Abstract: A bodyshell of a railcar includes side outside plates, end bodyshells, and guiding plates. The side outside plate are located at both end portions of a carbody in a vehicle width direction. The end bodyshell includes an end outside plate and a corner post. The end outside plates are located at both end portions of the carbody in the longitudinal direction. The corner posts are located at four corners of the carbody. The corner post is joined to the adjacent end outside plate and the adjacent side outside plate. The guiding plate is provided at the side outside plate so as to cover the corner post from a vehicle exterior. The guiding plate includes an inclined portion and a joining portion. The inclined portion is provided in front of the corner post and inclined to the rear side toward the side outside plate.

Abstract: A method of preparing a pigment includes in order the steps of: a) providing a pigment containing a nucleophile group under basic conditions; b) reacting the pigment with 1,4-butane sultone or 1,3-propane sultone in an alkaline medium to form sulfobutyl groups respectively sulfopropyl groups on the pigment surface; and c) adding acid to convert the sulfobutyl groups or sulfopropyl groups to sulfonic acid groups. Pigments obtainable by the method and non aqueous pigment dispersions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A material for use as a centering device for centering a ring within a groove of a piston when the ring is in an uncompressed free state is manufactured from a mixture of approximately eighty (80) parts by mass petrolatum with approximately twenty (20) parts by mass carnauba wax based on one hundred (100) parts by mass of the mixture. The petrolatum and the carnauba wax are heated to a liquid state and then combined to form the mixture. Once combined, the mixture is maintained in a liquid state for a pre-defined period of time, after which the mixture is cooled to room temperature to form a block of the mixture. Once cooled, layers of the mixture are scraped from the block. Each layer includes a maximum layer thickness equal to or less than 2.5 mm.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of the healing agent in cement-based materials and structures, wherein said healing agent comprises organic compounds and/or bacteria-loaded porous particles, which porous particles comprise expanded clay- or sintered fly-ash. Furthermore, said porous particles are intact spheres, broken or crushed particles derived from said intact spheres, having a specific density between 0.4 and 2 g cm?3.

Abstract: A particle or particles of cellulosic wood pulp fibers having a top and bottom face and a hexagonal perimeter, and methods of using it.

Abstract: Disclosed are barrier systems for and methods of retaining articles on or near a surface of an item such as an appliance. In some embodiments, a barrier system includes a plurality of modular wall assemblies joined together by releasable end connector assemblies. The barrier system may be temporarily attached to an item such as an appliance using one or more releasable fasteners. A barrier system attached near the perimeter edge regions of a top surface helps increase the usable space and decrease the risk of articles falling. A barrier catch system releasably attached to a side surface, especially near a door, helps capture falling articles.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of an improved mobile workstation comprising a work surface that is attached at one end to a curved, sound-absorbing partition. At the other end, the work surface is fitted with a fixed support leg opposite the partition. A pair of locking wheels is positioned at the base of the partition, thus providing the workstation with mobility. When movement of the mobile workstation is desired, a user unlocks the wheels, lifts the work surface at the opposite end closest to the support leg and moves the workstation like a wheelbarrow. After the mobile workstation is guided to the appropriate location and desired position, the work surface is lowered and the wheels are locked.

Abstract: A table may include a table top capable of being folded-in-half. In particular, the table top may include first and second portions that are capable of being moved being moved between a folded position in which the first portion is disposed proximate the second portion and an unfolded position in which the first portion and the second portion are generally aligned in the same plane. The table may also include first and second legs that are movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top. In addition, the table may include a handle that facilitates carrying of the table. The handle may include a gripping portion that is sized and configured to be gripped by a user and the handle may be attached to the table top. The table may further include a handle retention assembly that secures the handle in a fixed position.

Abstract: A self-tensioning drive belt system includes first and second gears rotatable relative to each other about a common first axis. A drive belt is fixedly secured to the first gear at a first location on the drive belt, and is fixedly secured to the second gear at a second location on the drive belt. A biasing member is disposed between the first and second gears. Various methods of using and assembling the self-tensioning drive system are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an engagement assembly for releasably engaging a rigid member, including a rotating member that releasably engages the rigid member to prevent movement of the rigid member in at least one direction by friction. The rotating member is forced by a biasing element to selectively engage the rigid member, preventing retraction of the leg and inhibiting extension of the leg. A control release interacts with the biasing element, providing a releasable engagement of the rotating member with the rigid member.

Abstract: A paper money transmission and storage device with locking mechanism in financial equipment comprises a paper money transmission channel (1) and a cashbox set (2) for storing paper money, wherein the cashbox set (2) is mounted in a cashbox set bracket (21) which is a box of which one side is covered by the overturned paper money transmission channel(1). An end of the paper money transmission channel (1) is pivoted to a side wall (212) of the cashbox set bracket (21).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing power from at least one fuel, said method including: a step of oxidizing said fuel by means of placing it in contact with at least one oxygen loaded solid compound and of concomitantly reducing said solid compound.

Abstract: A single pass ground driven tiller and seeder apparatus includes a support frame, an elongated drive rotor journaled transversely on the frame, a tillage assembly pivotally connected to the frame and formed by a pair of rearwardly extending bearing plates and having an elongated tillage rotor journaled thereto and extending transversely therebetween, and a firming roller journaled between mounting plates pivotally connected to the bearing plates. The drive rotor is rotated by ground contact as the apparatus is drawn along by a tractor. The drive rotor is drivingly engaged with the tillage rotor so that the tillage rotor rotates at a faster speed than the drive rotor. A seed metering mechanism is supported on the frame and deposits seed in front of the drive rotor. The tillage rotor breaks the soil and incorporates the seed into the soil, after which the firming roller firms the seed bed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a conformal electronic device includes securing an electrically-conductive fiber to a fabric or substrate using an assistant thread.

Abstract: A personal watercraft includes a hull, a deck disposed above the hull, and a seat supported on the deck. The deck includes a platform disposed at a stern of the personal watercraft, an outer wall disposed between the seat and the platform, and an inner wall disposed forward relative to the outer wall. The outer wall defines an opening accessible to an article storage space provided between the outer wall and the inner wall. The outer wall includes a lid arranged to open and close the opening.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed to a watercraft which comprises at least one main force member attached to at least one wing; the main force member and/or wing and/or a float attached to the wing comprise sufficient displacement to provide flotation for the craft and its payload. Connected to the main force member is a force transmitting member, to which the engine is connected. The engine may comprise a person or another engine (conventional, electronic, wind, etc.). The engine may comprise a weight which undergoes vertical translation, thereby producing the force transmitted by the force transmitting member to the main force member.

Abstract: An apparatus attachable to a docking structure and configured for getting into and out of a small water vessel. The apparatus may comprise a support structure, a handrail, and a vessel retaining arm. The support structure may comprise a support rail fixed via a base to the dock. The handrail may be pivotally attached to the support structure such that in an unfolded configuration, the handrail extends perpendicular to the support rail, and in a folded configuration, the handrail is substantially parallel to the support rail. The vessel retaining arm may be attached to and freely pivot relative to a distal end of the handrail. In the unfolded configuration, the handrail may extend over the water vessel, allowing a user to grasp the horizontal and/or support structures while getting into and out of the water vessel.

Abstract: A guidance device for determining the angular orientation of the distal end of a surgical instrument, comprising an indicator portion containing a constant vertical reference attached to a securing portion for attaching to the surgical instrument shaft. The guidance device has graduated markings upon it for indicating angle of surgical instrument rotation from the vertical reference.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the optical boundary between a person's fingerprint ridges and the surface platen of a live-scan imaging apparatus, which includes providing an absorbent pad containing chemicals selected from the nonvolatile, non-fatty alkyl esters of benzoic, salicylic, and anthranilic acids; benzyl alcohol and its non-fatty alkanoic acid esters and esters of benzoic, salicylic, and anthranilic acids and ethers of non-fatty alkyl esters; and the non-fatty alkanoic acid triesters of glycerol, placing the person's finger to be scanned on the surface of the absorbent pad to coat the fingerprint ridges and subsequently placing the person's finger with the coated fingerprint ridges on the imaging apparatus to provide a high contrast between the ridges and valleys of the fingerprint area and a high resolution of the fingerprint ridge details.

Abstract: A spray head for spraying mortar is provided. The spray head includes a spinning head positioned at an outlet point of a mortar supply pipe, the spinning head directing mortar supplied from the mortar supply pipe in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of mortar in the mortar supply pipe. The spray head further includes an air intake for receiving air, the air being employed to spin the spinning head pneumatically, and a material input port provided coaxial to the mortar supply pipe and around the mortar supply pipe, the material input port for providing material to be combined with the mortar in the mortar supply pipe at the outlet point of the mortar supply pipe.

Abstract: A method is provided of processing substrate holder material for a substrate holder on which on a first side of said substrate holder a semiconductor substrate is to be placed for layered deposition of various semiconductor materials on the semiconductor substrate using induction heating. The method includes the operations of determining a first electrical resistivity at at least one measuring position on said substrate holder material, comparing said first electrical resistivity with a second reference electrical resistivity and adapting said substrate holder material in correspondence with said comparison. Also a substrate holder is provided which is processes by such a method.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device wherein the traditional quasi-planar doors or gates are replaced by one or more plugs of approximately inverted teardrop cross sectional shape. Said plugs rest and bear against a sealing surface to effect sealing of the tank shut, and are actuated in a direction contrary to the direction of fluid outflow, into the interior cavity of the tank or hopper plenum in order to effect opening and dispensing of the contained fluid. Exit flow is markedly more laminar and uniform that that attainable with conventional quasi-planar door or gate systems, providing an improved exit flow characteristic, and greater accuracy in placing the working fluid onto a target.

Abstract: A system for in-line substrate processing includes a horizontal rail structure at a first height. A substrate transfer module next to the rail structure receives substrates ready for processing and delivers substrates after processing. Process modules disposed along the rail structure enable process operations on the substrates. A substrate loader moves along the rail structure and transfers substrates to and from the substrate transfer module and to and from the process modules. A controller manages operation of the system.

Abstract: An adhesive application apparatus sets a dot pattern such that an amount of paste applied to an area on the reverse side of an area on which an image is formed and an amount of paste applied to an area on the reverse side of an area on which the image is not formed are different from each other, and controls a paste discharge head so that the dot pattern having been set is formed on an adhesion surface of paper. Through this, the amount of paste applied to paper can be changed between an area where an image is formed and an area where the image is not formed, thereby making it possible to apply the paste to paper more appropriately in accordance with the state of image formation.

Abstract: An atmosphere in a reaction pipe is replaced by supplying a purge gas into the reaction pipe from a slit of a third gas injector when process gases are switched, by providing the third gas injector including the slit along a length direction of the reaction pipe in addition to first and second gas injectors including gas ejection holes for respectively supplying process gases, such as s Zr-based gas and an O3 gas, into the reaction pipe.

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. The exterior surface has a contact region that is adapted to contact a socket. A contact region coating is disposed on the contact region of the electrode for maintaining electrical conductivity between the electrode and the socket. The contact region coating has an electrical conductivity of at least 7×106 Siemens/meter at room temperature and a greater wear resistance than nickel as measured in mm3/N*m.

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 includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, and a head disposed on one of the ends of the shaft. The head of the electrode has an exterior surface having a contact. An exterior coating is disposed on the exterior surface of the electrode, outside of the contact region. The exterior coating has a greater wear resistance than nickel as measured in mm3/N*m.

Abstract: An arc source filter is disposed between an arc cathode and a substrate in a vacuum arc deposition system. The filter includes a plurality of duct elements that surround the arc source. The duct elements have sufficient spatial dimensions to block particles. In addition, the duct elements have electrical and magnetic properties that are conducive for plasma transmission through the filter. On passing through the filter, the highly ionized arc plasma is essentially rid of particles making a source plasma for reacted as well as un-reacted coatings characterized by high density and near defect free quality. The design allows for flexibility in terms of filtering degree, length of coating zone as well as choice of arc source.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a plasma chamber and processing system utilizing robust components. In one embodiment, a chamber is provided. The chamber includes a body having an interior volume, a gas distribution assembly disposed in the interior volume opposing a substrate support, the gas distribution assembly having a coolant channel disposed thereon, and a first hollow conduit and a second hollow conduit coupled to the body and in fluid communication with the interior volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a silicon thin film layer and a manufacturing apparatus of a solar cell are disclosed. The manufacturing apparatus of solar cell comprises an outer chamber; an inner chamber disposed within the outer chamber; a container disposed at the inner chamber and which receives a fluid; and a heat exchanger disposed at the outside of the outer chamber and which exchanges heat of the fluid.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a robotic arm. The robotic arm is operable to extend between the legs of a dairy livestock located in a milking stall of a rotary milking platform. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the robotic arm. The controller is operable to determine whether a milking claw is attached to the teats of the dairy livestock. The controller is also operable to control the robotic arm to extend between the legs of the dairy livestock based at least in part on whether the milking claw is attached.

Abstract: A pet bed having an upper fabric layer, lower fabric layer and a peripheral edge joining the upper and lower fabric layers defining the shape of the pet bed. Proximate the upper fabric layer is located a casing, the casing enclosing chopped memory foam and proximate the lower fabric layer is located sheet of open cell foam having an undulating surface next to the lower fabric layer such that the undulating surface creates dimples on said lower fabric layer.

Abstract: A pet bed having an outer fabric layer which defines its shape. The fabric layer encases at least two distinct regions. A first regions comprises a fiber filled bolster and the second region comprises memory foam.

Abstract: An automated feeding station for in-home testing away from unfamiliar laboratory settings test the acceptance of pet food by monitoring the reaction of the companion animals or pets in their comfortable in-home environment where the animals make their preferred choice of food without distractions caused by an unfamiliar environment. A pet owner scans appropriate food identifiers to verify the proper diet is being distributed into the appropriate food-receiving region(s). Once the food bowls are placed in appropriate food receiving regions within the feeding station, the testing system begins collecting data and transmits this data, preferably wirelessly, to the testing investigators. The preferred feeding station can measure: intake for the companion animal, information pertaining to the rate of food consumption, the animal's first approach to food, and the food first tasted by the animal. This information is provided via appropriate sensors and algorithms designed for this purpose within the system.

Abstract: A feeder is provided, in particular for feeding poultry, comprising a polygonal feeding pan defined by a base and a plurality of side walls depending from the base. The side walls define an outer peripheral edge of the feeder having a plurality of substantially straight outer edges. The feeder provides increased feeding space and feed volume with respect to a circular feeder having a radius equal to the apothem of the polygonal feeding pan.

Abstract: A transportable device for colonizing and harvesting invertebrate animals in proximity to a floor of a body of water includes at least two quadrangular frames, each of which include a trapping surface. A central hinge is disposed between opposing, inner traverse sides of the at least two quadrangular frames and has a first one-way folding direction. Two secondary hinges are disposed on opposite sides of the central hinge, each of the secondary hinges having a second one-way folding direction that is opposite to the first one-way folding direction such that the at least two quadrangular frames have an opening angle with respect to each other that is adaptable to a structure the floor of the body of water.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively affecting the behavior of elasmobranch fish such as rays, skates and sharks, with electromagnetic waves. The apparatus comprises a power source, an electrical circuit capable of generating a selected voltage, current, and alternating frequency, an antenna capable of receiving the converted power from the electrical current and transmitting the converted power as an electromagnetic field, and an optional control means disposed between the power source and the antenna. In operation, this apparatus generates and transmits electromagnetic waves whose effects are perceivable by certain aquatic elasmobranch fish, which can be adjusted to cause a selected behavior, such as attraction or repulsion. The characteristics of the emitted electromagnetic waves can be controlled and changed to fit the desired needs. The apparatus can be self-contained or part of a larger system, and can be incorporated into a variety of devices.

Abstract: A climate controlled animal shelter and method of controlling a climate controlled animal shelter is presented. The animal shelter includes an interior volume and a climate unit. The climate unit comprises an air conditioner, an evaporative cooler, an electric heater, and a radiant heater. The radiant heater includes a length of tubing attached to the animal shelter, a quantity of heating material disposed within the length of tubing. The heating material is configured to receive thermal energy and radiate the received thermal energy into the interior volume of the animal shelter.

Abstract: An animal identification entertainment and safety device acts as a play toy, an animal identifier and a movement control device. The device includes a main body having a concave bottom portion that is capable of resting on the back of an animal, the device includes attachment units for connecting to an animal collar and a leash. The device can connect only to the collar of an animal in order to act as an identification unit and to prevent a pet owner from being bitten.

Abstract: A variable wound-covering for a quadruped animal is arranged to substantially cover the abdomen of the animal and includes at least one front leg aperture for accommodating the front legs of the animal. The covering is providing with back fastening means arranged to releasably fasten the covering along the back of the animal to define a head aperture separate from the at least one front leg aperture. The wound-covering may comprise a wound-facing portion arranged to at least partly overlie the to abdomen of the animal. The wound-facing portion may comprise an absorbent material and/or a waterproof material.

Abstract: A waste gas combustion method that includes providing a combustible fuel source, in which the combustible fuel source is composed of at least methane and siloxane gas. A sodium source or magnesium source is mixed with the combustible fuel source. Combustion of the siloxane gas of the combustible fuel source produces a silicon containing product. The sodium source or magnesium source reacts with the silicon containing product to provide a sodium containing glass or sodium containing silicate, or a magnesium containing silicate. By producing the sodium containing glass or sodium containing silicate, or the magnesium containing silicate, or magnesium source for precipitating particulate silica instead of hard coating, the method may reduce or eliminate the formation of silica deposits within the combustion chamber and the exhaust components of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: If an engine undergoes high-load operations immediately after start up from its cold state, a thermostat is closed to inhibit passage of cooling water through the inside of the engine, and the cooling water stagnant in a cylinder head receives heat from a combustion chamber. Therefore, the cooling water will possibly boil. However, the thermostat is formed in such a manner that a valve body may be opened forcedly if the discharge flow rate of a water pump is greater than the flow rate in a normal use region. Therefore, in such a situation, the discharge flow rate of the water pump is increased greater than the flow rate in the normal use region to open the valve body with good response, thereby passing water into the engine quickly. This configuration prevents the cooling water stagnant in the cylinder head from boiling before the valve body is opened completely.

Abstract: A camshaft arrangement (1) for changing the relative angle of at least one first cam of a camshaft (2) relative to a second cam of the camshaft (2), wherein the arrangement includes an angle adjusting device (3) having a stator (4) and a rotor (5) rotatably disposed relative to said stator, wherein the rotor (5) is rotationally fixed to a shaft (6), wherein the stator (4) is rotationally fixed to a hollow shaft (7), wherein the shaft (6) and the hollow shaft (7) are disposed concentric to each other, wherein the at least one first cam is rotationally fixed to the shaft (6), wherein the at least one second cam is rotationally fixed to the hollow shaft (7), and wherein the rotationally fixed connection between the rotor (5) and the shaft (6) is produced by at least one screw (8).

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus includes a linear solenoid having a coil, a casing, a needle, a pair of cylindrical stators and a cylindrical spacer. The pair of cylindrical stators oppose with each other through an air gap in an axis direction. The pair of stators and the needle form a magnetic circuit so as to drive the needle to reciprocate. The cylindrical spacer fits with an outer circumference side of the pair of stators so as to restrict a short circuit from being generated in the magnetic circuit between the pair of stators. The spacer defines a discharge passage that connects the air gap to a discharge port of the casing.

Abstract: A rocker arm arranged between a camshaft and a valve which opens/closes an intake port or an exhaust port. A rolling bearing for supporting a support hole formed in a rocker arm is of a type of bearing wherein a plurality of needles are mounted on an inner side of an outer peripheral shell, and the outer peripheral shell is fixed to the support hole, the cam follower includes an outer ring which is supported on a periphery of a cam follower shaft which is held by a pair of left and right arm portions of the rocker arm by way of a plurality of rollers, a position of the outer ring and a position of the rollers in the lateral direction are restricted by the arm portion, and an outer diameter of the outer ring is set equal to or less than an inner diameter of the support hole.

Abstract: A corona ignition system for providing a corona discharge (24) includes an igniter (20) having an electrode (26) with an asymmetrical firing tip (28) relative to an electrode center axis (ae). The firing tip (28) includes a first surface area (A1) facing the fuel injector (42) which is greater than a second surface area (A2) facing a cylinder block (32). The first surface area (A1) presents a projection (60) having a sharp edge, and the second surface area (A2) presents a round outward surface (62). Accordingly, a radio frequency electric field emitted from the first surface area (A1) provides a robust corona discharge (24) in a flammable area at an outside edge (30) of the fuel spray. No electric field is emitted from the second surface area (A2), and no power arcing occurs between the second surface area (A2) and the cylinder block (32).

Abstract: A starting system for outdoor power equipment that has a controller and a start button to control the activation of an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a controller that receives a start signal from a start button. The controller monitors for the presence of an enable device in an enable device receptacle and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device in the enable device receptacle, the controller provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the controller initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controller activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the controller terminates operation of the engine.

Abstract: Provided is an engine starting device enabling the meshing engagement of a pinion gear and a ring gear to be quickly and quietly achieved in an automatic idle-stop system while an engine is rotating by inertia. The engine starting device includes: a ring gear connected to a crankshaft of an engine; a starter motor for starting the engine; a pinion gear for transmitting rotation of the starter motor to the ring gear; pinion-gear moving portion for moving the pinion gear so as to achieve meshing engagement with the ring gear; and starter control portion for executing any one of a plurality of control modes.

Abstract: A work apparatus has an engine and a starter arrangement for the engine. The starter arrangement has an actuating unit and a coupling unit for connecting to a crankshaft of the engine. The actuating unit is rotatably mounted about a rotational axis. A coil spring is arranged between the actuating unit and the coupling unit. The spring has a contact surface in its region located radially inwardly in relation to the axis. At least one stub projects into the interior of the spring. The stub has a support surface in its region located radially outwardly relative to the axis. To achieve a comfortable actuating force, in the non-actuated state of the starter arrangement, a distance, which increases in size in the direction of the axis of the actuating unit, is formed between the contact surface and the support surface in a section of the spring.

Abstract: An intake valve of an internal combustion engine includes a valve body and a valve stem extending from a central portion of the valve body. The valve body includes a valve body framework portion and a valve body thick portion provided on an outer side of the valve body framework portion. The valve body framework portion and the valve stem are made of iron material and the valve body thick portion is made of aluminum alloy.