Abstract: A finely divided silica binder which is stabilized with an amino alcohol. It may be used to form a slurry for making high temperature casting shells, including a finely divided refractory material and water, providing improved stability to the slurry and other advantages.

Abstract: A powdered material, the binder phase of which consisting of a cement-based system that has the capacity following saturation with a liquid reacting with the binder phase to hydrate to a chemically bonded ceramic material. According to the invention, the powdered material exists in the form of granules of powder particles, which granules exhibit a degree of compaction above 55% and a mean size of 30-250 ?m. The invention also relates to a raw compact of the powdered material and a method in connection with the manufacturing of a ceramic material from a powdered material. The invention also relates to a device for the powdered material.

Abstract: The invention is a wire and cable management system that is an open slot contiguous with a wiring and cable cavity located within and/or along the perimeter of vertical, horizontal or angled planar surfaces such as found in commercial furniture casework, systems furniture casework, movable and static petitions and walls for the purpose of housing and/or concealing electrical communication cables and/or wiring such as electrical power wiring, telephone and data lines, television cables; and the like.

Abstract: The paper made entrainer is formed into a rectangular parallelepiped figure basically comprises a longitudinal framework, a transverse framework, a cylindrical supporting column, and a loading board. It has several advantages namely: easy to assemble and detach with low cost because the component parts are mutually engaged one another by insertion, by adjusting number of frameworks and supporting columns, the entrainer is able to carry many loads of different weight. The structure is made of paper so that the decayed entrainer is possible for recyling.

Abstract: A table extension includes an extension top having an extension underside, an extension top side, and an extension edge therebetween. A single foldable leg is mounted to the extension underside of the extension top side. A part of a connecting means for removably connecting the table extension to a table top and a part of a latching means for releasably securing the table extension to a table top are mounted to the extension underside of the extension top side. The foldable leg may have a foot with a bottom that is no wider than the rest of the foldable leg and they may be cylindrical. The male part of the connecting means may include a male bar assembly having a base attached to the extension underside at or near the extension edge of the extension top and spaced apart bars extending away from the base past the extension edge.

Abstract: A method of removing mercury or mercury-containing material from flue gas produced by a coal-burning main furnace includes feeding coal, which contains mercury or mercury-containing material, to a main furnace which produces flue gas. The method further includes feeding the coal to an auxiliary burner which produces a slipstream of flyash, feeding the slipstream of flyash from the auxiliary burner into the flue gas produced by the main furnace, and introducing a mercury-active oxidant to the coal being fed to the auxiliary burner, the combustion air fed to the auxiliary burner, and/or the flyash.

Abstract: Disc openers (14) for use with an air seeder (10) are configured for seeding and fertilizing a field (G). The opener (14b) broadly includes a coulter disc (20), a seed boot (24), and a fertilizer injector wing (26). The fertilizer injector wing (26) is configured for fixed attachment to the seed boot (24) and broadly includes a body (48), including an angled outboard portion (56), a toxic fertilizer injector (50), and a non-toxic fertilizer injector (52). The opener (14b) with the fertilizer injector wing (26) is configured to place the seed row (S) and the dedicated fertilizer band (DB) at an optimum geometric positional alignment relative to the seed row (S), in a single, low soil disturbing planting pass without disrupting the seed bed (BS). In alternative wings (300 and 400), the sufficiently safe geometric positioning is accomplished by the force of delivery of the fertilizers (N and P) coupled with an offset angle (OA) defined between a fertilizer injection axis (AF) and a seed outlet axis (AO).

Abstract: A cleat assembly comprising two wall-defining members 12, 14 between which an elongate element to be gripped can be inserted and a gate 40, 42. Each wall-defining member defines at least one ridge 30, 32 for gripping an elongate element. The gate 40, 42 controls entry of elongate element between the ridges. The gate is movable to a condition in which an elongate element is permitted to enter between the ridges by a pressing force applied via the elongate element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic system for taking up and handling a connecting towrope between a tugboat and a towed vessel. The inventive system comprises a fastening carriage which moves on guides around the deck of the tugboat. Once the towrope has been launched from the vessel to be towed, the aforementioned carriage moves along the guide until the built-in sensor detects the presence of the towrope at the upper part of the gunwale. The above-mentioned fastening carriage comprises a clamp and the tow cable or rope of the tugboat is fixed therein. According to the invention, when the system detects that the towrope has been inserted in the clamp, said clamp is closed and the carriage is released, the tugboat rope remaining connected to the towrope of the vessel. Once the aforementioned operation has been performed, the fastening carriage returns to the rest position thereof.

Abstract: There is disclosed a buoy for building a floating platform. The buoy includes a plurality of wave-like sides each for engagement with one of the wave-like sides of another buoy, four lugs each between two of the wave-like sides in order to receive a pin, a top and a rough bottom for dissipating impacts from waves.

Abstract: An anchor bra provides an easily removable and replaceable cover over a protruding boat anchor, thereby protecting other boats and people from damage by an exposed anchor. The anchor bra is preferably formed of a buoyant and pliable marine grade plastic that covers a boat's anchor when it is raised. The anchor bra is secured in place by adjustable straps that are fastened to the boat's gunwale or railing. The anchor bra is made in various sizes to accommodate various anchor shapes and sizes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an accessory platform assembly for attachment to kayak. The assembly comprises attachment means for attaching the assembly to the deck of a kayak, a frame attached to the attachment means, the frame holding a platform and allowing the platform to be moved from a closed position to an open position whereby in the open position the deck of the kayak lying below the platform in the closed position is exposed. The assembly optionally includes an outrigger assembly comprising parallel arms attached at one end to the attachment means and having an outrigger floatation device attached to an opposite end of the arms spaced away from the kayak to provide increased stability to the kayak.

Abstract: A personal watercraft (PWC) is disclosed that is convertible between a stand-up type watercraft, and at least one of a straddle-type watercraft, a sit-down type watercraft or a kart-type position watercraft. The PWC includes a hull supporting a power source, and a deck, the deck supporting a steering handle support assembly. A kart-type seat assembly is removably supported by the deck, such that the seat assembly can be selectively removed by the user so that the personal watercraft can be operated with and without the kart-type seat assembly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the lifting and extension of objects, including the lifting and elevating objects such as boats, and the extension and support of protective covers such as awnings and the like.

Abstract: A borate-based crystal excellent in uniformity and reliability, which is useful as an optical wavelength conversion device, etc., and can be easily produced at low cost in a short period of time, by the steps of dissolving water-soluble starting materials in water to prepare an aqueous solution, evaporating water in the aqueous solution followed by sintering or evaporating the water and not sintering, thereby forming a crystal growth material, and melting the resultant material to grow a crystal. Further, a highly reliable laser oscillation apparatus can be achieved by using this crystal as an optical wavelength conversion device.

Abstract: Provided is an organic light emitting display, in which a semiconductor circuit unit of 2T-1C structure including a switching transistor and a driving transistor formed of single crystalline silicon is formed on a plastic substrate. A method of fabricating the single crystalline silicon includes: growing a single crystalline silicon layer to a predetermined thickness on a crystal growth plate; depositing a buffer layer on the single crystalline silicon layer; forming a partition layer at a predetermined depth in the single crystalline silicon layer by, e.g., implanting hydrogen ions in the single crystalline silicon layer from an upper portion of an insulating layer; attaching a substrate to the buffer layer; and releasing the partition layer of the single crystalline silicon layer by heating the partition layer from the crystal growth plate to obtain a single crystalline silicon layer of a predetermined thickness on the substrate.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in a method of producing a high quality bulk single crystal of silicon carbide in a seeded sublimation system. The improvement includes etching the front face on each of a first and second SiC seed to a depth of greater than about 20 ?m while protecting the opposite or back face on each of the first and second SiC seeds. Protection of the front faces occurs by placing the faces sufficiently close to one another to shield the back faces from being etched during etching of the respective unprotected front faces. Separation of the first and second SiC seeds occurs after the etching of the front faces is complete.

Abstract: An apparatus causes a substrate to rotate and supplies a treatment liquid to a substrate surface to make a treatment, without concern that a mixed substance is eluted from a cup in the use for a long time, or a thin film comes off from an inside wall surface to be contamination-causing substances even if the cup made of a water-repellent material for collecting a treatment liquid becomes hydrophilic. A cup 16 disposed to surround the sides and underside of a substrate W rotating while being held by a spin chuck 10, and serving to collect a treatment liquid diffused from the substrate to the surroundings, is made of a plastic material. Further, an inside wall surface of an upper-side cup part 24 of the cup 16, being a portion on which the treatment liquid having been diffused from the substrate impinges, is roughened to be a hydrophilic surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating an outer peripheral surface of a pillar structure 1 comprising a smoothing means, and a nozzle 12b having an opening 12c for supplying a coating material; the opening 12c being disposed nearly at the same position as that of the upper end portion 1e of the structure 1 in nearly vertical direction of the structure when being held for coating, and having a length of the longer direction shorter than the length between the both ends of the structure 1. The coating material is supplied from a nozzle 12b to the outer peripheral surface 1a of the structure and coating it on the outer peripheral surface 1a while smoothing the coating surface by a smoothing means 10. The coated surface of the structure is protected from cracking during drying after coating and it is free from defects. A coating method using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a foamed composition to a traveling substrate that has a tendency to be dimensionally unstable. A pair of closely spaced driven guide rollers guides a traveling substrate with sufficient roller engagement and controlled tension to minimize dimensional distortion. A foam applicator with a substrate engaging foam dispensing nozzle face is positioned within the space between the rollers to deflect the substrate inwardly between the rollers. The face extends in close proximity to the rollers to minimize the free extent of travel of the substrate between the rollers and the nozzle face. Two pairs of guide rollers and two nozzles may be arranged for applying foamed composition to the opposite sides of the traveling substrate.

Abstract: A robot includes a body structure on which a robot arm having an end effector is rotatably supported. The body structure has a stationary base unit fixedly installed and a movable unit rotatably supported on the stationary base unit to turn about an axis of rotation. The stationary base unit includes a stationary-side guide part having a stationary-side internal space in which a flexible, elongate member connected to the robot arm or the end effector is extended loosely along the axis of rotation. The stationary-side guide part opens upstream in an elongate member inserting direction. The movable unit includes a movable-side guide part having a movable-side internal space in which the elongate member is extended loosely along the axis of rotation. The movable-side guide part opens downstream in an elongate member inserting direction. The stationary-side and the movable-side internal spaces communicate with each other.

Abstract: A method of adhesion inhibiting generation of bubbles is provided. Heating, evacuation and centrifugal degassing are performed on an adhesive 37 disposed in an adhesive container 30 to semi-harden the adhesive 37, then a semi-hardened adhesive is discharged as disposed in the adhesive container 30 to mount a chip. Removal of bubbles is efficiently performed since semi-hardening and degassing are simultaneously performed. Further, no defective product is produced even if a working process is stopped since no process for semi-hardening a discharged adhesive exists.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a composite structure body is provided which forms structure body having the constitution in which the crystals of more than one type of brittle material are dispersed and having novel properties without involving a heating/sintering process. The apparatus includes an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol. The aerosol is generated through dispersing fine particles of more than one type of brittle material, or dispersing composite fine particles, in a gas. The apparatus also includes a nozzle configured to spray the aerosol, a classifier configured to classify the brittle material fine particles in the aerosol, and a disintegrating machine for disintegrating agglomerations of the brittle material fine particles in the aerosol. The composite structure body is manufactured in reduced pressure conditions by bombarding a substrate with the aerosol at a high velocity, whereby at least one of crystals and microstructures of said brittle materials are dispersed.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for dispensing coating material through multiple dispensing devices. The apparatus includes a first pressure sensor which senses the pressure of a stream at a common point in a flow circuit and a number of second pressure sensors. Each of the second pressure sensors senses flow through a respective channel in the flow circuit. The apparatus further includes a controller for controlling the flows of the streams in the respective channels based upon the combined inputs of the first pressure sensor and second pressure sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber provides uniform heat distribution, uniform distribution of process chemicals in the CVD chamber, and minimization of by-product and condensate residue in the chamber. The improvements include a processing chamber comprising a chamber body, a base, and a chamber lid defining a processing region, a substrate support disposed in the processing region, a gas delivery system mounted on a chamber lid, the gas delivery system comprising an adapter ring and two blocker plates that define a gas mixing region, and a face plate fastened to the adapter ring, an exhaust system mounted at the base, a heating element positioned to heat the adapter ring; and a heating element positioned to heat a portion of the exhaust system.

Abstract: A vacuum treatment system (1) for treating workpieces has a treatment chamber (10) that can be evacuated and in which a low-volt arc-discharge device is placed, with at least one locking loading/unloading aperture and at least one coating source placed on one side wall of the treatment chamber. It also has a device for producing a magnetic field to create a remote magnetic field and at least one workpiece holder to hold workpieces. A target-shutter arrangement (8, 8?) is designed so that when uncovered, the distance between the shutter (8) and the target (12) is less than 35 mm, thus allowing ignition and operation of a magnetron or cathode spark discharge behind the target, but preventing ignition of auxiliary plasma when the target (8) is turned off.

Abstract: Described is a method for manufacturing wafers and a manufacturing system in which the footprint is substantially contained in a size approximating the processing chambers. Single wafers move horizontally through the system and processing occurs simultaneously in groups of processing chambers. Various manufacturing processes employed in making semiconductor wafers are included as processing chambers in the system.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a chemical precursor material formed into a pellet-shaped structure. The chemical precursor pellet may be used in a chemical vapor deposition process or in an atomic layer deposition process. A method of making the chemical precursor pellets comprises introducing the chemical precursor material into a pellet-shaped mold, compressing the chemical precursor material within the mold into a chemical precursor pellet, and removing the chemical precursor pellet from the mold. Another method for making the chemical precursor pellets comprises introducing a chemical precursor material into a pellet-shaped mold, liquefying at least a portion of the chemical precursor material within the mold, solidifying the liquefied chemical precursor material within the mold to form a chemical precursor pellet, and removing the chemical precursor pellet from the mold.

Abstract: An ion implanter includes a wafer pad for supporting wafer thereon. The wafer pad is covered by a wafer coating having at least two layers with each layer composed of a different coating material. The top layer may be PTFE, PFA, FEP, or TEFLON polymer layer. The bottom layer may be a layer that is composed of a soft material with a low duometer reading or a vulcanized elastormer layer, or a silicon layer serving the function as a cushion layer. In general, the top layer is a protective layer that has a friction coefficient less than 0.6 and having a roughness less than 0.4 micron when operated in the implanter for loading and unloading the wafer from the wafer pad.

Abstract: Wafer guide for MOCVD equipment that reduces influence from III-nitride deposits. A wafer support (15) includes one or more first sections (15a), and a second section (15b) surrounding the first sections (15a). Each first section (15a) includes a surface for supporting wafers (19) on which nitride semiconductor is deposited. In MOCVD tools (11) and (13), a wafer guide (17) is provided on the wafer-support (15) second section (15b). The wafer guide (17) is furnished with a protector (17a) for covering the second section (15b), and one or more openings (17b) for receiving the wafers (19) on the first sections (15a). The protector (17a) has lateral surfaces (17c) defining the openings (17b) and guiding the wafers (19), and receives a wafer (19) in each opening (17b). A wafer (19) is loaded onto the support surface of each wafer-support (15) first section (15a) exposed in that opening (17b).

Abstract: Methods an apparatus for accurately and reliably positioning a device within an egg are provided. An opening is formed within a portion of the shell of an egg and a device is extended through the opening. The device includes a needle having a lumen containing a fluid under pressure. Fluid pressure is monitored and, in response to detecting a change in pressure of the fluid, movement of the device is stopped. Alternatively, fluid flow is monitored and, in response to detecting fluid flow from the needle, movement of the device is stopped. The device may be a substance delivery device that is configured to deliver a substance into the subgerminal cavity of the egg. The device may be a substance removal device that is configured remove a substance from an egg.

Abstract: A new post and squirrel barrier for bird feeders is disclosed with a post, a shroud assembly, and an ornamental plaque, where the shroud has an inverse tapered exterior and it is also suspended and allowed to have a defined range of motion in response to an attempt by a squirrel (or other animal) to climb the bird feeder post. The invention also includes a integrated auger for enhanced installation of the post into the ground.

Abstract: A litter box containment system is disclosed. The system provides an extension or enclosure that adapts to an existing litter box, and increases the height of the sides, serving to keep in animal waste and litter. The system also provides for multiple possible entrances that provide easy access for an animal, while still providing extended protection against escaping animal waste and litter.

Abstract: An animal litter mixture comprising pine wood and silica gel is provided. The pinewood is preferably a sawdust form, although the pinewood may be in the form of fine shavings or compressed pellets. The silica gel may have one porosity or a mixture of porosity. In one embodiment of the animal litter mixture, the silica gel may be an indicator gel that changes colors when the silica is saturated with water.

Abstract: The application is directed to an aquatic egg collection research system. The egg collection includes stepped racks that hold a plurality of tanks in a stepped configuration. A stepped fluid conduit assembly and stepped drain respectively supply water to the tanks and collect water flowing out from the tanks. A barrier partitions the tanks enabling eggs to fall through but prevents the adult fish from scavenging the eggs. Nets are placed by a user in strategic areas for trapping eggs from the water flowing out from the tanks. In some embodiments, the tanks are totally opaque, internally lighted, and have an electronic timer for controlling the internal lighting in the tanks. The eggs can be studied with various microscopic slides customized for the research.

Abstract: A containment pen for finfish aquaculture, comprising a supporting structure, a net attached to the supporting structure and defining a containment volume for containing finfish, wherein the net comprises a plurality of removable net panels, wherein each of the removable net panels comprises a discrete piece of flexible netting attached along its perimeter to one or more substantially rigid members, and wherein the removable net panels are configured to be removable from the containment pen with the piece of flexible netting remaining attached to the substantially rigid members.

Abstract: A marine structure like a fish cage (0) for aquaculture, with a net (90) spanned by a tensegrity structure, i.e. a structure comprising compressive elements (1), and tension elements (2).

Abstract: A vivarium data management system provides for distributed terminals throughout the system for data entry and protocol review. Practical point of activity data entry and review made possible on touchscreens by tailoring the interface presented to the user closely to the user's purposes as derived from the user's role, the user's location, the function of the location, and the level of the location within the hierarchy of the vivarium structure.

Abstract: A holder for a flexible vinyl tube used to siphon water from a fish aquarium has been designed to be affixed permanently to the inside wall of a drainage container. The holder consists of a plastic pipe attached to a curved plastic plate. The inside wall of the pipe is sized and or configured to exert an appropriate and predetermined degree of pressure against the siphon tube. When inserted in the holder, the tube is held in place. When in use, lateral and downward pressure lock the tube in place vertically but also allows for the tube to be swivelled.

Abstract: A portable sampling or testing device for pharmacokinetics and physiology studies and a method for using the device in conducting tests on stationary or moving animals, or human test subjects, is disclosed. The device includes an apparatus for conducting a test on a freely moving subject, or a device which may be moved by a technician to be positioned over an immobile subject, such as a premature infant or unconscious human subject in an intensive care ward. The device is designed and sized to be mobile. In one embodiment, the device comprises a wheeled cart which may be moved by a human test subject operably connected to it. In another embodiment, the device comprises a wheeled carriage positioned above an animal which wears a sling connected to the device. The device may include an uninterruptible power supply. The method provides for sampling bodily fluids or acquiring physiological readings from the test subject.

Abstract: A portable pet care system comprises a first end or base portion having a bottom and four side walls, a second end or top portion having a cover and four side walls, and a collapsible extension portion for placement between the two end portions and having four side walls, one of which has a pet-accessible opening. When the portable pet care system is in a travel configuration, the collapsible portion is adapted to fold up and fit entirely within the first and second end portions, which are sized to fit one within the other to define a travel box. The travel box contains liners, pet litter, a scoop, and a handle. When the portable pet care system is in an in-use configuration, the end and collapsible extension portions assemble into a disposable litter box or pet carrying container.

Abstract: A liquid absorbent pad particularly useful for pet maintenance activities.

Abstract: A curry brush for grooming an animal includes a flexible, elastomeric body portion that has a socket defined therein for receiving a relatively rigid container. A plurality of flexible tines extend outwardly from the body portion. The container may be removed from the socket when desired for purposes such as refilling and/or cleaning and is preferably used to store a liquid such as shampoo. The container provides added longitudinal stiffness to the curry brush but permits a limited flexure to occur that is advantageous to a user both in gripping the curry brush and in controlling the curry brush during grooming.

Abstract: A method and device for applying germicide solutions to a cattle teat or other item in a way that reduces the amount of waste that typically accompanies this process. The present invention provides a method for cleaning a teat which comprises the steps of dipping a teat into a quantity of a preselected germicidal solution so as to coat that teat, wiping excess material from that teat and collecting the removed excess material from the teat. The present invention also provides an improved germicide applicator for use in the invented method.

Abstract: A pet bathing apparatus includes an inner casing defining a space for accommodating a pet and having a transparent door for entrance and exit of the pet, an outer casing provided outside the inner casing and spaced apart from the inner casing, and a base part including a support plate having openings and a net arranged on the support plate. A spray nozzle unit distributes water into the space and includes a plurality of fixed and rotary nozzles. A water supply unit includes a main tube coupled with a plurality of branch tubes, which are coupled with the spray nozzle unit, a water feeding pipe defining a water supply path to the main tube, and a container for supplying shampoo to the water feeding pipe. A drain unit collects and removes water, and a blowing unit provides air to the inner casing.

Abstract: The portable washing apparatus for animals has a base and an opposite lid that combine to form a container. The base has a floor and walls to store and to release water, and straps to secure temporarily a pet such as a dog. The lid fits upon the base and over a pet therein. The apparatus includes at least one pair of gloves that have a watertight connection to openings in the base and the lid. A sprayer system connected to the base allows an owner to direct water upon all parts of a pet. The lid and base contain wash water from a pet so the owner avoids a soaking and the pet can be washed indoors or outdoors.

Abstract: An animal toy having a solid core and a covering having an abrasive texture is disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the covering is made of multiple pieces which may be heat-welded at a periphery of the animal toy.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polymeric dog bone comprising an elongated central body portion having an end portion. At least one end member extends from the end portion of the central body portion. In at least one embodiment, the end member has a first surface, a second surface, a plurality of first-shaped features located on the first surface, and a plurality of second-shaped features having a different shape than the first-shaped features located on the second surface.

Abstract: An animal training system including a translator having at least one receiver and at least one transmitter. The receiver receives a first signal and the transmitter is communicatively coupled to the receiver. The transmitter transmits a second signal dependent on the first signal.

Abstract: An electronic fence system capable of guiding animals under training to return to a predetermined restricted area. The electronic fence generates electric shocks as the animals attempt to leave the predetermined restricted area and restrains the electrical shock when the animals return to the predetermined restricted area. The electronic fence includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter transmits RF signals having a plurality of control signals such that different shock levels are generated responsive to the location of the animals within the predetermined restricted area. The receiver sets a shock wave level, selectively controls the generation of the electric shock and a high-frequency beep, automatically restrains the generation of the electric shock when an escaped animal returns to the predetermined restricted area, and generates an audible alarm and turns lamps on and off to indicate the location of the animal when it escapes from the predefined restricted area.