Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus comprising: a plurality of vacuum chambers corresponding to a plurality of processing sections necessary for manufacturing a semiconductor device; an exhaust device connected to each vacuum chamber; a plate shaped guide plate arranged at the bottom of each vacuum chamber and having a plurality of gas emission holes; and a gas supply source for supplying gas to the gas emission holes, wherein the plurality of vacuum chambers are adjacent to each other by way of a shutter, one of the two adjacent vacuum chambers includes a tray mounted on the guide plate for mounting a substrate to be performed with a predetermined process, a conveying function section having a conveying arm for moving the tray from one vacuum chamber to the other vacuum chamber along the guide plate, and a controlling function section, the controlling function section performing the control so as to open the shutter to communicate the two adjacent vacuum chambers, emit gas from the gas emission holes of

Abstract: A deposition apparatus including: a chamber; a mask assembly including a mask arranged to deposit a material on a substrate included in the chamber and a mask frame for supporting the mask; and a magnet unit including a first magnet unit which contacts (or adheres or chucks or secures) the mask assembly to the substrate by magnetic force; and a second magnet unit corresponding to the mask frame, in order to ensure that the mask more closely contacts the substrate.

Abstract: The invention is intended, in a vertical type plasma processing apparatus, to prevent damage to process objects due to a plasma, and to suppress the generation of sputter due to hollow cathode discharge and the plasma, without lowering the radical utilization efficiency. A part of the inner surface of the side wall of a processing vessel 32 is provided with a vertically extending recess 74. A plasma gas supplied from a plasma gas nozzle 62 disposed in the recess 74 is converted into a plasma in an area PS between plasma electrodes 76 in the recess 74, and leaves the recess 74 toward the process objects W.

Abstract: An electrode assembly configured to provide a ground path for a plasma processing chamber of a plasma processing system is disclosed. The apparatus includes an electrode configured to be exposed to a plasma. The apparatus also includes a heater plate disposed above the electrode, wherein the heater plate is configured to heat the electrode. The apparatus further includes a cooling plate disposed above the heater plate, wherein the cooling plate is configured to cool the electrode. The apparatus also includes a plasma chamber lid configured to confine the plasma in the plasma chamber, wherein the plasma chamber lid includes a ground. The apparatus further includes a clamp ring configured to secure the electrode, the heater plate, and the cooling plate to the plasma chamber lid, the clamp ring is further configured to provide the ground path from the electrode to the chamber lid.

Abstract: A solar cell manufacturing machine is configured to connect with a VHF frequency generator. The machine is used for coating an amorphous silicon film and a microcrystalline silicon film on a substrate vertically, and comprises a vacuum chamber, a box carrier positioned in the vacuum chamber, at least one hole shaped plate electrode vertically positioned in the box carrier, and a plurality of ground plates vertically positioned in the box carrier adjacent to the plate electrode. The plate electrode has defined thereon a plurality of holes formed to spread electromagnetic energy inputted into the plate electrode from the VHF frequency generator. The plate electrode and the plurality of ground plates are configured to form an electric field therebetween so as to coat at least one of an amorphous silicon film and a microcrystalline film on at least one substrate positioned between the plate electrode and the ground plates.

Abstract: The present invention has an object of improving the cooling efficiency of the process gas supply part of a plasma processor and thereby suppressing an increase in the temperature of the process gas supply part.

Abstract: A technique for providing an inductively coupled radio frequency plasma flood gun is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a plasma flood gun in an ion implantation system. The plasma flood gun may comprise: a plasma chamber having one or more apertures; a gas source capable of supplying at least one gaseous substance to the plasma chamber; and a power source capable of inductively coupling radio frequency electrical power into the plasma chamber to excite the at least one gaseous substance to generate a plasma. Entire inner surface of the plasma chamber may be free of metal-containing material and the plasma may not be exposed to any metal-containing component within the plasma chamber. In addition, the one or more apertures may be wide enough for at least one portion of charged particles from the plasma to flow through.

Abstract: An injection apparatus for injecting and/or removing substances from subjects, such as avian eggs, includes an injection needle having a body portion and a tapered portion that terminates at a tip. A tube is attached to and extends around the injection needle in substantially concentric relationship therewith. The tube has an end portion positioned a predetermined distance from the needle tip. The tube end portion acts as a stop to limit the distance the needle tip can be inserted into a subject, such as an egg, through a membrane of the subject. A detector may be utilized to measure force exerted on a membrane of an egg by a stop attached to a needle. Force exerted on a membrane by a needle and/or by a needle and a stop attached to the needle may also be measured.

Abstract: A method of milking an animal involves admitting the animal into a milking box and expelling the animal from the milking box, the milking box comprising a connecting device, such as a robot arm, for automatically connecting a teat cup to a teat of the animal. The step of expelling the animal from the milking box is carried out using the robot arm. An installation for milking an animal is also described, the installation being provided with a milking box for the animal; a robot arm for automatically connecting a teat cup to a teat of the animal; and a device for expelling the animal from the milking box. The device for expelling the animal from the milking box comprises part of the robot arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cowshed arrangement with a central region (1) and with balding regions (3), arranged around the central region (1). According to the invention, a larger number of animals can be housed in the cowshed arrangement and milked, whereby at least one milking region (4) runs in an essentially radial direction.

Abstract: A controller for monitoring and controlling an operating pulsator in a milking system is shown. The controller receives a start signal generated when a milking apparatus is attached to a cow. A first sensor is operatively connected to a designated pulsator for receiving a pulsating vacuum and for producing a first signal representing the pulsating vacuum level. The controller includes a processor having a comparator for comparing the first signal to a stored reference of predetermined vacuum ranges and for generating a control signal when the designed pulsator pulsating vacuum level is outside of a predetermined vacuum range. A control circuit signals that the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is outside of the predetermined vacuum range.

Abstract: An improved teat cup allows large amounts of milk to be milked from laboratory animals such as rats, mice, beagle dogs for experiment purposes, and miniature pigs directly from their teats in a short time. The inner wall surfaces are formed to conform to the shape of an udder 60 of the laboratory animal. The inner wall surfaces are dimensioned to be slightly larger than the udder 60. A conically bulging portion 62 of the udder 60 and a teat base portion 63 in particular are caused to become attached to the inner wall surfaces through a sucking negative pressure provided by a milking apparatus. The teat cup provides an effect similar to the stimulus provided by a suckling newborn, whereby oxytocin secretion from the posterior lobe of hypophysis can be effectively promoted and large amounts of milk can be collected in a short time.

Abstract: In a fluid handling assembly, such as an animal milking apparatus, it is necessary for an elastic tube (1) to be fitted to, and removed from, a spigot (3). The prevent the tube (1) necking down when an attempt is made to remove it, a sleeve (9) is provided between the spigot (3) and the tube (1). The internal diameter of the sleeve (9) is the same as the outer diameter of the spigot (3) so that the sleeve (9) is slidable on the spigot (3) to enable the sleeve and hence the tube (1) to be removed from the spigot. The sleeve (9) may have a flange (10) or even a collar (19) to enable it to be gripped easily.

Abstract: A pet bed having a base 1, a removable cushion 3 of sufficient dimensions to fit substantially snugly within the base, a wall 2 looping around the base 1 to the extent that when the cushion 3 is fitted within the base 1 the wall provides an upstanding boundary substantially around the cushion 3. The cushion has an opening which enables access to inner parts of the cushion. The bed has heating means 4 able to safely and substantially heat the cushion and/or having magnetic therapy means 4 able to apply magnetic therapy to an animal when laying on the cushion.

Abstract: An automated animal feed consumption monitoring system comprises an enclosure having a quantity of feed therein. A sensor detects an animal's entry into a stall adjacent the enclosure and activates the system to record the entry time and entry weight of the feed. An RFID reader, by means of an RFID antenna located along the path of movement of the animal's RFID tag, identifies the specific animal that has entered the stall to feed. When the animal leaves the stall, the exit time and exit weight of the feed are recorded.

Abstract: A feed hopper is located above a feed pan to dispense feed by gravity flow into the feed pan. Partitions divide the animal feeder to accommodate multiple animals simultaneously. A user adjustable feed gate controls the feed portion and rate of feed dispensed and animal actuated mechanical agitators ensure the entire feed portion is received. The animal feeder contains a watering system to deliver water and feed, either mixing water and feed or keeping them separate, while the animal is using the feeder. The side wall of the feed pan is adjustable in vertical and horizontal dimensions between a raised position and a lowered position. Thus, the feeder can accommodate animals of different sizes or animals throughout growth stages.

Abstract: A pet food storage and feeder device having a food storage container positioned above a base for containing water by legs extending between the food storage container and the base and a barrier wall positioned around the legs to create a water barrier between the base and the food storage container. Separate food and water bowls are attached to an exterior surface of the base.

Abstract: An animal tracking system integrated with a computerized animal management system operated by a microprocessor that maintains an animal information database of a plurality of animals within the custody of an animal handing facility, veterinary, pet kennel, or other pet care facility, includes an animal label driver that selectively generates an animal identification band having information associated with a selected one of the animals printed by a printer on a first surface with an attacher such as an opposing adhesive surface for attaching to the band in association with the animal. A method for generating an animal identification band by an animal management system is disclosed.

Abstract: The extensible leash system comprises a rope and a leash extending from the rope. A weight system including an incremental weight device is suspended to the rope and has a first, second, third and fourth weights mounted therein. There is also provided a mechanism for raising the first, second, third and fourth weights with the rope in sequence according to a first distance interval along the rope between the first and second weights, according to a second distance interval along the rope between the second and third weights, and according to a third distance interval along the rope between the third and fourth weights, wherein a relation between the weight extents of the first, second, third and fourth weights, and the first, second and third distance intervals represents an exponential increase in a restraining action on the rope and the leash.

Abstract: An animal collar system including an animal collar, a housing mounted to the animal collar and an electrical circuit.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine/water source system for a vehicle powered by a internal combustion engine wherein liquid water is produced by cooling a portion of engine exhaust gases in a vortex tube to induce condensation. In one embodiment, engine exhaust gases are pumped into the vortex tube by a compressor. After removing a portion of water vapor, cooled exhaust gases may be re-introduced to engine's combustion chamber thereby providing an exhaust gas recirculation. In an automotive vehicle, liquid water generated by the invention may be collected and provided to an electrolytic cell for electrolysis into gaseous hydrogen to reduce exhaust pollutants during cold engine start. Alternatively, water generated by the invention may be injected into engine combustion chamber to increase power and to reduce production of nitrogen oxides.

Abstract: An engine operated generator is provided with an engine, a generator driven by the engine, and a power control unit for controlling the power generated by the generator. A fuel gas stored in fuel bottles set in a case for the engine operated generator, is supplied to the engine though a fuel pressure regulator. The fuel bottles and the fuel pressure regulator are disposed adjacent to the power control unit to enable heat exchange with the power control unit provided with an inverter. Thus, heat is mutually utilized between the power control unit and at least one of the fuel bottles as fuel receptacles and the fuel pressure regulator.

Abstract: A check valve having a thermostat function is provided between an engine and a thermal storage tank that stores a portion of the coolant circulating in the engine. The check valve restricts the flow of the coolant from the engine to the thermal storage tank, and loosens the restriction when the temperature of the coolant increases. Through such operation of the check valve, the warm coolant is collected in the thermal storage tank and engine preheating may be performed before engine start. Thus, by providing between the engine and the thermal storage tank the check valve that operates in response to the temperature of the coolant, engine preheating can be accomplished with a simple structure and at a low cost, without using a three-way valve and performing an electrical valve switching control.

Abstract: In a drive assembly for driving a pulley of a water pump of a combustion engine, a movable supporting arm is fitted idly with a drive wheel, and is loaded by a torsion spring to bring the drive wheel into angular engagement with the pulley fitted to the shaft of the pump, and with a drive belt of the engine; an actuating device being activatable to exert a force in opposition to that exerted by the torsion spring, and detach the drive wheel from the pulley.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device (D) which is intended to control the temperature of first and second fluids formed by the lubricating oil of the heat engine (12) of the vehicle and the recirculated exhaust gases respectively. The inventive device (D) comprises a first heat transfer liquid/lubricating oil exchanger (14) and a second heat-transfer liquid/recirculated exhaust gases exchanger (16), said first and second exchangers being connected to the same heat transfer liquid circuit (10). Preferably, the heat-transfer liquid circuit (10) is connected to a heat source or a heat sink (18) comprising, for example, heat storage means (18) which can exchange heat with the heat-transfer liquid.

Abstract: A power plant utilizing a radial rotary engine and incorporating onboard energy storage. The engine is of the type utilized in pre-World War I aircraft, but with certain modifications. The energy storage system exploits the flywheel effect inherent in these engines and optionally also includes auxiliary energy storage in other forms, such as compressed air or electrical. Using a continuously variable transmission enables advantageous use of engine inertia in a coast down mode of driving.

Abstract: A multiple watt-linkage force transfer mechanism is provided for an internal-combustion engine. The force transfer mechanism comprises two “bell cranks” that are used to drive a single crankshaft through a watt linkage mechanism. Each bell crank, in turn, is driven by two pistons through corresponding watt linkage mechanisms. The watt linkages connected to the pistons enable the connection ends of the pistons to travel along substantially straight paths, significantly reducing side loads against the piston walls. Also, all four pistons preferably drive a single connecting rod. This changes the role of the crankshaft—and the corresponding strength and rigidity requirements for the crankshaft—by reducing the necessary number of rod journals and main journals on the crankshaft.

Abstract: A valve operating system for an engine that includes a piston that reciprocates along a piston axis. The valve operating system includes a valve member that is movable along a valve axis between a first position and a second position and a crankshaft that is rotatable about a crank axis. A cam member includes a substantially non-planar non-cylindrical surface and a cam profile superimposed thereon. A drive linkage interconnects the cam member and the crankshaft such that the cam member rotates in response to rotation of the crankshaft. A rocker arm is engaged with the valve member and the cam profile to move the valve member in response to rotation of the cam member.

Abstract: A camshaft for activation of the gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine has two coaxially mounted shafts rotatable inside and with respect to one another, first cams fixedly attached to the first shaft and second cams fixedly attached to the second shaft, a main camshaft drive acting on both shafts, and a device for adjusting the angle of rotation of the first and second shafts with respect to one another by a first actuating drive and adjusting the angle of rotation of both shafts jointly by a second actuating drive. The adjusting device has a rapid response and allows large adjustment angles with a simple structural design.

Abstract: A device intended for heating the coolant of a motor driven vehicle in order to heat the engine of the vehicle. The device includes a connection arrangement arranged to allow electrical connection of the device to a current source and a heat-generating element including an electrical conductor designed to generate heat when a current flows through the conductor, which heat-generating element is designed to be in contact with and transfer the generated thermal energy to the coolant water, wherein the electrical conductor is designed in such a way that the conductor is destroyed if the heat transfer from the heat-generating element substantially decreases during a time period, wherein the current through the conductor is interrupted.

Abstract: A lead for use in a rotary electric machine such as an automotive engine starter. The lead includes a tube having formed on an end thereof a grommet to be secured to the machine and a stranded conductor disposed within the tube to have an end portion extending inside the machine through a hole of the grommet. The tube has a seal which is interference fit on the stranded conductor, while the stranded conductor is not interference fit on the stranded conductor. This permits the grommet to be pushed by a decreased pressure while flexing or compressing the tube in a lengthwise direction thereof thereby exposing more area of the end portion of the stranded conductor when welded to, for example, a motor terminal within the machine.

Abstract: The present invention is related to improved derivability and reduced emissions during engine startup. In particular, fuel vapor is drawn from the fuel tank at or immediately prior to engine startup. The engine is then run using the fuel vapor, to at least partially warm the engine. Following the initial startup period, during which the engine becomes at least partially warm, liquid fuel is provided to the engine.

Abstract: A method is provided for engaging a starter pinion of a starter with a starter ring gear of an internal combustion engine during the running-down of the internal combustion engine, which internal combustion engine has an arrangement for determining rotational speed and rotational direction of a crankshaft. The starter pinion is engaged with the starter ring gear when the following conditions are satisfied: a) the speed of the internal combustion engine is below a maximum speed and above a minimum speed; and b) the rotational direction corresponds to the forward rotational direction of the crank shaft.

Abstract: An intake system for an internal combustion engine having at least two cylinder bank rows, each being assigned an intake bend having individual tubes leading to the cylinders, where the intake bends are interconnected in terms of fluid flow via a distributor tube and at least one resonance tube equipped with a switch valve, where the resonance tube and the distributor tube are combined in a central intake module.

Abstract: A motorcycle engine is described which reduces heat transfer to cylinder heads of the engine. Embodiments provide for cylinder head exhaust port to reduce exhaust flame contact. A valve guide to provide additional support due to the modified cylinder head is described. Controlling exhaust flame paths by controlling an exhaust valve angle is described. An intake manifold and engine piston are described for improved engine performance.

Abstract: Proposed is a two-part piston 1 for an internal combustion engine, having an upper part 2 that has a pin 31 having an outside thread 32 on the underside of its piston crown 4, and having a lower part 3, which is connected with the upper part 2 by means of a nut 29 screwed onto the pin 31. The lower part 3 has an elastically resilient upper base part 25, onto which an expansion sleeve 26, elastic in the axial direction, is formed, which has an opening 27 having a collar 28, which is directed radially inward, into which the pin 31 is introduced. An elastic compression sleeve 30 is formed onto the nut 29, which sleeve rests against the collar 28. In this connection, the elastic resilience of the base part 25, the expansion sleeve 26, the compression sleeve 30, the pin 31, and the piston crown 4 has the result that the screw connection has a flat characteristic line despite a low compression height of the piston 1, thereby imparting great strength to the screw connection.

Abstract: A piston-crank mechanism links crankpins of a crankshaft with piston pins of pistons by using a plurality of links. The piston-crank mechanism allows an upward inertia force produced near a top dead center of each piston to be smaller than a downward inertia force produced near a bottom dead center of the piston in order to reduce secondary vibration occurring during operation. In a four-cycle inline four-cylinder internal combustion engine, a total force of inertia forces exerted from adjacent cylinders to each of second and fourth crankshaft bearings becomes a downward force, which reinforces a downward force produced in response to combustion pressure. These second and fourth crankshaft bearings have a rigidity higher than the remaining crankshaft bearings.

Abstract: A water-to-oil heat exchanger or cooler operates to cool oil contained within an engine having a cylinder block. The cooler is removably attached to the cylinder block such that oil is communicated directly from the cylinder block to the cooler and from the cooler to the cylinder block. The cooler has a two-pass architecture.

Abstract: A lower link for a piston crank mechanism of an internal combustion engine includes an upper section, a lower section, and a crank pin bearing section disposed between the upper section and the lower section, and mounted on a crank pin of a crank shaft. One of the upper section and the lower section is formed with a bolt inserting hole. The other of the upper section and the lower section is formed with an internal thread portion including an open end. One of the bolts passes through the bolt inserting hole, is screwed into the internal thread portion, and includes an end bared from the open end which is formed in a surface perpendicular to a bolt center axis. The other of the upper section and the lower section includes a recessed portion formed in the surface to divert a stress transmitting path.

Abstract: A true rotary internal combustion engine (100) having a housing (1), wherein a primary cylinder (2) and a secondary cylinder (3) are defined, having a primary longitudinal axis (20) and a secondary longitudinal axis (30) therein. The primary longitudinal axis (20) having a primary axle (21) aligned thereto and a primary rotor (22) mounted thereon. The secondary longitudinal axis (30) having a secondary axle (31) aligned thereto and a secondary rotor (32) mounted thereon. The housing (1) having a housing end plate (40) installed at both ends of the housing (1) in a suitable way. Each housing end plate (40) having a primary axle opening (41), wherein the primary axle (21) is supported, and a secondary axle opening (42), wherein the secondary axle (31) is supported. The primary rotor (22) having a generally circular primary rotor base (23), and a fin (24) extending radially outward longitudinally from the primary rotor base (23) to contact a primary cylinder wall (4).

Abstract: A rotary engine (2) comprises a housing (16) having a male rotor (4) having a plurality of projecting lobes (12) and a female rotor (8) having a plurality of cavities (14). The male (4) and female rotors (8) are mounted for synchronous rotation about parallel axes such that during rotation successive lobes (12) on the male rotor (4) mate with successive cavities (14) on the female rotor (8) to define therewith a combustion chamber (26) in which a mixture of air and fuel is compressed by the interaction of the lobe (12) and the cavity (14) during rotor rotation. At least one exhaust port (78, 80) leads out of the housing (16) for discharge of exhaust gases from the cavity (14) of the female rotor (8) following combustion and from the space (74) between adjacent lobes (12) of the male rotor (4) following combustion.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine a fuel-air mixture having compression temperatures and pressures sufficiently low as not to support auto ignition, ignition is achieved by injecting igniting active radicals into the air-fuel mixture. In one embodiment the active radicals are provided by withdrawing a portion of the mixture, treating it to produce active radicals in the portion and returning the portion to the mixture. Treatment of the portion typically includes simultaneously injecting, mixing, and compression of a predetermined amount of pilot fuel within the portion.

Abstract: A method for operating a compression-ignition internal combustion engine includes metering in a quantity of fuel as a function of an operating point of the engine during a working cycle, and injecting the quantity of fuel which is metered in into the combustion chamber in such a manner that a combustion center of gravity is positioned at a defined crank angle position independently of the operating point of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An internal-combustion engine comprises an engine housing having a first wall delimiting a first combustion chamber, a first piston also delimiting said first combustion chamber and with a first piston head, a first crankshaft, a second piston also delimiting said first combustion chamber and with a second piston head, a second crankshaft, and a second connecting rod connected between said second piston and said second crankshaft, said first wall defining at least a section of a torus, said pistons being guided along a curved path defined by said section of a torus.

Abstract: A linear motion shaft mechanism having a control shaft 35 linearly movable along an axial direction and a rotary-to-linear actuator 7 causing the control shaft 35 to move linearly. The actuator 7 includes a sun shaft 81 for transmitting linear motion to the control shaft 35, and a conversion mechanism 8 that converts rotational motion to linear motion and causes the sun shaft 81 to move linearly. The linear motion shaft mechanism includes a load applying portion. When a direction in which the sun shaft 81 is displaced from the conversion mechanism 8 toward the control shaft 35 is defined as a reference direction, the load applying portion causes a thrust load acting in the reference direction to act on the sun shaft 81 from the control shaft 35.

Abstract: In an engine braking method for a supercharged internal combustion engine, wherein combustion air, which is under boost pressure and is supplied to the cylinders under the control of engine inlet and outlet valves, is compressed in the cylinders and is subsequently discharged into the exhaust tract, engine braking takes place in a two-stroke operating mode.

Abstract: An aircraft engine is provided with at least one pulse detonation device, and the operational frequency of the pulse detonation device is varied over an operational range of frequencies around a mean frequency value. The pulse detonation device can be positioned upstream, downstream or adjacent to a turbine section of the engine. An additional embodiment of the present invention is an aircraft engine provided with more than one pulse detonation device, and the operational frequency of one, or more, of the pulse detonation devices is varied over an operational range of frequencies around a mean frequency value.

Abstract: A method for controlling an internal combustion engine calculates the generated internal torque for each cylinder on the basis of the signal generated by an angle of rotation sensor for detecting the angle of rotation of the crankshaft, so that a rapid and precise regulation of the torque supplied by the internal combustion engine may be achieved.

Abstract: A transient correction of an ignition timing is precisely executed even in a transient state. The ignition timing at a stationary time is computed on the basis of an operating state detected by an operating state detecting means, and the ignition timing at the stationary time is corrected by a transient time ignition timing correcting means defined by a transfer function G(s).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a plurality of combustion cylinders configured to operate in a compression ignition mode. A pressure sensor is provided to sense pressure within a combustion cylinder of the engine. A combustion control system, including an electronic engine controller, is configured to receive electrical signals from the pressure sensor and, based on such signals, determine a maximum rate of pressure increase occurring in the combustion cylinder during a first time interval. Based on the determined maximum rate of pressure increase, the combustion control system is configured to control one or more charge inputs to the combustion cylinder during a second time interval.