Abstract: A sewing machine includes an image pickup device that picks up over a sewing machine bed; a feature point coordinates calculation device that extracts feature points from the picked up image and calculates two-dimensional coordinates of the extracted feature points; a reference coordinates storage device that stores reference coordinates, which are previously measured three-dimensional coordinates of the feature points; a correlation device that correlates the reference coordinates stored in the reference coordinates storage device with the feature point coordinates, which are the two-dimensional coordinates of the feature points calculated by the feature point coordinates calculation device; and a parameter calculation device that calculates a parameter about the image pickup device based on a result of correlation by the correlation device.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes an image pickup device that picks up over a sewing machine bed; a feature point coordinates calculation device that extracts feature points from the picked up image and calculates two-dimensional coordinates of the feature points; a reference coordinates storage device that stores three-dimensional reference coordinates of the feature points; a correlation device that correlates the reference coordinates with the feature point coordinates; a parameter calculation device that calculates a parameter about the image pickup device; a parameter storage device that stores the calculated parameter; a comparison image acquisition device that acquires the picked up image as a comparison image; a first determination device that determines whether comparison information matches with parameter information; and a first notification device that notifies that it is necessary to re-calculate the parameter depending on the result by the first determination device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a fin stabilization system adapted to minimize roll about the longitudinal axis of the boat during sharp cornering at very high speeds. In one form, equipment such as a machine gun is mounted to the bow of the boat and targets are adapted to be engaged in high-speed maneuvers when cornering and the deck of the boat is not excessively rolled whereby blocking visibility in a turn.

Abstract: A new use for a cranked reel employing a clutch bearing and a drag, which drag is controllably released by reverse rotation of the crank. The new use is to raise or lower an anchor using a cranked reel employing a clutch bearing and a drag, which drag is controllably released by reverse rotation of the crank.

Abstract: The marine dockline holder provides an easy place to leave the docklines in an elevated position when the boat leaves the dock, enabling the lines to be easily retrieved and attached to the boat upon its return to the dock. The marine dockline holder has a line hook attached to the top of a two-piece rod. The rod is inserted into a spring which is in turn inserted into a deck mounting plate. The deck mounting plate is mounted to a dock by two connecting bolts passing though the upper and lower mounting plates, and though gaps in the dock's surface.

Abstract: Boat hull having aerated longitudinal hydrosponsons with air injection into tunnels and distribution to generate bubbles across central running surfaces.

Abstract: A combined holder-bag for small boats, to storage and holds the anchor, rope and others light items like trash that could fly away with the wind causing water pollution. The invention particularly provides a holder-bag in a safe and convenient place at the boat's bow rail or the boat's bow it self in a horizontal V shaped position, with very little wind resistance, made of mesh material at the bottom for ventilation and drainage and the larger top cover (for water and other elements protection) keeping storage items dry and ventilated, free of mildew and humidity. It has two side zippers closing toward the front, ending where there is an overlap small top cover with Velcro fastener for ease opening and closing access and next to the boat's anchor cleat. In between the two-bottom mesh layers have a half-inch “dry fast” cushioning foam to minimize rattle noise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable mounting system for a leaning post for a boat having a pair of side-by-side seat posts. The leaning post is provided with a pair of brackets to which hollow cylindrical support posts can be adjustably mounted. The spacing between the support posts can be adjusted to align with the spacing of a pair of conventional hollow cylindrical side-by-side vertical seat posts. A pair of spaced apart parallel slots in the mounting brackets receive bolts that secure the support posts to the mounting bracket and allow the distance between the support posts to be adjusted to align with the distance between the seat posts.

Abstract: An outrigger securing assembly for use on a fishing vessel. The securing assembling includes an automatic locking member that is secured to a structural member of the vessel and is capable of latching or releasing a latch member that is secured to an outrigger mast. The automatic locking member is equipped with a latching actuator that can release the latch member. The latching actuator can be operated either manually or hydraulically from a control device removed from the automatic locking member.

Abstract: A securing device for securing a flag having a grommet to a cord is provided. Such securing device includes a support member manufactured from a predetermined material and having a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size. Such support member further having at least one aperture disposed therethrough at a predetermined location. Such aperture has a second predetermined size and is capable of being threaded with a cord for securing such cord to such support member, such cord has a third predetermined size. A securing mechanism is operably connectable to such support member for securing such flag to such support member.

Abstract: A bookmark having a frame with at least three legs joined together in a serial manner; and a decorative piece attached to one of the at least three legs of the frame.

Abstract: A pulling apparatus and a method with which especially heavy crystals (5) can be pulled using the Czochralski method utilizing the pulling apparatus. For this purpose the neck (4) of the crystal (5) has an enlargement (10) beneath which extends the support device. This device includes latches (7), which are moved from a resting position into an operating position in which the latches (7) extend beneath the enlargement (10). Each latch (7) is supported on the base body such that it is swivellable about a pivot axis (8) and can assume two stable positions, namely the resting position and the operating position. Each of these positions is defined by a stop on the base body. When the latch rests on the one stop, its center of gravity, viewed from the neck (4), is located on the other side of the pivot axis (8). When the latch rests on the other stop, the center of gravity is located on this side of the pivot axis (8).

Abstract: A crystal-growing furnace with a heating improvement structure includes a furnace body, a supporting table, a top heater, and a bottom heater. When the silicon material around the top heater is melted, molten silicon slurry will flow directly into the spacing among particles of the silicon material. This will expedite internal part of the silicon material to absorb energy. As a result, a desirable cycle will be established to expedite melting the whole silicon material in the crucible. The crucible is heated at the bottom thereof by the bottom heater directly so as to enhance efficiency in melting the silicon material in the crucible, and to save energy and time consumed by the crystal-growing furnace. Further, since both of the top and the bottom heaters are symmetrical with one another, the crucible can be heated uniformly. This not only saves energy and makes the heating job convenient, but also saves cost in manufacture.

Abstract: The device for production of a monocrystalline or a multicrystalline material blank, especially a silicon multicrystalline blank, using the VGF method has a crucible with a rectangular or square cross section. A flat heating device, especially a jacket heater, which generates an inhomogeneous temperature profile, is arranged around the crucible. This temperature profile corresponds to the temperature gradient formed in the center of the crucible. The heat output of the flat heating device decreases from the top to the bottom end of the crucible. The flat heating device includes parallel heating webs, which extend in a meandering course. The heat outputs from the heating webs differ according to their different conductor cross sections. To avoid local overheating in corner areas of the crucible, constrictions of the cross sections of the heating webs are provided at inversion zones of their meandering course.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a processing vessel; a mounting table for mounting the substrate thereon in the processing vessel; a gas inlet unit provided in the processing vessel; a gas supply mechanism for supplying a hydrogen-containing gas into the processing vessel through the gas inlet unit; a gas discharge port provided at the processing vessel; a gas exhaust mechanism for exhausting an inside of the processing vessel through the gas discharge port; a catalyst provided in the processing vessel; and a heating unit for heating the catalyst. Hydrogen radicals are formed in the processing vessel by a catalytic cracking reaction between the hydrogen-containing gas and the catalyst of high temperature, and the substrate is processed by the hydrogen radicals.

Abstract: The ring comprises a hoop (1, 20) for draining and encircling the edge of the optical element, forming an arc over more than 180° and provided at each of its two ends with an outwardly-directed drip tab (10, 30).

Abstract: The present invention realizes an impedance control for avoiding the extinction of a plasma caused due to a sudden change in a load impedance, which may occur immediately after the plasma is generated. A film-forming apparatus of the present invention includes a power supply; a matching circuit; an electrode configured to receive electric power from the power supply through the matching circuit, and to generate a plasma inside a film forming chamber for accommodating a film forming target based on the electric power; and a control section configured to control an impedance of the matching circuit. The control section keeps the impedance of the matching circuit constant during a first period starting at a first time t1 when the power supply starts to supply the electric power to the electrode, and controls the impedance of the matching circuit based on a reflected-wave power from the electrode for a second period starting at a second time t2 when the first period ends.

Abstract: A CVD device has a reaction furnace (39) for processing a wafer (1); a seal cap (20) for sealing the reaction furnace (39) hermetically; an isolation flange (42) opposite to the seal cap (20); a small chamber (43) formed by the seal cap (20), the isolation flange (42), and the wall surface in the reaction furnace (39); a feed pipe (19b) for supplying a first gas to the small chamber (43); an outflow passage (42a) provided in the small chamber (43) for allowing the first gas to flow into the reaction furnace (39); and a feed pipe (19a) provided downstream from the outflow passage (42a) for supplying a second gas into the reaction furnace (39). Byproducts such as NH4Cl are prevented from adhering to low temperature sections such as the furnace opening and therefore the semiconductor device production yield is therefore increased.

Abstract: The present invention is a wild bird feeder with the features that make it safe and easy to use but protected from being reused. A reservoir containing bird seed is connected with a feeding base using an adaptor. The feeding base is threaded to the adaptor which in turn is threaded to the reservoir. A stop attached to the feeding base and a locking adaptor seat keeps the assembled wild bird feeder from being taken apart and refilled. The wild bird feeder converts from a first storage position to a second feeding position by partially unthreading the feeding base from the adaptor so bird seed is supplied to the bottom portion of the feeding base. A plurality of perches are supported by the feeding base. The perches are moved from a stored position to a properly deployed position when second feeding position is realized. A label is placed on the reservoir to provide a logo, directions for use and bird seed data.

Abstract: An animal feeder may be provided comprising a housing having a central axis and configured to receive feed. A feeding plate having an opening configured to allow a portion of an animal's head to penetrate the feeding plate may be configured to fit within the housing and traverse and rotate about the central axis. In addition, a locking ring may be configured to contain the feeding plate within the housing.

Abstract: The present invention combines a classical hummingbird feeder with the disposable features that make it safe and easy to use. A transparent cylindrical fluid reservoir contains a feeding solution that is dispensed through a feeding tube assembly at the bottom of the reservoir. The feeding tube assembly is attached to a bottom disc that is supported and sealed at the bottom of the cylindrical fluid reservoir by a red bottom cap threaded to the reservoir. The red feeding tube assembly has an exit tube that can be adjusted to place an exit aperture in an optimum location for the hovering hummingbird. Single or multiple exit tubes can be provided. The feeding solution has an additive to determine when it has spoiled. The top of the fluid reservoir has a moat filled with an insect inhibiting fluid to protect against insects and ants. A red label is placed on the reservoir to provide logo, directions for use and safety warnings thereon.

Abstract: There are disclosed electronic and barrier systems for a pet door. In an embodiment, an electronic monitoring system includes sensors and a control module set to recognize animals having different personalities trying to access the pet door. An alarm is in connection with the control module for actuation based on personality of the animal. In one embodiment, a security barrier component allows a dog access to the pet door and prevent a human from accessing the pet door. The barrier component requires the dog to turn from a side portion into the pet door to prevent a human from accessing the pet door. In another embodiment, a device for limiting access through a pet door includes a tunnel formed between a top surface and sidewalls sized for allowing a small pet, while preventing a larger animal, from passage through the pet door. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hanger for a brisket tube or brisket rail employs an L-shaped bracket member formed of a slotted vertical plate with a horizontal top mounting flange. A clamp member, e.g., an omega clamp, secures the top mounting flange to a lower rail of a stall divider. A brisket pipe clamp attaches to the bracket and has an arcuate portion that captures the brisket pipe. The brisket pipe clamp is formed of a slide plate with flanged edges, a partly arcuate retaining arm that extends proximally from the slide plate, and a stub or post that extends distally through the slot in the vertical plate. This can be a threaded post so that the slide plate can be secured to the vertical plate with a nut. The slot permits limited vertical adjustment.

Abstract: A raptor perch apparatus for use at the top of a power pole for raptors to perch and nest without contacting the power lines supported by the power pole. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hub bracket having a center member received over the top of the power pole and a plurality of socket-like lateral brackets extending outwardly from the center member to support a plurality of lateral support members extending outwardly from the pole, preferably at a slight upward angle. The proximal end of the lateral support members is received in the lateral brackets. A guy wire or the like is received through a ring member on an end cap at the distal end of each lateral support member to circumvent the distal ends thereof. If needed, a pole top extension can be used to raise the apparatus above the top of the power pole.

Abstract: The device for attaching an artificial tail to an animal is a device for securing an upper portion of an artificial animal tail to a portion of the animal's natural tail. The device includes a longitudinally extending strap and a laterally extending strap, with the longitudinally extending strap being joined to the laterally extending strap adjacent respective first ends thereof. The laterally extending strap is positioned orthogonal to the longitudinally extending strap. In use, the longitudinally extending strap extends in the horizontal direction, and the laterally extending strap extends in the vertical direction. The longitudinally extending strap is looped around the upper portion of the artificial tail and a portion of the animal's natural tail, and the laterally extending strap is similarly looped around the artificial tail and a portion of the animal's natural tail to secure the artificial tail to the natural tail in both lateral and longitudinal directions.

Abstract: A convertible scratching apparatus for a cat or other pet includes a frame and a panel having a scratching surface thereon. The panel is selectively positionable relative to the frame so that a user can orient the scratching surface horizontally, vertically or at an angle, depending on the user's or the pet's preference. Optionally, a second panel is provided with a second scratching surface and braces the first panel in an erected configuration.

Abstract: A deterrent apparatus having a non-conductive tubing having a length, an outer surface and an inner surface defining a lumen, and at least a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor present on the outer surface of the non-conductive tubing. A power source comprising a battery having a first terminal and a second terminal is connected to the conductors so that the first terminal is electrically connected to the first conductor and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second conductor. The deterrent apparatus is suitable for use on medical tubing or veterinary tubing, for example, to deter animals from chewing or biting at the tubing.

Abstract: A tethering system is used with a bicycle and a pet. The system has: a flexible tube having a proximal end and a distal end; the proximal end of the flexible tube having a plate connector having a bike attachment system and a removable connection with the flexible tube, the connector configured to attach to a position on a two-wheel bicycle within 15 cm of a rear axel on the two-wheel bicycle; and the distal end of the flexible tube having a connection system for a leash.

Abstract: A decorative accessory for a pet includes a harnessing member, a leash member, and a plurality of charm elements. The harnessing member includes at least one strap element, each having a plurality of engagement locations, and a fastening element. The plurality of engagement locations is configured on the each strap element. The fastening element is disposed on the each strap element. The leash member includes a strip element having a first end segment and a second end segment, a plurality of engagement emplacements configured on the strip element, and a connecting element disposed at the first end segment for connecting the leash member with the harnessing member. Each charm element of the plurality of charm elements includes an attaching mechanism having a female engagement element and a male engagement element adapted to secure the each charm element to at least one of the harnessing member and the leash member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for discouraging or deterring animals from removing or attempting to remove veterinary medical lines which are attached to them or otherwise located in their immediate vicinity. The apparatus includes a tube body, two electrical conductors connected to the tube body in a spiral, wrapped configuration, and a battery power source. The tube is constructed of a non-conductive material and may be of varying diameter and length. The conductors are disposed so that they may be contacted on the outside of the tube body, and upon contact with the animal's tongue or saliva, an electrical circuit is completed through the tongue, conductors and power source, thereby delivering an electrical impulse through the sensitive tissues of the animal. The low voltage electrical shock is harmless to the animal but is unpleasant, thus the animal does not attempt to remove the intravenous tube and medicating proceeds as normal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided, for allowing pets to ascend and descend on a foldable staircase having a plurality of stair treads operatively connected by articulating links in such a manner that the treads can be pivoted in unison from a stowed position of the staircase, in which the treads are substantially stacked upon one another, to a plurality of extended positions, in which the links position the treads in a spaced and parallel relationship to one another. A latch selectively secures the staircase in a selected one of the extended positions. The latch is configured for preventing further pivoting of the treads in either direction between the stowed and extended positions of the staircase, when the latch is engaged.

Abstract: A protective cover for an animal's extremity, that: is soft or comfortable to the animals hoof, foot or pads; is adjustable for fit; can protect or cover the length of the animal's leg; is durable; and easy to put on and take off; is easily cleaned and re-useable; and can reduce the wear or tear upon a bandage, splint or cast reducing the need for re-bandaging, splinting or casting. The device employs a stable and moldable base with an open ended piece of durable material, called a shell, which is fashioned into a tapered tube that is opened up on the side so as to allow the animal's foot or hoof to be inserted. The tapered tube wraps and closes around the horse's lower leg by use of several elastic straps sewn horizontally onto the exterior of the tapered tube material.

Abstract: A collar comprises a strip of material. A buckle couples to the strip of material. A plurality of attachment ports couple to the strip of material. A fashion attachment comprises a plurality of coupling ports, and each coupling port couples to one of the plurality of attachment ports. A method for customizing an animal companion collar comprises selecting a first fashion attachment. The first fashion attachment comprises a plurality of coupling ports configured to couple to a plurality of attachment ports of a fashion collar. The method detaches a second fashion attachment from a first fashion collar. The first fashion collar comprises a plurality of attachment ports. The method attaches the first fashion attachment to the first fashion collar by coupling one or more of the plurality of coupling ports to one or more of the plurality of attachment ports.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a condensing side-arm water heater with improved efficiency. The condensing side-arm element recirculates exhaust gases into heating the cooler part of a water heater tank by the thermosiphon (or buoyancy) effect in a counterflow configuration, thus increasing efficiency of the water heater.

Abstract: An apparatus that extracts energy from processed agriculture residue (PAR) such as dried distiller grains or rapeseed as a biomass fuel having about 12% by weight or less moisture combusted in a vertically elongated combustion chamber having at least one suspension burner that projects a flame down a longitudinal axis of combustion chamber for transferring heat to heat collection surface located radially from the flame, an exhaust opening vertically spaced from a distal end of the flame containment portion and vertically spaced lower of a substantial majority of the heat collection surface, and a temperature modulator that supplies a cooling air. A method of extracting energy from PAR fuel is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency, enhancing the heat output, and reducing the harmful emissions of a solid carbonaceous fuel combustion system by introducing a hydrogen-rich gas into a solid carbonaceous fuel combustion process at one or more predetermined injection points or directly into a flame of the combustion process where the hydrogen-rich gas is controlled to be introduced at a desired flow-rate. The gas is introduced through one or more predetermined injection points which are selected from one or a combination of one or more primary air streams with the solid carbonaceous fuel prior to combustion, one or more secondary air streams with the solid carbonaceous fuel at combustion, one or more tertiary/overfire air streams downstream of the solid carbonaceous fuel combustion, and one or more injection ports near an exit end of a furnace of said combustion process.

Abstract: A cooling system for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle having a rotating member and using coolant in a liquid cooling system, is provided that comprises a radiator for dissipating the heat from the coolant, an electric pump for pumping the coolant through the cooling system, a mechanical pump operatively connected to the rotating member for pumping coolant through the cooling system, and a clutch for disengaging the second pump for minimizing the parasitic loss of the system and improving total fuel economy of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive engine cover is provided that at least partly covers an automotive engine in an automotive engine compartment. The engine cover, includes, but is not limited to cooling fins that are made of a metallic or ceramic material. The automotive engine cover is provided with improved cooling effect as compared to known automotive engine covers. The improved cooling effect prolongs the life-time of the automotive engine cover. The improved cooling effect also help to increase the life-time of other components in the engine compartment, which otherwise may degrade, deform or even melt due to heat transfer from heat-generating components in the engine. In turn, this paves the way for the design of engines which may generate even more heat than today.

Abstract: A variable timing limiting device for mounting to a camshaft variable timing mechanism includes a flange having a central opening and a travel limiter extending from the flange, wherein the camshaft variable timing mechanism has a hub and a sprocket having a recessed portion, the travel limiter being matably receivable in the recessed portion of the sprocket. In another aspect of the disclosure, a variable timing limiting device for a camshaft variable timing mechanism includes a free floating travel limiter inserted into a chamber portion of the camshaft variable timing mechanism. In another aspect of the disclosure, a camshaft variable timing mechanism for securing to a camshaft includes a hub, a vane lobe extending from the hub, a sprocket portion having a recess configured to receive an end of the vane lobe, the vane lobe being capable of travel within the recess, and a variable timing limiting device.

Abstract: A device for setting the relative rotational position of a camshaft (2, 3) of an internal combustion engine (11) relative to a crankshaft (1) driving the camshaft (2, 3), having a traction mechanism drive (4) wrapping around the crankshaft (1) and the camshaft (2, 3), which includes a loaded traction-mechanism section (8, 9) and a non-loaded traction-mechanism section (7), and a tensioning device (5, 6, 10) for changing the length of the loaded traction-mechanism section (8, 9). The tensioning device (5, 6, 10) is supported on the internal combustion engine (11) and has an adjustment device (20) that can be fixed.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation apparatus of an internal combustion engine has a multinodular-link motion converter, to vary at least a working angle. A position of rotation of a control shaft, variably adjusting the attitude of the motion converter, is set, so that, at a peak lift during a valve opening period, an angle ?2 between an extension line of a line segment connecting a first fulcrum corresponding to a drive-eccentric-cam center and a second fulcrum provided on a rocker arm and a line segment connecting the second fulcrum and a third fulcrum provided on the rocker arm at a position different from the second fulcrum at a middle working-angle control mode is less than both an angle ?1 between the two line segments at a minimum working-angle control mode and an angle ?3 between the two line segments at a maximum working-angle control mode.

Abstract: The mechanical variable cam timing device has a camshaft connector, a sprocket, a sprocket ring and a connector ring, all of which have teeth with slanted side walls that mate to form a circumferential ring. The sprocket ring and the connector ring move axially so as to shift the spacing between the teeth and provide for a phase shift.

Abstract: The camshaft adjusting device has an inner spring retainer which mates with a rotor and an outer spring retainer which is fixed on a spring cover plate.

Abstract: A lash adjuster includes a cylindrical bottomed plunger mounted in a cylindrical bottomed body so as to be movable upward and downward and including a high-pressure chamber defined between an underside of the plunger and a bottom wall of the body to reserve an operating oil, a leak path defined by an inner circumference of the body and an outer circumference of the plunger so that the oil reserved in the high-pressure chamber leaks through the leak path with downward movement of the plunger, and a ring-shaped member located between the inner circumference of the body and the outer circumference of the plunger, normally projecting into the leak path and being elastically deformed radially inward or outward with increase in pressure of the oil at the high-pressure chamber side so as to be retreated from the leak path, thereby reducing flow resistance of the oil in the leak path.

Abstract: An ignition system (10) comprises a spark plug (12) having a first end (14) defining a spark gap (16) between a first electrode (18) and a second electrode (20). A transformer (46) comprising a primary winding 44 and a secondary winding (50) also forms part of the system. The secondary winding is connected in a secondary circuit to the first electrode 18 and the secondary winding has a resistance of less than 1 k? and an inductance of less than 0.25 H. A drive circuit (26) is connected to the primary winding.

Abstract: A process for starting a direct-injecting internal-combustion engine is disclosed. The process includes triggering a separate drive for adjusting the camshaft for causing an angular position change between the crankshaft and the camshaft until the separate drive rotates the crankshaft such that a working medium is compressed by a piston in a cylinder of the internal-combustion engine. The position of the pistons of the internal-combustion engine is determined by using position determining devices to identify the cylinder of the internal-combustion engine in which the working medium is compressed. Fuel is injected into the cylinder in which the working medium is compressed when the cylinder is in a proximity of an upper dead center to start the internal-combustion engine.

Abstract: The sealing system for oscillating-piston engines, comprising at least two oscillating pistons (15) which revolve together in a spherical housing (24) about an axis (45) of revolution provided in the housing centre and which each have two opposite piston arms, which, when revolving, perform reciprocating oscillating movements in opposite directions about an oscillation axis (46) perpendicular to the axis (45) of revolution, wherein guide members (47) are provided on at least two pistons, said guide members (47) engaging in at least one guide groove (39) formed in the housing (24) for controlling the oscillating movements, has sealing elements (1, 2, 12, 14, 26, 33) on or in the vicinity of all moving edges surrounding the working chambers (17) and prechambers (30), which sealing elements (1, 2, 12, 14, 26, 33) close in a sealing manner all the gap regions present between machine parts displaced relative to one another by revolving and/or oscillating movements and not in direct contact, and has additional seal

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a cylinder, a fuel-supply mechanism, and an elastic connector for connecting the fuel supply mechanism to the cylinder. The connector has a first channel for fuel/air mixture and a second channel for combustion air. The connector has a first connection end and a second connection end at which the two channels open out. The two channels are separated from one another by a partition that extends in the longitudinal direction of the channels. The partition is twisted about its longitudinal central axis between the first and second connection ends to achieve a great elasticity of the connector. To produce the elastic connector, a respective core is used for each channel, and the cores are moved relative to one another to enable removal of the connector from a mold.

Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a valve shaft, a body, a bearing housing, a fixing device, and an actuator. The body has a flow path therein, and the flow path has an opening degree that is operated by rotation of the valve shaft. The bearing housing rotatably supports the valve shaft, and the bearing housing has a predetermined attachment portion. The fixing device fixes the bearing housing to the body by fastening the predetermined attachment portion of the bearing housing to an outer surface of the body. The actuator is provided to cover the fixing device from outside, and the actuator is fixed to the body and the bearing housing. The actuator applies a driving force to the valve shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping torsional vibration in a shaft, having a plurality of retainer pockets spaced from each other in the direction of the shaft's axis of rotation and connected for contemporaneous rotation with the shaft, and a plurality of disks each disposed within one of the retainer pockets, each retainer pocket having a circular track wall, each disk being free to shift perpendicular to the shaft's axis of rotation to engage and move along the circular track wall in response to the vibration, wherein each circular retainer pocket has a center that is at a predetermined radial offset distance relative to the shaft's axis of rotation and the respective radial offsets are angularly spaced from each other about the shaft's axis of rotation.