Abstract: A method and a casting mold for producing an optical semiconductor module is provided, wherein a semiconductor body having at least one optically active element on its top is introduced into a leadframe. Then conductive connections are established between the semiconductor body and the leadframe, and then the leadframe and semiconductor body are encapsulated in a casting mold. Wherein provided in the part of the casting mold that faces the top of the semiconductor body are masking bodies, which extend from the top inner wall of the casting mold towards the optically active elements and cover the elements with their respective end face in a way that seals out casting material.

Abstract: A method of making a polymeric laminated wafer comprising different film materials that are softenable and formable at different softening temperatures corresponding with the film materials. Also disclosed is a laminated wafer wherein a first layer has different thermal properties than a second layer of the wafer.

Abstract: A system 1 for coating a substrate 3, in particular a transparent substrate, comprises at least one coating chamber 2, at least one pump means 5 for producing a vacuum within the coating chamber 2, and at least one sputtering cathode 9. One or more cathodes 9 are integrated within an insert 8 together with system components which undergo process-induced dirt pick-up, for example shields, covers or transport rollers 6 for conveying a substrate 3 through the process chamber 2. The insert 8 can slide, like a drawer, through a lateral opening 10 within the chamber wall 2a, into the interior of the chamber. For maintenance purposes, any components of the coating system 1 which require thorough maintenance and cleaning can be removed easily from the interior of the coating chamber 2 by means of the insert 8. The removed insert 8 can be replaced directly by an insert that has just been serviced.

Abstract: An apparatus of forming a fine pattern includes a chamber having a predetermined process space, a stage for supporting a substrate on which a photosensitive organic layer is formed, using buoyancy, a template disposed away from the stage to imprint a preprocess pattern dividing etching and non-etching regions on the organic layer of the substrate, and a driving unit for moving the stage toward the template so that the pattern formed on the template can be formed on the organic layer of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying powder coating material onto large objects such as automotive, truck or other vehicle bodies includes a powder spray booth defining a controlled area within which to apply powder coating material onto the vehicle bodies, a powder kitchen located at a remote position from the powder spray booth, and, a number of feed hoppers located proximate the booth which receive powder coating material from the powder kitchen and supply it to automatically or manually manipulated powder spray guns associated with the booth. Oversprayed powder coating material is removed from the booth interior by a powder collection and recovery system which transmits the oversprayed powder back to the powder kitchen for recirculation to the powder spray guns.

Abstract: Gas distribution systems for deposition processes and methods of using the same. A substrate support member holding a substrate is disposed in a processing chamber. A plurality of first and second gas nozzles is connected to a gas distribution ring disposed in the processing chamber. The first gas nozzles provide a first reactant gas and include at least first and second outlet apertures. The second gas nozzles provide a second reactant gas and include third outlet apertures. The first outlet aperture is larger than the second outlet aperture, such that the first gas nozzle with the first outlet aperture creates an increased gas flow adjacent to a determined portion of the substrate to increase deposition from the first reactant gas on the determined portion of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing conformal thin films by sequential self saturating chemical reactions on heated surfaces is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a movable single or dual-lid system that has a substrate holder attached to a reaction chamber lid. In other embodiments, the apparatus comprises an exhaust flow plug, a gas distribution insert, a local heater or a minibatch system. Various methods suitable for ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) are also enclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for coating the internal surfaces of a localized area or section of a workpiece is presented. Conductive structures are inserted into one or more openings of a workpiece to define the section to be coated. In some embodiments, a bias voltage is connected to a workpiece section, which functions as a cathode. A gas source and vacuum source are coupled to each conductive structure through a flow control system. The flow control system enables a first opening to function as a gas inlet and a second opening to function as a vacuum exhaust. Only the section encompassed by the conductive structures is coated. When the coating process is completed, a means for varying the conductive structures along the length is utilized to move onto the next section to be coated.

Abstract: A high density plasma chemical vapor deposition apparatus includes an upper gas supply nozzle which includes a nozzle body, a gas supply passage formed vertically in the nozzle body, a nozzle cover attached to a lower surface of the horizontal portion of the nozzle body, and a plurality of gas inlets formed through the nozzle cover to uniformly supply the processing gas towards a semiconductor wafer within the processing chamber.

Abstract: An integrated deposition system is described that is capable of vaporizing low vapor pressure liquid precursors and conveying the vapor to a processing region to fabricate advanced integrated circuits. The integrated deposition system includes a heated exhaust system, a remote plasma generator, a processing chamber, a liquid delivery system, and a computer control module that together create a commercially viable and production worthy system for depositing high capacity dielectric materials from low vapor pressure precursors.

Abstract: A gate valve (20) for a semiconductor processing system includes a housing (21) forming a plurality of passages (22A to 22D) arrayed in a first direction. The passages respectively have ports (23A to 23D) facing a first predetermined side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The ports are respectively provided with valve seats (25A to 25D) at gradually set back positions in the second direction, as being closer to a second predetermined side in the first direction. Valve plates (24A to 24D) are arrayed in the second direction to open/close the ports. The valve plates are slid by an actuating mechanism (30A to 30D).

Abstract: A coating device includes a coating material source, and at least one substrate disposed opposite to the coating material source. The substrate has a coating surface that receives coating material from the coating material source to form a film thereon. A board is disposed on the coating surface of the substrate. The height and thickness of the board and the angle between the board and the substrate determines gradually changed slope and gradually changed area of the film on the board, whereby the slope and the area can be precisely controlled during the deposition process.

Abstract: A plasma glow discharge and/or dielectric barrier discharge generating assembly (1) comprising at least one pair of substantially equidistant spaced apart electrodes (2), the spacing between the electrodes being adapted to form a plasma zone (8) upon the introduction of a process gas and enabling passage, where required, of gaseous, liquid and/or solid precursor(s) characterized in that at least one of the electrodes (2) comprises a housing (20) having an inner (5) and outer (6) wall, wherein the inner wall (5) is formed from a non-porous dielectric material, and which housing (20) substantially retains an at least substantially non-metallic electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus may include a processing chamber including a plasma generating unit arranged in an upper region thereof. A grid system, which may extract ions from plasma formed by the plasma generating unit and may accelerate the ions to have substantially uniform directivity. The grid system may be positioned below the plasma generating unit. A reflector may be arranged below the grid system and may include parallel reflecting plates for converting the ions accelerated from the grid system into neutral beams.

Abstract: A vacuum plasma generator is used for treating workpieces in a vacuum chamber. The vacuum plasma generator includes a mains connection for connection to a voltage supply network, and at least one mains rectifier. The at least one mains rectifier is connected to at least one first converter that generates at least one intermediate circuit voltage, a first RF signal generator, a second RF signal generator, and at least one 3 dB coupler. The first RF signal generator is connected to at least one intermediate circuit voltage, for generating a first signal of a basic frequency and of a first phase position. The second RF signal generator is connected to at least one intermediate circuit voltage, for generating a second signal of the basic frequency and of a second phase position. The least one 3 dB coupler couples the first and the second signal into an output signal of the generator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a butterfly emergence chamber for displaying, shipping, growing, and releasing an insect larvae, pupae, and butterfly. More specifically, the present invention is comprised of a chamber with a stand and pupae attachment member. The pupae is suspended within the chamber and is provided with adequate growth conditions to mature. The chamber contains a removable stabilizing element that supports the pupae and prevents damage during shipment. Once, the pupae has matured into a butterfly, the chamber is adapted to release the butterfly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving the hatchability of avian eggs which are vaccinated or otherwise injected in-ovo, especially in automated egg injection machines. The method injects the avian eggs during a specific period of time of between about 19 days post-fertilization to about 19 days, 8 hours, post-fertilization, and preferably between about 19 days, 4 hours, and about 19 days, 12 hours, post-fertilization. This specific time frame from in-ovo injection has been found to provide a significant increase in hatchability of eggs when compared with eggs injected at 18 days post-fertilization or after 19 days, 8 hours, post-fertilization.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing milk from a teat of an animal comprising an outer body having an opening into which the teat is insertable into a space defined by two or more resilient membranes. A pressure difference is applied between the space between the resilient membranes and a region outside the membranes to cause the membranes to ball on to the teat, thereby massaging it to extract milk. To avoid exerting excessive force on the end of the teat yet retain a useful massage pressure, the resilient membranes are under tension in a direction transverse to the direction of teat insertion before the provision of any pressure difference (before the insertion of the teat).

Abstract: The invention relates to a milking plant wherein the vibrations and sound emissions thereof are significantly reduced. In said inventive milking plant, a vacuum control valve (500) is directly connected to a vacuum compensation tank (200). The vacuum control valve (500) leads into the vacuum compensation tank (200) via a diffusor (501). The vacuum control valve (500) is enclosed in a cylindrical container (503). Preferably, the vacuum pump (110) and the vacuum compensation tank (200) are connected to each other via a main line (150) which is embodied in the form of two bent, flexible hoses. Preferably, the main line (150) leads tangentially into the vacuum compensation tank (200). The invention also relates to a method for reducing sound emissions in one such milking plant. According to said method, the flow speed of the air in the air-guiding parts (150, 200, 300, 302, 403, 420) of the milking plant is reduced.

Abstract: A method is proposed for providing at least one item of information on occupancy of a milking stall in a milking facility having at least two milking stalls, which are arranged on a movable platform, in accordance with which method a movement of an animal out of an identification area in the direction of a milking stall is detected.

Abstract: A teat locating sensor for use in farming equipment such as robotic milking machines and teat disinfection units. One or more cameras capture an image of the udder. The captured image is processed by applying an edge detector to provide an edge image. A Hough transform is applied for detecting edges using semi-circles and near vertical forms. A feature detector then matches these to provide teat ends and teat sides and thus produces a teat location map. Colour or monochrome cameras can be used and a 2D or 3D map can be generated. Filtering is described to improve the accuracy if required.

Abstract: A pair of pet waterers, a pair of pet feeders or a pet feeder and a pet waterer are disclosed that are adapted to be packaged together in a manner that reduces the amount of volume occupied by the combination compared to if they were packaged separately. The pet feeder has a feed receptacle for storing feed, which has a first end and a second end and a first tray to permit the pet to eat the feed. The first end of the feed receptacle when placed in the first tray occupies only a portion of the tray leaving the remainder for the feed. The pet waterer has a water receptacle for storing water. The receptacle has a first end and a second end and a second tray to permit the pet to drink the water. The first end of the water receptacle when placed in the second tray occupies only a portion of the tray. The second end of the feed receptacle is adapted to be received by the second tray and the second end of the water receptacle is adapted to be received by the first tray.

Abstract: A feeder assembly includes a pan member and a drop tube assembly operatively associated with the pan member for providing feed to the pan member. The pan member has a base portion and an upstanding portion. The upstanding portion has a top surface which varies in vertical height relative to the base portion of the pan member without adjusting the feeder assembly. The upstanding portion also has an outward side surface which varies in radial distance relative to a center of said pan member. The varying top and outward side surfaces may also alternatively be provided for on a rim member which surrounds and is secured to the pan member.

Abstract: A tree hoist system is provided utilizing a mast having a plurality of steps to allow the upper portion of the mast to be secured to a tree without requiring a ladder. The tree hoist system includes a cable and brake winch to lock or raise/lower an attached game feeder or gambrel. The tree hoist system can be transported, assembled, and disassembled, quickly and easily by a single person. The tree hoist blends into the environment with a minimum profile that blends with a tree to which it is attached.

Abstract: An adjustable dish holder for pets and having adjustable dish holder for pets, having a lower support stand with support arms attached to an inner telescoping leg portion, and an upper dish support portion having a hollow outer telescoping leg portion that fits over the inner telescoping leg portion and dish holding structure, which may have cylindrical or rectangular openings for the dishes. The height of a pet dish may be adjusted by moving the outer telescoping leg portion up or down with respect to the inner telescoping leg portion, and then fixing the position of the outer telescoping leg portion with respect to the position of the inner telescoping leg portion.

Abstract: A showering device for a bird includes a perch and a movable actuator disposed adjacent the perch. The showering device has sealable liquid dispenser disposed above the perch and at least one linkage mechanism connects the moveable actuator to the sealable liquid dispenser. The showering device includes a device for unsealing the liquid dispenser via the linkage mechanism allowing water to flow from the liquid dispenser due to a movement of the actuator toward the perch.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a pet litter organizer apparatus. In accordance with one embodiment, a receptacle for holding pet litter is provided. The receptacle has a base, a peripheral wall extending from the base, and an interior volume for receiving pet litter. The embodiment also includes a litter passage formed in the peripheral wall and configured to permit dispensing of pet litter from the interior volume through the litter passage. Additionally, the embodiment includes a dispensing mechanism movably coupled to the litter passage. The dispensing mechanism is adapted to regulate the flow of pet litter from the interior volume through the litter passage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a lifter box vacuum air filtration system. An apparatus includes a stack of pet furniture units including a lifter box unit including a vacuum inlet, a fan coupled to the vacuum inlet; and a lifter box air shaft coupled to the fan; and another box unit coupled to the lifter box unit, the another box unit including another air shaft. The lifter box air shaft and the another box air shaft are coupled together to align the lifter box air shaft with the another air shaft and define a ventilation conduit. A method includes operating a lifter box unit including evacuating gas from the lifter box unit through a vacuum inlet that defines an air intake that is located along substantially all of an upper, interior edge of the lifter box.

Abstract: An aquaculture hatchery for larval rearing includes a tank configured for larval rearing in water and a continuous filtration system in fluid communication with the tank. The filtration system is configured to remove ammonia from the water. A drainage system is provided for controllably draining water from the tank. A water supply system in fluid communication with the tank supplies purified water to replace drained water. An aeration system supplies pressurized air into the water containing solution of the tank for aeration and mixing. The continuous filtration system includes a pre-filter configured to prevent larvae from entering the continuous filtration system and a filter container containing biomass media and a nitrifying bacteria.

Abstract: A multi-chamber selective-exposure aquarium apparatus including: a first portion forming a first aquarium chamber having a first transparent primary wall; a second portion forming a second aquarium chamber having a second transparent primary wall; and a visual barrier device for selective exposure/non-exposure of the first and second transparent primary walls, whereby fish in each of the first and second aquarium chambers are selectively visually exposed/non-exposed to each other's presence. Fish in separate aquarium chambers are preferably male betta fish.

Abstract: A dual-purpose cap for a jar-aquarium comprising a topwall having (a) at least one ingress aperture sized to accept free unbroken water-stream passage therethrough for cap-on filling of the jar-aquarium and (b) at least one egress aperture smaller than the ingress aperture and spaced therefrom to facilitate controlled cap-on out-pouring of water, whereby jar-aquarium water may be changed without removing the cap. A series of egress apertures may be grouped together along the edge of the topwall.

Abstract: A theme jar-aquarium including: a readily-portable container having a bottom wall, a surrounding sidewall, and an open upper end; a cap removably secured to the container and having a topwall with at least one aperture; and at least one theme element non-removably secured to the interior surface. Such theme element can be integrally formed with the container. In certain desired embodiments, an exterior theme element is secured to the outer surface of the jar-aquarium. Also desirable is an embodiment having an exterior handle secured to the sidewall.

Abstract: A food treat for an animal includes a pliable elongate shape formed from an ingredient mixture and having a length and a width, wherein the length is greater than the width. The elongate strip may be rolled along its length to provide a pliable rolled elongate animal food treat. Individual lengths of the rolled elongate shape may be unrolled and detached from the pliable rolled elongate animal food treat. A method of preparing a food treat for an animal also is disclosed including, for example, the step of combining a plurality of ingredients to form an ingredient mixture, the step of processing at least a portion of the ingredient mixture into a pliable flat shape, and the step of forming the flat shape into at least one pliable roll.

Abstract: A computer-aided training and management system that uses a computer or other processor in wireless communication with an instrumented dog collar and/or optionally, one or more dog interaction devices, such as, for example, video monitors, loudspeakers, video cameras, training toys (e.g., ball, bone, moving toy, etc.), an animatronics “trainer,” a treat dispenser, a food dispensing and monitoring device, a water dispensing and monitoring device, tracking devices, a dog door, dog-monitoring doghouse, a dog-monitoring dog toilet, is described. In one embodiment, the instrumented dog collar is in two-way communication with a central computer system.

Abstract: A computer-aided training and management system that uses a computer or other processor in wireless communication with an instrumented dog collar and/or optionally, one or more dog interaction devices, such as, for example, video monitors, loudspeakers, video cameras, training toys (e.g., ball, bone, moving toy, etc.), an animatronics “trainer,” a treat dispenser, a food dispensing and monitoring device, a water dispensing and monitoring device, tracking devices, a dog door, dog-monitoring doghouse, a dog-monitoring dog toilet, is described. In one embodiment, the instrumented dog collar is in two-way communication with a central computer system.

Abstract: An animal diaper system retains a disposable absorbent pad against an animal. A cross support has a girth portion and a longitudinal portion, wherein the girth portion has attachable distal ends for securing the girth portion around the animal. The longitudinal portion extends from the girth portion and has a tail end and a front end for fitting along the underside of the animal. The longitudinal portion comprises a pad-receiving area between the tail end and the girth portion. Rear straps are adapted to pass from the tail end between the hind legs of the animal and around respective sides of the tail of the animal to attach to the girth portion at the top side of the animal. A pair of suspender straps are adapted to pass from the front end through the front legs around respective sides of the neck of the animal to attach to the girth portion at the top side of the animal.

Abstract: A tube heating assembly having a heating tube with proximate and distal end portions, a manifold insert disposed concentrically within the heating tube and likewise having proximate and distal end portions, and a pair of end caps removably secured to the proximate and distal end portions of the manifold insert and the heating tube respectively. The manifold insert includes a raised spiral thread on its surface. An electrical assembly such as a resistive path applied to the outer surface of the heating tube is used to heat the tube. The tube heating assembly may be embodied in a system and method for delivering an automotive fluid in a vehicle, wherein the tube heating assembly is installed as a heat exchanger in a fluid delivery path through which the fluid is pumped, preferably in pulses to enhance heating of the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for warming a liquid or gas. The apparatus may be suitable for the vaporization of liquefied natural gas. In order to warm the liquid or gas for vaporization for other purposes, a heating tower is used. The heating tower can include a system for drawing air through, and spraying water over, a tube bundle type heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may include the material to be heated itself, or may be part of an intermediate loop containing an intermediate heat exchange fluid. In the case of the intermediate loop, a second heat exchanger is provided which on one side receives fluid from the intermediate loop which is warmed by the heating tower, and on the other side provides heat to the material which is desired to be heated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a heat exchanger comprising at least one helically bound bundle (2) of tubes, whereof the thermally conductive wall has a flattened and oval cross-section, whereof the main axis is perpendicular to that (X-X?) of the helix, while the width of the interstice separating two adjacent turns is small and constant, said bundle being fixedly mounted inside a casing (1) fitted with a pipe for evacuating gases generated by a burner (6), means being provided for circulating cold water inside said bundle (2), said exchanger being further designed so that the hot gases pass radially through the bundle via the insterstices of the turns. Said exchanger is characterized in that the casing (1) is made of heat-resistant plastic material and means (5; 3-30) are provided for ensuring mechanical containment of the beam in the axial direction, and for damping the thrust loads resulting from the fluid internal pressure, preventing their being transmitted to the casing (1).

Abstract: The invention mainly relates to a control algorithm which makes it possible to take into account the ambient temperature in the closed-loop control of the coolant temperature to three different temperature levels. The control algorithm is embodied here as a software program and is implemented in a logic element of the engine electronics. In order to avoid oscillations and as a result of excessively frequent changing of the closed-loop setting, the control algorithm has a hold function with which the closed-loop settings are retained for a minimum time period. New closed-loop control parameters cannot be set again until after the minimum time period has expired.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for facilitating the cooling of engine coolant flowing through a radiator operatively connected to the engine of an engine-driven, electrical generator set. The engine has a crankshaft rotatable about a first axis and a radiator having a first side directed towards the engine and a second side. The apparatus includes a fan positionable on the second side of the radiator that is rotatable about a second axis generally parallel to and vertically spaced from the first axis. The apparatus includes a thermally responsive clutch having a driven portion. The clutch is movable between a first disengaged position wherein the driven portion is isolated from the crankshaft and a second engaged position wherein the driven portion rotates in unison with the crankshaft in response to a predetermined temperature. A fan drive system interconnects the driven portion of the clutch and the fan for translating rotation of the driven portion to the fan.

Abstract: The first flow-restriction vertical bead narrowing the coolant flow is provided to increase the flow speed at this portion. The coolant passage opens at the flow-in area between the exhaust ports. Thereby, the flow speed of the coolant at this area is increased, so the coolant in the coolant passage can be properly sucked due to the Venturi effect. As a result, the cooling function can be improved.

Abstract: A linear fluid engine includes a power transfer cylinder that is driven by combustion of fuel in a combustion cylinder to pressurize a power transferring fluid. Some of the power transferring fluid is used to power a subsequent compression stroke in the combustion cylinder and, optionally, the intake/exhaust valves on the cylinder. A controller controls the compression stroke and intake/exhaust valve operation based on a stored control algorithm.

Abstract: A linear fluid engine includes a power transfer cylinder that is driven by combustion of fuel in a combustion cylinder to pressurize a power transferring fluid. Some of the power transferring fluid is used to power a subsequent compression stroke in the combustion cylinder and, optionally, the intake/exhaust valves on the cylinder. A controller controls the compression stroke and intake/exhaust valve operation based on a stored control algorithm.

Abstract: A precision cast engine has a piston unit and a rotor unit to translate linear thrust from the piston unit into rotary power. Each piston rod is attached to a thrust absorber carriage running on precision bearings to eliminate piston drag on the cylinder walls. One or more drive rods extend from the carriage each into a curved groove on a power rotor to rotate it to transmit power via one or more drive shafts connected to drive components of transportation or other devices. An air intake valve on each piston provides automatic self aspirating to force combusted gasses out and draw in a controlled recharge of air for the fuel air mix.

Abstract: A valve actuator assembly includes an axially moveable valve and a ramp roller thrust drive. The ramp roller thrust drive includes at least first and second opposed thrust plates, each plate including one or more ramps. A roller is positioned between corresponding opposed plate ramps and a rotation of one of the thrust plates relative to the other thrust plate causes the plates to move axially relative to one another such that axial motion is imparted to the valve.

Abstract: A method is presented to control engine valve selection of an internal combustion engine. Electromechanical valves are selected in a manner to reduce fuel consumption and improve engine drivability.

Abstract: A valve lifter is activated selectively by one of a plurality of cams, either via displaceable rollers or via tappets having rotatable grooves on top, to provide discrete or stepwise multimode operation and deactivation. The hydraulic control is only an option since the pure mechanical control is adequate. Easy to retrofit into existing engines.

Abstract: A method and system for starting an internal combustion engine by utilizing combustion energy produced by injecting and igniting fuel in an engine cylinder under the expansion stroke, which can eliminate the necessity of precisely computing the combustion energy, can minimize an amount of energy, other than the combustion energy, supplied from a second energy supply unit, and can realize stable engine startup without causing a startup failure due to a combustion failure. At startup of the engine, energy is supplied to the engine from both a first energy supply unit performing direct injection and ignition of fuel, etc. and a second energy supply unit employing, e.g., a starter motor, thereby starting the engine. After the engine has started motion, the motion status of the engine is determined based on, e.g., the engine revolution speed, and the energy supply to the engine from the second energy supply unit is stopped based on a determination result.

Abstract: A starter motor for a motor vehicle engine includes, in combination, a first electric motor adapted to operate on direct current power supplied from a battery and a second electric motor adapted to operate on alternating current power supplied from an electrical outlet. The first electric motor and the second electric motor are connected in tandem with a common output shaft. When insufficient power is supplied from the battery to the first electric motor to start the motor vehicle engine, the second electric motor is temporarily connected to the electrical outlet and the second electric motor used to start the motor vehicle engine.