Abstract: Variously configured brackets, for displaying a flag and mountable to or integrally formed with a support member such as a helmet, are disclosed. One bracket includes an elongated cantilevered mast and a retention lip, the beam angled upwardly from the bracket and adapted to receive a sleeve formed along one edge of the flag inserted thereover and having a deflectable free end that is forced downwardly into captivated relation with the lip. Other brackets have a chamber and passage arrangement, respectively, for mounting a pole provided along one edge of the flag and passing the flag through the bracket. In one, the pole is parallel with and moved into a chamber at the rearward side of the bracket and the flag passed through a passage. In another, a chamber extends between the opposite lateral sides, the chamber and pole are coaxially aligned, the pole is inserted into the chamber, and the flag passed through the passage.

Abstract: A pet alarm device for alerting pet owners includes a main body adapted to hang from a door handle and at least one signal device secured onto the main body to alarm pet owners that a pet would like to enter or exit through the door. The signal devices are bells of substantially spherical shape and fabricated from reinforced steel.

Abstract: An indium phosphide substrate for semiconductor devices is obtained as follows. In order to have the direction of growth of the crystal in the <100> orientation, a seed crystal having a specified cross-sectional area ratio with the crystal body is placed at the lower end of a growth container. The growth container housing the seed crystal, indium phosphide raw material, dopant, and boron oxide is placed in a crystal growth chamber. The temperature is raised to at or above the melting point of indium phosphide. After melting the boron oxide, indium phosphide raw material, and dopant, the temperature of the growth container is lowered in order to obtain an indium phosphide monocrystal having a low dislocation density and a uniform dopant concentration on the wafer as well as in the depth direction.

Abstract: A silicon wafer and a method for manufacturing the same are provided, wherein the silicon wafer has no crystal defects in the vicinity of the surface and provides excellent gettering efficiency in the process of manufacturing devices without IG treatment. The oxygen concentration and the carbon concentration are controlled respectively within a range of 11×1017-17×1017 atoms/cm3 (OLD ASTM) and within a range of 1×1016-15×1016 atoms/cm3 (NEW ASTM). A denuded zone having no crystal defects due to the existence of oxygen is formed on the surface and in the vicinity thereof, and oxygen precipitates are formed at a density of 1×104-5×106 counts/cm2, when a heat treatment is carried out at a temperature of 500-1000° C. for 1 to 24 hours. In the method for manufacturing the silicon wafer, moreover, the silicon wafer having the oxygen and carbon concentrations as controlled above is heat-treated at a temperature of 1100° C-1380° C for 1 to 10 hours.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of manufacturing a silicon single crystal by Czochralski method without performing Dash Necking method, comprising the steps of: providing a seed crystal having a tip end with a sharp-pointed shape or a truncation thereof in which an angle of the tip end is 28° or less; keeping the tip end of the seed crystal at just above a silicon melt to heat it before bringing the tip end of the seed crystal into contact with the silicon melt; bringing the tip end of the seed crystal into contact with the silicon melt and immersing the seed crystal into the silicon melt to a desired diameter; and shifting to pull the single crystal, wherein a temperature variation at a surface of the silicon melt is kept at ±5° C. or less at least for a period from a point of bringing the tip end of the seed crystal into contact with the silicon melt to a point of shifting to pull the single crystal.

Abstract: Silicon based thin-film optical waveguides and method of making. A method in accordance with one aspect of the present invention generally comprises the steps of providing a substrate, depositing a thin-film dielectric layer on the substrate, forming a channel in the thin-film dielectric layer, and providing a silicon layer in the channel. The silicon layer provided in the channel can be epitaxially grown in the channel. In another aspect of the present invention, the silicon layer provided in the channel can be provided as an amorphous or partially crystalline material that is subsequently crystallized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of forming a layer of silicon carbide (3, 4) on a silicone wafer (1) The invention is characterized in that it comprises the following steps consisting in: depositing an anti-carburation mask (2) on the wafer using an essentially-check pattern; performing a carburation step under conditions such that the residual stress takes the form of extension and compression respectively; removing the mask; and performing a carburation step under conditions such that the residual stress takes the form of compression and extension respectively.

Abstract: Atomic-Layer deposition systems and methods provide a variety of electronic products. In an embodiment, a method uses an atomic-layer deposition system that includes an outer chamber, a substrate holder, and a gas-distribution fixture that engages or cooperates with the substrate holder to form an inner chamber within the outer chamber. The inner chamber has a smaller volume than the outer chamber, which leads to less time to fill and purge during cycle times for deposition of materials.

Abstract: Epitaxial silicon carbide layers are fabricated by forming features in a surface of a silicon carbide substrate having an off-axis orientation toward a crystallographic direction. The features include at least one sidewall that is orientated nonparallel (i.e., oblique or perpendicular) to the crystallographic direction. The epitaxial silicon carbide layer is then grown on the surface of the silicon carbide substrate that includes features therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a Group III nitride compound semiconductor crystal, the semiconductor crystal being grown through the flux method employing a flux. At least a portion of a substrate on which the semiconductor crystal is to be grown is formed of a flux-soluble material. While the semiconductor crystal is grown on a surface of the substrate, the flux-soluble material is dissolved in the flux from a surface of the substrate that is opposite the surface on which the semiconductor crystal is grown. Alternatively, after the semiconductor crystal has been grown on a surface of the substrate, the flux-soluble material is dissolved in the flux from a surface of the substrate that is opposite the surface on which the semiconductor crystal has been grown. The flux-soluble material is formed of silicon.

Abstract: Bulk single crystals of AlN having a diameter greater than about 25 mm and dislocation densities of about 10,000 cm?2 or less and high-quality AlN substrates having surfaces of any desired crystallographic orientation fabricated from these bulk crystals.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatuses that reduce problems encountered during coating of a device, such as a medical device having a cylindrical shape. In an embodiment, the invention includes an apparatus including a bidirectional rotation member. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method with a bidirectional indexing movement. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating solution supply member having a major axis oriented parallel to a gap between rollers on a coating apparatus. In an embodiment, the invention includes a device retaining member. In an embodiment, the invention includes an air nozzle or an air knife. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method including removing a static charge from a small diameter medical device.

Abstract: Voltage applying means applies a pulse voltage between a nozzle and a substrate, the nozzle having a diameter ranging from 0.01 ?m to 25 ?m, an upper limit voltage (10) of the pulse voltage being equal to or greater than a discharge-inducing minimum voltage (30), that is a voltage required to start discharge of fluid. A lower limit first voltage (20a) is provided immediately before a rise of the pulse voltage, the lower limit first voltage (20a) having a same polarity as that of the upper limit voltage (10), an absolute value of the lower limit first voltage (20a) being set smaller than the discharge-inducing minimum voltage (30). A lower limit second voltage (20b) is provided immediately after a rise of the pulse voltage, the lower limit second voltage (20b) having an opposite polarity as that of the upper limit voltage (10), an absolute value of the lower limit second voltage (20b) being set smaller than the discharge-inducing minimum voltage (30).

Abstract: A liquid crystal material dispensing apparatus includes a spacer height measuring unit for measuring a height of a spacer on a substrate, and a liquid crystal material dispensing system for determining an amount of the liquid crystal material to be dispensed on the substrate based upon the measured spacer height and for dispensing the liquid crystal material onto the substrate.

Abstract: An applying amount to an applying medium is controlled in a liquid applying apparatus. Specifically, before driving a pump, a circulation speed decision processing (S3) is carried out. According to this decided speed, a speed of the circulation flow generated in a liquid holding space is controlled in a pump operating process (S4). This controls a pressure in the liquid holding space. As a result, a state of flow of the applying liquid at a contact member of a liquid holding member in contact with the applying roller is changed, and an amount of the applying liquid adhering to an applying roller and going out of the contact portion is controlled. This can control the amount of the applying liquid to be applied to the applying medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device manufacturing apparatus in which a device can be precisely manufactured by stably ejecting a predetermined amount of droplets when the device is manufactured using a droplet ejecting device. The apparatus can include a pressure generation chamber having a Helmholtz resonance frequency of a period TH. A driving signal includes a first signal element to cause the pressure generation chamber to expand, a second signal element to cause the expanded pressure generation chamber to contract, and a third signal element to cause the pressure generation chamber to expand to its original state, which is held before the first signal element is output, after ejection of a droplet.

Abstract: An inductively coupled plasma processing apparatus for a large area processing, the inductively coupled plasma processing apparatus comprising: a reaction chamber; a plurality of linear antennas horizontally arranged at an inner upper portion of the reaction chamber while being spaced from each other by a predetermined distance for receiving induced RF power, the linear antennas being coupled to each other at an outer portion of the reaction chamber, the linear antennas including at least one bending antenna formed by connecting first ends of adjacent antennas, which are exposed to the outer portion of the reaction chamber, to each other; and at least one magnet positioned adjacent to the linear antennas for creating a magnetic field perpendicularly crossing an electric field created by the linear antennas in such a manner that electrons perform a spiral movement.

Abstract: Parasitic deposits are controlled in a deposition system for depositing a film on a substrate, the deposition system of the type defining a reaction chamber for receiving the substrate and including a process gas in the reaction chamber and an interior surface contiguous with the reaction chamber. Such control is provided by flowing a buffer gas between the interior surface and at least a portion of the process gas to form a gas barrier layer such that the gas barrier layer inhibits contact between the interior surface and components of the process gas. A deposition system for depositing a film on a substrate using a process gas includes a reaction chamber adapted to receive the substrate and the process gas. The system further includes an interior surface contiguous with the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A vaporizer includes a vaporizing chamber (110) configured to vaporize a liquid material and thereby form a gas material. A spray portion (120) is configured to spray the liquid material in the vaporizing chamber. A delivery part (130) is configured to deliver the gas material from the vaporizing chamber to a gas outlet (131SO). A heating portion (112, 132) is configured to heat the vaporizer. The delivery part (130) includes a filter member (113) covering the gas outlet and configured to allow the gas material to pass therethrough. A shield plate (134) is disposed to cover the filter member on a side farther from the gas outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed are animal litters, processes for preparing animal litters, and methods for removal of animal waste. The disclosed litters are made from ingredients including plant meal, grain germ, citrus residue, and grain bran, usually in combination with a cohesiveness agent and a microbial inhibitor. The litters are provided in the form of discrete plural articles which tend to agglomerate when wetted.

Abstract: According to the disclosure, there is provided a background device for an aquarium/terrarium having viewable walls, comprising a first roller mounted adjacent to an edge of a wall and a second roller mounted adjacent to another edge of the same wall or another wall. The first and second rollers include a rotatably changeable background scenery therebetween to substantially cover at least one of the viewable walls.

Abstract: Electromagnetic energy in the microwave range, radio frequency range or a combination of both frequencies may be used to treat poultry litter or other poultry wastes to remove or reduce pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. that affect poultry and human health. The treatment may be applied to the litter as well as to the floor upon which the litter is setting. The preselected amount and type of energy applied by radio frequency and microwave frequency depends upon the conditions of the litter and floor such as thickness, material, moisture content and length and of intensity of use of the litter. The litter may be treated in place on the floor to avoid contamination caused by moving the litter from the floor and into a treatment chamber.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a hand-held device for cleaning animals that comprises a basic support element with a handle element, wherein cleaning and drying surfaces are provided on the basic support element. According to the invention, the basic support element is realized in the form of a body with at least two sides that face away from one another, wherein one side features the crude cleaning and drying surface and the other side features the delicate cleaning and drying surface.

Abstract: Preventing mastitis and providing pathogen control of dairy animals by applying an ozone treatment to dairy animal teats. An ozonized water solution is prepared and applied to the teats of a dairy cow as part of a pre-milking and/or post-milking process. The ozonized water solution is applied to the dairy cow teats through a variety of techniques, including a dip process (e.g., using a dip cup), a spray process (e.g., using a system having a sprayer) or another application process. The application of ozonized water to dairy cow teats is highly effective in not only sterilization but also in providing a noticeable improvement in the condition of the teat itself.

Abstract: A toothbrush and chew-type toy for a dog. The toothbrush is comprised of a main body, and a first end with two nubs and a second end with bristles. The first end nubs allow said toothbrush to be held between the dog's front paws, and the brush can be held upright by the dog. The dog can therefore brush its own teeth without the assistance of a person. The main body of the present invention is made of a chew material similar to Nylabone, which additionally works the dog's gums.

Abstract: A pet training device including a generally cylindrical body and a pair of wings extending therefrom. Each wing includes a resilient stiffener element which tends to return a deflected wing back into a predeflected configuration. The body may define a head portion having a aperture through which a rope is secured, said rope being sufficiently sized to allow a user to grasp and throw the pet training device. The head portion may also be defined by an external head secured to the body via a flexible rope neck element. A method of using such a pet training device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of altering a stimulation level of an animal behavior modification device including the steps of detecting compliant behavior of the animal and reducing a stimulation level an incremental amount between a current stimulation level and a minimum level dependent upon said detecting step.

Abstract: An animal behavior modification apparatus including a stimulation device for applying a stimulation having a current stimulation level associated with one of a plurality of stimulation levels including a minimum level. The stimulation device including control logic for applying a stimulation, based upon the steps of increasing the current stimulation level; applying a stimulation corresponding to the current stimulation level; determining the behavior of the animal until compliant behavior is obtained; and reducing the current stimulation level between the current stimulation level and the minimum level dependant upon the determining step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pet training device capable of conveying specific nonverbal commands from the user to the animal in an efficient manner. In one embodiment, the pet training device of the present invention utilizes a rigid, elongated member having a portion for grasping by the user. The elongated member may be attached to any conventional animal collar or chain via a snap, hook, clip, or other suitable attachment mechanism. Further, the portion for grasping by the user may contain an eyebolt or other suitable attachment device that may be used for attachment to the user's belt or other stable object. The rigid construction of the pet training device of the present invention allows the user to clearly nonverbally convey his or her intentions to the animal by moving the elongated member attached to the animal's collar or chain, allowing for efficient and effective animal training.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and construction of vibration control supporting a cooling fan cover.

Abstract: A water-cooled internal combustion engine includes a water pump having a short pump drive shaft for reducing the weight and size thereof. In a water-cooled internal engine equipped with power transmission control means at the end of a crankshaft, a water pump having a water pump drive shaft parallel to the crankshaft is disposed on the axial inside of the power transmission control means, that is, on a central side of the crankshaft.

Abstract: An active de-aeration system includes a fill tube, a removable pressure cap, a de-aeration baffle within the fill tube and an externally disposed outlet conduit connected to a sump chamber of the fill tube disposed outside a baffled chamber defined by the de-aeration baffle. The outlet conduit is connected to the coolant system downstream with respect to the fill tube. Air bubbles are actively drawn into the fill tube by coolant movement into the baffled chamber and removably mix with air above a coolant surface in the fill tube.

Abstract: A combustion-engined setting tool for driving fastening elements in a constructional component end including a combustion chamber (13) for combusting a gas mixture, an inlet/outlet device (40) for opening the combustion chamber (13) in its first position and for closing the combustion chamber (13) in its second position and having a valve element for reversibly displacing the inlet/outlet device (40) between its first and second positions, a locking element (37) for locking the valve element of the inlet/outlet device (40) in the second position of the device, a trigger (30) for actuating the locking element (37), a release switch (22) for triggering ignition in the combustion chamber (13), an electronic control unit (20) for controlling start of the ignition in the combustion chamber (13), and an initialization switch connected with the control unit (20), the control unit (20) initiating the ignition in the combustion chamber (13) when a time period between switching-on of the initialization switch and switc

Abstract: An air intake structure to increase air intake time for model engines includes at least one channel on the bottom wall of an air inlet of a model engine. The channel is inclined and directed inwards from an outer side of the air inlet to mate an opening of an air intake passage formed in the middle portion of a crankshaft. Thereby the amount of fuel gas entering through the passage into a crankshaft chamber can be increased gradually to lengthen fuel gas intake time to achieve a thorough air and fuel mixing. Fuel consumption can be reduced and crankshaft rotation is more stable. Engine performance also can be enhanced.

Abstract: A device and a method for determining an angle of rotation between a camshaft (5) and a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine is provided, the device including a camshaft regulator provided with an electronic regulator, and a device for determining the position of the angle of rotation of the camshaft and the crankshaft.

Abstract: A poppet valve operating system for an internal combustion engine features variable valve lift and camshaft phasing. A planetary phaser uses control inputs which are shared with a variable lift mechanism. The phaser adjustment and the variable lift mechanism are controlled by a single positioning motor.

Abstract: An adjustable valve rocker lever (1) of a valve timing gear of an internal combustion engine comprising an inner lever (3) and an outer lever (4) enclosing the former with its arms (2), the levers (3, 4) being connectable to one another by longitudinally displaceable coupling links (6) in such a way that a large valve lift is generated when coupled and a small valve lift is generated when decoupled, the levers (3, 4) run on a common axis (5), which viewed in the longitudinal direction is arranged between a complementary face (11) for a support element on the inner lever (3) and lifting faces (12, 13) for the lifting cams on upper sides of the levers (3, 4), wherein by virtue of its axis (5), situated close to the pivot point, such a valve rocker lever (1) has only a small mass moment of inertia about this pivot point.

Abstract: An abnormality diagnosis system 100 includes a VVT controller 110, an adjustable valve mechanism 120, a cam angle sensor 130, a model computation module 140, an abnormality detection module 150, and an alarm lamp 160. The adjustable valve mechanism 120 advances or delays a phase angle of an intake cam shaft relative to a crankshaft, thereby varying an open-close timing of a valve. The model computation module 140 computes a physical behavior of the adjustable valve mechanism 120 according to a physical model, in response to a control signal input from the VVT controller 110. The abnormality detection module 150 determines whether the adjustable valve mechanism 120 is abnormal or normal, based on a difference between a theoretical value of phase angle calculated according to the physical model and an observed value of phase angle measured with the cam angle sensor 130. The arrangement of the invention ensures highly accurate abnormality diagnosis of the adjustable valve mechanism 120.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which has a first camshaft coupled to a first gearwheel via a camshaft adjuster, the camshaft adjuster allowing the camshaft to be rotated with respect to the gearwheel, and a second camshaft fixedly coupled to a second gearwheel. The first and second gearwheels are coupled to a crankshaft via a belt or a chain. The camshaft adjuster is fixed to the first camshaft by a first fastener; the second gearwheel is fixed to the second camshaft by a second fastener. The fasteners are arranged at substantially the same depth, as assembled. The fasteners may be screws, adhesives, or welds. The second gearwheel includes: a gearwheel body having teeth, a disk-shaped body, and a spacer between the gearwheel basic body and the disk-shaped body, by which the axial length of the spacer causes the depth of the first and second fasteners to be substantially equivalent.

Abstract: A valve timing control device is provided, allowing downsizing of an electric motor that drives a variable mechanism of valve timing. An electronic control device drives a VVT drive electric motor with a crankshaft rotated towards reducing the cam torque qualified as a resistance through a motor generator when a valve timing modification request is made in preparation to engine startup.

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus is adapted to an exhaust valve side of an internal combustion engine. A vane member is arranged to rotate with a camshaft relative to a timing sprocket member. The vane member is rotated at low speed engine operation dominantly by a camshaft-torque actuation mechanism and at high speed engine operation dominantly by a hydraulic actuation mechanism. The camshaft-torque actuation mechanism is actuated by an alternating torque of the camshaft, whereas the hydraulic actuation mechanism is actuated by a fluid pump. The vane member includes a first vane arranged to operate in the camshaft-torque actuation mechanism and a second vane arranged to operate in the hydraulic actuation mechanism. The first vane has a shorter radial length and a smaller pressure-receiving area than the second vane.

Abstract: An intake manifold is provided to an internal combustion engine including a first and second cylinder heads each having an intake port. The first and second cylinder heads are distant from each other, and defining a crank angle therebetween. The intake manifold includes a manifold body that defines intake passages each connecting with each intake port. Each intake passage has an interior divided into divisional passages. A butterfly valve communicates and blocks at least one of the divisional passages. Tanks are formed integrally with the manifold body for accumulating negative pressure in the manifold body. The tanks include a first tank, which is provided to the first cylinder head, and a second tank, which is provided to the second cylinder head. An actuator operates the butterfly valve by being applied with negative pressure from the plurality of tanks. The manifold body has a communication passage that communicates the first tank with the second tank.

Abstract: An engine fuel essentially consisting of alcohol may contain a relatively large amount of water in comparison with conventional gasoline and diesel oil, so that when water possibly penetrates into a clearance between an intake valve seat and a mounting reception portion of a cylinder head where the valve seat is to be mounted when the engine fuel essentially consisting of alcohol together with air is introduced into a cylinder through an air inlet having the intake valve seat. As a plating layer 14 is formed on the surface of an iron-based valve seat main body 17 provided at a mounting reception portion 13 formed at an air inlet 6 of a cylinder head 2 made of an aluminum alloy, the plating layer 14 intervenes between the cylinder head 2 and the valve seat main body 17, so that a potential difference between the dissimilar metals for the mounting reception portion 13 and the valve seat main body 17 is reduced through water, thereby preventing galvanic corrosion.

Abstract: A controller (20) estimates an internal cylinder pressure of an engine (1) on the basis of the operating conditions of the engine (1), torque variation in the engine (1) is calculated on the basis of the estimated internal cylinder pressure, and an opposite phase torque of the torque variation in the engine (1) is calculated as a torque correction amount. The controller (20) then calculates a torque command value for a motor generator (2) by adding the torque correction amount to a basic torque value for driving the motor generator (2) to rotate, and performs torque control such that the torque of the motor generator (2) equals the torque command value.

Abstract: An engine for a leisure vehicle including a crankcase having at least two crankcase portions, a plurality of main journal fastener bolts by which the two crankcase portions are coupled to each other such that a crankshaft is rotatably mounted between the two crankcase portions, an oil pump disposed below the plurality of main journal fastener bolts and a vicinity of the main journal fastener bolts, and a water pump disposed laterally of the oil pump in such a manner that a rotational shaft of the water pump is coaxial with a rotational shaft of the oil pump.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided having at least one cylinder bore for slidingly supporting a piston, the cylinder bore wall of the at least one cylinder of the engine having pockets formed therein for retaining lubricant to reduce friction between the cylinder bore wall and piston. The pockets are elongate and have axes which are substantially parallel to the axis of the cylinder bore. The pockets are located at a first region supporting the piston when the piston is at its top dead center position. A method of making the cylinder is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel system for a work machine is disclosed. The fuel system has a fuel injector, a first source of fuel at a first pressure, a second source of fuel at a second pressure, and a pressure control device. The pressure control device is disposed between the fuel injector and the first and second sources. The pressure control device is configured to selectively direct the fuel at the first pressure and the fuel at the second pressure to the fuel injector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel additive system for internal combustion engines in which the fuel additive system is disposed on-board a vessel such as marine vessel or locomotive. The fuel additive system includes a fuel additive reservoir containing a fuel additive in fluid communication with an internal combustion engine. An electronically controlled injector, such as an eductor, is in fluid communication with the internal combustion engine and a fuel level meter or sensor, fuel efficiency meter or sensor, or other meter or sensor which, upon sensing certain pre-set conditions, e.g., increase of fuel level in a fuel storage tank or decrease in fuel efficiency, the injector injects an appropriate amount of fuel additive from the fuel additive reservoir and into the fuel stream that ultimately enters the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having both an electronically controlled inlet device, such as an electronic throttle unite, and an electronically controlled outlet device, such as a variable cam timing system is disclosed. The method of the present invention achieves cylinder air charge control that is faster than possible by using an inlet device alone. In other words, the method of the present invention controls cylinder air charge faster than manifold dynamics by coordination of the inlet and outlet device. This improved control is used to improve various engine control functions.

Abstract: To improve an air bypass device in bypass air flow and designing freedom, a locking stepped part 3, a bush inserting hole 4, and a valve body drive mechanism inserting hole 5 are provided above an upper end 2a of a valve body guiding hole 2 of an air control valve main body 1, an air flow-in hole 6 is provided below a lower end 2b of the valve body guiding hole 2, and an inner peripheral wall 2c of the valve body guiding hole 2 includes a plurality of air control grooves 7a extending downwardly from the locking stepped part 3 and being closed by an annular bush 11 on the locking stepped part 3 to form independent air distribution chambers 12a . . . , which are connected to intake passages 8b1 . . . at the downstream side from the respective throttle valves of multiple throttle bodies T1 . . . through bypass air passages 15a . . . .