Abstract: A useful life indicator is provided to display an indication of the remaining useful life of an associated product such as an impregnated substrate of an air treatment chemical dispenser. The cue is preferably a well having a volatile indicator material positioned therein. The well's cavity is configured to achieve clumping of the remaining indicator material as some volatizes due to capillary attraction. This presents a shrinking display that can be coordinated with the level of use of the air treatment chemical dispenser. The cue may also be used in connection with monitoring other products such as perishable products.

Abstract: A fused glass crucible includes a collar of doped aluminum silica that defines uppermost and outermost surfaces of the crucible. The melt line that defines the surface of molten silicon in the crucible may be substantially at the lower end of the collar or slightly above it. Crystallization of the collar makes it hard and therefore supports the remaining uncrystallized portion of the crucible above the melt line. The melt line may also be below the lower end of the collar, especially if the melt is drawn down or poured early in the process. Because there is little or no overlap or because the overlap does not last long, the doped aluminum collar is not damaged by the heat of from the melt.

Abstract: An instrument for forming a solid phase of protein on a porous film; the instrument including a substrate plate member including a first and a second regions provided with a plurality of through holes; a first porous film; a first plate member including a third region provided with a plurality of through holes facing the first region, the third region being arranged to face the first region of the substrate member and the first porous film being sandwiched between the third region and the first region; a second porous film; and a second plate member including a fourth region provided with a plurality of through holes facing the second region, the fourth region being arranged to face the second region of the substrate plate member and the second porous film being sandwiched between the fourth region and the second region is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bio-sheet material, and a method and an apparatus of manufacturing the bio-sheet, which has pliability or easiness of cutting by unifying a mixture of at least one of healthful natural minerals or plants such as ocher, jade, tourmalin, etc., using fiber material, paper, etc., as a medium, which can be maintained in an original shape at natural or heat drying without generating separation of the mixture, and which can shorten the manufacturing time.

Abstract: A nozzle for use in a coating apparatus for the application of a coating substance to a stent is provided.

Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor plating system for plating a semiconductor object with a desired layer. The semiconductor plating system include a plating tank configured to accommodate a plating solution for use in plating the semiconductor object, and a plating solution induction device configured to induce the plating solution to spirally flow toward the semiconductor object.

Abstract: A horizontal trough for use with a concrete broom is disclosed. The trough can be customized to fit various shapes and widths of concrete brooms.

Abstract: A method of forming a polycrystalline silicon layer includes: disposing a mask over the amorphous silicon layer, the mask having a plurality of transmissive regions, the plurality of transmissive regions being disposed in a stairstep arrangement spaced apart from each other in a first direction and a second direction substantially perpendicular from the first direction, each transmissive region having a central portion and first and second side portions that are adjacent to opposite ends of the central portion along the first direction, and wherein each of the portions has a length along the first direction and a width along the second direction, and wherein the width of first and second portions decreases away from the central portion along the first direction; irradiating a laser beam onto the amorphous silicon layer a first time through the mask to form a plurality of first irradiated regions corresponding to the plurality of transmissive regions, each first irradiated region having a central portion, and

Abstract: An electrospraying apparatus and/or method is used to coat particles. For example, a flow including at least one liquid suspension may be provided through at least one opening at a spray dispenser end. The flow includes at least particles and a coating material. A spray of microdroplets suspending at least the particles is established forward of the spray dispenser end by creating a nonuniform electrical field between the spray dispenser end and an electrode electrically isolated therefrom. The particles are coated with at least a portion of the coating material as the microdroplet evaporates. For example, the suspension may include biological material particles.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for determining and controlling the amount of film precursor vapor delivered to a substrate in a vapor deposition system, while maintaining a desired concentration of film precursor vapor within a carrier gas utilized to transport the film precursor vapor. The vapor deposition system comprises a vapor delivery system comprising a carrier gas supply system configured to supply a first flow of carrier gas that passes through a precursor evaporation system to entrain film precursor vapor and to supply a second flow of carrier gas that by-passes the precursor evaporation system. The vapor delivery system comprises a carrier gas flow control system to control the amount of the first flow of the carrier gas and control the amount of the second flow of the carrier gas. Additionally, the vapor delivery system comprises a film precursor vapor flow measurement system configured to measure an amount of the film precursor vapor introduced to the first flow of the carrier gas.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for use in a corrosive operating environment is provided. The apparatus includes a base substrate for placing a wafer thereon. The base substrate has a coefficient of thermal expansion. At least one electrode is embedded in or disposed on or under the base substrate. The electrode has a coefficient of thermal expansion in a range of from about 0.70 to about 1.25 times that of the base substrate coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). At least one coating layer is disposed on the base substrate. The coating layer includes a composition capable of forming a calcium aluminate coating. The calcium aluminate coating layer is doped with one of MgO, CaO, CaF2 and mixtures thereof to control the CTE of the coating layer to match the CTE of the base substrate. The apparatus is exposed to a corrosive operating environment at a temperature range of from about 25 degrees Celsius to about 1500 degrees Celsius. A coated article and associated method are provided.

Abstract: A electromagnet array structure including multiple electromagnetic coils captured in a rigid encapsulant, for example, of cured epoxy resin, to form a unitary free-standing structure which can be placed around the walls of a plasma processing chamber. A liquid cooling coil may also be captured in the encapsulant between the electromagnetic coils. The structure may additionally include water fittings, locating pins, through tubes for chamber bolts, and lifting brackets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing arcing at a port exposed to a plasma in a plasma chamber use circuit components causing a door sealing the port to provide a short circuit path at excitation frequency of the plasma. In one embodiment, the door is a slit valve door sealing a substrate transfer port of an etch chamber.

Abstract: A showerhead electrode assembly for a plasma processing apparatus is provided. The showerhead electrode assembly includes a first member attached to a second member. The first and second members have first and second gas passages in fluid communication. When a process gas is flowed through the gas passages, a total pressure drop is generated across the first and second gas passages. A fraction of the total pressure drop across the second gas passages is greater than a fraction of the total pressure drop across the first gas passages.

Abstract: A process kit for use in a physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber, along with a PVD chamber having a non-contact process kit are provided. In one embodiment, a process kit includes a generally cylindrical shield that has a substantially flat cylindrical body, at least one elongated cylindrical ring extending downward from the body, and a mounting portion extending upwards from an upper surface of the body. In another embodiment, a process kit includes a generally cylindrical deposition ring. The deposition ring includes a substantially flat cylindrical body, at least one downwardly extending u-channel coupled to an outer portion of the body, an inner wall extending upward from an upper surface of an inner region of the body, and a substrate support ledge extending radially inward from the inner wall.

Abstract: [Problems] A thin film forming apparatus such that a substrate can be easily fixed/removed to/from the outer circumferential surface of a drum type substrate holder through a simple arrangement. [Means for Solving Problems] The drum type substrate holder (5) is supported in a horizontal posture rotatably about a horizontal rotational shaft in a film deposition chamber A jig (13) holding a substrate (12) fixedly is transferred by an arm horizontally onto the outer circumferential surface of the drum type substrate holder (5), and an end part (13b) of the substrate fixing jig (13) can be secured by a securing device (14) provided at the corner part (5a) of the outer circumferential surface of the drum type substrate holder(5).

Abstract: A bird feeder includes a cradle for attachment to a jar of jelly or jam, and one or more perches that are disposed near the opening of the jar when the cradle is attached to the jar so a bird may light on a perch and feed from the jar. The bird feeder may include a flower portion with a circular opening for attracting birds, and may also include one or more connector loops for hanging the bird feeder with the attached jar. The perches may be straight, curved, U-shaped or any other suitable configuration.

Abstract: A pet food bowl is provided with an integral protrusion that helps to prevent inadvertent aspiration of food by the animal. Particularly for dogs, some feeding behaviors are characterized by swallowing large amounts of food. The protrusion in the bowl separates the food into a peripheral channel within the bowl, and the dog therefore cannot simultaneously secure large amounts of food into its mouth. The protrusion is centrally oriented and extends from the base of the bowl, thereby causing the food to be uniformly distributed within the channel.

Abstract: A light-weight animal exercise wheel includes an inside track, a back portion and a connecting portion. A connector can connect to either a removable base or a bracket that can be attached to a fixed structure.

Abstract: An angle-adjustable device between two tubes used as a play place for pets comprises a first connecting unit connected to a first tube, a linking body connected to the first connecting unit, and a second connecting unit connected to a second tube and the linking body. By such arrangements, a pipe is formed as a play place for the pets, and the shape of the pipe is adjustable.

Abstract: A pet toy formed from a base material such as rubber and palatability enhancer distributed within or on the base material. The pet toy may also include a masking scent such as vanilla or mint distributed within or on the base material. The masking scent masks potentially odors emitted by the pet toy to attract a domesticated animal such as a dog or a cat to the toy. The pet toy may further include substances such as dental cleaning agents, flavoring agents, colorants, and breath-freshening agents. The pet toy may include a body defining a chamber and holes providing access to the chamber. Pet treats may be placed into the chamber via the holes.

Abstract: An animal behavior modification system kit including a receiver mountable to a collar and a plurality of pairs of electrodes. Each of the plurality of pairs of electrodes being selectively connectable to the receiver. Each of the plurality of pairs of electrodes include an electrical connection and a body. The body is made of an electrically resistive material extending from the electrical connection. At least one of the pairs of electrodes have bodies with an electrically resistive material which is different from another of the pairs.

Abstract: A retractable leash assembly (10, 22, 30, 38) for tethered to the animal includes a flexible member for forming safety band (20, 26, 34, 39) wrapped around a user wrist and for forming a tethering element (22, 28, 36, 39) for tethered the safety band to a gripping handle (42) of a retractable leash housing (40). The flexible member comprises a round cord, rectangular strap or combination thereof. In addition a cord lock element (66) or adjustable loop (88) may be used to adjust the diameter of the safety band around a user wrist. In addition and adjustable length leash extension allows two animals to be tethered by different length leash extensions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a heat transfer unit which integrates a boiler and a gas preheater for steam generation and gas preheating. In one embodiment, the heat transfer unit of the present invention may be used in fuel processing applications. In this embodiment, the heat transfer unit may be located downstream of a combustor such as an anode tailgas oxidizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instantaneous steam boiler generating steam in a steam cleaner, a steam-vacuum cleaner, a steam iron, etc. The instantaneous steam boiler includes a U-shaped heater and a separate flow tube arranged in parallel and contact with said heater. The flow tube may be arranged orthogonally or at a 180 degree opposite direction and may include a circular or square-shaped end with rounded edges, thereby increasing the heating/vaporization efficiency of the device.

Abstract: [Object] To improve an overall heat transfer efficiency of a heating element and steam and a heating efficiency of the stream by making a distribution of input heat non-uniform by executing a less expensive improvement such as a change of disposition of an induction heating member. [Solving Means] In a superheated steam generator 30 including an introduction section 11 for introducing saturated steam 5, a heating section 12 for heating the saturated steam 5 and making it to superheated steam 6, a discharge section 16 for discharging the superheated steam 6, and an induction coil 31 wound around a heating pipe member 13 through insulators 18 in the heating section 12, the induction coil 31 is wound rough near to the introduction section 11 and minute near to the discharge section 16.

Abstract: An engine cooling system includes a combustion chamber assembly configured to generate detonation waves and a first vapor cooling assembly. The combustion chamber assembly defines a flowpath between an inner liner and an outer liner. The first vapor cooling assembly includes a vaporization section located adjacent to the flowpath and a condenser section spaced from the flowpath, and is configured to transport thermal energy from the vaporization section to the condenser section through cyclical evaporation and condensation of a working medium sealed within the first vapor cooling assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle reservoir tank includes first and second end walls, first and second side walls, upper and lower walls, and a projection. A fluid port is formed in a lower end of the first end wall. The first and second side walls extend between the first and second end walls to form a substantially rectangular configuration. The upper and lower walls extend between the first and second end walls and the first and second side walls to form a main reservoir chamber with an overflow port formed in the upper wall adjacent the second end wall. The projection extends into the main reservoir chamber from one of the lower wall and the second end wall. The projection is configured and arranged to redirect a fluid flowing into the main reservoir chamber from the fluid port in a direction away from the overflow port.

Abstract: A Dual Piston Cycle Engine utilizes a unique dual piston apparatus that includes: a first cylinder and housing a second cylinder thermally isolated from the first cylinder and housing a second piston therein; an intake valve coupled to the first cylinder for allowing a fuel mixture to enter into the first cylinder; an exhaust valve coupled to the second cylinder for allowing an exhaust gas to exit the second cylinder; and an interstage valve that couples an internal chamber of the first cylinder to an internal chamber of the second cylinder and configured to minimize dead space between the first and second cylinders, wherein the first piston performs only intake and compression stroked and the second piston performs only combustion and exhaust strokes and the first and second cylinders are thermally isolated from one another.

Abstract: A method for operating a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine includes controlling opening of intake or exhaust valves, via a step of generating a control current in a control circuit for an electrical actuator coupled with the valve. The control circuit is then monitored for an induced current that differs from the control current, and a signal outputted that is indicative of valve performance responsive to monitoring the control circuit. Another operating method includes determining engine valve performance and also trimming an engine valve based on one signal which is indicative of valve performance. An internal combustion engine includes an electrical actuator configured to control opening or closing of one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve.

Abstract: A variable valve lift apparatus includes a cam, a camshaft that rotates the cam, at least one cam follower selectively connected to an end lever such that the cam follower opens and closes a valve corresponding to rotation of the cam, and a variable device selectively connecting the cam follower with the end lever to regulate whether or how much the valve is opened and closed. Three cam followers may be provided: two outer cam followers fixedly connected to the end lever, and an inner cam follower interposed between and selectively connected to the outer cam followers corresponding to an operation of the variable device. The variable device may include a first pin in one of the outer cam followers, a second pin in the inner cam follower, and a third pin in the other outer cam follower. The pins may be configured to move together.

Abstract: A system for controlling variable valve includes a crank angle sensor detecting an angle of a crankshaft, an engine control unit (ECU) (ECU) outputting a control signal to the intake and exhaust valves by receiving a sensing signal from the crank angle sensor, a control portion transmitting the signal input from the engine control unit (ECU), a first valve comprising a first actuator controlling the intake valve and a second valve comprising a second actuator controlling the exhaust valve wherein each actuator receives the signal from the control portion, a pressure supply unit supplying pressure to the first and second valves, and first and second sensors detecting positions of the actuators, wherein the control portion compensates the operation error of actuators by receiving the feedback signal from the first and second sensors. By controlling variable valve, the intake and exhaust valves may be precisely controlled and fuel consumption can be improved.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation system having a crank-based eccentric transmission driven by an electric motor to control valve lift, duration, and phasing in the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. A rocker sub-assembly for each valve is pivotably disposed on a pivot shaft between the camshaft and the roller finger follower roller. A primary control crankshaft includes the pivot shaft and is itself rotated about its axis by a connecting rod driven by a motorized secondary crank mechanism to displace the rocker sub-assembly pivot shaft along an arcuate path to change the angular relationship of the rocker sub-assembly to the camshaft, thus changing the valve opening and closing timing and valve lift.

Abstract: A variable valve system for an internal combustion engine includes a drive shaft rotated by an engine crankshaft, a drive cam integrally mounted on the drive shaft, first and second swing cams mounted on first and second engine valves in each engine cylinder, a valve lift mechanism for converting a rotational movement of the drive cam into swing movements of the first and second swing cams to open and close the first and second engine valves, and a control mechanism for controlling the operating position of the valve lift mechanism to vary the valve lifts of the first and second engine valves according to engine operating conditions. The valve lifts of the first and second engine valves are different from each other when the control mechanism performs minimum lift control on the valve lift mechanism to control the valve lifts of the first and second engine valves to minimum lifts.

Abstract: A vane-type camshaft phaser includes a rotor having a plurality of vanes disposed in a stator having a plurality of lobes, the interspersion of vanes and lobes defining a plurality of alternating valve timing advance and valve timing retard chambers. Each vane and lobe tip is provided with an axially extending groove having an outward expansion of width. A wiper seal element, formed by stamping and folding from a single piece of sheet material, has folded wings that extend under compression into the groove. The spring loading of the wings against the tapered walls of the groove acts to urge the wiper seal element out of the groove and toward the opposing stator or rotor wall, thus ensuring a continuous forced sealing contact of the wiper seal element with the opposing wall and the groove walls during operation of the camshaft phaser.

Abstract: In a camshaft operating unit having a friction torque variation simulation arrangement for controlling a camshaft adjustment device with at least two camshafts one of which is at least adjustable camshaft and at least one camshaft adjusting unit, the friction torque variation simulation arrangement is provided to simulate a friction torque camshaft required to rotate the camshaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides to a rocker arm apparatus for cylinder deactivation with a new structure for increasing fuel efficiency in a gasoline engine. For this, the present invention provides a rocker arm apparatus for cylinder deactivation including: a rocker arm; a restoring spring supported at the bottom of a rear end portion of the rocker arm; a roller coupled to the rocker arm to be pressed by a cam; a pair of rocker shaft assemblies each including first and second rocker shafts, and a connecting rod integrally connecting the first and second rocker shafts; a pair of rocker shaft support members connected to the rocker arm by means of the first and second rocker shafts; and a transfer member for controlling the rocker shaft assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic cam follower (1) for the simultaneous actuation of several equal-acting gas-exchange valves is provided, especially for a tappet pushrod valve train of an internal combustion engine, and includes an outer part (2), whose base (3) forms or is at least indirectly connected to a cam contacting surface (4) and from whose head (5) hollow-cylindrical guides (6) extend in the same number as the equal-acting gas-exchange valves in a direction towards the base (3). Each guide (6) is formed by a cutting process, such as internal round reaming or internal round broaching, and a housing (7) of a hydraulic play compensation element (8) is provided in each guide with its outer casing (9) fine-machined by grinding, which housing (7) sits with its bottom side (10) on an inner side (11) of the bottom (3) of the outer part (2).

Abstract: An efficient novel motor is described which works with hydrogen. The motor has 2 compressible chambers for better control of fuel and oxidant ratios. A turbogenerator is utilized to ventilate interior and exterior parts as well as generate electricity to transform waste water into fuel.

Abstract: A plasma ignition device is provided with a plasma ignition plug having an insulation member to insulate a center electrode from a ground electrode, and electric power supply circuits to apply high voltages to the plasma ignition plug. The plasma ignition device activates the gas in a discharge space of the insulation member into the plasma of a high temperature and a high pressure by the high voltage applied between the center electrode and the ground electrode and injects the same into an internal combustion engine. The electric power supply circuits are connected to the center electrode as an anode and to the ground electrode as a cathode.

Abstract: An intake manifold assembly is provided having a plenum and an intake runner in communication with the plenum. The intake runner has an outlet end. A selectively closeable throttle plate is disposed within the intake runner and is operable to selectively limit the flow of intake air through the intake runner. The throttle plate is selectively and variably movable between a fully opened position and a fully closed position. An orifice, defined by one of the intake runner and the throttle plate, has an opening area of approximately fifteen percent or less of a cross sectional area of the outlet end. An internal combustion engine incorporating the intake manifold assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an internal combustion engine including an engine housing, a crankshaft rotatably supported in the engine housing, a cylinder, a piston movable within the cylinder, a combustion chamber in fluid communication with the cylinder, a fuel system configured to provide fuel to the combustion chamber, an intake passageway configured to provide a fluid to the combustion chamber, and a first regulator at least partially positioned in the intake passageway. The first regulator is selectable from a plurality of regulators. The engine also includes a coupling device configured to maintain the first regulator in the intake passageway. The first regulator is configured to be removed and replaced by a second regulator from the plurality of regulators without disassembly of the intake passageway.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a single shaft with cam-actuated control valves and one linear solenoid for control of air flow control vales in the air induction system for a V-type engine. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the single shaft and one sensor are utilized to activate all control valves. Additionally, the present invention can also be used in in-line engines. Advantageously, the present invention utilizes one moving shaft and sensor to activate all control valves on both sides of the intake manifold without restricting air flow by locating the shaft in the middle of the manifold—lower housing. Further, the control valves are not attached with screws, thus eliminating a tolerance stack-up at assembly problem.

Abstract: Exhaust passages are integrally formed in at least a projection portion protruded from a side portion of a cylinder head.

Abstract: A rotor for use in a rotary internal combustion engine comprises an opening configured to receive an output shaft, a plurality of faces disposed circumferentially around the opening, a recessed pocket disposed in one of the faces, and a flow-modifying member secured to the one face. The flow-modifying member modifies fuel/air flow within the recessed pocket, and controls fuel/air mixing in a combustion chamber adjacent the recessed pocket.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes in one aspect a source of a pressurized working medium and an expander. The expander has a housing and a piston, movably mounted within and with respect to the housing, to perform one of rotation and reciprocation, each complete rotation or reciprocation defining at least a part of a cycle of the engine. The expander also includes a septum, mounted within the housing and movable with respect to the housing and the piston so as to define in conjunction therewith, over first and second angular ranges of the cycle, a working chamber that is isolated from an intake port and an exhaust port. Combustion occurs at least over the first angular range of the cycle to provide heat to the working medium and so as to increase its pressure.

Abstract: A rotary engine includes a housing defining an enclosed spherical space, a housing chamber formed in an inner surface of the spherical space, a spherical rotor rotatably mounted within the spherical space, and a rotor chamber formed in an outer surface of the rotor. The housing chamber and the rotor chamber form a combustion chamber when in communication with each other. A fuel inlet is in communication with the combustion chamber. At least one expansion chamber is formed in the housing in communication with the enclosed spherical housing space. An exhaust system is in communication with the expansion chamber and the enclosed spherical housing space. The expansion chamber and the exhaust system are positioned to come into communication with the combustion chamber during each rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A method for adapting a measured value (MW1) of an air mass sensor comprises the steps pf determining a correction value (KW) in the event of predetermined operating conditions (BB1), namely depending on the measured value (MW1) and a comparative value (VW) which in turn depends on at least one additional measured value (MW2) of a second sensor. An adaptation value (AD1) is adapted depending on the correction value (VW), on the duration (D_AD1) since the last determination of the adaptation value (AD1) and on the change of the adaptation value (AD1) since the last adaptation of the adaptation value (AD1). Subsequently measured values (MW1) are corrected using the adaptation value (AD1).

Abstract: If a throttle valve is moved toward the mechanical full close position at high speed, the throttle valve may overshoot and collide against the full close position. This may damage and deform the throttle valve. It is an object of the present invention to set a lower limiter to the throttle valve so as to secure a margin to prevent such collision while attaining lowered fuel consumption or improved fuel efficiency.

Abstract: Described herein is an electronic-injection fuel-supply system for an internal-combustion engine having at least one injector and a fuel pump; the fuel pump is provided with: a variable-volume pumping chamber; a one-way intake valve; a one-way delivery valve; a mobile piston that integrates within it the intake valve and is coupled to the pumping chamber to vary cyclically the volume of the pumping chamber itself; and an actuator device that impresses a reciprocating motion on the piston and has an electromagnetic actuator for actuating the piston during an intake phase and a spring for actuating the piston during a delivery phase.