Abstract: A planting unit for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface and a trailing seed boot, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface. The disc has a mounting frame for mounting the disc to a linkage assembly that is, in turn, coupled to a toolbar mount. The seed boot is also attached to the mounting frame. This common attachment provides a relatively short and compact device without sacrificing fertilizer and seed stratification.

Abstract: A planting unit for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface and a trailing seed boot, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface. The disc has a mounting frame for mounting the disc to a linkage assembly that is, in turn, coupled to a toolbar mount. The seed boot is also attached to the mounting frame. This common attachment provides a relatively short and compact device without sacrificing fertilizer and seed stratification.

Abstract: A knife opener includes a pair of flared blades designed to cut spaced, but paired furrows. The knife opener is particularly well-suited for use in no-till or minimum-till agricultural operations primarily in conjunction with seed and/or fertilizer placement adjacent a soil cut-line generally in the direction of travel. In addition to being angled away from the main body of the knife, one of the blades is angled forward and the other blade is angled rearward. Seed and/or fertilizer dispensing receivers may be associated with each of the blades.

Abstract: A seed belt cup planter includes seed-intercepting indexing pocket structure facing an adjacent cup on the downward run of the belt towards a furrow for orienting the seed released from the adjacent cup relative to the furrow. In one embodiment, the indexing pocket structure is located on the underside of the cups and receives and orients a cylindrically shaped seed such as a short sugar cane billet. The seed pickup side of the cup is shaped to efficiently receive cylindrical seeds as well as round and oval seeds of differing sizes from a seed puddle. A divider located in the seed hopper between adjacent columns of cups helps channel the seed to the cups and limits pressure on the seed puddle.

Abstract: A chamber apparatus for reducing the speed of particles carried in a pneumatic conveyor conduit includes a chamber with an inlet port in the chamber, the inlet port adapted for attachment to the pneumatic conveyor conduit, and an outlet port in a lower portion of the chamber. A plurality of flexible bristles is secured at ends thereof to a wall of the chamber and extend into the chamber such that particles carried in an air stream entering the inlet port contact the bristles. The chamber is configured such that particles falling inside the chamber move out of the chamber through the outlet port.

Abstract: A wheel and bearing assembly, adapted for use in a packer wheel of an apparatus for delivering agricultural material, such as a planter has a plastic or synthetic hub. To install a bearing in the hub without exceeding the strength of the hub material, the bearing is pressed into a mounting insert made of metal or other high strength material. The insert has a non-circular outer surface and is placed into a complementary shaped cavity in the hub thereby preventing the insert and the bearing outer race from rotating relative to the hub. The fitting between the insert and the hub need only be tight enough to hold the insert in place during handling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system of manual sewing comprising using solid or hollow shapes, that is planar surfaces, to stabilize and display the area being worked on and using both hands to accomplish the sewing tasks. The area to be worked on is spread out and stabilized on a planar surface, and the planar surface itself is stabilized in space with a holding device or by the surroundings. Both hands are then free to do the actual sewing. Pincers and needle holders designed to assist the use in proper use are employed to optimize visualization and to facilitate the actual sewing. The use of eyeless needles with pre-attached thread, preferably swaged-on threads, eliminates the need for threading. Use of curved needles with needle holders facilitates sewing in small spaces. Kits are also contemplated that comprise a variety of sewing crafts of the present invention.

Abstract: A bobbin holding member holds a bobbin, and the bobbin holding member includes a body portion that holds detachably an outer periphery of a brim portion provided to both ends of a middle body section of the bobbin, wherein the body portion includes a fitting portion and a fitting target portion to be fitted to the fitting portion of any of the other bobbin holding members.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-purpose icebreaker having main propulsion devices in the front part of the vessel and steering device in the aft part of the vessel. This kind of icebreaking vessel has excellent steering characteristics and it can efficiently and constantly push the ice field. The main propulsion devices at the bow are azimuth propulsion devices or conventional shaft propulsion devices. The steering devices are tunnel thrusters or smaller azimuth thrusters.

Abstract: An anti-theft security system for boats on boat lifts, which also provides for stability to eliminate boat swaying on the lift during wind storms. The system includes two opposing secondary side rails configured to move laterally along an underside of the primary boat lift I-beams. The side rails are interlocked within receiving brackets mounted to the boat lift posts, using a locking device that locks one of the side rails to the post mounted brackets on the dock pier side. The opposite secondary side rail includes an attached pull bar that allows a person to place the rail in position for locking or to pull the opposite side rail away from the lift posts to lower the boat into the water. The pull bar handle is interlocked with the rail nearest the dock pier side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a passenger ship (1) which includes at least one superstructure (S) consisting of several superposed decks (P1-P6), at least one portion of which consists of passenger cabins (CE; CI), some of these cabins (CE) being contiguous, on the associated deck, with an outer longitudinal passageway (CO), which extends between the latter and the hull.

Abstract: The invention concerns a piloting system for craft, in particular planing craft, according to which the cabin, that comprises a dashboard complete with navigation instruments, a device for controlling the rudder and at least one seat for the pilot, being moveable at least in height compared to the deck of the craft, and under the control of the pilot between a lowered and raised position, moving through several intermediate stages, to modify the range of visibility from inside towards the outside of the craft.

Abstract: A protective cover and method of use thereof, used to reduce noise and wear as a result of contact of a boat against a piling, pole, or bumper of an associated boat lift. The cover is similar to a sock in structure and can be made from flexible fabrics or other flexible polymeric materials that are water proof or water impermeable. These materials can be decorative in nature with eye friendly indicia printed thereon. The protective cover can be made of UV resistant materials to reduce degradation under normal to extreme UV exposure and be made of materials that have sound dampening or sound absorbing characteristics, but have sound suppression or noise reduction properties that when rubbed against produce substantially low sound levels. In use, the protective cover is placed over a piling or vertical pole of a boat lift. The protective cover is preferably sized to engage and encapsulate that portion of the piling that is above the surface of the water and most likely to come into contact with the boat hull.

Abstract: A boat docking unit for small boats secures a boat to a dock structure without use of ropes, anchors or fenders. The unit has a pair of docking arms each having an elongated tubular housing, a telescoping member capable of telescoping movement within the housing. A pair of compression springs mounted in the housing in contact with the telescoping member dampens the wave force so as to restrict yaw of the boat docked at the pier. The docking arms pivotally secure the boat to the dock structure allowing a limited pitch motion of the boat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mooring aid for use at marine installations, such as jetties and the like, wherein the mooring aid comprises a support (2), a member (18) which is mounted to the support (2) and to which a mooring rope can be detachably secured, wherein the member (18) is moveable reciprocally between a retracted position which corresponds to a storage position for the rope secured thereto and an extended position which renders a rope secured thereto accessible to a user. Wherein the mooring aid preferably further comprises biasing means (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) for urging the member (18) from its external position to its retracted position, wherein the biasing means may be housed in the support (2).

Abstract: A modular naval complex comprises a basic vessel provided with means for varying the height of the waterline thereof and housing the bottom of which is formed by a platform that can be moved between a raised position and a submerged position by operating said means to vary the height of the waterline, the naval complex comprising equipped floating modules suitable for being inserted into said housing and to be extracted floating from the latter when the platform is in the submerged position, the modules resting on the platform when it is in the raised position, on the equipped modules active operating means being integrated.

Abstract: System for mooring a substantially cylindrical floating production, storage and offloading unit (FPSO), comprising a substantially cylindrical mooring element having un upper side for engaging the lower side of the FPSO, further comprising mooring lines for connection to the seabed, and operating means for realising an engagement between the mooring element and the FPSO, wherein the mooring element has such a specific weight that, when disconnected from the FPSO, it floats at a certain depth below the sea level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an underwater guidance system for guiding an underwater apparatus, for example an underwater vehicle, towards a target structure, such as a docking station. The system comprises at least one system for capturing or sensing information on the relative position of the apparatus and the target structure and/or at least one imaging system for capturing an image of the target structure and a transmitter for wireless electromagnetic transmission of data indicative of the position information and/or captured image to the underwater apparatus or an underwater apparatus controller.

Abstract: A payload delivery unit for protecting and delivering a payload submerged in a submersion medium comprises a container including a pressure resistant shell and a resilient seal device. The shell defines a containment chamber and includes first and second shell members having opposed first and second sealing faces, respectively. The seal device engages and is interposed between the first and second sealing faces.

Abstract: A movable platform for attachment to a transom of a boat is disclosed. The movable platform includes a planar platform disposed horizontally and a planar frame coupled to an underside of the platform. The movable platform further includes at least one elongated tube coupled to the transom of the boat, wherein at least one element of the planar frame is movably disposed within the at least one elongated tube. The movable platform further includes at least one cylinder disposed horizontally, wherein a barrel of the at least one cylinder is secured to the at least one elongated tube and wherein a piston rod of the at least one cylinder is secured to the planar frame, such that the planar frame is moved horizontally when the piston rod moves within the barrel.

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

Abstract: The invention provides a sterilization indicator (17), characterized in that it comprises: a compound (21) that is of the heating type when put into contact with atoms of oxygen O and/or nitrogen N; and a thermochromic dye (19), in thermal contact with the compound (21).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for marking stakes and carriers. Marking stakes have a body and tab. The body's proximal end and the tab can be tilted out of a plane containing the remainder of the body so that apertures on the body and the tab register with one another and the body is tensioned substantially upright. The body's length is sufficient so that when the proximal end is fastened to a mounting surface the distal end is visible. The body may be flexible, avoiding dislodged, broken, bent, or moved stakes and preserving lines, curves, grades, offsets, cuts, and fills. The stake can remain flat when not in use, overcoming the problem of handling and transporting bulky stakes. Marking stake carriers carry lengthy stakes and fasteners and fasten to surveying rods with various diameters, providing a simple and organized method to handle and transport marking equipment.

Abstract: A weighted traffic cone assembly for being used in occasion of road/site construction includes a base and a conical body. The base has an inner periphery formed with a supporting section having slanted, upper and lower surfaces. The supporting section has a side that is adjacent to an outer periphery of the base and formed with a plurality of spaced holes, wherein the outer periphery has a lower surface concavely formed with an annular groove. After the base is place in a mold for forming the conical body, a pliable material is introduced into the mold to wrap the supporting section of the base, fill up each hole of the supporting section, and thus form the pliable yet tough conical body having a predetermined shape. The conical body has a lower end formed with upper and lower peripheries and plural connecting portions distributed therebetween for securely retaining the base.

Abstract: A silica glass crucible for pulling up a silicon single crystal including a wall part and a bottom part is provided with a natural silica glass layer which forms at least one part of a an inner surface of the bottom part, and a synthetic silica glass layer which forms at least an inner surface of the wall part, wherein a concentration of Ca included in the natural silica glass layer is 0.5 ppm or less.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a melt from silicon powder for use in growing a single crystal or polycrystalline silicon ingot in accordance with the Czochralski method that include removal of silicon oxides from the powder; application of a vacuum to remove air and other oxidizing gases; controlling the position of the charge relative to the heater during and after melting of the powder and maintaining the charge above its melting temperature for a period of time to allow oxides to dissolve; and use of a removable spacer between the crucible sidewall and the silicon powder charge to reduce oxides and silicon bridging.

Abstract: A production method of a zinc oxide single crystal, comprising depositing a crystal of zinc oxide on a seed crystal from a mixed melt of zinc oxide and a solvent capable of melting zinc oxide and having a higher average density than zinc oxide in the melt. Preferably, a zinc oxide single crystal is continuously pulled while supplying the same amount of a zinc oxide raw material as that of the pulled zinc oxide. A single crystal excellent in the crystal quality and long in the pulling direction can be continuously produced.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a single crystal comprising passing a polycrystalline rod through a heating region to create a molten zone, applying a magnetic field to the molten zone, and inducing growth of a single crystal upon solidification of the molten material on a single crystal seed. The growing single crystal is rotated in a pattern alternating between clockwise and counter-clockwise rotational directions. The method is useful for producing silicon single crystals having uniform electrical characteristics. Also disclosed is an apparatus for performing said method.

Abstract: An underlying film 2 of a group III nitride is formed on a substrate 1 by vapor phase deposition. The substrate 1 and the underlying film 2 are subjected to heat treatment in the present of hydrogen to remove the underlying film 2 so that the surface of the substrate 1 is roughened. A seed crystal film 4 of a group III nitride single crystal is formed on a surface of a substrate 1A by vapor phase deposition. A group III nitride single crystal 5 is grown on the seed crystal film 4 by flux method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a silica glass crucible employed in pulling silicon single crystals. The crucible comprises at least a transparent layer, semitransparent layer, and opaque layer disposed from the inner surface side to the outer surface side of the crucible. The content of bubbles in the transparent layer is less than 0.3 percent; the content of bubbles in the semitransparent layer falls within a range of from 0.3 to 0.6 percent; and the content of bubbles in the opaque layer is greater than 0.6 percent.

Abstract: A convergent spray nozzle for food applications is disclosed. The convergent spray nozzle may include a first conduit through which oil and compressed air are discharged. At least one second conduit is provided adjacent the first conduit and discharges powdered seasoning. Compressed air is used to create a stream carrying the seasoning through the conduit. The oil is discharged from first central conduit in a spray pattern, while the seasoning is discharged from the second conduit in spray patterns as well. The spray patterns overlap and converge in front of the spray nozzle assembly prior to deposition on the food product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coating system for the selective application of coatings to substrates to apply a uniform coating to selected areas of the substrate without the need for masking. The system comprises a first coating applicator for coating large areas of the substrate, a second coating applicator for coating small areas of the substrate, a motion and positioning system for both coating applicators and a system controller. Also disclosed is an ultrasonic spray coating system comprising an ultrasonic transducer with spray forming head, integrated fluid delivery device with air and liquid supply passage ways, support brackets and an ultrasonic power generator.

Abstract: A self-centering susceptor ring assembly is provided. The susceptor ring assembly includes a susceptor ring support member and a susceptor ring supported on the susceptor ring support member. The susceptor ring support member includes at least three pins extending upwardly relative to the lower inner surface of the reaction chamber. The susceptor ring includes at least three detents formed in a bottom surface to receive the pins from the susceptor ring support member. The detents are configured to allow the pins to slide therewithin while the susceptor ring thermally expands and contracts, wherein the detents are sized and shaped such that as the susceptor ring thermally expands and contracts the gap between the susceptor ring and the susceptor located within the aperture of the susceptor ring remains substantially uniform about the entire circumference of the susceptor, and thereby maintains the same center axis.

Abstract: A substrate support system comprises a substrate holder for supporting a substrate. The substrate holder comprises an interior portion sized and shaped to extend beneath most or all of a substrate supported on the substrate holder. The substrate holder has mass density that varies, preferably in order to compensate for variations in substrate temperature owing to surface geometry variations of the interior portion, so as to provide a more uniform thermal coupling between the substrate and substrate holder. The substrate holder is preferably configured to be spaced further apart from a substrate at the center than at the outer perimeter.

Abstract: Provided are a wafer carrier transferring apparatus and a semiconductor conductor fabricating system having the wafer carrier transferring apparatus. The wafer carrier transferring apparatus comprises an arm pocket portion supporting a wafer carrier and a pocket end portion detachably coupled to opposite ends of the arm pocket portion.

Abstract: A holder for a component providing spray protection is provided. The insertion of a rod in the side face of the component, the side face is arranged within a housing of the holder, has the additional effect of providing spray protection. The rod rests on an inner face of the holder in one aspect.

Abstract: A film-forming apparatus of the invention is a film-forming apparatus that includes: a processing container that defines a chamber, a pedestal arranged in the chamber, on which a substrate to be processed can be placed, a showerhead provided opposite to the pedestal, which has a large number of gas-discharging holes, a gas-supplying mechanism that supplies a process gas into the chamber through the showerhead, and a showerhead-temperature controlling unit that controls a temperature of the showerhead.

Abstract: A liquid injector is used to vaporize and inject a silicon precursor into a process chamber to form silicon-containing layers during a semiconductor fabrication process. The injector is connected to a source of silicon precursor, which preferably comprises liquid trisilane in a mixture with one or more dopant precursors. The mixture is metered as a liquid and delivered to the injector, where it is then vaporized and injected into the process chamber.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for continuously fabricating superconducting tapes. An evaporation using drum in dual chamber (EDDC) method is suitable for mass production of high-temperature superconducting tapes. However, the EDDC method is limited to fabrication of high-temperature superconducting tapes having a limited length. In an attempt, high-temperature super-conducting tapes having a sufficiently large length can be fabricated using the EDDC method by releasing a long high-temperature superconducting tape from one reel and winding the long high-temperature superconducting tape around the other reel. In this case, it is important to stably move a high-temperature superconducting tape spirally wound around a drum from one reel to the other reel. Therefore, the provided apparatus uses endless tract belts separately disposed around a drum to stably and continuously move a high-temperature superconducting tape spirally wound around the drum along the centerline of the drum from one reel to the other reel.

Abstract: Thermal control is provided for an extraction electrode of an ion-beam producing system that prevents formation of deposits and unstable operation and enables use with ions produced from condensable vapors and with ion sources capable of cold and hot operation. Electrical heating of the extraction electrode is employed for extracting decaborane or octadecaborane ions. Active cooling during use with a hot ion source prevents electrode destruction, permitting the extraction electrode to be of heat-conductive and fluorine-resistant aluminum composition. The service lifetime of the system is enhanced by provisions for in-situ etch cleaning of the ion source and extraction electrode, using reactive halogen gases, and by having features that extend the service duration between cleanings, including accurate vapor flow control and accurate focusing of the ion beam optics.

Abstract: A fabrication apparatus of a display that is adaptive for improving reliability is disclosed. The fabrication apparatus of a display device includes a chamber for vacuum heating; a hot plate disposed on the inside of the chamber; a plurality of external pipes that are disposed on the outside of the chamber, and to which vent gas for converting the atmospheric pressure of the inside of the chamber, which is in a vacuum state, into the atmospheric pressure of the outside is supplied; a gas outlet tube, which is extended from the external pipe and disposed on the inner side surface of the chamber in order to discharge the vent gas; and a gas heating part which is disposed on each of the external pipe and heats up the vent gas supplied from the outside.

Abstract: A vacuum depositing apparatus part constituting a vacuum depositing apparatus for depositing a thin film forming material vaporized in a vacuum chamber on a substrate, the vacuum depositing apparatus part includes: a part body; and a sprayed film integrally formed to a surface of the part body, the sprayed film preferably has a plurality of dimples formed to a surface thereof, and the dimples preferably have an average depth of 10 ?m or less. The vacuum depositing apparatus part is capable of stably and effectively preventing a peel-off and dropping-off of a film forming material adhered to the apparatus parts during the film forming operation, capable of suppressing a lowering of productivity of the film product or suppressing an increase of a film forming cost accompanied by a frequent cleaning of the depositing apparatus or a frequent exchange of the apparatus part, and capable of preventing a generation of fine particles.

Abstract: A wildlife feeder having a hopper, a manifold, and a removed head at a removed end of the manifold. The hopper is designed to enclose particulate feed, such as corn, for dispensing through the manifold and head to wildlife. The head has a multiplicity of feed troughs and each feed trough has an angled top wall and an angled bottom wall, angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the manifold and a plane of a tabular floor of the head.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward animal feeding devices, and more particularly, to an elevated feeding apparatus for domestic animals such as dogs and cats. The device is constructed and arranged to be used for pet feeding with or without riser legs and provides space saving features for shipping and storage. As a space saving feature, the dish retainer is provided with a first fastener system positioned under the dish retainer so that riser legs can be stored in a nested state with respect to each other and within the confines of the perimeter wall. A second fastener system is provided near the distal ends of the dish retainer for attachment of the riser legs to elevate the dish retainer when desired.

Abstract: An animal monitoring system, comprising a real time location system (RTLS) for individually identifying and tracking the movements of tagged animals in three dimensions within a monitoring zone, and means for discriminating between different activities of at least one animal based upon the location of the animal's tag within the zone.

Abstract: A system and method to induce fish anesthetizing or narcosis is described that induces a potential field across the body of a laboratory fish having a pair of electrodes, the waveform generated by this potential field is approximately balanced to reduce the introduction of anions into the solution, and a camera is mounted to observe the activity of the fish, so that the potential difference may be adjusted based on the state of the fish.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing viable tetraploid bivalve mollusks, by fertilisation of diploid female ovocytes with diploid male sperm, followed by the induction of the retention of the first polar body of the fertilised eggs, isolation from the obtained larvae of a larval sub-population enriched in tetraploids and selective raising of said sub-population.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cleaning animal cages, wherein a robot empties each cage from dirty bedding, puts the cage in a batch washing machine, and after a wash cycle, the washing machine is emptied and the cages are filled with clean bedding, manually or with the aid of a robot.

Abstract: A clipper for clipping nails of an animal such as a dog, or cat, allows for the clipping of an individual nail at the desired length while preventing injury to the animal. The device includes a clipping means and a sensing means which allows the nail to be localized in a desired position relative to the clipping plane of the clipper and the internal structure of the nail. The sensing means includes a signal generation means, a signal reception means, and a quick indicator. The animal mail is positioned near the clipping means and the sensing means produces a sensible signal confirming the position of the clipping plane upon the nail, particularly the quick of the nail. The user then may adjust the position of the clipping means such that the clipping plane avoids the quick. The user then actuates the clipping means and trims the nail.

Abstract: A cat track composed of several track sections when attached end-to-end in other than an endless loop has end caps to retain a ball that rolls freely in the track. Assembled, the sections may be used together with a cat scratcher and/or a cat spa or other animal toy to increase the animal's interest. The sections may be made in different shapes but are capable of being connected end-to-end to define a variety of patterns, either as an endless or open (non-continuous) track.