Abstract: A hydraulic composition is provided. This composition exhibits an improved workability in its coating with a trowel, and accordingly, an improved working efficiency with no adverse effects on its physical properties. The hydraulic composition comprises at least one surfactant selected from anionic surfactants having foaming ability (group A), at least one surfactant selected from surfactants which are nonionic antifoaming agents (group B), and a water-soluble cellulose ether. The surfactants of group A and group B are respectively added at 0.000005 to 0.004% by weight (solid content) in relation to the powder ingredients in the hydraulic composition, and the water-soluble cellulose ether is added at 0.02 to 1.2% by weight of the hydraulic composition.

Abstract: The invention provides geopolymeric compositions, which have controllable thickening and setting times for a wide range of temperatures and a large range of geopolymer slurry densities. The geopolymer slurry compositions have good mixability and pumpability, whilst the set materials develop good compressive strength and permeability. The invention discloses a method for preparing geopolymer for oilfield cementing applications. The geopolymeric compositions according to the invention comprises a suspension comprising an aluminosilicate source, a metal silicate, an alkali activator, lightweight or heavyweight fillers and a carrier fluid wherein the suspension of said geopolymeric composition is pumped in a well and allowed to set.

Abstract: The invention provides geopolymeric compositions intended for use in carbon dioxide injection or production wells or storage reservoirs and preferably in a supercritical carbon dioxide conditions. The geopolymeric composition is formed from a suspension comprising an aluminosilicate source, a metal silicate, an alkali activator, a retarder and/or an accelerator and a carrier fluid wherein the oxide molar ratio M2O/SiO2 is greater than 0.20 with M an alkali metal.

Abstract: A top plate is supported while being greatly projected forward of leg bodies, which forms a large lower leg space under the top plate. Upper ends of left and right leg bodies (2) having, at their lower ends, base legs (2a) that are directed in a front-rear direction are connected by lateral connection rods (3) that are directed in a left-right direction and have a non-circular cross-section. Rear end sections of at least a left and right pair of top plate support bodies (4) directed in the front-rear direction are fixed to the lateral connection rods (3) so as to project forward. The lower surface of the top plate (26) is installed on the top plate support bodies (4) such that the most part of the top plate (26) is located forward of the lateral connection rods (3).

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in personal health-care, for example, wound care, and treatment is presented herein. The apparatus has a platform connected to at least two adjustable sets of legs. The legs may be adjusted to substantially ensure levelness to the platform. A lighted mirror unit is connected to the platform to assist in better vision where an individual needs treatment.

Abstract: A pallet includes a cargo layer and a base layer. The base layer includes a pair of spaced apart end deck boards, and a pair of spaced apart connector boards orthogonal to the pair of spaced apart end deck boards, with each connector board and each end deck board having respective ends. A strength plate is coupled to each respective end of the connector boards in the base layer. Spaced apart support blocks are between the base and cargo layers, and form a gap therebetween for receiving a lifting member. First fasteners couple the cargo layer to an upper surface of the support blocks. Second fasteners couple the base layer to a lower surface of the support blocks so that the ends of the connector boards and the corresponding strength plates are coupled to a first area of the lower surface of the support blocks, and so that the ends of the end deck boards are coupled to a second area of the lower surface of the support blocks.

Abstract: A table with adjustable table top height is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the table has legs of a first height that attach to a table top. Additionally, a set of leg extenders is provided that is adapted to be positioned between the table top and the legs in order to position the table top at a second, greater height relative to the surface on which the table is positioned. Alternatively, an apron may be employed instead of or in addition to the set of leg extenders.

Abstract: An article of furniture comprising, in combination: a core body consisting of first plastic foam material, a first layer extending at one or more of the top and sides of the core, and attached to the core, consisting of plastic soft material, a second layer covering the first layer and covering the top and sides of the body, and which is a waterproof plastic film material, and an outer exposed sheet removably covering said second layer, and consisting of an upholstery material or the like.

Abstract: A thermal storage type gas treating apparatus has a high sealing performance while achieving a simple apparatus construction. The thermal storage type gas treating apparatus includes a valve member rotatable to place successively a supply port for a gas to be treated and an exhaust port for a treated gas formed in the valve member, in an opposed and communicating relationship with supply and exhaust ports formed in a distributor, thereby successively passing gas to be treated and treated gas through a plurality of thermal storage chambers communicating at one end with a combustion chamber. The valve member is supported to be displaceable toward and away from the distributor. A valve biasing device is provided for pressing the valve body to the distributor, while being inoperative with respect to a gas chamber device.

Abstract: A ground engaging apparatus (10) has a support plate (50) pivotally attached to a frame (100); a pair of arms (30, 40) interconnecting the support plate (50) and a shank support (60), which supports a shank (70) and ground follower (90) and first and second biasing rams or springs (200, 300), to maintain the ground follower (90); against the ground (91) but allow controlled break out of a ground opening, or tillage, tool (81) if an obstruction is engaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for increasing containment and traceability of transgenic seeds, both prior to harvest and post harvest. Disclosed are methods to produce and select a desirable plant cultivar for molecular farming characterized by being easily amenable for transformation and regeneration and with visual characteristic feature such as in particular characteristic pigmentation of the seed coat or other parts of the seed that can be traced and are easily distinguished in the field or during and/or after harvesting from non-transgenic seeds of the same species that have not the visual characteristic feature.

Abstract: An injection system includes an injector pump delivering a mixture of polymer and water from a mixing tank. Optionally, a surge tank is provided to reduce pressure hammer effects. The mixture is delivered by the injector pump to a manifold device that includes a commutator valve receiving the mixture through an inlet and discharging the mixture through two or more outlet ports. An actuator controls the flow of the mixture through the commutator valve to create pulses in the mixture. Optionally, the actuator is controlled by a controller. The mixture is delivered from the outlet ports to nozzle arrays.

Abstract: Looper section provided under a needle plate includes: a plurality of loopers arranged in an array along a curved movement path; and a movement mechanism for moving the plurality of loopers along the curved movement path to selectively position one of the plurality of loopers in a predetermined needle drop position. Chain-stitch sewing is performed by cooperation between the one looper selectively positioned in the needle drop position and a hooked needle. The looper section projects at its one end portion including the predetermined needle drop position, and a cylindrical sewing workpiece can be taken to and from the needle drop position via the one projecting end portion. The curved movement path is, for example, a U-shaped path.

Abstract: A system, method and kit for making singular applique elements, combining the singular elements on a singular pattern as an aid for quickly and repeatably creating a combined element for attachment to a quilt, tablecloth, bedspread, pillow case, and the like. Two pre-printed paper sheets are provided having outlines of the applique elements printed wherein one paper sheet is cut into singular design elements and the other pre-printed sheet is of a coated nature that remains intact as a singular pattern. The singular design elements are applied to the applique fabric of which the fabric is cut to the shape of the singular element. The singular elements are then combined using the singular pattern as an assembly template ensuring a repeatable applique design. The combined applique elements can then be attached to the desired base material in a usual manner.

Abstract: A watercraft includes at least two floating bodies; a drive device that drives the at least two floating bodies; and a control device that controls at least the drive device, wherein the at least two floating bodies are stacked, the at least two floating bodies are connected by at least one connecting device, at least one damping device is located between the at least two floating bodies, and an intermediate space between the at least two floating bodies is sealed by a sealing device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spoiler anchoring sail that counters the swinging and jerking of a sailboat during anchoring or mooring, thereby providing a convenient, comfortable and secure environment to sailors. The anchoring sail comprises a first wing, a second wing attached to the first wing at a common edge, and a spoiler attached to the first wing and the second wing at the common edge. The spoiler, the first wing and second wing are oriented in a manner, such that, an angle between the spoiler and first wing and an angle between the spoiler and second wing is greater than or equal to about an angle between the first wing and second wing. The first wing and the second wing cause dihedral effect and the spoiler is capable of cutting off wind to one side of the anchoring sail, while channeling the wind to other side of the anchoring sail.

Abstract: A sail flaking system, comprising attachment points for receiving resilient band or elastic cord material. The attachment points are to be affixed in sets to a boat sail, the sets alternating from side to side on the sail. Each set of attachment points can then be joined by elastic cord/resilient band material, the elastic cord/resilient band material preferably sized to be under tension when the sail is raised. As the sail is lowered, the action of the resilient band/elastic cord material will pull on each set of attachment points creating a fold in the sail on the opposite side. The side-to-side alternation of these folds result in a flaked sail when the sail is fully doused.

Abstract: A retraction system for rudders for small boats having a deck comprising a rudder means connecting said rudder to the rear of a boat enabling said rudder to pivot on an axis such that when the rudder is retracted, it rotates upwardly through about 270° from the normal operating position in the water while twisting about 90° so as to lay essentially flat on said deck.

Abstract: A novel hatch and with cover for boats comprising: a hatch, a hatch cover with handle hinged to said hatch, and cooperating means on the hatch and cover including cam surfaces whereby the said handle can be rotated to secure the cover to the hatch.

Abstract: A paravane for a marine seismic survey system includes a float and at least one diverter operatively coupled to the float. The diverter is configured to redirect flow of water past the paravane with respect to a direction of motion of the paravane through water. The paravane also includes a steering device. The steering device is configured to controllably redirect the flow of water so as to control an amount of lateral force generated by the paravane.

Abstract: A spar-type platform includes a hull defining a centerwell extending downward to a keel. The hull includes a reduced diameter neck portion for diverting ice flow. Adjustable ballast tanks allow the hull to be moved between a ballasted down position defining an upper water line, and a ballasted up position defined by a lower water line. A riser a support buoy is disposed in the keel. Risers extend through the centerwell, each having an upper portion extending upward from the support buoy and a lower portion supported in the support buoy. A disconnect system detachably connects the support buoy to the hull and the upper portion of each riser to the lower portion thereof, whereby the hull and the upper portion of each riser are selectively detachable from the buoy and the lower portion of each riser for movement to avoid a collision with a floating object.

Abstract: A monohull surface ship has a hull having a profile which produces a high pressure area at a bottom portion of the hull in a stern section of the hull and hydrodynamic lifting of the stern section at a speed above a length Froude number of 0.30. The ship includes an apparatus for introducing a drag reducing substance into the boundary layer of water flowing over a submerged portion of the hull in substantially straight flow lines relative to the waterline to reduce skin-friction over a relatively large wetted area of the hull at speeds exceeding a length Froude number of 0.25.

Abstract: The invention as disclosed is a recoverable tethered optical fiber buoy and winch assembly that is mounted to the back of the sail or the back of an aft non-moving surface of an underwater vehicle and housed in a configuration to provide very little additional drag to the underwater vehicle when the assembly is not deployed. The invention provides a capability to connect ocean surface visual or radio frequency sensors to an underwater mobile platform with a very high data rate link that is retrievable.

Abstract: A misting system is combined with a water sport towing apparatus, such as a wakeboard tower. The water sport towing apparatus's frame comprises a misting system providing the vessels occupants a benefit of misting combined with the tower in design and function. A vapor of water molecules is showered from the water sport towing apparatus that is directed at filling the vessels cabin thereby contributing to a cooler environment for the vessel occupants.

Abstract: A method for preventive maintenance of a boat hull to restore the integrity of a fiberglass boat hull and prevent new water infiltration damage to a boat hull. The wet area repair guidelines using a surface moisture meter. Any balsa cored area reading 15% or above is considered a wet area. Any wood cored area reading 20% or above is considered a wet area. The preventive maintenance steps involve removing all through-hull fittings or hardware. Wet core areas are then dried out using heat lamps, lights or heaters, hot-vac systems, or octopus vacuum with grid system. If necessary, any area not drying out is de-cored and repaired accordingly. After repairs are finished, all through-hull fillings or hardware is reinstalled using new sealant.

Abstract: A flagpole assembly that can be attached to the awning arm of most recreational vehicles, such as travel trailers and fifth wheel trailers. The flagpole is easily and securely attached without the aid of tools and without damaging hardware. The flagpole assembly can easily be completely removed and easily stowed when traveling. The flagpole brackets semi-encompass the awning arm and are held in place with stretch rings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of directionally solidified Czochralski, float zone or multicrystalline silicon ingots or thin sheets or ribbon for making wafers for solar cells from silicon feedstock initially containing between 0.2 ppma and 10 ppma boron and between 0.1 ppma and 10 ppma phosphorous. If the boron content in the silicon feedstock is higher than the phosphorous content, the boron content in the molten silicon is kept higher than the phosphorous content during the directional solidification process by adding boron to the molten silicon in order to extend the part of the directionally solidified ingot or the thin sheet or ribbon solidifying as p-type material.

Abstract: A method for producing a granular crystal includes steps of melting a crystal to be a molten solution, ejecting a droplet of the molten solution from a nozzle with a three dimensional motion. An apparatus for producing a granular crystal includes a crucible, an actuator, and at least one nozzle. The crucible contains a molten solution of a crystal. The actuator moves at least one nozzle with three-dimensional motion. At least one nozzle ejects a droplet of the molten solution with a three dimensional motion.

Abstract: A method for forming a silicon nitride film in a PECVD batch type chamber is provided. In the PECVD silicon nitride film deposition method, as the number of batches of processed wafers increases, a silicon nitride deposition time is gradually adjusted to be longer as each batch of wafers is processed. Therefore a uniform thickness of the silicon nitride film is maintained despite variations in deposition rates resulting from an RF plasma cleaning process.

Abstract: This device for automatically pasting sheets of paper or cardboard having a low substance including a storage spool for a backing covered in a film of transfer adhesive, a motor means intended to ensure unwinding of the backing from storage spool and transport of the backing towards a pasting area, an adhesive applicator roll which can move between two positions, an operational position in which the adhesive applicator roll comes into contact with a pressure roll and between which the sheet to be pasted can move and a non-operational position in which the adhesive applicator roll is no longer in contact with the pressure roll or the sheet of paper or cardboard.

Abstract: To provide a vacuum processing apparatus applicable to various manufacturing processes, by efficiently and highly reliably stacking films of various types and thicknesses and by downsizing the manufacturing apparatus by suppressing size increase of the apparatus due to increase of the number of film forming chambers caused by increase and complexity of process steps. A vacuum processing apparatus is provided with a plurality of film forming process parts which are provided with rotating transfer tables and film forming chambers. The rotating transfer tables form a transfer path for a work to be processed, in chambers which can be vacuum-exhausted. The film forming chambers are provided for depositing a film on the work to be processed which is arranged and transferred along a circumference which has a rotating shaft of the rotating transfer table as a center.

Abstract: This invention relates to an applicator for applying coating medium, in particular coating medium in several layers onto a running web surface. The applicator includes several curtain heads, which are arranged at random distances apart and from which the coating media or colors are dispensed downward, and an inclined guide face which—as the result of lamination of the coating media or colors dispensed one after the other from each of the several curtain heads along the incline in order to form the several medium or color layers and, in addition, to form a color curtain from a curtain guide part pointing downwards—moves the color layers at the end of the part of the incline onto the web surface.

Abstract: Masking to protect flooring when a baluster on the floor is being painted includes a masking sheet preformed with an opening therein inwardly of the sheet edges conforming in shape and size to the base of the baluster to be painted and having an adhesive coating on its bottom in turn covered by a release sheet that is removed before the masking sheet is applied. The masking sheet is slit from the opening to an edge so that it may be mounted on the floor about the baluster base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) for fabricating a thin-layer yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte on a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode substrate constructed of nickel-YSZ cermet. By reducing the thickness of the electrolyte, and thereby reducing the cell internal IR drop, an intermediate temperature SOFC (ITSOFC) can operate at 600-800° C. A collar positioned at a distance from a discharge end of a spray nozzle enhances a spray pattern of a precursor including the electrolyte material and thus provides a very thin electrolyte layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma CVD device including means for supplying a compound with borazine skeleton, a plasma generator for generating a plasma, and means for applying a negative charge to an electrode for placing a substrate. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a plasma CVD device which stably provides a low dielectric constant and a high mechanical strength over a long period of time, reducing the amount of a gas component (outgas) emitted in heating the film, and causing no trouble in a device manufacturing process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for depositing material onto a microfeature workpiece in a reaction chamber are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a gas supply assembly having a first gas source, a first gas conduit coupled to the first gas source, a first valve assembly, a reaction chamber, and a gas distributor carried by the reaction chamber. The first valve assembly includes first and second valves that are in fluid communication with the first gas conduit. The first and second valves are configured in a parallel arrangement so that the first gas flows through the first valve and/or the second valve. It is emphasized that this Abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A transfer chamber for a cluster system includes a first body, a second body attached at one side of the first body, and a cover combined with an upper portion of the first body. The transfer chamber further includes a third body at another side of the first body, wherein the third body has the same shape as the second body.

Abstract: [Object] To stably generate plasma at atmospheric pressure. [Solving Means] There are provided a tubular casing 10 into which a gas and a microwave are introduced, a hole 30 provided in a bottom surface of this casing, and a columnar conductor 40 which is provided in an axis direction of the casing, a bottom surface of the conductor 40 having a contour placed inside the contour of the hole. A minute gap A formed between the contour of a bottom surface 41 of the conductor 40 and the contour of the hole, a coaxial waveguide formed of the conductor and the casing, and an insulating film 22 formed at least on a contour portion forming the hole at the minute gap are provided. In the structure described above, the microwave is guided to the minute gap by the coaxial waveguide, and the gas is made to pass through the minute gap, so that the gas is placed in a plasma state at the minute gap.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for forming thin films for semiconductor devices, which enable supplying and removing reactants containing constituent elements of a thin film to be formed, by preheating and supplying a process gas and a purging gas at a predetermined temperature in forming the thin film on a substrate. For example, a method for forming a thin film includes supplying a first reactant to a chamber to chemically absorb the first reactant onto a substrate, the first reactant being bubbled by a first gas that is preheated, purging the chamber to remove residues on the substrate having the first reactant chemically absorbed, and forming the thin film by a means of chemical displacement by supplying a second reactant to the chamber to chemically absorb the second reactant onto the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a substrate support assembly having a protective layer that enhances plasma resistance. In one embodiment, a substrate support assembly includes an electrostatic chuck having an upper substrate support surface, and a protective layer disposed on the electrostatic chuck, wherein the protective layer is fabricated by a ceramic material containing a rare earth metal.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus for dispensing a slurry feed suitable for fish under the surface of an aqueous body, the apparatus comprising a housing having a feed inlet and radial feed dispensing means, means for providing a slurry containing a feed product to the feed inlet means in the housing and a radial feed dispensing means comprising a plurality of spaced-apart slurry dispensing outlets therein for dispensing slurry radially and outwardly from the housing under the water surface.

Abstract: An automatic animal feeder has a food hopper connected to a feeding trough. Bulk animal food loaded into the hopper transfers into the feeding trough. A lid covers the feeding trough, preventing access to the animal food. An automated drive mechanism having a timer opens the lid, thereby allowing access to the animal food in the feeding trough, at pre-set intervals. The automatic animal feeder can be used to train wild game to feed during certain desired periods, such as daylight hours.

Abstract: A bird feeder having an LED lighting system that is powered by solar energy. The bird feeder may also include an active cover plate with a pair of transparent light diffusers to diffuse light into the food reservoir of the feeder and below the feeder.

Abstract: A feeder for animals which consists of a feed storage tank equipped with at least one chute at its base, through which the feed falls due to the force of gravity, and a corresponding distribution tray arranged beneath the chute of the tank and whereon the feed coming from said tank collects; the feeder also comprises a supporting body for the distribution tray, an operating lever for said distribution tray and an articulated means for the joining of the operating lever to the aforementioned supporting body, the operating lever being arranged beneath the distribution tray, where it may easily be moved by an animal.

Abstract: The Anti Ant Pet Food Bowl is unique because it has a water trough encircling the bottom of the bowl. Placing water in the trough prevents ants and any insects and bugs from reaching the food in the bowl.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a litter box vacuum air filtration system. An apparatus includes a stack of pet furniture units including a litter box unit including a vacuum inlet, a fan coupled to the vacuum inlet; and a litter box air shaft coupled to the fan; and another box unit coupled to the litter box unit, the another box unit including another air shaft. The litter box air shaft and the another box air shaft are coupled together to align the litter box air shaft with the another air shaft and define a ventilation conduit: A method includes operating a litter box unit including evacuating gas from the litter box unit through a vacuum inlet that defines an air intake that is located along substantially all of an upper, interior edge of the litter box.

Abstract: A method for creating a particle from a powder according to one embodiment includes applying a droplet of a liquid to a bed of powder, wherein a particle is formed at about a point of contact of the droplet with the bed. A composite particle according to one embodiment includes a liquid-absorbing material and a liquid-induced binding agent substantially homogeneously dispersed in the particle. A composite particle according to yet another embodiment includes a liquid-absorbing material and a byproduct of a liquid-induced gas forming agent substantially homogeneously dispersed in the particle. A composite particle suitable for use as an animal litter according to an embodiment includes a liquid-absorbing material, where the particle has at least one of the following properties: hollow, cupped, and generally bagel shaped. A composite particle in yet another embodiment includes a material formed in a shape substantially defined by a droplet of liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved submersible mollusc farm consisting of a self-supporting frame which is formed with an “H” plan floating structure comprising beams with support arms for the culture ropes. According to the invention, the structure moves vertically under the effect of tides or the weight of the culture product and is guided by means of surface floats which are equipped with a guide tube comprising slide stop elements between which the structure can slide.

Abstract: An aquaculture system (10) comprises one or more tanks (14) that are arranged to be disposed within a body of water such as a pond (12). A reticulation system (16) recirculates water from the pond (12) through the one or more tanks (14). Solid waste material including uneaten food is extracted from the tanks (14) and deposited at a location that is isolated from communication with the pond (16).

Abstract: Slatted device for stable floors. The device is suitable for being installed as a separation between a waste pit and stable compartment of stabled animals. The device comprises a chassis and a movable trap door having a plurality of openings. The trap door rests on the chassis. A sliding hinge means is provided between the chassis and trap door and the trap door can be moved to a position in which the trap door extends below the chassis.