Abstract: A vertical translation mechanism for reconfiguring the hull form of a reconfigurable vessel having independently movably side hulls and a center hull is disclosed. The vertical translation mechanism includes a hydraulic-force actuator and a nonmetallic bearing. The hydraulic force actuator comprises a rod that is disposed within a hydraulic cylinder. Responsive to changes in hydraulic pressure in the cylinder, the rod is extended or retracted therefrom. Movement of the rod controls the vertical translation of the center hull and its rotational attitude relative to the side hulls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to watercraft, and in particular to small watercraft used in fishing, hunting and similar recreation on lakes and streams. The watercraft has a displacement hull and a pontoon attached to the hull. The pontoon has an elongated float and an arm, integral with the float and radiating therefrom, for attachment to the hull. The hull has a substantially round bottom and a gunwale and the pontoon is attached directly to the hull, proximate the gunwale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety-conscious quick-connect/quick-release apparatus for attaching a pontoon to a watercraft.

Abstract: A watercraft is disclosed, comprising a deck and a hull. where the hull is stepped intermediate a length of the hull to form an upper stepped surface. The upper stepped surface comprises sound suppressing dimples profiled to cancel an acoustical wave standing in the area adjacent the upper stepped surface. The watercraft has a longitudinally extending turning fin positioned adjacent to the upper stepped surface. The sound suppressing dimples are configured as inverted concave frusto-conical sections.

Abstract: A method for reconfiguring the hull form of a reconfigurable variable-draft vessel having a side hull and a center hull. In a method in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, ballasting and de-ballasting operations assist in the vertical translation of the center hull relative to the side hull.

Abstract: A connection device of a loop of a mooring line for a recreational craft and the like to a fastening element associated with a mooring quay is described, of the type comprising at least one pair of opposite ends intended to be joined together and firmly attached to the loop of the mooring line. Advantageously, such a connection device comprises a flexible core having a flat cross section and fitted into a cover sheath, with which it substantially constitutes a single body, the cover sheath extending along the flexible core so as to expose the substantially loop-shaped opposite ends.

Abstract: A high-speed boat includes a hull having multiple sponsons. At least one propulsion unit is disposed on the hull. The propulsion unit is moveable with respect to the boat hull adjusting a thrust vector of the propulsion unit. In another aspect, the high-speed boat may include a hull having fore and aft portions. The fore portion includes multiple sponsons. At least one moveable step is attached to one of the sponsons, dynamically adjusting that sponson's relative contact position with respect to a water surface. In another aspect, the high-speed boat may include a hull having multiple sponsons separated by a forward hull portion. The forward hull portion includes a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one adjustable dump vent is formed on the bottom surface of the forward hull portion. The dump vent includes a door moveable with respect to the dump vent for controlling a volume of air released through the dump vent.

Abstract: A bookmark is disclosed that is suitable for books with a spine binding method, such as a spiral bound log book. The bookmark consists of an elongated marking area, such as a rectangle, and an attached insertion area that is inserted into the spiral binding. The bookmark may have a large surface that would allow printing of advertisements or other important communication on the bookmark.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a micromotor (1) for an indicator device comprising a hand (4) of the type generally used in the instrument panels of motor vehicles. More specifically, the present invention concerns a micromotor (1) of this type comprising a case wherein the thickness E2 of one area is smaller than its maximum thickness E1, so as to form a free space or recess (34) open on the exterior, in particular on the bottom (2) of the case. This recess (34) can be advantageously used for arranging components (18) necessary for the operation of the instrument panel in which the micromotor is mounted, thereby saving space with respect to devices of the prior art.

Abstract: The “Flag Butler” signal/flag improves the communication between waiters/servers or attendants and the customers. The waiters/servers or attendants will not have to continually ask if each person needs assistance, which takes up time and sometimes becomes a nuisance to the customers. The waiters/servers or attendants can spend more time getting orders done efficiently. The signal/flag is easily visible in contrasting colors to its environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a zeroth-order or low-order phase delay element, in particular a phase delay element for wavelengths ?<200 nm, the phase delay element being formed from a birefringent crystalline material. In this case, an anisotropic crystal plate connected via a first connecting layer to a first carrier plate is connected to a second carrier plate on the side averted from the first carrier plate by means of a second connecting layer. The two connecting layers are sequentially removed, and an immersion liquid is respectively applied to the exposed surfaces of the anisotropic crystal plate and a support plate is mounted in each case.

Abstract: In melting and casting by a water-cooled crucible induction melting technique, a partition means is inserted on top portion of a melt, and a new raw material for is charged on an upper side of the partition means to continue the melting and casting. Therefore, the continuous casting can be kept while avoiding mixture of the melt on a lower side of with the melt on an upper side of the partition means. A partition plate or a partition plate with legs can be used as the partition means. When the present invention is applied to production of a silicon ingot used for a solar cell and the like, productivity is largely improved, which allows costs to be remarkably reduced in solar energy generation. Therefore, the present invention can widely be utilized as the method for casting a polycrystalline-silicon ingot for a solar cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides film formation systems and film formation methods. A high frequency (HF) electric power supply (11) applies a high frequency voltage to a cathode (5) which is provided, at its rear surface, with a permanent magnet (10), thereby to generate a reactive-mode plasma, and film formation by plasma polymerization is performed by the use of the generated reactive-mode plasma. The pressure of a plasma source gas in a vacuum chamber (1) is regulated, thereby to generate not a reactive-mode plasma but a metallic-mode plasma. The cathode (5) as a target is subjected to sputtering by the generated metallic-mode plasma, and film formation by magnetron sputtering is carried out.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spray gun suitable for electrostatic coating, using a coating material whose electric resistance is relatively low. A coating material nozzle (24) is attached to the front middle region of a barrel (2) having a forwardly projecting cylindrical section (36) on the front outer peripheral edge, and an air cap (40) which covers their front surfaces is installed. A pattern air flow channel (45) is formed between the air cap, coating material nozzle outer peripheral surface and the cylindrical section inner peripheral surface, and an annular electrode (13) is attached to the inside of the flow channel. The air cap is centrally provided with an atomization air spout hole (32), and a coating material delivery port (30) at the front end of the coating material nozzle is inserted therein. A pin electrode (31) is projected forward through the coating material delivery port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder diffuser nozzle (2) for an electrostatic dusting device, which is designed to be positioned at the end of an applicator gun. The inventive nozzle (2) comprises: a lateral wall (49) which defines a passage that extends from the powder conduit (8) of the gun (3), and a base (56) which seals said conduit (8) at the end thereof. In addition, a port (57) is provided in the lateral wall (49) close to the base (56) in order to connect the powder conduit (8) with the exterior of the nozzle (2). The axis (A1) of the port (57) forms a determined angle (A) with the axis (A2) of the powder conduit (8). Moreover, at least one deflector (58) is provided on the base of the nozzle (56) or on the lateral wall (49) close to said base in order to divert the jet of powder from the conduit (8) along the axis (A1) of the port (57).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for improving optical sensing of a plasma process through the use of a fiber optic sensor placed within a standard showerhead hole of a standard gas showerhead positioned in an upper electrode of a plasma system during the plasma processing of a substrate. A film property can be calculated based on the measured plasma emission from the surface of the substrate. The film property can be film deposition rate, refractive index, film thickness, etc. Based on the measured film property, the plasma processing of the substrate can be adjusted and/or terminated. In addition, a window is provided that is positioned in the upper electrode assembly for viewing the plasma emission through the standard showerhead hole.

Abstract: A system for delivering a desired mass of gas, including a chamber, a first valve controlling flow into the chamber, a second valve controlling flow out of the chamber, a pressure transducer connected to the chamber, an input device for providing a desired mass to be delivered, and a controller connected to the valves, the pressure transducer and the input device. The controller is programmed to receive the desired mass from the input device, close the second valve and open the first valve, receive chamber pressure measurements from the pressure transducer, and close the inlet valve when pressure within the chamber reaches a predetermined level. The controller is then programmed to wait a predetermined waiting period to allow the gas inside the chamber to approach a state of equilibrium, then open the outlet valve at time=t0, and close the outlet valve at time=t* when the mass of gas discharged equals the desired mass.

Abstract: A system for delivering a desired mass of gas, including a chamber, a first valve controlling flow into the chamber, a second valve controlling flow out of the chamber, a pressure transducer connected to the chamber, an input device for providing a desired mass to be delivered, and a controller connected to the valves, the pressure transducer and the input device. The controller is programmed to receive the desired mass from the input device, close the second valve and open the first valve, receive chamber pressure measurements from the pressure transducer, and close the inlet valve when pressure within the chamber reaches a predetermined level. The controller is then programmed to wait a predetermined waiting period to allow the gas inside the chamber to approach a state of equilibrium, then open the outlet valve at time=t0, and close the outlet valve at time=t* when the mass of gas discharged equals the desired mass.

Abstract: A device for selectively inserting or removing cup liners having a generally elongated cylindrical body, a front cup and a rear lip from a milking cup apparatus. The device having a frame, a force-applying device pivotally connected to the frame and a liner holding device, connected in sliding engagement to the frame. The liner holding device is configured to connect with the liner and to pull the liner through the hard milk shell cup when activated by a user.

Abstract: An animal feeder apparatus includes a food storage hopper which includes a top hopper portion and a bottom hopper portion. A food retainer assembly is attached to the bottom hopper portion, and the food retainer assembly includes a top retainer portion, a bottom retainer portion, and top-to-bottom connection means connected between the top retainer portion and the bottom retainer portion. The top retainer portion includes a top food passage channel, and the bottom retainer portion includes a bottom food passage channel. A timer-controlled food distribution assembly is attached to the bottom retainer portion in registration with the bottom food passage channel, and a stand is provided for supporting the food storage hopper, the food retainer assembly, and the timer-controlled food distribution assembly. The animal feeder apparatus of the invention can be used to attract wildlife at predetermined times that can coincide when a hunter or wildlife photographer is near.

Abstract: An automated game feeder system that features a novel lid with a preferable vent and intake tube, said intake tube adapted for connection to a mechanized feed supplier. The lid permits re-supply of feed to the game feeder without resort to ladders or the need to remove a lid to accept the feed. An alternate embodiment is disclosed featuring a game feeder with the benefits of a lid built directly into a top of a stand-alone game feeder.

Abstract: The nectar bird feeder, which has improved stabilization, includes a base with a bottom surface, a central portion, and a trough-shaped reservoir positioned about the central portion for containing nectar therein. A hanger is connected to the central portion of the base and extends upwardly therefrom. An extension stabilizing member is connected to the base and downwardly depends therefrom, such as from the bottom surface of the base. An annular-shaped cover, having a top surface and lower edges, is releasably attached to the base and co-extensive with the trough of the base with an aperture therein. The center of gravity of the feeder, with the stabilizing member, is located below the bottom surface of the base for improved stabilization thereof during filling and use of the feeder.

Abstract: There is provided a pod (1) for an animal. The pod (1) comprises a housing (2) including a floor (4) which is raised, in use, above a surface such as ground level. The floor (4) includes one or more apertures (7) for providing underfloor entry into and exit from the interior of the pod. There is also provided an external animal toilet pod (701).

Abstract: A self-cleaning litter box is disclosed which provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the self-cleaning litter box is configured to use a cartridge which may include a litter compartment and a waste compartment. In another embodiment, the cartridge may be non-compartmentalized. The cartridge may be disposable, thus eliminating the need for the user to clean the litter tray and handle heavy litter containers. In other embodiments, the system includes a rake assembly configured with a drive assembly that is protected from contamination. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the self-cleaning litter box is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter.

Abstract: A filtration device (10) for aquarium tanks comprises a body (11), divided using special baffles (12) into a set number of intercommunicating chambers (I, II, III etc . . . ) can be housed so that during the filtration process the water follows a zigzag route; it al comprises an infeed point (15) for the water to be purified, a temperature regulation unit (13) and a pump (14) enabling the recirculation of the water. The body (11) is fitted entirely inside the tank and the filtration elements (A; B; C etc . . . ) are located between at least one pump (14) and at least one infeed point (15) to enable entry of the water into the filtration system mainly from below upwards and exit of the water from above downwards.

Abstract: An animal self-grooming system incorporating a platform supporting horizontally and vertically oriented brushes or combs which is usable by an animal without human intervention is disclosed. The brushes or combs are positioned such that they support walk-by and stationary self-grooming respectively as well as massage. An animal attraction substance may be applied to the brushes or combs for animal self-grooming training. A material that promotes claw exercise may optionally be applied to the vertical and/or horizontal structural components of the disclosed device to incorporate a “scratching post” appliance within the animal self-grooming system context.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a light weight booster bath that will consist of a two-piece reinforced tub unit, removable legs, drain hose, spray nozzle, utility basket, three-piece adjustable leash system with collar and assembling hardware that will fit within the nested upper and lower portion of the tub. Optional leg stabilizers and access stairs can also be part of the package additionally fitting within the nested upper and lower portion of the tub. A unique three-piece adjustable leash system will be attached to the combined tub sections by eyebolts. When using the three-piece adjustable leash system the pet is kept centrally located within the tub and cannot move from side to side. A quick disconnect swivel snap coupler is attached to the collar so the collar can be put on the pet before moving the pet into the tub.

Abstract: A restraining device for a pet, includes a harness adapted for fastening to the pet, at least two reels each secured spaced apart from one another on the harness to form a gripping area, the reels having an elongate flexible member retractably wound therein; and the elongate flexible member including a hand-grippable portion positioned in the gripping area between the spaced apart reels, wherein the hand-grippable portion can be pulled away from the harness causing the elongate flexible member to unwind from the respective reels to yield a leash.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a luminous resilient leash. In one embodiment, the leash comprises an outer sheath formed of a resilient, substantially transparent or translucent material, and a luminous core housed within the sheath. In one embodiment, the luminous core comprises a gel medium and a phosphor powder suspended within the gel medium. In further embodiments, the invention is implemented in a luminous collar.

Abstract: A shock absorber leash incorporates grasping, attaching and elongated strap assemblies. The latter incorporates a strap subassembly, having a strap of non elastic, continuous structure for connecting the grasping and attaching assemblies, and a resilient, adjustable in length subassembly including an elastic strip having its ends attached to a cam-buckle for adjusting a length of the elastic strip. The resilient, adjustable in length subassembly is interposed laterally between the ends of a segment of the strap. The segment is provided adjacent to its ends with a first and second rings and forms a loop when the resilient, adjustable in length subassembly is not completely stretched. The latter is detachable from a remaining of the shock absorber leash by means of the cam-buckle and a free passage of the elastic strip through the first and second rings.

Abstract: A dog training and control apparatus including an elongated walking wand having a distraction end and a handle end, and at least two leash receiving guide rings, a first of which is attached to the wand proximate the handle end, and a second of which is attached to the wand along a mid portion of the length thereof, whereby a leash can be strung through the guide rings, with one end of the leash being secured to the wand, and a distal end of the leash being attachable to the collar of a dog to be trained, such that a handler gripping the wand at the handle end can use the leash to restrain the dog in a heeling position, and can use the distraction end to distract the dog should it attempt to move forward of the heeling position or focus its attention on another dog or object. A hand receiving safety loop is provided at the handle end of the wand to assist the user in holding the assembly.

Abstract: A muzzle is provided that comprises a restraining part designed to surround the mouth of an animal to prevent it from opening, and means for holding the part on the head. The part may be arranged in such a way that it opens elastically so long as it is subjected to a force less than a limit value, and it is locked if that force is exceeded.

Abstract: A dog shoe including a foot covering configured to fit a dog's foot and adapted for elastic expansion as required for placing the foot covering on the dog's foot and for maintaining the dog's foot covering in position on the dog's foot.

Abstract: A dog shoe has a durable molded sole, a flexible fabric upper, elastic members that urge opposed edges of the shoe upper together to snuggly retain the shoe over the dog's paw, and a adjustable strap that employs a hook-and-loop fastener to retain a circumferential back section of the upper snuggly around the dog's lower leg.

Abstract: An apparatus for the collection of dog faeces comprising a tube with the near end curved in order for it to be taken by the hand and with a loop, with a top which can be moved by means of a spring joined to the loop by means of a hinge system and operated by a cable from the hand end on which a bag is fitted to receive the faeces before they fall to the ground.

Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater has main and pilot burners disposed in its combustion chamber. All of the primary combustion air utilized by the main and pilot burners during firing thereof is supplied thereto via an enclosed path extending to the burners from outside of the combustion chamber. A burner clogging detection system is operative to shut down further combustion, upon sensing a condition of the pilot burner flame indicative of a predetermined degree of pilot burner clogging, prior to the main burner being clogged to an unacceptable degree by particulate matter entrained in incoming combustion air being delivered to the main burner. The pilot burner may be mounted on the main burner in a variety of locations thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus provided with heat-exchanging means comprising a housing, in which housing a tube bank is accommodated, having at both sides connecting means for the inlet and outlet of a primary medium stream and a secondary medium stream, wherein the housing comprises a wall that extends in the longitudinal direction of the tube bank wherein the wall is embodied with tubes incorporated therein or mounted thereon, through which a portion of the medium supplied to the tube bank flows.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning lance with a nozzle tube (1), on whose outlet-side end there is a discharge nozzle (2), which can be switched by means of a switching mechanism between a high-pressure position and a low-pressure position. In order to be able to perform both the foam application and also the high-pressure wash with such a cleaning lance, without requiring manual switching of the operating function on the cleaning lance itself, it is provided that the nozzle tube (1) has an air inlet (3), which can be closed with a valve (4), wherein the valve function is coupled to the switching mechanism of the discharge nozzle (2), such that the valve (4) closes the air inlet (3) when the discharge nozzle (2) switches from its low-pressure position into its high-pressure position.

Abstract: A manifold assembly for an internal combustion engine. The manifold assembly includes a manifold body and first and second housings. The manifold body includes an EGR cooler cavity, an oil cooler cavity, and an air intake manifold. The first housing is adapted to provide a fluid to the EGR and oil cooler cavities. The second housings is adapted to receive the fluid from the EGR and the oil cooler cavities.

Abstract: In a two-stroke, opposed-piston internal combustion engine with optimized cooling and no engine block, the opposed pistons are coupled to a pair of crankshafts by connecting rods that are subject to substantially tensile forces acting between the pistons and the crankshafts.

Abstract: A deactivating roller follower assembly for deactivating an associated poppet valve for an internal combustion engine includes a body including a valve end, a pivot end, and a plunger bore. The valve end of the body is configured to contact the associated poppet valve and the pivot end of the body is configured to contact a pivot of the associated internal combustion engine. The assembly further includes a pivotable arm including a hinged end and a free end. The hinged end is rotatably mounted to the valve end of the body. The free end includes a curvilinear engaging surface for transmitting a force required to activate the associated poppet valve. In addition, the assembly includes a plunger including a latching end and a piston end. The plunger is disposed in the plunger bore in the pivot end of the body. The plunger moves between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A mixture-lubricated internal combustion engine has a cylinder (2) in which a combustion chamber (3) is formed. The combustion chamber (3) is delimited by a piston (5) mounted to move back and forth. The piston (5) drives a crankshaft (7) rotatably journalled in a crankcase (4). The engine has an inlet channel (9) which supplies fuel and combustion air into the combustion chamber (3) as well as an exhaust outlet (13) from which exhaust gases flow from the combustion chamber. The intake inlet (11) and the exhaust outlet (13) are valve controlled. A flow connection is present between the crankcase (4) and the inlet channel (9). A good idle stability and a good idle acoustic of the engine are achieved in that at least one control valve (23, 33, 43, 63) is mounted in the flow connection.

Abstract: A guide rail (1, 22) for valve tappets (2) of an internal combustion engine is provided. The guide rail (1, 22) has receptacle spaces (4), which are each used for receiving one of the valve tappets (2) and in which there are flattened sections (6) interacting in a positive-fit connection with key surfaces (7) of the valve tappets (2), such that each of the valve tappets (2) is protected from rotating about its longitudinal axis, with the flattened sections (6) permitting alignment of the valve tappet (2) parallel to the flattened sections (6). Here, the guide rail (1, 22) is formed as a metal carrier (3, 25) and rotational protection elements (8, 9, 23), which are fixed on this carrier, have the flattened sections (6) which also permit alignment of the valve tappet (2) orthogonal to the flattened sections (6), in that each flattened section (6) belonging to one of the receptacle spaces (4) can be displaced relative to the metal carrier (3, 25).

Abstract: A target wheel for a camshaft phaser stamped and drawn from sheet metal stock. The hub region of the target wheel may be drawn such that it extends through the phaser cover plate and seals directly against the face of the rotor, allowing a shorter cam bolt and resulting in reduction in mass and cost of the phaser. Alternatively, a separate hub is formed and then attached to a simplified stamped and drawn target wheel, or a target wheel hub is formed integrally with the rotor and extends through the cover plate to mate with a simplified stamped and drawn target wheel. Preferably, the hub is formed having a neck extending through a central opening in the target wheel, which neck is peened over during assembly to secure the wheel to the hub.

Abstract: In the case of a valve, in particular a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine, valve lifting movements with valve displacement curves should be possible with a control unit in a mechanically simple manner, these curves being composed of a main valve displacement curve, the execution of which may be designed to be variable and at least one variable additional valve displacement curve. The phase relation between the main valve displacement curve and the additional valve displacement curve may also be variable.

Abstract: A valve train for an internal combustion engine is provided, with the valve train having a switchable rocker arm assembly (1) with a plurality of rocker arms (6, 7, 8) for activating at least one gas exchange valve (2), and also having at least one camshaft (3) with differently contoured cams (4, 5) through which different adjusting displacements can be imparted to individual rocker arms of the rocker arm assembly (1). The assembly further includes a switching device (9) for selectively activating the rocker arms for driving the gas exchange valve (2) with a varying valve lift.

Abstract: In an control apparatus and a control method for an internal combustion engine with a variable valve-characteristic mechanism that changes a valve characteristic that includes at least one of the duration and the maximum lift of an intake valve, the operating position of the mechanism is detected, and the mechanism is controlled so that a value of the valve characteristic corresponding to the operating position is equal to a target value corresponding to an engine operating state. After the target value is changed so that the intake valve opens/closes in accordance with a specific value of the valve characteristic, the operating position of the mechanism is learned as a reference position for the control of the valve characteristic. An intake-air-amount adjustment device upstream of the intake valve is controlled to offset the change in the amount of intake air caused by changing the target value when the reference position is learned.

Abstract: A device for changing the control times of gas-exchange valves in an internal combustion engine is provided, which includes a drive wheel (2) in driven connection with the crankshaft and a vane rotor (3) fixed with the camshaft. The drive wheel (2) has a hollow space, which is formed by a hollow cylindrical peripheral wall (4) and two lateral walls (5, 6), in which at least one hydraulic work chamber (9) is formed by at least two radial limit walls (7, 8), which is divided by at least one vane (11) into an A pressure chamber (12) and a B pressure chamber (13). The vane rotor (3) can be coupled mechanically with the drive wheel (2) by a separate locking element (14), that can be moved into a locked position within a receptacle (19) in the lateral walls (5) of the drive wheel (2).

Abstract: A phaser for controlling the timing between a camshaft and a timing gear having a rotor with at least one vane and a stator with at least one recess the phaser allowing limited rotational movement of the rotor with respect to the stator. The vane divides the recess into first and second pockets, wherein the introduction of a fluid into the first pocket causes the rotor to move in a first rotational direction relative to the stator, and in that the introduction of a fluid in the second pocket causes the rotor to move in the opposite rotational direction. A control ring is provided for selectively opening and closing a fluid connection between the pockets to allow fluid to flow between the pockets using the pressure difference of the fluid in each of the pockets to transport the fluid from the one to the other pocket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (1) for controlling an internal combustion engine (500), in which a calculation means (410), before a start of the engine, recognizes a possible self-ignition operating state as a function of operating parameters and ascertains suitable control parameters for preventing this possible self-ignition operating state.