from at least one laser in a continuous wave operation. The cooling channel plate (3) is U-shaped and has openings (6) which act as an inlet or an outlet for the cooling material in conjunction with tubular-shaped bodies. It is possible to simultaneously compensate variations in volume by different air temperatures during welding. At least one edge of the annular body (2) and the cooling channel plate form a cavity (5) for the cooling material by connecting the end areas of the limbs of the cooling channel plate to said edge of the annular body (2).

Abstract: A blower housing is coupleable to an engine including a cooling fan that is rotatable about an axis. The blower housing includes a first housing portion that is coupled to the engine and has an intake opening through which air may flow. The blower housing also includes a removable housing portion that is removably coupled to the first housing portion and has first and second sidewalls that direct air toward at least one engine cylinder. In one embodiment, the first and second sidewalls direct air toward different engine cylinders, in another embodiment, the first and second sidewalls direct air toward the same engine cylinder.

Abstract: The invention provides a 4-stroke reciprocating piston engine having a supercharging piston, which ensures dynamic balance of the engine with only a simple construction and achieves high output.

Abstract: A compression ratio of an engine is varied by changing a position of a crankshaft relative to a piston in accordance with an operational condition of the engine.

Abstract: A valve for controlling fluids, in particular in an injection valve of an internal combustion engine, including a valve housing (20), in which housing a system region (21) is embodied, in which region a piezoelectric actuator module (22) and a hydraulic coupler module (23) are disposed, which has both an adjusting piston (24), on which the actuator module (22) acts, and an actuating piston (30) that is operatively connected via a hydraulic chamber (29) to the adjusting piston (24) and that is connected to a valve closing member (31) cooperating with a valve seat (37), and the adjusting piston (24) and the actuating piston (30) define the hydraulic chamber (29), and a system pressure for refilling the hydraulic chamber (29) prevails in the system region (21), from which a diversion conduit (38) branches off. The system region (21) is acted upon by a fluid via the diversion conduit (38) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A power supply method for powering electrical equipment (1) operating on current peaks and connected via at least one capacitive element (5) to a voltage converter (6) connected to a storage battery (3), the voltage converter being current-regulated from a reference current corresponding to a mean current between two peaks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cylinder-piston drive, in particular an hydraulically controlled actuator (1) for actuating a gas-exchange valve (2) of an internal combustion engine, which has an operating piston (8) that is displaceable inside a cylinder (6) and delimits pressure chambers (10, 12) by piston sides (14, 16) facing away from one another, the operating piston (8) having a multipart design and being made up of at least two partial pistons (18, 20) that are placed inside one another, are displaceable relative to each other and strike against one another at stop faces (36, 38).

Abstract: A cylinder head (10) for a combustion cylinder of an internal combustion engine is described, which has at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening, as well as gas exchange valves (11) which are operable by electrohydraulic valve actuators (15) which as inlet valves (111) control the at least one inlet opening and as outlet valves (112) control the at least one outlet opening. For the purpose of premanufacturing a compact, complete module which, as a separate component, may be tested for reliability and may be installed into the engine block of the internal combustion engine without additional preassembly effort, there is present at cylinder head (10) at least one high pressure rail (37) for supplying fluid under high pressure, and at least one recycling rail for recycling fluid, which have coupling openings (39, 40) for the hydraulic coupling of the valve actuators (15), and also means for fastening the valve actuators (15) are provided (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A rotational angle sensor and a hydraulic pressure control valve are disposed such that a detecting end surface of the rotational angle sensor disposed close to a sensor rotor attached to an exhaust camshaft is located in a spray area of return oil discharged through a drain hole formed at a cam cap, which flows down through a lower drain port of the hydraulic pressure control valve attached on the cam cap from a variable valve timing mechanism. Further, the detecting end surface is located forward in the rotational direction, shown as the arrow a, of the exhaust camshaft so that the return oil can be positively carried toward the detecting end surface by the rotation of the sensor rotor. Accordingly, this can maintain properly detecting accuracy of the rotational sensor disposed close to the camshaft.