Abstract: This invention presents a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a magnetic recording disk, where steps from magnetic-film deposition to lubricant-layer preparation are carried out without vacuum breaking. The invention also presents a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a magnetic recording disk, where a substrate is cleaned prior to the lubricant-layer preparation. The invention also presents a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a magnetic recording disk, where burnishing is carried out in vacuum after the magnetic-film deposition. The invention also presents a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a magnetic recording disk, where post-preparation treatment to coordinate adhesive strength and surface lubricity of the lubricant layer is carried out in vacuum.

Abstract: An evaporation apparatus includes a deposition unit that deposits a substance to be evaporated from an evaporation source on a substrate, a vacuum tank that defines a space for placing the evaporation source and the substrate and maintains a vacuum state in the space, and an evaporated substance adhering unit that is provided in at least a portion of a wall in the vacuum tank and has a plurality of protrusions protruding in a direction toward the evaporation source at an angle relative to a direction normal to the wall, and to which the evaporated substance is adhered.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus that enables formation of a deposit film on a surface of a grounding electrode to be prevented. A substrate processing chamber has therein a processing space in which plasma processing is carried out on a substrate, an RF electrode that applies radio frequency electrical power into the processing space, a DC electrode that applies a DC voltage into the processing space, and a grounding electrode at least part of which is exposed in the substrate processing chamber. The grounding electrode is disposed in a corner portion formed through intersection of a plurality of internal surfaces in the substrate processing chamber.

Abstract: A vertical plasma processing apparatus for a semiconductor process includes a process container having a process field configured to accommodate a plurality of target substrates at intervals in a vertical direction, and a marginal space out of the process field. In processing the target substrates, a control section simultaneously performs supply of a process gas to the process field from a process gas supply circuit and supply of a blocking gas to the marginal space from a blocking gas supply circuit to inhibit the process gas from flowing into the marginal space.

Abstract: A system for introducing a precursor vapor to a processing chamber configured for forming a thin metal on a substrate is described. The vapor delivery system includes means for introducing a dilution gas to the precursor vapor and adjusting the spatial distribution of the dilution gas addition in order to affect improvements to the properties of the deposited film.

Abstract: A coater having a substrate cleaning device is disclosed. The substrate cleaning device comprises an ion gun (i.e., an ion source) that is positioned beneath a path of substrate travel (e.g., beneath a substrate support) extending through the coater and that is adapted for treating a bottom major surface of a substrate. Certain embodiments involve an upward coating apparatus that is further along the path of substrate travel than the substrate cleaning device. In some embodiments of this nature, the upward coating apparatus is configured for depositing a photocatalytic coating upwardly onto the bottom major surface of the substrate. Certain embodiments of the invention involve a downward coating apparatus, wherein the substrate cleaning device is further along the path of substrate travel than the downward coating apparatus. Some embodiments involve an upward coating apparatus that is further along the path of substrate travel than the substrate cleaning device.

Abstract: An outdoor heated pet bed has a low wattage heating wire. A foil packet encloses the low wattage heating wire. A foam layer is placed adjacent to one side of the foil packet. A weather resistant cover encloses the foam layer and the foil packet.

Abstract: A feeding system providing a pet container holding a frozen or liquid pet food. The feeding system includes a pet container having a bottom section and a wall extending from a perimeter of the bottom section to a top section. The bottom section and wall form an interior holding pet food which may be a liquid or frozen substance. The top section is open to allow access to the interior. The bottom section and wall are constructed of an edible material preventing a liquid substance or a frozen substance from passing through the pet container.

Abstract: A cat litter containment enclosure system with four walls that locates a litter container at an elevated level preferably on a shelf where a cat enters the enclosure from a port in a front panel and hops or jumps to a second level for access to a litter container. The enclosure can contain a second pad located on the second level near the litter container so that the cat's paws are cleaned as the cat exits the enclosure. The top and front panel of the enclosure can be hinged for easy access for cleaning and/or inspection. Translucent vent holes can also be supplied on the enclosure for air and light.

Abstract: A wall mountable tank system for holding live flora or fauna includes a tank including a rear panel, a bottom panel, and at least one of a front panel, first side panel, and second side panel. The panels define a tank interior for containing the flora or fauna. The rear panel includes a mounting portion having a receiving groove. A mounting member capable of being fixedly coupled to a vertical mounting surface is provided. The mounting member includes a tongue portion receivable in the receiving groove for engaging the mounting member to the tank.

Abstract: A pet grooming bag is disclosed. The pet grooming bag provides a comfortable and private enclosure for the pet, wherein the interior of the bag comprises a plurality of combing protuberances that groom the pet. In certain embodiments, the pet grooming bag comprises a first fabric enclosure removeably disposed within a second fabric enclosure. In certain of these two enclosure embodiments, the interior of the assembly comprises a plurality of combing protuberances that groom the pet.

Abstract: An all-in-one, tug, toss, and bait training device is provided for training and/or playing with an animal, such as a dog. The device comprises a strap member having a first end portion, a second end portion, and middle portion positioned between the first end portion and the second end portion. A throwing member, such as a ball, is secured to the first end portion of the strap member. A handle is one of attached to and formed from the second end portion of the strap member. A holding member, such as a pouch for storing treats, squeaking devices and the like, is secured to the middle portion of the strap member. This training device may be adapted for use for teaching a variety of skills to several different breeds and sizes of dogs.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying a pet includes a moisture absorbent fabric having a periphery sized and shaped to substantially cover a pet's body. An opening sized and shaped to surround the pet's neck is spaced inward from the periphery, and may include a reinforcement material and hem extending along a margin of the opening. An optional seam extending from the opening to the periphery of the fabric, may be selectively opened and closed with a hook and loop fastener.

Abstract: Useful in the art of housetraining a dog not to urinate indoors, the disclosed invention is a housetraining shirt that partially covers the dog, which prevent wetness on indoor surfaces, and which provides the dog with a reason to prefer to be let out to urinate and to indicate a desire to be let out for that purpose.

Abstract: This invention is a unique sled dog harness that relives pressure on the dogs lower back and hips. The harness will minimize injuries that commonly occur in sled dogs. A metal ring sewn into each side of the harness allows the rear section of the harness to move up and down as the dog runs. Although this invention is called the Wheel Dog Harness (dogs immediately in front of the sled), the harness can be used on any dog in any position in the dog team with the same beneficial results.

Abstract: A retractable harness device for use as part of an animal hygiene system particularly for dogs. Comprising a housing attaching at its forward facing edges to an animal's harness by means of straps. From apertures in the housing extend two cords which are payed out along a dogs back under tension from retractable mechanisms within the housing. Releaseable bag-attaching members with stop guards are permanently joined to the ends of the cords. The attaching members attach to corresponding points on a suitable waste collection bag securing the bag beneath the the animal's tail in order to collect solid waste. The device may incorporate a tensioning mechanism to increase tension on the extended cords to allow for the body movements and additional weight of deposits of larger animals.

Abstract: An improved fired heater having one or more flue gas tunnels installed in the firebox floor such that at least most of the lateral cross section of the flue gas tunnel is below the firebox floor.

Abstract: The present invention is a fuel-control system for a turbine which includes a programmable logic controller. The controller manages utility and stored natural gas sources using a surge tank and pressure-control valve arrangement and is backed up by a hydrogen-powered fuel cell.

Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle system including an internal combustion engine is disclosed, the method comprises separating a second fuel from a first fuel, the second fuel having a greater concentration of at least one component than the first fuel; combusting at least the first fuel at least during a first engine load; and combusting at least the second fuel at least during a second engine load higher than the first engine load.

Abstract: An engine is cooled using high pressure water injected into the piston with the water converted to high pressure steam by the heat from combustion with heat transfer taking place in passages in the piston and in and between grooves in the piston and the cylinder sleeve. The high pressure steam is conducted between the piston and cylinder walls to lubricate, so there will be no need for piston rings, with a part of it passing into the crankcase, and a part of it going into the combustion chamber where it contributes to power production. The piston skirt has a spring-loaded washer access to a void in a lower passage for balancing pressures.

Abstract: A fluid valve for use in proportioning/mixing fluid between at least one input and at least one output. The fluid valve including a rotary actuated diverter for controlling fluid flow between the inlet(s) and outlet(s). The fluid valve may be configured to support proportioning any number of fluids, including liquids and gases, for any number of applications, including automotive and industrial applications.

Abstract: A fluid valve for use in proportioning/mixing fluid between at least one input and at least one output. The fluid valve including a rotary actuated diverter for controlling fluid flow between the inlet(s) and outlet(s). The fluid valve may be configured to support proportioning any number of fluids, including liquids and gases, for any number of applications, including automotive and industrial applications.

Abstract: An engine coolant pump drive system for a vehicle having an engine, an engine coolant system, and at least one sensor for sensing at least one operational condition of the vehicle is disclosed. The pump drive system includes a magnetorheological fluid (MRF) clutch, and a coolant pump. The MRF clutch includes a torque input section coupled to a torque output section via a MRF, the torque input section being configured to receive a torque input from the engine. The coolant pump is configured for operable communication with the torque output section of the MRF clutch. In response to a signal from the at least one sensor, the MRF clutch is configured to provide a continuously variable torque transfer from the torque input section to the torque output section, thereby providing for variable coolant flow in the engine coolant system via the coolant pump capable of a continuously variable speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a V-engine having a crank shaft 20, two banks of cylinders, each comprising at least one cylinder, having a cylinder head in which at least one camshaft 100,102 is provided, and two auxiliary shafts 30,32 arranged substantially laterally of the crank shaft. Moreover, a force-transmitting endless element 40 is also provided, inter alia, which connects the crankshaft 20 to the auxiliary shafts 30,32 and a water pump 60. Additional endless elements 50,52 connect the auxiliary shafts 30,32 to one of the camshafts 100,102.

Abstract: A method for controlling stopping and starting of an engine having a variable event valvetrain is described. According to the method engine valves may be used to reduce engine evaporative emissions as well as engine starting emissions.

Abstract: A method for controlling a variable event valvetrain during engine stop conditions is described. According to the method engine valves may be controlled to so that subsequent engine starting may be facilitated and so that energy consumption may be reduced.

Abstract: A method for controlling cylinder air charge of an engine having a compressor is presented. In one example, the description includes a method for coordinating the control of the throttle, turbo charger, and valves such that the desired cylinder air charge may be achieved while engine pumping work may be decreased.

Abstract: A method for improving engine torque control during cylinder reactivation and cylinder deactivation for an engine having at least a turbo charger and a variable event valvetrain is presented. The method can improve vehicle drivability during cylinder mode transitions.

Abstract: In a camshaft adjuster for an internal combustion engine including a housing, with two side cover sections and a middle jacket section arranged between the side cover sections and a rotor disposed in the housing, the jacket section is formed by a cross-cut profile section drawn from a tube in the form of a semi-finished product.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a camshaft phaser. A plug or a cap is provided with either a radially-sealing gasket seal or a face-sealing gasket seal, the seal being formed by insertion of the plug into a bore, or by installation of a cap over a neck formed in a cover plate. The closure is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart locking elements, and the plate is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart, radially extending second locking elements in the form of fingers surrounding a central opening. During assembly, the closure is mated to the plate with the first locking elements interspersed with the second locking elements. The closure is rotated to bring the locking elements into locking engagement with each other, preventing counter-rotation of the closure. No threads or torque specifications are required.

Abstract: A method for producing a compression connection for a driving part (1), in particular for an essentially ring-shaped driving part (1) on a shaft (3), in particular in the case of a built-up camshaft with which the driving part (1) has an opening that essentially corresponds to the outside diameter of the shaft (3), the driving part (1) sits on the shaft with coverage in the finished compression connection, an adhesive layer is applied between the circumferential surfaces of the driving part (1) and the shaft (3), is to be improved. To this end, such a method is characterized by the following features: the driving part (1) is heated until reaching the joining temperature and is thereby widened, the driving part (1) is pushed on to the shaft essentially without any forces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leakdown plunger, comprising a first plunger opening, a second plunger opening, and an outer plunger surface that is provided with an axis and encloses an inner plunger surface, the first plunger opening is provided with a first annular plunger surface shaped to accommodate a valve insert, the second plunger opening is configured to cooperate with a socket body, the outer plunger surface includes a cylindrical plunger surface and cooperates with an engine workpiece, and the inner plunger surface includes an inner cylindrical plunger surface.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (101, 601, 901) alters an effective compression ratio from an effective compression ratio for a start-up operation to a larger effective compression ratio for a normal operation when an engine rotation speed (NE) increases beyond a resonance rotation speed region during cranking. A controller (104, 610, 910) determines whether or not the engine (101, 601, 901) has reached a combustion possible state on the basis of the engine rotation speed (NE) during cranking and an operating parameter (PA, TA, TW, P_Rail, V_Ang) other than the engine rotation speed (NE) (S1102, S1202, S1204). When the determination is negative, the controller (104, 610, 910) inhibits fuel supply to the engine (101, 601, 901) by a fuel supply device (207), even when the engine rotation speed has increased beyond the resonance rotation speed region (S406). In so doing, a combustion defect such as a misfire is prevented.

Abstract: A method of controlling an engine during an engine startup or shutdown condition includes operating a valve to open a port of a combustion chamber to allow fluid to flow between the combustion chamber and the port for at least one entire engine cycle. The method also includes preventing combustion of fuel during a combustion stroke of the at least one engine cycle. The engine cycle occurs during the engine startup or shutdown condition.

Abstract: An induction system is designed for an engine that includes a manifold having a plenum in fluid communication with primary runners. A plenum valve is arranged between first and second chambers of the plenum that are respectively in fluid communication with first and second sets of the primary runners. The plenum valve is configured to move between open and closed positions to regulate flow between the first and second chambers. A secondary runner is arranged upstream from and in fluid communication with the plenum. The secondary runner includes first and second runner portions with the second runner portion being shorter than the first runner portion. A runner valve is arranged in the secondary runner between the first and second runner portions and is configured to selectively direct flow through the first and second runner portions to the plenum to obtain a desired effective tuning length.

Abstract: An example induction system for an engine includes a plenum in fluid communication with multiple primary runners. A plenum valve is arranged between first and second chambers of the plenum, which are respectively in fluid communication with first and second sets of the primary runners. The plenum valve is configured to move between open and closed positions and regulate flow between the first and second chambers. A second runner is arranged upstream from and in fluid communication with the plenum. A runner valve is arranged in the secondary runner and configured to vary the amount of flow through the secondary runner. A common actuator is interconnected to both the plenum and runner valves and is configured to move both of the plenum and runner valves between desired positions to achieve desired valve configurations that tune the engine.

Abstract: A piston and cylinder assembly for an engine is disclosed. The assembly includes a piston including an aluminum alloy piston body having a crown and a skirt extending from the crown. The skirt has an exterior surface having a surface finish in a wave form with peaks and valleys, and having a roughness total between approximately 6 and 12 micrometers, the roughness total (Rt) being defined as the difference between the highest peak and lowest valley within an assessment length. The surface finish has an approximate peak-to-peak distance between 0.17 and 0.25 millimeters within the assessment length. The exterior surface is coated with a nickel ceramic composite coating. An aluminum alloy cylinder bore is disposed in an engine block and is configured to receive the piston body. The cylinder bore has a bore surface having a roughness average (Ra) between approximately 0.09 and 0.25 micrometers. The cylinder bore may be made of a eutectic Al—Si alloy including other alloying elements.

Abstract: A cover for a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine having a connecting element for attachment the cylinder head and a sealing element arranged between the cylinder head cover and the cylinder head. The connecting element is associated with a connecting area, and the sealing element is associated with a sealing area. The connecting area and the sealing area are constructed independently of each other and are spatially separated from each other, and the force vectors of the connecting force transmitted by the connecting element and the sealing force transmitted by the sealing element form an angle with each other.

Abstract: In an adjusting device, in particular for a motor vehicle, which includes at least one adjusting unit for adjusting the pressure of a pressure medium in accordance with at least one parameter, the adjusting unit includes a first and a second throttle point having different dependences on the parameter in order to obtain a pressure difference dependent on the parameter for controlling the supply of the pressure medium.

Abstract: A turbocharger (500) for an internal combustion engine (400) includes a center housing (504) having an oil supply passage (412) in fluid communication with an oil pump (404). The oil pump (404) is in fluid communication with an oil reservoir (420) in the engine (400). An oil drain passage (418) is also in fluid communication with the oil reservoir (420). A check valve (401) is in fluid communication with the supply passage (412) and located between the oil pump (404) and the center housing (504) of the turbocharger (500) to prevent oil from passing from a portion of the oil supply passage (424) back to the oil pump (404).

Abstract: An engine shut-down device, which protects a portable working machine from static electricity discharge damage, is provided. In the portable working machine, engine operation can be stopped by switching or forcing a short-circuit at a primary coil in the ignition unit of the engine. The engine shut-down device, includes a manually operable ON/OFF switch for switching or forcing the short-circuit, and an conductive ground-mounting plate that is interposed between a switch operating member and a main switch body. The ground-mounting plate is electrically grounded at a designated electric grounding portion of the engine. Static electricity accumulated in the working machine can discharge via a path running directly from the ground-mounting plate to ground avoiding harmful passage through the ignition unit.

Abstract: An engine stop switch and a fuel open-close lock are accommodated in a throttle lever case so that they can be easily disassembled, and the engine stop switch is turned on and off and the fuel open-close cock is opened and closed adequately by the actuation of a rotary valve in response to the turning of a lever. An engine stop switch and a fuel open-close lock are integrally incorporated in a throttle lever case, a partially toothless driven gear is intermittently rotated via a partially toothless drive gear 4 rotated by a lever 6, and the intermittent rotation of the partially toothless driven gear turns on/off the engine stop switch and opens/closes the fuel open/close cock.

Abstract: A suction system for an internal combustion engine has a device for avoiding the ingress of water and includes a switch-over valve between a primary intake line and a secondary intake line. To provide improved protection against water ingress, the switch-over valve is controlled so that during off-road travel there is a change-over from a primary air intake to a secondary air intake.

Abstract: This invention provides a rotary engine and the type engine design method. This engine mainly has two nested rotors and a cylinder body. This invention publicizes in detail about the rotary engine movement principle and the work mechanism. This type engine can the automatic control compression ratio, the running rate be high, Structure simple and so on many kinds of merits.

Abstract: A process is provided for enhancing homogeneous combustion and improving ignition in rotary and reciprocating piston IC engines. Physical embodiments supporting this process have secondary chambers embedded in the cylinder periphery to initiate radical ignition (“RI”) species generation in an earlier cycle for use in the main chamber combustion of a later cycle. These communicate with the main chamber via small conduits. Coordinated with the progressions facilitated by these secondary chambers are novel control measures for regulating the quantities of RI species ultimately generated for and conveyed to the later cycle. The pre-determinable presence of RI species so supplied then alters or adds controlled variety to the dominant chain-initiation reactions of the main combustion ignition mechanism of the later cycle. This presence does so by lowering both the heat and the fuel ratios required for starting and sustaining combustion.

Abstract: A piston includes a piston structure being unitarily formed in a powder metallurgy process, the piston structure having a crown assembly and a skirt assembly, at least a partial combustion chamber being formed intersecting a piston crown surface during the powder metallurgy process, the skirt assembly depending from the crown assembly and having two spaced apart pin bosses, each pin boss having a pin bore defined therein, a pair of opposed semi-circular skirt members, each skirt member extending outwardly from and being integrally joined to both of the pin bosses. The piston may be formed by executing a powder metallurgy process on at least two different metallic constituents to define a non-homogenous piston structure. A method of forming a piston is further included.

Abstract: A piston in a direct injection spark ignition internal combustion engine is configured to reciprocate upward and downward within a combustion chamber along a reciprocating axis. The piston comprises an upper end which partly defines the combustion chamber; a bowl defined on the upper end of the piston, the bowl having an at least partially curved sidewall region extending upward from a bottom surface of the bowl, the bowl being configured so that fuel injected laterally into the bowl toward the curved sidewall region from an injection side of the bowl is directed along the curved sidewall region and upward toward a spark plug of the internal combustion engine, where the bowl has a converging contour in which a curvature of the converging contour is greater at a portion of the contour near the spark plug than a portion of the contour near the injection side of the bowl.

Abstract: A method for controlling valves during an engine stop is presented. The valves are controlled in a manner that can quiet the engine during a stop. In addition, the valves may be selectively controlled to direct the contents of the cylinder in a desired direction so that engine emissions may be reduced.

Abstract: An engine ECU learns a base duty ratio command of an actuator for driving a throttle valve as an operation level of engine control on condition that a target idle rotation speed Nei* enters a predetermined rotation speed range during idling of an engine as one prerequisite. When the learning is incomplete, the engine ECU rejects an up request of the target idle rotation speed Nei* sent from an air conditioner ECU and prohibits the target idle rotation speed Nei* from being changed. The control procedure of the invention effectively prohibits a change of the target idle rotation speed Nei* under the condition of incomplete learning of the operation level of engine control. The prohibition of the change desirably keeps the target idle rotation speed Nei* within the predetermined rotation speed range, thus preventing failed fulfillment of the learning condition and ensuring the sufficient learning opportunities of the operation level of engine control.

Abstract: An ignition timing control system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of reducing the capacity of a memory that stores data used in controlling ignition timing, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. An ignition timing control system that controls ignition timing of an internal combustion engine calculates a maximum torque parameter indicative of a maximum torque that the engine can output when the engine is at the detected rotational speed, according to the detected rotational speed, calculates an output torque parameter indicative of an output torque being output from the engine, calculates a torque ratio as a ratio between the output torque parameter and the maximum torque parameter, and determines the ignition timing according to the engine speed and the torque ratio.