Abstract: Exemplary illustrations of a supply tube, e.g., for a painting system, such as for supplying compressed air to a turbine in a rotary atomizer or for supplying an atomizer with a fluid medium, such as paint or a rinsing agent, are disclosed. An exemplary supply tube may include an upstream tube section and a downstream tube section. The upstream tube section may have a larger inner cross-section than the downstream tube section. A painting robot is also disclosed, which includes an exemplary supply tube.

Abstract: A nozzle arrangement for applying coating material in cavities of objects, in particular of vehicle bodies, comprises a nozzle element, which can be connected to a material source and comprises a first discharge opening and at least one further discharge opening, by way of which coating material can be discharged. With a directing device, the flow path of the coating material from the material source can be set in such a way that the flow path leads optionally to the first discharge opening and/or to the at least one further discharge opening.

Abstract: A deposition mask comprises: a mask frame having an open window defined in a center thereof, and including a first aperture and a second aperture formed in outer surfaces thereof, and a first connecting passage formed therein for spatially connecting the first aperture to the second aperture; and a mask sheet placed on the mask frame; wherein a surface of the mask frame faces the mask sheet and includes a fixing region fixed to the mask sheet; and wherein the first aperture is located in a region of the surface on a side of the fixing region which is close to the open window.

Abstract: A deposition mask comprises a mask frame having an open window defined in a center thereof, a first mask sheet placed on the mask frame and including a plurality of open regions and a separation region which separates the open regions, and a second mask sheet placed on the first mask sheet and including a first aperture portion in a region which contacts the separation region of the first mask sheet.

Abstract: A coating machine for coating fiber yarns includes: a yarn supply device; a coating device including a tank, a drum rotatably disposed in the tank, and at least one annular groove formed circumferentially in an outer surface of the drum; a thickness adjuster disposed downstream of the coating device and including an adjuster support and at least one adjusting die mounted movably to the adjuster support, the adjusting die having a through hole, the through hole having an upstream inlet end and a downstream outlet end and being tapered from the upstream inlet end to the downstream outlet end; a shape-setting device disposed downstream of the thickness adjuster and having a heating unit controllable to operate at a predetermined temperature; a cooling device disposed downstream of the shape-setting device; and a yarn pick-up device disposed downstream of the cooling device.

Abstract: Integrated wafer or substrate bow measurement modules are described. For example, a multi-chamber system includes a chamber housing a bow measurement module. In another example, a method of pre-screening a wafer includes inserting a wafer or a substrate into a multi-chamber system. A bow parameter of the wafer or the substrate is measured in a bow measurement module housed in a chamber of the multi-chamber system.

Abstract: A measuring unit 13 is provided inside a rotary drum 11. The measuring unit 13 is provided with a light transmitting member 13a and an optical sensor 13b that are provided at the central region on the inner wall of the other end portion 11b. When particles are subjected to a coating treatment, information as to the properties (such as the coating thickness, the moisture, the coating performance, and the impurity) of the particles of a particle layer A being brought into contact with the surface of the light transmitting member 13a is measured on a real-time basis by the NIR sensor 13b via the light transmitting member 13a. The data is processed by the processing unit of the NRI spectroscopic analyzer to thereby perform monitoring.

Abstract: A graphene synthesis chamber includes: a chamber case in which a substrate including a metal thin film is placed; a gas supply unit which supplies at least one gas comprising a carbon gas into an inner space of the chamber case; a main heating unit which emits at least one light to the inner space to heat the substrate; and at least one auxiliary heating unit which absorbs the at least one light and emits radiant heat toward the substrate.

Abstract: A microwave plasma deposition device includes: a main chamber; a support disposed in the main chamber for supporting an article to be coated; a resonance chamber fluidly connected to the main chamber and disposed opposite to the support; a microwave plasma generator disposed in the resonance chamber for generating a plasma to travel to the support; a separation cover unit disposed in the main chamber to cover the support and to define a deposition space within the main chamber and around the support, and including a plurality of plasma through holes that connect fluidly the deposition space with a remaining part of the main chamber to permit the plasma to enter the deposition space; and a precursor supplying device for supplying a precursor to the deposition space.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems of reacting a precursor material disposed on a continuous flexible workpiece to form a solar cell absorber. The reactor is configured to have a uniform transition in cross-sectional area from a gas inlet into a reaction space and then a uniform transition in cross-sectional area from the reaction area to a gas outlet. The uniform transition reduces gas turbulence. The continuous flexible workpiece may also be positioned on a floor that is configured to reduce turbulence adjacent the lateral edges of the continuous flexible workpiece.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatus and methods for loading substrates into processing chambers, processing the substrates in the processing chamber, and transferring the substrates out of the processing chamber using a single lift and rotational mechanism. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for processing one or more substrates. The method includes transferring a substrate carrier, having one or more substrates disposed thereon, to a chamber volume, supporting the substrate carrier within the chamber volume using a set of lift pins, transferring the substrate carrier from the set of lift pins to an edge ring within the chamber volume, and contacting the edge ring with the set of lift pins to control the position of the substrate carrier within the chamber volume.

Abstract: A method for continuous vermiculture is provided. The method includes providing a continuous vermiculture culture system. The continuous vermiculture culture system includes at least one culture member that is fluidly connected to an irrigation system. After preparing a feeding solution, a volume of the feeding solution is then infused into the at least one culture member via the irrigation system. The steps of providing a feeding solution and infusing a volume of the feeding solution into the at least one culture member via the irrigation system are optionally repeated to promote formation of culture-grade soil and plant growth within the at least one culture member.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method for milking stall assignment includes storing first location information associated with a dairy livestock, the first location information comprising a coordinate location of the dairy livestock within a milking parlor at a first time. The method further includes comparing the stored first location information associated with the dairy livestock with an area associated with each of a plurality of milking stalls of the milking parlor to identify a milking stall in which the dairy cow is located at the first time and assigning the dairy livestock to the milking stall in which the dairy cow is located at the first time such that data associated with milking of the dairy livestock may be associated with the dairy cow.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes pet beds including a box-like construction and interior chambers for filler material therein. The interior chambers are defined, at least in part, by interior walls within the pet bed.

Abstract: A heated pet pad having a substantially oval shape and including a heating element to produce heat within the pet pad, a reflective layer mounted adjacent to the heating element to reflect heat toward the animal, and a support layer to contain the heating element and the reflective layer within the pet pad, the support layer including a plurality of support members extending from a first surface thereof to simulate a mattress spring, and a plurality of feet members extending from an opposite surface of the support layer to raise the pet pad off the external ground surface to inhibit heat loss.

Abstract: A dry animal food feeder device that is adapted to provide a quantity of food based on input from a domestic animal. The device comprises a dry food hopper, which funnels downward to a smaller opening having a flapper-type trap door, operably connected to a series of linkages and a slide gate. A paw pedal is provided, which when depressed, operates the linkages to open the hopper trap door and release the slide gate, providing a quantity of food without dispensing the entire hopper upon depression of the pedal. The linkages are spring assisted to return to a first, closed state upon release of the paw pedal. The dispensing end of the device includes a chute or slide to flow food products therefrom and onto a ground surface for consumption. The entire assembly is housed in a waterproof container to prevent spoilage of the dry food products within the funnel.

Abstract: A bird feeder comprising a tubular main body having at least one opening in a wall of the main body, and at least one feeder port assembly mounted within the respective opening. Each feeder port assembly comprises a main body part projecting into the tubular main body through the opening, and is magnetically secured directly or indirectly by at least one magnet to the tubular main body. Preferably there are at least two feeder port assemblies mountable within the respective opposing openings, and the opposing feeder port assemblies are magnetically interconnected together by the magnet to hold them in place. There is also described an improved cap assembly with a lid magnetically secured in place. In addition there is further described an improved dual perch arrangement including integral first and second perch members that are spaced laterally and longitudinally from each other.

Abstract: A collapsible feeder is provided for use in combination with a cage or kennel. The feeder includes a collapsible container and a cage-mounted hinge. The collapsible container is made from a flexible material that collapses to a flat profile, and the collapsible container is connected to the cage-mounted hinge so that the collapsible container and adjacent apparatus may be folded up against the cage to maximize interior cage space when not in use.

Abstract: A receptacle for receiving containers of feces, for transport therein to a secondary receptacle such as a trash container, is provided. The receptacle includes a spring loaded opening, such that the opening may be held open without intervention of a person, and closed after receipt of a feces container therein. The opening may be opened under the influence of energy stored in the coil spring, such that the container(s) of feces therein may fall therefrom under the influence of gravity into the secondary receptacle. A pouch, formed on the exterior of the receptacle, may be configured to carry one or more containers for retrieval of feces thereinto.

Abstract: Enclosed, collapsible and shippable disposable animal litter box which can be shipped without loss of animal litter pre-filled in the litter box, and which can be collapsed by the user for disposal after use, thus resealing the box so that used litter and animal waste are prevented from escaping the box. Litter box includes a top, bottom, left side, right side, front, and rear of sheet material with a litter tray for holding animal litter. Various sides are hingedly attached to each other for shipping, opening up by the user into an enclosed use position for the animal, and then for being closed into a disposal position after use. An animal entryway is provided. Entryway includes a removable seal for sealing entry for preventing litter from escaping when litter box is in collapsed position during both shipping of clean litter and discarding of used litter.

Abstract: A portable pet toilet comprising three layers; a surface layer designed such that a pet is encouraged to urinate upon it, a bottom layer (shield layer) designed to prevent urine from contaminating any floor material upon which it rests, and an intermediate layer designed to absorb and retain the amount of urine that can be expected to be excreted by the pet. The bottom layer is afforded with a means for securing the position of the other two layers while allowing all three layers to be formed into a compact roll to facilitate portability.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing an oxygenated fluid. In accordance with various embodiments, a vessel of water is provided for housing a population of fish. A stream of oxygenated water is generated to have a dissolved oxygen content of at least about 70 milligrams/liter (mg/l). The stream of oxygenated water is diluted with a second stream of water to provide an output stream with a dissolved oxygen content of from about 5 mg/l to about 14 mg/l. The output stream is injected into the vessel to maintain the population of fish.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that detects a condition of a cage for housing laboratory animals includes providing an animal cage including a base part and a top and cage means for automatically detecting at leats one of at least one bedding condition corresponding to a humidity level or an occurring flooding condition. At least one of the resistance or the impedance of material between said pair of electrodes is determined using one of direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). At least one of the bedding condition or the flooding condition is measured based on a rate of oen or more changes of one of a resistance or an impedance of said material between said electrodes.

Abstract: The present technology provides a mechanical conflict device operable to assess a physiologic experience; for example, pain or drug addiction in an animal, the device comprising: a housing having a floor connected to a plurality of walls, the floor and plurality of walls defining: a holding compartment, an alley compartment connected to the holding compartment, the alley compartment has a plurality of perforations disposed on the floor of the alley compartment, and a compensatory compartment connected to the alley compartment. The compensatory compartment is operable to provide a positive stimulus to the animal. The device also includes a noxious mechanical stimulus the noxious mechanical stimulus having a platform, a plurality of pins disposed on the platform and a platform raising mechanism capable of raising the plurality of pins through the plurality of perforations in the floor of the alley compartment.

Abstract: A stall divider suitable for free stall stables including a vertical support member, a lower member extending away from the support member, an upper member extending away from the support member, and a crossing member extending perpendicularly to the upper member. The crossing member is made of a bendable or deflectable material and has a hollow or solid structure. The lower member, the upper member, and the crossing member include a soft or elastic outer layer. The construction of the stall divider increases the comfort and the welfare of the animals.

Abstract: A motorized cat toy having a suspended teaser toy at the end of a detachable stretchable string connected to a flexible swing arm biased against a waveguide within a housing having a programmable electronic control, a gearbox with meshing gears including one spur gear on the rotor of the motor to provide control of the teaser toy movement to include a twitch and other erratic movements pleasing to a cat.

Abstract: An edible pet chew for pets primarily dogs has a chewy sheet of meat based material. The “meat based” chewy sheet imitates the chewy property and chewing function of known rawhide sheet and thus substitute the “meat based” chewy sheet for the known rawhide sheet to form a pet chew. In order to achieve the “chewy” property, a necessary additive is used to form the “meat based” material. The “meat based” chewy sheet is then formed to pet chews with various shapes and structures as known rawhide sheet is. A second aspect of present invention is that, wrapping another member of “edible chewable material”, preferably chicken jerky into the “meat based” chewy sheet to further enhance attraction or nutrition to dogs. A third aspect of present invention is that, instead of chewy sheet, a three-dimensional-shape chewy mass is introduced wrapping or containing another member of “edible chewable material” preferably chicken jerky in the chewy mass member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operably connecting a first person to a second person. The apparatus comprises a wrist strap having first and second ends sized to closely extend around a wrist of a first person and a coupling formed of a first coupling half located at the first end and a second coupling half located at the second end. The first and second coupling ends are lockably engageable with each other. The coupling has a pair of buttons to opposed sides thereof wherein the pair of buttons cooperate to disengage the second coupling half from the first coupling half and a connector extending from the wrist strap member connectable to a second person. The method comprises lockably and closely securing the wrist strap to a wrist of the first person, and securing a connector extending from the first wrist strap to a second user.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved harness for a quadruped animal, comprising a length of material forming a first and second closed loop, along with a connector means for forming the loops into a figure eight shape. The animal's forelegs are places through the first and second loops of the figure eight, while the intersecting connector is positioned centrally against the animal's chest. The outer ends of each loop are wrapped around the animal's shoulders and secured along the animal's back via a securing means such as a leash clasp. A leading strap can be attached to the harness for use when walking the animal, wherein the connector bears against the animal's chest and the position of the loops provides improved control over the actions of the animal. The harness prevents choking or twisting of the animal's neck, while allowing the user to have better over control.

Abstract: A water heater includes a case, in which a hot source, a cold source, a thermoelectric cooling chip, and a power requiring unit are provided. The thermoelectric cooling chip has a close loop with a hot junction adjacent to the hot source; and a cold junction adjacent to the cold source, that the thermoelectric cooling chip generates a current through the close loop when a temperature at the hot junction, is higher than a temperature at the cold junction. The power requiring unit is electrically connected to the close loop of the thermoelectric cooling chip; therefore, the power requiring unit may be driven by the power from the thermoelectric cooling chip, when the main power is low or off.

Abstract: Embodiments of processes and an apparatus for generating steam are provided. The process comprises the steps of indirectly heating water in a first thermosyphon heat exchanger with a first hot stream to form a first stream of heated water comprising steam. The first stream of heated water is fluidly communicated to a first steam drum via natural circulation. Water is indirectly heated in a second thermosyphon heat exchanger with a second hot stream from the process unit to form a second stream of heated water comprising steam. The second stream of heated water is fluidly communicated to the first steam drum via natural circulation. Steam is recovered from the first steam drum.

Abstract: A cogeneration power plant for producing steam and electricity. A boiler burner receives fuel from a fuel source and a boiler combustion air/exhaust mixture from a boiler combustion air fan. Combustion occurs inside the burner and hot gases are generated which are used to provide heat for the boiler. An internal combustion engine receives fuel and air for combustion. The internal combustion engine drives an electricity generator for the production of electricity. An engine jacket and oil cooler are utilized to provide cooling for the engine. A water circuit is configured to remove heat from the engine jacket and oil cooler. The heated water flows through a water-to-air heat exchanger connected to the water circuit. The water-to-air heat exchanger utilizes the heated water to heat ambient air through the heat exchanger to produce heated boiler combustion air.

Abstract: Improved electrolysis systems for production of Brown's gas. The produced Brown's gas is made available for co-combustion with hydrocarbon fuel in an internal combustion engine to improve the fuel efficiency of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A system and method for cooling an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment of the invention a cooling system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed, comprising an engine; an intercooler for receiving combustion air from a turbocharger, the intercooler comprising an air-to-liquid heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the combustion air and a liquid coolant; an intercooler radiator; at least one engine coolant radiator; an expansion tank; an oil cooler; and at least one pump, wherein the dedicated fan is controlled by a temperature switch or controller and wherein the at least one engine coolant radiator and the intercooler radiator are located on opposite sides of the engine.

Abstract: A cooling device for engine includes: an engine having a cylinder block, a cylinder head and a gasket, the gasket being provided between the cylinder block and the cylinder head and having a high thermal conductivity member allowing heat transfer between an upper part of a cylinder and the cylinder head with a heat transfer rate higher than the other part, a partial W/J being provided around the high thermal conductivity member; and an ECU performing a control for changing flow condition of cooling medium flowing in the partial W/J, according to combustion engine operation condition.

Abstract: A cylinder liner and piston configuration for an internal combustion engine includes features for improving the cooling of the piston. Specific ratios and dimensions are included to optimize the features of the cylinder liner and piston. Also included are unique piston features that assist in achieving some of the specified dimensions and ratios.

Abstract: An air induction system hydrocarbon trap is provided. In one example, the hydrocarbon trap includes an adsorber roll including an adsorbing material and a corrugate support, where the corrugate support is rolled with the adsorbing material to form a wound adsorber roll. A housing is further provided to retain the adsorber roll. A housing cap may be coupled to the housing.

Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure and a crankshaft. The engine structure may include an engine block defining a first bank of cylinders defining two cylinders and a second bank of cylinders defining two cylinders forming a V4 arrangement. The crankshaft may include a first crank pin, a second crank pin, a third crank pin and a fourth crank. The fourth crank pin may be rotationally offset from the first crank pin by a first angle of less than two hundred and seventy degrees in the rotational direction of the crankshaft. The second and third crank pins may be located rotationally between the first crank pin and the fourth crank pin in the rotational direction.

Abstract: A pressure storage unit (2) for a camshaft, having an integrated controllable pressure storage device for supporting hydraulic engine components, which includes a housing (4) with a piston (14) mounted movably therein having a piston floor (18), and a spacer element (28) being provided on the piston floor (18).

Abstract: A variable valve mechanism control apparatus ensures intake negative pressure in an idling state, decelerating state, coasting state, and a decelerating and coasting state, to operate accessories or a brake device with the ensured intake negative pressure. In the variable valve mechanism control apparatus of an internal combustion engine including a variable valve mechanism which changes the phase of an operating angle of an engine valve, and a control device which changes the phase of the variable valve mechanism, when the temperature of the internal combustion engine is greater than a certain value which can be treated as a post-warm-up state, the accelerator opening is less than a certain value which can be treated as an idling state, and the intake negative pressure is less than a predetermined value, the phase is changed to converge to a predetermined phase at which a predetermined intake negative pressure occurs.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine which is provided with a variable compression ratio mechanism able to change a mechanical compression ratio and a variable valve timing mechanism able to control a closing timing of an intake valve. The expansion ratio is made higher at the time of engine low load operation compared with at the time of engine high load operation. A fuel containing alcohol is used as the fuel, and the expansion ratio at the time of engine low load operation is made to fall when an alcohol concentration in the fuel is high compared with when the alcohol concentration in the fuel is low.

Abstract: A spark ignition type internal combustion engine includes a plurality of cylinders and can stop combustion in part of these cylinders. Further, the spark ignition type internal combustion engine comprises a variable compression ratio mechanism (A) which can change an mechanical compression ratio, and a variable valve timing mechanism (B) which can control a closing timing of an intake valve. When idling part of the cylinders or increasing idled cylinders, the closing timing of an intake valve (7) moves in a direction which approaches an intake bottom dead center side, and the mechanical compression ratio of the operating cylinders falls. By idling part of the plurality of cylinders in this way, it is possible to realize a high heat efficiency even in a region where the engine load is low.

Abstract: A camshaft phaser is provided for varying the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft in an engine. The camshaft phaser includes a stator having lobes. A rotor is disposed within the stator includes vanes interspersed with the stator lobes to define alternating advance and retard chambers. A lock pin is provided for selective engagement with a lock pin seat for preventing relative rotation between the rotor and the stator. Pressurized oil disengages the lock pin from the seat while oil is vented for engaging the lock pin with the seat. A phase relationship control valve is coaxial with the rotor and controls the flow of oil into and out of the chambers. A lock pin control valve is coaxial with the phase relationship control valve and controls the flow of oil to and from the lock pin. The control valves are operational independent of each other.

Abstract: A cylinder head cover is provided for an internal combustion engine having a cover sealing surface for a seal. The seal seals a level cylinder head sealing surface of a cylinder head housing and a curved bearing cap sealing surface of a common frontal bearing cap in relation to frontally arranged camshaft bearings. The curved bearing cap sealing surface of the frontal bearing cap has an outer contour having a middle part above the cylinder head sealing surface and having two transition areas, which slope down diagonally from the cylinder head sealing surface and are skewed in relation to the middle part.

Abstract: The invention concerns a roller tappet (1) for a high pressure fuel pump, said roller tappet (1) comprising a housing (2) comprising on a drive side front end (3), a slide-mounted roller (4) serving as a running surface of a cam, said housing (2), as viewed in housing direction, comprising a bridge member (5) arranged below the roller (4), said bridge member (5) comprising on a front end (7) turned towards a driven side front end (6) of the housing (2), a support (8) for a tappet follower member, wherein a shell member (11) like a semi shell or a one-third shell separated out of a rolling bearing ring is seated in a cylindrical cavity (9) of a further drive side front end (10) of the bridge member (5), and the roller (4) extends for sliding displacement directly in said shell member (11).

Abstract: The use of a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel in a fuel composition that improves the responsiveness of a compression ignition engine, such as a turbocharged direct injection diesel engine, and/or a vehicle which is powered by such engine, is provided. A method of improving the responsiveness of such an engine and/or vehicle powered by such an engine by replacing in such engine a fuel composition which contains no Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel by a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel or a fuel composition which contains a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel is also provided.

Abstract: A starting system for an engine of a vehicle includes a starter motor and a motion control mechanism. The starter motor includes a starter pinion gear configured to selectively mesh with a primary mass of the engine. The starter pinion gear is selectively rotatable about a first axis of rotation to cause the primary mass to rotate about a second axis of rotation. The motion control mechanism includes a mechanism pinion gear that is configured to selectively mesh with the primary mass of the engine. The mechanism pinion gear is configured to rotate about a third axis of rotation in response to rotation of the primary mass about the secondary axis of rotation.

Abstract: A starter includes a shift lever that is engaged between a washer and a space collar and moves an output shaft in an axial direction, and a locking portion that is disposed between a snap ring attached to the output shaft and the shift lever to be movable on the output shaft and locks at least a part of an outer circumference portion of the snap ring when the shift lever is engaged between the washer and the space collar. An axial length of the locking portion is shorter than an axial movable length of the locking portion when the snap ring is attached to or removed from the output shaft and longer than the axial movable length of the locking portion when the shift lever is engaged between the washer and the space collar.

Abstract: A starting system for a hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft rotatably supported within an engine block. The starting system includes a pinion gear driven by a starter motor, a drive plate having a set of teeth in constant meshed engagement with the pinion gear, and a one-way clutch. The one-way clutch is adapted to selectively drivingly interconnect the drive plate and the crankshaft. The clutch includes an inner race adapted to be fixed for rotation with the crankshaft, an outer race coupled for rotation with the drive plate, and a plurality of roller elements positioned radially therebetween. A fastener couples the drive plate to the outer race and compresses an elastomeric damper between the drive plate and the outer race.

Abstract: An engine starting method in a parallel-type hybrid vehicle comprises a motor reverse rotation driving step of applying reverse rotation current to drivingly rotate a motor output shaft in a reverse rotation direction of an engine output shaft whereby an elastic member in a damper is elastically deformed to store an urging force that urges the motor output shaft in a normal rotation direction; an urged normal rotation step of stopping the electrification to release the urging force having been stored at the motor reverse rotation driving step whereby the motor output shaft is rotated in the normal rotation direction; a motor normal rotation driving step of applying normal rotation current to drivingly rotate the motor output shaft in the normal rotation direction; and an engine start igniting step of igniting an engine with the engine output shaft being rotated by the rotation at the motor normal rotation driving step.