Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for operating a pulverized coal-fired boiler system, which includes at least one coal pulverizer in flow connection with at least two burners disposed on a boiler enclosure by a coal feed system having a coal pipe junction with a riffle enclosure including a plurality of parallel partition walls forming multiple flow channels from an upstream coal pipe to each of at least two downstream coal pipes and a plurality of individually pivotable vanes upstream of the plurality of partition walls, and controlling the distribution of coal between the downstream pipes by pivoting at least one of the vanes. Preferably a coal flow rate is monitored in the downstream coal pipes and at least one of the vanes is pivoted in response to a measured distribution of the coal flow rate.

Abstract: An agricultural seeding machine movable in a planting direction includes a frame; a disc opener assembly carried by the frame and having a first axis of rotation; a gauge wheel assembly carried by the frame and having a second axis of rotation, and a press wheel assembly carried by the frame and having a third axis of rotation. The second axis is positioned forward of the first axis relative to the planting direction. The gauge wheel assembly overlaps the disc opener assembly relative to the planting direction. The third axis is positioned rearward of the first axis relative to the planting direction. The press wheel assembly overlaps the disc opener assembly relative to the planting direction.

Abstract: A generally conically-shaped collapsible grain chute removably affixed to the bulk seed distributor of an agricultural planter to provide an effective and efficient apparatus for emptying the bulk seed bin. The chute may include a cinch cord to selectively open and close the chute to control the flow of seed therethrough.

Abstract: A puckering preventing shuttle device of a sewing machine capable of providing high quality stitches without producing puckering by eliminating needle thread extraction resistance on the outer periphery of a rotating hook bobbin case holder to reduce the tension of a needle thread so as to keep a balance between the needle thread and a bobbin thread and also enabling the proper tightening of the threads even in an extra-soft fabric. The device comprises the rotating hook bobbin case holder (80) storing a bobbin case storing a bobbin around which the bobbin thread is wrapped and detachably fixed to a machine frame and locked to the machine frame by rotating hook bobbin case holder stopper (90) to stop its rotation and a rotating hook (70) in which the rotating hook bobbin case holder (80) is installed, having a sword tip (75), and rotated by a lower shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a needle plate for a double-needle sewing machine. The needle plate includes a partition extending downward between the needle holes and provided with a thin plate insertion slit in an intermediate portion thereof, and a thin plate inserted into the thin plate insertion slit. Thus, the rigidity of a thin wall formed between the needle holes is reinforced by providing the partition and the thin plate inserted into the partition between the needle holes, so that stitches can be formed in parallel without breakage of the needle plate even when the interval between the needle holes is less than 2 mm.

Abstract: The use of monofilament line to form a grid in the cross stitch fabric corresponding to the grid in a cross stitch pattern to facilitate the cross stitching process, after which the monofilament line can be easily removed by pulling from either end. The monofilament line has the distinct advantage of being resistant to piercing by the needle and cross stitch thread during the cross stitching process, and thus not being woven into the design as guide thread would do.

Abstract: A double-hulled tanker of not less than of not less than about 2,000 metric tons deadweight in size which is suitable for the transportation of liquid hydrocarbons and meeting the requirements for the United States Pollution Act of 1990 and similar international regulations, said tanker comprising an inner hull and an outer hull separated by a void, said inner and outer hulls being constructed of high strength, light weight, reinforced and prestressed concrete.

Abstract: A mast (1) is in the form of an egg-shaped closed loop that extends abeam of a hull (7). A main spar (2) is supported on the mast (1) and extends upwardly from a lower, fore position on the bowsprit (4) to a higher, aft position above the stern (12). A lateen sail (3) of triangular form has its longer side attached to the main spar (2) with its shorter sides depending from the main spar (2). The free corner of the sail (3) is tethered by ropes or sheets (14) to points on the sides of the hull (7) or deck such that it is positioned substantially above the centre line of the hull (7). The sail (3) can be fully deployed within the closed loop shape of the mast (1) without fouling the mast (1). This allows the sail (3) full and unrestricted deployment, results in exceptionally good sailing and provides swift and easy tacking.

Abstract: A watercraft drain assembly has a tubular drain body having a first end and a second end, at least one inlet opening disposed on the drain body for allowing water to enter the drain body, a first outlet opening disposed at the first end of the drain body for allowing water to exit the drain body, a drain plug for selectively plugging the first outlet opening, and a second outlet opening disposed on the drain body for allowing water to exit the drain body. A watercraft incorporating the watercraft drain assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for protecting a dock from ice damage. The system includes a circumferentially fluted, water-impermeable housing capable of longitudinal and radial expansion and contraction. The housing defines a cavity with upper and lower openings into the cavity through the housing. The openings are configured and arranged to engage a dock-supporting post at longitudinally spaced upper and lower points along the length of the post with the upper point positioned above the water line and the lower point positioned below the frost line.

Abstract: A deflector device (22) for use with a tow lie between a towing vessel (10) and a tow (16) in water behind the vessel, the device comprising a principal wing-shaped body (28) shaped to produce in use a sideways force which urges the tow line (16) laterally with respect to the direction of movement of the towing vessel, a boom (32) extending rearwardly from the principal wing-shaped body (28), and an auxiliary wing-shaped body (52), smaller than the principal wing-shaped body (28), secured to the end of the boom (32) remote from the principal wing-shaped body (28) and shaped so as to produce in use a sideways force in generally the opposite direction to that produced by the principal wing-shaped body (28).

Abstract: A solo-operated convenient boat cover comprises a cover cloth under which a piece of fabric is sewn, thereby forming a pouch in form of a three-dimensional space between the fabric and the cover cloth. The user may mount the pouch on the bow tip first, and pull the boat cover to cover the whole hull. By way of fixing the pouch at the bow, the boat cover would not slip when the user is mounting the boat cover individually. In view of the above, it is easy and convenient for one to use the solo-operated convenient boat cover according to the present invention.

Abstract: A convertible boat top provides a covered area to protect the occupants from environmental concerns such as sun, rain, etc. The convertible top is easily deployed and can be unobtrusively tucked away into a storage area. The top can be provided as original equipment or may be embodied as a kit to adapt an existing boat.

Abstract: It is aimed at providing a fluoride crystal growing method capable of controlling a shape of the crystal by a micro-pulling-down method. Fluoride crystals in shapes depending on purposes, respectively, can be grown by adopting carbon, platinum, and iridium as crucible materials adaptable to fluorides, respectively, and by designing shapes of the crucibles taking account of wettabilities of the materials with the fluorides, respectively.

Abstract: A silicon single crystal is grown by the Czochralski method in an inert atmosphere that includes a gaseous substance containing hydrogen atoms. Wafers obtained from the resulting silicon single crystal are subjected to high temperature heat treatment in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature of not lower than 1000° C. but not more than 1300° C. The high temperature heat treatment step is preceded by low temperature heat treatment at a lower temperature.

Abstract: By pulling up an ingot in consideration of deformation of a crucible, generation of the defective ingot is prevented and a plurality of ingots having equivalent quality with the first ingot are pulled up in a multiple pull-up. Firstly, a deformation amount of a crucible for experiment (34) upon melting a silicon raw material and a history of supply power to a heater for experiment (38) are measured to calculate deformation tendency of a crucible for mass production (14). Next, the size of the crucible for mass production is measured, the silicon raw material of the amount equivalent to the amount supplied to the crucible for experiment is melted with a heater for mass production (18), and an initial crucible external position with a predetermined gap (X) is measured before initiating pull-up.

Abstract: A process is provided to produce bulk quantities of nanowires in a variety of semiconductor materials. Thin films and droplets of low-melting metals such as gallium, indium, bismuth, and aluminum are used to dissolve and to produce nanowires. The dissolution of solutes can be achieved by using a solid source of solute and low-melting metal, or using a vapor phase source of solute and low-melting metal. The resulting nanowires range in size from 1 nanometer up to 1 micron in diameter and lengths ranging from 1 nanometer to several hundred nanometers or microns. This process does not require the use of metals such as gold and iron in the form of clusters whose size determines the resulting nanowire size. In addition, the process allows for a lower growth temperature, better control over size and size distribution, and better control over the composition and purity of the nanowire produced therefrom.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having an adsorbing core is advantageously applied to a refrigerating system mounted on an automotive vehicle. The adsorbing core absorbs heat from coolant and gives heat to the coolant thereby to perform heat-exchanging operation. The adsorbing core is composed of a heat exchanging member such as tubes or fins of the heat exchanger and a attracting layer connected to the surface of the heat exchanging member. A seed crystal retaining layer is firmly connected to the surface of the heat exchanging member, and the attractant crystals forming the attractant layer are grown on the seed crystals by a hydrothermal crystal growth method. Since the attracting layer is uniformly formed and firmly connected to the surface of the heat exchanging member, heat is quickly transferred between the attractant layer and the heat exchanging member.

Abstract: A process system includes a plurality of processing modules each processing a substrate with a process liquid. There is disposed a dispensing mechanism that dispenses the process liquid to the vertically arranged modules. The dispensing mechanism is provided with a process liquid supply source, and pumps corresponding to the respective processing modules. Each pump temporarily stores therein the process liquid which has been pressure-fed through a riser piping from the process liquid supply source by a pressing apparatus, and delivers the process liquid from an outlet. There are disposed nozzles each having a discharge port and discharging the process liquid to the corresponding processing module. Delivery pipings connecting the outlets of the pumps with the discharge ports of the corresponding nozzles have identical length to each other.

Abstract: A spray enclosure is provided for plural component coating application. The enclosure has a framework of four panel walls and a ceiling with a protective film cladding to altogether enclose a protected workspace. An air inlet in one wall uses a louvered grille with double-deflection louvers to deflect incoming air to the workspace. An air filter, fan and exhaust assembly is provided on an opposite wall for filtering and drawing air through the protected workspace to an exhaust. The spray enclosure is adapted for efficient laminar air flow through the protected workspace. The spray enclosure may be sold in parts as a kit.

Abstract: A method for attaching a workpiece, for example a semiconductor die, to a workpiece holder, for example a lead frame die support, comprises the steps of interposing an uncured adhesive between the semiconductor die and the die support and preheating the adhesive from an ambient temperature to a preheat temperature of between about 150° C. and about 160° C. over a period of about 1.5 seconds. Next, the preheat temperature is maintained for about 1.5 seconds, then the adhesive is further heated to a temperature of between about 190° C. and about 200° C. over a period of about 1.0 second. The inventive method quickly cures the adhesive to secure the die to the support with acceptably low levels of voiding. An apparatus which may be adapted to perform the inventive method is further described.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a system for depositing films on a substrate. This systems includes a vacuum chamber; a linear discharge tube housed inside the vacuum chamber; a magnetron configured to generate a microwave power signal that can be applied to the linear discharge tube; a power supply configured to provide a signal to the magnetron; and a pulse control connected to the power supply. The pulse control is configured to control the duty cycle of the plurality of pulses, the frequency of the plurality of pulses, and/or the contour of the plurality of pulses.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes a chamber and an exhaust system for exhausting byproducts from the chamber and adjusting an internal pressure of the chamber. The exhaust system includes an exhaust pipe connected to the chamber, a pump unit coupled with the exhaust pipe, and a cleaning unit connected to a portion of the exhaust pipe or directly connected to the pump unit to supply a cleaning gas to the pump unit.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus for evacuating a reactant from a reactive region includes a vacuum able chamber, a hearth for supporting a workpiece, one or more gas introduction valves, one or more exhaust evacuation valves, and an adjustable valve providing one or more pathways there through formed by alignment of separate components of the valve, the components perforated with two or more openings to form the pathways.

Abstract: A gas treating device includes a mounting base to support a substrate, a treatment container, a post mix type shower head, and a gas supply mechanism having a source gas flow path to supply a source gas to the shower head and an oxidizing gas supply path to supply an oxidizing gas to the shower head. The shower head includes a bottom surface which faces the substrate on the mounting base via a predetermined space, a groove formed in the bottom surface, a plurality of source gas discharge ports communicated with the source gas flow path, and bored in the bottom surface except the groove to discharge the source gas, and a plurality of oxidizing gas discharge ports communicated with the oxidizing gas flow path, and bored in the groove to discharge the oxidizing gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for cyclical depositing of thin films on semiconductor substrates, comprising a process chamber having a gas distribution system with separate paths for process gases and an exhaust system synchronized with operation of valves dosing the process gases into a reaction region of the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thin film deposition apparatus having a reaction chamber for forming a thin film on a plurality of substrates rested on a susceptor. The apparatus comprises: a gas supply means for supplying a plurality of gases to the inside of the reaction chamber from the outside, the gases including a reaction gas; a gas distribution means for distributing and spraying the gases supplied from the gas supply means so as to conform to the purpose of a process; a gas retaining means having a plurality of reaction cells for partitionally accommodating and retaining the respective gases distributed from the gas distribution means; a rotation driving means for rotating the gas retaining means such that the gases retained in the respective reaction cells are exposed to the substrates in sequence; and a gas exhaust means for pumping the gases retained by the gas retaining means to the outside of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Plasma producing method and apparatus wherein a plurality of high-frequency antennas are arranged in a plasma producing chamber, and a high-frequency power supplied from a high-frequency power supply device (including a power source, a phase controller and the like) is applied to a gas in the chamber from the antennas to produce inductively coupled plasma. At least some of the plurality of high-frequency antennas are arranged in a fashion of such parallel arrangement that the antennas successively neighbor to each other and each of the antennas is opposed to the neighboring antenna. The high-frequency power supply device controls a phase of a high-frequency voltage applied to each antenna, and thereby controls an electron temperature of the inductively coupled plasma.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermal processing method including: a step of conducting a predetermined thermal process in a low temperature zone to a plurality of objects to be processed held in a tier-like manner by a heating unit, in a processing container that is made of metal and has the heating unit therein, and a step of introducing a cooling gas into respective areas in the processing container divided in a height direction of the objects to be processed.

Abstract: A heating means is disclosed which comprises a reflector plate composed of an opaque quartz and a quartz tube welded to the surface of the reflector plate. A carbon wire which generates heat when a current is applied is inserted in the quartz tube.

Abstract: A molecular beam source for use of thin-film accumulation, for enabling to adjust the volume of molecular beam, which is discharged per an hour with using a needle valve, to be constant irrespective of decrease of a thin-film element forming material remaining within a crucible, comprises heaters 32 and 42 for heating the thin-film element forming materials “a” and “b” within crucibles 31 and 41, and valves 33 and 43 for adjusting the volumes to be discharged of molecules of the thin-film element forming materials “a” and “b”, which are generated within the crucibles 31 and 41.

Abstract: Affords a holder for use in semiconductor or liquid-crystal manufacturing devices—as well as semiconductor or liquid-crystal manufacturing devices in which the holder is installed—in which temperature uniformity in the processed-object retaining face is heightened. Configuring the holder with, furnished atop a ceramic susceptor, a composite of a ceramic and a metal improves the temperature uniformity in the holder's processed-object retaining face and makes for curtailing the generation of particulates and other contaminants. In addition, putting a coating on at least the retaining face improves the durability of the holder. Installing a holder of this sort in a semiconductor manufacturing device or a liquid-crystal manufacturing device contributes to making available semiconductor or liquid-crystal manufacturing devices whose productivity and throughput are excellent.

Abstract: A modular, multi-level Pet Bed, interlocking reversible/removable platform base and vertical support pillar assembly which is configurable with multiple platforms using common recycled, environmentally friendly materials and optional pet house Hideaway structures. The assembly forms a multiple level pet bed and platform with a notched and grooved horizontal and vertical support pillar frame. The vertical support pillars are easily configured with hook and loop carpet remnants to serve as a pet scratching post.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a treat dispensing device is provided. Accordingly, the device comprises a housing having a handle part and a dispensing part. The handle part comprises a trigger member configured for gripping by the user. The dispensing part comprises an aperture configured at a proximal end and a pushing member coupled to an energizing member configured at a distal end. A chamber for loading an individual or a plurality of solid shaped treats is configured in-between the aperture and the pushing member. The trigger member is co-ordinatingly coupled to the pushing member. When the trigger member is pressed by the user, the pushing member retreats and pushes out at least one treat through the aperture to a location at a distance predetermined from the housing.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pet treat, comprises a fiber material in an amount effective to provide predetermined rigidity to treat, such that for dispensing, the treat is capable of being freely ejected to a location at a distance from a launching-type dispensing device, and capable of being substantially effortlessly palatable by pet.

Abstract: An animal feeder including a housing for containing feed and defining a plurality of openings for providing access to the feed, the plurality of openings being substantially equally spaced between an upper end of the housing and a lower end of the housing. The feeder also includes a frame having an opening and being supported on the housing for movement relative to the housing between an opened position and a closed position. The feeder further includes a hanger for supporting the animal feeder, the hanger including an elongated member extending outwardly from the frame and being connectable to the exterior support, and a sleeve extending across at least a portion of the elongated member, the sleeve being connected to the frame and being operable to move the frame relative to the housing between the opened position and the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving, storing and dispensing pet food. The apparatus comprises a container of a predetermined size, shape, and material for receiving, storing, and dispensing pet food having a first end and a second end. The container has at least one vertical wall. The vertical wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The apparatus has a first mechanism for visually determining a quantity of pet food in the container and quantity of pet food to be dispensed. A second mechanism is disposed on at least one of the first end and second end of the container for enclosing and protecting the pet food from spilling and spoilage. The apparatus will permit safe storing and easy dispensing and serving of pet food.

Abstract: A pet fountain wherein water or pet food stored in a reservoir is dispensed from the reservoir and delivered to a receptacle accessible to the pet only on demand initiated by the physical presence of the pet in the proximity of the fountain.

Abstract: A bird house is formed of flexible material forming a collapsible shell. A closeable opening allows access to the inside of the shell. The closable opening may be the floor, a side, or the top of the shell, and can be closed by a zipper or other type of closure device, such as hook and loop fastener material. The bird house is shaped by shaping pieces, such as flat shape retaining pieces, held in or by the collapsible shell or by a shaping frame that fits into the collapsible shell. An entrance opening provides access to the bird house by birds. The size of the access opening may be selected by the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a manure transport device for livestock breeding operations with a manure conveyor belt driven in a circulating manner, arranged underneath a manure-permeable stall floor, with two driven return rollers about which the belt circulates, both driven return rollers being driven intermittently in the same direction at a different rotational speed and each return roller is driven more quickly or more slowly at intervals. The invention further relates to a manure transport device for livestock breeding operations, characterized in that the manure conveyor belt is liquid-permeable, a manure collection channel is assigned to the discharge end of the upper belt half, a urine collection device is assigned to the discharge end of the lower belt half, and the lower belt half circulates in a liquid-tight trough.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided having openings for entry of rodents within the enclosure. There is arranged one or more applicators in the form of a suspended flexible web configured to contact rodents entering the chamber and having a chemical on the web for application to the rodents.

Abstract: A pet washing station apparatus in combination with a supply of water adapted for washing a domestic animal having a collar attached to a collar fastener extending from a leash secured to a basin sidewall extending from a basin bottom and ending at a basin upper lip. The upper lip is configured with plural compartments for receiving pet accessories. A converter integrated into the basin sidewall is included for converting the water supply for washing the domestic animal, the converter including an integrated heating source and a distribution system for receiving the water supply and distributing the converted water to the interior of the basin. The distribution system may include a water connector and a spray nozzle for conveniently distributing the converted water to the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for amusing a cat or other pet is provided that has a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion, a motor disposed in the housing, a belt attached to the housing via an upper shaft and a lower shaft, a string having a first end attached to the belt and a second end extending freely from the belt, and means for activating the motor. In operation the motor rotates the belt causing the string to repeatedly fling outwardly from being hidden within the frame and amuse the cat. Methods for amusing a pet are also disclosed that comprise the steps of automating a string, whereby a free end of the string appears and disappears from view. These methods are preferably accomplished by attaching one end of the string to a rotating belt within a housing.

Abstract: An electronic animal trainer with temperament learning. The electronic animal trainer with temperament learning 100 learns and remembers the response pattern of the animal to the correction stimulus to provide a customized training profile.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the environment of an animal is disclosed generally comprising a video acquisition device worn by the animal and a monitoring device with which a remotely located user can monitor the animal's environment. The video acquisition device includes a camera for acquiring video, a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting the video to the monitoring device, and a rotation device for stabilizing the viewpoint of the camera regardless of the position of the animal. In certain embodiments, the camera is connected to an animal collar via a mount that has a rotating portion such that the camera rotates. In some embodiments, the rotating portion has a counterweight affixed thereto such that the camera rotates when the angle of inclination of the camera changes.

Abstract: An air fuel injection engine including an air-intake passage configured to guide air taken in from outside to a combustion chamber formed by a cylinder block and a cylinder head, a fuel injector configured to inject fuel to an interior of the air-intake passage, and a water jacket through which cooling water flows to cool the air-intake passage. As viewed in a plane crossing an air flow direction in the air-intake passage and passing through a predetermined region of an inner wall of the air-intake passage, the predetermined region including a crossing point at which a fuel injection center line of the fuel injected from the fuel injector crosses the inner wall of the air-intake passage, the water jacket is configured to extend away from the crossing point along a circumferential direction of the air-intake passage, from a region near the predetermined region.

Abstract: A water-cooled internal combustion engine configured so as to facilitate the change of the cooling system, thereby reducing costs. The crankcase of the water-cooled internal combustion engine is adapted to journal a crankshaft. The crankcase is covered by a crankcase cover from the axial outside. The crankcase is connected to the crankcase cover through an annular shaped spacer, and at least part of a water pump is formed integrally with the spacer.

Abstract: A rotary machine includes a housing divided into a first stationary portion and a second rotational portion. The second rotational portion is supported for rotation with respect to the stationary portion about an axis of the housing. The first and second portions of the housing cooperate to define a generally toroidal passage which is coaxial with the housing axis. A first piston and a second piston are disposed in the passage. Each piston has an interconnection mechanism for selectively interconnecting the piston to either the stationary portion or the rotational portion.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine. The method includes: providing a functional relationship between time rate of change in engine speed, and compression ratio switching engine speed limit; determining time rate of change in engine speed; determining from the determined rate of change of engine speed and the function whether the engine speed exceeds the compression ratio switching engine speed; and commanding the engine to operate at a relatively low compression ratio if the determined time of change in engine speed exceeds the compression ratio switching engine speed limit and commanding the engine to operate at a relatively high compression ratio if the determined time of change in engine speed is less than the compression ratio switching engine speed limit.

Abstract: The invention concerns an internal-combustion engine, the engine comprising a first combustion chamber, a first piston displaceably guided in the first combustion chamber, the first piston facing the first combustion chamber with a first piston surface in a first direction, a second combustion chamber, a second piston displaceably guided in the second combustion chamber, the second piston facing the second combustion chamber with a second piston surface in a second direction, the first direction and the second direction being opposed to each other, the first piston and the second piston being coupled to each other so that they move simultaneously.