Abstract: In one embodiment, a seeding implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame, and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, wherein the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool, wherein the packer wheel is positioned directly behind the ground engaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging a soil region. Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured to shift the packer wheel rearwardly upon the ground engaging tool encountering an obstruction and to shift the packer wheel forwardly after the obstruction has been passed by the ground engaging tool.

Abstract: An embroidery frame includes an outer frame formed into a substantially annular shape and having a discontinuity formed by partially breaking its annularity so that the outer frame has two ends located opposite each other with the discontinuity being interposed, an inner frame configured to be fitted with an inner periphery of the outer frame, a clamping mechanism clamping the outer frame against the inner frame and including paired screw-supporting members mounted on the outer frame ends and an adjusting screw mounted on the screw-supporting members so as to adjust a gap between the screw mounting members, and an operating knob supported on an operating end of the screw so as to be switchable between a first position where the knob extends parallel to an axial direction of the screw and a second position where the knob extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction.

Abstract: This ship 10 is a ship for transporting cargos such as containers, and it is possible to efficiently perform the cargo handling operation for cargos. A lower hold 16 is provided below a deck 15 in a hull 14. The deck 15 is provided with protruding portions 17 and 18 protruding in the right and left side directions of the hull, and a plurality of frameworks 21 each including vertical pillars 22 and 23 fixed to the respective protruding portions 17 and 18 and a horizontal beam 24 through which the vertical pillars 17 and 18 are connected to each other are provided for the deck 15. Openable partition covers 25 are provided between frameworks adjacent to each other, and an upper hold 26 is formed on the deck 15 by the partition covers 25 and the deck 15. The cargo handling operation for the lower hold 16 is performed by an inboard crane 33 provided in the lower hold 16, and at the same time, the cargo handling operation for the upper hold 26 is performed by a quay crane 37.

Abstract: This device is a manual and/or automatic inflatable flotation device with reflective material. The device is permanently, semi-permanently or temporarily mounted to a pleasure vessel, canoe/kayak, personal watercraft or other vessel. It provides additional flotation and incremental buoyancy to the vessel. The device has hand grab(s) which can be used to roll the vessel to an upright position or used by the passenger(s) to stay with the vessel when in the water.

Abstract: Apparatus and system are disclosed for anchoring a kayak to the bottom of a body of shallow water. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tube for attachment to the kayak proximate the upper portion of the kayak between the bow and the stern of the kayak, and a shaft which is disposed in the tube. A gear box is provided proximate the seat which comprises a gearing mechanism for operative engagement with the shaft, and a rotatable handle which is external to the gear box for operative connection to the gearing mechanism. The rotatable handle, when rotated in a first direction, deploys the shaft from a position inside the tube to a position outside the tube and into engagement with the bottom of the body of water. An anchoring system according to this embodiment permits the operator of the kayak to anchor the kayak at the bow or stern.

Abstract: A pull-in device for a towline (31) arranged to connect a towable object (2) to a towing vessel (1), in which a reel (323) which is arranged to receive the towline (31) is arranged in a reeling device (32) fixed to the towing vessel (1), and in which the reeling device (32) is provided with a pull-in controller (325) arranged to selectably provide a rotationally rigid connection between a tensioning handle (33) and a pull-in spring (324), alternatively a rotationally rigid connection between the pull-in spring (324) and the towline reel (323).

Abstract: A marine platform (and method of installation) provides a plurality of buoys of special configuration, a platform having a peripheral portion that includes a plurality of attachment positions, one attachment position for each buoy, and an articulating connection that connects each buoy to the platform at a respective attachment position, the connection allowing for sea state induced buoy motions while minimizing effect on the platform. A method of installation places the platform (including oil and gas drilling and/or production facility) next to the buoys. Ballasting moves the platform and buoys relative to one another until connections are perfected between each buoy and the platform.

Abstract: Floats having a buoyant portion and a chamber portion hold liquid within their chambers above the interface of the surrounding body of liquid and gas which creates a downward force which stabilizes the float. If the liquid is water, the float holds water in the inner chamber which is disposed above the waterline of the body of water in which the float is suspended. The elevated water exerts a downward force that acts against rocking, swaying, and other destabilizing forces.

Abstract: A combination boat and travel trailer system having a main body portion and a bow portion. The bow portion movable between a raised position relative to the main body portion to facilitate towing of the boat and travel trailer and a lowered position to facilitate in-water use as a boat.

Abstract: A method for operating an LNG fuelled marine vessel having a propulsion system, a power plant and an LNG storage tank, whereby LNG is supplied as a gas fuel from the LNG storage tank to the power plant. The marine vessel deploys a fixed LNG storage tank and a removable LNG storage tank on board the marine vessel. In order to facilitate bunkering, the removable LNG storage tank is removed and replaced by another removable LNG storage tank at a bunkering facility.

Abstract: A key holder for personal security including a L-shaped body having a main elongated portion and a secondary elongated portion joined to the main elongated portion at a junction end of the main elongated portion, the secondary elongated portion being one of equal and shorter than the main elongated portion; an enlarged head at a head end of the secondary elongated portion, the enlarged head being larger than a width of the secondary elongated portion, the head end being opposed to the junction end; a key attachment provided on an outside of the junction end, the key attachment adapted to attach keys to the key holder, the secondary elongated portion being adapted to be received between two fingers of a single hand of a user, the main elongated portion being adapted to be received in a palm of the single hand. Additionally, a whistle can be provided at a whistle end of the main elongated portion, the whistle end being opposed to the junction end. Additionally, a light can be provided on the enlarged head.

Abstract: A runway selector is provided for selecting a runway at an airport which does not have traffic control and which has one or more numbered runways. The runway selector includes a first circular scale having azimuth indicia thereon. The runway selector also includes a second circular scale positioned on the first scale and which has runway number indicia thereon. One or more flat strips, which resemble runways, are selectively rotatably mounted over the scales. A wind direction pointer is selectively rotatably mounted over the scales. The runway selector enables a pilot to visually determine the proper runway to use so that the aircraft may land into the wind as closely as possible.

Abstract: A pressure indicator for indicating pressure of a pressure source. The indicator comprises a first reservoir which defines a first enclosed volume having a first inlet pipe for communication between the first enclosed volume and a first source of pressurised fluid. The first inlet pipe defines a nominal communication path length between the first enclosed volume and a first source of pressurised fluid. A member is provided in the first inlet pipe which defines one or more communication paths of greater length to that of the nominal communication path length.

Abstract: A pressure indicator for indicating pressure of a pressure source. The indicator comprises a first reservoir which defines a first enclosed volume having a first inlet pipe for communication between the first enclosed volume and a first source of pressurised fluid. A damping passage is provided in fluid communication with the first enclosed volume. A pressure oscillation damping means is provided in the damping passage. The damping means comprises a moveable body constrained within a limited range of motion along the damping passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides an instrument device which is enhanced a texture while creating a sense of depth by superimposing and stereoscopically disposing a light-guiding member on an indicator panel of the instrument device, and which has a good appearance and a novel visibility when illuminated. An instrument device with a good appearance and novel visibility is provided which includes an indicator panel (5), an instrument main part (2), an indicator needle (4) that is provided to the instrument main part (2), a transparent light-guiding member (6) that is disposed on the indicator panel (5), and a light source (7) that enters light beams into the light-guiding member (6).

Abstract: Low-temperature organometallic nucleation and crystallization-based synthesis methods for the fabrication of semiconductor and metal colloidal nanocrystals with narrow size distributions and tunable, size- and shape-dependent electronic and optical properties. Methods include (1) forming a reaction mixture in a reaction vessel under an inert atmosphere that includes at least one solvent, a cationic precursor, an anionic precursor, and at least a first surface stabilizing ligand while stirring at a temperature in a range from about 50° C. to about 130° C. and (2) growing nanocrystals in the reaction mixture for a period of time while maintaining the temperature, the stirring, and the inert-gas atmosphere.

Abstract: High efficiency conversion of heat energy to electrical energy is achieved using a ring of metallic components and anodically sliced, reduced barriers, high purity n-type and p-type semiconductor wafers. Energy produced by heating one set of fins and cooling another set is extracted from a ring of bismuth telluride based n-type wafers and antimony telluride based p-type wafers using make-before-break control of MOSfet switch banks. Standard AC frequencies and DC output result from rectification of make-before-break high frequency switched very high currents in the ring and a DC to AC converter. Solar energy stored in porcelain fragments extends the time that solar energy can be used as the heat source for the thermoelectric generator device.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to one embodiment includes: exposing a surface of a semiconductor substrate to a halogen-containing gas that contains at least one of Si and Ge, the semiconductor substrate being provided with a member comprising an oxide and consisting mainly of Si; and exposing the surface of the semiconductor substrate to an atmosphere containing at least one of a Si-containing gas not containing halogen and a Ge-containing gas not containing halogen after starting exposure of the surface of the semiconductor substrate to the halogen-containing gas, thereby epitaxially growing a crystal film containing at least one of Si and Ge on the surface.

Abstract: The method for producing a silicon epitaxial wafer according to the present invention has: a growth step G at which an epitaxial layer is grown on a silicon single crystal substrate; a first polishing step E at which, before the growth step G, both main surfaces of the silicon single crystal substrate are subjected to rough polishing simultaneously; and a second polishing step H at which, after the growth step G, the both main surfaces of the silicon single crystal substrate are subjected to finish polishing simultaneously.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for casting silicon for photovoltaic cells and other applications. With such methods and apparatuses, a cast body of monocrystalline silicon may be formed that is free of, or substantially free of, radially-distributed impurities and defects and having at least two dimensions that are each at least about 35 cm is provided.

Abstract: A food topping and cutting device includes a handle coupled to a cutting edge, and further includes a container coupled to the handle. The container has a dispenser at one end configured to dispense, adjacent to the cutting edge, a food topping supplied from the container.

Abstract: A device for infusing liquid into material samples includes a container assembly configured to contain multiple material samples submerged in liquid. The material samples have pores containing air or gas. A pressure source and a vacuum source are both operatively connectable to the container assembly and alternately communicable with the container assembly to force the liquid to at least substantially fill the pores. The samples are thus ready for further processing, testing or use. A method of filling pores in material samples with liquid includes supporting multiple material samples within liquid in an airtight container assembly. The method further includes alternately applying a vacuum source and a pressure source to the container assembly, thereby replacing air with liquid in the pores of the material samples.

Abstract: A tire dressing applicator assembly comprises a linearly arranged series of toroidally-shaped plastic rollers having one or more beveled edges and reinforced for shape retaining purposes by pins which extend axially through the bodies of the elements outboard of a center opening which is adapted to receive a support shaft.

Abstract: A workpiece carrier includes a first carrier and a second carrier. The first carrier includes a plurality of first posts substantially parallel to each other. Each of the first posts is rotatable about a central axis thereof. The second carrier includes a plurality of second posts substantially parallel to each other. Each of the second posts is rotatable about a central axis thereof. The first carrier surrounds the second carrier therein. The workpiece carrier further includes at least one connecting arm interconnected between the first carrier and the second carrier, such that the first carrier and the second carrier are jointly rotatable about a rotation axis.

Abstract: A reactor apparatus includes a first chamber coupled to a first source of vacuum, a monitor chamber isolated from the first chamber and coupled to a second source of vacuum, and at least one removable deposition monitor disposed in the monitor chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a thin film depositing apparatus. The thin film depositing apparatus includes: a loading chamber loading a plurality of substrates; a first process chamber connected to the loading chamber and including a plurality of sputter guns inducing a first plasma on the plurality of substrates; a buffer chamber connected to the other side of the first process chamber facing the loading chamber; and a substrate transfer module simultaneously passing the plurality of substrates between the plurality of sputter guns during a process using the first plasma and transferring the plurality of substrates from the first process chamber to the buffer chamber.

Abstract: A thin film deposition apparatus for performing continuous deposition, and a mask unit and a crucible unit that are included in the thin film deposition apparatus. A thin film deposition apparatus includes a moving unit configured to move a substrate as a deposition target; a mask unit configured to selectively pass vapor of a deposition source toward the substrate; and a crucible unit including a plurality of crucibles accommodating the deposition source and proceeding along a circulation path passing through the mask unit.

Abstract: A combinatorial processing chamber and method are provided. In the method a fluid volume flows over a surface of a substrate with differing portions of the fluid volume having different constituent components to concurrently expose segregated regions of the substrate to a mixture of the constituent components that differ from constituent components to which adjacent regions are exposed. Differently processed segregated regions are generated through the multiple flowings.

Abstract: Provided are a source supplying unit and a method for supplying a source. The source supplying unit includes a pot configured to store a source material, an injector communicating with the pot to inject the source material evaporated from the pot, a high frequency coil part surrounding an outside of the pot, and a resistance-type heating part disposed at an outside of the injector. Since a high frequency induction heating method and a resistance-type heating method are combined to evaporate a source material to be supplied, a large amount of source material can be used, and the thickness and quality of a thin film can be easily controlled.

Abstract: Provided is a system for vapor deposition of a coating material onto a semiconductor substrate. The system includes a chemical supply chamber, a supply nozzle operable to dispense vapor, and a heating element operable to provide heat to a substrate in-situ with the dispensing of vapor. The system may further include reaction chamber(s) and/or mixing chamber(s).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to apparatuses for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes. In one embodiment, a wafer carrier track for levitating and traversing a wafer carrier within a vapor deposition reactor system is provided which includes upper and lower sections of a track assembly having a gas cavity formed therebetween. A guide path extends along an upper surface of the upper section and between two side surfaces which extend along and above the guide path and parallel to each other. A plurality of gas holes along the guide path extends from the upper surface of the upper section, through the upper section, and into the gas cavity. In some examples, the upper and lower sections of the track assembly may independently contain quartz, and in some examples, may be fused together.

Abstract: An improved animal feeder with an insertable feed restrictor. An example embodiment includes: a barrel into which animal feed may be deposited, the barrel including a slotted lip with a plurality of notches at an upper opening of the barrel; and a feed restrictor configured for removable insertion into the opening of the barrel, the feed restrictor including a round side surface including a plurality of nubs, the feed restrictor including a plurality of feed access holes arranged on a lower surface of the feed restrictor, the feed restrictor being configured to float on top of the animal feed deposited in the barrel, the feed restrictor being further configured to freely spin laterally in the barrel, the feed restrictor being further configured to lock into the barrel when the plurality of nubs on the feed restrictor are mis-aligned with the plurality of notches on the slotted lip of the barrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning and caring for hooves or claws of livestock. In order to create a device for ensuring sufficient hygiene and cleanliness of hooves or claws of livestock, which device allows reliable disease prevention even in large herds, and, at the same time, can be operated with little work effort, it is proposed, within the scope of the invention, that a trough is provided, above which a walkway is disposed, on which the livestock can cross the trough, whereby nozzles are disposed in the region of the walkway, for spraying the hooves or claws with cleaning solution, and that at least one other nozzle is provided at the end of the walkway, which nozzle can be supplied with fresh care solution from a separate tank. The invention is based on the recognition that walk-through claw baths promote transfer of disease within a herd unless a bath change takes place very frequently, but in practice, this is hardly possible.

Abstract: This invention refers to a device for spray cleansing animals, being this a saving device because the arrangement of elements allows or guarantees a thorough animal cleansing which eliminates parasites, dirt, and bacteria into and out of animal's fur and skin, within an average time of 5 seconds per animal, besides the fact that it has a collection or recovery system for water with poison and chemicals and a filtering system which avoids loss of them, since it is reused. Also, sprinkles permit the provision of a water ring with regulated volume and pressure, allowing the opening of animal's fur and penetration to skin.

Abstract: A pet amusement device having a base, stem emanating from the base and a corrugated cardboard cylinder having a circular cross section and opening through its center sized to receive the stem. The corrugations of the cardboard cylinder extend to the outer surface of the cylinder to enable a pet to have access to it during use. The present invention is particularly applicable for use as a scratching surface for a domesticated cat.

Abstract: A cat amusement and activity device. The device includes a base configured to reside upon a horizontal surface and to support an activity post extending perpendicularly therefrom. The activity post includes a plurality of segments, each such segment comprising a different scratching surface and at least one such scratching surface being a corrugated cardboard cylinder. Other scratching surfaces can include but are not limited to carpet, sisal, rope, seagrass and natural fibers.

Abstract: A pet toy has a core assembly incorporating a noise making feature. The pet toy has a flexible, elastomeric body that flexes in response to external pressure placed on the toy by an animal. The core assembly extends through the interior of the pet toy and is secured at opposite ends of the pet toy. In one preferred embodiment, the pet toy is a round shaped ball in which the core assembly extends across a diameter of the ball. The core assembly has a bore and a noise making device is secured to a housing that extends from a central shaft of the bore. Airflow is facilitated through the pet toy for activation of the noise making device by deformation of the body of the pet toy. As the pet toy is deformed by the biting action of an animal, air is forced through the noise making device, thereby creating sound. In another embodiment, the core assembly has a compound shape including a bulbous portion securing the noise making housing.

Abstract: A pet toy including a ball configured to roll along a surface, an axle connected to the ball, a rotating member configured to rotate around the axle, and a wire including a first end and a second end. The first end of the wire is attached to the rotating member and the second end of the wire is attached to a toy. The pet toy further includes a weight attached to the rotating member. The wire is configured to extend from the interior of the ball to the exterior of the ball.

Abstract: An animal chew toy with a handle and a hand guard that wraps around knuckles and fingers of a human hand. The handle extends forwardly from or through the hand guard to support a chew toy a distance from the hand guard. The handle also extends rearwardly to be grasped by a hand of the user.

Abstract: A method of producing the scent of deer antlers on a surface by forming an aqueous solution of dicalcium phosphate, and applying the aqueous solution to a surface so that the surface gives off a scent of deer antlers. The solution can be applied to the surface of an object and then a dog can be trained to locate the object, whereby the dog, after this training, will be able to locate shed antlers hidden in the environment; or the solution can be applied to a person or object whereby the application will mask the scent of the person and/or object with regard deer; or can be applied to any surface to attract deer to a desired location.

Abstract: The pet harness with restraint includes a rigid lateral bar or rod attached across the shoulder strap of a harness. The bar serves to prevent the animal from escaping between the vertical uprights of a fence or similar enclosure. The harness preferably comprises a pair of foreleg loops, a chest strap interconnecting the foreleg loops, and a pair of connecting straps that extend from the loops over the shoulders of the animal. Alternatively, the harness may comprise a collar portion and a body-encircling strap joined by longitudinal chest and dorsal straps. The bar may be permanently attached to across the shoulder or dorsal straps of the harness, but is preferably removable to provide a versatile harness. The bar may be attached to the harness by snap fasteners, by insertion into a sleeve attached to the harness, etc. The harness may include elastic sections therein to provide greater adjustment for growing pets.

Abstract: An economically operated, dual-energy hot water supply system. The system includes a first heat source of a first type and a second heat source of a second type different than the first type. The system also includes a controller. The controller determines a first energy consumption of the first heat source to generate a unit heat, determines a second energy consumption of the second heat source to generate the unit heat, compares a first power cost of the first heat source with a second power cost of the second heat source, the first power cost being based on the first energy consumption and the first price, the second power cost being based on the second energy consumption and the second price.

Abstract: A water heater includes combustion means (burner) that combusts fuel and generates exhaust; heat exchange means (primary heat exchanger and secondary heat exchanger) that exchanges heat of the exhaust for supplied water; bypassing means (bypass pipe) that makes the supplied water flow to an outlet of the heat exchange means; exchanged heat temperature detection means (exchanged heat temperature sensor) that detects temperature of the supplied water after heat exchange; flow rate adjustment means (bypass valve) that adjusts a volume of the supplied water flowing into the bypassing means and the heat exchange means; and a control unit that controls the flow rate adjustment means so as to make a predetermined volume of the supplied water or over flow to the heat exchange means.

Abstract: A gas water heater includes a gas water heater main unit having an exhaust pipe attached thereto for guiding out waste gas during burning of a fuel gas to heat water, an ozone generator installed in the exhaust pipe and electrically connected to an external power source for generating ozone into the exhaust pipe to mix with the waste gas produced during operation of the gas water heater main unit, and a gas filter installed in the exhaust pipe for removing solid matters from the waste gas passing through the exhaust pipe.

Abstract: A gas water heater includes a water tank, a combustion chamber, a burner, a heat exchanger tube at least partially within the water tank, and a fan. The burner receives fuel gas and primary air to create a primary air-fuel mixture for combustion in the combustion chamber with secondary air. The primary air-fuel mixture has a gas concentration above the upper explosive limit of the fuel gas. Secondary air is supplied to the combustion chamber through a secondary air conduit that is separate from the burner. The heat exchanger tube receives the products of combustion, transfers heat from the products of combustion to water in the tank, and exhausts of the products of combustion. Only air flows through the fan; no fuel-air mixture flows through the fan. The water heater utilizes partial premix combustion with low excess air ratio and low contaminant emission.

Abstract: The invention relates to sand casting and more specifically to sand casting of a heat exchanger element with pins and/or fins. The invention provides a core box for sand casting of workpieces comprising pins and/or fins. The core box molding surface comprises at least one air vent and pins and/or fins. The at least one air vent is integrated in at least one pin or fin.

Abstract: Compressor 107 which compresses the supplied air, burner 102 which mixes the compressed air compressed by compressor 107, and fuel gas, and burns the mixed gas, turbine 106 which generates driving force using the expansion force at the time of combustion of the fuel gas in burner 102, and compressed air, gas generation equipment 101 made to generate hydrogen gas and oxygen gas by electrolyzing water, gas generation equipment 101 is connected through the distribution unit 200 or directly to burner 102, and it has transfer pipe 113 supplied to a burner by making hydrogen gas and oxygen gas into fuel gas, compressor 107 compresses air with the power generated in turbine 106.

Abstract: A cylinder head with an integrated exhaust manifold is provided, the integrated exhaust manifold including an exhaust manifold flange. In one example, the cylinder head includes a cooled flange to control exhaust system heat. The cylinder head can improve operation of an integrated cylinder head during at least some operating conditions.

Abstract: A cylinder head of an internal combustion engine with several cylinders includes an inlet side and an outlet side with at least two outlet channels per cylinder, wherein a first coolant jacket is arranged in the cylinder head, the first coolant jacket including a first coolant collection channel which extends along the cylinder head on the outlet side over the outlet. The first coolant collection channel is connected to cooling chambers at least partially surrounding the outlet channels, the cooling chambers being in a fluidic connection with at least one transfer opening in a cylinder head gasket plane, wherein one first transfer opening per cylinder is arranged in a first transverse engine plane containing a cylinder axis, and wherein a first transverse cooling passage extends from each first transfer opening in the first transverse engine plane between two respective outlet channels, the first transverse cooling passage splitting into two cooling sub-passages in the area of the cylinder axis.

Abstract: OBJECT: To provide a compact phase varying device for an automobile engine, adapted to vary the relative phase angle between the crankshaft of the engine and the camshaft of the device over a wider range than that of conventional device. MEANS FOR ACHIEVING THE OBJECT: The phase varying device has: a drive rotor driven by the crankshaft of the engine; a first control rotor rotatable relative to the drive rotor under the action of a torque means; and a phase angle varying mechanism operably coupled to the first control rotor in rotational motion relative to the first control rotor, the drive rotor and first control rotor rotatably supported by a camshaft of the phase varying apparatus, the phase varying device adapted to vary the phase angle of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft by varying the phase angle of the camshaft relative to the drive rotor.