Abstract: Articles constructed of a plurality of scuffed sheets have improved sheet-to-sheet bond strength and surfaces with high coefficients of friction. Articles constructed out of three scuffed sheets include exterior intumescent polymeric surfaces resisting the spread of combustion flames and insulating the interior surfaces from the high temperature of fire. Articles include electronic apparatus sending an emergency 911 call to a remote monitoring station. Articles are advantageously reinforced with optional rigidifying structures without article modification. Members are joined with snap together features providing an assembled article. Articles include handles for ergonomic manipulation by workers. Articles include elements amenably receiving unitization accessories. The article improvements are demonstrated in the form of industrial platforms, particularly material handling pallets.

Abstract: A stackable, nestable, and gangable table for use in varied environments such as classrooms, conferences, testing, etc includes a wire frame scaled according to the anticipated use, a table top and a modesty panel angled obtusely from the table top to accommodate stacking and/or nesting of the tables. The table further includes glide members on the wire frame base that accommodates the ganging of tables next to one another. The glide members are mounted on the base in such a manner that they engage the opposing glides on the aligned consecutive table. The table also includes a mounting mechanism for mounting accessories such as a side storage pouch to provide additional storage and help delineate the personal work space of each table.

Abstract: A latching mechanism (1) for use with a card edge connector to hold a card on a printed circuit board, the latching mechanism (1) includes a latching member (2), a supporting member (3) detachably fixed to the latching member (2) and adapted to be fastened said printed circuit board, of which has a linking portion (30, 34) for jointing the latching member (2) on the supporting member (3), a mounting portion (32) and a supporting portion (31, 33) connecting the linking portion (30, 34) and the mounting portion (32).

Abstract: A baking oven and a method for controlling the exhaust flow from a cooking chamber of the baking oven, the flow being discharged by a fan. The method includes increasing a speed of the fan during a first time interval after. A first temperature of the baking oven is measured using a first temperature sensor during the first time interval. At the same time a second temperature of the baking oven is measured using a second temperature sensor. An electronic controller is used to determine the temperature difference between the temperatures during the first time interval. At a selected fan speed, the determined temperature difference varies from an initial temperature difference measured at the beginning of the first time interval. The controller sets at least one of the fan speed and a position of a bypass damper as a function of the selected fan speed.

Abstract: A row planter assembly comprising: a frame; an opening disk rotatably mounted to the frame; and a gauge wheel rotatably mounted to the frame and disposed alongside, but spaced from, the opening disk so as to create a narrow gap therebetween; wherein the gauge wheel comprises at least one opening in the side wall thereof so as to permit soil to pass from the gap located between the opening disk and the gauge wheel to the region outside of the gauge wheel.

Abstract: The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel. In another embodiment particles carrying desired agricultural inputs with modified release characteristics are delivered.

Abstract: The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel.

Abstract: A control device of a sewing machine includes a pressing member, a pressing frame supported by the pressing member, feed detecting means for detecting a position or a feeding amount of the pressing frame, a feed dog which feeds the workpiece in the cloth feeding direction every stitch in association with the pressing frame, a feeding motor which sets a cloth feeding amount of the feed dog, a storing portion which stores, in every stitch, an error between a target position or a target feeding amount of the pressing frame and a detected position or a detected feeding amount obtained by the feed detecting means, and control means operable, in every stitch, to determine a correction value from the errors in a plurality of stitches which are stored immediately before, and to control the feeding motor to drive with the cloth feeding amount corrected by the correction value.

Abstract: In a battened sailboard sail a sail-widget is attached to the leading edge of the sail and the sail-widget is connected to a camber-inducer by a line that is acted on by a batten to evenly distribute the batten tension load between the sail and camber-inducer. The batten is able to move chordwise relative the camber inducer when the sail is rotating about the mast.

Abstract: A sailcloth in roll good form permits efficient and cost effective construction of cross cut and vertical cut, laminate sails based on “off-angle,” (assymetrical) load bearing fibers. The sailcloth also may include a conventional warp and fill thread or fiber layout. Such sailcloth illustratively is significantly less susceptible to load force stretch, creep elongation, and airfoil shape deformation because, among other things, it is not dependent on the load bearing limitations of symmetrical, woven or knitted roll good sailcloth.

Abstract: An asymmetric sail furling and unfurling device comprises a tubular outer foil and an inner stay foil, the inner and outer foils providing a foil assembly adapted to transmit a torque for furling an unhoisted sail, which is furled on a sheath foil fitted on the outer foil, with the assembly of the foils and sheath being flexible.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thrust fin (20) for ships which recovers lost energy caused by rotational flow generated behind a propeller (30), and converts it into thrust. The thrust fin (20) of the present invention has a simple shape, enhances propulsive efficiency of the ship, and can be applied to a real ship thanks to the simple installation thereof, to maximize thrust of the ship. The thrust fin (20) is mounted to a front portion of the rudder (10) of the ship such that left and right sides of the thrust fin, which are integrated with each other into a single body, are asymmetrical. A vertical position, at which the thrust fin (20) is mounted to the rudder (10), is at an optimum position as determined in consideration of the shape of the rudder and hydrodynamic characteristics.

Abstract: A watercraft flotation device with an inflatable vessel and a strap system to selectively secure the inflatable vessel to the watercraft can provide sufficient buoyancy to raise the watercraft hull out of water. The strap system can limit movement of the inflatable vessel fore and aft relative to the watercraft hull. The flotation device can include a forward inflatable vessel and an aft inflatable vessel. The inflatable vessels are, in some embodiments, generally tubular and have inflation valves positioned near one end. The inflation valve can be coupled to an inflation pump such that air can be pumped into the inflatable vessel(s) to raise the watercraft hull. A system including multiple inflatable vessels and an inflation pump can be stored portably for transportation with the watercraft.

Abstract: A retractable convertible top for a pleasure craft, including a canvas type fabric and stowable linkage mechanism, is described. This convertible top may be fully deployed and retracted automatically to provide a quick and efficient means of providing shelter for the open cabin of a pleasure craft while still allowing easy entrance and egress from the cabin when the top is fully deployed. The convertible top may be fully stowable within a small volume storage bin with watertight covers. The stowage bin may be integrated into the craft. The craft's existing hydraulic and control systems may be utilized to automatically deploy and retract the convertible top.

Abstract: An adjustable seat having an upright position and an inclined position for use on a watercraft, wherein the seat includes a frame; a movable seat bottom having an upper surface that is at a greater angle relative to the horizontal in the inclined position than in the upright position; and a movable seat back that is at a greater angle relative to the vertical in the inclined position than in the upright position. A rear portion of the seat bottom may be located lower in the inclined position than in the upright position, and the seat back may be located lower in the inclined position than in the upright position. The adjustable seat may include a gas-assist strut connected between the frame and one of either the seat bottom or the seat back. The frame may include at least one slot to facilitate movement of the adjustable seat from the upright position to the inclined position, and the seat may further include a support member movable in the slot.

Abstract: A twin-hull catamaran boat or vessel comprising of four hydrodynamic pod sections connected with a mid-span recess on each hull that receives mechanically inducted gas or air for hull support. Each hull shape of the twin-hull catamaran configuration contains one V-shaped hull portion forward (bow), one mid-length hull cavity portion that receives pressurized gas or air therein (amidships), and one V-shaped hull portion aft (stern). The V-shaped bow portion creates hydrodynamic lift, the air or gas mechanically pressurized mid-length recess portion creates an air cushion to lift the hull in order to reduce wetted surface and drag on the hulls, and the V-shaped stern portion provides hydrodynamic lift to support the aft portion of the twin-hull catamaran configuration and also to provide an aft sealing body for the mechanically pressurized air or gas mid-length cavity.

Abstract: A luminescent flagstaff and flag includes a chemiluminescent flagstaff and a flag attached to the chemiluminescent flagstaff.

Abstract: A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding or otherwise opening the shell. The devices according to the present invention may be used as temperature sensors or warning devices, drug delivery devices, and the like.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for regulating/controlling the surface temperature of a substrate is provided. At least a thermal pyrolytic graphite (TPG) layer is embedded in the heater to diffuse the temperature difference of the various components in the heating apparatus and provide temporal and spatial control of the surface temperature of the substrate, for a relatively uniform substrate temperature with the difference between the maximum and minimum temperature points on the substrate of less than 10° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for effectively suppressing the generation of particles resulting from peeling-off of unnecessary films that have unavoidably adhered to the inner surface of the reaction tube of an ALD film-forming apparatus. A precoating process utilizing ALD is performed to deposit a metal oxide film, e.g., an aluminum oxide film, onto the unnecessary films, in order to prevent peeling-off of the unnecessary films. The type and/or position of the nozzle for supplying ozone, as a precoat gas, into the reaction tube during the precoating process is different from that of the nozzle for supplying ozone, as a film-forming gas, into the reaction tube during forming of a film on a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: There is described apparatus and methods for transporting and processing substrates including wafers as to efficiently produce at reasonable costs improved throughput as compared to systems in use today. A key element is the use of a transport chamber along the sides of processing chambers for feeding substrates into a controlled atmosphere through a load lock and then along a transport chamber as a way of reaching processing chambers and then out of the controlled atmosphere following processing in the processing chambers.

Abstract: A processing system is used for processing an object by a first fluid. The processing system includes a base and a plasma generation device. The base supports the object and the plasma generation device ionizes the first fluid. The plasma generation device includes at least one guiding element comprising a path guiding the first fluid to sequentially flow through a first position and a second position and at least one electrode element including a first electrode corresponding to the first position and a second electrode corresponding to the second position. The first and second electrodes energize the first fluid located between the first and second electrodes to form a second fluid, to thereby utilize the second fluid to perform surfacing, activating, cleaning, photoresist ashing or etching process on the object supported by the base.

Abstract: The present invention provides for sequential chemical vapor deposition by employing a reactor operated at low pressure, a pump to remove excess reactants, and a line to introduce gas into the reactor through a valve. A first reactant forms a monolayer on the part to be coated, while the second reactant passes through a radical generator which partially decomposes or activates the second reactant into a gaseous radical before it impinges on the monolayer. This second reactant does not necessarily form a monolayer but is available to react with the monolayer. A pump removes the excess second reactant and reaction products completing the process cycle. The process cycle can be repeated to grow the desired thickness of film.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus comprises a processing chamber in which a plurality of substrates are stacked and accommodated; a pair of electrodes extending in the stacking direction of the plurality of substrates, which are disposed at one side of the plurality of substrates in said processing chamber, and to which high frequency electricity is applied; and a gas supply member which supplies processing gas into a space between the pair of electrodes.

Abstract: A substrate supporting mechanism includes a function for heating a substrate placed thereon in a process container of a substrate processing apparatus. The substrate supporting mechanism includes a worktable configured to place the substrate thereon and including a heating element made of silicon carbide and formed in a predetermined pattern; an electric feeder electrode configured to supply electricity to the heating element; and a partition member made of an electrically insulating material and interposed between portions adjacent to each other in the heating element formed in the predetermined pattern.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for regulating the temperature of and supporting a heating target such as semiconductor substrate or a metal/ceramic mold or other industrial processes that require temperature regulations such as degassing or annealing. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a heating target support for supporting the heating target ; a ceramic heating element for heating the heating target to a temperature of at least 300° C.; a first thermally conductive layer disposed between the substrate support and the ceramic heating layer; a second layer disposed below the ceramic heating layer. Both the first layer and the second layer in the heater assembly have an elastic modulus of less than 5 GPa, for biasing the ceramic heating layer without causing damage to the ceramic layer while still providing uniform and excellent heating to the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing autodoping and backside defects on a substrate during epitaxial deposition processes are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for reducing autodoping and backside defects on a substrate includes a substrate support ring having a substrate holder structure configured to support the substrate in a position for processing along an edge defined by the backside of the substrate and a sidewall of the substrate or along a plurality of discrete points on or proximate to the edge; and a spacer ring for positioning the substrate support ring above a susceptor plate to define a substrate gap region between the susceptor plate and the backside of the substrate, the spacer ring comprising a plurality of openings formed therethrough that facilitate passage of a gas into and out of the substrate gap region.

Abstract: A milk temperature monitor helps determine the health or physiological condition of a lactating animal (e.g., cow, goat, sheep, camel, etc.). It does this by comparing the temperature of the animal's milk to an acceptable temperature range that is automatically adjusted to compensate for a varying ambient air temperature. In some embodiments, the acceptable temperature range is adjusted based on the average milk temperature reading of the most recent series of animals that were milked. The average reading is preferably a rolling average of a limited sample size. In calculating the rolling average, the monitor disregards temperature readings that are beyond a reasonable range. The monitor can record and display historical peak temperatures rather than real-time temperatures. In some cases, the monitor's microprocessor and power supply are hermetically encapsulated within a clear permanent cast housing.

Abstract: A pet enclosure that permits burrowing pets, such as dogs, to burrow through a tunnel like structure possessing an open end and a closed end that will permit the animal's exit by pushing the end open. The device has the benefit of providing both mental and physical stimulation for the animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile pet bed wherein the top and bottom units of the mobile pet bed are reversibly attached to each other. When the top unit is removed from the bottom unit the mobile pet bed functions similarly to a traditional pet bed. When the top unit us attached to the bottom unit the mobile pet bed functions as a pet carrier. Additionally, the top unit of the mobile pet bed has a door portion that can be opened and closed to permit pet ingress and egress as well as permitting easy loading of the mobile pet bed with the animal without necessitating the removal of the top unit from the bottom unit.

Abstract: It is described a cage for the containment of laboratory animals, to be positioned in a suitable shelving system, comprising: a cage basin; a cover in turn comprising a lower basin, able to be in contact with the cage basin, and a closing top, the lower basin and the closing top defining an internal empty space; one or more inlet openings in the lower basin, wherefrom external air can come inside the cage basin; one or more intermediate apertures in the lower basin, for the entrance of air inside the internal empty space of the cover; one or more outlet apertures in the rear side of the cover, for the exit of exhaust air.

Abstract: A soft-side portable animal carrier has an interior vertical partition wall to form separate compartments for transporting two small pets and each compartment has a releasable opening at the top and an end wall that can be opened completely to allow the animal easy egress. In an alternative configuration, each compartment has an interior partition wall and the carrier has a continuous zipper around its center to permit the compartments to be separated for individual use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combination animal grooming tool consisting of a device with a handle connected to a head with a rotating unit having two or more grooming fixtures. The first fixture is a rake-brush section consisting of a plurality of prongs and the second fixture is a de-shedding unit that is solid stainless steel tapered with a plurality of teeth spaced 0.025 inches apart. The stainless steel de-shedding unit is set into a boss on the rotating unit. An ergonomic tool handle has an orifice in the distal end for hanging in a storage location. A plurality or ribs extend the length of the handle giving a comfortable non-slip surface. The handle connects to the tool head section by the means of the tool neck. The tool head section is composed of a first side member and a second side member with a supporting central web between them. The rake-brush section of the rotating unit has a plurality of prongs in one or more lines across the rotating unit.

Abstract: A grooming tool which includes a number of latex surgical tubing pieces generally arranged in parallel to one another, and anchored together at corresponding opposite ends. A handle provides for a user to draw the plurality of latex surgical tubing pieces across an animal for grooming.

Abstract: An actuatable toy is operative to generate sound and other entertaining effects in response the bird's actions at one location of the toy, yet the effect being created at a second location. Thus, an indirect effect is created by the actuatable toy.

Abstract: The inventive device for automatically detecting the mating of animals is wearable by an animal. The device includes a fixing to an animal mechanism, a detector for an attempt of mating a female animal by the animal with the fixing mechanism, and an identifier for an electronic label which is introduced in the body of the female animal and actuated by the detector and/or by the female animal identification device by processing the image of at least one part of the female animal triggered by the detector. The identifier includes a communicator with an electronic label carried by a female animal. The communicator can read the electronic label identifier of each female animal which the animal attempts to mate. The communication can also be provided with a device for storing representative information on the attempted mating in the random access memory of the electronic label.

Abstract: A gas water heater includes a power burner, a flue tube, an exhaust plenum, and a draft hood. The flue tube includes a portion that describes at least a 360° loop. Products of combustion are forced through the flue tube under the influence of the power burner, and enter the exhaust plenum. In the exhaust plenum, the pressure of the products of combustion drops such that the products of combustion flow into the draft hood substantially entirely under the influence of natural convection. In one embodiment, the power burner fires down into the flue tube through a side wall of the water heater, the loop of the flue tube is near the bottom of the water heater, and the plenum is in the top of the water heater.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for operating a continuous steam generator. The aim of the invention is to provide, with little technical complexity and for any operating state, a synchronous variation of the feed-water mass flow passing through the evaporator heating surface and of the heat input into the evaporator heating surface. To this end, a regulating device for the discharge of feed-water is allocated to a device for adjusting the feed-water mass flow. The control variable of said regulating device is the feed-water mass flow, while its set-point value in relation to the feed-water mass flow depends on the set-point value associated to the power of the steam generator. The actual value of the feed-water density at the entry of the pre-heater is fed to the regulating device for the discharge of feed-water as one of the input values.

Abstract: A water circulation structure of a cylinder block having a compact layout of piping connecting an engine body and a radiator. A water-cooled internal combustion engine is provided with an engine body including a cylinder block and a cylinder head and a radiator. The radiator is disposed to be separated, in a prescribed direction, i.e. in a rightward direction, from the engine body. A cooling water outlet portion is open to a cylinder head water jacket and is provided in the end portion of the cylinder head. The cooling water outlet portion being connected with an inlet pipe for leading the cooling water flowing out of a cylinder block water jacket into the cylinder head water jacket to the radiator. The cooling water outlet portion is disposed to the right closer to the radiator than a chain chamber.

Abstract: A method and a system for cooling an internal combustion engine (3) having charge air feed, which has a first (1) and a second (2) cooling loop, of which the first cooling loop (1) is operated at a higher temperature level than the second cooling loop (2), and in which the charge air feed has at least one intercooling unit (9) which is thermally coupled to the second cooling loop (2), having a controllable coolant throughput. The system includes at least one shutdown element (13) in the second cooling loop (2) for throttling the coolant throughput in the second cooling loop (2) to 0 (zero), i.e., the coolant throughput may be shut down during the operation of the internal combustion engine (3) as a function of an operating parameter of a vehicle component.

Abstract: To increase the wind volume of the cooling wind flowing through a radiator and to enhance the cooling performance of the radiator by providing a wind exhaust duct using a crankcase of an internal combustion engine. A cooling device of the internal combustion engine includes a radiator arranged lateral to crankcases. A wind exhaust duct exhausts the cooling wind passed through the radiator to the atmosphere. The wind exhaust duct is extends along a rotational axis of the crankshaft at the upper portion of the crankcases and the upper portion of the transmission case.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine control an actuator in response to variations of intake airflow relative to an average intake airflow to manage induction acoustics. The system and method may include controlling an actuator, such as a throttle valve, to increase intake manifold vacuum in response to intake airflow. In an engine having electronically actuated intake and/or exhaust valves, intake airflow is estimated based on at least engine speed and valve timing and compared to a measured intake airflow to determine a first difference. The measured airflow is divided into a steady-state and transient term or component with a second difference determined based on the transient component and a target value. Throttle valve position is selectively controlled to increase vacuum in response to a combination of the first and second difference to manage induction acoustics.

Abstract: An actuator operation amount setting unit prepares the rotational speed command value for an electric motor such that the phase of an intake valve changes in accordance with the target phase. An electric-motor EDU controls the motor supply electric power such that the electric motor operates in accordance with the rotational speed command value. An overheating determination unit determines whether at least one of the electric motor and the electric-motor EDU needs to be restricted from heating up based on a result of comparison between the information indicating the motor supply electric power and the reference value. A rotational speed command value restriction unit restricts the rotational speed command value provided to the electric-motor EDU to a value within a predetermined range, when it is determined that the at least one of the electric motor and the electric-motor EDU needs to be restricted from heating up.

Abstract: Valve lift in an internal combustion engine is controlled by an electro-hydraulic actuation mechanism including a selectively actuable hydraulic feedback circuit.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation mechanism for an internal combustion engine includes a drive shaft that rotates in operative association with rotation of a crankshaft, thereby to drive an intake or exhaust valve to open or close by way of a rocker arm; and a control shaft that is rotated by driving of a control shaft actuator and that causes variation of the position of the rocker arm, thereby to cause a lift characteristic of the intake or exhaust valve to be continuously variable. The control shaft includes a flange portion protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the control shaft to thereby regulate movement in an axial direction of the control shaft. A cylinder head rotatably supporting the control shaft includes a flange bearing portion that contacts the flange portion. The flange portion includes a stopper protrusion that protrudes from the flange portion and that contacts the flange bearing portion, thereby to regulate a rotation range of the control shaft.

Abstract: A sliding surface (2) of a valve lifter (1) or a shim (3) is subjected to a gaseous nitriding to have a surface hardness of Hv 660 or higher and a thickness of a compound layer (6) of 1 to 5 ?m. The nitrided layer on the surface is a dense compound layer (6) with a porosity of 5% or less.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster (17;61;81) in which the body (19) defines a body bore (39) extending over substantially the entire axial length of the body, thus making it possible to finish the bore (39) by a more accurate process, such as honing. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, there is a cylindrical member (71) disposed in the lower portion of the body bore (39) cooperating to define a leakdown clearance (39,71 S), to isolate side load on the plunger (25) the leakdown. In the FIG. 3 embodiment, there is both the leakdown clearance (23S,39) between the body bore and the plunger (23) and the leakdown clearance (39,71 S) between the body bore and the cylindrical member (71), the leakdown flow rate of FIG. 3 being variable if the body and the cylindrical member (71) comprise dissimilar metals, having different coefficients of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A return spring 35 is formed using a compression coil spring that is installed so that its axial direction is an up-down direction. The return spring 35 is provided in a high-pressure chamber 14, and powers a plunger 20 in an upwards direction. A coil diameter of the return spring 35 varies along the axial direction. When the return spring 35 is in a maximally compressed state, an axial direction dimension (up-down direction dimension) is smaller than a dimension that is a thickness of a spring wire 36 multiplied by the number of coil turns. Hence, an overall height of a lash adjuster A can be reduced in comparison to when a return spring with a constant coil diameter over an entire length is used.

Abstract: When a crank angle CAa of a specific cylinder, which was expected to stop in a fuel injection stop range over an intake stroke to a compression stroke at a full stop of an engine and received fuel injection, actually exceeds the fuel injection stop range and reaches a preset reference angle CA4, engine stop-state ignition control of the invention ignites the air-fuel mixture in the specific cylinder receiving the fuel injection at a moment of reaching the preset reference angle CA4 (step S260) and simultaneously injects the fuel into a certain cylinder that is in the intake stroke at the moment of the ignition (step S270).

Abstract: A starter system for a reciprocating internal combustion engine includes an input gear journaled for rotation upon a crankshaft in the engine, and a starter motor which applies a starting torque to an outer periphery of the input gear. A speed-sensitive clutch is interposed between the crankshaft and the input gear. The clutch selectively transmits torque between the input gear and the crankshaft by means of a series of pawls which are responsive to centrifugal force.