Abstract: A method of manufacturing a marine thru-hull fitting from a single stock material to fit a variety of different sized boat hulls is disclosed. A variety of differently-sized thru-hulls can therefore be formed from the same stock item, reducing the amount of inventory manufacturers are required to maintain.

Abstract: A submersible able to maintain one atmosphere of pressure throughout its operating envelope with the capacity to maintain a habitable atmosphere through its capability of rapid transit between underwater operating areas and the water's surface so as to replenish habitable air via a system of ducting, valves, and fans. The submersible is comprised of a towing and stability system that can vary stability about the submersible's longitudinal axis by selectively clutching or declutching the submersible's minimally stable crew compartment to the submersible's more stable bow hull, as controlled by the submersible's operator. The towing and stability system also provides the ability to propel the submersible underwater along a path of the operator's selection by aligning the tow vector within proximity of the center of gravity and then steering the submersible in three dimensions by articulating a plurality of hydroplanes which enact moments upon the submersible, thereby controlling its path.

Abstract: A portable boat enclosure includes a plurality of separable panels formed of a lightweight material and a storage bag. The panels are connectable into a boat enclosure, and the panels are sized and shaped to be overlaid, folded and rolled to fit in the storage bag.

Abstract: Systems and methods for continuous sapphire growth are disclosed. One embodiment may take the form of a method including feeding a base material into a crucible located within a growth chamber, heating the crucible to melt the base material and initiating crystalline growth in the melted base material to create a crystal structure. Additionally, the method includes pulling the crystal structure away from crucible and feeding the crystal structure out of the growth chamber.

Abstract: Before the application of a liquid application agent to a base material having at least an outer surface of uneven shape, a low-viscosity liquid having a lower viscosity than that of the application agent is applied to a region of the base material, the application agent being supposed to be applied to the region. The low-viscosity liquid is preferably a liquid having compatibility with the application agent.

Abstract: A control unit heats a reaction pipe to a load temperature by controlling a temperature-raising heater 16, and then makes semiconductor wafers received in the reaction pipe. Next, the control unit heats the reaction pipe in which the semiconductor wafers are received to a film formation temperature by controlling the temperature-raising heater, and then forms thin films on the semiconductor wafers by supplying a film forming gas into the reaction pipe from a process gas introducing pipe. Also, the control unit sets the load temperature to a temperature higher than the film formation temperature.

Abstract: A dual-purpose facility of continuous hot-dip coating and continuous annealing is configured so as to be switched between a continuous hot-dip coated material production line and a continuous annealed material production line, and includes a gas discharge path that discharges atmosphere gas in an annealing furnace from a gas discharge port provided in an outlet side of the annealing furnace out of the annealing furnace and a path opening and closing unit for opening and closing the gas discharge path. The path opening and closing unit opens the gas discharge path when the dual-purpose facility is used as the continuous hot-dip coated material production line and closes the gas discharge path when the dual-purpose facility is used as the continuous annealed material production line.

Abstract: In embodiments of the current invention, methods of combinatorial processing and a test chip for use in these methods are described. These methods and test chips enable the efficient development of materials, processes, and process sequence integration schemes for semiconductor manufacturing processes. In general, the methods simplify the processing sequence of forming devices or partially formed devices on a test chip such that the devices can be tested immediately after formation. The immediate testing allows for the high throughput testing of varied materials, processes, or process sequences on the test chip. The test chip has multiple site isolated regions where each of the regions is varied from one another and the test chip is designed to enable high throughput testing of the different regions.

Abstract: In a plasma processing method, plasma processing is performed in a state where the object is attracted and held on the electrostatic chuck by applying a first voltage as an application voltage thereto and a thermal conduction gas is supplied to a gap between the electrostatic chuck and the object. The application voltage is decreased while stopping the supply of the thermal conduction gas and exhausting the thermal conduction gas remaining between the electrostatic chuck and the object upon completion of the plasma processing. The object is separated from the electrostatic chuck by setting the application voltage to the electrostatic chuck to zero after the application voltage is decreased.

Abstract: An isotopically-enriched, boron-containing compound comprising two or more boron atoms and at least one fluorine atom, wherein at least one of the boron atoms contains a desired isotope of boron in a concentration or ratio greater than a natural abundance concentration or ratio thereof. The compound may have a chemical formula of B2F4. Synthesis methods for such compounds, and ion implantation methods using such compounds, are described, as well as storage and dispensing vessels in which the isotopically-enriched, boron-containing compound is advantageously contained for subsequent dispensing use.

Abstract: A film forming apparatus performs a film forming process by supplying a plurality of types of reactant gases that react with one another to a substrate in a processing chamber in a vacuum atmosphere. The apparatus includes: a ceiling part provided to face a mounting table and having an inclined surface that is wider gradually from a center toward a periphery; gas supply units provided at a central area of the ceiling part, each of the gas supply units having gas discharge openings formed around a circumferential direction thereof; and a shower head disposed to cover the gas supply units. The shower head has gas supply openings in a bottom portion thereof opposite to the mounting table. An outer periphery of the shower head is located inward of an outer periphery of the substrate mounted on the mounting table.

Abstract: A bird feeder is provided having a seed reservoir with a side wall that has at least one seed access opening and a squirrel resistant feed port assembly having a seed access restricter. The seed access restricter has a body with an inner opening in communication with the reservoir side wall opening and an outer seed access opening that is spaced away from the inner opening and the reservoir side wall opening while being in communication therewith. The outer seed access opening of the restricter is small enough and the length of the body is long enough that the squirrel resistant feed port assembly allows birds to access seed in the reservoir while blocking entry of the larger facial and head structure of a squirrel, thus preventing squirrels from gaining seed access.

Abstract: The invention provides remotely programmable, automated, multi-meal pet feeding apparatuses for use by pet owners and caretakers. Such apparatuses may include a communications module for connection to a communications network such as the Internet. The apparatuses may also include a built-in webcam to monitor a pet's feeding activity and environment.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder configured to allow a large number of hummingbirds to feed simultaneously is provided. The hummingbird feeder includes a longitudinally extending generally horizontally arranged feeding reservoir. Feeding holes are spaced from one another along the exterior of the reservoir and at positions offset from the apex of the outer surface. The feeder can include removable perches. The feeder is preferably sized such that a hummingbird tongue can reach the lowermost surface of the reservoir so as to prevent pooling of liquid hummingbird feed. The feeder can include a transparent bottom portion to permit observation of the hummingbirds' tongues during feeding. The feeder can also include an auxiliary storage container designed for gravity feeding additional hummingbird feed into the horizontal reservoir.

Abstract: An improved drinking system having a water source capable of delivering water through water supply pipes, watering stations fluidly connected to the water supply pipes, and at least one light source optically connected to at least one of the watering stations. Also provided is a method for selectively distributing water to animals within a farm facility utilizing illuminated watering stations.

Abstract: A portable, fully-disposable, pet toilet is comprised of a receptacle whose cavity is fitted with living grass, living sod (including washed or soil-free sod), or a grass-seed medium. The unit has a fitted, removable cover or fold-back lid to enable the convenient shipping and disposal of the unit in its entirety. The pet toilet is used by the pet for a set period of time, at which point it is completely disposed of and replaced with a new one.

Abstract: A portable, fully-disposable, pet toilet is comprised of a receptacle whose cavity is fitted with living grass, living sod (including washed or soil-free sod), or a grass-seed medium. The unit has a fitted, removable cover or fold-back lid to enable the convenient shipping and disposal of the unit in its entirety. The pet toilet is used by the pet for a set period of time, at which point it is completely disposed of and replaced with a new one.

Abstract: An ozone delivery system, method, and apparatus are disclosed. Ozonated water can be used to disinfect and dean various surfaces, equipment, and animals in a dairy setting. Animals can be disinfected and protected from disease through the use of wash-pen and sprayer injections, and other footbath products. Ozone can be educted into a drop hose and a pre-dip line at periodic intervals and into a foot bath to provide refreshed ozonated water. The ozone delivery system and method sterilizes all equipment and floor surfaces without damaging diary equipment components. The system can incorporate computer-controlled options such as maintaining of gas levels, monitoring ozonated water levels, monitoring concentrations of ozone in said ozonated water, controlling entry and exit gates, controlling a drainage system, and monitoring and educting ozone in a foot bath and wash pen.

Abstract: An apparatus for brushing cattle comprises a motor mounted to a fixed support structure, and the motor remains stationary during operation of the apparatus. A pivotal motor output shaft assembly is operatively connected to the motor, and disposed vertically and downwardly relative the motor; and, a brush is attached to the shaft assembly distal to the motor, wherein the motor drives the output shaft causing the brush to rotate. The motor may have a longitudinal disposed and a gear assembly is connected to the motor and the output shaft assembly. The shaft assembly is pivotal at a location along the shaft location between the brush and the motor and/or gear assembly.

Abstract: An absorbent article for pet includes: a liquid permeable top surface layer; a liquid impermeable back surface layer; and an absorbent core disposed between the top and back surface layers, the absorbent article for pet being configured in a rectangular shape with a pair of end portions facing each other and a pair of side portions facing each other orthogonal to the pair of end portions, the absorbent article for pet being configured to be worn in a state of being wrapped around a waist of a pet, the absorbent article for pet further including first and second solid gather portions that are respectively disposed on the top surface layer side of the pair of side portions and uprise from the top surface layer, in which the first solid gather portion is configured to be easier to lie outward in the width direction of the absorbent article for pet.

Abstract: A method of cooling for an injection engine and cooling device thereof are provided. The cooling device includes a casing, a by-pass, and a second evaporator. The casing has an air-intake and an interior part defining a receiving space. The air-intake and the by-pass are separately in communication with the receiving space of the casing. The by-pass has one end connected to the air-intake passage of the injection engine. The second evaporator is disposed in the receiving space of the casing and has two refrigerant pipes connected to the first evaporator of the automobile cooling system in parallel. Cold air is conveyed into the air-intake passage of the injection engine via the by-pass such that the temperature at the intake of the engine is reduced.

Abstract: Provided is a grill shutter configured to selectively open and close an external air intake opening formed in a front part of a vehicle body. The grill shutter includes: a frame surrounding the external air intake opening; a plurality of blades rotatably supported by the frame and driven to rotate between a closed position for closing the external air intake opening and an open position for revealing the external air intake opening; a drive unit for rotationally driving the blades; and a power transmission mechanism transmitting a drive force of the drive unit to the blades, the power transmission mechanism configured to cause the blades to start an opening movement one after another with a predetermined time lag between successive opening movements.

Abstract: A valve timing controller includes a rotation transmit component; a housing including an outer shape part fixed to the rotation transmit component and a plurality of partition parts extending from the outer shape part inward in a radial direction; and a vane rotor including a boss part and a plurality of vane parts radially extending from the boss part. The vane rotor is rotated relative to the housing on an advance side or a retard side according to a pressure of operation oil in an advance chamber and a retard chamber. The outer shape part of the housing has a dome shape.

Abstract: A resin member may include a first side wall, which is placed between a first housing and a laminated body, and a second side wall, which is placed between a second housing and the laminated body. A vane rotor may include a pressing oil passage that is configured to guide hydraulic oil to a first seal member and a second seal member to exert a pressing force, which radially outwardly and axially urge the first seal member and the second seal member.

Abstract: A valve timing controller includes a housing, a vane rotor, and a stopper pin. The stopper pin regulates a relative rotation position of the vane rotor relative to the housing. A boss part of the vane rotor has a plurality of metal plates layered with each other in an axial direction. At least one metal plate of the plurality of metal plates has a hole in which the stopper pin is inserted, and a nail projected from an inner wall of the hole toward the stopper pin so as to hold the stopper pin.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a variable valve timing mechanism of an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders, wherein, at a first operating point of the internal combustion engine, the fuel quantity which is fed in in each case is reduced successively for each cylinder until a predetermined unsmooth-running limiting value is reached. The variable valve timing mechanism is controlled with consideration of the cylinder-individual values for the fuel-quantity reduction at the first operating point.

Abstract: A split cycle phase variable reciprocating piston spark ignition engine comprising a compressor unit having a compression chamber adapted to carry out the intake and compression strokes of a four stroke engine cycle, a power unit having an expansion chamber adapted to carry out the expansion and exhaust strokes of a four stroke engine cycle, a crossover gas passage for transferring compressed gas from the compression chamber to the expansion chamber, an expansion chamber volume modifier to provide nearly full load like combustion chamber condition at all the engine load conditions by means of modifying volume and shape of the expansion chamber, a phase altering mechanism for altering phase relation between the compressor unit and the power unit as a function of engine load variation, an electronic control unit for providing control commands for various electrically operated actuators and motors.

Abstract: A continuous variable valve lifter having a cylinder air volume difference adjuster includes a camshaft having an input cam, an eccentric control shaft disposed parallel to the camshaft, and a control link rotatable around the eccentric control shaft. An output cam is provided to open and close a valve actuator for opening/closing, and a connection link is rotatably connected to the control link, and driving the output cam by the rotation of the input cam. A cam cap is disposed where the camshaft and the eccentric control shaft are mounted. The cylinder air volume difference adjuster includes a hinge pin serving as the rotational center of the output cam disposed parallel to the camshaft, a pin holder where the hinge pin is mounted, and an adjusting bolt for selectively shifting the position of the pin holder.

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: A glow plug including a metal sheath tube having a closed front end; a heating element accommodated within the sheath tube; insulating powder filling the interior of the sheath tube so as to surround the heating element; a rod-shaped metal lead connected to the heating element and inserted into the sheath tube from the rear end thereof; and a seal member located in a seal portion at the rear end of the sheath tube to hermetically seal the gap between the sheath tube and the lead. The glow plug is characterized in that the sheath tube is formed to have a substantially uniform outer diameter over an axial range including and extending beyond a range where the seal portion is formed, and the sheath tube has an engagement projection formed at the seal portion and deformed so as to protrude radially inwardly.

Abstract: A cylinder liner sealing arrangement for an internal combustion engine including a cylinder block having cylinder bores, a cylinder head, a cylinder liner within each cylinder bore and a circumferential cut-out formed in the upper and outer surfaces of the cylinder liner. A circular sealing ring is positioned in the circumferential cut-out with the sealing ring contacting at least the cylinder block and the cylinder liner to form a coolant seal therebetween. The sealing ring includes a seal enhancing configuration formed on at least an outer circumferential surface of the sealing ring with the seal enhancing configuration including at least one of an arcuate portion of a “D” ring seal or a plurality of circumferentially extending ribs.

Abstract: This is a modular internal combustion engine with an upper and lower block construction comprising a lower block with multiple angles mating with the upper block and having an upper block construction that allows the upper block to tilt over for easy access to the crankshaft and other lower end components. An upper and lower block that can be die cast without cores.

Abstract: A combustion system is presented. The combustion system includes a hollow combustion chamber having a chamber head, chamber sidewalls, and a chamber bottom. Further, the combustion system includes a fuel injector coupled to the combustion chamber and configured to introduce a plurality of fuel droplets in the combustion chamber. Moreover, the combustion system includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on or about the combustion chamber such that an electromagnetic field is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode in response to an applied electric signal, and where the electromagnetic field is configured to control a trajectory of the plurality of fuel droplets within the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine electrically ignites most of the fuel as it is introduced into the combustion chamber. This design solves the lower efficiency of typical Otto Cycle engines by allowing the use of a full air charge for each power cycle. This design also solves the problem of heavy duty designs required for existing diesel cycle engines by allowing relatively low compression ratios and therefore lighter weight engine designs. The engine design allows a wide range of fuel combustion properties, as it avoids a dependence on flame propagation through a combustible mixture, where fuel combustion properties control evaporation, rate of flame front propagation and the like. The engine design forces the combustion to be initiated as and at the rate the fuel is introduced into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A target cylinder count module determines a target number of cylinders of an engine to be activated during a future period. The future period includes N sub-periods, and N is an integer greater than one. Based on the target number, a first sequence setting module generates a sequence indicating N target numbers of cylinders to be activated during the N sub-periods, respectively. A second sequence setting module retrieves N predetermined sequences for activating and deactivating cylinders during the N sub-periods, respectively, and generates a target sequence for activating and deactivating cylinders during the future period based on the N predetermined sequences. During the future period, a cylinder actuator module: activates opening of intake and exhaust valves of the cylinders that are to be activated based on the target sequence; and deactivates opening of intake and exhaust valves of the cylinders that are to be deactivated based on the target sequence.

Abstract: A system according to the present disclosure includes a spectral density module and a firing sequence module. The spectral density module determines a spectral density of engine speed. The firing sequence module selects a first set of M cylinders of an engine to activate, selects a second set of N cylinders of the engine to deactivate, and selects a firing sequence to activate the first set of M cylinders and to deactivate the second set of N cylinders. M and N are integers greater than or equal to one. The firing sequence specifies whether each cylinder of the engine is active or deactivated. Based on the spectral density, the firing sequence module adjusts the firing sequence to adjust M and N and/or to adjust which cylinders of the engine are included in the first set and which cylinders of the engine are included in the second set.

Abstract: An opposed-piston engine includes pistons, each piston having an annular cavity in the piston's sidewall and positioned between its crown and ring grooves to block transfer of heat from the crown to the piston body.

Abstract: It is intended to implement an electric supercharger that has a simplified architecture, is easy to assemble, produces reduced vibration and noise, and has a motor inverter, making it possible to minimize losses in motor output and rotary-shaft output. The electric supercharger is provided with the following: an integrated housing with a built-in electric motor and motor inverter; and a ball bearing and damper-sleeve structure arranged on both sides of the electric motor. The damper-sleeve structure comprises a large-diameter sleeve, a spring guide, a coil spring, and a ball bearing. A gap is formed between the ball bearings and a sleeve and the large-diameter sleeve. The inner ring or outer ring of the ball bearings are supported by various support members disposed on both sides. An elastic O-ring that elastically supports the sleeve and large-diameter sleeve is provided on the outside of the sleeves.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control device for internal combustion engine for performing an exhaust recirculation control for controlling an operation condition of an exhaust recirculation device (50,52) according to a target exhaust gas recirculation amount (TRegr) set such that a detected air-fuel ratio (AFd) corresponds to an estimated air-fuel ratio (AFe).

Abstract: A resonance inductor is connected with a charging path through which an ignition condenser is charged; a first switching device controls charging of the ignition condenser; discharging of the ignition condenser is controlled by a second switching device whose collector terminal is connected with the other end of the primary coil of an ignition coil unit and whose emitter terminal is connected with the negative-polarity terminal of the ignition condenser; a clamp diode is connected between the one end of the primary coil and the collector terminal of the second switching device.

Abstract: A toy projectile launcher having a handle for receiving a removable projectile clip mechanism that stores projectiles in an unstretched state. A trigger mechanism is provided to engage and stretch a projectile when pulled towards the rear, and is configured to release the stretched projectile when pulled past a pre-determined distance. A blow-back mechanism is provided and movable secured about an upper portion of the body. The trigger mechanism is configured to engage the blow-back mechanism as the trigger is pulled and the blow-back mechanism is configured to disengage from the trigger mechanism when the trigger is pulled past the pre-determined distance to substantially coincide with the release of the stretched projectile.

Abstract: A toy assembly includes a projectile that includes a linear portion and an engagement portion. The toy assembly also includes a base that includes a pivot point and defines an opening that receives the linear portion of the projectile, and the base retains the projectile in a frictional engagement. The assembly also includes an actuator that includes a trigger portion. The actuator is coupled to the base at the pivot point. Applying force to the trigger portion of the actuator in a first direction causes movement of the engagement portion of the projectile in a second direction, distinct from the first direction, and releases the projectile from the frictional engagement.

Abstract: A cutting chain for cutting concrete and other similar materials having wear and stretch resistant features. In one embodiment, the cutting chain can include chain links having a debris trap for hindering the entry of debris onto bearing surfaces. In one embodiment, side links and a center link can have cooperating members forming a maze-like debris trap and can include a lubricant and/or other barrier material. In a particular arrangement, side links can have annular ribs which can be partially received in annular grooves on a center link to create the maze-like debris trap. In another embodiment, the cutting chain can include chain links having anti-rotation structures to hinder rotation of the fastener relative to the side links. In a particular arrangement, side links can have a protrusion or slot for cooperating with a complementary mating slot or protrusion on the fastener.

Abstract: The invention provides a block splitter assembly comprising first lower and second upper opposed splitter blade assemblies. The splitter blade assemblies have a splitting blade and two or more first forming blades. One forming blade is disposed to the right of and one forming blade is disposed to the left of the first splitting blade. The forming blades have forming edges. The splitting blade has a splitting edge that is straight, and the splitting blade has a greater maximum vertical dimension than the maximum vertical dimension of the forming blades. The splitting edge of the first splitting blade is opposed to the splitting edge of the second splitting blade.

Abstract: A barbecue grill comprising a grilling surface, a hood, a handle for opening the hood, and a lighting device interconnected with the handle. The lighting device is mounted in such a way that when the hood is opened, the lighting device can be used to illuminate the grilling surface.

Abstract: A barbecue grill device may include a base member to form a base for the barbecue grill device, a burner housing to be positioned on the base member and an airflow diverter to form an airflow between the user of the barbecue grill device and a burner housing. The barbecue grill may include a bidirectional lid.

Abstract: A propane tank fuel gauge for use with a barbecue grill that measures the weight of the tank and thereby provides a readily perceived indication of the amount of propane gas remaining therein. The fuel gauge comprises a base, a tank mount adapted for mounting a propane tank, a spring-loaded support mechanism for supporting the tank mount relative to the base, and a fuel level indicator connected to the support mechanism for providing an indication of the total weight of the tank including the propane gas remaining therein.

Abstract: A gas burner for a domestic cooktop of the type having a burner cup suitable to be fixed to the cooktop and provided with at least part of the structure for at least one primary-air gas mixer, a burner body that may be joined to the burner cup, the burner body having at least part of the structure for at least one primary air-gas mixture delivery chamber, and a burner cover that may be joined to the burner body to complete the at least one primary-air gas mixture delivery chamber, as web as at least one flame-spreader that is made in one piece with the burner cover. Advantageously, the burner cover and the at least one flame-spreader are made of a steel, or iron, or iron-alloy sheet.

Abstract: A sun tracking solar energy collection system can include torque tubes formed with a plurality of rotatable shafts connected to each other in an end to end fashion. The ends of the shafts can be connected with coupling devices in the form of an integrated coupling flange and mounting devices. The coupling flange can include a mounting surface that extends generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft. Additionally, the coupling flange can include a coupling face that extends generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation, so as to provide a mating face for an adjacent coupling flange to transmit torque from one shaft to another. The mounting flanges can be used to support devices such as solar energy collection devices including photovoltaic modules or other devices.

Abstract: A sun tracking solar power generation system can include drive members for driving a plurality of parallel sun tracking assemblies. The drive components of the drive system can be arranged in a recess or trench created in the ground. This arrangement can reduce the material and labor costs for constructing a solar power system.