Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing coloured carrier particles (substrates), which comprises a) dispersing the carrier particles in a solution of a colorant or latent pigment, adding the carrier particles to a solution of a colorant or latent pigment, or adding a latent pigment or a colorant to a dispersion of the carrier particles, b) precipitating the colorant or latent pigment onto the carrier particles, and c) in the case of a latent pigment, subsequently converting it to the pigment, and to the coloured substrates obtainable by such a method, and also to the use thereof. Using the methods according to the invention it is possible to obtain colorations and coloured substrates that have surprisingly good light-fastness properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to iron oxide pigments comprising an average solid body diameter of 0.1 to 500 ?m, and to the production and use thereof.

Abstract: A method of treating fly ash and fly ash treated thereby, the method involving contacting ammonia-laden fly ash with an organic base-containing treatment composition, where the organic base causes the ammonia within the fly ash to evolve from the fly ash. The treatment composition preferably includes an effective amount of one or more amines. The treatment compound may be applied to the fly ash in any manner effective to disperse the treatment compound among the fly ash.

Abstract: A sealant having a specific gravity in the range of from about 0.7 to about 1.6 for heavy oil and/or coal bed methane fields is disclosed. The sealant has a binder including an oxide or hydroxide of Al or of Fe and a phosphoric acid solution. The binder may have MgO or an oxide of Fe and/or an acid phosphate. The binder is present from about 20 to about 50% by weight of the sealant with a lightweight additive present in the range of from about 1 to about 10% by weight of said sealant, a filler, and water sufficient to provide chemically bound water present in the range of from about 9 to about 36% by weight of the sealant when set. A porous ceramic is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for wellbore treating fluids, especially cementitious compositions that include interground cement clinker and zeolite, with and without gypsum.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for wellbore treating fluids, especially cementitious compositions that include interground cement clinker and zeolite, with and without gypsum.

Abstract: The invention is a composition of an architectural papier-mâché, and articles made therewith. Articles formed from using the architectural papier-mâché have excellent weather resistance, and can be used outdoors, as well as indoors. The composition is comprised of cellulose insulation and a joint compound. Cellulose insulation is a paper-based material, like newsprint or phonebook paper that is shredded and chemically treated with boric acid, which imparts resistance to mold, mildew, fungus, insects, moisture and flammable combustion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a table including a panel, a buffer and a metal frame. The panel is used for bearing articles. The buffer is put beneath the panel. The buffer is elastic in order to absorb impacts from the panel. The metal frame is put around the panel and the buffer in order to secure the buffer to the panel.

Abstract: A deck, e.g., a metal deck, is bonded to the molded plastic frame of a pallet in sealing engagement, e.g., by one or more means including a coating on the deck, which is melted to adhere the deck to the frame, an adhesive provided within a recess of the frame, and injection molding aspects configured to bond the deck to the frame.

Abstract: An organizing unit for a locker including a collapsible box portion having first, second, third and fourth sides, a middle panel, and a releasable connection between opposite edges of the middle panel and the second and fourth sides. The first and third sides are substantially rigid and opposite one another, with the second side pivotally connected to one edge of the first side and to one edge of the third side and the fourth side pivotally connected to the opposite edge of the first side and to the opposite edge of the third side. The second and fourth sides each include a central hinge between their pivotal connections with the first and third sides. The connection secures the middle panel at right angles to both the second and fourth sides, and includes flanges along the middle panel opposite edges and a channel defined at each of the central hinges. The flanges are slidably receivable in the channel of the side connected thereto.

Abstract: A table cover comprising a table top covering portion having a planar unitary body and a perimeter thereabout; and a cinching mechanism attached to the perimeter of the table top covering portion in an expanded state for providing a table cover which molds around a table top upon retraction of the cinching mechanism.

Abstract: A device in shelf stands with several shelves 3 with sloping storage trays 4 which are extendable on a holder arm 5 in order to facilitate replenishing and removing goods stored in the trays. The trays 4 secured in the retracted position by means of a locking device which is operated from the front side of the trays. The locking device comprises a leaf-shaped locking hook 9, 15 which when the tray is extended moves in a channel 10, 16 arranged in the upper or under side of the tray. At the arid facing the back side of the tray the locking hook is connected to a pivot 13, 13a in the holder 5 and at the other end, when the tray 4 is retracted to its position of application extends from the channel 10, 16 with a hook-shaped part 14, 19 which is arranged to cooperate with a locking plate 12, 18 on the front edge of the tray which engages the hook-shaped part 14, 19 of the locking hook 9, 15.

Abstract: A pivotable folding utility table includes a table top having a pair of support pedestals pivotally attached thereto. A first pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support brace including a distal end and a proximal end attached to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces pivotally attached to a retaining assembly preferably mounted in relation to the table top. Specifically, the retaining assembly includes a cross-brace member operably disposed through openings formed in the distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces, thus providing a pivotal engagement in relation to the table top.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for burning material having a primary burner in the form of an elongated cylinder, the ends of the cylinder closed with stationary end walls. The cylinder is rotated about its longitudinal axis which is horizontal. A ram material inlet is provided in one end wall for compressing and feeding material into the cylinder. An air inlet conduit introduces air into the cylinder to promote burning of the material in the cylinder as the cylinder rotates. The combustion cylinder is maintained by an exhaust fan and air control valves at a pressure below atmospheric. A secondary afterburner is provided adjacent the primary burner that receives combustion gases from the primary burner. A cyclonic separator is positioned downstream of the gases burned in the afterburner. A programmable logic controller connected to air valves and sensors monitors the combustion process to sustain maximum combustion efficiency at temperatures above 1700 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A personal watercraft including a body including a hull and a deck covering the hull from above, an engine room formed in an interior of the body, an engine hood mounted over an opening that is formed on the deck to be located at an upper region of the engine room, the engine hood being configured to open and close the opening, and a tool case mounting portion mounted on a wall surface of the engine hood which faces the engine room, the tool case mounting portion being configured to hold a tool case that accommodates a tool kit for the watercraft.

Abstract: A multi-hull speedboat hull design suitable for racing craft. The apparatus is a polygonal boat hull apparatus having a bow and stern wave penetrating feature. The bow has an additional triangular section to add strength and wave penetration capability. The hull is made from triangular-shaped essentially flat panels which provides for substantially stability and strength. The invention includes a drive pod system having a plurality of propulsion units. Each engine has a pair of hydro pneumatic cylinders that adjust the angle of attack of the propulsion unit. Each engine also has a pair of synchronized rudders. A top deck mounted aircraft-type of “tail assembly” having a rudder, elevators and/or ailerons assist in maneuvering the craft.

Abstract: Improvements to a cleaning assembly include a support for a rotating object, a rotary brush, an apparatus for manoeuvring a floating vessel and an arm arrangement for cleaning a surface. Thus, an inventive cleaning assembly is provided, the cleaning assembly comprising a submersible framework, and two arms of the aforementioned arrangement pivoted to the submersible framework at the opposite end of the arm to the brush and gimbal arrangement, the arms having a substantially horizontal rest position and pivoted to allow the arms to move to move the brush to clean both sides of a floating vessel.

Abstract: An unmanned, autonomous, waterborne vehicle (500) for marine use capable of operating on and below the surface of water, said vehicle (500) including an enclosed hull (501) having a payload bay (506), a hybrid propulsion system having energy collection means (504) in the form of a wing sail (503) covered with photovoltaic cells and energy storage means (511) for utilising at least solar energy and wind energy, a plurality of sensors (508, 514) for detecting predetermined environmental parameters and a communications system (509, 515) for transmitting data from said sensors (508, 515) to and for receiving command signals from one or more remote stations and/or cooperating vehicles.

Abstract: A device for transferring a person or object across fluid or unstable surfaces such as mud, snow, ice, water or sand, has a base member for supporting the person or object and at least one inflatable structure which forms a wall around only part of the periphery of the base member.

Abstract: A system and a method for evacuating personnel from an offshore unit are described. The evacuation system comprises at least one submarine evacuation module attached to the offshore unit. A submarine evacuation module comprises a submarine for transporting personnel to be evacuated and a watertight submarine bay fixed to the offshore unit for holding the submarine, the bay having a door to permit the launch of the submarine from the bay. The evacuation module bay includes a control system, which may have hydraulic, electrical and mechanical systems, for flooding the submarine bay, for operating the door, and for decoupling a hook mechanism that couples the submarine to the submarine. The evacuation module bay may also include a roller system for cradling the submarine and guiding its movement into and out of the bay, and a sonar system for detecting obstructions near the bay door outside of the bay.

Abstract: A foldable windshield device for removable attachment to a T-top of a motorized watercraft includes: (a) a lower windshield portion including at least one lower attachment mechanism; (b) a foldable upper windshield portion including at least one detachable upper attachment mechanism; and (c) a waterproof, durable, flexible, substantially transparent hinge connecting the lower windshield portion to the upper windshield portion; wherein the upper and lower windshield portions are detachably attachable to poles of the T-top, and the upper windshield portion is detachable from the T-top and foldable over the lower windshield portion.

Abstract: A silica glass crucible includes a stable, bubble-free inner layer and an opaque outer layer, both layers demonstrating reduced bubble growth during a Czochralski process. When used in the CZ process, little volume change is observed in the crucible wall, and the crucible has little influence on melt level. The present crucible is especially suited for slow silicon ingot pulling with reduced crystalline defects. The fusion process of the present invention controls the dynamic gas balance at the fusion front where formed grain is melted to dense fused silica.

Abstract: A silica glass crucible includes a thin barium-doped inner layer, a stable, bubble-free intermediate layer, and a stable opaque outer layer. The fusion process of the present invention controls the dynamic gas balance at the fusion front where formed grain is melted to dense fused silica. The crucible demonstrates reduced bubble growth during a Czochralski process. As a result of the thin barium-doped layer and the reduced bubble growth, the inner surface of the crucible is uniformly minimally textured during a CZ process. The present crucible is especially suited for intense CZ processes for manufacturing silicon ingots used for solar cells or with silicon that is heavily doped with antimony, boron, or arsenic.

Abstract: A method for generating and isolating a high free energy form of a compound or a mixture of compounds comprises the steps of placing a sample in a capillary tube, solidifying the sample in the capillary tube, and isolating a high free energy form of the sample. A method for searching for a high free energy form of a sample comprises the steps of placing the compound or mixture in a capillary tube, generating a solid in the capillary tube, and determining whether a high free energy form of the sample was generated. The sample may be a compound or mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a strained semiconductor layer. The method comprises growing a strained first semiconductor layer, having a graded dopant profile, on a wafer, having a first lattice constant. The dopant imparts a second lattice constant to the first semiconductor layer. The method further comprises growing a strained boxed second semiconductor layer having the second lattice constant on the first semiconductor layer and growing a sacrificial third semiconductor layer having the first lattice constant on the second semiconductor layer. The method further comprises etch annealing the third and second semiconductor layer, wherein the third semiconductor layer is removed and the second semiconductor layer is relaxed.

Abstract: A method for producing a large homoepitaxial monocrystalline diamond. The method comprises placing at least two substrates in a substrate holder in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber. The substrates are positioned in such a manner that the growth faces of the substrates form a wedge. A diamond forming gas is provided adjacent to the substrates in the CVD chamber. The diamond forming gas is exposed to microwave radiation to generate a plasma. Then, the substrates are exposed to the plasma under such conditions that diamond growth occurs in the wedge between the substrates, to form a large homoepitaxial monocrystalline diamond.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an SiC single crystal wafer according to the present invention includes the steps of: (a) preparing an SiC single crystal wafer 10 with a mirror-polished surface; (b) oxidizing the surface of the SiC single crystal wafer 10 with plasma, thereby forming an oxide layer 12 on the surface of the SiC single crystal wafer; and (c) removing at least a portion of the oxide layer 12 by a reactive ion etching process. Preferably, the surface of the wafer is planarized by repeatedly performing the steps (b) and (c) a number of times.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of producing a crystalline semiconductor material capable of improving the crystallinity and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device using the crystalline semiconductor material. An amorphous film is uniformly irradiated with a pulse laser beam (energy beam) emitted from an XeCl excimer laser by 150 times so as to heat the amorphous film at such a temperature as to partially melt crystal grains having the {100} orientations with respect to the vertical direction of a substrate and melt amorphous film or crystal grains having face orientations other than the {100} orientations. Silicon crystals having the {100} orientations newly occur between a silicon oxide film and liquid-phase silicon and are bonded to each other at random, to newly form crystal grains having the {100} orientations.

Abstract: A semiconductor single crystal manufacturing apparatus capable of lowering the local deterioration of a wire under high temperature atmosphere in the furnace of a chamber, wherein a crucible (24) in which silicon melt (28) is filled is installed in the furnace of the chamber (22), a pull-chamber (23) is disposed above the chamber (22), and a seed holder (32) lifting between the inside of the pull-chamber (23) and the inside of the furnace is suspended by a wire (50) through a coupling member (31). A collar (52) is fitted to the wire (50) so that, when the seed holder (32) is positioned to touch the melt, the exposed portion of the wire (50) near the tip thereof becomes a specified temperature or below under the high temperature atmosphere in the furnace.

Abstract: In a vacuum-coating machine (1), the drive unit (6) is mounted compliantly to the chamber housing (3) by means of an elastic intermediate plate (14), such that said drive unit can follow a wobbling motion imposed by the rotary cathode (10), with the support bearing (19) of the free end of the rotary cathode (18) capable of being of a rigid design.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a liquid layer to a passing web has a lower flow surface having a lower edge juxtaposed with the web and a first reservoir having an angled downstream surface having an upper edge forming at an upper edge of the lower flow surface a first overflow. A upper flow surface extends upward from adjacent the first overflow, and a second reservoir has an angled downstream surface extending upward to an upper edge forming at an upper edge of the upper flow surface a second overflow. Respective supplies feed liquid to the reservoirs so that the liquid rises therein and flows up the respective downstream surfaces, over the respective overflows, and down the respective flow surfaces, merging on the lower flow surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a station, e.g., for IC fabrication with a flexible configuration. It consists of an array of processing chambers, which are grouped into processing modules and arranged in a two-dimensional fashion, in vertical levels and horizontal rows, and is capable of operating independent of each other. Each processing chamber can perform electroless deposition and other related processing steps sequentially on a wafer with more than one processing fluid without having to remove it from the chamber. The system is served by a single common industrial robot, which may have a random to access to all the working chambers and cells of the storage unit for transporting wafers between the wafer cassettes and inlet/outlets ports of any of the chemical processing chambers. The station occupies a service-room floor space and a clean-room floor space.

Abstract: Ultrasound methods and apparatus for mixing two or more different liquids are disclosed. The ultrasound methods and apparatus may mix varied components including drugs, polymers, and coatings for application to a variety of medical apparatus surfaces. The apparatus and technique can generate a proper mixture which is uninterruptedly/continuously delivered to the surface of the medical apparatus. The apparatus may include specific ultrasound transducer/tip configurations which may allow for the mixing of different liquids in a mixing camera located inside of the vibrating tip. The apparatus and methods of the present invention may mix different drugs, applying them to stent surface using different effects like ultrasound cavitation and radiation forces. Furthermore, the disclosed methods and apparatus may generate a mixture and may deliver a targeted, gentle, highly controllable dispensation of continuous liquid spray which can reduce the loss of expensive pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A system for applying a treatment liquid to a passing web has two applicators spaced apart in a travel direction of the web and extending over a width of the web. Each applicator has a flow surface having a lower edge juxtaposed with the web and extending a width of the web and a reservoir extending the width of the web and having an angled downstream surface having an upper edge forming at an upper edge of the lower flow surface a first overflow. Each reservoir is fed a treatment liquid so that the liquid rises therein and flows up the downstream surface, over the overflow, and down the flow surface to the web. A controller synchronously operates the supplies while the web is moving and at an offset dependent on a travel speed of the web for switching from one of the applicators to the other of the applicators.

Abstract: A pump ring. The pump ring is suitable for a reaction chamber and capable for extracting gas from the reaction chamber in a uniform gas flow rate. The pump ring comprises a ring body and a top ring part located on the ring body. The top ring part is apart from an inner wall of the reaction chamber with a fixed distance. Therefore, a gas-extraction path composed of the reaction chamber, the ring body and the top ring part is unobstructed. Hence, the turbulence flow of the extracted gas can be efficiently suppressed and the problems of the accumulation of the impurities and reaction chamber contamination can be solved.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus has a nozzle with a plurality of tiny holes. The nozzle Is connected to a vacuum pump through a valve without closing its end so as to be evacuated and purged independently of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Via holes are formed in a continuous inline shadow mask production system by depositing a first conductor layer and subsequently depositing a first insulator layer over a portion of the first conductor layer. The first insulator layer is deposited in a manner to define at least one notch along its edge. The second insulator layer is then deposited on another portion of the first conductor layer in a manner whereupon the second insulator layer slightly overlaps each notch of the first insulator layer, thereby forming the one or more via holes. A conductive filler can optionally be deposited in each via hole. Lastly, a second conductive layer can be deposited over the first insulator layer, the second insulator layer and, if provided, the conductive filler.

Abstract: A seal-protected perimeter partition valve apparatus (450) defines a vacuum and pressure sealed space (401) within a larger space (540) confining a substrate processing chamber with optimized geometry, minimized footprint and 360° substrate accessibility. A compact perimeter partitioned assembly (520) with seal protected perimeter partition valve (450) and internally contained substrate placement member (480) further provides processing system modularity and substantially minimized system footprint.

Abstract: A reaction apparatus for producing vapor-grown carbon fibers (VGCF) and a continuous production system for producing VGCF are disclosed. The VGCF reaction apparatus is featured in installing a plurality of holes on the upper portion of inner tubes; and filling thermally conductive material in the areas between the inner tubes and the outer tube. The continuous production system includes the reaction apparatus, a product collection system and a carrier-gas collecting system, wherein carbon fibers produced by the reaction apparatus fall into the product collection system, and in the product collection system, a collection bin full-loaded with carbon fibers is pushed out and an empty bin is pushed into the collection chamber under PLC control as well as atmosphere replacement with inert gas, thereby continuously producing VGCF.

Abstract: A substrate-treating apparatus includes: at least one process chamber treating a substrate; a movable transfer chamber movable adjacent to the process chamber; a driving means moving the movable transfer chamber; and a connection means combining and separating the process chamber and the movable transfer chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing nano-powder includes a laser generator for generating laser beams, a reaction chamber having an incident window configured for allowing the beams to pass therethrough, a vacuum system for evacuating the reaction chamber, a reactive gas input device for introducing reactive gases into the reaction chamber, a microwave unit for introducing microwave into the reaction chamber and creating microwave electron cyclotron resonance in the reaction chamber, and a powder collector for collecting nano-powder.

Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition apparatus which comprises a susceptor for mounting a substrate thereon, a heater for heating the substrate, a feed gas introduction portion and a reaction gas exhaust portion, wherein a light transmitting ceramics plate held or reinforced by means of a supporting member is equipped between the heater and a mounting position of the substrate. A chemical vapor deposition apparatus that is capable of forming film stably for a long time without giving a negative influence on a quality of semiconductor film even in a case of chemical vapor deposition reaction employing a furiously corrosive gas with an elevated temperature for producing a gallium nitride compound semiconductor or so was realized.

Abstract: A system for selectively providing access to a consumable. The system includes an enclosure having a hollow interior for holding the consumable. A door mounted in an opening in the enclosure provides access to the interior of the enclosure at a time when the door is in a substantially open position and prevents access to the interior of the enclosure at a time when the door is in a substantially closed position. The system includes a locking mechanism for releasably locking the door in the substantially closed position and a complimentary relieving key for selectively releasing the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method are provided which allows for brood gates in feeders to be completely open upon the introduction of a flock of poultry thereto in order to present a high feed level within a pan member, and then to be automatically controlled to incrementally change the size and position of the brood gate to lower the feed level within a pan member over time as the birds grow. The system includes an electronic controller which is preprogrammed to set different positions at which the brood gate should be at different times. Software within the electronic controller implements changes of the position of the brood gate at the appropriate times by sending signals to an actuator which is connected to the feeders. Movement of the actuator causes the changing of size and position of the brood gates.

Abstract: A feeder for a cage, designed to reduce the scattering of food and to provide a cleaner and healthier caged environment, wherein the cage has a wall and an interior space for housing an animal such as a bird, including a cage door. The feeder comprises a feeder mechanism which includes a feeder receptacle attached to an extension structure, wherein the extension structure extends between the receptacle and the wall of said cage. The extension structure is manually engageable and adjustable for positioning the feeder receptacle at a selected location in the interior space of the cage and at a selected location at a cage door for access to the feeder receptacle.

Abstract: A dirt sucker for an aquarium includes mainly a compressing ball, a flexible long tube and a residue collector. The compressing ball is provided with a valve in its two ends respectively and connected with a short tube extending outwards at the two ends respectively. One of the tubes is connected with an adjustable switch for controlling flow rate or temporarily stopping suction. The flexible long tube is connected with one of the short tubes at one end. The residue collector, connected with the flexible long tube, is to be inserted among stones placed on the bottom of an aquarium to let dirt accumulated on the stones sucked out together with the water in the aquarium by repeated compression of the compressing ball, and the residue collector is provided with a filter in the interior.

Abstract: An aquarium cover includes a main cover body adapted to cover a portion of a top opening of an aquarium and having two opposite lateral sides, and an extension cover connected to the main cover body and adapted to cover a remaining portion of the top opening. The extension cover includes at least one extension cover member connected slidably and overlappingly to the main cover body and movable in a first direction away from the corresponding lateral side so as to extend to a closing position and in a second direction so as to retract to an opening position. A slide mechanism is provided on the main cover body and the extension cover for sliding movement of the extension cover relative to the main cover body, and includes a slide groove and a slide member sliding along the slide groove.

Abstract: A method is provided for raising poultry, such as chickens, for food production. In a first preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of: providing a facility for housing the poultry, providing at least one light-absorbing ventilation fan associated with the facility for ventilating the facility, exposing an interior of the facility to natural light cycles of an outside environment for a first period and regulating light cycles of the interior for a second period, thereby mimicking daylight duration variation representative of seasonal changes for stimulating sexual development of the poultry. In a second preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of: providing a facility for housing the poultry, providing at least one light-absorbing ventilation fan associated with the facility for ventilating the facility, limiting exposure of an interior of the facility to light to produce a brown-out effect therein for enhancing physical development of the poultry.

Abstract: A weather resistant portable pet shelter, including a rigid shell enclosing an interior space, the rigid shell including a lower base portion below the interior space having at least one external, downwardly facing element having a predetermined shape, a side wall portion extending at least substantially around the interior space and including a door opening connecting therewith, and an upper roof portion above the space and including a peripheral portion therearound having an external dish shaped structure defining an upwardly open concave region adapted for receiving and supporting a pet or a pet bed on the roof portion, the external dish shaped structure being configured for mating with and supporting the at least one downwardly facing element of the base portion such that a second pet shelter including the at least one downwardly facing element can be supported by the shell above the roof portion. The pet shelter can be configured for use as a pet entertainer, and also a carrier.

Abstract: An animal halter 102 has a muzzle loop 104 adapted to fit over the upper and lower jaws of an animal such as a dog. The animal halter 102 also comprises a collar loop 108 for attachment around the neck of the dog. The halter 102 is formed from a single piece of fabric looped in a figure of eight configuration and threaded through forward control ring 116 and a second ring 117. Second ring 117 has a smaller diameter than forward control ring 116 to prevent the forward control ring 116 from passing through the second ring 117. When an animal to which the halter is attached pulls on the halter against a lead, rings 116 and 117 tend to lock the halter fabric therebetween such that the respective sizes of the muzzle loop 104 and collar loop 108 do not change.