Abstract: A mask support 10 comprises a frame element 20 and an elastic element 30. The elastic element 30 is fixed to the frame element 20. The elastic element 30 is a component integrally formed of a flexible material. It comprises a lever or arm portion 37 having a first engagement protrusion 38 extending in an angle of approximately 90° from the free end of the arm portion 37. A mask assembly 40 comprises a laminar mask 41, e.g. manufactured from a thin metal foil, and connecting elements 42. The connecting elements 42 include an engagement portion 43 for engagement with the engagement protrusion 38 of the elastic element 30. The mask 41 may be attached/stretched to the mask support 10 as well as to detached from the mask support 10 comfortably.

Abstract: The present invention generally comprises a backing plate reinforcement apparatus for use in a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition apparatus. When processing large area substrates, the backing plate extending across the chamber may also be quite large. By supporting a central area of the backing plate with a frame structure, the backing plate may be maintained substantially planar. Alternatively, as necessary, the contour of the backing plate may be adjusted to suit the particular needs of the process.

Abstract: A top assembly for a processing chamber having a back plate and a hub is provided. The back plate has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected to the second portion through a central region of the back plate, wherein a gap is defined between opposing surfaces of the first and second portions outside the central region. The first portion includes an embedded heating element. The hub is affixed to a top surface of the second portion of the back plate over the central region. The hub has a top surface with a plurality of channel openings defined within a central region of the hub and a bottom surface having a central extension with a plurality of channels defined therethrough. The bottom surface includes an annular extension spaced apart from the central extension.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes: a processing chamber produced from a metal; a susceptor configured to mount a substrate; an electromagnetic wave source that supplies an electromagnetic wave; one or more dielectric member provided at an inner wall of the processing chamber, and configured to transmit the electromagnetic wave into an inside of the processing chamber; one or more metal electrode, wherein each metal electrode is installed on a bottom surface of each dielectric member such that a part of the each dielectric member is exposed to the inside of the processing chamber; and a surface wave propagating section which is a metal surface facing the susceptor, the surface wave propagating section being installed adjacent to the dielectric member and being exposed to the inside of the processing chamber. The surface wave propagating section and a bottom surface of the metal electrode are positioned on the same plane.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a plasma processing apparatus having enhanced plasma processing uniformity. The plasma processing apparatus comprises a processing chamber 1, means 13 and 14 for supplying processing gas into the processing chamber, evacuation means 25 and 26 for decompressing the processing chamber 1, an electrode 4 on which an object 2 to be processed such as a wafer is placed, and an electromagnetic radiation power supply 5A, wherein at least two kinds of processing gases having different composition ratios of O2 or N2 are introduced into the processing chamber through different gas inlets so as to control the in-plane uniformity of the critical dimension while maintaining the in-plane uniformity of the process depth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biological control. Specifically, it relates to the use of predator mites as biological control agents for reducing damage to crops by insect pests. In particular, it relates to a new method for rearing predator mites, and a method for controlling pests in a crop using predator mites reared using said method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for breeding flying insects, more particularly flies, and still more particularly black soldier flies. An apparatus for the production and collection of flying insect eggs comprising: a vessel for containing a substrate upon which larvae and/or pupae develop into flying insects, a cage for retaining the insects, a tubular passage or duct connecting the vessel to the cage through which the flies travel from the vessel to the cage, a moist substrate within the cage upon which the insects will lay eggs, and a light source within or proximate the cage for providing light of a wavelength that enhances the tendency of the insects in the cage to mate.

Abstract: A bird-operated interactive bird feeder is provided. The interactive bird feeder attracts birds and dispenses a substantially predetermined amount of bird feed (e.g. bird seed) when a bird operates a tool. Bird feed is held in storage in a feed hopper (i.e. housing) above a stage. An aperture is provided in the bottom of the housing large enough for the enclosed feed to flow freely from the housing to the stage. However, the aperture is equipped with the tool that causes the feed to bridge. When a bird operates the tool, the tool disrupts the bridged feed causing feed flow for a period of time, and then rebuilds the feed bridge when the bird ceases operation of the tool. Avid bird watchers can therefore enjoy watching birds for extended periods of time since the birds encounter larger amounts of feed at the stage.

Abstract: A litter box having apparatus for catching and returning litter being tracked from the litter box, and a method of assembling the litter box. The litter box includes a container for containing litter. An opening and a litter return window are formed in the container. Stair steps defining slots therebetween extend from the opening. A litter return slide is disposed beneath the slots and slopes downward towards the litter return window. As the animal traverses the stair steps, litter adhering to the paws of the animal is dislodged and falls through the slots to be caught by the litter return slide. The dislodged litter travels down the litter return slide and through the litter return window so as to return the dislodged litter to the litter container. Thus, the animal is prevented from tracking litter beyond the litter box, so that litter cleanup is reduced and sanitation is enhanced.

Abstract: The invention provides litter box assemblies useful for managing animal waste. In a general aspect, the litter box assembly includes an animal litter box, a litter fragmenting device attached to the litter box, and an optional hopper attached to the litter fragmenting device. The hopper can store an animal litter that has improved absorption capabilities after being fragmented by the litter fragmenting device. The invention also provides kits useful for making the litter box assemblies and using such litter box assemblies for managing animal waste.

Abstract: Animal litters and methods of making and using such litters are disclosed herein. The animal litters comprise (a) a plurality of absorbent particles comprising (i) a non-swelling particle and (ii) a clumping material coated on the non-swelling particle and (b) a plurality of one or more filler particles that are not associated with the absorbent particles. The filler particles provide additional functionality to the litters, e.g., controlling odor, absorbing moisture, releasing fragrance, controlling microorganisms, controlling dust, reducing density, reducing weight, and combinations thereof. The litters are made by producing the absorbent particles using conventional means and combining the absorbent particles with one or more filler particles that impart the desired characteristic to the litters.

Abstract: Provided are methods for preparing edible aquatic animals for storage by placing a living aquatic animal into a medium containing trehalose, allowing the live animal to remain in the trehalose solution for a period of time, and removing and processing the animal for storage and/or use for human consumption. The medium may contain a sugar alcohol, such as maltitol. Also, the living aquatic animal may be placed in a medium containing an acid, such as citric acid.

Abstract: A system for providing an interface for interacting with a laboratory animal and the method of using the system are disclosed.

Abstract: A device and methods for catching, removing from within buildings, and releasing wild birds are provided. Sonic and/or dynamic characteristics of water are utilized as an attractant to lure birds towards a device for capturing birds. The attractant is located within a holding area of the device. The walls of the device are transparent and vented to allow the dynamic characteristics of the water to be seen from outside the device and to allow the sonic characteristics to be heard from outside the device. The device includes an opening that allows birds to enter the holding area of the device and that also prevents birds located within the holding area from exiting the device.

Abstract: A collapsible, mountable pet crate. A collapsible crate mountable to a wall such that the crate may be assembled for pet usage while mounted to the wall and collapsed into a compact package while mounted to the wall and not being used. A mounting bracket affixed to the wall receives a mounting rod (or mounting pins) integral with, or connected to, the crate to facilitate operation of the crate. The mounting bracket includes a first position for receipt of the mounting rod corresponding to the assembled or opened crate and a second position for receipt of the mounting rod corresponding to the collapsed or stowed crate. In another version, a pair of latches rotatably joined to a back wall for (i) joining the wall to the bottom tray in a collapsed configuration and (ii) securing the foldable cage to the back wall in an assembled configuration.

Abstract: A dual axes swivel connector for connecting various panels to assemble a pet enclosure is disclosed. The dual axes swivel connector allows panels of the enclosure to be reliably pivoted with respect to each other. The dual axes swivel connector may comprise first and second parts. The first part may be fabricated from a flexible material compared to the second part, whereas the second part may be fabricated from a more rigid material compared to the first part. The flexibility of the first part allows the first part to have a tighter fit with the wire rods. The second part has a looser fit with the wire rods but the rigidity of the second part compensates for the looser fit. When the first and second parts are interlocked, they create a tight fit which can reliably provide a hinge between the panels.

Abstract: An animal pen according to the invention comprises an access wall spanning the width of the pen between two side walls. An access door in the access wall is hinged to a vertical hanging post and closes against a vertical slam post. A first of the posts, which may be the hanging post or the slam post, is supported at its top end not by a door lintel extending between the hanging post and the slam post but by a diagonal brace member extending between the top of the said first post and the top of its adjacent side wall, and the second of the posts is supported either by being located at a junction between the access wall and its adjacent side wall or by a similar diagonal brace member extending between the top of the said second post and the top of its adjacent side wall.

Abstract: An animal water toy that includes one or more playthings carried by flowing water that entices an animal, such as a cat, into interaction therewith. Playthings can be received in a container having water drinkable by the animal that is propelled by a pump into flowing and carrying the playthings. A portion can be upraised above the water providing an animal perch and/or flow director imparting flow deviations causing unpredictable plaything movement helping enhance animal interaction. A conveyance device can be provided conveying playthings relative to the flow. A pet watering device, e.g., fountain, can include an animal toy constructed in accordance with the present invention and a conveyance device lifting playthings from one level of the watering device to another. In one embodiment, playthings are animal attractant objects that can be buoyant and configured to attract an animal, such as by its color, graphics, indicia, and/or shape.

Abstract: A removable garment for animals to cover and protect an abdominal surgical or wound site. Generally, the removable garment is comprised of a body wrap with front leg, rear leg, and neck closures, and an abdominal panel, extending distal the body wrap. Each leg and neck closure, as well as the abdominal panel, contains an attachment designed to removeably secure the closure, and ultimately the garment itself, to an animal.

Abstract: At the time of starting a hot water discharge operation, a controller determines whether the first operation was made after the power source is switched on in S1, and the controller determines whether 5 minutes have passed after the previous operation in S2. When the first operation was not made or 5 minutes have lapsed after the last operation, the controller determines whether a difference between a detected temperature acquired by a thermistor and a preset temperature is more than 10° C. in S3. When a temperature difference is more than 10° C., a water flow rate servo is set at a position where a flow rate of flowing water is reduced from a determined flow rate by a predetermined amount in S4, and the controller performs a temperature control of discharged hot water in S8.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine includes monitoring oxygen concentration in an exhaust gas feedstream, a mass flowrate of intake air, and a commanded fuel pulse of fuel. A blend ratio of biodiesel fuel and petrodiesel fuel of the fuel is determined. Engine operation is controlled in response to the blend ratio of biodiesel fuel and petrodiesel fuel of the fuel.

Abstract: A cooling device for an automotive vehicle of electric type, the cooling device being able to be powered up or powered down and including a cooling circuit capable of cooling an engine assembly including an electronic driver system using a coolant, the cooling circuit being controlled by a control system capable of keeping the device powered up when the vehicle is at end of mission and the temperature of the coolant is above a threshold temperature. The electric vehicle includes a battery charger assembly, and the cooling circuit is capable of cooling the charger assembly and the engine assembly.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a chamber having a longitudinal centerline, inlet valving operable to admit constituents of a combustible mixture into the chamber for combustion therein to provide a pressure increase and outlet valving operable to release an outflow of liquid from the chamber under the influence of that pressure increase as an energy output of the chamber. The chamber has a flowpath defined therein for flow of the liquid towards the outlet valving. The flowpath diverges from centerline in a downstream direction thereof and has a cross-section area in a direction perpendicular to the centerline that remains substantially equal or decreases in the downstream direction of the flowpath.

Abstract: A general-purpose liquid-cooled engine delivers a coolant cooling an engine body to a radiator and delivers a cooling air to the radiator by use of a cooling fan to cool the coolant. A cover structure of the general-purpose liquid-cooled engine covers the engine body and the radiator. An engine cover is configured so as to allow the cooling air to be delivered to the radiator. A muffler cover covers a muffler disposed adjacent to an external surface of the engine cover. An exterior cover covers an entire engine including the engine cover and the muffler cover.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio apparatus may include a crankshaft, a connecting rod, first and second eccentric links mounted at both sides of the connection rod, respectively, and having one ends at which the piston pin may be eccentrically and rotatably installed, a swing link of which one end may be branched into two parts to form first and second branches, the first and second branches being connected to the other ends of the first and second eccentric links, and a control device connected to the other end of the swing link to control the swing link, wherein the crank arm includes guide surfaces formed in a predetermined thickness at an inner circumferential surface of the crank arm so that the first and second branches of the swing link slide to move between the guide surfaces.

Abstract: A method controls a valve-control system for variable-lift actuation of the valves of an internal-combustion engine, in which the valve-control system includes, for each cylinder of the engine, a solenoid valve for controlling the flow of a hydraulic fluid in the system, and designed manner for determining a real temperature value of the hydraulic fluid. The method includes determining a deviation of performance of the solenoid valves due to a degradation of the characteristics of the hydraulic fluid with respect to nominal values thereof, and substituting for the real temperature value an equivalent temperature value consisting of a temperature value at which the hydraulic fluid having nominal characteristics would produce performance of the solenoid valves corresponding to the performance resulting from the deviation so that each solenoid valve is governed as a function of the equivalent temperature value.

Abstract: In one example, a method is described for an engine with a hydraulically actuated phaser for adjusting cam timing. The phaser is controlled by a hydraulic spool valve, for example, having a de-energized position that results in hydraulic force urging the phaser to a base timing. When it is desired to operate the cam timing at base timing, rather then leave the spool valve in a de-energized position that can generate leakage, the spool valve is adjusted to near a null position to reduce the hydraulic pressure drop across the cam journal and thus reduce oil leakage. In this way, it is possible to maintain base timing, while also reducing leakage.

Abstract: A camshaft adjuster for actuating cylinder valves of a combustion engine, retardation torques are imparted back to the adjuster by the camshaft when cams are running on, and advance torques are imparted back to the adjuster by the camshaft when cams are running off, supply and removal of pressure medium is controllable by a control unit, a torque mode or pump mode is selectively adjusted by the control unit, and primarily camshaft torque is used in torque mode to build pressure in the first or second partial chamber, whereas pressure build-up in the first or second partial chamber primarily occurs in the pump mode via the pump. The control unit includes a control valve with inner and outer sleeves, and an adjustment direction and the pump or torque mode is adjustable by the control valve by the relative rotational position of the inner sleeve to the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A control valve (1) of a device (2) for changing the relative angular position of a camshaft (3) with respect to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, wherein, in a region (4) facing the camshaft (3), the control valve (1) includes a fluid line (5) for supplying fluid under pressure and wherein, in an axial central region (6), the control valve (1) includes two fluid lines (7, 8) for supplying and removing fluid under pressure to at least two hydraulic chambers. The hydraulic chambers are operatively arranged between a drive element (9) and the camshaft (3) in order to set a defined relative rotational position between the drive element (9) and the camshaft (3). In a region (10) facing away from the camshaft (3) the control valve (1) has a fluid line (11) for removal of fluid to a tank.

Abstract: A sealing structure has a permanent magnet and a magnetic-flux guiding member for guiding magnetic flux of the permanent magnet to a brake shaft of a brake rotating member. The magnetic-flux guiding member surrounds an outer periphery of the brake shaft so as to form a sealing gap around the brake shaft. The sealing gap is communicated to a fluid chamber, in which magnetic viscous fluid is filled. A fluid sealing member is provided at the brake shaft at a housing outer side of the magnetic-flux guiding member to form an intermediate fluid chamber, in which an intermediate fluid made of non-magnetic liquid is filled.

Abstract: A camshaft adjusting device (1) including at least two hydraulic chamber (A, B) disposed between a stator (3) and a rotor (4) and separated by a vane (5) and supplied with pressure oil from a pressure oil source (P) by a hydraulic oil controller (6). In order to achieve improved filling and emptying of the hydraulic chambers, the hydraulic oil controller according to the invention provides: first and second supply lines (7, 9) disposed between the pressure oil source (P) and one of the hydraulic chambers (A), wherein check valves (8, 10) are disposed in the supply lines (7), wherein the supply lines (7) are free of further switchable valve elements, and wherein the supply lines (7) are the sole inlet line for hydraulic oil from the pressurized oil source (P) into the hydraulic chambers (A, B), and a 4/3-way valve element (11) that is effectively disposed between the hydraulic chambers (A, B) and a tank (T) has three valve positions (I, II, III).

Abstract: A camshaft adjuster (1) is disclosed that has material openings (5) in the vanes (4) of the drive element (2), with these openings being divided into two sub-spaces (12, 13), wherein one sub-space (12) is provided for the penetration of a connecting element (6) and the other sub-space (13) does not allow the penetration of a connecting element (6).

Abstract: A finger follower lever for actuating gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine, having a lever body formed by two parallel side walls spaced apart by a transversely extending web. The web forms a first, joint socket end as a pivotable support for the lever, and a second end with a valve actuating surface. A cam roller is rotatably held between the side walls via a needle ring of a needle bearing. The cam roller projects partially via an aperture in the web for cam contact. The cam roller is narrow, and the needle ring projects beyond the cam roller at one axial end, and ends directly adjacent to a corresponding side wall. The aperture has a cross section defined by an overlap between a first, cam roller pocket with an extent corresponding to the cam roller in the axial direction, and a second pocket for the needle ring.

Abstract: The finger follower employs two independent lost motion arms and a coupling device that locks both arms. Stops are provided both for the roller axle and for the arm swing. The axle stop and the end stops for the arm swing are positioned on the arm and the outer sidewall of the inner lever.

Abstract: A manifold including first and second divider bodies each having a carburetor mounting flange. The first divider body includes a first and a second plenum, and the second divider body includes a third and a fourth plenum. A first pair of runners extends from the first port flange to the first plenum; a second pair of runners extends from the first port flange to the third plenum; a third pair of runners extends from the second port flange to the second plenum; and a fourth pair of runners extends from the second port flange to the fourth plenum. Accordingly, in operation, each plenum will present only one carburetor venturi to the cylinder in a low-RPM, low-throttle opening induction event, thus keeping the peak velocity through the carburetor's venturi high even at low RPM.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a valve seat product in which the amount of hard particles added to improve the wear resistance of a valve seat of an internal combustion engine is increased, and is excellent in the mechanical strength and machinability.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing torque fluctuations of a combustion engine includes a crankshaft mounted in the engine, flywheel coupled to the crankshaft, and a first actuator and a second actuator coupled to the flywheel. The flywheel generates a counter torque to the torque generated by the engine during combustion, and the first and the second actuators are operated to adjust the magnitude and the phase of the counter torque generated by the flywheel to suppress fluctuations associated the engine torque.

Abstract: A soluble and substantially ring-shaped casting core may include a cooling channel in a piston having at least one inflow and at least one outflow. The casting core may form a closed ring and the inflow may be arranged directly adjacent to the outflow. The casting core may have a cross-sectional taper for forming a choke in the circumferential direction between the inflow and the outflow.

Abstract: The invention is an internal combustion engine converting the fuel/air mixture (17) to energy, comprising at least one engine having at least one engine cover (2), at least one external piston (5) having geared rotary ducts and providing the combustion and compression volumes inside said engine body (1), having fuel/air mixture (17) and exhaust gas (18) discharge openings (4.1), one internal piston (7) which rotates inside said internal piston space (6) and compresses the fuel/air mixture (17) sucked in through the suction opening (6.1) behind it and pumps this into the external piston inner space (4) and an external piston (5) rotating in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A rotary engine has a rotor that has rockers pivoting in chambers. As each rocker pivots, it rotates an outer crankshaft. Each outer crankshaft has a spur gear that engages a stationary ring gear. Spur gear rotation causes the gears and the outer crankshafts to revolve around the ring gear. This cause the rotor to rotate. As the rotor rotates, successive chambers are positioned at the intake, compression, ignition, and exhaust positions. Igniting the fuel in the ignition position pushes the rocker inward to rotate the outer crankshaft associated with that rocker to cause the rotor to rotate.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an intake channel that is divided by a partition into an air duct and a mixture duct. The partition has a connecting opening that at least at full throttle of the internal combustion engine is substantially closed. A main fuel opening opens out into the mixture duct. At least one further fuel opening is provided that opens out into the mixture duct at a first distance relative to the wall of the intake channel and at a second distance relative to the partition.

Abstract: When control to maintain a constant engine rotation number is executed, the electronic control unit constantly monitors an error of detected throttle position data with respect to a desired throttle control value, executes a first stage of a failure judgment method to judge that a failure of a throttle control system has occurred in a case where an absolute value of the error exceeds a predetermined threshold value continuously for a predetermined time or longer, and executes a second stage of the failure judgment method to judge that a serious failure has occurred in the system in a case where a detected engine rotation number exceeds a predetermined rotation number continuously for a predetermined time or longer, to perform predetermined operations in accordance with the judgment results.

Abstract: A method for controlling combustion in a cylinder of a turbocharged engine in which intake air is reserved upstream of the cylinder. The method comprises decreasing an internal EGR rate in the cylinder during a tip-out condition if the temperature of the intake air is above a threshold, and increasing the internal EGR rate in the cylinder during a tip-out condition if the temperature of the intake air is below the threshold.

Abstract: Fuel management system for efficient operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder of the engine. A fuel management microprocessor system controls injection of the anti-knock agent so as to control knock and minimize that amount of the anti-knock agent that is used in a drive cycle. It is preferred that the anti-knock agent is ethanol. The use of ethanol can be further minimized by injection in a non-uniform manner within a cylinder. The ethanol injection suppresses knock so that higher compression ratio and/or engine downsizing from increased turbocharging or supercharging can be used to increase the efficiency of the engine.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an air-fuel ratio control device for a carburetor, which is capable of variably inject fuel by opening and closing a choke valve in accordance with an opening degree of a throttle valve and the load and which is capable of achieving low cost, clean emission and fuel saving by attaining a desired air-fuel ratio in an entire operational range (rotation speed, load) of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining an error in a fuel metering unit of an injection system for an internal combustion engine, wherein the gradients of a first signal representing a physical variable and of a second signal representing a physical variable are determined, and at a predefined magnitude and/or direction of the two gradients an error is recognized.

Abstract: This disclosure relates a system for heating fuel supplied by a common rail fuel supply to an internal combustion engine. The system includes a high pressure fuel line, plural fuel injectors connected in series along the high pressure fuel line in the common rail, and a continuous low pressure passage including a heat exchanging portion in close proximity to the high pressure fuel line. A heated fluid source is operative to fluidly communicate with the continuous low pressure passage and circulate heated fluid to heat fuel present in the high pressure fuel line prior to, and during a cold start operation of the internal combustion engine. Other embodiments relate to a method of providing fuel to an internal combustion engine that includes sensing the temperature of fuel supplied to a fuel system and determining whether the sensed fuel temperature is greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An evaporated fuel treating device includes a chamber, closest to an atmospheric port, divided into first, second, and third compartments by a partition member having a peripheral wall and a separating wall. The first compartment has an adsorbent layer and one end in communication with the third compartment and another end in communication with a tank port. The second compartment communicates with the first compartment through a first communication portion formed at one end of the peripheral wall. One end of the second compartment communicates with the third compartment through a second communication portion provided in the separating wall, while the other end thereof is closed. The airflow resistance of a second filter covering one end of the peripheral wall and one end of the separating wall is higher than the airflow resistance of a first filter covering one end of the adsorbent layer.

Abstract: A dual fuel common rail fuel injector includes a first and second control valve assembly and a first and second check needle. The dual fuel injector is capable of selectively injecting two different fuels such as diesel and liquefied natural gas. The first and second control valve assemblies operate using a single fuel, such as diesel, as the control medium. The dual fuel common rail injector further includes a hydraulic lock assembly.

Abstract: A charge air duct for an internal combustion engine includes a housing with at least one entrance and at least one exit for charge air, a first heat exchanger arranged inside the housing to cool the charge air, a bypass arranged on the housing to at least partially circumvent the heat exchanger, and an actuator arranged on the housing to influence the charge air flow. The charge air is guided from the entrance to the first heat exchanger in a first position of the actuator and from the entrance to the bypass in a second position of the actuator, and the bypass leads upstream of a second heat exchanger of the charge air duct.