Abstract: An effluent abatement system 200 that may be used to abate F2 gas content of effluent exhausted from a process chamber 35, such as effluent from a CVD chamber cleaning process, includes a catalytic reactor 250 to reduce the content of F2 in the effluent 100. The system may further include a prescrubber 230 to add reactive gases to the effluent 100 and/or to treat the effluent 100 prior to treatment in the catalytic reactor 250. Alternatively reactive gases can be added to the effluent 100 by a gas source 220.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a deposition apparatus for semiconductor processing. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a deposition apparatus having a reduced reaction zone volume. In some embodiments a deposition apparatus is provided with a process chamber having a raised reaction zone. Other embodiments of the present invention provide a deposition apparatus with a process chamber having a vertical baffle ring. Embodiments of the present invention provide a reduced reaction zone or volume which promotes uniform gas flow pattern and faster gas exchange.

Abstract: The treatment of wounds by means of larvae from flies is improved by virtue of the fact that the larvae are contaminated with bacteriophages.

Abstract: A colostrum collection system for efficiently collecting colostrum from an animal. The colostrum collection system includes a vacuum pump, a receiver tube fluidly connected to the vacuum pump, and a container removably attached to the receiver tube for collecting the colostrum. The receiver tube has an upper opening that receives the teat of an udder in a sealed manner. The vacuum pump creates a vacuum within the receiver tube thereby drawing the colostrum from udder of the animal. The colostrum passes through the receiver tube and enters the container for storage during the collection of additional colostrum. When the colostrum is fully collected, the container is removed from the receiver tube for storage or immediate feeding to a newborn.

Abstract: For the determination of the occupancy of a milking stall by an animal, in particular a cow, in a rotary milking parlor with a plurality of milking stalls which are disposed on a rotatable milking platform, a process is proposed in which the identification of the animal only takes place after it has entered the milking stall in which it is supposed to be milked.

Abstract: A trough is disclosed for supplying piglets with mineral supplements in the suckling period. The trough is designed to awaken the piglets' curiosity and thus make them root in the bottom of the trough, where the mineral supplements are dispensed in form of a dry powder mixture, and thus reduce spillage as compared to placing the mineral supplements on the floor of the pen. During the pre-weaning of the piglets the trough can be converted to serve as a normal trough for solid feed.

Abstract: A system for cooling water within a pet bowl includes a porous container defining a water retaining cavity therein, wherein water within the water retaining cavity passes through the porous container and wicks to an outer surface of the porous container. The portion of the water that wicks to the outer surface evaporates, thereby cooling the water within said water retaining cavity.

Abstract: Particulate absorbent materials having a size and bulk density range that is conducive to provide a litter for animals that do not bury their eliminations. Where the granular material is sufficiently large and dense to not be discharged from a bin containing the granular material. Each granule has a smooth exterior that will not hang on to the hair or hide of the animal discharging their eliminations. Furthers the granules are of sufficient size and weight to not get stuck in the footing of the animal. The preferred characteristics of the material is having a width of 6 mm-12 mm and having an aspect ratio substantially between 1-1 and 1-6 where the granular substance has a bulk density greater than 12 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: A system for transporting live aquatic animals between shipping points, said system comprising water filled tank units 300 for containing the live animals in a life supporting aquatic environment during the transport; and a refrigerated marine container 200 provided with means 240, 250, 260 for cooling, aerating and circulating the water in said tank units at least during the transport; said system further comprising docking stations 100 situated at said shipping points, said docking stations comprising docking means for receiving said refrigerated marine container 200 containing said tank units 300; and means 120, 130, 140 for providing a life supporting aquatic environment for the live aquatic animals in said tank units 300 placed in said refrigerated marine container 200 while the refrigerated marine container 200 is attached to the docking station 100.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring an animal includes a light source and an optical source. The light source, which is preferably an array of monochromatic light emitting diodes, at least partially backlights one or more of the animal's legs. The optical sensor or device, which is preferably a single dimension camera or charged-coupled device, opposes the light source and obtains an image that includes silhouettes of one or more legs of the animal. A processor, such as a computer with software and data storage, determines measurements, such as the approximate skeletal trunk length of the animal, from the silhouetted legs in the image. One or more first ultrasound transducers can be arranged to determine an approximate height of the pelvic region, and one or more second ultrasound transducers can be arranged to determine an approximate width of the pelvic region.

Abstract: An enrichment article for animals. The article generally includes a platform that is suspended from the floor of a cage or other containment. The article may be a tray having a flange for suspension from the walls of a container. The platform bottom may have an opening for animal access. This article may be truncated so that is fits in one portion of the base, or may have separate compartments to accommodate not only animals, but food and or water.

Abstract: A carrying case for small animals comprises an open top bag supported by a shoulder strap with a waist strap connected to projecting flaps extending from the opposite sides of the carrying case.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing physical therapy to animals. In one embodiment, the invention is an animal support apparatus including a base, a first vertical member attached to the base, a first horizontal support member attached to the first vertical member, a second vertical member attached to the first horizontal member, and a second horizontal member attached to the second vertical member. In another embodiment, the invention is a method for providing physical therapy to animals, including the steps of: supporting an animal above a treadmill by means of a harness connected to an artificial support member, and allowing at least one of the animal's feet to come into contact with the treadmill in such a manner that the treadmill aids the animal by exercising at least one leg of the animal. In a further embodiment, the invention is a physical therapy apparatus in combination with a treadmill.

Abstract: A treat-dispensing toy for pets. The embodiment may dispense a substance, such as a treat, when a pet interacts with the embodiment. The embodiment may include a body; an interior chamber defined within the body; a first planar surface formed within the interior chamber; an opening formed in the body and communicating with the interior chamber; wherein the interior chamber is adapted to hold the substance; and the opening is adapted to pass the substance to the interior chamber. Further, the embodiment may include a passage extending from the opening to the interior chamber, the passage at least partially defined by the first planar surface. The embodiment may also include a second planar surface formed within the interior chamber; and a second opening formed in the body and communicating with the interior chamber.

Abstract: A throw device and method of using the same is provided. Generally, the throw device is used to play fetch with an animal. The throw device has a throw object sized to fit within the mouth of the animal, and a handle coupled to the throw object with a cord. A cord retention device has a switch to release the cord coupled between the throw object and the handle.

Abstract: An edible animal chew for animals, particularly dogs, resembling a naturally occurring substantially unprocessed food source, such as a vegetable, grain, fruit, or animal, in its nutritional content and in one or more of its shape, color, or texture, and wherein the size, hardness, or flavoring of the chew may be changed to accommodate an animal with regard to, for example, the animal's type, age, or size.

Abstract: Provided is a device that includes an item of apparel for a nonhuman animal and a means for communicating a warning effective at a distance from the animal to discourage an individual from approaching the animal. Optionally, the device of claim excludes any indication that the animal is a service animal. Also provided are a kit of the device packaged with instructions for using of the device and a method for providing a warning.

Abstract: A roll-up leash which comprises a casing (1) containing a winding drum (3), pivoting around an axis (2), biased in the direction of winding. This winding drum (3) has at least one catch (5) which, when the leash (4) unwinds, automatically extends outwards towards a catch stop (8). This catch stop (8) can be moved back, by means of a manually operated button (14), out of the direction of travel of the extended catch (5). The catch (5) is positioned swivel-mounted on an end face of the winding drum (3). To turn the catch (5) there is a rotating actuator (19) revolving with the winding drum (3) but limited relative to the same and having, to synchronise the rotating actuator after passing an idle clearance of the rotating actuator relative to the winding drum (3), two stops, and with the rotating actuator featuring means to extend and retract the catch (5) in the case of rotation relative to the winding drum (3).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine with fuel injection is supplied with a portion of fuel injected at ambient temperature into a cracking reactor chamber also receiving air and, is heated by waste heat from a conventional engine component operating normally, to sustain cracking of the injected fuel so that a cracked and gasified fuel mixed with the air is output as a continuous fuel-air stream at no greater than ambient temperature to the engine intake. The fuel portion is diverted from a conventional fuel supply from a single tank or fed from an additional tank of alternative fuel. The component emitting waste heat is engine coolant or the exhaust manifold, according to fuel volatility. Alternatively, a first tubular section of the reactor with injectors can be mounted on the intake of a conventional turbocharger which supplies the heat sustaining cracking and forms, in effect, a second section of the reactor chamber.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine and method of operation employing timed injection of water into the combustion chamber for one or a combination of recapturing waste heat, cooling the engine, and lowering Nox emissions of the engine. The water injection subsequent to the power stroke of the engine employs residual heat and heat conducted from surfaces of the combustion chamber, to form steam to drive a second power stroke. The water injection can also be employed to pre-cool the combustion chamber to avoid formation of Nox gases during fuel combustion and by recapturing residual and conductive heat from the combustion chamber the engine is cooled thereby minimizing or eliminating exterior cooling system requirements.

Abstract: The snow remover has a cooling fan for directing cooling air to an engine, and an air cleaner. The air cleaner has an air intake for drawing in outside air. The cooling fan and the air intake of the air cleaner is housed within the engine cover. Cooling air is changed to warm air by the cooling of the engine body, and this warm air is guided towards the air intake of the air cleaner by a guide duct.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine relies on a liquid coolant to dissipate heat that is produced by combustion within the engine. A coolant pump, which is driven by the engine itself, circulates the coolant through passageways in the engine. The pump includes a clutch such as a magnetic particle clutch or a magnetorheological clutch, that relies on a magnetic field to control the speed at which the pump operates and the rate that it circulates the coolant, so that a variable speed ratio exists between the speed of the engine and the speed of the pump.

Abstract: A method of producing a coolable annular support for internally cooled piston rings and comprising an annular body, a cooling channel plate and respective tubular bodies or plate-shaped bodies disposed on or in openings of the plate. End portions of legs of the cooling channel plate with edge portions of the annular body via laser beams of at least one laser in a continuous wave operation, accompanied by an inert gas and metal powder as an additive, such that guiding the laser beams at least predominately onto the annular body a first weld seam is produced by partial melting or fusing of the annular body, partial melting or fusing of the cooling channel plate, and melting or fusing of applied metal powder. The path of movement of the annular support or laser beams is greater than 360°. A wall of a respective tubular body or plate-shaped body is interconnected with a rim portion of one of the openings via at least one second weld seam.

Abstract: A device for cooling the pistons of an internal combustion engine by a lubricating oil pump which supplies oil from the lubricating oil circuit to at least on the base side of each piston through at least one supply line having an outlet opening and at least one valve. The at least one valve is a check valve which does not permit oil to be supplied until after a defined pressure is achieved in the lubricating oil circuits and a control unit regulates the lubricating oil pump so as to provide variable pressure in the lubricating oil circuit as a function of engine load.

Abstract: A cylinder head (10) for an internal combustion engine has hydroformed port liners (18) positioned within selected ports, either exhaust and/or intake ports (14, 16). The hydroformed port liner (18) includes an air gap (24) for an insulation layer within the selected port (14, 16) between an outer surface (19) of the hydroformed port liner (18) and the wall of the port (14, 16). A cylinder head (12) with a predetermined port configuration has selected ports (14, 16) cast with protrusions (22). The selected ports (14,16) have a larger diameter than a standard size port diameter for that cylinder head to provide a predetermined port configuration by a preset amount based on the thickness of the hydroformed port liner (18) and a desired air gap (22). Protrusions (22) in the wall of the selected ports (14, 16) or on the insert sleeves (17) facilitate formation of the air gap during the hydroforming process.

Abstract: The invention concerns a combustion engine comprising a cylinder and a piston which is displaceably guided in the cylinder, the piston having a piston head facing a combustion chamber and being coupled to a crankshaft via a connecting rod, wherein a second piston which is displaceably guided in the cylinder is provided opposite to the piston, the second piston also having a piston head, wherein the combustion chamber is disposed between the two piston heads, and the second piston is coupled to a crankshaft via a connecting rod.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including an engine housing having a cam chamber and an aperture providing access to the cam chamber. The engine also includes an insert at least partially made from plastic received within the aperture, a crankshaft coupled to the engine housing for rotation about a crank axis, and a cam shaft defining a cam shaft axis and at least partially made from plastic that is rotatably driven by the crankshaft. The cam shaft includes first and second ends and at least one cam lobe positioned between the ends. The first end is rotatably supported by the engine housing and the second end is rotatably supported by the insert. The engine also includes a metal portion coupled to either the insert or the cam shaft. The metal portion defines a flange having a face in contact with an adjacent surface of the other of the insert and the cam shaft.

Abstract: An electromagnetically driven valve includes a valve element, a main body, a disc, and a lower electromagnet. The valve element includes a valve stem, and is reciprocated in the direction in which the valve stem extends. The main body is provided at a position distant from the valve element. The disc includes a driving end that is moved in conjunction with the valve stem, and a pivoting end that is supported by the main body such that the pivoting end can be oscillated. The disc is oscillated around a central axis that extends at the pivoting end. The lower electromagnet is disposed so as to face the disc. The lower electromagnet includes a core made of magnetic material, and a coil wound in the core. The coil is offset to a driving end side with respect to a center of the core.

Abstract: Improved actuators and valve control systems, and methods for controlling actuators and/or engine valves, are disclosed. In addition to the inherent capability of timing control, the ability to provide continuous valve lift or stroke control greatly improves engine achieve fuel economy, emission and performance. The power-off state of the actuator is at the minimum stroke, from which an easy start-up can be directly executed. The minimum stroke is also very beneficial to achieve efficient low load operation. Even with continuous lift variation, the present invention is able to keep the spring force neutral or zero point in the center of a stroke, thus maintaining an efficient scheme of energy conversion and recovery through the pendulum action. When in compression braking or other high engine cylinder air pressure working mode, the invention is able to supply necessary force to open the engine valve.

Abstract: Improved actuators and valve control systems, and methods for controlling actuators and/or engine valves, are disclosed. In addition to the inherent capability of timing control, the ability to provide continuous valve lift or stroke control greatly improves engine achieve fuel economy, emission and performance. The power-off state of the actuator is at the minimum stroke, from which an easy start-up can be directly executed. The minimum stroke is also very beneficial to achieve efficient low load operation. Even with continuous lift variation, the present invention is able to keep the spring force neutral or zero point in the center of a stroke, thus maintaining an efficient scheme of energy conversion and recovery through the pendulum action. When in compression braking or other high engine cylinder air pressure working mode, the invention is able to supply necessary force to open the engine valve.

Abstract: Improved actuators and valve control systems, and methods for controlling actuators and/or engine valves, are disclosed. In addition to the inherent capability of timing control, the ability to provide continuous valve lift or stroke control greatly improves engine achieve fuel economy, emission and performance. The power-off state of the actuator is at the minimum stroke, from which an easy start-up can be directly executed. The minimum stroke is also very beneficial to achieve efficient low load operation. Even with continuous lift variation, the present invention is able to keep the spring force neutral or zero point in the center of a stroke, thus maintaining an efficient scheme of energy conversion and recovery through the pendulum action. When in compression braking or other high engine cylinder air pressure working mode, the invention is able to supply necessary force to open the engine valve.

Abstract: A variable valve gear for internal combustion engines, having at least one camshaft and pivot lever disposed in the cylinder head, which lever contacts a valve that closes by means of spring force. An intermediate element of a transfer element is mounted in a supporting and displaceable manner, twice on the supporting body and on the pivot lever. The intermediate element engages a supporting surface disposed on the supporting body, first by way of a supporting cam segment disposed on the intermediate element, and second with the controlling cam segment of the supporting body, and third with the pivot lever, by way of an outer contour surface disposed on the intermediate element. The intermediate element indirectly contacts the cam of the camshaft, by way of a roller disposed on an oscillating crank, which is connected with the intermediate element in articulated manner.

Abstract: Valve gears for load-change valves of four-stroke internal combustion engines, in which the load-change valves are closed by spring force, engage a pivot lever moved by a cam for opening a load-change channel. The cam engages an intermediate element that it is additionally moved by the lifting curve of the cam during a different work cycle, and adjusts the pivot lever to open the load-change valve slightly during a different work cycle. The intermediate element is prismatically guided on an element that can pivot in the cylinder head and is adjustable in its position, and engages the cam and the pivot lever, so that the stroke movement of the cam for opening the load-change valve via the pivot lever can be adjusted.

Abstract: A rocker arm is adapted for use with an engine including a push rod, a valve unit and a pivot ball disposed on a supporting frame. The rocker arm is connected pivotally to the supporting frame, and includes a main plate having a central opening defined by an upper edge, a horizontal lower edge disposed under the upper edge, and two curved lateral edges interconnecting the upper and lower edges. The lower edge has an intermediate portion formed with an outwardly flared recess that defines an upwardly facing socket engaging the pivot ball. A first arm plate is connected integrally to a lateral side of the main plate and is driven by the push rod. A second arm plate is connected integrally to an opposite lateral side of the main plate and operates the valve unit.

Abstract: A cam follower includes a roller on which a cam rolls. A material ratio Rmr (C) (C: a section level %) of an radially outer surface of the roller is set to relations of 0 %<Rmr (10%)?10 %, a Kurtosis Rku of a roughness profile of the outer surface is set to 4?Rku?10, an arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the outer surface is set to 0<Ra?0.15, and a compression stress S of the outer surface is set to 800 MPa?S?1,100 MPa.

Abstract: A manifold gasket assembly includes a steel carrier fabricated with a plurality of air intake openings. Rubber material is molded to the carrier body to provide a seal about the openings when the gasket assembly is clamped between a cylinder head and intake manifold. Pushrod guides are provided on the carrier body and are fabricated of a material different than that of the carrier body, namely the same material as that used to form the elastomeric sealing beads.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a remote starting system for an engine-driven pump are provided. The system includes a remote starter controller communicatively coupled to the engine-driven pump, and configured to transmit an engine start signal to the engine wherein the remote starter controller is positioned remotely from the engine-driven pump. The system includes an engine start sensor communicatively coupled to the engine and configured to determine whether the engine started in response to the engine start signal, and an engine start indicator configured to indicate to a user that the engine has started in response to the engine start signal.

Abstract: An auxiliary power unit automatic start-up system is configured to assist a main engine start of a machine. The auxiliary power unit automatic start-up system may include an auxiliary power unit and a controller. The controller may monitor a parameter of the machine, automatically start the auxiliary power unit if the parameter is outside a first predetermined range, and bring the parameter within a second predetermined range using the auxiliary power unit.

Abstract: An expandable manifold comprises an expansion chamber defined by a resilient surface. Intake is provided by a conduit extending into the chamber. As reverse impulses resulting from the closing of an intake valve enter the expansion chamber from the output end of the chamber, the volume of the chamber increases as the resilient surface expands. The reverse impulses propagate along the inner surface of the resilient surface toward a void defined by the outer surface of the conduct and the inner surface of the resilient surface. When the intake valve reopens, the reverse impulse flow is redirected and combined with intake flow from the source of fuel/air. The reverse impulses are redirected within and proximate the void. Energy associated with the reverse flow is redirected and combined with the forward flow to improve overall engine performance.

Abstract: A gasket (18) for a valve (12) of an internal combustion engine (1) includes a supporting element (26) having a tubular conformation according to an axis (B), and an elastically deformable element (25) adapted to be arranged between the valve (12) and the supporting element (26). The supporting element (26) includes a first portion (42) extending transversally to the axis (B) and adapted to receive an action with component parallel to the axis (B) itself to facilitate the assembly of the gasket (18) on the valve (12), and a second portion (41) elongated towards the axis (B) from the first portion (42) and in turn including at least one segment (45) having an increasing radial dimension towards the first portion (42) itself (46) so as to reduce the volume of the elastically deformable element (25).

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides an internal combustion engine including an engine housing having a crankcase defining a crank chamber adapted to contain a lubricant. The engine also includes a crankshaft coupled to the engine housing for rotation about a crank axis, the crankshaft disposed within the crank chamber, and a counterweight disposed on the crankshaft for rotation with the crankshaft about the crank axis. The engine further includes a splasher disposed on the crankshaft for rotation with the crankshaft about the crank axis. The splasher is adapted to direct the lubricant in a radial direction away from the crank axis and in an axial direction substantially parallel to the crank axis during rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A crankshaft for a V-type six-cylinder engine is equipped with first through sixth crankpins, first through fourth crank journals, and first through ninth arms for connecting the crank pins and the crank journals to each other. Of the first through ninth arms, the third arm and the seventh arm respectively have surplus weight portions (inclusive of counterweights) whose centers of gravity are situated respectively in a direction substantially opposite the first crank pin and the sixth crank pin.

Abstract: A member for controlling airflow to an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the member having a throttled body, which has a throttle valve for regulating airflow to the engine on command, and is designed to house an electronic central control unit, which in turn has an engine control module for performing a number of main engine control functions, and a security system control module which receives a control signal containing an identity code of a user of the motor vehicle, determines whether or not the identity code conforms with a predetermined authorization condition, and accordingly commands enabling or disabling of ignition of the engine of the motor vehicle by the engine control module.

Abstract: A balanced rotary cycling machine suitable for use as an internal combustion engine, compressed gas or steam engine, compressor or pump is disclosed herein. The rotor assembly consists of four articulating pistons where the opposite pistons are inter-linked with each other by pivoted rods comprising a parallelogram mechanism and therefore eliminating a need for pivots between pistons. The rotor assembly rotates inside or outside of a circular or non-circular stator depending on the configuration chosen. A variety of mechanisms for shape deformation of four piston assembly during its rotating cycle is also disclosed herein, as well as detailed descriptions of preferred embodiments, including a four cycle internal combustion engine with circular stator, marine engine with polymer parts and a four cycle automobile rotary engine with conventional oil pan. In addition, a method of operation of external rotary combustion engine, employing a high-pressure compressor and an external combustion chamber, is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for providing pilot fuel for a pilot ignition system of an internal combustion engine having one or more cylinders and having a lubrication system. A portion of the lubricating oil is diverted from the lubricating system. During the pilot ignition phase of the engine combustion cycle, the diverted lubricating oil is injected into the one or more cylinders.

Abstract: In a method of operating a spark ignition internal combustion engine with direct fuel injection wherein combustion air is supplied to a combustion chamber, fuel is injected into the combustion air during an intake stroke via a fuel injector in a pilot injection using a first fuel quantity so as to from a homogeneous lean air/fuel mixture in substantially the entire combustion chamber, in a main injection subsequently a second fuel quantity is injected in multiple injection steps just before ignition time so as to form a stratified rich air/fuel mixture in the area of a spark plug and the stratified fuel charge is then ignited 2° CA to 10° CA after completion of the injection of the main stratified injection.

Abstract: In a method relating to an engine with n cylinders, fuel is injected in a predetermined order into the cylinders in a manner which is synchronized with the position of the pistons of the engine. The method includes the following steps after start-up: injection into m cylinders in a predetermined order of injection; measurement of engine speed and/or acceleration; continuation of injection in a predetermined order of injection if engine speed and/or acceleration exceed(s) a predetermined threshold; continuation of injection with a delay in the event of the contrary. The method can be used with respect to the start-up of a direct injection engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a direct-injection internal combustion engine that is operated in a first operating range associated with the low part load, with largely homogeneous combustion of the mixture and subsequent injection. Said internal combustion engine is operated in a second operating range associated with the middle part load, with low-temperature combustion of the mixture. In this way, minimum nitrogen oxide and soot emissions and a high degree of efficiency can be achieved both in the lower part load region and up to the full load region.

Abstract: There is provided a combustion control system for a direct-injection spark-ignition internal combustion engine, including a fuel injection valve that injects fuel directly into a cylinder of the engine to form an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber of the engine cylinder, a spark plug that ignites the air-fuel mixture, and a control unit that performs combustion retard control to set an ignition timing of the spark plug at a point after compression top dead center and set an injection period of the fuel injection valve at a time after compression top dead center and before the ignition timing in such a manner that a time interval from a start point of the injection period to the ignition timing increases with decrease in a temperature in the engine cylinder at a cold start of the engine.

Abstract: It is determined whether there is a fuel-injection history when the engine is started under very low temperature conditions. If there is the fuel-injection history, a current number of times cutting off ignition is to be performed is calculated, using a requested number of times of cutting off of ignition, and a recorded number of times of fuel injection in the fuel-injection history during cutting off ignition that was performed when it was attempted to start the engine last time. Cutting off ignition is performed based on the calculated value.