Abstract: An atomic layer deposition apparatus includes a reaction chamber, a wafer boat in the reaction chamber, a gas supply system connected to the reaction chamber, a first gas exhaust system connected to the reaction chamber, and a second gas exhaust system connected to the reaction chamber. The gas supply system supplies at least a material gas into the reaction chamber in a deposition process. The gas supply system supplies a purge gas into the reaction chamber in a purging process. The first gas exhaust system performs exhausting operation in the deposition process. The first gas exhaust system is prohibited from performing exhausting operation in the purging process. The second gas exhaust system is prohibited from performing exhausting operation in the deposition process. The second gas exhaust system performs exhausting operation in the purging process.

Abstract: A clumping animal litter is disclosed which includes non-swelling particles and a swelling agent coated on the non-swelling particles. In one embodiment, the non-swelling particles are manufactured by agglomerating clay fines.

Abstract: An integrated aquarium and small animal exhibit comprising an aquarium full of water and containing a completely submerged, transparent, air chamber display case that is supported by a cabinet, in which the submerged air chamber display case is accessible through openings in the floor of the aquarium and top of the cabinet. The air chamber display case is in fluid communication with the atmosphere and is utilized to exhibit air breathing small animals living in a portable small animal enclosure that may be concealed from view beneath the aquarium and enclosed by the cabinet.

Abstract: A small animal habitat includes a base, a wall extension, and a roof that define an interior space. In the interior space, an animal entertainment device is positioned distal from the base and a platform is spaced from the base providing access to the entertainment device. A climbing structure permits access to the platform. A first animal traversable path from the base to the animal entertainment device includes a first substantially vertical climb and a first substantially horizontal traverse on the platform. A second animal traversable path from the base to the port includes the first substantially vertical climb, a second substantially horizontal traverse on the platform, and a second substantially vertical climb to a port in the roof.

Abstract: A pet housing having selectively coupleable parts is provided. In particular, in some embodiments, a pet housing having a top portion, a middle portion and a bottom portion is provided. Each of the top, bottom and middle portions are selectively coupleable with each other portion. In particular, the top portion and bottom portion may each be coupled to the middle portion to form a pet housing. Additionally, the top portion and bottom portion may be coupled together to form a cavity in which the middle portion may be stored.

Abstract: Described is a mechanically compliant stimulus delivery probe for delivering an electrical stimulus to an animal. The stimulus delivery probe is mechanically secured to an animal training device that is adapted to be carried by the animal and to generate the electrical stimulus. When the animal training device is carried by the animal, the stimulus delivery probe is positioned in physical contact with the animal such that the stimulus delivery probe delivers the electrical stimulus to the animal. The stimulus delivery probe is also mechanically compliant to the extent that the force applied by the animal training device against the stimulus delivery probe is substantially absorbed by the stimulus delivery probe, reducing the localized force realized by the animal. The reduction of the force realized by the animal promotes safety and comfort for the animal.

Abstract: Described is an animal containment/repellant system for, among other things, containing an animal within a containment area and simultaneously repelling the animal from a restricted area. More specifically, the animal containment/repellant system includes multiple signal transmitting antennas that simultaneously define multiple cooperating containment areas, restricted areas, or combination of containment and restricted areas.

Abstract: A harness for wearing by a first person. The harness having a handle for grasping by a second person.

Abstract: A non-pull leash system including a collar, a leash, and a karabiner attached to the proximal end of a clip. In some embodiments, karabiner has at least one gap and at least one gate. The distal end of the clip is attached to the collar and the proximal end of the leash is attached to the karabiner by way of the gate. In use, the collar is secured to a neck of an animal and the distal end of the leash is wrapped down the first side of the animal, around the upper torso of the animal, and up the other side of the animal. The distal end of the leash is then received by the at least one gap of the karabiner, resulting in a slip-knot at the karabiner. The non-pull leash system prevents a subject animal from pulling excessively against its collar and leash and, in turn, improves the handler's ability to control the animal.

Abstract: A flexible abrasion resistant omnidirectionally reflective, preferably retractable, flat belt pet leash/pet collar exhibits omnidirectional reflectivity. The omnidirectionally reflective flat belt pet leash reflects an incoming light beam back in the direction from which it emanated. The reflected light beam provides accurate illumination of the pet leash and the location of the pet during dusk or nighttime hours. This reflective pet collar and/or leash is created by forming a substantially flat reflective woven band composed of narrow width reflective strips that comprise woven or knitted reflective threads. A raised, braided, dimensional band is optionally placed atop the substantially flat reflective woven band to further increase reflectivity and visibility thereof. The flexible reflective threads are composed of microsphere retroreflectors coated with water resistant compound and, optionally, a poly-phosphorus material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for conveying combustion residues (6) along a conveying path out of a combustion chamber (1) in a conveying device (2), comprising the following steps: a) conveying the combustion residues (6) out of the combustion chamber (1) by means of a conveying device (2) which has at least one housing (4); b) producing a first pressure level (12) in the housing (4); c) additionally treating the combustion residues (6) in a treatment device (5) arranged in the conveying path; d) producing a second pressure level (13) in the conveying direction (7) of the combustion residues (6) downstream of the treatment device (5) by introducing a fluid (14) in order to form a pressure gradient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for optimizing steam or other cleaning medium used during soot removal in a boiler in which energy is generated by fuel combustion, with accompanying production of soot, and heat energy is transferred from the product gases to a heated medium via heat exchanger tubes on which the soot collects, by; monitoring the mass flow rate of the cleaning medium, determining which set of sootblowers are in operation, calculating appropriate high flow alarm set point and low flow set point for each particular sootblower, notifying an operator whether the sootblowers are operating within the setpoints so that appropriate action can be taken to the set of sootblowers. In addition, the invention performs leak detection by monitoring for a system bottled up situation and notifies the operator when a steam leak is detected.

Abstract: A continuous steam generator is provided. The continuous steam generator includes a combustion chamber having a number of burners for fossil fuels, downstream of which a vertical gas duct is mounted, on the hot gas side, in an upper region above a horizontal gas duct. The outside wall of the combustion chamber is formed, in a lower region, from evaporation tubes welded together in a gas-tight manner and mounted upstream of a water separator system, on the flow medium side, and in an upper region, from superheater tubes welded together in a gastight manner and mounted downstream of the water separator system on the flow medium side. The boundary between the regions of the evaporation tubes and the superheater tubes is essentially horizontal around the combustion chamber, in a region of the bottom of the horizontal gas duct.

Abstract: A device for extracting fuels from biomass while adding electrical energy, comprising the a gasifier for gasifying the biomass while adding electrical energy to a gas mixture, a reformer for reforming the gas mixture obtained from the gasification, a gas scrubber for scrubbing the reformed gas mixture, the device further comprising a heating system upstream of and/or in the region of the reformer for additionally heating the gas mixture obtained from the gasification and a first recirculation device so that the reformed or scrubbed gas mixture can optionally be recirculated to the gasifier or supplied to at least one correspondingly downstream component of the device, the first recirculation device providing a recirculation loop for the reformed or scrubbed gas mixture and the recirculation loop comprising at least the gasifier and the reformer.

Abstract: A method of controlling a fan for cooling a condenser in an air conditioning system is provided. A compressor serves to drive a refrigerant around a fluid circuit which includes the condenser. The duty cycle of the compressor is measured over a period of time to determine a utilisation ratio which reflects the demand on the air conditioning system at that time. The fan is driven at a speed which is no lower than a minimum fan speed which is associated with the calculated utilisation ratio and ambient temperature. Therefore, the demand on the system is determined and exploited without any additional pressure sensors.

Abstract: A hydraulically controlled fan drive system is provided including a housing containing a hydraulic fluid, a pulley connected to the housing a fan shaft rotatably mounted to the housing by a hydraulically actuated clutch, a piston mounted within a piston housing for actuating the clutch, a pitot tube for delivering pressurized hydraulic fluid from the housing to the piston housing, a valve for controlling the fluid pressure within the piston housing, a shaft rotationally supporting the housing having passages extending through the pulley, a base connected with the shaft connecting the shaft with a structure, the base having coolant inlet and outlet, and an oil cooler connected with the base on a side of said base generally axially opposite of the pulley.

Abstract: A valve timing adjuster includes a housing and a vane rotor. A hub portion of the vane rotor includes an advance passage and a retard passage. One of a shoe of the housing and the hub portion includes an advance groove and a retard groove. The advance groove provides communication between an advance chamber and the advance passage at a full retard position. The retard groove provides communication between a retard chamber and the retard passage at a full advance position. The advance groove and the retard groove are spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: In a valve drive train device of an internal combustion engine, comprising a phase adjustment device for the adjustment of a phase position between a primary cam and a secondary cam which belong to a same category and which are arranged coaxial with one another, at least one is assigned to a pair of cams for executing a valve lift changeover so as to allow the valve drive train device to be instantly adjusted to a momentary operating situation.

Abstract: An ignition laser is provided for an internal combustion engine, in which the combustion chamber window is connected to a housing of the ignition laser in a gas-resistant, pressure-resistant, and temperature-resistant manner. Furthermore, a pressure relief bore is present which effectively prevents a pressure increase in the housing of the ignition laser.

Abstract: A radiofrequency plasma generating device, including: a control module generating a control signal at a control frequency, a power supply circuit including a breaker switch controlled by the control signal, the breaker switch applying an excitation signal to an output of the power supply circuit at the control frequency defined by the control signal, a resonator exhibiting a resonant frequency of greater than 1 MHz, connected to the output of the power supply circuit and adapted to generate a voltage for making a spark when it is excited by the excitation signal, and a mechanism monitoring the control module and configured to modify the frequency of the resonator excitation signal in a manner synchronous with the control signal, during application of the excitation signal.

Abstract: A piston (1) includes a cavity (5) defined by a curved recessed portion (5a) formed on a crown surface in a manner such that a surface of the curved recessed portion extends along a tumble flow produced during an intake stroke, and a weakening portion (6) that is disposed in the cavity. The weakening portion, for example, is disposed on the crown surface of the piston (1) so as to occupy the portion of the crown surface that includes substantially a center portion of the piston (1). The weakening portion (6) reduces the strength of tumble flow produced by the gas flowing into a combustion chamber when the intake valves are opened.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a piston of an internal combustion engine, wherein a piston blank is cast from an alloy of aluminium and silicon with the addition of copper fractions and is then finished, wherein the invention provides that the maximum fraction of copper in the alloy, of aluminium and silicon is 5.5%, and that fractions of titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), chromium (Cr) or vanadium (V) are admixed with the alloy of aluminium and silicon.

Abstract: A power assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a piston housed within a cylinder, with the cylinder having a welded cylinder head, with the cylinder also including a one-piece piston scraper which is welded to the cylinder head, as well as to the cylinder, with a common weld bead.

Abstract: A piston and connecting rod assembly wherein the piston includes an inner cooling gallery defined in the body thereof beneath the crown of the piston, an outer cooling gallery defined between the skirt of the piston and the body and beneath the crown. A pin bore is formed in the body. A connecting rod is adapted to interconnect the piston and crankshaft where the connecting rod has at least one end with a bore extending therethrough and adapted to be aligned with the pin bore of the piston. At least one end of the connecting rod is in fluid communication with the inner cooling gallery of the piston and includes a reservoir formed on the end of the connecting rod which is adapted to collect coolant therein.

Abstract: An oilless motor wherein the device is round 11? in diameter and 5? long motor. The heads are at each end, which are the same. The heads are identical. There is a piston that goes back and forth inside the 11? diameter motor. Made of the same material as the piston and embedded in the middle of the piston and perturbing 8? both ways, the piston being in the middle. This 1? in diameter goes through the middle of both of both heads at both ends. This rod is guided by bearings at both ends. When the piston goes up to the bottom of the cylinder head a firing or exhaust occurs, then the plunger piston goes to the opposite cylinder head.

Abstract: An internal combustion piston engine based on a four-stroke process, including a crankcase in which at least one cylinder/piston assembly is arranged, a piston is guided via a connecting rod connected to a crankshaft, at least one cylinder head for closing the cylinder, each of whose intake and exhaust channels are controlled by at least one intake valve and one exhaust valve (11, 11a). The intake and exhaust valves are actuable by a rocker arm (2, 3) or a finger lever driven by a camshaft, the rocker arms or finger levers are guided on at least one axle (4). A brake control device is provided including at least one hydraulic adjusting piston that engages a component that opens at least the one exhaust valve additionally and intermittently, a pressure source for a hydraulic fluid is associated to an adjusting piston, and the supply to the adjusting piston is controlled by at least one electrically operable switching valve (21).

Abstract: An engine system includes a throttle valve configured to variably open and close to selectively restrict a volume of air flow. The engine system also includes a supercharger comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, a rotatable drive shaft and rotors associated with the drive shaft, wherein the supercharger is sized to have a flow rate that substantially prevents backwards leaking of air flow. The engine system further includes a combustion engine comprising combustion chambers and an associated rotatable crank shaft and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) configured to variably transfer rotational energy between the drive shaft and the crank shaft.

Abstract: A method for reducing a temperature of an engine component is disclosed. In one example, an air-fuel ratio provided to an engine is adjusted to reduce a temperature of an engine component. The approach may be useful for controlling temperature and emissions from a turbocharged engine.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine starts the internal combustion engine by initiating combustion in cylinders belonging to a first cylinder group, from among a plurality of cylinders that make up the internal combustion engine. The control apparatus monitors a change in an amount of negative pressure generated in an intake pipe when the internal combustion engine is started, and obtains information related to an alcohol concentration of fuel used in the internal combustion engine. The control apparatus also calculates a fuel injection quantity necessary to initiate combustion in cylinders belonging to a second cylinder group, based on the amount of negative pressure generated in the intake pipe and the alcohol concentration of the fuel, and initiates combustion in each cylinder belonging to the second cylinder group when the necessary fuel injection quantity enters a range of quantities that are able to be injected by corresponding injectors.

Abstract: A control device which can reduce an exhaust amount of unburned HC at a time of start of an internal combustion engine using a fuel containing alcohol is provided. The control device controls closing timing of an exhaust valve and opening timing of an intake valve so as to close the exhaust valve at a timing at an advance side from an intake top dead center and enlarge a minus overlap until the intake valve is opened after the exhaust valve is closed in accordance with the alcohol concentration of the fuel, for a predetermined time period (hereinafter, a first predetermined time period) at a time of start. The control device controls fuel injection timing so as to start fuel injection in the minus overlap for a second predetermined time period at the time of start which is included in the first predetermined time period.

Abstract: An evaporated fuel treatment apparatus including a canister for adsorbing an evaporated fuel in a fuel tank, a control valve at a vapor path communicating with a fuel tank and a canister, has a dead-zone range where a flow of the evaporated fuel is blocked even if an opening angle of the control valve is increased in an open direction from zero opening angle, and allows the evaporated fuel to flow through over the dead-zone range. The control unit increases the opening angle from substantially zero to a predetermined angle in the dead-zone range and stands by prior to the opening control, and increases the opening angle from the predetermined angle upon the opening control. An output value by control unit set in the dead-zone range is compared with a detected value to detect a failure of the control valve.

Abstract: In one example, a valve seat insert for a cylinder head seat pocket of an internal combustion engine is described. The valve seat insert comprises an annular body comprising a first material and including an inner surface, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, a front surface adjoining the inner and outer surfaces, and a back surface opposite the front surface adjoining the inner and outer surfaces. The front surface includes an inner circumference greater than an inner circumference of the back surface. The back surface includes a first recession inlaid with a sacrificial anode comprising a second material different from the first material and having an exposed surface. In this manner, it may be possible to substantially prevent corrosion of the cylinder head seat pocket. Further, various approaches for reducing corrosion of the cylinder head seat pocket are described.

Abstract: In an engine such as an engine for driving a pump or dynamo, in which a load increasing state does not appear as an accelerating state of rotation speed, it is intended to prevent the smoke emission in an abruptly load-increasing state, which might otherwise be caused by the suppression or interruption of an EGR quantity. The engine 10 comprises a supercharger 11 and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) device 12. The engine 10 makes an isochronous control or a droop control, when its rotation speed N is shifted from a no-load (idle) or light-load run to a high-load (load-increasing) state. In case it is detected, when the state of the engine 10 shifts to a load state, that the actual rotation speed N becomes lower by a predetermined rotation speed ?N than a target rotation speed Nm, an EGR valve 13 of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) device 12 is either throttled to an opening smaller by a predetermined opening ?F than the ordinary set opening F corresponding to the load state or fully closed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1) includes a pressure wave supercharger (2), wherein the air quantity in a charge air flow produced by the pressure wave supercharger (2) is greater than the air quantity that can be absorbed on average by the internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is characterized in that the portion of the charge air flow (7) not absorbed by the internal combustion engine (1) is intended to be supplied to at least one ancillary unit (8, 9, 10, 11) of the internal combustion engine (1) or to at least indirectly cool parts of the internal combustion engine (1).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle has a multi-channel fresh gas system with a plurality of fresh gas lines leading to different cylinder groups. At least one shut-off element is connected in each of the fresh gas lines and coupled to a control and/or regulating device. A multi-channel exhaust system for the discharge of exhaust gas out of the cylinders has a plurality of exhaust lines leading away from the different cylinder groups. A multi-channel exhaust-gas recirculation system has exhaust-gas recirculation lines, for recirculating exhaust gas from the exhaust system to the fresh gas system. The method and device utilize crossed-channel exhaust-gas recirculation, in which the exhaust-gas recirculation lines branching off from the exhaust lines of a certain channel lead back in each case to fresh gas lines of a different channel.

Abstract: A mounting structure for mounting a PCV valve includes a mount recess formed in at least one of joint surfaces of a cylinder head and an intake manifold, so that at least a part of the PCV valve can be fitted into the mount recess.

Abstract: A module for an internal combustion engine and particularly to a fuel conditioning vacuum module for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of plates disposed within the module to define a passageway between an inlet and outlet so as to permit the fuel from the fuel-air mixing device to change from a liquid to a substantially gaseous state in the fuel-air mixture when communicating with at least one cylinder of the internal combustion engine. This invention also relates to a method of changing the state of liquid fuel to a gas when a liquid fuel is introduced into a fuel-air mixing device in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A crossbow may include a main beam; a compound bow assembly mounted to the main beam; and, a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam for use in holding a bowstring in a cocked position. The crossbow may include wheels at opposite ends of the bow that operatively receive the bowstring. The wheels may be separated by a wheel distance (WD) when the crossbow is in an un-cocked position. The crossbow may also have a power stroke distance (PD) and the ratio WD/PD may be less than 2.0.

Abstract: A portable batting device that includes a housing, a pneumatically operated ball launching assembly partially disposed within the housing, and a funnel-shaped ball capturing assembly positioned on the top side of the housing. The launching assembly launching a first ball upward into a hitting zone so that a batter may attempt to hit the first ball with a bat. The hitting zone is at a predetermined and adjustable vertical height. The ball capturing assembly receives the first ball should the batter swing the bat and not hit the ball and funnels the first ball into position for a subsequent launch by the launching assembly. The batting device may have a ball feeding assembly operatively associated with the ball capturing assembly.

Abstract: An archer's hand support structure apparatus and method of use is disclosed to help stabilize an archer's hand during string draw and string release of an archer's bow. The archer's hand support structure apparatus includes an archer's bow that has a handle portion and a rigid member that is affixed to the handle portion, the rigid member is constructed of substantially non-pliant material adapted to encase the archer's hand, the rigid member having a finger aperture portion extending adjacent to an archer's distal hand portion and a wrist aperture portion extending adjacent to an archer's proximal hand portion. The rigid member also includes an expansion slot therethrough disposed substantially adjacent to the wrist aperture portion to temporarily expand the wrist aperture portion for operationally accommodating an archer's fingers communication from the wrist aperture to the finger aperture.

Abstract: A device (20) for adjusting the blade guard holder (17) arranged on the saw arm (3) of a wall saw (1), having a coupling element (25) is provided, whereby a first end of the coupling element (25) is joined to the blade guard holder (17), and, in a locked state, a second end is joined to the saw arm (3).

Abstract: A cutting implement configured to be attached to an implement carrier of a power machine. The cutting implement includes an attachment structure that is capable of engaging and being secured to the implement carrier. The cutting implement further includes a boom having a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end is attached to the attachment structure. A trolley is selectively positionable between the proximal end and the distal end of the boom. An undercarriage is operably coupled to the trolley and has a cutting element attached to it. The undercarriage is moveable under power in a lateral direction with respect to the trolley so that the cutting element is capable of being offset along a lateral direction with respect to the boom.

Abstract: A barbecue grill assembly is provided. The barbecue grill assembly comprises a barbecue unit, at least one pedestal, at least one bolt and a plate construction. The pedestal supports said barbecue unit and includes at least one hole. The bolt is disposed corresponding to said hole, and includes at least one body fitted to said hole so as to fasten said bolt. The plate construction includes four leg units pivotally disposed on one face of said plate construction and at least one slot disposed on the side of said plate construction. Wherein said slot is corresponding to said bolt and might be separate from or linked up with said body, so that said plate construction is combinable or detachable to said pedestal. Said leg unit might be received when rotated parallel to said plate construction; said leg unit might be unfolded when rotated perpendicular to said plate construction.

Abstract: A height adjusting assembly for a barbecue stove has a grill pan, a handle rotatably mounted through the grill pan, a guiding panel securely attached to the handle, two rods pivotally mounted in the grill pan and two connectors respectively connected to the rods. The guiding panel has two arced guiding grooves. Two sliding pins respectively are mounted through the connectors and protrude in the guiding grooves of the guiding panel. When the handle is rotated, the connectors are pulled and move transversely, and the rods pivot to lower or raise a grate mounted on the rods. Thus, the grate departs from or approaches a grill rack. A distance between a heat source and foods is adjusted and heat applying to the foods is controlled.

Abstract: A grill (10) includes a base (11) and a grill assembly (12) pivotally coupled to the base. The base includes a two oppositely disposed sides (14) which define an empty storage space (16). The grill assembly is pivotal between a stowed position generally contained within the base empty space and an operational position generally situation outside the base empty space.

Abstract: One embodiment of a boiler system stabilizing damper for boiler flue systems comprising a cylindrical main housing (418), a pressure sensing means composed of sensor cap (414) and sensor hole (416), a pressure loss generating means composed of a single blade damper (410), a shaft (406) and motor (404), and a controller (402) comprising a pressure transducer and electronic control. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Deep fryers and associated accessories providing increased efficiency and convenience in the production of deep-fried, steamed and boiled foods. Multiple cooking cycles and versatile food support means to fully cook foods are provided. Special advantages for larger unitary foods, such as for example, a large turkey, are provided. Advantages include without limitation minimizing countertop usage; reduction in the use of frying oil; compact storage; reduced shipping costs; reduced warehousing and manufacturing costs; and being lighter and more easy to handle in the kitchen. Accessory items simplify and facilitate production of deep fried foods, including cutting foods into shapes appropriate to produce French fries and blooming onions. Other accessories facilitate the transference and maintenance of frying oil including: returning frying oil to original containers for storage and disposal; and filtering frying oil to prolong its useful life.

Abstract: A control element for a household appliance is provided. The control element has a base member made of plastic. The base member has a nickel coating, and a noble metal coating is applied to the nickel coating.

Abstract: A simple solar heating system incorporates a heat dissipater into a heat exchange circuit for bypassing solar collectors when either the temperature or the pressure in the heat exchange circuit exceeds preset limits. In the absence of electric controllers, fluid in the heat exchange circuit is caused to bypass the solar collectors using a valve which is controlled by either the temperature or pressure of the fluid. A solar photovoltaic panel energizes a circulating pump for increasing the rate of pumping as more solar energy is available at the PV panel and decreasing the rate as solar energy decreases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar collector. The collector has a heat regulating medium which defines a cavity therein. An aperture communicates with the cavity so as to allow solar energy incident on the aperture to enter the cavity. An energy collection device is disposed in the cavity and in thermal contact with the heat regulating medium to collect solar energy entering the cavity.