Abstract: A printer includes a platen roller that is detachably supported on a support section that is formed in a frame, and a head unit that is supported on the frame and can be moved in a direction in which the head unit is brought into pressure-contact with the platen roller, The printer also includes a regulating member that is movably supported on the frame, and the regulating member has a regulating section that regulates a shaft of the platen roller to deviate from the support section and a pressing section that is arranged on the opposite side to the regulating section, with the head unit interposed therebetween. A first plate spring that presses the head unit against the platen roller and a second plate spring that presses the pressing section so as to bias the regulating member in a direction in which the regulating section can regulate the shaft are provided in an area on the opposite to the platen roller, with the head unit interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A propellant charge for use for ammunition, in which the propellant charge is separate from the projectile, has a propellant charge substance which can be initiated by a fuse. In order to solve the problem of providing a propellant charge for use in a two-part munition, which on the one hand can be produced easily and at low cost and on the other hand does not present any risk of damage when mechanically loaded before use, it is proposed that a propellant charge casing be provided which surrounds the propellant charge substance, with the propellant charge casing being in the form of a plastic part which is composed of a non-combustible, temperature-stable plastic material.

Abstract: An initiator that includes a header body, an insulating spacer, an initiator, a plurality of terminals and a plurality of contacts. The insulating spacer is coupled to the header body. The initiator forms at least a portion of an exploding foil initiator and includes a plurality of electric interfaces. The initiator is secured to a side of the insulating spacer opposite the header body. The terminals extend through the header body. The contacts electrically couple the electric interfaces to the terminals.

Abstract: A workhead assembly for use with a rail maintenance machine having a workhead assembly for use with a rail maintenance machine having a rail lifter and configured for movement relative to a railroad track having a pair of rails, the workhead assembly constructed and arranged for positioning a tie plate predisposed on a rail tie, including a workhead body connected to the machine; a centering apparatus on the body constructed and arranged for centering the workhead over the tie; a squaring apparatus on the body constructed and arranged for squaring the tie plate on the rail tie; and a pusher assembly on the body for positioning the tie plate under a selected one of the rails being lifted by the rail lifter, and including at least one plate engaging finger constructed and arranged for engaging the tie plate.

Abstract: An intermodal transportation system having interconnected railcars adapted for transporting interconnected freight trailers where the freight trailers remain connected while being transported on the railcars. Individual trailers are assembled into trailer assemblies at an assembly area. Trailers containing freight are assembled into trailer assembles using specialized dollies. A preferred embodiment includes using a self-powered dolly having tires and mounting a fifth-wheel pickup plate and a ring coupler for engaging the kingpin of a trailer. Multiple dolly-trailer assemblies are connected together to form a trailer assembly. A self-powered movable ramp is positioned at an end of the railcar assembly and a tractor pulls the trailer assembly onto a railcar assembly by driving up a self-powered movable ramp and across the top of the railcars.

Abstract: In order to increase the operational reliability of a cable operated transportation system, there is proposed a wear monitoring system for monitoring the wear and/or abrasion of at least one system component of a cable operated transportation system comprising a support cable and/or a traction cable and/or a hoisting cable and also at least one drive unit wherein said system component is subjected to wear and/or abrasion and is mounted in rotating and/or circulating manner, including a parameter measuring device for measuring an actual value and/or a time-dependent actual value function of at least one electrical and/or mechanical parameter of the at least one system component and/or the drive unit and also including an evaluating device for determining a parameter deviation of the actual value from a desired value in dependence on time or a time interval and/or of the actual value function from a time-dependent desired value function of the at least one parameter, which parameter deviation corresponds to the

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a payload along the inside of a substantially horizontal pipe, which apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart, vertically aligned, relationally pivotably connected, rollable pipe tracking contactors, wherein pivoting of one of the pipe tracking contactors in a first direction results in pivoting of the other pipe tracking contactor in a direction opposite to the first direction. The apparatus further includes a control system which is used to maintain the vertical alignment of the pipe tracking contactors and which includes a two-dimensional tilt sensor that provides information to a controller regarding the orientation of the apparatus. Using the information from the sensor, the controller is able to correct both the lateral position and the speed of the contactors to bring the apparatus back into vertical alignment.

Abstract: A rail road freight car truck has a truck bolster and a pair of side frames, the truck bolster being mounted transversely relative to the side frames. The mounting interface between the ends of the axles and the sideframe pedestals allows lateral rocking motion of the sideframes in the manner of a swing motion truck. The lateral swinging motion is combined with a longitudinal self steering capability. The self steering capability may be obtained by use of a longitudinally oriented rocker that may tend to permit resistance to deflection that is proportional to the weight carried across the interface. The truck may have auxiliary centering elements mounted in the pedestal seats, and those auxiliary centering elements may be made of resilient elastomeric material. The truck may also have friction dampers that have a disinclination to stick-slip behavior. The friction dampers may be provided with brake linings, or similar features, on the face engaging the sideframe columns, on the slope face, or both.

Abstract: A superhydrophilic coating on a substrate can be antireflective and antifogging. The coating can remain antireflective and antifogging for extended periods. The coating can include oppositely charge inorganic nanoparticles, and can be substantially free of an organic polymer. The coating can be made mechanically robust by a hydrothermal calcination.

Abstract: A water-based ink for ink-jet recording includes a self-dispersible C.I. Pigment Red 122 of which surface is modified by sulfonate group; water; and a water-soluble organic solvent, wherein the water-based ink contains phosphate ion with not more than 20 ppm.

Abstract: Polyphenylated phthalocyanine water-soluble dyes with near-infrared absorption comprise four isoindole units linked together in a large ring to form a phthalocyanine macrocycle, with either four anthracenyl groups or four naphthacenyl groups each linked to an isoindole, and a metal atom optionally complexed to the phthalocyanine macrocycle.

Abstract: Rapid setting high strength calcium phosphate cements and methods of using the same are provided. Aspects of the cements include fine and coarse calcium phosphate particulate reactants and a cyclodextrin which, upon combination with a setting fluid, produce a flowable composition that rapidly sets into a high strength product. The flowable compositions find use in a variety of different applications, including the repair of hard tissue defects, e.g., bone defects such as fractures.

Abstract: A humidity dependence improver for polymer film, comprising a compound of the following formula (1) or (2): wherein Ra, Rb and Rc represent an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group; X1 to X6 represent a single bond or a divalent linking group; R1 to R6 represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group.

Abstract: Provided is a biodegradable thermoplastic resin composition including a cellulose derivative and surface-treated natural fiber. More particularly, in preparation of the biodegradable thermoplastic resin composition including the cellulose derivative and the natural fiber, a surface of the natural fiber is treated with alkali and/or sized, thereby increasing a density of the natural fiber, and an interfacial adhesion between the cellulose derivative and the natural fiber to improve a mechanical strength of the biodegradable thermoplastic resin composition. Furthermore, as the cheap natural fiber is used as a reinforcer, the production cost can be reduced.

Abstract: A moldable matrix comprises a mixture of magnesium chloride, magnesium oxide, sodium hexametaphosphate, and/or sodium pyrophosphate. The matrix can be used as an environmentally-friendly substitute to conventional construction material such as plastics and woods.

Abstract: Processes are provided for removing metal-based catalyst residues from carbon nanotubes by contacting the carbon nanotubes with an active metal agent and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: Provided are a surface treatment agent that can effectively suppress pattern collapse of an inorganic pattern or resin pattern provided on a substrate, a surface treatment method using such a surface treatment agent, as well as a surface treatment agent that can carry out silylation treatment to a high degree on the surface of a substrate, and a surface treatment method using such a surface treatment agent. A surface treatment agent is used that is employed in hydrophobization treatment of a substrate surface and includes a silylation agent containing at least one compound having a disilazane structure and a solvent containing a five- or six-membered ring lactone compound.

Abstract: The embodiment of kaolin quality improvement includes a chemical, heating method for processing kaolin to high brightness levels and lower viscosities. This permits addition of natural titania for greater opacity in commercial paper coating. Mechanism of brightness improvement includes removal of iron oxides and iron sequestered by natural organic acids. Viscosity is improved by removal of organic and at least partial decomposition of expandable clay, such as montmorillonite. Kaolin crude is dispersed preferably with Calgon at minimum level. Classification to desired particle size is followed by adding 0.2 percent sodium sulfate decahydrate. After raising pH to 8.5 with dilute sodium hydroxide the slip is heated to 65 to 70 degrees centigrade for 5 to 60 minutes. Cooled to at least 40 degrees centigrade, the slip is bleached with sodium hydrosulfite. Time of bleach is 20 minutes at pH 3 to 3.5. Efficient filtration and rinsing is critical, a 2:1 ratio of water to dry clay rinse preferable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sulfoaluminous or belitic sulfoaluminous clinker from a raw mix formed from a mixture including minerals containing calcium, aluminum, silica, iron, and sulfur, preferably in sulfate form, and is characterized in that the method comprises the steps including: at least partially dehydrating and decarbonating the mixture through placement in a vertical kiln (1) comprising a substantially vertical chamber (2) wherein the mixture is heated, the chamber (2) of the vertical kiln (1) being supplied with hot gases the temperature of which is between 900 and 1150° C; extracting the dehydrated and decarbonated mixture from the vertical kiln (1) and conveying the same in a continuous kiln (4) comprising a furnace (5) and a transporting means (6) for transporting the mixture across the furnace (5); heating the mixture from the vertical kiln (1) by passing the mixture through the furnace (5) via the transporting means (6) such that a clinkerization of the mixture is ob

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing of cement includes cement raw meal being preheated in a preheater, calcined in a calciner by contact with hot gases which are introduced into the calciner via a gas inlet and being diverted from the calciner via a gas outlet, and where calcined cement raw meal is diverted from the calciner, burned into cement clinker in a kiln and subsequently cooled in a clinker cooler. At least a portion of the calcined cement raw meal diverted from the calciner is heated further in a separate system to a temperature which exceeds the calcination temperature and is subsequently recirculated to the calciner. That at least a portion of the gases which are diverted via the gas outlet of the calciner is removed from the plant with a view to storage underground or other additional treatment.

Abstract: A method of curing cementitious material comprising added a carboxylated bleached wood pulp fiber to the material during mixing. The fiber has a carboxyl content of from 10 to 70 meq/100 g cellulose fiber. The fibers are 0.1 to 5% by weight of the dry weight of the cementitious material. The structure produced by the method. The autogenous shrinkage of the cementitious material is reduced.

Abstract: The invention has an object to provide a heavyweight fine aggregate and a heavyweight aggregate for a stiff heavyweight concrete having a slump of 0 to 3 cm, in which segregation from the cement paste is unlikely to occur, and to provide a stiff heavyweight concrete having a slump of 0 to 3 cm, using the heavyweight fine aggregate and heavyweight aggregate. The heavyweight fine aggregate comprises no less than 20 wt % of aggregate having a particle size smaller than 0.15 mm, and no less than 20 wt % of aggregate having a particle size from 2.5 mm to less than 5 mm. The above feature allows effectively inhibiting segregation between the aggregate and cement paste when blending the aggregate into the heavyweight concrete, and allows effectively increasing the filling rate in boxes when blending the aggregate into the heavyweight concrete for box filling.

Abstract: An adjustable equipment curb has upper and lower frames, each having opposed first and second length-adjustable sides and opposed length-adjustable first and second ends interconnectable to form a rigid frame and height-adjustable mounting legs. The lower frame may be used alone, or may support the upper frame through a shock mount system having mounts affixed to both the upper and lower frames and shock absorbing springs between the mounts. The frames may be formed of interconnecting channel members, and the lower frame channel members may be of a perforated construction that, in conjunction with applied sheathing, provides acoustic damping. Seismic brackets may be affixed to the either of the frames to provide resist seismic shock and developed moment resistance.

Abstract: A pallet has a top deck member and a bottom deck member. The top deck member has an upper surface, and a lower surface defined by a plurality of first cross-rib members. The bottom deck member has an upper portion and runners extending downwardly therefrom in a unitary construction. The upper portion has an upper surface defined by a plurality of second cross-rib members which correspond to the first cross-rib members and securely attached to mount the top and bottom decks to each other. The runners have a lower surface and extend transversely across the pallet in a parallel orientation, and also have a plurality of upright members and support members extending between the upright members and integrally formed therewith in a unitary construction. The plurality of second cross-rib members extend generally vertically from the top deck to the lower surface of the runners.

Abstract: A safe anchoring device for anchoring a safe to a floor. In addition to anchoring the safe, the safe anchoring device simultaneously provides a watertight and airtight seal for the interior of the safe. A tunnel connects the interior housing to the exterior housing. Insulation is between the interior housing and the exterior housing. A removable top cover covers the tunnel on the inside of the safe at the interior housing. When the anchoring device is used to anchor the safe to the floor, a removable threaded locking bolt extends through the tunnel and is threaded onto a threaded tube section of a bottom cover while the bottom cover is securely attached to the floor. In a preferred embodiment, when the safe is anchored to the floor the watertight and airtight seal is provided by a gasket under the top cover and an O-ring under the bolt head of the threaded locking bolt.

Abstract: An oxyfuel combustion boiler plant comprising: an air separation unit for manufacturing oxygen by separating nitrogen from air, a boiler having a burner for burning the oxygen supplied from the air separation unit and pulverized coal, and a primary system pipe for supplying the pulverized coal to the burner, an exhaust gas recirculation system pipe for supplying combustion exhaust gas discharged from the boiler to the primary system pipe, and a carbon dioxide capture unit for capturing carbon dioxide in the exhaust gas discharged from the boiler, the oxyfuel combustion boiler plant is further comprising: an oxygen supply pipe for supplying the oxygen manufactured by the air separation unit to the primary system pipe in the burner, and a pipe for supplying the combustion exhaust gas discharged from the boiler to the oxygen supply pipe, wherein an injection port of the oxygen supply pipe is disposed on an upstream side of an injection portion of the burner.

Abstract: A lateral duct 15 for interconnecting a riser 1 and a cyclone separator 2 has an introduction portion 16 at the connection with the riser 1 which has a cross-sectional area equal to that of the riser 1, and a throttled portion 17 between the introduction portion 16 and the cyclone separator 2 which has cross-sectional areas gradually reduced from the introduction portion 16 to the cyclone separator 2 so as to increase a flow velocity of combustion gas.

Abstract: A system for feeding a primary oxidant to an oxy-fired circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler. The system includes a plurality of bubble cap assemblies each comprising a stem and a bubble cap with at least one exit hole, each bubble cap connected via a stem to at least one windbox, the windbox containing at least one manifold. A plurality of pipes are provided, each pipe located within a bubble cap assembly with an open end located either at, above or below the exit holes of the bubble caps and an opposite end connected to the manifold located inside each windbox. Recycle gas is piped into the windbox, to the stem, and exiting from the exit holes located in the bubble cap into the CFB. Oxygen is piped into the manifold, through the pipes and exiting through the exit holes located in the bubble cap.

Abstract: A thermally efficiency regenerative air preheater 250 extracts more thermal energy from the flue gas exiting a solid fuel fired furnace 26 by employing an alkaline injection system 276. This mitigates acid fouling by selectively injecting different sized alkaline particles 275 into the air preheater 250. Small particles provide nucleation sites for condensation and neutralization of acid vapors. Large particles are injected to contact and selectively adhere to the heat exchange elements 542 and neutralize liquid acid that condenses there. When the deposit accumulation exceeds a threshold, the apparatus generates and utilizes a higher relative percentage of large particles. Similarly, a larger relative percentage of small particles are used in other cases. Mitigation of the fouling conditions permits the redesign of the air preheater 250 to achieve the transfer of more heat from the flue resulting in a lower flue gas outlet temperature without excessive fouling.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a lost motion linkage, a hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by adjusting assembly components to and compensating for changes in terrain elevation.

Abstract: A method for moving large trees by cutting trenches around the tree so as to define a generally rectangular root ball for the tree and positioning a box structure in an excavated area along one side of the defined root ball so that the box structure can be pulled beneath the tree to as to sever the root ball. One side of the box structure is open and has a cutting plate that can be pulled under the tree. A pulling mechanism is positioned in a second excavated area on an opposite side of the root ball and cables are attached to the box structure so that it can be pulled beneath the root ball to sever and capture the ball. The open side of the box structure is then closed and lifting devices attached to the structure to allow the tree to be lifted from the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for applying an agricultural material through a standing crop. The apparatus is capable of adjusting the height and width of the frame of the apparatus. A trailer is disclosed that is capable of adjusting trailer width to transport the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus to improve seed distribution to a plurality of seed or row units of an agricultural planter. Each row unit is fitted with a seed box having an air/seed inlet and an air outlet through which air is allowed to escape. The present invention effectively closes off or substantially reduces the flow of air out of one or more of the seed boxes to reduce the amount of seed that is fed to the seed boxes. Through the use of restrictor plates, which may be vented to allow some air flow or solid to prevent air flow, the delivery of seed to the seed boxes can be equalized to provide more uniform seed distribution to the row units.

Abstract: A sewing or looping head, particularly for the automated closing of tubular knitted articles at one of their axial ends comprising a pair of sewing elements, which can move along corresponding actuation paths and cooperate with each other in forming a sewing chain stitch, and a cutting element, which can be actuated to cut the sewing chain stitch; in the sewing or looping head, the cutting element can engage the sewing chain stitch proximate to the crossing point of the paths of the pair of sewing elements or the point where the sewing chain stitch is formed, so as to minimize the length of the sewing chain stitch that exceeds the length needed to sew or loop the article and so as to reduce the time required to perform the sewing or looping operation.

Abstract: A tunnel thruster system for a vessel. The tunnel thruster system includes a thruster propulsion mechanism including a drive unit driving a transmission and propeller assembly located within a thruster tunnel. The thruster tunnel comprising a propeller section, first and second tapered tunnel sections interconnected with one another by the propeller section, the propeller section and the first and the second tapered tunnel sections oriented substantially transversely to a keel of the vessel and accommodating the transmission and propeller assembly. Each tapered tunnel section extends from the propeller section to a tunnel opening through a hull of the vessel. Diameters of the first and the second tapered tunnel sections corresponding to a diameter of the propeller section at the propeller section and taper outward toward a larger diameter at each of the corresponding tunnel openings through the hull of the vessel.

Abstract: An over-the-water dock includes a plurality of modular floating docks adjacently positioned. Each modular floating dock includes a float and a plurality of walers fixedly attaches to the float and walers include at least one outer waler and an inner waler. One or more crossbeams transversely attach to the at least one outer waler of one of the modular floating docks and the at least one outer waler of another of the modular floating docks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base assembly useful in permitting a floating campfire, comprising a base shaped to float in open water, the base having an airtight pontoon portion at its periphery; and a floor defining an opening therethrough to accommodate a fire bowl to house the campfire; wherein the base assembly is constructed to counteract the weight of the campfire in use such that the base assembly floats in open water. The base assembly is preferably square in shape. The floor is preferably made of aluminum checker plate and TIG welded in a stitch pattern to the centre.

Abstract: A protective system for underwater installation on the propeller of a boat inhibits marine growth from fouling the propeller. The system includes a flexible material sized and shaped so as to be capable of being wrapped around the front and rear surfaces of the blades of a propeller and gathered so as to substantially surround the propeller. A fastening member such as a clamp or clip is affixed to the flexible material for maintaining the flexible material in the gathered state. The system further includes a link (such as a piece of line) having one end attached to the fastening member and a free second end. The link is of sufficient length such that when the flexible material is gathered about the propeller and maintained in place with the fastening member, the free end of the link extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat (such as to the transom or deck of the boat, or to a dock against which the boat is tied) wherein the link can be retrieved by a user of the boat.

Abstract: A protective system for underwater installation on the propeller of a boat inhibits marine growth from fouling the propeller. The system includes a flexible material sized and shaped so as to be capable of enclosing the propeller. A member such as a clamp or clip maintains the flexible material in a state enclosing the propeller. The system further includes a link (such as a piece of line) having one end attached to the member and/or the flexible material and a free second end. The link is of sufficient length such that when the flexible material is installed about the propeller the free end of the link extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat (such as to the transom or deck of the boat, or to a dock against which the boat is tied) wherein the link can be retrieved by a user of the boat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for vapour phase crystal growth to produce multiple single crystals in one growth cycle comprising one central source chamber, a plurality of growth chambers, a plurality of passage means adapted for transport of vapour from the source chamber to the growth chambers, wherein the source chamber is thermally decoupled from the growth chambers.

Abstract: A die head is disclosed comprises: a feed slot which is positioned downstream of the moving direction of the substrate and continuously feed the coating solution; a gas suction slot which is positioned upstream of the moving direction of the substrate and suctions a gas so as to create vacuum in the vicinity of the upstream edge of the bead with respect to the moving direction of the substrate; and a gas ejection slot which is positioned between the feed slot and gas suction slot and ejects a gas so as to prevent inflow of the coating solution into the gas suction slot.

Abstract: With abluminal side of a stent masked, the luminal side of the stent is selectively coated with a substance, such as an anti-coagulant, a platelet inhibitor and/or a pro-healing substance. The stent can be masked by inserting it into a rigid mandrel chamber or by compressing a masking sleeve onto the outer side of the stent. A spray nozzle inserted into the masked stent spray coats the substance onto the luminal side. The sprayed coating can be cured onto the stent such as by inserting an electrical-resistance heater bar into the stent.

Abstract: An epitaxial growth susceptor having a pocket that horizontally supports a single-crystal substrate in an epitaxial growth apparatus in which the pocket has an outer peripheral region with which the single-crystal substrate comes into contact to be supported; and a central region that is surrounded by the outer peripheral region and does not come into contact with the single-crystal substrate, one or more through holes that pierce the epitaxial growth susceptor are formed in the central region of the pocket, and the outer peripheral region of the pocket has a tapered shape that is inclined with a tilt angle that is greater than 0° and less than 1° in such a manner that a depth increases toward the central region, and also has a horizontal width that is 3.3% or more of a diameter of the single-crystal substrate to be supported.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas distribution plate for providing at least two gas flowing channel. In one embodiment, the gas distribution plate has a first flowing channel, at least a second flowing channel disposed around the first flowing channel, and a tapered opening communicating with the first and the second flowing channel. In another embodiment, the gas distribution plate has a first flowing channel passing through a first and a second surface of the gas distribution plate, a second flowing channel paralleling to the first surface and a third flowing channel disposed at the second surface and communicating with the second flowing channel. The ends of the first and the third flowing channel have a tapered opening respectively. Besides, the present further provides a gas distribution apparatus for allowing at least two separate gases to be delivered independently into a process chamber while enabling the gases to be mixed completely after entering the processing chamber.

Abstract: A novel heating method and a novel gas inject schemes for a depositing semiconductor layers on wafers with improved disposition uniformity and disposition composition, deposition rates and decreased depletion rates. The novel heating and gas design can be readily changed in size to accommodate the ever increasing demand for larger substrates, increased batch sizes and increased deposition and heating efficiencies. The heating scheme can operate to 1500° C., and has a high resolution capability for tuning the temperature and gas flows for easy of setup and improved control and repeatability of the deposition process. This novel heating and gas inject scheme in conjunction with the unconventional usage of a non-quartz process chamber promises higher throughputs and higher wafer yields and reduced manufacturing costs for the manufacturing of silicon devices, silicon solar cells and white High Brightness LEDs.

Abstract: A substrate treatment apparatus includes: a treatment chamber in which a substrate is treated; a substrate holding unit which holds the substrate in the treatment chamber; a shield member disposed above the substrate holding unit and having an opposing surface to be brought into opposed relation to the substrate holding unit; and a gas supply portion which has a downward gas supply port having an annular shape to surround the shield member as seen in plan and is disposed on an upper portion of the treatment chamber for supplying a gas into the treatment chamber.

Abstract: In a method for producing epitaxially coated semiconductor wafers, a multiplicity of prepared, front side-polished semiconductor wafers are successively coated individually with an epitaxial layer on their polished front sides at temperatures of 800-1200° C. in a reactor, while supporting the prepared semiconductor wafer over a susceptor having a gas-permeable structure, on a ring placed on the susceptor which acts as a thermal buffer between the susceptor and the supported semiconductor wafer, the semiconductor wafer resting on the ring, and its backside facing but not contacting the susceptor, so that gaseous substances are delivered from a region over the backside of the semiconductor wafer by gas diffusion through the susceptor into a region over the backside of the susceptor, the semiconductor wafer contacting the ring only in an edge region of its backside, wherein no stresses measurable by means of photoelastic stress measurement (“SIRD”) occur in the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A substrate centering device for an organic material deposition system comprises: a plurality of substrate support holders configured to be reciprocally movable in a facing direction within an organic material deposition chamber and supporting both side portions of a substrate loaded by a robot; a substrate centering unit configured to be reciprocally movable at each of the substrate support holders and centering the substrate by guiding both side portions of the substrate; and a plurality of substrate clampers configured to be reciprocally movable in a vertical direction at each of the substrate support holders, and clamping the substrate that has been centered by the substrate centering unit.

Abstract: The present invention may include a bird feeder for feeding a bird which may include a base member including a container for nectar, a cover member to cover the base member including an opening adapted to allow the bird feed the nectar, a support member to support the base member, a pole member to connect to the support member. The cover member may include an upward extending facet member, and the upward extending facet member may include a inward inclined wall and a central aperture to allow the bird to access the nectar. The cover member may include a central aperture to cooperate with the support member, and the cover member may include a perch member to allow the bird to perch on the cover member. The base member may include a first ant moat, and the base member may include a divider member to divide the container of the base member. The base member may include a central aperture to cooperate with the support member.

Abstract: A supply line for the water supply to poultry house drinkers is triangular in shape with the drinkers secured to a bottom surface around a drinking nipple by a quick-attach rotational movement. The triangular line has a top fin which provides additional bending strength and may have an internal fin to limit movement of the drinking nipple valve.