Abstract: Disclosed are rare earth pigments, and methods for making and using these pigments, in security applications. The rare earth pigments are IR absorbers with unique spectral features and optionally exhibit color inconstancy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phase change ink containing a fluorescent colorant that upon exposure to activating energy fluoresces such that an image that was not visible prior to exposure to the activating energy becomes visible. Also disclosed are an ink jet system and a process for authenticating a color document using the disclosed phase change ink.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispersions comprising particulate materials and a solvent, with an optional dispersant. The solvent has a low dielectric constant, and the particulate material is present at high loading levels. The resulting dispersion has been found to be stable and have a low viscosity, even at high particulate material loadings. Various uses for these dispersions are also disclosed.

Abstract: An IR-absorbing phthalocyanine dye suitable for formulation in a solvent-based or oil-based ink vehicle is disclosed. The phthalocyanine comprises one or more sulfonate groups and a counterion of at least one sulfonate group is a phosphonium cation. Phosphonium salts of sulfonated gallium naphthalocyanines exemplify such dyes.

Abstract: Dispersants for pigments as well as dispersions of pigments containing them, and compositions such as inks and coatings containing them are described. The dispersants are the reaction product of a dialkylsuccinyl succinate and an amine.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an inkjet ink with a self-dispersing pigment colorant and an aqueous vehicle comprising (a) 1,3-dimethyl urea and/or 1,1,3,3-tetramethyl urea and (b) diethylene glycol and/or triethylene glycol. The ink exhibits good print reliability and excellent latency.

Abstract: Complete liquid formulations, that can seal up cracks on metal surfaces of devices participating in cooling of internal combustion engines and are composed of water soluble fibrous macromolecules, nanometer size metals, and silicon dioxide, are disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive composition comprising a 2-octyl (meth)acrylate/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer and a crosslinking agent is described. The adhesive composition may be derived from renewable resources and provides good peel, shear and high temperature stability.

Abstract: The compound is a silane surface treatment agent and is useful for modifying the surfaces of silicon oxide and other metal oxides with hexafluorodimethyl carbinol functional groups. Additionally provided is a surface treatment procedure that effectively bonds it and other alkoxysilanes via homogeneous and heterogeneous amine catalysis onto metal oxide surfaces.

Abstract: A gypsum composition comprising water, stucco, clay, an amine compound, a polyoxyalkylene, and a comb-branched copolymer is disclosed. The gypsum composition has improved fluidity. A method for preparing the gypsum composition is also disclosed. The method comprises mixing the components to form a slurry, casting the slurry into a product, and drying the product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising a hydraulic binder, a low molecular weight glycol having the formula CnH2n(OH)2 wherein n is an integer from 2 to 10, preferably 2 to 9, and a fluorinated surfactant capable of reducing the surface tension of pure water to a value below 30 mN/m at a concentration of 1% or less. The invention also relates to a wet mortar or concrete composition comprising a hydraulic binder, a low molecular weight glycol having the formula CnH2n(OH)2 wherein n is an integer from 2 to 10, preferably 2 to 9, and a fluorinated surfactant capable of reducing the surface tension of pure water to a value below 30 mN/m at a dosage of 1% or less, water and sand and/or aggregates and/or fillers. The invention also relates to a method for preparing same.

Abstract: Wall mounted appliance apparatus (10) including an appliance support for supporting an appliance (11) in operative orientation, a housing (12) arranged for mounting to a wall (13), said housing being sized to accommodate the appliance support; mounting means comprising two pairs of struts, normally a short strut pair (14) and a long strut p (15), each strut pair being including a square or rectangular strut plate (16) extending between pairs of struts. The mounting means operatively interposed between said housing and said appliance support for mounting said appliance support to said housing for movement between a close attitude at which said appliance support is substantially parallel to coplanar with the wall and an open attitude at which said appliance support is spaced away from the wall a distan sufficient for effective operability of an appliance mounted in, on or to said appliance support.

Abstract: A method for alignment of a vehicle and a levelling bench arrangement in relation to one another is disclosed, wherein the levelling bench arrangement comprises a levelling bench (1), a support structure (3), a plurality of beams (5), and a plurality of fixture devices (7). According to the method the support structure is arranged on the levelling bench, at least some of the beams are locked to the support structure, at least some of the fixture devices are releasably mounted at the beams, a vehicle, which is to be repaired or inspected, is arranged above the levelling bench, the mounted fixture devices are aligned with respect to the vehicle by means of continuously moving the beams and the support structure in a horizontal plane so that the fixture devices will define certain specific reference points of the vehicle and the beams are releasably fastened to the levelling bench.

Abstract: An overbed table including a table section configured to be located above a patient support surface, such as a hospital bed, and a support. In one illustrative embodiment, a display device is supported by the support of the overbed table.

Abstract: A pallet for receiving and transporting loads, having an upper platform for receiving the loads and block-like or strip-like support elements which are attached to or can be attached to its underside by connecting sections. At least the support elements are made of plastic with fiber material embedded therein. Advantageous shock absorbing properties, along with an advantageous structure, are achieved because the fiber material consists of natural fibers.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a gas curtain assembly which comprises at least one structure of substantially vertical tubes on both sides of and supporting a vertical tube, forming an interconnected frame comprising at least one row of apertures for gas or fluid to pass through and forming a curtain of gas or fluid under the vertical portion of the assembly.

Abstract: A planting unit is provided having a seed trench opener that forms a seed trench in a ground surface as the planting unit travels along the ground. A depth regulating member is provided that has a predetermined vertical position relative to the opener. The depth regulating member is operable to ride along the ground and thus predetermined the seed trench depth. A suspension assembly is provided to reduce the shock forces on the planting unit when obstacles are encountered. Furthermore, a suspension system is provided to the seed trench opener, in addition to the depth regulating member.

Abstract: Sequin feeder apparatus includes at least two sequin feed units each including a sequin feed mechanism for feeding a continuous sequin strip toward a predetermined cutting position and a sequin-cutting cutter section located in the predetermined cutting position. One of the sequin feed units is selected and positioned in a predetermined sewing operation position, and driving force of a feeding drive mechanism is transmitted to the sequin feed mechanism to feed out a sequin. Respective cutting positions of the cutter sections of the feed units are adjustable independently of each other.

Abstract: A seam for use in a vehicle armrest or other interior component. The seam includes a first material and a second material joined to the first material. The seam also includes a T-member connected to the first material and the second material to form a French seam appearance on the outer surface of the material. The T-member is then used to align with a groove in a foam of an armrest or other interior component to create an exterior seam on an armrest or interior component of a vehicle. The seam is created using a guide member attached to a sewing machine that will allow for sewing of the first material and second material to the T-member in a simultaneous process at a predetermined speed thus increasing efficiency of manufacturing the upholstery panel and reducing costs to the manufacturer.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the hull of a watercraft includes a support. A submersible barrier assembly is connected to the support and is displaceable with respect to the support between an inoperative, submerged position and an operative surface position. The barrier assembly is configured to cover at least a submerged portion of the hull in the operative position. A displacement mechanism is operable on the barrier assembly to displace the barrier assembly between the inoperative and operative positions.

Abstract: Provided is a profiling float that can minutely and surely control effective buoyancy acting on the float in itself, and usage of the profiling float. The profiling float according to the present invention is equipped with a float chamber forming an airtight internal space, a fluid storage part provided in the float chamber and storing a fluid for control of buoyancy, a bladder provided at the exterior of the float chamber, in the interior of which the fluid for control of buoyancy is filled to change a volume thereof, thereby controlling buoyancy acting on the profiling float, a pump mechanism for transferring the fluid for control of buoyancy between the bladder and the fluid storage part, and a driving source for driving the pump mechanism, wherein the pump mechanism is composed of a gear pump.

Abstract: A device support for the passenger area of a recreational boat having a deck and interior side walls extending up from the deck, including a clamping plate and a support arm. The clamping plate has an open top slot and is secured to the boat side wall so as to define an open top space between the clamping plate and the boat side wall. The support arm has a base plate on one end and an attachment end on the other end, with the base plate removably received in the defined open top space with the support arm one end extending through the open top slot of the clamping plate. The supported device is secured to the attachment end of the support arm, and the support arm is non-linear, with one end extending generally horizontally and the other end extending generally vertically.

Abstract: The invention is a universal mounting system allowing a wide variety of accessories to be used interchangeably among one or more mounts secured to convenient surfaces or structures, such as the gunnel of a boat. The universal mount system includes a mount having barrel configured to receive the insert member of an accessory. A locking mechanism on the mount engages the insert automatically and interlocking splines on the insert member and along the barrel of the mount secure the insert at a desired rotational orientation.

Abstract: The Cabbie Caller is an illuminated signal, specifically used to hail a taxi cab or vehicle for hire. It is a black, hand held device that emits a strong, high visibility blinking orange light. It replaces a chaotic, inefficient, unsafe mode of hailing a taxi, and provides significant safety, social, communication, environmental, and economic benefits to the people using it and to their communities.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device including: a step of forming a first film on a substrate; and a step of performing a thermal process by scanning the first film with a flame of a gas burner using a hydrogen and oxygen gas mixture as a fuel, wherein the flame of the gas burner is approximately linear.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a load lock chamber having a decoupled slit valve door seal compartment. In one embodiment, a load lock chamber includes a main assembly, a first slit valve door seal compartment and a seal assembly. The main assembly has a substrate transfer cavity formed therein. Two substrate access ports are formed through the main assembly and fluidly couple to the cavity. The first slit valve door seal compartment has an aperture disposed adjacent to and aligned with one of the access ports. The first slit valve door seal compartment is decoupled from the main assembly. The seal assembly couples the first slit valve door seal compartment to the main assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of coating a polymer solution on a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer. The apparatus includes a coating chamber having a rotatable chuck to support a substrate to be coated with a polymer solution. A dispenser to dispense the polymer solution over the substrate extends into the coating chamber. A vapor distributor having a solvent vapor generator communicable with the coating chamber is included to cause a solvent to be transformed into a solvent vapor. A carrier gas is mixed with the solvent vapor to form a carrier-solvent vapor mixture. The carrier-solvent vapor mixture is flown into the coating chamber to saturate the coating chamber. A solvent remover communicable with the coating chamber is included to remove excess solvent that does not get transformed into the solvent vapor to prevent the excess solvent from dropping on the substrate.

Abstract: An improved film coater which utilizes one or more coater or applicators to transfer coating to the outer surfaces of at least one more rolls, which in turn transfers the coating from the roll surface to one or more sides of the web for coating paper is disclosed. The coater or applicator includes a smoothing doctor on the web and downstream of the one or more rolls, and may also utilize humidity from one of steam showers or a humidity enclosure to assist smoothing. The web may run in any direction, but preferably runs upwardly from the roll toward the doctor to reduce “film split” droplets effect. The present invention also reduces the fiber rise and arrange peel pattern on the coated web, resulting in a smooth uniform coated paper.

Abstract: A coating apparatus coats a liquid material on a substrate in a coating chamber. A first liquid supply system that supplies the liquid material is provided in the coating chamber. A second liquid supply system is provided in the first liquid supply system that supplies a liquid that cleans or that deactivates the liquid material remaining in the coating chamber and/or in the first liquid supply system. A coating apparatus, a thin film forming method, a thin film forming apparatus, a semiconductor device manufacturing method, an electro-optic device, and an electronic instrument are provided that enable a high performance thin film with few defects and with a high degree of reproducibility to be obtained, that allow maintenance of the apparatus to be performed efficiently and safely, and that enable a thin film to be formed at low cost.

Abstract: A board processing apparatus and a method of fabricating a semiconductor apparatus for reducing a pressure difference between a preparing chamber and a processing chamber and restraining a rapid flow of a gas caused by the pressure difference to thereby prevent a board from being contaminated by a particle are disclosed.

Abstract: An ion source is disclosed for providing a range of ion beams consisting of either ionized clusters, such as B2Hx+, B5Hx+, B18Hx+, B18Hx+, P4+ or As4+, or monomer ions, such as Ge+, In+, Sb+, B+, As+, and P+, to enable cluster implants and monomer implants into silicon substrates for the purpose of manufacturing CMOS devices, and to do so with high productivity. The range of ion beams is generated by a universal ion source in accordance with the present invention which is configured to operate in two discrete modes: an electron impact mode, which efficiently produces ionized clusters, and an arc discharge mode, which efficiently produces monomer ions.

Abstract: A susceptor (16) on which a predetermined target wafer (W) is mounted, and a support table (15) for supporting the susceptor (16) are provided at generally the center in a chamber (2). A process gas supply device (4) supplies a process gas for processing the wafer (W) into the chamber (2). A first high-frequency power source (5) and a second high-frequency power source (7) generate plasma of the supplied process gas by applying predetermined high-frequency voltages respectively, and process the wafer (W). A dike (18) having a grounded conductive member (18a) is provided around the support table (15) and the susceptor (16), and the generated plasma is thereby confined in the area above the wafer (W) mounted on the susceptor (16).

Abstract: Installation for depositing, by means of a microwave plasma, a barrier coating on thermoplastic containers (5), this installation comprising treatment stations (1) each comprising a treatment enclosure (2) and a cover (3) and including a vacuum pumping chamber in which connection means (4) for sealed connection to the container comprise a sleeve (6) co-axial with the neck (7) of the container, each cover (3) also supporting an injector (8) co-axial with the sleeve (6) for injecting a reactive fluid into the container; the sleeves (6) and/or the injectors (8), of several adjacent stations are fastened to a single support plate (15, 20) that extends in the form of a bridge over the covers (3) of these stations (1), whereby the plate (15, 20) and the sleeves and/or injectors of the stations (1) constitute a unitary assembly (16, 21) that can be maneuvered as one piece.

Abstract: Rotating pressure distributor (1) for a carousel-type machine for treating hollow bodies in a plurality of identical treatment stations, comprising two rings, (2) fixed and (3) rotating, in sealing contact, the ring (3) having orifices (6) each adapted for being connected to a station and opening onto the contact face (5) thereof, the ring (2) having at least one aperture (7) which may be connected to a pressure source and opening onto the contact face (4) thereof by being on the trajectory of the orifices (6); grease is spread between the contact faces (4, 5) of the two rings (2, 3) to provide the seal; at least one annular channel (13) covers the annular opening (19) of the joint plane (P) and is connected to the atmosphere; in the channel respective flanges (14) are mutually interlaced without contact with one another, forming chicanes; the channel is filled with grease.

Abstract: Vacuum based filling devices will allow the user to transfer quantities of heavy or difficult to manage materials from a dependent position into a delivery system or storage container at a higher elevation or less accessible position. This allows the person filling the delivery system or storage container to remain at a safe and convenient location while operating the vacuum based filling system. For example, in the case of a feeder for animals, the user would be able to fill the storage portion of the feeder from ground level without having to climb a ladder or other unsafe device in order to elevate the feed and place it into the feeder.

Abstract: A feeding device used in conjunction with a feed containing reservoir defines an open-trough structure defining a pooling space in which contents from the reservoir can be selectively transferred. The device is removably mountable to the bottle such that the device at least partially overlays a portion of the bottle at, and adjacent to, an opening thereof to effectively close the bottle opening and inhibit leakage during storage and transport. The open-trough structural portion is preferably oriented to face the bottle when mounted thereto, such that a more compact travel/storage envelope can be attained by an at least partial mutual nesting of device and bottle.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder comprised of a reservoir, a hollow feeding tube, and a detachable stopper. The reservoir has an opening disposed on a top end thereof. The hollow feeding tube has a head portion and a shaft portion extending from the head portion. The head portion has a plurality of holes disposed thereon. The diameter of the head portion is larger than that of the shaft portion. The detachable stopper is separately disposed on the opening and has a first aperture. The first aperture cooperates with the shaft portion for holding the shaft portion and receiving the reservoir within.

Abstract: An animal litter composition comprised of a liquid absorbent aggregate impregnated with an agent to indicate the presence of sugar in the urine of felines and other related species includes 88.1 percent +/?5.0 percent by weight of an expanded aggregate, 00.9 percent +/?0.7 percent by weight of an odor control/antistatic agent, 07.0 percent +/?4.0 percent by weight of a clumping agent, 03.0 percent +/?2.5 percent by weight of a surfactant; and 01.0 percent +/?0.90 percent by weight of a glucosuria indicator. A method of detecting glucosuria in a feline includes providing the animal litter in a litter box or in an enclosure in which the feline is restrained until the feline urinates on the litter and then visually observing the litter for a color change.

Abstract: The Weedless Fish Structure is a simple, waterproof, hardened acrylic structure that is submerged in water to provide camouflage and shade cover for game and feeder fish in areas where the body of water does not provide adequate cover. The weights within the main tube allow the apparatus to rest on the bottom with little buoyancy. A small air tube edges around the semi-circular bifurcated shade fin and provides buoyancy to the top fin so it remains upright. Two stakes are provided to secure the apparatus to the bottom when desired to prevent currents from moving the device. If the structure is turned over to where the long tube is above the shade fin, the weights will slide down into the shade fin tube and the air will rise into the long main tube, and then by attaching two floats, the structure becomes a surface apparatus.

Abstract: A pet containment device for use with a chair comprises a cover for enclosing space underneath the chair. Said device also comprises other novel features that allow the device to connect to a seat of the chair and operate concomitantly with a folding chair. There is also provided a method of containing a pet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve having a first assembly cooperating with a second assembly to create a seal, wherein the first assembly opens before the second assembly opens and closes after the second assembly closes. The invention also relates to a valve wherein the pressure required to open the second assembly is greater than the pressure required to open the first assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for raising poultry, such as chickens, for food production. In a first embodiment, the method includes the steps of: providing a facility for housing the poultry, providing at least one light-absorbing ventilation fan associated with the facility for ventilating the facility, exposing an interior of the facility to natural light cycles of an outside environment for a first period and regulating light cycles of the interior for a second period, thereby mimicking daylight duration variation representative of seasonal changes for stimulating sexual development of the poultry. In a second embodiment, the method includes the steps of: providing a facility for housing the poultry, providing at least one light-absorbing ventilation fan associated with the facility for ventilating the facility, limiting exposure of an interior of the facility to light to produce a brown-out effect therein for enhancing physical development of the poultry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cage and rack system having a rack for housing cages in enclosed shelves, the system also including an air supply system for providing HEPA filtered air to the shelf, an airflow management system for controlling the direction of airflow within the shelf, and an exhaust system for removing air from within the shelf. The cages housed within the shelves can be connected to the exhaust system for creating a negative pressure within the cage.

Abstract: A fluid delivery adapter for use with a wire bar lid is provided. Embodiments can comprise a support base having an aperture defined therein, the aperture being shaped and dimensioned to accept a fluid delivery valve. The support base can be adapted to be disposed on top of the wire bar lid to facilitate providing fluid from a fluid bag supported by the wire bar lid. The fluid delivery adapter can further comprise one or more displaceable side portions extending away from the support base, the side portions providing lateral support for the fluid bag.

Abstract: An igniter bracket is provided for use with a water heater to mount an igniter to the water heater. The igniter bracket includes a base portion occupying a base plane and at least one mounting portion extending from the base portion, wherein an edge of the at least one igniter mounting portion occupies an edge plane that is not perpendicular to the base plane.

Abstract: The water heater (2) or steam generator comprises a chamber (4) in two sections (5, 6) formed in particular by stamping. Inside this chamber a heating element (8) is arranged, which has a spiral-shaped main section (10) and two end sections (11, 12) passing through two circular openings of the chamber. The two end sections are welded to the chamber by a laser beam such that the weld obtained is continuous and ensures a good mechanical fixture of the heating element and an adequate tightness for the water heater or steam generator. For this purpose, a flange (18) is arranged at the periphery of each opening. Moreover, the two sections of the chamber have a widened edge (28) to allow them to be welded effectively.

Abstract: Radial impulse engine, pump, and compressor systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the invention, an engine includes a first end wall portion spaced apart from a second end wall portion to at least partially define a combustion chamber therebetween. In this embodiment, the engine further includes a plurality of movable wall portions disposed between the first and second end wall portions. Each movable wall portion includes a cylindrical surface extending at least partially between a distal edge portion and a pivot axis. Upon ignition in the combustion chamber, the distal edge portion of each movable wall portion slides across the cylindrical surface of the adjacent movable wall portion as the movable wall portions pivot outwardly in unison about their respective pivot axes.

Abstract: Radial impulse engine, pump, and compressor systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the invention, an engine includes a first end wall portion spaced apart from a second end wall portion to at least partially define a combustion chamber therebetween. In this embodiment, the engine further includes a plurality of movable wall portions disposed between the first and second end wall portions. Each movable wall portion includes a cylindrical surface extending at least partially between a distal edge portion and a pivot axis. Upon ignition in the combustion chamber, the distal edge portion of each movable wall portion slides across the cylindrical surface of the adjacent movable wall portion as the movable wall portions pivot outwardly in unison about their respective pivot axes.

Abstract: Radial impulse engine, pump, and compressor systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the invention, an engine includes a first end wall portion spaced apart from a second end wall portion to at least partially define a combustion chamber therebetween. In this embodiment, the engine further includes a plurality of movable wall portions disposed between the first and second end wall portions. Each movable wall portion includes a cylindrical surface extending at least partially between a distal edge portion and a pivot axis. Upon ignition in the combustion chamber, the distal edge portion of each movable wall portion slides across the cylindrical surface of the adjacent movable wall portion as the movable wall portions pivot outwardly in unison about their respective pivot axes.

Abstract: Described is a drive unit of a motor vehicle that is provided with an internal combustion engine (10), with a combustion air supply (13, 14) having a low-pressure compressor (11), a high-pressure compressor (12) and a combustion air cooling unit (13, 14), and with an exhaust gas withdrawal via which the exhaust gas formed in the internal combustion engine (10) is withdrawn. Furthermore, the drive unit has a cooling system with at least one cooling circuit (1) in which are to arranged a heat exchanger, through which flows a working medium and which can be cooled by atmospheric air, at least one exhaust gas cooler integrated into the exhaust gas withdrawal, and the combustion air cooling unit.