Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a marine engine comprising; a shield and a device for securing the shield over the engine.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein apparatus and methods for protecting ships and harbors from attack from other vessels. A barrier, fence or obstruction is constructed around the ship or harbor to be defended, either floating on the surface above and/or beneath the surface of the water. When a boat attempts to force its way through the barrier, the barrier uses the momentum of the vessel against itself by using the forward momentum of the attacking vessel in such a manner as to divert, impede, stop, damage or destroy the vessel or mitigate a blast from a vessel. The barrier may be active or passive. Also, a constructed wall of water can be provided to stop, destroy or disable a vessel attempting to go through the wall.

Abstract: An improved method for controlling nucleation sites during superabrasive particle synthesis can provide high quality industrial superabrasive particles with high yield and a narrow size distribution. The synthesis method can include forming a raw material layer, forming a particulate catalyst layer adjacent the raw material layer, and placing crystalline seeds in a predetermined pattern at least partially in the catalyst layer or raw material layer to form a growth precursor. Alternatively, the raw material and catalyst material can be mixed to form a particulate crystal growth layer and then placing the crystalline seeds in a predetermined pattern in the growth layer. Preferably, seeds can be substantially surrounded by catalyst material. The growth precursor can be maintained at a temperature and pressure at which the superabrasive crystal is thermodynamically stable for a time sufficient for a desired degree of growth.

Abstract: A diamond layer of single crystal CVD diamond which is coloured, preferably which has a fancy colour, and which has a thickness of greater than 1 mm.

Abstract: Inorganic materials are deposited onto organic polymers using ALD methods. Ultrathin, conformal coatings of the inorganic materials can be made in this manner. The coated organic polymers can be used as barrier materials, as nanocomposites, as catalyst supports, in semiconductor applications, in coating applications as well as in other applications.

Abstract: A silicon annealed wafer having a sufficient thick layer free from COP defects on the surface, and a sufficient uniform BMD density in the inside can be produced by annealing either a base material wafer having nitrogen at a concentration of less than 1×1014 atoms/cm3, COP defects having a size of 0.1 &mgr;m or less in the highest frequency of occurrence and no COP defects having a size of 0.2 &mgr;m or more, oxygen precipitates at a density of 1×104 counts/cm2 or more, and BMDs (oxygen precipitates), where the ratio of the maximum to the minimum of the BMD density in the radial direction of the wafer is 3 or less, or a base material wafer grown at specific average temperature gradients within specific temperature ranges and specific cooling times for a single crystal at a nitrogen concentration of less than 1×1014 atoms/cm3, employing the Czochralski method.

Abstract: When a SiC substrate is heated up to around 1800°C., sublimation of SiC occurs from the SiC substrate. Moreover, temperature of the front surface of the SiC substrate is lower than that of the back surface of the SiC substrate. Therefore, sublimation gas sublimed from a back-surface vicinity of the substrate, where temperature is high, moves to a front-surface vicinity of the substrate, where temperature is low, through the hollow micro-pipe defect. Epitaxial growth proceeds on the front surface of the substrate while the sublimation gas is recrystallized at the front-surface vicinity of the substrate, so that the micro-pipe defect is occluded.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a silicon carbide single crystal includes the steps of: setting a substrate as a seed crystal in a reactive chamber; introducing a raw material gas into the reactive chamber; growing a silicon carbide single crystal from the substrate; heating the gas at an upstream side from the substrate in a gas flow path; keeping a temperature of the substrate at a predetermined temperature lower than the gas so that the single crystal is grown from the substrate; heating a part of the gas, which is a non-reacted raw material gas and does not contribute to crystal growth, after passing through the substrate; and absorbing a non-reacted raw material gas component in the non-reacted raw material gas with an absorber.

Abstract: A resin coated carrier fabrication method and the related apparatus in which a metered material feeder is controlled to apply a bonding agent to the periphery of a continuously rotated material-transferring cylinder subject to a predetermined thickness and simultaneously a tape of carrier is extended over an impression cylinder, and then a driving mechanism is controlled to adjust the gap between the material-transferring cylinder and the impression cylinder for enabling the bonding agent to be transferred to the tape of carrier, leaving a blank area around the applied layer of bonding agent on the tape of carrier.

Abstract: A device for coating a film with more than two kinds of thickness, including a turntable, a mask and a coating source. The turntable spins regularly. The shape of the mask depends on the thickness of the film and the mask is set close to the substrate. The coating source is set opposite to the turntable, and the mask is set between the coating source and the turntable. The invention also discloses a method for coating a film with more than two kinds of thickness. The method including setting a substrate on a turntable that spins regularly, setting a mask close to the substrate and coating a film on the substrate by a coating source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a liner to a pipe is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base assembly having a plurality of guide rails and a shuttle plate attached thereto. The apparatus also includes a motor module attached to an end of the base assembly. An extension arm is connected to a top surface of the shuttle plate. The extension arm has a spray head assembly attached at an opposite end thereof. The extension arm and spray head assembly will move relative to the base assembly of the apparatus. A fast cure coating will be applied via the spray head assembly to the interior surface of a pipe being rehabilitated. The spray head assembly will have an air blow off mechanism therein thus allowing for the tip of the spray head assembly to stay relatively clog free during the fast cure coating operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a plating apparatus which can keep a plating solution always in its optimal condition while minimizing, the amount of plating solution used, and which can easily form a uniform plated film on the plating surface of a workpiece. The plating apparatus includes: a plating solution supply system (70) for constantly circulating a plating solution while heating the plating solution in a circulation tank (80) provided with a heating apparatus (78a), and supplying a predetermined amount of plating solution to a plating treatment section (24) when carrying out plating treatment; a plating solution recovery system (72) for recovering the plating solution after the plating treatment in the plating treatment section (24), heating the plating solution and returning the heated plating solution to the circulation tank (80); and a plating solution replenishment system (74) for replenishing the circulation tank (80) with a fresh plating solution or a plating solution component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously coating and measuring a part. The apparatus includes a part support, a sprayer and a part measurer positioned adjacent to the part support and a display device positioned adjacent to the part support. The sprayer applies a coating to a section of the part while the part measurer continuously measures a dimension of the section of the part being coated. In one embodiment, an initial amount of coating and a final amount of coating are applied to the section of the part based on the dimension measurements and desired dimension of the part. In another embodiment, the amount of coating applied to the part is based on the desired coating thickness. As a result, the apparatus and method of the present invention significantly reduces the margin of error related to the application of coatings to parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an operation of a fluid dispensing gun dispensing a pattern of fluid onto a substrate moving with respect to the dispensing gun. The dispensing gun changes operating states in response to transition signals. A sensor is disposed adjacent the substrate and provides feedback signals in response to detecting edges of the fluid dispensed onto the substrate. A diagnostic monitor is responsive to the transition and feedback signals and automatically measures delays between occurrences of the transition signals and detecting corresponding edges of the fluid deposited onto the substrate resulting from the transition signals. The delays are measured by correlating the feedback signals to the transition signals. A method for measuring the delays is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a dielectric material at a rate of at least 3000 Angstroms per minute on a large area substrate that has a surface area of at least about 0.35 square meters is provided. In one embodiment, the dielectric material is silicon oxide. Also provided is a large area substrate having a layer of dielectric material deposited by a process yielding a deposition rate in excess of about 3000 Angstroms per minute and a processing chamber for fabricating the same.

Abstract: A thin film formation apparatus by which source gas is supplied uniformly to the surface of a substrate so that an organic thin film of a uniform film thickness can be formed on the surface of the substrate. The thin film formation apparatus includes a vacuum chamber (11), a substrate holder (12) provided in the vacuum chamber (11) and a gas supplying end element (22) for supplying gas toward a substrate mounting face (12a) of the substrate holder (12). The gas supplying end element (22) is formed so as to supply the source gas in an elongated rectangular shape to the substrate mounting face (12a).

Abstract: Organometallic compounds suitable for use as vapor phase deposition precursors for Group IV metal-containing films are provided. Methods of depositing Group IV metal-containing films using certain organometallic precursors are also provided. Such Group IV metal-containing films are particularly useful in the manufacture of electronic devices.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for coating a device comprising a coating chamber and a device rotator having at least one device mount wherein the apparatus allows insertion and retraction of the device on the device mount into and out of the coating chamber. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of applying a substantially uniform coating on a device comprising the steps of providing an apparatus for coating a device, mounting the device onto the device mount, purging the coating chamber to reduce humidity in the coating chamber, maintaining a reduced humidity content in the coating chamber, inserting the device into the coating chamber, disposing a coating material on the device and rotating the device mounts about the device axis.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube growth is achieved in a high-yield process. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a furnace chamber is adapted to grow a carbon nanotube device via catalyst islands. The carbon nanotube device includes a catalyst island, such as Fe2O3, and a carbon nanotube extending therefrom. In one more specific implementation, the catalyst island is disposed on a top surface of a substrate. The carbon nanotube device is useful in a variety of implementations and applications, such as in an atomic force microscope (AFM), in resonators (e.g., where a free end of the carbon nanotube is adapted to vibrate) and in electronic circuits (e.g., where the carbon nanotube is electrically coupled between two nodes, such as between the catalyst island and a circuit node). In addition, growing carbon nanotubes with such a catalyst island is particularly useful in the high-yield growth of a large number of nanotubes.

Abstract: A method of forming a silicon nitride layer is described. According to the present invention, a silicon nitride layer is deposited by thermally decomposing a silicon/nitrogen containing source gas or a silicon containing source gas and a nitrogen containing source gas at low deposition temperatures (e.g., less than 550° C.) to form a silicon nitride layer. The thermally deposited silicon nitride layer is then treated with hydrogen radicals to form a treated silicon nitride layer.

Abstract: This invention is an oxynitride film forming method including: a reaction chamber heating step of heating a reaction chamber to a predetermined temperature, the reaction chamber containing an object to be processed; a gas heating step of heating a process gas to a temperature not lower than a reaction temperature at which an oxynitride film can be formed, the process gas consisting of dinitrogen oxide gas; and a film forming step of forming an oxynitride film on the object to be processed by supplying the heated process gas into the heated processing chamber. The temperature to which the reaction chamber is heated in the reaction chamber heating step is set at a temperature below a temperature at which the process gas undergoes a reaction.

Abstract: A CVD vacuum vessel including an electrically conductive partition plate which divides the interior of the vacuum vessel into a plasma generating space and a film-deposition processing space, and an electrically conductive spiral shield. The electrically conductive partition plate has a plurality of through-holes connecting the plasma generating space to the film-deposition processing space and a heater for heating the electrically conductive partition plate. The partitioning plate is mounted to the vacuum vessel by means of a mounting screw such that electrical contact between the partitioning plate and the vacuum vessel is achieved through said spiral shield.

Abstract: A plasma treatment apparatus for thin-film deposition includes a reactor chamber; a pair of parallel-plate electrodes disposed inside the chamber; and a radio-frequency power supply system used for transmitting radio-frequency power to one of the parallel-plate electrodes via multiple supply points provided on the one of the parallel-electrodes. The radio-frequency power supply system includes a radio-frequency transmission unit which includes an inlet transmission path and multiple branches branched off from the inlet transmission path multiple times. Each branch is connected to the supply point and has a substantially equal characteristic impedance value.

Abstract: A stage has a plate, a first seal surface, a stem, a second seal surface, a cover, a conductor and a flow path. A heater is embedded in the plate. A terminal for supplying power to the heater is exposed at one surface of the plate. The first seal surface is provided on the plate, shaped like a ring and surrounds the terminal. The stem is shaped like a hollow cylinder, surrounds the terminal and supports the plate. The second seal surface is provided on that end of the stem which supports the plate, and is shaped like a ring. The cover closes an open end of the stem, which is opposite to the end which supports the plate. The conductor passes through the cover into the stem and is connected to the terminal. The flow path is provided in the cover, for supplying inert gas into the stem at a pressure equal to or higher than the pressure of process gas present outside the stem.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for carrying a milking member, which includes four teatcups (3) and is connectable to a milking machine (5) via a flexible conduit member (6). A support element (10) is fixedly mounted at a milking box (13) for an animal to be milked and positioned with the head at the front. An arm arrangement (9) is pivotably connected to the support element and arranged to support partly the milking member during milking of the animal when the teatcups are applied to a respective teat. The arm arrangement (9) is movable from a first position beside the animal to a second position below the animal. The arm arrangement is fixedly connected to the flexible conduit member (6) at a distance from the milking member in such a way that the milking member is partly movable in relation to the arm arrangement. The device includes a force-generating member for generating, during milking, a force acting on the arm arrangement in a forward direction (x).

Abstract: The invention relates to a milk conveyer device (100) for an animal. The milk conveyer device is to be implemented in a milking arrangement which comprises a milk storage reservoir (101) coupled to a milking attachment for attaching to an animal to be milked through a main milk conduit (103, 105). A sample element (109, 111) extracts milk, which is collected in a sample reservoir (115, 117). The sample reservoir (115,117) is connected to an analysis element (129) through an analysis conduit (123, 125). During the flow of the milk from the sample reservoir to the analysis element (129), the milk itself provides a cleaning effect. The flow is initially at a high flow rate and later at a reduced flow rate. A plurality of analysis conduits (123, 125) are connected to the analysis element (129), which comprises a selector unit (127), which couples milk from one of the analysis conduits (123, 125) to the analysis element (129).

Abstract: A bolstered pet bed for the comfort of animal pets. The bolstered pet bed includes an outer covering having first and second interior compartments; and an integrated removable cushion having a bottom cushion and a side cushion integrally connected to each other by a strip of material. The bottom cushion is inserted in the first compartment and the side cushion is inserted in the second compartment. The strip of material extends between and is connected to the bottom cushion and the side cushion; and the strip of material includes a plurality of spaced-apart passageways. The bolstered pet bed further includes a plurality of spaced-apart straps for enclosing the second interior compartment around the side cushion, and which extend through the plurality of spaced-apart passageways. The outer covering includes a zipper member for opening and closing the first interior compartment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated type Internet pet food feeder for use at home and an Internet pet food feeding system using the same, which can monitor a pet using a wire/wireless Internet and controlling an automatic supply of food at a remote location while monitoring the pet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bird feeder comprising one or more tube chambers, a base, top locking device and a guard. This bird feeder allows a consumer to create multiple designs. For example, the guard of the current invention can be formed by one or more units adjacently disposed upon the feeder. The guard is ostensibly designed to prevent squirrels and other animals from accessing the feed chambers and can be configured in many different ways.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a pet bowl having an interior volume defined by a bottom and an upwardly extending sidewall. The pet bowl also has a generally horizontal top surface, integral with the sidewall, with at least one receiving opening formed therein. The apparatus also includes a lip portion partially extending into the interior volume with an access opening formed therethrough. The lip portion has at least one downwardly extending portion that removeably interlocks with the receiving opening of the pet bowl.

Abstract: A feed trough is provided for use in cultivation containers for growing frogs and other amphibians. The feed trough is comprised of a sloped floor. In some embodiments the floor slopes downward to an opening from which, during operation, airflows. The opening is covered by a perforated cover that retains the feed particles collected from the sloped floor and provides sufficient opening for airflow that propels the feed particles from the perforated cover into the airspace of the cultivation container.

Abstract: A system and method for clam farming includes a supply ship coupled to a clam planter via a supply tube bundle having a plurality of individual tubes. The supply ship has a separation station configured for introducing individual clams into the individual supply tubes at a periodic interval. The clam planter includes an underwater vehicle and a plurality of row components that are slideably engaged with the underwater vehicle. Each of the row components is coupled to one of the individual tubes. As the underwater vehicle travels in a forward direction, the row components plow furrows and transport the individual clams into the furrows as they exit the individual tubes according to the periodic interval. A clam farm results having rows of clams near node points spaced from one another by node and row separation distances.

Abstract: By adding an evacuated vertical structure onto a body of water where part of the structure extends above the body of water, the water level rises into the structure because of the vacuum. Use of the structure increases the overall volume of water in an aquarium and provides added space for fish as well as enhanced viewing of the aquarium.

Abstract: Cage (10) with intercommunicating modular compartments, for example for small domestic rodents, comprising a first compartment (11) provided with an aperture (12) which can be closed by a cover (13), wherein said first compartment comprises at least a further opening or passage (15) suited to allow the communication of said first compartment with at least a further compartment (14) joined to said first compartment (11).

Abstract: A cage is provided for holding and transporting livestock. The cage includes a door with a horizontal top rod that slides along a top member of a side grate when opening and closing the door. The cage also includes four lifting lugs to assist in the moving of the cages. Also provided is a method of loading livestock into such a cage.

Abstract: A bird cage having a frame including a base assembly, cover assembly and corner towers that join the base and cover assemblies. The front, back, sides and top of the cage are enclosed by wire grills. The towers are made of light pervious material such as clear or translucent plastic and carry feeding stations. The cage is expandable. The base assembly includes an easily removable tray for collecting droppings in the cage, and the tray carries a wire grill platform within the cage which may be removed by partially withdrawing the tray and without otherwise disturbing the base assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible pet enclosure is provided. The enclosure includes a pliable cover supported by a rigid, but foldable, frame. The cover includes an opening in a top panel such that the enclosure is top loading. The cover is completely removable from the frame so that it can be machine washed. The frame is of one-piece jointed construction so that it is collapsible for easy transportation or storage. Because all frame components are jointedly attached to one another, the frame does not include any loose components that are easily lost. The enclosure is quick and easy to set up and collapse.

Abstract: A shelter is disclosed for an animal, the shelter consisting of a demountable first frame adapted to be releasably connectable to a first flexible cover, the first cover and the first frame being further adapted to support the animal when the shelter is in use; a demountable second frame releasably connectable to the first frame; a flexible second cover releasably connectable to and supported by the second frame, the second cover in combination with the first cover providing a substantially enclosed space for receiving the animal when the shelter is in use; wherein each of the first frame, the second frame, the first cover and the second cover are manufactured from a lightweight material and are adapted such that, when the shelter components are disassembled, they can be flat-packed.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a pet shelter to a pet door panel in a sliding glass door assembly. The apparatus has both left and right side posts which sandwich a pet door panel. A retaining frame is attached to either or both posts and is capable of retaining the pet shelter. The retaining frame has cross members that allow the pet shelter to be attached in a folded down configuration and further has a shelter support element for holding the pet shelter in a folded up configuration. A hinge may be attached between the retaining frame and either post for allowing the pet shelter to be tilted out of the way when not in use.

Abstract: A floor arrangement for use with livestock such as in a barn is in the form of a concrete panel and includes plural spaced, elongated, linear flumes, or channels, disposed within the panel and extending its length. Each flume is generally cylindrical in shape and opens to the upper surface of the panel via a narrow slot in the upper surface. Animal waste enters the flume via its upper slot and is carried away by flowing water introduced at a first end of the flume and discharged at a second, opposed end. The panel's upper surface is notched to provide safe, stable footing for the animals, with the notches terminating in a slot to facilitate discharge of animal waste into the spaced flumes. The floor is comprised of plural connected panels, with the flumes of adjacent floor panels aligned to provide continuous flow channels extending the entire floor.

Abstract: An enclosure with four sides, a top, leaving the bottom side open to allow for insertion and removal of a block of solid bird food. When the block of solid bird food is placed into the enclosure and is retained by a wire cover, the bottom side opening can be large enough to allow the block of solid bird food to freely move within the enclosure. The present invention also relates to an enclosure with four sides, a top, leaving the bottom side open to allow for insertion and removal of a wire basket. When the block of solid bird food is contained in the wire basket that is then inserted into the enclosure, the bottom side opening can be less than the nominal size of the wire basket. This will retain the wire basket in the enclosure.

Abstract: An article for grooming an animal includes an elongated handle and a plurality of dematting blades, each of which has a sharp edge for aiding in removing mats from the fur of an animal. The article further includes a comb having a plurality of combing tines for combing the fur of an animal. Most advantageously, selective positioning structure is provided for selectively positioning the article in one of a first grooming position that is characterized by the dematting blades being operatively positioned while said comb is retracted, and a second grooming position that is characterized by the comb being operatively positioned while the dematting blades are retracted.

Abstract: An article for removing dead hair from animals includes a handle and a shedding blade that is attached to the handle. The shedding blade includes a flexible, elongated member having at least one serrated edge. Advantageously, structure is provided to permit adjustment of the length of the shedding blade. This permits a consumer to select the proper blade size for the animal that is being groomed. Additionally, the article is constructed and arranged so that the flexible, elongated member may be at least partially retracted into the handle for storage purposes.

Abstract: A pet blanket providing anti-flea properties is disclosed. The blanket is formed of an upper, permeable layer and a lower, impermeable layer, which together form a closeable pocket for receiving an insert that is impregnated with one or more anti-flea agents. As a pet reclines on the upper, permeable layer, the anti-flea agent(s) diffuse from the insert, through the permeable layer and onto the supine animal.

Abstract: A scratching post assembly for household pets includes a decorative base, a post having a first end attached to the decorative base and a decorative top adapted to be removably attached to a second end of the post. The post is substantially covered with a removable cover made of scratchable material. The cover comprises a tube that is sized to fit around and be slipped over the post and to adapt to the post's geometric shape. The decorative base and decorative top are made of decorative materials including, wood, stone, glass, metal, ceramic, fabric, engineered versions thereof or combinations thereof. The decorative base and top may also include decorative finishes and designs, including sculptured surfaces, trim, engravings, paint, stain, beading and metals plates, among others. The invention provides an aesthetically pleasing scratching post that blends with designer style furniture and adapts to various fashions and trends in the furniture industry.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a pet chew, comprising: a first layer including at least a portion of animal hide from a first species of animal; and a second layer including at least a portion of animal hide from a second species of animal; wherein the first layer and the second layer are arranged adjacent one another to form the pet chew; and wherein the first species of animal and the second species of animal are different. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a pet chew, comprising: a first layer including at least a portion of animal hide from a first species of animal; and a second layer including at least a portion of animal hide from a second species of animal; wherein the first layer and the second layer are arranged adjacent one another to form the pet chew; wherein the first species of animal is bovine and the second species of animal is swine; and wherein the first layer and the second layer are rolled to form a generally cylindrical pet chew.

Abstract: An animal leash system includes a leash of flexible material having near and far ends, and a belt arranged to be worn about a person's body. A connector is fastened to the belt for operation by the person while wearing the belt. A handle is formed at the near end of the leash, and the handle is engageable with the connector on the belt. The far end of the leash is fastened to an animal collar. An associated restraining strap is fixed to the leash and is arranged for securing about an anchored object such as a tree or post. Thus, the person can (I) secure the restraining strap about the object before disengaging the leash handle from the connector on the belt, and (ii) engage the leash handle with the belt connector before releasing the restraining strap from the object. The animal is therefore always safely restrained either by the person's belt or by the fixed object.

Abstract: An elevator-type mechanism is disclosed which raises and lowers an animal into desired vertical position to facilitate treatment of injuries, treatment of illnesses, grooming, and the like of the animal.

Abstract: A method of recovering heat energy during blowdown of a steam boiler is described wherein thermal energy is recovered both from flash steam produced by blowdown water and the blowdown water itself. The flash steam is preferably condensed in the feedwater (or any open vented water tank) so as to recover the water volume of the flash steam in addition to its heat energy.

Abstract: Engine cooling system and method for making same wherein an engine, engine casing, or component thereof or a component related thereto has at least one cooling fin (18) having at least a portion of an edge surface (32) including an engraved, or intagliated portion (40). Preferably the surface edge includes a plurality of itagliated portions (40) with each portion including at least two elongated concavities being in preselected orientation and relationship to each other to improve the cooling efficiency of the fin and thus allow the engine to operate in wider, more extreme range of temperatures and environments. The present invention is particularly well suited, but not limited to air-cooled engines and related components such as component covers, inspection/access covers, and oil coolers and is therefore readily adaptable to engines used to propel motor vehicles such as, but not limited to, motorcycles.