Abstract: A centrifugal supercharger is disclosed that includes an internal drive mechanism which embodies the present invention. A pair of sprockets are connected to parallel input and output drive shafts and drivingly connected by a taut, high tension, endless cog-belt seated and running on the two sprockets. A plurality of belt stabilizing components are incorporated therein to provide maintenance-free, low-temperature operation of the drive mechanism. These stabilizing components include air ducts formed in the output sprocket, tensioning members formed in the belt, heat-resistant and high-speed ceramic ball bearings and shock absorbing springs that alone and in combination provide a highly efficient drive mechanism.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a nozzle drive mechanism for the link plate 112, which can operate all the nozzle vanes smoothly and synchronously. The nozzle vanes 104 are supported in such a way that the nozzle vanes are free to rotate between the open and closed positions on nozzle shafts, and the nozzle vanes connected to levers 114 which correspond to the nozzle shafts so as to rotate along with the levers 114. Each boss 114a at the end of each lever 114 functions as a shaft which are parallel to the nozzle shaft. The shafts 114a in the nozzle vanes engage in oblong holes 114a in the link plate 112 in such a way that they are free to swing, and are thereby connected to the link plate. The declined straight or curved centerline which runs the oblong hole to the oblong direction, extends at a given angle with respect to the radius of the link plate.

Abstract: A method of fabricating support members for wafer processing fixtures and the produce are disclosed. In the first step of the method, an elongate support member basic form is provided. The basic form has a substantially wedge-shaped cross-section and angular corners. A plurality of wafer-retaining slots are cut along one side of the support member basic form. The support member basic form can include a front surface and a rear surface, with at least one angular corner occurring on each of the surfaces. The corners have a larger radius on the rear than in the front. Attachment structures on terminal ends can be fixed to bases. The elongate support member basic form can be fabricated from an inert crystalline material, such as polycrystalline silicon or monocrystalline silicon.

Abstract: The inhalation atomizer of the invention has a valve box, which is divided into two sub-chambers by a partition wall. The valve box is closed by a valve box cover. A one-piece valve element projects into both sub-chambers and closes the openings provided in the sub-chambers and in the valve box cover in dependence on the breathing of the patient.

Abstract: An actuator for a pressurized metered dose inhaler, including: a tubular section (38) providing an outlet through which medicament is in use inhaled; and a nozzle block (42) including a tubular element (44) having a free end over which the valve stem (14) of a canister (2) is in use located and a spray orifice (50) in fluid communication with the tubular element (44) for directing a spray into the tubular section (38).

Abstract: An actuator for an inhaler for delivering medicament by inhalation, comprising: a housing (14) for receiving a canister (8) comprising a body (10) which defines a chamber containing medicament and a valve stem (12) which extends from the body (10); a nozzle block (18) for receiving the valve stem (12) of the canister (8); a mouthpiece for providing medicament from the nozzle block (18) to the mouth of a user; and at least one actuating member (54, 56) for manual engagement by a user in applying a force to actuate the canister (8), wherein the at least one actuating member (54, 56) is disposed such that the actuating force is applied substantially laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the canister (8) and configured when being acted upon to cause relative movement of the body (10) and the valve stem (12) of the canister (8).

Abstract: An adjustable oropharyngeal airway apparatus includes a rigid airway portion and a flexible airway portion frictionally engaging and slidably disposed in the rigid airway portion. The overall length of the apparatus can be varied by sliding the flexible portion relative to the rigid portion.

Abstract: A transpharyngeal tube for intubation anaesthesia which includes a tube shaft with an inflatable cuff for blocking the pharynx and an inflatable esophageal cuff of the tube shaft for blocking the esophagus. A common ventilation channel for ventilating and deaerating the two cuffs is provided within or on the shaft wall. Design and handling of the transpharyngeal tube have been facilitated.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus to be worn about the face of a swimmer to allow normal breathing through the nose and mouth while swimming face-down in water. The apparatus comprises two masks, an outer mask assembly covering the facial area of said wearer with a clear viewing area about the eyes and an inner mask assembly about the nose and mouth areas of the wearer which is air-tight and water-tight sealed from the outer mask so that no exhaled air from the inner mask area may enter into the outer mask area and thereby cause the clear viewing area to be fogged. The apparatus further comprises a first tube which enters through said outer mask and said inner mask at, or near, the mouth and nose area of the wearer to provide a path for fresh air to the wearer. A second tube attaches to said first tube and is long enough to protrude above the water surface when said wearer is swimming face down in water, thereby providing a continuous supply of fresh air to said wearer.

Abstract: A respirator 10 includes a compressible filter element 12, a filter element retainer 14, and a face piece 16. The respirator is unique in that the filter element 12 compresses when installed in the retainer 14, allowing a friction fit to be maintained between the filter element 12 and retainer 14. The friction fit enables the filter element 12 to be readily replaced when its service life has expired.

Abstract: In the present invention, personal air filteration unit sold as SmartMouth™ has been attached to a column of valve connectors which are connected to a tracheostomy tube to provide a well sealed column of air directly from the air filter to the patient.

Abstract: Wrinkles are cosmetically removed from a superficial area of mammalian skin tissue having an epidermal layer, a basal layer, and a dermal layer, by irradiating the dermal layer through the basal layer, the irradiation being selected to be absorbed by a chromphore in the dermal layer such that collagen present in the dermal layer is heated, while the basal layer remains intact so as to substantially inhibit contact of the dermal layer with ambient air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ashtray which could be used as the decoration due to good appearance as well as could not make other people unpleasant by covering the interior thereof, as it is not in use, and could cause ashes to be knocked off easily by the simple operation of the button as it is in use.

Abstract: This invention provides a wig having means for adjustment of the cap size of the wig for fitment to individual users and to reduce the stock numbers necessary to be carried by retailers to fit the variety of head sizes and still provide a full range of hair colors. The adjustment means can be an engageable strip of material to engage along the ribbon of a machine-made wig cap by engaging at the connection points of the ribbon and wefts of hair. The circumferential band of the wig may also be adjusted through the provision of such items as hook and eye fasteners.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of shaving hair by spraying a shaving preparation directly onto an area of skin to form a dispersed layer of the shaving preparation without the need for hand spreading and shaving the area with a razor. Also disclosed is a dispensing apparatus for spraying a shaving preparation directly onto an area of skin to be shaved. The shaving preparation may be an aerosol or a non-aerosol shaving preparation.

Abstract: A hair adornment device consisting of a pair of hingedly connected clip elements. Each clip element has a plurality of spaced-apart tines positioned to receive, in the spaces between them, tines of the other clip element. Each clip element has a gripping element opposite the tines. The two clip elements are pivotally connected between the tines and the gripping element. One or more lengths of hair are secured to the gripping elements and extend away from the tines. The hair lengths can be secured to the gripping elements, on inside or outside surfaces. Where lengths of hair attached to both clip elements, they can extend loosely therefrom, or they can be gathered and joined adjacent to the gripping elements.

Abstract: Dental floss, of the type comprising a strand consisting of multiple filaments, which are made from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of cotton, silk and polymeric materials, and a coating composition which impregnates said strand and includes a water emulsionable carrier carrying one or more active agents selected from the group consisting of germicides, therapeutic agents, flavorants, sweeteners, abrasives and others, at least one sweetener being in aqueous solution. According to the invention, the water emulsionable carrier includes a waxy material selected from the group consisting of animal waxes, mineral waxes, vegetable waxes, synthetic waxes and mixtures of two or more of these waxes and an emulsifier, in order to make said coating composition homogeneous and soluble in saliva, the sweetener aqueous solution having a sufficiently low amount of water to prevent the impregnated strand from exuding when compressed.

Abstract: A fast single-article megasonic cleaning system (200) is used to clean substrates (such as semiconductor wafers, flat panel display glass, etc.) at frequencies of 400 kHz-20,000 kHz or higher. The technique provides a single-wafer cleaning process that reduces the cleaning time from the 10-20 minutes typical of the prior art to 15-60 seconds. The system utilizes concentrated megasonic energy on one wafer (90) to dramatically reduce cleaning time. The system uses a transducer (210) or a pair or transducers (210a, 210b) parallel to the substrate (90) to be cleaned where the transducer area is more than about 40% of the substrate area. Two alternate configurations are disclosed, one utilizing a horizontal wafer arrangement and the second utilizing a vertical wafer arrangement. The latter requires a smaller floor area.

Abstract: A method for removing hard material layers from hard metal substrates by employing a layer removal solution, included introducing between the hard metal substrate and a hard material layer, an intermediate carrier layer made of a material that is differing from the material of the hard material layer and from the metal substrate. A selectively dissolving of the intermediate carrier layer follows by employing a solution such as hydrogen peroxide, through pores of the hard material layer. The removal solution, within a treatment time period, dissolves the material of the intermediate carrier layer more than the material of the hard material layer, such that the hard material layer is removed before it is dissolved as much as the intermediate carrier layer.

Abstract: A dish washing machine according to the present invention has vertically divided upper and lower doors 16 and 17 for covering an opening of a washing chamber. The upper door 16 is opened through its upward pivotal movement about its shafts 20. The lower door 17 is opened through its downward pivotal movement about its shafts 22. The upper door 16 is fully opened through its pivotal movement substantially through 180 degrees. The lower door 17 is opened to a substantially horizontal position. And when the lower door 17 is in this opened state, a basket 4 contained in the washing chamber 3 can be pulled out onto the lower door 17.

Abstract: A container apparatus for use in combination with an umbrella having an umbrella mast and umbrella canopy includes a food container having a container top wall, a container side wall and a container bottom wall together defining a container interior, with an umbrella mast passing port, a mast engaging structure, and a container interior access door; so that the umbrella mast of may be inserted into the mast passing port and advanced into the interior of the container and engaged by the mast engaging structure, thereby holding the umbrella mast upright relative to the container and so that the container stabilizes the umbrella, which can be opened over the container.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first retaining mechanism that defines an adjustment space, and the second panel has a second retaining mechanism that is movably received inside the adjustment space of the first retaining mechanism to couple the second panel to the first panel. The second retaining mechanism is movable within the adjustment space to allow the relative positions of the first and second panels to be adjusted. Other collapsible structures are provided having at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation.

Abstract: The self-erecting structure has resilient lower and upper support loops which provide it with shape and support. Fabric covers the support loops, and is permanently affixed to the support loops. The fabric has a lower, waterproof portion and an upper insect protection portion. The fabric is preferably treated to provide it with insect repellent and insecticide properties. The support loops are made of flexible, resilient rods made of a material, such as a vinylester and fiberglass combination having a diameter selected to enable the support loops to be folded into six loops, whereby the structure can be compactly stored in a rucksack. The method of folding the structure so that it can be stored in such a compact space is also disclosed.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprises a transparent conductive film, a semiconductor thin film, and a metallic electrode film successively deposited on one surface of a transparent substrate

Abstract: Provided are a zinc oxide thin film having an X-ray diffraction peak of the plane of zinc oxide crystal, a photoelectric conversion element having the zinc oxide thin film, and production processes thereof. By these, the texture level of the zinc oxide thin film is increased and the photoelectric conversion element is provided with excellent short circuit current density (Jsc).

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding gases for use in semiconductor manufacturing reduced in size and manufacturing costs and facilitating maintenance and operation of the gas supply system. The apparatus comprises a plurality of gas supply sources, gas source valves provided on the gas lead-out pipes from the respective gas supply sources, flow rate controllers provided on main gas feed pipes into which the lead-out pipes converge, and gas supply valves provided on the outlet side of the flow rate controllers.

Abstract: A device for introducing a first fluid into a second fluid stream comprising an enclosure and a member which causes release of a first fluid. The enclosure releasably retains the first fluid. The release causing member causes the release of the first fluid from the enclosure into the second fluid stream upon detection of a predetermined condition associated with the second fluid stream.

Abstract: A theft resistant valve cap including a liner adapted for threaded engagement with a standard pneumatic tire stem valve, a sleeve rotatably mounted with the liner to shroud it and an interlocking feature to selectively prevent axial displacement between the liner and the sleeve. The liner includes a hollow body with first and second opposed ends that features shoulders positioned proximate to one of said opposed ends. The shoulders, when employed with the sleeve rotatably mounted with the liner to shroud it, facilitates restricting removal of the cap from the valve stem to authorized individuals, only. Specifically, an interlocking mechanism extends between the liner and the sleeve and limits axial movement therebetween, while allowing rotational movement. To remove the cap from the valve stem, a key is employed which forms an interference fit with the shoulders in the liner, once exposed.

Abstract: A liquid stabilizing baffle is described in which first and second loops are formed by strips of flexible spring material. The first and second loops intersect one another at two intersection points along an axis. A third loop, formed of a flexible spring material strip may be joined with the first and second loops at points between the intersection points of the first and second loops.

Abstract: A check valve attached to an inner wall of a main body of a fuel tank ensures a sufficient seal of the main body from outside, without increasing the required number of parts. The check valve communicates with a fuel conduit of a fuel inlet pipe and functions to prevent liquid fuel and fuel vapor in the main body from flowing through the fuel inlet pipe and being released to the outside. The check valve is opened by a flow of fuel in the fuel inlet pipe and allows the flow of fuel to be introduced into the main body. The check valve includes a casing with a fuel outlet, a valve disc, and a fixation plate. The valve disc is movable between an open position and a closed position to open and close the fuel outlet of the casing. The fixation plate has one end inserted in an end of the casing and the other end welded to the main body. This arrangement enables the main body to be securely sealed from the outside.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to offer a steering valve device which can reduce both space of the valve assembly in the vehicle and increment of cost and time for manufacturing the device.

Abstract: The four-way selector valve relating to the invention basically comprises a motor which has a stator and a rotor, a case, and a main body including a main valve and a valve seat, both of which are arranged in a valve chest within the case. The valve seat has a suction pressure passage and a discharge pressure passage, which lead to a suction port of a compressor and a discharge port thereof, respectively, and two passage holes which lead to indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, respectively. The main valve has a connecting part which selectively leads to one of the suction pressure passage and the two passage holes, and a pressure equalization orifice which links the connecting part and the valve chest. A rotor sleeve, which comprises the rotor, is equipped with an auxiliary valve which opens or closes the pressure equalization orifice in order to transfer pressure, and an operating pin which moves the position of the main valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a four-port, four-way stopcock having two components, a body and a core, that are assembled together and form a fluid-tight and air-tight seal. The body has a number of connectable ports attached to a central chamber. The core has an axial port and is positioned within the central chamber so that it can be rotated with respect to the body. The core also has two independent fluid passages that can carry fluid between two different sets of ports, simultaneously. For example, the core can be rotated to a position wherein fluid flows between the axial port of the core and one of the connectable ports of the body, while separate and different fluid also flows between two other connectable ports of the body.

Abstract: A gas panel for use with a tool for manufacturing a semiconductor includes a one-piece manifold body having an inlet for receiving a process gas. The manifold body has at least one lateral wall extending in the general direction of gas flow. The lateral wall includes at least one active device site having an active device thereon. The active device is in gas communication with a gas carrying path formed within the one-piece manifold. The active device may be a manual valve, a pneumatic valve, a pressure regulator, a pressure transducer, a purifier, a filter or a flow controller. The gas is received from the active device at a continuation of the gas flow path in the manifold body and is conveyed to a manifold outlet for ultimate to the tool.

Abstract: A pipe section formed of a polymeric material which has a substantially constant thickness throughout, the terminal edge of the female connection having a reinforcement structure which rigidifies the end of the female connection and prevents deformation, the pipe section preferably having a flared end, and the reinforcement structure preferably being a semicircular channel formed at the end of the pipe section by a mandrel after initial extrusion of the pipe section; along with a method and apparatus for forming the pipe section, a pipe assembly including such pipe section, and a method of forming the pipe assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of forming a surface finish on a top surface of a drain cover for swimming pools or spas so that the surface finish of the drain cover matches the surface finish of the pool or spa. The apparatus comprises a ring shaped structure that is adapted to be positioned on the top surface of the drain cover wherein the ring is mounted along the general outer perimeter of the top surface of the drain cover. An exposed aggregate or plaster finish is then formed on the top surface of the cover enclosed by the ring so that the ring retains and shapes the surface finish.

Abstract: A fluid-impermeable composite hose has a wall including a laminated layer formed by longitudinally lapping a laminated sheet which contains a metallic foil, or a metallic layer formed by vapor deposition. The laminated layer is bound with thread wound about it at a density not exceeding 20%, and bound to an extent forming constrictions therein if required. The thread prevents the deformation in cross section of the hose and the separation of the overlapping edge portions of the laminated sheet which might otherwise be caused by the bending resistance of the laminated sheet. The constrictions improve the flexibility of the hose.

Abstract: In a method for producing helically wound lock-seam tubing, a metal strip is fed to a forming head in which the tubing is formed. In order to prevent lock-seam slip, a clinching roller device form interlocking spaced deformations on the lock-seam. An apparatus for such production comprises a clinching roller provided with a recess for forming the deformations against a counter roller.

Abstract: A process for producing roller blinds includes defining a plurality of shapes for the completed roller blind in a continuous material band. The band has a uniform width and edges of the roller blind are defined between the longitudinal edges of the material band. Separating strips are defined in the material band between adjacent edes of the devices. The individual devices are removed from the continuous material band by separating the material band along the separating strips.

Abstract: A leno ground fabric is produced over the entire weaving width of a loom by using two heald frames each having a length corresponding to the weaving width. The heald frames are equipped with a multitude of lifting healds or heddles and with a multitude of half healds or heddles that move the leno warp thread and the ground warp threads for the shed formation over the entire loom width.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for, a filling system for and a method of introducing into a container a suspension or solution of a substance, in particular a pharmaceutical substance, in a propellant under pressure, the filling apparatus comprising: a main body (4) including a passageway (20) for communicating, in use, with a valve stem (144) extending from a head (141) of a body (139) of a container (138), the container (138) comprising a metering chamber (143) selectively communicatable by the valve stem (144) with the atmosphere and a storage chamber (140) defined by the body (139); a fill actuator (7) comprising a filling valve assembly (29) in communication with the passageway (20) for selectively introducing thereinto propellant under pressure containing a substance in a suspension or solution; an exhaust actuator (10) comprising an exhaust valve assembly (48) in communication with the passageway (20) for selectively exhausting therefrom propellant under pressure containing substance; and a container-engaging bod

Abstract: A system for dispensing a liquid comprises a receptacle and apparatus for refilling the receptacle with compressed air, the receptacle being provided with a filling valve. The liquid to be dispensed and the air under pressure are contained inside the receptacle separately in different spaces.

Abstract: A device for maintaining ingredients separately within a bottle container of the type having a removable container cap has a sub-container body formed with squeezable plastic outer walls and inner divider walls forming multiple compartments having respective orifices for dispensing the ingredients contained therein. Each compartment can be separately opened (by removing a sealing element) and its ingredient can be dispensed into the container by squeezing on corresponding portions of the outer walls. In different embodiments, the device may be formed with the sub-container body in a cylindrical shape, the divider wall aligned with the cylinder axis or transverse to the cylinder axis, and the cylinder body snap-fitted to the underside of the cap or fixed to a collar which is held on the container neck by the cap.

Abstract: A vent and fluid transfer fitment for sealing and transferring a fluid from an inverted fluid-filled container without premature leakage to a receiver attachment, has a transfer check valve and a venting check valve which are preferably duckbill valves. The transfer check valve is attached to the fitment for allowing fluid to be transferred from the container when the receiver attachment engages the transfer check valve. The venting check valve is also attached to the fitment for allowing air to displace the fluid as the fluid exits the container, wherein both the transfer check valve and the venting check valve have an inherent sealing pressure created by the static pressure of the fluid within the container. In addition, the inherent sealing pressure of the venting check valve is less than the inherent sealing pressure of the transfer check valve which allows air to enter the container due to the pressure differential created as the fluid is displaced.

Abstract: A ferritic non-ridging stainless steel and process therefor. A chromium alloyed steel melt containing sufficient titanium and nitrogen but a controlled amount of aluminum is cast into an ingot or continuously cast into a strip or a slab having an as-cast fine equiaxed grain structure substantially free of columnar grains. The as-cast steel contains 0.08% C, at least about 8% Cr, up to 1.50% Mn, <0.020% Al, ≦0.05% N, ≦1.5% Si, <2.0% Ni, Ti ≧0.10%, the ratio of (Ti×N)/Al≧0.14, all percentages by weight, the balance Fe and residual elements. Preferably, the titanium is controlled so that (Ti/48)/[(C/12)+(N/14)]>1.5. A hot processed sheet may be formed from a continuously cast slab without grinding the surfaces of the slab. The hot processed sheet may be descaled, cold reduced to a final thickness and recrystallization annealed.

Abstract: An Ni3Al-base heat-resistant alloy containing, in % by weight, 6.0 to 9.0% of Al, 2.0 to 15.0% of Cr and 0.5 to 3.0% of Zr, the balance being Ni and inevitable impurities, the alloy having a metal structure comprising Ni3Al as the main phase thereof. When required, the alloy may further contain over 0% to not more than 5.0% of W, over 0% to not more than 3.0% of Mo, over 0% to not more than 3.0% of Nb, over 0% to not more than 0.003% of B, over 0% to not more than 0.3% of C and 0.003 to 0.03% of N, wherein the combined amount of W, Mo and Nb is up to 5.0% if at least two of these elements are present.

Abstract: A pyrotechnical object is made by compressing a pyrotechnical mass, and introducing into the mass an ignition and combustion accelerator in the form of a propellant powder. The propellant powder could be mixed with the mass prior to compression. Alternatively, the propellant powder could be pressed into an ignition surface of the mass after the pressing. The propellant powder may comprise basic cellulose and/or nitro-cellulose.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion, a pair of sidewall portions, a pair of bead portions, and a carcass ply of steel cords extending between the bead portions through the tread portion and sidewall portions. Each of the carcass cords comprises a number “n” of steel filaments each having a diameter (d) of from 0.17 to 0.40 mm. The steel filaments are twisted together to have a “1×n” bundle-twist structure or an interlace-twist structure. In a vicinity of the maximum tire section width point P of each of the sidewall portions, a sectional shape coefficient S of each carcass cord is set in a range of from 0.5 to 0.

Abstract: A tire having a crown, two sidewalls and two tire beads, a carcass reinforcement anchored in the two tire beads and a belt reinforcement, said belt reinforcement including at least two superposed reinforcement plies formed with cords parallel in each ply and criss-crossed from one ply to the other forming with the circumferential direction angles (&agr;, &bgr;) ranging between 10° and 55° and characterized in that the cords of at least one of the two reinforcing plies are successively in contact, on the same side of said ply, moving from the tire equatorial plane towards one of the reinforcing ply lateral ends with a rubber bonding layer having a first modulus of elasticity and then a rubber bonding layer of a second modulus of elasticity lower than the first.

Abstract: A filter rod making machine wherein successive increments of a stream constituting a converted tow of filamentary filter material for tobacco smoke are contacted by a compressing tool which is vibrated at a frequency and/or amplitude sufficient to prevent over-heating of the tool and/or of filaments of filter material, such as acetate fibers. Conversion of the tow into the stream and the wrapping of the compressed stream into a running web of filter paper are carried out in a conventional manner.