Abstract: A container holding thwart for transferring force between the gunwales of a canoe. The thwart is provided with a frame defining an opening which releasably retains a container. The opening may either be of a closed configuration to retain a beverage container, or the like, or may be of an open configuration to retain a refuse bag. The openings may be of any size, shape, number or configuration.

Abstract: A recreational watercraft device consisting of a light hull in the shape of a sail board hull and on the bottom a strut hydrofoil assembly. The hydrofoil has a bilateral symmetric plan-form with a pivot connection at the center of the hydrofoil span. The pivot connection joins the hydrofoil to the strut. The strut has a streamline cross-section. The plane of symmetry of the strut is positioned in the plane of symmetry perpendicular to the span of the hydrofoil. In operation the rider stands on the hull and reciprocates the hydrofoil up and down via a strut having a T handle. The elements of the strut hydrofoil assembly comprise a foil, a pivot, a strut, a T handle, and extension.

Abstract: An adjustable system is provided for remotely varying the vertical position of a plurality of boat fenders. The fenders are tied to elongated ropes which are threaded through pulley bars mounted on the guard rail of the boat. The end portion of the ropes are located at the rear side portion of the boat such that the ropes may be conveniently pulled or release to adjust the vertical position of the fenders simultaneously.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the rear roll-up, truck-door indicator is a magnetically operated indicator which is visible to the truck driver by simply looking into the driver's rear view mirror. The invention relates to a rear roll-up, truck-door open-or-closed indicator. Said indicator will be located on the outside of the left side of the truck box body. There will be a clear tube placed through the truck box and will extend outside of the body. This tube will be placed at a slight upward angle from the outside of the truck to the inside of the truck box (higher on the inside). A colorful indicator piston will be placed inside of this tube. The indicator will be colorful when the door is open; conversely, the indicator will not be colorful when the door is closed.

Abstract: A cleaning method cleans silicon for semiconductor materials using pure water treated by a reverse osmosis treatment and by ion exchange treatment and reduces the aluminum and iron remaining on the silicon surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a SiC single crystal from a SiC seed crystal is provided. The method includes the steps of: measuring a diameter of the SiC single crystal during a crystal growth of the SiC single crystal; and controlling the diameter of the SiC single crystal to be a predetermined diameter on the basis of the measured diameter. The method provides the SiC single crystal with high quality and large size.

Abstract: A film structure of a ferroelectric single crystal which can be beneficially used in the fabrication of high-performance electric and electronic parts and devices is prepared by forming an electrode layer having a perovskite crystal structure on a substrate made of a silicon or ferroelectric single crystal optionally polished to have a off-axis crystal structure, and epitaxially growing a layer of a ferroelectric single crystal thereon by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) or metallorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD).

Abstract: A method of fabricating a high-quality relaxed SiGe-on-insulator substrate material is provided in which a prefabricated silicon-on-insulator substrate is first exposed to an unstrained Ge-containing source and then heated (annealed/oxidized) to cause Ge diffusion and thermal mixing of Ge within a single-crystal Si-containing layer of the prefabricated silicon-on-insulator substrate. The unstrained Ge-containing source can comprise a solid Ge-containing source, a gaseous Ge-containing source, or ions of Ge.

Abstract: The invention relates to controlling a semiconductor processing system. Among other things, the invention relates to a run-to-run controller to create virtual modules to control a multi-pass process performed by a multi-chamber tool during the processing of a semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A film formation apparatus for a semiconductor process includes a cleaning gas supply circuit, a concentration measuring section, and an information processor. The cleaning gas supply circuit is configured to supply a cleaning gas into a reaction chamber to perform cleaning of removing from an inner surface of the reaction chamber a by-product film derived from a film formation gas. The concentration measuring section is disposed in an exhaust system to monitor concentration of a predetermined component contained in exhaust gas from the reaction chamber. The information processor is configured to compare a measurement value obtained by the concentration measuring section with a preset value and to thereby determine an end point of the cleaning.

Abstract: A plasma treatment apparatus is provided, which enables to increase a treatment area and provide good treatment uniformity. This apparatus comprises a pair of electrode plates having a plurality of through holes and an insulating plate having a plurality of through holes. The insulating plate is disposed between the electrode plates such that positions of the through holes of the electrode plates correspond to the positions of the through holes of the insulating plate. A plurality of discharge spaces are formed by the through holes of the electrode plates and the through holes of the insulating plate. By applying a voltage between the electrode plates, while supplying a plasma generation gas into the discharge spaces, plasmas are generated simultaneously in the discharge spaces, and sprayed on an object to efficiently perform a large-area, uniform plasma treatment.

Abstract: A detector detects microwaves reflected from a processing chamber. Based on the reflected microwaves, a load impedance is calculated. An amount of adjustment required to match the load impedance with an impedance of a microwave oscillator is calculated. The calculated amount of adjustment multiplied by a predetermined value smaller than 1 is transmitted as an adjustment signal. A load matching device is repeatedly controlled based on the adjustment signal. Consequently, the load impedance gradually approaches the impedance of the oscillator. Eventually, an impedance match is attained.

Abstract: A portable microwave plasma discharge unit receives microwaves and a gas flow via a supply line. The portable microwave plasma discharge unit generates plasma from the gas flow and the received microwaves. The portable microwave plasma discharge unit includes a gas flow tube made of a conducting and/or dielectric material and a rod-shaped conductor that is axially disposed in the gas flow tube. The rod-shaped conductor has an end configured to contact a microwave supply conductor of the supply line to receive microwaves and a tapered tip positioned adjacent the outlet portion of the gas flow tube. The tapered tip is configured to focus the microwaves received from the microwave supply conductor to generate plasma from the gas flow.

Abstract: A bedside pet sleeper comprises first, second and third side members, each with at least one pet animal ventilation opening. A fourth side member is coupled between the first and third side members and is provided with at least one pet animal doorway. Also included is a bottom member coupled to the first, second, third and fourth side members and adapted to support the weight of at least one pet animal. A top shelf portion is coupled to the first, second, third and fourth side members. The bedside pet sleeper is secured to a pet owner's bedside via one of the first, second or third side members.

Abstract: An animal feeding/watering system includes a first panel which mounts against an exterior facing side of an animal enclosure wall. A first panel aperture aligns with a species specific access aperture positioned as desired in the enclosure wall. A second panel, apertures and mounting holes mirroring the first panel's, mounts on an interior facing side of the enclosure wall and fixes the apertures in alignment via fasteners to panel one. A feeding unit outside the animal enclosure reversibly mounts to panel one below and aligned with its aperture. A door mounted on the first panel latches closed to cover the aperture thereby preventing animal-human contact while filling the feed unit and is opened to permit one animal to access the feed unit. Shutters adjustably fixed to the second panel customize the aperture area to accommodate each species' method of accessing the feed unit and prevent escape.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an artificial nipple, whereby a liquid feed or a test solution can be voluntarily and orally given to experimental animals with a need for feeding such as mouse infants, a feeding bottle appropriately usable in combination with the nipple, a device for feeding a liquid comprising them, and a method of feeding a liquid. The artificial nipple is characterized by having a replaceable duct therein and having a structure preventing a liquid from piling up in the nipple except in the nipple tip and the duct, while the feeding bottle is characterized by having a replaceable tube therein.

Abstract: An animal waste management system including a pan and a liner. The pan includes a bottom surface and a plurality of side walls connected to the bottom surface and extending in an upward direction with respect to the bottom surface and forming a recess. The liner includes a bottom surface having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion oriented at an elevation different than the second portion, and a plurality of side walls connected to the bottom surface and extending in an upward direction with respect to the bottom surface and forming a recess, the liner oriented to be received in the recess of the pan.

Abstract: A pet litter composed of limestone (preferably, dolomitic limestone) particles in the size range of 0.0001 mm to 4.75 mm which clump readily when contacted by pet urine, particularly cat urine.

Abstract: A pet litter composed of limestone particles in the size range of 0.0001 mm to 4.75 mm which clump readily when contacted by pet urine, particularly cat urine. The particle size is typically between 0.6 mm and 1.18 mm. In addition, a thickener that may be digested by cats may be added to the limestone base to enhance the clumping properties of the litter. The composition can range from 80% limestone particles:20% thickener to 98% limestone particle:2% thickener. A typical composition is 98% limestone particles and 2% thickener.

Abstract: A method for directing the displacement of aquatic crustaceans after feeding by utilizing their biological tendency responding to a bright and dark contrast is provided. This method comprises steps to generate the visual effect of this bright and dark contrast at a predetermined place within the water body of culture. Light coming from light emitters directly or from reflection of protrusions and/or painted patterns/figures, and/or filtration of light filters, with the existence of illuminating light, are used for generating visual effect of the bright and dark contrast.

Abstract: Apparatuses for directing the displacement of aquatic crustaceans are provided and are particularly used to carry out the methods for attracting the motion of aquatic crustaceans after feeding by utilizing their biological tendency responding to a bright and dark contrast. These apparatuses generate the visual effect of bright and dark contrast at a predetermined place within the water body of culture and comprise a container for carrying the water body of culture and a predetermined place inside said container expressing an effect of bright and dark contrast. Light emitters themselves or protrusions and/or painted patterns/figures and/or filtration of light filters, under the existence of illuminating light, are used for generating visual effect of the bright and dark contrast.

Abstract: By directing the none-molting crustaceans to move into a predetermined area in a culture tank, the present invention discloses a multi-layered aquaculture system with shallow-water containers which is based upon the utilization of the methods and apparatus to eliminate their cannibalistic actions towards newly molted mates. This multi-layered aquaculture system for aquatic crustaceans comprises multi-layered containers for carrying the water body of culture and a means for generating an effect of bright and dark contrast at predetermined places within one or every afore-said containers. A means for arranging even water flow is further adapted to the containers with substantially no impact on the effect of the bright and dark contrast to take place at predetermined places.

Abstract: A small intelligent hatcher comprising a shell body with a supporting shelf; an egg container, a rolling device, a heating device and a control circuitry are on the supporting shelf; the rolling device further consists of a transmission and a motor; the egg container is on the top of the output axis of the transmission, the back of the output axis of the transmission connects to a limitation indicator, two limitation switches each is on one end of the limitation indicator and connects to the control circuitry to control the rolling direction and angle of the motor; the heating device and the fan connect to the control circuitry to control the temperature; an observation window is on the front of the shell body is suitable for children to observe and record.

Abstract: The invention provides a window-mounted outdoor pet enclosure. The enclosure is mosquito-proof. It is open on the end, sides and ceiling to air flow. The pet enclosure includes an end, a floor, two sides, and a ceiling, all having mosquito-proof screen. The enclosure also has a frame adapted to fit in a window of a wall, the frame linked to the mosquito-proof screen of the floor, sides, and ceiling. The floor, sides, and ceiling are each at least 70% open to air flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clipper for a pet wherein the user may cut the claw of a pet conveniently and safely and may remove the clipped claw fragments clearly. The clipper includes a body having a handle shaft shape, a head which is positioned at the front portion of the body and a claw insertion hole at one side of the head. A cutting mechanism having fixed and movable cutters all fixed inside the head. A lever which is connected to the movable cutter diagonally extends toward the lower direction of the body through an opening 9 formed at the lower surface of the head, and an adjusting bolt screwed at the other side of the head opposite to the claw insertion hole adjustable to adjust the insertion length of the claw.

Abstract: A cat scratching apparatus is disclosed. The cat scratching apparatus comprises a casing and first and second scratching surfaces. Each of the scratching surfaces is formed by superimposed edge portions of stacks of corrugated material. Further, each of the scratching surfaces is disposed within the casing such that each is opposing the other scratching surface. Additional scratching surfaces may also be added.

Abstract: A pet's dressing cart for carrying a pet for dressing is disclosed to include a mobile cart body, two bearing blocks axially movably supported on the base of the mobile cart body for carrying a pet for dressing, a horizontal adjustment mechanism for adjusting the pitch between the bearing blocks, and a holding down mechanism adjusted to hold down the legs of the pet on the bearing blocks.

Abstract: A combination pet collar and leash includes a leash that is attached to the collar and is fastened about the collar when not in use. When fastened about the collar, the leash conforms to the collar around the neck of a pet. When unfastened from the collar, the leash extends to a length to provide comfortable separation distance between a person holding the leash and the pet wearing the collar while allowing for appropriate control of the pet.

Abstract: An animal paw cover having a water-resistant receptacle is provided. The receptacle has an opening at one end and is substantially contoured to the shape of an animal paw. The receptacle is formed to receive and enclose the paw such that the receptacle is not loose-fitting when the paw is inserted through the opening. Advantageously, the receptacle is disposable.

Abstract: The water heating apparatus has an upright cylindrical thermally insulated storage tank, an axially extending exhaust gas pipe passing centrally through the storage tank and a combustion chamber under the storage tank. An atmospheric gas burner, which has a complete premixing fuel gas/air supply system, is arranged within the combustion chamber. The exhaust gas pipe has a section extending within the combustion chamber, which preferably extends towards the bottom of the combustion chamber and has an end located a few centimeters from the bottom, so that the combustion gases have a longer dwell time in the combustion chamber and the exhaust gas pipe in order to improve heating efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel reforming system in which an intensifier is used to pressurize the fuel. An intensifier is a simple device that can be used to step up the pressure provided by a conventional fuel pump. The fuel at increased pressure is passed through a nozzle. As the fuel leaves the nozzle, it atomizes and partially vaporizes. Optionally, the nozzle entrains air through the Venturi effect. Treating the fuel in this manner promotes mixing, increase reformer efficiency, and reduces the formation of byproducts. The invention is particularly suited to vehicle-mounted fuel reformer systems.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine performing its cooling by means of coolant and being capable of detecting a temperature of the coolant accurately is to be provided. In this engine, there is mounted a water outlet 3 provided with a temperature detecting means 9 for detecting a temperature of the coolant after cooling the engine, and with a rib 7 and an upslope surface 8 both of which are capable of guiding the coolant to a temperature detecting portion 9a of the temperature detecting means 9.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for use in a motor vehicle, the system comprising a coolant container of a liquid circulation cooling circuit and a hydraulic oil container of a hydraulic power steering assembly, in particular for use in an internal combustion engine. The system is characterized in that the coolant container is designed in one piece with the hydraulic oil container so that the system forms a uniform component. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for influencing the temperature of a hydraulic oil of a hydraulic power steering assembly with the coolant container of the liquid circulatioin cooling circuit.

Abstract: A cooling system, in which any bubble is not transferred to the water pump (coolant pumping means), and thereby the efficiency of the water pump is prevented from lowering, so that the cooling performance is enhanced, and an internal combustion engine provided with the cooling system are to be provided. The interior of a water outlet (coolant distributing means) 3 mounted on a cylinder head (internal combustion engine) 1 is divided by a partition wall 3b to form a feeding chamber 3c to feed the coolant introduced from the cylinder head 1 to the first path A provided with a radiator, and a receiving chamber 3d composing the second path B to receive the coolant returned from a heater core. Between the receiving chamber 3d and the feeding chamber 3c is formed a channel (bubble introducing portion) 3e making one of both chambers communicate with the other.

Abstract: A fan (16) draws air through a core (14) of a radiator (10) to which coolant from coolant passages in an engine (12) rejects heat. A shroud (28) having first and second parts (30, 32) in axial succession channels air that has been drawn through the core toward the fan. The first part (30) is a non-elastomeric ring, and the second part (32) has an elastomeric ring (34) having opposite axial ends, one of which telescopically fits to the non-elastomeric ring of the first part (30) and the other of which joins with a second non-elastomeric ring (36).

Abstract: A tank for a radiator has an integral connecting member between the tank and the radiator. The integral connecting member is used to connect both a filing port and a ventilation port. The filling port is utilized for adding a liquid to the radiator and the ventilation port is utilized for removing gas from the radiator.

Abstract: A housing for a power tool having a power source, includes a fuel cell chamber configured for attachment to the power source and dimensioned for operationally receiving a fuel cell in either one of a first orientation and a second orientation.

Abstract: A combustion-type power tool having a cooling arrangement for cooling a gas canister. The tool includes a housing having a gas canister accommodating section in which a gas canister is accommodated. An air passage is defined between the gas canister accommodating section and the gas canister accommodated therein. The gas canister accommodating section is formed with an air inlet port in communication with the air passage for introducing air into the air passage. Since air flows along the gas canister, the gas canister can be cooled. If the tool is provided with a fan, the rotation of the fan causes air suction passing through the air passage.

Abstract: A combustion-type power tool having a cooling arrangement for cooling a cylinder. The tool includes a housing, a cylinder head at one end of the housing, a push lever disposed at another end of the housing, and a combustion chamber frame including a base section and a head section. The head section has a disc like connecting portion extending from an end of the base section and a sleeve like abutment section extending from the connecting portion toward a cylinder head. A fan is disposed in a combustion chamber and is fixed to a rotation shaft of a motor supported to the cylinder head. The fan has fan blades. The fan blades define a widthwise center line in the axial direction of the rotation shaft. The center line is offset from the connecting portion and toward the push lever. The fan blades define widthwise edges in confrontation with the cylinder head. The widthwise edge is positioned in alignment with the connecting portion or offset therefrom toward the cylinder head.

Abstract: A combustion type power tool having a combustion chamber in which a fan is rotatably provided and an ignition plug is exposed. A combustible gas and air are mixed together by the fan, and the mixture is ignited by a spark generated at the ignition plug. As a result of combustion, gas expansion occurs to permit a piston and a driver blade to move for driving a fastener into a workpiece. A spark energy is set in a range of from 0.04 J to 0.08 J.

Abstract: A free piston engine is configured with a pair of opposed engine cylinders located on opposite sides of a fluid pumping assembly. An inner piston assembly includes a pair of inner pistons, one each operatively located in a respective one of the engine cylinders, with a push rod connected between the inner pistons. The push rod extends through an inner pumping chamber in the fluid pumping assembly and forms a fluid plunger within this chamber. An outer piston assembly includes a pair of outer pistons, one each operatively located in a respective one of the engine cylinders, with at least one pull rod connected between the outer pistons. The pull rod extends through an outer pumping chamber in the fluid pumping assembly and forms a fluid plunger within this chamber. The movement of the inner and outer piston assemblies during engine operation will cause the fluid plungers to pump fluid from a low pressure container into a high pressure chamber as a means of storing the energy output from the engine.

Abstract: A combustion engine comprising; a pair of opposed cylinder elements (2, 3) having a common axis, each cylinder element being provided with a piston (28) reciprocable between first and second locations in the cylinder element the first and second locations respectively representing compression and expansion elements of the piston stroke, each piston having a forward side and a rear side; a combustion chamber (38) for each cylinder element comprising the forward side of the piston (28) and the walls (2) of the cylinder element; combustible gas compression means (37b, 37c) for each combustion chamber; supply passage means (41) arranged to deliver combustible gas to each combustible gas compression means; an induction chamber (37a) for each piston arranged to receive compressed combustible gas from the combustible gas compression means; transfer passage means (39) for directing compressed gas from each induction chamber to the respective combustion chamber, and cam means (13) rotatable about the common axis the c

Abstract: A valve actuating link is provided for transmitting a combined movement of a drive cam on a cam shaft and a control cam on a control shaft to a valve pressing structure of an engine valve. The valve actuating link comprises a bearing portion that bears the control shaft, a hook-shaped lower portion that surrounds the cam shaft keeping a given space therebetween and a cam portion that repeatedly pushes the valve pressing structure to induce an open/close operation of the engine valve.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a variable valve timing apparatus including a driving motor between a crankshaft and a camshaft. The driving motor rotates synchronously with the camshaft when the valve timing apparatus is not in operation. A motor rotation sensor produces a motor rotation signal. When the engine rotation speed is below a reference speed, the driving motor is not energized. Under this condition, the rotation speed and the rotation direction of the engine are calculated based on the motor rotation signal in place of a crank rotation signal produced by a crank angle sensor. Further, the rotation stop position of the engine is calculated based on the motor rotation signal when the engine is stopped.

Abstract: A variable valve timing controller adjusts valve timing of an intake valve and/or an exhaust valve by varying a motor speed relative to a camshaft. When an engine is running under a predetermined condition, an actual valve timing is calculated based on a cam angle signal and crank angle signal every when the cam angle signal is inputted. A final valve timing is calculated by adding a valve timing variation amount to the actual valve timing at the time the cam angle signal is outputted. The valve timing amount is periodically calculated based on a difference between a motor speed and a rotational speed of the intake camshaft. When the engine is running under another condition, only actual valve timing at the time the cam angle signal is outputted is calculated.

Abstract: A variable valve timing control apparatus employs a five-blade vane member fixedly connected to a camshaft end and rotatably disposed in a phase-converter housing formed integral with a sprocket driven by an engine crankshaft. Five phase-retard chambers and five phase-advance chambers are defined by five blades of the vane member and the housing, for creating a phase change of the vane member relative to the housing. A circumferential width of each of a first pair of blades, located on both sides of a first blade having a maximum circumferential width, is dimensioned to be less than a circumferential width of each of a second pair of blades, circumferentially spaced apart from the first blade rather than the first pair. The circumferential width of each of the second pair of blades is dimensioned to be less than the maximum circumferential width of the first blade.

Abstract: In valve control apparatus for an internal combustion engine and its assembling method, a positioning section is interposed between a predetermined position of a housing member at which a shoe is positioned so as to be opposed against a side surface of a vane in which a lock piston is arranged and one of a front cover and a rear plate on which a lock hole is formed, to perform a housing circumferential directional positioning of the lock piston and the lock hole.

Abstract: A switchable cam follower, comprising two relatively movable, e.g., telescopable, units which can be connected via a coupling which engages over a dividing face between the units such that there is a large valve stroke. It is possible to generate no valve stroke or a small valve stroke if the coupling does not engage. At least one spring, which can be loaded compressively or torsionally, acts as a lost motion spring between the units. A compression limiting device impedes movement of the lost motion spring to the blocked position. In an incorrect switching operation in which the coupled units move undesirably toward each other and in a sudden manner under the influence of a valve spring force, movement of the spring into the “blocked” position to become seated is prevented by the limiting device.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for temporarily warming a plurality of vehicle engines includes a warm fluid circulation loop; an engine fluid circulation loop; a fluid heater; a fluid to fluid heat exchangers; a warm fluid pump; and an engine fluid pump. The warm fluid circulation loop connects the warm fluid heater to the fluid to fluid heat exchanger. The engine fluid circulation loop transfers engine fluid from engine fluid systems to the fluid to fluid heat exchanger. The fluid heater heats the fluid in the warm fluid circulation loop and the warm fluid is then circulated through the warm fluid circulation loop to the fluid to fluid heat exchanger to warm the engine fluid in the engine fluid circulation loop. The warmed engine fluid circulates through the engine fluid system warming the vehicle engine. The apparatus is configured to warm a plurality of vehicle engines at the same time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston for an internal combustion engine, which comprises two boss bores that have respective outer areas with an oval cross-section that points on one side in the direction of the piston head. The great axis of the ovality is parallel to the piston axis and the degree of ovality increases towards the outer end of the boss bores.