Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container (52) that defines the lower portion of the chamber (54). A main filter element (H) filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a housing having a floor-engaging nozzle fluidly interconnected with a filter bag in a closed filter bag chamber in the housing through a suction passageway, an exhaust vent in the filter bag chamber to exhaust filtered air exiting from the filter bag chamber and a vacuum motor provided in the housing to draw air from the floor-engaging nozzle to the filter bag. An exhaust filter is mounted in the exhaust vent. A sensor in the filter bag chamber detects a condition representative of the flow of air through the exhaust filter element and an exhaust filter indicator interconnected with the sensor provides a signal to a user when the condition reaches a predetermined level to indicate a clogged condition of the exhaust filter. A sensor and indicator can also be provided for the filter bag so that independent signals can be generated relating to the clogged condition of one or both of the filter bag and exhaust filter.

Abstract: A method and circuit (14) for monitoring an electroplating operation of an electroplating machine (10) of the type having a first electroplating cell (18) for depositing nickel onto an integrated circuit leadframe (12) and a second electroplating cell (19) for subsequently depositing palladium onto the leadframe (12). A first current (30) is applied in the first electroplating cell (18) to form a nickel deposit on the leadframe (12) and a second current (31) is applied in the second electroplating cell (19) to from a palladium deposit on the nickel deposit. The second current (31) is greater than the first current (30) if the electroplating machine (10) is operating normally. The first current (30) and second current (31) are compared in a comparator (44) during the electroplating operation, and if the second current (31) is less than the first current (30), an error signal is generated on an output line (50). If desired, the electroplating machine (10) may be stopped in response to the error signal.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a vacuum pump with a housing including a lobed chamber having an epitrochoidal planform satisfying the equationx=(a+b).multidot.cos (t)-c.multidot.cos ((a/b+1).multidot.t),andy=(a+b).multidot.sin (t)-c.multidot.sin ((a/b+1).multidot.t),where 0.ltoreq.t.ltoreq.2.pi., a/b=2 (thus defining the number of lobes in the chamber) and b/c=2. The chamber has outlet ports and inlet ports in each lobe of the chamber, and a central stator gear with 2n teeth. A triangular rotor with curved sides is disposed for eccentric rotation in the chamber such that an inlet port and outlet port in each lobe of the chamber are always in direct fluid communication during a portion of the rotor travel, which prevents excessive pressure build-up at the chamber inlet ports, and a central rotor gear with 3n teeth meshed with the stator gear.

Abstract: When a microchip is set on a tray and operation of an apparatus is begun, the microchip moves to feed position in order to be filled up with a buffer solution, where upon a sample is injected into this microchip. Thereafter the tray is located on a detecting position, so that a sample introduction voltage is applied between a sample reservoir and a sample waste reservoir for introducing the sample into a separation passage. Subsequently, the operation is switched to application of a separation voltage between a buffer reservoir and a drain reservoir, for beginning analysis. When the analysis has begun, a detector detects a migration pattern in the separation passage, so that a signal processing board data-processes the detected pattern.

Abstract: A multi-function apparatus for controlling various functions of a liftgate of an automotive vehicle. The apparatus includes an elastomeric member which is operably disposed in connection with a gear which imparts a driving force to a drive shaft of a window wiper member. The elastomeric member, in one embodiment, is a coiled spring which allows movement between the drive shaft and the gear driving the drive shaft in the event the wiper becomes frozen to the window of the vehicle or otherwise immovable. In this manner various other functions can be carried out by the apparatus regardless if the wiper becomes temporarily immobilized.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container (52) that defines the lower portion of the chamber (54). A main filter assembly (50) includes a main filter element (H) for filtering residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping electrophoresis gel cassettes to a buffer core body is provided that does not require separate clamping subassemblies. The apparatus comprises a cam pivotally coupled to a mounting block. The apparatus is inserted into an electrophoresis container and is positioned adjacent a buffer core assembly that includes gel cassettes disposed on opposite sides of a buffer core body. The cam is disposed to engage a back wall of the container to cause the mounting block to apply uniform pressure to secure the gel cassettes to the buffer core body. A method for securing an electrophoresis gel cassette to a buffer core body in an electrophoresis container is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the denaturation of nucleic acids using capacitive charging. In a preferred embodiment, the invention effects such denaturation in the context of a microfluidic device for the analysis, amplification, or other automated manipulation of nucleic acids.

Abstract: A device 10 for dissolving a coagulant having a rotor chamber 13 supporting rotors 21 around the horizontal axis, wherein a mixture of the coagulant and water is fed to the rotor chamber 13, the liquid level of the mixture is kept at a medium level of the rotors 21, and the mixture can be stirred vertically by means of the rotation of the rotors 21.

Abstract: A calorimetric hydrocarbon gas sensor (10) includes an electrochemical oxygen pump (18), a sensing element (12), and a multi-layered substrate (26) separating the sensing element (12) from the electrochemical oxygen pump (18). The multi-layered substrate (26) includes a plurality of overlying insulating layers, in which at least one intermediate layer (60) supports a first primary heater (58), and in which another intermediate layer (52) supports a temperature compensation heaters (50a, 50b). The primary heater (58) functions to maintain the calorimetric hydrocarbon gas sensor (10) at a constant, elevated temperature, while the active compensation heater (50a) functions to maintain substantially equal temperatures as determined by the thermometers (46a, 46b) located on an intermediate layer (48) overlying the compensation heaters (50a, 50b).

Abstract: In apparatus to facilitate vacuum cleaning carpets with obstacles, the first combination comprising a suction base, at least two of each of the following components: suction heads, suction hoses, suction head position rods, dusting brush holders, dusting brush rocking devices, pairs of spring supports, and springs, the second combination comprising a suction base, at least two of each of the following components: suction heads, suction ducts, suction head position rods, dusting brush holders, dusting brush rocking devices, pairs of spring supports, and springs; the third combination comprising a suction base, at least two of each of the following components: suction heads, suction ducts, dusting brush rocking rods, dusting brush holders, dusting brush rocking devices, pairs of spring supports, and springs; the fourth combination comprising a suction base, at least two of each of the following components: suction heads, suction ducts, suction head position keepers, dusting brush rocking rods, dusting brush hol

Abstract: A wiper blade includes a metal carrier, a metal yoke, and a plastic joint part. The metal yoke is attached to the metal carrier in a way the permits the yoke to pivot about a pivot axis. The joint part is interposed between the metal carrier and the metal yoke, and is stationary with respect to the carrier. Both the carrier and the yoke have a substantially U-shaped cross-section at the location at which the joint part is interposed between them, and the yoke is positioned substantially within said carrier. At least one leg of the U-shaped cross-section of the yoke includes a protrusion formed as part of the yoke at the location of the pivot axis. The protrusion pivotally engages in the joint part. The carrier has at least one hole provided coaxially with the pivot axis. A cylindrical portion of the joint part is provided through the hole, and the protrusion of the yoke extends into the cylindrical portion. A method of manufacturing a wiper blade is also disclosed.

Abstract: A motor housing for a vacuum cleaner includes a motor chamber supported within a main housing wall. A first airway defined between the motor chamber and the main housing wall provides a pathway for the working air flow within the vacuum cleaner. A second airway is defined through the motor chamber by an inlet opening and a venting outlet. The airway through the motor chamber allows air to flow along and directly encounter the motor during vacuum operation. The air flow through the first airway not only serves as the working air flow, but also as a secondary cooling air flow because the air passes along the exterior surface of the motor chamber and provides a cooling effect.

Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner comprises first and second portions which can be pivotally separated in order to allow the filter mechanism to be cleared of debris. The two portions are pivotally connected via a hinge such that on separation, the portion moves to a position below the other portion and provides a chute for guidance of the debris which is then emptied from the filter.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods for enhancing transport and direction of materials in fluidic systems, which systems utilize electroosmotic (E/O) flow systems, to affect that transport and direction. The methods generally comprise providing an effective concentration of at least one zwitterionic compound in the fluid containing the material that is to be transported or directed.

Abstract: In a liquid component measuring apparatus including a measuring cell (11) which measures a specific component of a predetermined amount of liquid sample by diluting, as diluted liquid sample, the predetermined amount of liquid sample with a buffer solution having a pH buffer capacity and a support electrolyte, the measuring cell includes a metering section (12) having an upper part tapered upward and having a metering space therein. A sample injection port (19) is formed at a top of the upper part. A buffer injection port (18) supplies the buffer solution to the metering space so that the metering space is completely filled with the buffer solution.

Abstract: A noise-damping or vibration-damping attachment feature for a windshield wiper system includes a damping element which is located in an opening of an attachment section of the windshield wiper system and itself supports, in a passage opening, a casing to hold an attachment screw or an attachment bolt, and to refine the aforesaid attachment feature in such a manner that it can be produced at low cost while dispensing with a manual mounting of the damping element. The attachment section and the bushing are manufactured as a single part from the same material, wherein the bushing connected by means of ridges at least temporarily to the attachment section, and the damping element is poured or injected into the space between bushing and attachment section.

Abstract: A brushing system to be used in the manufacturing of electronic modules for removing unwanted particles from the substrate surface before the final encapsulation of the modules. The system provides an epicycloidal movement of the brush bristles on the substrate, which results in very effective in the removal of the particles. The system comprises a rotatable shaft with an eccentric bore. The hub of a rotatable brush can freely move inside the bore. When the shaft is rotated by a motor and the brush bristles are subject to friction, the brush describes an epicycloidal movement.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a module for a motor vehicle which comprises a windshield wiper system (7) and a windshield washer system, wherein a receptacle (6) that is predominantly realized in the form of a fluid container is shaped such that it surrounds the windshield wiper system (7) at least approximately complimentarily and simultaneously serves as a cover for the so-called radiator tank of the motor vehicle body, and wherein said receptacle is provided with an air passage (17) that leads to the passenger compartment. The invention also aims to develop a module of this type in such a way that it fulfills additional functions and can be delivered to the motor vehicle manufacturer in the form of a complete module.