Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for utilizing commercial cargo containers. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. The containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, can move autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location.

Abstract: A system for launching and recovering marine or underwater vehicles from a carrier ship which remains under way which limits the amplitude of pitching and rolling movements. The system includes an inclinable articulated ramp including a bottom and edges, and hauling means for controlling sliding of the vehicle along the ramp during launch and for hoisting the vehicle up along the ramp. The ramp has a free end which varies between an immersed position in the water and an emerged position in a horizontal position. The system also includes buoyancy means allowing the free end of the ramp to float at or near the surface of the water when the ramp is lowered. The bottom of the articulated ramp also has an external face configured to form streamlining thus ensuring fluidity of the end of the ramp in contact with the water and limiting vertical dynamic movements caused by waves.

Abstract: A watercraft device according to the invention includes a central body and two lateral hulls, each having a shape optimized to reduce resistance to the advance motion and connected to the central body through at least one connecting arm, causing the central body to be in raised position with respect to the lateral hulls. The connecting arms have a given angle from the horizontal plan of the device, and the lateral hulls and the central body are oriented with longitudinal axes, or axes in the bow-stern direction, essentially parallel to each other. The central body connecting the lateral hulls is shaped like wing, which helps in sustaining the weight of the vehicle at high speed and exploits ground effect to increase aerodynamic efficiency. In addition, each of the lateral hulls has one or more mobile and/or fixed hydrofoil elements that extend below the corresponding lateral hull.

Abstract: A mono hull vessel for retrieving and deploying equipments in offshore region comprising a deck box with an upper deck (2) at its top said upper deck having a lifting and lowering device (3,3?), a hull/pontoon (1) at the base of said vessel, the vessel is characterized in that said hull/pontoon (1) is connected to the deck box by a plurality of columns (4) and said hull/pontoon (1) is made in one piece and is continuous to form the platform for a lower deck (5), the upper and lower deck being configured to allow lifting and lowering of equipment therefrom and thereon respectively.

Abstract: A casting platform apparatus for a fishing boat includes a frame which can be attached to the bow of a boat. The frame has a floor to allow a fisherman to be supported thereon and includes both a handrail and a body support rail along with a fishing line collection net therebetween and a gate for entering onto and off the casting platform.

Abstract: Manual drive energy is input into a transport device of one embodiment by linearly reciprocating a first drive member that couples by way of a ratchet mechanism (or other mechanical motion rectifier means) and a mechanical motion amplifier means to one or more faster spinning flywheel masses. The one or more flywheel masses are formed in part by a combination electric motor/generator and it has rechargeable electric batteries distributively provided about a flywheel mass portion thereof. Tapered roller bearings having ferromagnetic material are interposed between the one or more flywheel masses and/or between one of the flywheels and a stationary frame of the transport device so as to repeatedly make and break closed magnetic flux conducting loops and thus provide at least one of an electric motoring and electricity generating function.

Abstract: A multi-layer structure in a reaction cell for a diamond growth is provided. The multi-layer structure includes: a diamond seed; a first metal catalyst layer provided on the diamond seed, the first metal catalyst layer containing a first concentration of carbon; a second metal catalyst layer provided on the first metal layer, the second metal catalyst layer containing a second concentration of carbon that is higher than the first concentration; and a carbon source layer provided on the second metal layer.

Abstract: A single-crystal manufacturing apparatus according to the Czochralski method, including: a crucible that contains a raw material; a main chamber configured to accommodate a heater for heating and melting the raw material; and a pulling chamber configured to pull and accommodate a grown single crystal, the pulling chamber being continuously provided above the main chamber; an inner shield provided between the heater and the main chamber and for insulating heat radiated from the heater, and a supporting member for supporting the inner shield from below. The inner shield is supported at three or more supporting points contacting the supporting member, and a lower end of the inner shield except at the supporting points does not contact the supporting member.

Abstract: The present invention can provide an Mg-containing ZnO mixed single crystal wherein the mixed single crystal comprises an Mg-containing ZnO semiconductor having a bandgap (Eg) of 3.30<Eg?3.54 eV, and has a film thickness of 5 ?m or less. The present invention can provide a method for producing an Mg-containing ZnO mixed single crystal by liquid phase epitaxial growth, wherein the method comprises: mixing and melting ZnO and MgO as solutes and PbO and Bi2O3 (or PbF2 and PbO) as solvents; and putting a substrate into direct contact with the obtained melt solution, thereby growing the Mg-containing ZnO mixed single crystal on the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing glass fiber granules includes an applicator for applying a binder composition to the chopped strand segments; and a granulating assembly for imparting a cascading pseudo-helical action to the chopped strand segments. The granulating assembly includes a plurality of scoops positioned in a pattern within a rotating drum.

Abstract: This disclosure enables gas recovery and utilization for use in deposition systems and processes. The system includes a thin-film semiconductor layer deposition system comprising a deposition reactor, precursor gas feeds, and a gas recovery system.

Abstract: An apparatus with two-chamber structure for growing silicon carbide (SiC) crystals is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sample feed chamber and a crystal growth chamber, both of which are separately connected with each other by a vacuum baffle valve and connected with a vacuum system. The crystal growth apparatus ensures that the insulation materials in the crystal growth chamber cannot contact with air, minimizes the adsorption of nitrogen and pollutants on the insulation materials and the growth chamber, improves purity of SiC crystals and achieves precise control of the impurities so that growth of high-quality SiC crystals such as conductive, doped semi-insulating or high-purity semi-insulating SiC crystals and the like is enabled.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for deposition of a material on a carrier body and an electrode for use with the manufacturing apparatus are provided. The manufacturing apparatus includes a housing that defines a chamber. The housing also defines an inlet for introducing a gas into the chamber and an outlet for exhausting the gas from the chamber. At least one electrode is disposed through the housing with the electrode at least partially disposed within the chamber. The electrode has an exterior surface. A first exterior coating having an electrical conductivity of at least 7×106 Siemens/meter at room temperature is disposed on the exterior surface of the electrode. A second exterior coating different from the first exterior coating is disposed on the first exterior coating. A power supply device is coupled to the electrode.

Abstract: CVD and ALD methods of using a batch processing chamber to process substrates are described. A batch processing chamber includes a chamber housing, a substrate boat for containing a batch of substrates in a process region, and an excitation assembly for exciting species of a processing gas. The excitation assembly is positioned within the chamber housing and may include plasma, UV, or ion assistance.

Abstract: Provided is a film forming apparatus which forms a film on a substrate held within a film forming container by supplying raw material gas onto the substrate. The apparatus includes: a supply mechanism which supplies the raw material gas into the container; an exhaust mechanism which exhausts gas from the container; a trap unit which is disposed in the course of an exhaust passage through which gas flows from the container to the exhaust mechanism, and traps the raw material gas by extracting a product containing the raw material gas; a purge gas supplying unit which is connected to join the exhaust passage between the container and the trap unit and supplies purge gas into the exhaust passage; and a pressure gauge which is disposed in a purge gas supplying passage through which the purge gas flows from the purge gas supplying unit into the exhaust passage.

Abstract: There is provided a source supplying apparatus 62 including: a vertically elongated source containing body 64 having an outer peripheral surface formed as a liquid source flow surface 90 for a liquid source to flow thereon; a liquid source storage member 66 provided at a position of the source containing body in a height direction to store the liquid source, and configured for the liquid source to flow to the liquid source flow surface by wettability; and a heating device 68 provided within the source containing body, and configured to heat the liquid source storage member to allow the liquid source to have wettability and to heat a leading end of the source containing body to an evaporating temperature of the liquid source.

Abstract: Feeder protection apparatus comprising a plurality of side panels attached around a periphery of the base of the feeder by a plurality of fasteners. Each side panel comprises a generally rectangular sheet configured to be oriented generally perpendicular to the base when attached thereto and to extend above and below the base.

Abstract: The apparatus disclosed and claimed herein comprises a weather cap, a heat source located within said weather cap, a bird feeder, and a suspension device for attaching said bird feeder to said weather cap in proximity to said heating element. The method disclosed and claimed herein comprises providing hummingbird food in a hummingbird feeder, providing a source of heat, transferring the heat to the hummingbird food in the hummingbird feeder such that the food will be kept liquid in an environment where said food would normally become solid, through heat conduction, heat radiation, heat convection or any combination of these.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a watering system configured to provide water to livestock. The system includes a water basin defining a trough configured to retain water, a reservoir mounted to the water basin, wherein the reservoir is configured to receive and retain water above the water basin. A water path is defined from the reservoir to the trough, wherein water within the reservoir is configured to pass into the water basin through gravity. A first heating element configured to heat water within the reservoir. A second heating element is configured to heat water within the trough, wherein the second heating element is separate and distinct from the first heating element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for transporting live fish, in which a protein skimmer is installed together with a fish tank in an interior of a cargo room of the container, bubbles discharged from the protein skimmer are stored in a large-capacity bubble tank, a water cooler having a refrigerating unit is installed in a container driver unit such that water discharged from the fish tank is cooled and resupplied to the fish tank, or water cooled by the water cooler can be brought into contact with the external air while the water is being injected into a dry filtering tank installed on the fish tank, and a filtering member impregnated with microorganisms that have been cultured therein is arranged in the dry filtering tank.

Abstract: A leak prevention drainage system integrated into the base of an aquarium tank is disclosed. The drainage system facilitates transfer of water to or from the interior of the tank, wherein the system comprises three leak prevention mechanisms to redundantly prevent unwanted spillage or leakage from the aquarium during operation. The leak prevention mechanisms include an uppermost stopper having a pull chain accessible from above the water level within the tank, a drain pipe having an internal drain valve for controller flow rate therethrough and a removable end cap at the exit end of the drain pipe. A screen within the drain prevents particulate items from passing therethrough, while a plurality of washers and threaded connections prevent water leakage through the elements of the drainage system. The system is used to controllably drain or fill an aquarium using a hose attachable to the end of the drain pipe.

Abstract: A transporting unit for live poultry on board a truck includes a supporting frame and a plurality of drawer-type cages having a lateral wall without aeration openings and intended to be selectively positioned at one side or the opposite side of the supporting frame, depending on the climatic and environmental transport conditions. The drawer-type cages are arranged in a single pile or in two adjacent piles, and in both cases the arrangement is such to be able to occupy the entire width of the loading deck of a truck.

Abstract: A detachable pet carrier for housing a pet that allows the pet to rest on one or more of its interior surfaces. The pet carrier may include a roof that provides shelter for the rest area in the pet carrier's deployed configuration. The pet carrier may also include one or more bolsters on one or more of its interior surfaces to better define the boundaries of the rest area in the pet carrier's deployed configuration. The pet carrier may also include one or more pockets on its interior and or exterior surfaces.

Abstract: A pet grooming pad, used alone, or in conjunction with pet furniture for grooming a pet cat. The grooming pad is in the form of a mat having a bottom surface for residing upon a support and a top surface of a material capable of removing and trapping animal fur. The top surface can contain a second region as well, the second region being a grooming surface in the form of a plurality of flexible nodules.

Abstract: A cat grooming and activity device. The device includes a base configured to reside upon a substantially horizontal surface and to support a grooming activity post extending vertically from it. A grooming activity post is appended to and extends from the base, the grooming activity post having a first segment proximate the base and a second segment extending from the first segment.

Abstract: A cat grooming device which includes a base configured to reside upon a horizontal surface to support a grooming post extending vertically therefrom. The base is provided with a bottom surface for residing upon the horizontal surface and a top surface, the top surface having a material for collecting and retaining fur emanating from a cat while engaging the grooming post.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for applying bovine foot and hoof treatment compositions having two or more specific and complimentary antimicrobial components in a hoof bath just prior to use to work more effectively. These antimicrobial components may include antimicrobial inorganic salts of certain heavy metals, cationic agents, peroxides, aldehydes, fatty acids, iodines or other suitable compounds effective in the killing of microorganisms. The invention also relates to a foot bath system for delivery, retention, and drainage of foot bath chemicals and waste material.

Abstract: A pet amusement device comprising: a receptacle for catnip; a continuous track surrounding the catnip receptacle; a toy, such as a ball, contained within the continuous track such that the toy may travel along the continuous track; and at least one opening along the continuous track such that the continuous track and the toy are accessible through the at least one opening. The catnip receptacle may have a cap allowing a user to easily add catnip to the receptacle and allowing the scent of the catnip to exit the receptacle. In use, a pet, such as a cat, may smell the catnip and bat the ball around the continuous track. The pet amusement device may be combined with another device with a larger continuous track to produce a device with two concentric tiered tracks in addition to the catnip receptacle.

Abstract: A sound-making pet toy includes a shell having an opening and an inner space accessible through the opening and a sound-making body having a reduced state and an expanded state larger than the reduced state. When the sound-making body is disposed in the opening, it has the reduced state and when it is disposed in the inner space, it has the expanded state. The sound-making body has a resilient air-holding body and a sound making device that is responsive to air from the air holding body passing through the sound-making body. When the sound-making body is in the expanded state, it is lodged against the inner surface of the shell. When the sound-making body is in the expanded state, it expels air from the resilient air holding body when a force impacts the shell. In the expanded state, it is larger than the opening.

Abstract: An improved squeeze chute apparatus, which may be portable or stationary, includes a frame having an entrance end, an exit end, a first side, a second side, an upper end and a lower end. A first upstanding sidewall is positioned at the first side of the frame and a second upstanding sidewall is positioned at the second side of the frame. The sidewalls are movable between inner and outer positions with respect to the frame. First and second entrance gate members, which are movable between open and closed positions, are positioned at the entrance end of the frame. First and second exit gate members, which are movable between open and closed positions, are positioned at the exit end of the frame. The gate members and sidewalls are operated by hydraulic cylinders having resilient mounts at the base and rod ends thereof. Each of the gate members has two hydraulic cylinders connected thereto. Each of the sidewalls has four hydraulic cylinders connected thereto.

Abstract: A non-choking harness for a pet which evenly distributes stress throughout the chest area and away from the neck area of the pet when the leash is pulled to prevent choking. A center portion of the body part substantially covers the chest area of the pet. The two neck ends are configured to wrap around a neck of the pet and the two torso ends are configured to wrap around a torso of the pet. The adjustable strap removably connects a first torso end to a second torso end, and adjusts the size of the torso opening to provide a comfortable fit. The connection part is configured to removably connect to the two neck ends, removably connect to the adjustable strap; and to adjust the size of the neck opening. The non-choking harness completely opens up for easy access in fitting the pet.

Abstract: A multi-pet leash is provided. The multi-pet leash includes a feeder leash and two or more leader leashes connected to the feeder leash. The feeder leash comprises a first end and a second end, with the second end slidably connected onto itself to form an adjustable loop portion. Each leader leash comprises a first end slidably connected to the adjustable loop portion of the feeder leash. The second end of each leader leash is attached to an animal or pet allowing a handler to control the pets simultaneously utilizing one feeder leash.

Abstract: A collar for use in training animals, such as a prong collar, is provided that includes an attachment ring affixed to one end of a pull chain and a clasp at least indirectly attached to an opposite end of the pull chain. The collar may also include a neck portion having a pair of joining links affixed at opposite ends of the neck portion. The pull chain may be threaded through apertures in the joining links to form a closed loop with the neck portion. The attachment ring and the clasp may be dimensioned larger than the apertures to prevent the pull chain from disconnecting with the neck portion, thereby maintaining the closed loop. Once placed over the head of the pet, the collar may be secured with the proper fit by connecting the clasp to the attachment ring.

Abstract: A water heater including a storage tank, a combustion chamber, a burner for producing products of combustion, the burner positioned in the combustion chamber, a flue extending from the combustion chamber through the storage tank, and a baffle positioned within the flue and directing the flow of the products of combustion through the flue. The baffle includes multiple clockwise twist segments and multiple counterclockwise twist segments.

Abstract: A water heating system includes a burner assembly for providing a source of thermal energy to a heat exchanger. A water inlet conduit is coupled to the heat exchanger assembly for supplying fresh water to be heated, and a water exit conduit is coupled to the heat exchanger assembly for delivering the heated water to a point of use. A bypass conduit connects the water exit conduit to the water inlet conduit, and a pump disposed in the bypass conduit circulates at least a portion of the heated water from the water exit conduit to the water inlet conduit. A feed-forward sensor positioned in the water inlet conduit between the heat exchanger assembly and the bypass conduit monitors a parameter of the water entering the heat exchanger assembly, and a processor controls the operation of the of the burner assembly in response to the feed-forward sensor.

Abstract: A metal fuel powered driving system comprises: a cylinder; a piston disposed movably in and cooperating with the cylinder to define a combustion chamber; an arc generating unit including first and second electrodes extending into the combustion chamber, the first electrode being in the form of a first active metal wire; and a first wire supplying unit configured to feed the first active metal wire into the combustion chamber. When the power supplying source applies a voltage to the first and second electrodes, electric arc is generated between the first active metal wire and the second electrode to vaporize and combust the metal wire for driving movements of the piston. A method of driving a piston in a cylinder is also disclosed.

Abstract: Actuating device for a recirculation pump of a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine comprising a pulley suitable for being rotationally driven by the engine, a driven shaft for driving the pump and an electromagnetically controlled coupling interposed between the pulley and the driven shaft, in which the electromagnetic coupling comprises an electromagnet, coupling mechanism controlled by the electromagnet and mobile between an engagement position in which the pulley is connected to the driven shaft and a disengagement position, and an elastic member for maintaining an engagement member in the engaged position when the electromagnet is not energized.

Abstract: A mechanical coolant pump for an internal combustion engine includes an outlet channel comprising an outlet valve and an outlet channel wall with a passing slit. An impeller is configured to pump a coolant into the outlet channel. The outlet valve comprises a shiftable flat valve plate configured to be shiftable in a transversal plane of the outlet channel through the passing slit of the outlet channel wall.

Abstract: Devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve variable force valve springs for controlling the motion of an engine valve. The force exerted by the valve spring can be adjusted by altering the pressure at which a fluid is supplied to a fluid chamber thereof, by altering the volume of the fluid chamber, and/or by changing the aggregate surface area over which fluid pressure is coupled to the engine valve. Associated fluid control systems are also disclosed herein, as are various methods for adjusting the force of a valve spring based on a variety of engine parameters, such as engine speed, engine load, and/or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve variable actuation of engine valves. In one embodiment, a valve train for a split-cycle internal combustion engine or an air hybrid split-cycle engine is provided that includes a cam phaser, a dwell cam, an adjustable mechanical element for performing a variable valve actuation function, and/or a valve seating control device. The devices and methods disclosed herein also have application in conventional internal combustion engines and can actuate inwardly-opening and/or outwardly-opening valves.

Abstract: In a housing body of an engine valve timing control apparatus, a vane rotor includes a vane, wherein the vane and shoes of the housing body define advance and retard chambers. The housing body is formed with a pulley adapted to winding of a belt, and formed with first bolt holes extending axially through the housing body, and formed with a sealing recess at an open axial end. A plate is fixedly inserted in the sealing recess, and formed with second bolt holes facing the first bolt holes. An annular first sealing ring is arranged between an inside periphery of the sealing recess and an outside periphery of the plate. An annular second sealing ring is arranged between the plate and an axial end surface of one of the shoes, wherein the second sealing ring extends circumferentially around one of the second bolt holes.

Abstract: A camshaft arrangement (1) for changing the relative angle position of at least one cam of a camshaft (2) relative to a second cam of the camshaft (2), wherein the arrangement includes an angular adjustment device (3) having a stator (4) and a rotor (5) which is arranged such that it can be rotated relative thereto. The rotor (5) is connected to a shaft (6) in a rotationally fixed manner, the stator (4) is connected to a hollow shaft (7) in a rotationally fixed manner, and the shaft (6) and the hollow shaft (7) are arranged concentrically to one another. The at least one first cam is connected to the shaft (6) in a rotationally fixed manner and the at least one second cam is connected to the hollow shaft (7) in a rotationally fixed manner.

Abstract: A cam drive tensioner for use with an engine includes a main body mounted to a component of the engine; a shoe movably mounted to the main body, for movement in a first direction; and two or more hydraulic chambers defined between the main body and the shoe, with the two or more hydraulic chambers being laterally spaced apart from each other in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A toothed drive belt covered by a cloth comprising PPS fibres is disclosed. In particular, the belt comprises at least one of the weft and warp yarns comprising at least one yarn made of PPS fibres. Advantageously, the belt of the invention is used inside the engine block in applications continuously in contact with oil.

Abstract: Compositions that include a detergent composition and an active metal compound are described wherein the detergent composition includes a quaternary ammonium salt detergent and optionally an oxygen-containing detergent, and wherein the active metal compound is in the form of a colloidal dispersion, comprising an organic phase, particles of an iron compound in its amorphous form, and at least one amphiphilic agent. These compositions can be used in fuels to provide improved engine performance by, for example, reducing fuel injector fouling in the engine and/or by improving the regeneration of the engine's particulate exhaust trap.

Abstract: A corona igniter 20 includes an electrode gap 28 between the central electrode 22 and the insulator 32 and a shell gap 30 between the insulator 32 and the shell 36. An electrically conductive coating 40 is disposed on the insulator 32 along the gaps 28, 30 to prevent corona discharge 24 in the gaps 28, 30 and to concentrate the energy at a firing tip 58 of the central electrode 22. The electrically conductive coating 40 is disposed on an insulator inner surface 64 and is spaced radially from the electrode 22. The electrically conductive coating 40 is also disposed on the insulator outer surface 72 and is spaced radially from the shell 36. During operation of the igniter 20, the electrically conductive coating 40 provides a reduced voltage drop across the gaps 28, 30 and a reduced electric field spike at the gaps 28, 30.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for igniting a fuel/air mixture in a combustion chamber of a cyclically operating internal combustion engine using an ignition electrode constitutes a capacitance in cooperation with a wall of the combustion chamber that is at ground potential, wherein an electric oscillating circuit, which is connected to a secondary side of an electric DC/AC converter and the ignition electrode, is excited by way of a primary voltage applied to a primary side of the electric DC/AC converter, wherein the excitation of the oscillating circuit is controlled such that a corona discharge igniting the fuel/air mixture is created in the combustion chamber at the ignition electrode. According to the invention, the primary voltage is controlled to a specified setpoint value which is changed during the combustion duration of the corona discharge and is dependent upon the crankshaft angle and on at least one characteristic value of the fuel/air mixture.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle, includes a rockback detection module and a starter disabling module. The rockback detection module receives a crankshaft position signal from a bi-directional crankshaft sensor and selectively indicates that a crankshaft of an engine is rotating in a first direction based on the crankshaft position signal. The engine rotates in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction when the engine is running. The starter disabling module disables current to a starter motor when the crankshaft is rotating in the first direction.

Abstract: Multi-section sleeve valves for internal combustion engines for improved aspiration. An open connecting rod section is separated from an internal, tubular passageway by a closed wall. A port section proximate the wall defines valve ports. A midsection borders the port section, and an open section adjacent the midsection is in fluid flow communication with the tubular passageway. The lower-diameter midsection forms a relief annulus between the valve and the tunnel or sleeve in which the valve is disposed. Fluid flow occurs through the valve interior and through ports dynamically positioned above the compression cylinder, proximate aligned sleeve and head ports. Sleeve ports are separated by bridges that maintain valve rings in compression during reciprocation to prevent damage. High pressure gas is confined between axially spaced apart, stepped sealing rings that prevent gases from flowing axially about the valve exterior.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a multi-part piston (10, 110) for an internal combustion engine, comprising the following method steps: producing an upper piston part (11) and a lower piston part (12), each having an inner support element (22, 26; 122, 126) having joining surfaces (24, 28; 124, 128) and an outer support element (23, 27; 123, 127) having joining surfaces (25, 29; 125, 129), applying a high-temperature solder material in the area of at least one joining surface (24, 28 or 25, 29; 124, 128 or 125, 129), assembling the upper piston part (11) and the lower piston part (12) to form a piston body by establishing a contact between the joining surfaces (24, 28 or 25, 29; 124, 128 or 125, 129), placing the piston body in a vacuum furnace and evacuating the vacuum furnace; heating the piston body at a pressure of at most 10?2 mbar to a soldering temperature of at most 1300° C.