Abstract: The invention concerns a steering and trimming system for a watercraft (1) whereby control is exercised via the steering wheel (2) at low speed by means of crossbeam rudders (13,14) and when planing via a rudder (29). In addition, during the craft's acceleration phase, the trim arms (22) are more quickly brought into position.

Abstract: A removable boat windshield is provided that includes a transparent pane with a top end and a bottom end. At least one male portion is attached to the pane. At least one female portion is attachable to a deck of a boat. The at least one female portion defines a receiving opening for receiving at least a portion of the at least one male portion therein. The removable boat windshield also includes a securement device, operable with the at least one female portion, to releasably connect the male portion to the female portion.

Abstract: A solar energy handle for a bicycle is located at a bicycle body and includes a handle body, a solar energy board, a battery set, at least one alarm and a control system. The handle body has a left handle and a right handle. The solar energy board is located at the handle body for absorbing the solar energy and converting the solar energy into electric power. The battery set is connected with the solar energy board for storing the electric power. The alarm is connected with the battery set. The control system is located at the handle body. Thereby, the solar energy is converted into the electric power and is stored in the battery set. The user uses the control system to turn on or turn off the alarm. The power is saved. It is good for the environmental protection, and it is convenient for the user.

Abstract: A Dip and See spoon shape strips detect sugar in food. The sugar tester when briefly dip in the food, it indicates whether or not the product contain sugar. The indicator is impregnated with components and blue background dye. The oxygen liberated in the final reaction binds with dye to produce a series of color changes 30 seconds after wetting the spoon shape strip with sugar solution. Color changes after wetting the strips from blue-green to greenish brown in sugar solution. The tester will present a variation shade of brown. Lighter shade of brown means a small concentration of sugar and darker shade of brown means large concentration of sugar in the food. If strip maintains blue-green color, after wetting it, the product contains no sugar. Results are obtainable by direct comparison of the test strip with the color blocks printed on the instructions. No calculations or laboratory instruments are required. The tester is a quick, safe, reliable and is disposable.

Abstract: A bookmark that indicates the exact last line of text read on a desired page of text or a specific location on a page where it is placed. The flap is hooked on the top of either face of a left or right page, over any column of text, over any image or a specific area to mark it for easy location at another time. The bookmark, utilizes two parts: a body with a folded section and an indicator with an indicia printed on it, which are used to indicate a location on the page. The body is a printed paper or a thin strip of material, of varying lengths, which has a top flap that folds over the top of a page to secure its vertical location on a that page.

Abstract: A method for producing a silicon carbide single crystal, which comprises bringing a silicon carbide single crystal substrate into contact with a melt prepared by melting a raw material containing Si and C, and growing a silicon carbide single crystal on the substrate, the method including performing a cycle comprising the following steps (a) and (b): a) a step of bringing the seed crystal substrate into contact with the surface of the melt, growing a single crystal, and separating the seed crystal substrate from the surface of the melt thereby interrupting the growth of the single crystal, and b) a step of bringing the seed crystal substrate into contact with the surface of the melt and growing a single crystal, at least one time, wherein the seed crystal is a 6H-silicon carbide single crystal or a 15R-silicon carbide single crystal and the resulting single crystal is a 4H-silicon carbide single crystal.

Abstract: Affords a method of manufacturing GaN crystal substrate in which enlargement of pit size in the growing of GaN crystal is inhibited to enable GaN crystal substrate with a high substrate-acquisition rate to be produced. The method of manufacturing GaN crystal substrate includes a step of growing GaN crystal (4) by a vapor growth technique onto a growth substrate (1), the GaN-crystal-substrate manufacturing method being characterized in that in the step of growing the GaN crystal (4), pits (6) that define facet planes (5F) are formed in the crystal-growth surface, and being characterized by having the pit-size increase factor of the pits (6) be 20% or less.

Abstract: The droplet applying apparatus includes a base 11 having a mounting surface 11a on which a substrate 10 is to be mounted, beam members 41, 42 which are fitted to the base 11 so as to be movable relative to the base 11 in an arrow A direction, a plurality of droplet ejecting sections 6 which are fitted to the beam members 41, 42 so as to be movable in an arrow B direction and which eject droplets to the substrate 10, and a control section 13 for controlling movement or stop of the plurality of droplet ejecting sections 6. The control section 13, during ejection operation of one of the droplet ejecting sections 6, performs such control as to effectuate gentle acceleration changes in speed changes of the other droplet moving ejecting section proximate to the one droplet ejecting section 6 while the movable other droplet ejecting section.

Abstract: Apparatus for the flocking of articles, with a central column which has a rotary drive rotating about a vertical axis, with a least one pallet carrier arranged on the central column and having in each case a pallet, arranged on the pallet carrier, for receiving an article to be flocked, with at least one frame carrier, arranged above the pallets revolving around the vertical axis, for receiving a flocking device, the frame carrier and a frame arranged on it and also the pallet being arranged so as to be moveable in the vertical direction in relation to one another, and the pallet carrier on the central column assuming a plurality of rotary positions predetermined in steps along a circular path with respect to the frame, characterized in that a mechanical actuating device is provided, which lifts off the flocking device at least partially from the frame, so that a stencil arranged on the frame is accessible.

Abstract: A rack (300) configured for holding workpieces (50) includes a base unit (30) and a cover unit (40). The base unit includes a plurality of holding members (31). Each holding member includes two parallel holding boards (311, 313) cooperating with each other to hold the workpieces, each holding board defines a plurality of gaps (312, 314) corresponding to the workpieces therein. The cover unit covers on the base unit.

Abstract: An end effector having a first arm and a second arm extending from an end effector support body is provided. The first arm and the second arm each have support extensions for supporting a peripheral region of a substrate on opposing sides of a diameter of the substrate. The height of support contacts on opposing sides of the diameter is different relative to a horizontal datum plane. In one embodiment, the end effector includes additional arms extending from the end effector support body. A system for supporting a substrate is provided also.

Abstract: A roll coater assembly system for application of a fluid material having a transport system with a part loading system, an application system, and a curing system for curing the material applied. The transport system is a continuous conveyor having a plurality of work stations movably supporting and transporting items to be processed to the application systems and curing systems, with the conveyors of the transport and loading systems having a single drive mechanism which operates both of the conveyors, such that the cylindrical items are provided to circumferentially located stations within and surrounding a cylindrical drum of the part loading system which rotates to engage and move the cylindrical items into and out of the stations of the cylindrical drum about a central axis of the cylindrical drum and into the transport system conveyor by movement of the drive mechanism and respective conveyor synchronized by a control system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally comprise an RF return plate for use in an apparatus that utilizes RF current. Whenever a backing plate is so large that a backing plate support structure is needed to prevent the backing plate from sagging, RF current that flows across the backing plate towards the showerhead may be partially diverted and flow up the support structure. The RF current that flows up the support structure puts an unwanted bias on the support structure and also contributes to reduction of the RF current flowing to the showerhead. By returning the RF current to the source, the amount of RF current that may flow up the support structure may be reduced. An RF return plate may be disposed between the chamber lid and the support structure to redirect any RF current that may flow up the support structure back down to the chamber lid.

Abstract: A member for a plasma processing apparatus, which is excellent in film-formability, durability, and reliability, is provided. On a substrate, a ceramic film having a purity not less than 98% is provided. In the ceramic film, grains constituting the film have a grain diameter not greater than 50 nm and the amount of moisture released from the film is not more than 1019 molecules/cm2.

Abstract: A device for holding bags containing pet waste is disclosed. In certain embodiments the device comprise a body having a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side; an interior pathway through the body, the interior pathway configured for receiving and retaining a leash; and a latching mechanism configured to secure a bag to the body of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive device comprising (a) a container with an object and water and (b) interactive equipment which causes interaction between (i) the object and a user or (ii) the object and other objects via the user's movements or driving by a sensor.

Abstract: The inventive animal breeding plant comprises an animal stall area (1a-1f), means (11) for sharply flushing a cleaning fluid in said area in order to wash it and a channel which is used for recovering a mixture formed by said cleaning fluid and wastes flushed thereby and is arranged in front of said flushing means with respect to said area. The flushing means comprise at least one bucket (11) which is movably mounted between filling and flushing positions and whose shape is selected such that, when the filling level thereof with the cleaning fluid attains a predetermined threshold, the gravity center of the thus filled bucket (11) is shifted to such a point that the bucket (11) is tilted from said filling position to the flushing position in such a way that the fluid is sharply flushed in the area (1a-1f).

Abstract: An apparatus for providing at least one bird with a comfortable means for swinging. The apparatus comprises a pole member having a predetermined length and formed of a predetermined material. A first means is engageable with a top portion of the pole member and with such bird cage for connection of the pole member to a top portion of such bird cage; and a second means is disposed on a bottom portion of such pole member for connecting at least one peg member to such pole member, such at least one peg member providing a place for such bird's feet to grasp when such bird is swinging.

Abstract: A cover for enclosing a pet container is provided. The cover includes a panel having a front, rear, pair of side, and center flaps configured to cover a front, rear, pair of sides and top of a generally rectangular pet container. The panel also includes a first attachment clip located on a perimeter of the panel and a second attachment clip positioned on the center of the panel such that the front, rear, and pair of side flaps may be folded onto the center flap, and the clips are aligned such that once the flaps are folded the clips may be fastened together.

Abstract: The pet grooming tool includes a handle and a head. The head consists of a lower head portion and an upper head portion. A toothed uni-directional blade is mounted on and extends from the lower head portion. The head portions are rotatably connected so that the tool can be used in either direction. The head is pivotally connected to the handle such that the angle between the blade and the handle can be adjusted.

Abstract: A four-legged animal washing apparatus includes a housing defining a washing chamber that is shaped to contour the animal and having a quartet of generally hollow abutments disposed in a predetermined pattern on and extending outwardly from a bottom wall of the washing chamber. A first opening is formed in a top portion of the housing and a cover is provided for selectively opening and closing the first opening. A second opening is formed in the front portion of the housing to receive a neck of such animal. Spraying nozzles are directed into the washing chamber and are connected to a liquid pump operable by a controller. At least one drain is provided for draining liquid from the washing chamber. An optional air heating assembly supplies heated air into the washing chamber through air ports. Sensor is employed for detecting presence of the liquid in the washing chamber.

Abstract: A dog training device and method for training a dog to retrieve a downed fowl. The training device includes a head and a body. The head is moveably connected to the body such that the head moves similar to the way the head of an injured fowl moves. Depending on the configuration, this connection can allow the head to move up and down relative to the body, or it can allow the head to move in all directions. The training device also includes a rope or other device such that a trainer can throw the device into the air for the dog to track and retrieve.

Abstract: An animal chew toy and a method for making such that comprises a fabric having a plurality of fibers and a polymeric material that contacts the fabric wherein the polymer material engages with the plurality of fibers.

Abstract: An avian averting system for buildings including multiple structures includes multiple base strips, each of the base strips having electrical conductors attached thereto; an electrical power supply; and releasable fasteners for releasably fastening the base strips to the structures. A method is provided which includes the steps of: releasably attaching a bird aversion system to a first one of the structures; then maintaining the bird aversion system attached until the birds are conditioned to avoid the structure; then removing the bird aversion system from the first structure; then releasably attaching the bird aversion system to a second one of the structures; and then maintaining the bird aversion system attached to the second structure until the birds are conditioned to avoid the second structure.

Abstract: A headlock stanchion panel has latch and release mechanism situated along the top rail for each release stanchion, and is adapted for individual or gang release. There are a pair of release latches each having a tongue that engages a latch member that extends from the end of the release latch. The latch members are mounted on the outsides of respective latch supports, and pivot on bushings. Finger lift members on the pivot latches facilitate individual release. Ear guards are provided to block access from the head side of the top rail to the pivot latches to prevent self-release of the cows.

Abstract: A dog training device may include a base with a first cross member slidably connected to the base and a second cross member slidably connected to the base. A first set of pedestals may be slidably connected to the first cross member and a second set of pedestals may be slidably connected to the second cross member. Advantageously, the distances between the cross members and the pedestals may be adjusted so that the dog training device may be used with dogs of various shapes and sizes. In addition, the base, cross members and pedestals may be quickly and easily connected and disconnected, which may facilitate transportation and storage of the device. The base, cross members and pedestals may also be securely interconnected to provide a stable and steady dog training device.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for exercising one or more dogs including an adjustable belt portion having a variable length of 2L and a second belt portion independently connected to the adjustable belt portion. The apparatus can also include at least two connectors adapted to connect to one or more leads. The at least two connectors can be attached to the adjustable belt portion such that they define a distance L there between in response to any adjustment of the belt portion to any length 2L. The placement of the at least two connectors encourages maximizing the distance between any two dogs that a user may be exercising at one time.

Abstract: A wheelchair for animals includes a harness support frame having first and second lateral supports spaced from each other and a width extender adjustably connected between the first and second lateral supports, first and second knuckle clamp assemblies where each one of the first and second knuckle clamp assemblies has a first clamp component and a second clamp component, a plurality of harness connectors attached to the harness support frame, first and second leg assemblies where the second clamp components receives a leg assembly proximal end of one of the first and second leg assemblies, first and second wheels where each one of the first and second wheels is rotatably connected adjacent to a leg assembly distal end of one of the first and second leg assemblies, and a harness assembly detachably connected to the harness support frame.

Abstract: A control for a water heater is provided that comprises a pressure switch for sensing a predetermined level of airflow sufficient for maintaining proper burner operation, and a temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of the water in the tank. The control further comprises a processor for controlling the operation of the burner to maintain the water temperature above a predetermined value. When the processor receives a signal from the pressure switch or temperature switch indicating a malfunction, the processor shuts down the burner and subsequently attempts to restart the burner. The processor will lock-out further burner operation after a predetermined number of consecutive shut downs occurs, and will communicate any malfunction information to a remote display device.

Abstract: In the water purification process, apparatus, and method, contaminated water vapor is exposed to liquid solvent, which causes a transfer of contaminants from the contaminated water vapor to the liquid solvent. In an advantageous embodiment, this latter step is followed by a second purification step where the decontaminated water in liquid phase is exposed to water vapor which causes a transfer of solvent remaining in the decontaminated water to the water vapor. The energy freed during the condensation of the vapor can advantageously be used for evaporation of the liquids, optionally by compressing the vapors prior to condensation thereof within heat exchangers.

Abstract: A supercharger includes a housing, and a turbine shaft supported in a center hole in the housing through rolling bearings. Lubricating oil for the rolling bearings exists only within the housing. A cooling water jacket is provided within a body portion of the housing over a region from one axial end portion of the body portion to the other axial end portion thereof.

Abstract: An engine unit with a decreased height dimension and longitudinal length comprises an engine and a throttle body assembly. The throttle body assembly includes front and rear throttle bodies formed with front and rear air cylinders and throttle valves. A fuel supply pipe is arranged between central axes of the air cylinders in a longitudinal direction to extend widthwise in a lower position than upper ends of the throttle bodies. A motor for driving throttle valves is arranged between the central axes of the air cylinders in the longitudinal direction. An axis of a rotating shaft of the motor is positioned forwardly or rearwardly of a central axis of the fuel supply pipe.

Abstract: A power-generation device comprising at least one cylinder, at least one cylinder head, at least one piston having a crown for improved lubricant circulation and an output shaft, having a central axis having a fixed angular relationship to the central axis of the cylinder. A swash plate, having a first swash plate surface having a normal axis disposed at a first fixed angle to the central axis of the output shaft, is fixed to the output shaft. At least one connecting rod is connected to at least one piston. At least one follower is secured to the second end of a connecting rod. The first follower surface contacts, and conforms to, the orientation of the first swash plate surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variable valve mechanism control device that is capable of reducing the power consumption and rating of an electric motor by allowing camshaft rotary inertia torque to reduce spring reaction force during a valve lift. Camshaft rotary inertia force is increased to a value not smaller than a predetermined value before the start of a valve lift. During the time interval between the instant at which the valve lift starts and the instant at which the maximum lift is provided, the spring reaction force of a valve spring is used as deceleration torque for the camshaft rotary inertia force. During the time interval between the instant at which the maximum lift is provided and the instant at which the valve lift terminates, the spring reaction force is used as acceleration torque for the camshaft rotary inertia force. The camshaft rotary inertia force cancels the spring reaction force so that motor torque generated during a valve lift is composed of counter-friction torque only.

Abstract: A system for controlling a variable valve lift system of an engine comprises a delay module that estimates a total delay based on at least one of a measured and an estimated delay of the variable valve lift system. A variable valve control module commands one of a first transition from a variable valve low-lift profile to a variable valve high-lift profile and a second transition from a variable valve high-lift profile to a variable valve low-lift profile based on the total delay.

Abstract: A variable displacement pump including a chamber volume varying mechanism including a moveable member, a first biasing member always biasing the moveable member in such a direction as to increase volumes of the working fluid chambers, and a second biasing member that is disposed with a set load and applies a biasing force to the moveable member in such a direction as to increase the volumes of the working fluid chambers when the moveable member is displaced against a biasing force of the first biasing member by a predetermined amount or more. The biasing force of the first biasing member is set such that before the moveable member is displaced against the biasing force of the first biasing member, the valve timing control device is shifted to a release state in which an open-and-closure timing of an engine valve is variably controlled.

Abstract: A valve timing control device includes a driving side rotational member, a driven side rotational member, a retarded angle chamber, an advanced angle chamber, a first control valve, a supply passage supplying the fluid to the first control valve, a first pump pumping the fluid to a vapor liquid separating portion, a second pump pumping the fluid in the vapor liquid separating portion to the first control valve, a discharge passage discharging the fluid from the first control valve toward the operational fluid reservoir, and a second control valve provided at the discharge passage and operated to switch the discharge passage between a first discharge passage is discharging the fluid discharged from the first control valve to the operational fluid reservoir and a second discharge passage flowing the fluid to be drawn into the first pump.

Abstract: An ECU transmits a pulsed operation command signal, indicating operation commands for an electric motor used as a VVT actuator, to an electric-motor EDU. The electric-motor EDU recognizes the combination of the direction in which the actuator should be operated (actuator operation direction) and the control mode based on the duty ratio of the operation command signal, and the rotational speed command value based on the frequency of the operation command signal. The electric-motor EDU controls the electric motor according to the control commands. The duty ratio indicating the combination is set such that even if the duty ratio is falsely recognized, a false recognition concerning the actuator operation direction is prevented, such false recognition causing the valve phase to change in an undesirable direction, and even if the actuator operation direction is falsely recognized, the rate of change in the phase is restricted.

Abstract: In an intake valve phase control after an engine stop command is issued, a stop-time phase is used as a target value. In the intake valve phase control, when the mode changeover condition is not satisfied, and an electric motor that serves as an actuator is not in a locked-state, the highest-speed mode, in which the amount of electric power supplied to the electric motor is fixed to the maximum value, is selected to reliably change the intake valve phase by a required amount. Then, the intake valve phase comes close to the stop-time phase and the mode changeover condition is satisfied, the control mode is changed from the highest-speed mode to the normal mode to set the control phase to the stop-time phase with higher accuracy, and the feedback control over the intake valve phase is executed.

Abstract: A valve system of an overhead-camshaft-type internal combustion engine includes a cam holder fastened to a cylinder head having a combustion chamber formed therein. The cam holder supports a camshaft, and is disposed above the combustion chamber. The cam holder includes a bottom wall, a pair of oppositely-facing support walls having lower sides thereof joined with each other by the bottom wall, and a rib joining predetermined oppositely-facing portions of respective upper side portions of the support walls with each other. The support walls of the cam holder pivotally support the cam shaft. The rib may be integrated with the cam holder, or may be separately formed and fastened to the support walls of the cam holder.

Abstract: A lost motion spring is disposed to contact at one end an oscillating member interposed between a cam and a valve for synchronizing the oscillating of the valve with the rotation of the cam. The lost motion spring impels the oscillating member toward the cam. A spring support shaft is provided for supporting a second portion of the lost motion spring. A spring position adjustment mechanism is provided for adjusting the mounting position of the lost motion spring relative to the spring support shaft.

Abstract: A CELO method is carried out when cooling water of an engine is not sufficiently warmed upon the startup of a vehicle in the winter. A CELO is carried out in various modes according to negligence levels a vehicle, wherein the negligence levels are divided into a total negligence level, a partial negligence level and a care level according to inside and outside air temperatures. The CELO is carried out for the total or partial negligence levels but not for the care level. For the total or partial negligence levels, the CELO is operated according to various times. The CELO operation time can be adjusted according to the vehicle speed in addition to the negligence levels of a vehicle. The CELO can thus be appropriately carried out according to vehicle conditions and passenger demands without a cooling water temperature sensor.

Abstract: An intake pipe of an internal combustion engine includes a main flow passage allowing air introduced into the engine to flow therethrough, an upper branch flow passage branching off from the main flow passage and communicating with #2 cylinder, #4 cylinder, and #6 cylinder, a lower branch flow passage branching off from the main flow passage sand communicating with #1 cylinder, #3 cylinder, and #5 cylinder, and a partition wall allowing the upper branch flow passage and the lower branch flow passage to be apart. The partition wall has an end portion that faces the main flow passage. The end portion is formed of a spherical surface. With such a configuration, the intake pipe of the internal combustion engine, which intake pipe provides sufficient improvement in intake efficiency, is provided.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine for a vehicle comprises a pair of intake collectors (3A, 3B) and a communicating pipe (13) connecting the pair of intake collectors (3A, 3B). A negative pressure supply port (15) supplying intake negative pressure of the internal combustion engine to a brake booster is provided at an end of the communicating pipe (13). By providing an air amount deviation compensating arrangement which compensates for a deviation in the amounts of air flowing into the pair of intake collectors (3A, 3B) from the brake booster when braking of the vehicle is released, the amounts of air supplied to the internal combustion engine from the pair of the intake collectors (3A, 3B) are equalized.

Abstract: A device for use in a work vehicle such as a wheel loader, capable of reliably preventing engine stall due to rapid application of high hydraulic load, without causing problems such as deterioration in fuel efficiency or vehicle performance and waste of energy. When the operator rapidly operates the loader operating lever to the raising direction while operating the steering handle, the hydraulic load in the steering hydraulic pump and the loader hydraulic pump is increased rapidly. The hydraulic load is thus shifted to a high hydraulic load line. Therefore, the engine tries to raise the torque to match the same with the high hydraulic load. However, the increase of the engine torque cannot keep up with the rapid increase of the hydraulic load (time delay occurs), resulting in that the actual speed of the engine becomes a threshold value or lower.

Abstract: An appliance set comprising an appliance for receiving a rotational drive at an input shaft; an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft and an oil pump having at least one gear driven from the crankshaft; and a coupling that mechanically couples the input shaft to the said gear whereby the appliance can be driven from the gear of the oil pump.

Abstract: A rotary piston engine includes a generally triangular rotor, a pair of side housings, a rotor housing which is assembled with the rotor and the pair of side housings to define three working chambers, an intake port formed in at least one of the side housings, and an exhaust port formed in at least one of the side housings. The length of one side of the triangular face of the rotor is at least 2.4 times the breadth of the rotor.

Abstract: An air valve and its method of use including an air valve housing; a throttle plate disposed on a throttle shaft; a driven gear attached on the throttle shaft; a brushless direct current motor assembly in connection via a pinion with the driven gear; an integrated electronic valve controller including digital signal processing on a circuit board; and a throttle position sensor on the circuit board, wherein the throttle position sensor includes at least one non-contact type sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the air valve includes an inlet port and an outlet port connected to an engine via an air intake manifold, such that re-circulated exhaust gas is introduced into the air intake manifold.

Abstract: When an engine rotation speed in an engine for working machine without a governor mechanism is increase-and-decrease-controlled by switching ignition timings at a predetermined rotation speed, the response delay of the engine rotation speed with respect to the throttle opening operation is suppressed. The engine rotation speeds for switching the ignition timings are set to 4000 rpm and 5000 rpm. When the throttle opening is increased, a first ignition timing is advanced stepwise to a second ignition timing at the engine rotation speed of 4000 rpm so as to be switched to a rotation control characteristic C30 for high speed rotation. When the throttle opening is decreased, the second ignition timing is retarded stepwise to the first ignition timing at the engine rotation speed of 5000 rpm so as to be switched to a rotation control characteristic C05 for low speed rotation. The switching timing of the rotation control characteristic is different between at increase and decrease of the throttle opening.

Abstract: A method of controlling heating while a vehicle is idling is disclosed. The method comprises: determining whether a state of readiness for idle heating exists; determining whether the vehicle is slopped; determining whether a temperature outside the vehicle reaches a winter temperature; and thereby operating an idle heating mode when all above criteria are met.