Abstract: A heat-processing apparatus for deposition and reformation for forming a tantalum oxide film on a semiconductor substrate includes an airtight process chamber for accommodating the wafer and a worktable for supporting the wafer thereon. A heater for heating the wafer is disposed in the worktable. The process chamber is connected to an exhaust section for exhausting the process chamber. The process chamber is also connected to a section for supplying pentoethoxytantalum as a precursor of the tantalum oxide, a line for supplying an oxidizing gas, and a section for supplying a reforming gas for the tantalum oxide. The reforming gas consists of an excited oxygen gas containing no ions or electrons.

Abstract: This invention presents an ESC mechanism for chucking an object electro-statically on a chucking surface, comprising a stage having a dielectric block of which surface is the chucking surface, and a chucking electrode provided in the dielectric block. A temperature controller is provided with the stage for controlling temperature of the object. A chucking power source to apply voltage to the chucking electrode is provided so that the object is chucked. The chucking surface has concaves of which openings are shut by the chucked object. A heat-exchange gas introduction system that introduces heat-exchange gas into the concaves is provided. The concaves include a heat-exchange concave for promoting heat-exchange between the stage and the object under increased pressure, and a gas-diffusion concave for making the introduced gas diffuse to the heat-exchange concave. The gas-diffusion concave is deeper than the heat-exchange concave.

Abstract: A wafer support system comprising a segmented susceptor having top and bottom sections and gas flow passages therethrough. A plurality of spacers projecting from a recess formed in the top section of the susceptor support a wafer in spaced relationship with respect to the recess. A sweep gas is introduced to the bottom section of the segmented susceptor and travels through the gas flow passages to exit in at least one circular array of outlets in the recess and underneath the spaced wafer. The sweep gas travels radially outward between the susceptor and wafer to prevent back-side contamination of the wafer. The gas is delivered through a hollow drive shaft and into a multi-armed susceptor support underneath the susceptor. The support arms conduct the sweep gas from the drive shaft to the gas passages in the segmented susceptor. The gas passages are arranged to heat the sweep gas prior to delivery underneath the wafer.

Abstract: A showerhead diffuser apparatus for a CVD process has a first channel region having first plural independent radially-concentric channels and individual gas supply ports from a first side of the apparatus to individual ones of the first channels, a second channel region having second plural independent radially-concentric channels and a pattern of diffusion passages from the second channels to a second side of the apparatus, and a transition region between the first channel region and the second channel region having at least one transition gas passage for communicating gas from each first channel in the first region to a corresponding second channel in the second region. The showerhead apparatus has a vacuum seal interface for mounting the showerhead apparatus to a CVD reactor chamber such that the first side and supply ports face away from the reactor chamber and the second side and the patterns of diffusion passages from the second channels open into the reactor chamber.

Abstract: An implement for milking animals, such as cows, provided with a milking parlour with a milking robot for automatically attaching teat cups (1) to the teats of an animal to be milked, said implement further being provided with milk container means for the milk obtained, while in at least one milk line (2) between the teat cups (1) and the milk container means there is provided an auxiliary reservoir (7) in which a certain quantity of milk, substantially obtained at the beginning of the milking process, is collected via an inlet opening and can leave said auxiliary reservoir (7) via an outlet opening with shutting off means (9), while the milk obtained thereafter is substantially led to the milk container means. The inlet opening is provided with further shutting off means (13) which are at least suitable for preventing the milk collected in the auxiliary reservoir (7) from being discharged to the milk container means.

Abstract: An implement for successively receiving and/or treating individual animals out of a group of animals which are allowed to move about freely in an area intended therefor and which are allowed individually to visit the implement, such as for example a concentrate feeding station and/or a milking robot, is provided with means for stimulating the animals to visit the implement. The implement is further provided with means for recording and/or determining a (possibly periodically recurring) time interval in which the expected visiting frequency of the group of animals to the implement is below a low threshold value, respectively above a high threshold value, and with means for extra stimulation, respectively less stimulation of the animals to visit the implement. By purposeful extra or less stimulation of the animals to visit the implement, there can be achieved a less varying visiting frequency in the course of time.

Abstract: A modular cage comprising a frame which is constituted by profiled elements connected by interlocking corner assemblies for reversible joining, said frame being associated with grille-like wall elements, each one of the joining corner assemblies comprising a joint which has a corner body from which tangs extend monolithically and at right angles, the tangs being provided with reversible locking devices which enter corresponding first longitudinally elongated seats formed in the profiled elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus including a pump 1 driven by an electronically controlled electric motor 3 with a pump controller 4 and a valve 2 operated by an electronically controlled drive 10 with a valve controller 11, the valve controller 11 being partially or fully integrated in the pump controller 4.

Abstract: Abstract This engine configuration is a crankshaft driven semi-radial piston engine having three banks of three cylinders. It resembles a V-six but has an additional bank of three cylinders centered on a plane dividing the in-line V symmetrically in half through the crankshaft axis. Either outside bank of three cylinders would form a V-six type engine, taken together with the middle bank. The crankshaft has throws at 120 degrees between the nodes with all pistons in a particular in-line bank connected to the crankshaft at a different throw angle. Each cylinder contains one piston that connects to the crankshaft via a typical conecting rod. All pistons in one in-line bank connect to a different node throw angle. Starting with any piston at its TDC position, each 40 degrees will bring a different piston to its TDC position until 360 degrees of crankshaft rotation brings the first back to its TDC position.

Abstract: An engine is disclosed having an improved lubrication system and scavenging system. An oil sleeve is positioned between the cylinder and the crankcase, the sleeve having a bore sized to receive the piston. The piston and sleeve define an annular oil space which is connected to a reservoir by oil lines. A fixed seal is positioned surrounding the piston between the cylinder and the oil sleeve. A movable seal is mounted on and surrounds the piston. On the power stroke the movable seal moves away from the fixed seal, drawing oil from the reservoir into the annular oil space. On the compression stroke, the movable seal moves toward the fixed seal, forcing the oil from the annular oil space into the piston wrist pin and through conduits to the crank and main bearings and then back to the reservoir. Separate scavenging and charging tubes connect the crankcase to the cylinder.

Abstract: In a two-stroke engine, fresh air introduced through a scavenging port into a combustion chamber becomes an air flow directed to a top surface of a piston and is guided by a concave of the piston top surface to produce an reverse tumble flow. A combustion gas is pushed out through an exhaust port, opened and closed by the piston, in a stratified state by the scavenging flow. In addition, when the exhaust port goes down in the closure condition, a strong tumble flow occurs in the combustion chamber , and at an ignition position(point, location) in the vicinity of the top dead center, the reverse tumble flow runs against a squish developing between the piston top surface and a lower surface of a cylinder head and gathers in the concave in a state disturbed.

Abstract: A valve control system for controlling an electromagnetic valve unit is arranged to execute an initialization control for moving a movable member to a start position by alternatively energizing valve opening and closing electromagnets according to a natural frequency of a vibration system of the electromagnetic valve unit. The valve control system detects amplitudes of oscillation of the movable member during the initialization control and calculates an increase-degree of the detected amplitudes. Further, the valve control system estimates a friction quantity of the vibration system on the basis of the calculated increase-degree and controls electric current supplied to the electromagnets on the basis of a control parameter reflecting the estimated friction quantity.

Abstract: An estimated value is calculated for a disturbing force which occurs as a result of the gas forces acting on the gas exchange valve immediately prior to the opening of the latter. The time profile of the disturbing force resulting at the gas exchange valve after the commencement of opening is estimated from a response of a transfer member to a jump in the disturbing force from the estimated valve to a predetermined value. An actuating signal for the actuator drive is determined as a function of the time profile of the disturbing force.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for the actuation of the intake or exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine in which an oscillating arm has a first end hinged on a support frame secured to the engine head and a second end in abutment on the upper end of the stem of the intake or exhaust valve; two electromagnets being provided in order to move, on command, the oscillating arm in order axially to displace the valve between a closed position and a position of maximum opening, the oscillating arm comprising a central plate positioned in the space between the polar heads of the two electromagnets, a cylindrical tubular member rigid with a lateral edge of the central plate and a projection extending in a projecting manner from the central plate on the side opposite the cylindrical tubular member, the central plate being formed by a pack of sheets of ferromagnetic material stacked on one another and seam welded on the outer lateral surface of the cylindrical tubular member and by a stiffening rib welded to the p

Abstract: A variable camshaft timing system comprising a camshaft (36) with a vane (20) secured to the camshaft for rotation with the camshaft but not for oscillation with respect to the camshaft. The vane has a circumferentially extending plurality of lobes (20, 22, 24) projecting radially outwardly therefrom and is surrounded by an annular housing (28) that has a corresponding plurality of recesses (30, 32, 34) each of which receives one of the lobes and has a circumferential extent greater than the circumferential extent of the lobe received therein to permit oscillation of the housing relative to the vane and the camshaft while the housing rotates with the camshaft and the vane. Oscillation of the housing relative to the vane and the camshaft is actuated by pressurized engine oil in each of the recesses on opposed sides of the lobe therein, the oil pressure in such recess being preferably derived in part from a torque pulse in the camshaft as it rotates during its operation.

Abstract: A valve moving apparatus of an internal combustion engine has an intake camshaft with an intake variable cam piece for opening and closing an intake valve, and an exhaust camshaft with an exhaust variable cam piece for opening and closing an exhaust valve. Each variable cam piece has a low speed cam section and a high speed cam section and is movable axially relatively to the camshaft. A hydraulic driving mechanism is provided for moving the variable cam piece axially in accordance with engine operation condition. The driving mechanism has a driving piston and arms touching both sides of the variable cam piece. When valve operating characteristic of the intake valve or the exhaust valve is changed corresponding to engine operation condition, response is improved. The engine can be miniaturized.

Abstract: A variable valve timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine that varies the rotational phrase of the first shaft with respect to the second shaft. The apparatus comprises a housing member rotated in synchronism with one of the first shaft and the second shaft, the housing member having a circular space provided in the housing member and radially extending at least one fan-shaped space from outer circumferential surface of the circular space, a vane rotor rotated in synchronism with the other of the first shaft and the second shaft and accommodated in the housing member in order to relatively rotate with respect to the housing member, the vane rotor having radially extending at least one vane so as to divide the fan-shaped space into first chamber and second chamber.

Abstract: A variable valve timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprising a housing member rotated in synchronism with one of a first shaft and a second shaft, the housing member comprising a circular space provided therein and at least one fan-shaped space radially extending from an outer circumferential surface of the circular space, a vane rotor rotated in synchronism with the other of the first shaft and the second shaft, the vane rotor is accommodated in the housing member in order to relatively rotate with respect to the housing member, the vane rotor comprising at least one vane radially extending so as to divide each the fan-shaped space into a first chamber and a second chamber, a locking member provided in one of the housing member and the vane, the locking member comprising a main body portion provided with a cylindrical shape and a leading head portion provided with a tapered surface whose diameter decreases toward an end face of the leading head portion, an engaging bore provided in

Abstract: A stopper piston is fitted into a fitting hole when a vane rotor is located at an approximately intermediate position between a most retard position and a most advance position with respect to a shoe housing. When the stopper piston is fitted into the fitting hole, a relative rotation of the vane rotor with respect to the shoe housing is restrained. When the stopper piston rotates to an advance side with respect to the shoe housing over the intermediate position at which the stopper piston is fitted into the fitting hole, a damper chamber communicates with an advance oil pressure chamber through a through hole, an oil passage and a recess space. When the vane rotor rotates to a retard side including the intermediate position, the damper chamber is sealed hermetically, and therefore the moving speed of the stopper piston toward the fitting hole decreases.

Abstract: A circuit disconnecting member that blows on receiving radiant heat generated by heat generation of a motor circuit is connected to a motor circuit, the blowing temperature being a temperature lower than a thermal breakdown temperature of a combustible substance around the motor circuit, whereby the motor circuit is shut off, when the peripheral part of the motor circuit generates heat, to stop heat generation before an insulation cover or a contact case is subjected to thermal connection breakage. An engine starting device is prevented from being subjected to a thermal breakdown by a small-size, simple construction and an inexpensive technique without impairing the mounting layout properties of the starting motor and the performance within the rated use.

Abstract: A piston for reciprocal movement in a cylinder in an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The piston has a lateral surface that is provided with at least two spaced peripheral piston ring grooves for individual piston rings. A collection chamber is arranged between the piston ring grooves. This collection chamber is made of a peripheral groove arranged in the lateral surface and at least one space, which communicates with the collection chamber, is arranged in the piston. The collection chamber and the space are made to take up uncombusted air-fuel mixture and combustion gases that have passed one of the piston rings.

Abstract: An auxiliary machinery mounting structure of an engine is provided, which can reduce the entire length of the engine, enhance the rigidity of a cover seal surface to improve the sealing effect, and also enhance the mounting rigidity of an auxiliary machinery. The auxiliary machinery mounting structure includes a mount seat (3a) that is integrally formed on an end surface of a cylinder block (3) extending vertically to a crank shaft of the engine to lie outward of and along a cover seal surface (3d) that is a surface engaging with a cover 10 laid over the end surface (3), and the auxiliary machinery (26) is mounted on the mount seat (3a).

Abstract: An engine includes an engine casing that defines a hollow piston cavity separated from an exhaust passage and an intake passage by a valve seat. A gas exchange valve member is positioned adjacent the valve seat and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The gas exchange valve member also defines an opening that opens into the hollow piston cavity. A needle valve member is positioned in the gas exchange valve member adjacent a nozzle outlet and is moveable between an inject position and a blocked position. A port control valve member, which has a hydraulic surface, is mounted around the gas I exchange valve member and moveable between an intake position and an exhaust position. A pilot valve is moveable between a first position at which the port control hydraulic surface is exposed to a source of high pressure fluid, and a second position at which the port control hydraulic surface is exposed to a source of low pressure fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for direct gasoline injection in a piston engine, which has a hydraulic valve control system with hydraulically actuated gas exchange valves. The invention proposes binding the direct gasoline injection to the hydraulic valve control system via a pressure booster for two different pressure media, which is acted upon by hydraulic oil from a high-pressure hydraulic oil reservoir of the hydraulic valve control system and which subjects a high-pressure fuel reservoir to high pressure; injection valves for direct gasoline injection in the piston engine are connected to the high-pressure fuel reservoir.

Abstract: A high-pressure fuel supply system has a reservoir for supplying high-pressure fuel to fuel injectors, a low-pressure pump that withdraws fuel from a fuel tank and that discharges fuel at a pressure substantially equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure since the starting of an internal combustion engine, a high-pressure pump for force-feeding high-pressure fuel to the reservoir, a pressure booster that boosts a pressure of fuel in the reservoir when starting the internal combustion engine, and a fuel passage that allows fuel to flow only from the fuel tank to the reservoir so as to prevent fuel vapors from being generated in the reservoir while the engine is out of operation. Thus, it becomes possible to reliably boost a pressure in the reservoir when starting the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the fuel mass to be delivered to an individual cylinder of an internal combustion engine during engine transients caused by intake control device transitions. The method and system compensates for fuel transport dynamics and the actual fuel injected into the cylinder. A plurality of engine parameters are sensed, including cylinder air charge. An initial base desired fuel mass is determined based on the plurality of engine parameters. An initial transient fuel mass is also determined based on prior injection history which, in turn, is modified based on the transition of the intake control device for that cylinder. A desired injected fuel mass to be delivered to the cylinder is determined based on the initial base desired fuel mass and the initial transient fuel mass. These same calculations are then used to compensate for changes to the base desired fuel mass while the fuel injection is in progress, resulting in an updated desired injected fuel mass.

Abstract: The injector has a nozzle closed by a rod which is movable by the fuel pressure in a control chamber having a discharge conduit closed by a plug controlled by an electromagnet. The rod is movable, from a closed position closing the nozzle, to effect a maximum travel, so that the amount of fuel injected following the maximum travel is greater than a maximum amount of fuel required by the power curve. To classify the injectors, a series of injectors is prepared with corresponding rods movable from the closed position to effect the maximum travel; and the amount of fuel injected by each injector, after two strokes of the respective rod smaller than the maximum travel, is tested.

Abstract: In a diagnostic apparatus and method for a fuel vapor purge system in which fuel vapor generated in a fuel tank trapped in a chamber is purged into an intake passage of an internal combustion engine through a purge path, a first change in a pressure of the purge path is measured after creating a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the purge path and sealing the purge path, and a second change in pressure that varies with an amount of fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank is measured while the purge path is sealed for a first period of time after an atmospheric pressure is introduced into the purge path. Then, it is determined whether leakage is present in the purge path, based on the first change and the second change in the pressure of the purge path.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an EGR passage provided with an EGR control valve and a catalyst for purifying the EGR gas. When the internal combustion engine operates in a low-temperature combustion mode in which the amount of EGR gas supplied to a combustion chamber is larger than that of EGR gas with which the amount of soot produced reaches a peak, and almost no soot is produced, a controller reduces an opening amount of the exhaust gas recirculation control valve so as to increase an exhaust gas temperature, and reduces an opening amount of the throttle valve so as to suppress an increase in the amount of the EGR gas, thereby to reduce reductions in the temperature of the EGR gas and the temperature of the catalyst.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation valve device is provided with a motor shaft, a stepping motor main body driving the motor shaft, a valve shaft having a tip functioning as a proximal end which faces one end of the motor shaft and a distal end provided with a valve, a spring pushing the valve shaft in a closing direction, and a spring holder retaining the spring. In the case that the valve is closed, the tip of the valve shaft and the spring holder are caulked together at a distance between the tip of the valve shaft and the one end of the motor shaft so that a distance between the facing ends of the motor shaft and the valve shaft is equivalent to a difference between a stroke of the motor shaft of the stepping motor main body and a stroke of the valve on opening.

Abstract: A closed crankcase emission control system for an internal combustion engine includes a replaceable filter element having a ring of filter media; a first end cap at one end of the media ring; a sump container defined by a second end cap at the other end of the media ring and a cup-shaped valve pan fixed to the second end cap; and a check valve in the valve pan to block blow-by gas flow directly into the filter element during engine operation, and to allow collected oil to flow out of the sump container during engine idle or shut-down. A shut off valve is provided to prevent oil from passing through the emission control system to the engine. The shut off valve comprises a cylindrical float member with a supporting body and a seal, where the body includes a guide member. The float member could also be a ball valve. The float member floats with the level of oil in the housing, and can fluidly seal against a valve seat to prevent oil passing to the engine.

Abstract: A solar thermoaccumulator, including a parallel battery of closed-circuit vacuum solar pipes, and provided with a plurality of accumulation bulbs, which are either immersed in a primary conductive fluid that circulates in an annular chamber having an air space, whose internal wall is the containing wall of a reservoir containing a fluid to be heated; or are put in direct thermally conductive contact with tubular tangs that are attached to and inserted in a reservoir, is disclosed. The reservoir may be single reservoir, or may be associated with and sequentially in fluid communication with at least one other upstream, parallel aligned reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing sugar from beets, comprising the steps of: (a) macerating beets or pieces thereof; (b) mechanically separating juice from the macerated beets; and (c) membrane filtering the separated juice, producing a retentate and a permeate. The mechanical extraction of juice can be done on a moving porous vacuum filtration belt with countercurrent flow of macerated beets and water. The pH of the vacuum extracted juice can be adjusted to at least about 7 by addition of sodium hydroxide. This process does not use conventional beet diffusion. No lime and no carbon dioxide are required to be contacted with the juice or the permeate in this process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for generating an aerosol of an exact dose for inhalation purposes. The inventive apparatus provides a temperature sensor 100 and/or a humidity sensor 200 in order to measure the ambient temperature of the system or the humidity of the air drawn in by the compressor 21. The sensors are preferably arranged adjacently between the outlet of a drying stage 25 and a dispersing nozzle 3. The maximum amount of a medicament that can be absorbed by a predetermined air volume can be determined (detected) by such determination of temperature and humidity. On the basis of this determination result, the supply of the appropriate amount of the medicament-containing liquid is controlled by a control means 5.

Abstract: A breathing circuit component includes an inlet, an outlet and an enclosing wall. The enclosing wall defines a gases passageway between the inlet and the outlet. At least a region of the enclosing wall is formed from a breathable material that allows the passage of water vapor without allowing the passage of liquid water or respiratory gases. The breathing circuit component may be the expiratory limb of a breathing circuit.

Abstract: A medical port for an emergency safety resuscitator having a collapsible bag with an outlet. An adapter has a first end available for attachment to, and communication with, the outlet of the collapsible bag. A second end of the adapter attaches to a first aperture of a tube having three apertures. The second aperture of the tube is releasably covered by a self-sealing membrane. And the third aperture of the tube is available for connection either to a mask or an endotracheal tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible respirator filter having substantially coextensive front and back portions of filter material which are sealed to each other along their periphery, forming a sealed edge. A flexible plastic frame is contained within the front and back portions to form a plenum between the front and back portions of filter material. The frame has a peripheral edge which remains adjacent to the sealed edge of the filter material along substantially the entire length of the sealed edge to provide sufficient rigidity to prevent crushing while at the same time providing sufficient flexibility to fit under other personal protective equipment. A connector for attaching the filter to the respirator mask is formed integrally with the frame such that it protrudes through the back portion of the filter material. A plurality of recesses are also formed integrally with the frame to facilitate grasping the filter without crushing or damaging it.

Abstract: A hyperpharyngeal tube, in particular for intubation anesthesia, comprises a dimensionally stable tube shaft which is provided with an inflatable first cuff for sealing the oro- and nasopharynx and fixing the hyperpharyngeal tube in the pharynx, and an inflatable second cuff for sealing the esophagus. The lumen of the tube shaft is divided by a separating wall into a suction channel and a respiratory channel.

Abstract: A treatment for treating snoring of a patient attributable at least in part to motion of a soft palate of the patient includes forming a scar in the interior of the soft palate and extending in a direction toward the distal end of the soft palate with the scar limited to a proximal two-thirds of the soft palate.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering an implant into a soft palate of a patient for treatment of snoring includes an implant and a delivery tool. The implant is formed from a sheet of flexible, bio-compatible material sized to be inserted into the soft palate. The delivery tool includes a penetrating member with a distal end for penetration into the soft palate through a small penetration wound. The implant is carried in the distal end of the penetrating member. A flattening tool is contained within the penetration member and constrained by the penetrating member against a bias for a distal tip of the tool to expand beyond a size of the penetration wound to approximately a width of the implant. The flattening tool is retractable between an extended position and a retracted position with the distal tip of the tool in the retracted position being smaller than the penetration wound. The penetrating member is retractable relative to the flattening tool when the flattening tool is in the extended position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating snoring include selecting an implant formed form a sheet of flexible, bio-compatible material. The sheet has a longitudinal length between a proximal edge and a distal edge, a transverse width and a thickness between upper and lower surfaces. The material is sized to be inserted into the soft palate with the longitudinal length extending aligned with an anterior-posterior axis of the soft palate and with the thickness contained within a thickness of the soft palate. The material has a plurality of spaces for accepting tissue growth from the soft palate into the spaces. The implant is inserted into the soft palate with the longitudinal length extending aligned with an anterior-posterior axis of the soft palate and with the thickness contained within the thickness of the soft palate.

Abstract: Featured is a method for the collection of blood, more particularly blood from the umbilical cord, as well as shielding devices and device kits for use with such methods. Such methods and shielding devices advantageously decrease the risk or potential for accidental needle sticks when withdrawing blood from the umbilical cord. Such a method is particularly useful for collecting cord blood and includes the steps of positioning a body portion, from which blood is to be withdrawn, within a shield member and inserting an insertion member of a blood extraction device into the body portion, where the shield member is generally disposed between the insertion member and the user's hand. The method also can include holding the shield member in one of the user's hands and accomplishing said inserting using another of the user's hands. The method further includes stabilizing the body portion using a digit of the one hand holding the shield member.

Abstract: A method for performing a cleaning process uses a cleaning gas and high-frequency power upon a film deposition apparatus for depositing a film on a substrate placed in a reactor chamber which can be evacuated to a low pressure. Supplying of high-frequency power is temporarily stopped in the middle of the cleaning process, and the cleaning process is restarted by again supplying high-frequency power. This method is capable of effectively removing by-products from the inside of a reactor chamber and makes it possible to form a high-quality deposition film, in particular, a high-quality electrophotographic photosensitive drum.

Abstract: A to-be-cleaned substrate is cleaned by use of an acid liquid agent in a cleaning cup, the remaining acid liquid agent is washed out by use of pure water, then an alkaline liquid agent is emitted to the surface of the to-be-cleaned substrate in the same cleaning cup to remove the acid liquid agent remaining on the to-be-cleaned substrate. A neutralization reaction between the acid and alkali is caused by emitting the alkaline liquid agent to the surface of the to-be-cleaned substrate so as to efficiently remove the acid liquid agent remaining on the surface of the to-be-cleaned substrate.

Abstract: Cold-reduced flat-rolled low carbon steel strip is surface cleansed of ferromagnetic contaminants including iron fines, iron oxide particulate and associated debris which result from gauge-reduction operations. Such ferromagnetic contaminants are permanently removed from the strip steel hot-dip galvanizing system by dynamically concentrating such contaminant which are flushed to a magnetically-assisted particle separation container, formed from paramagnetic sheet material, which retains such contaminants, while cleansing solution at a desired purity level, is returned to the surface cleansing system; with sedimentation tank means providing for diminishing waste disposal concerns by separating sludge and recycling liquid.

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: A height-adjusting medical crutch, whose conventional one is made to be fixed in a two-dot method, in which a screw bolt and a nut are used on the parts which confront a middle bottom frame 100 and a side frame 102 by using an aluminum tube, wherein its improvement comprise a fixed globe 6, wherein its center is penetrated so that a middle bottom frame 4 may go in and out, a side frame 8, a rivet 10, by which the fixed globe 6 is fixed on lower part of the side frame 8 and a middle bottom frame 4, which is moved through the inner side of the fixed globe 6, so that the height of the medical-adjusting medical crutch may be easily adjusted.

Abstract: The facing material of the present invention comprises fire resistive fibers and is formed by integrating a waterproofing layer which is the fire resistive fibers impregnated with a filler with a fire resistive layer which is the fire resistive fibers not impregnated with the filler, thereby providing a facing material of a roofing material and the like, realizing high productivity, high installability, waterproof performance, and a light weight, without a structural load on a building, having a high fire protective performance and a manufacturing method thereof, a construction and an installing method thereof, and a photovoltaic power-generating apparatus.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion layer 13, a transparent electrode layer 14, an insulating layer 15, and a back electrode layer 16 are successively formed in this order on a conductive substrate 11 having a through-hole 17 formed therein, and the transparent electrode layer 14 and the back electrode layer 16 are electrically communicated with each other through the through-hole 17 so as to provide a photovoltaic element in which no grid is employed and improve the productivity and the production yield.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a substrate, a photo-electricity generating device (i.e., a solar cell or a block of solar cells), a filler resin sealing the photo-electricity generating device on the substrate, and a surface film covering the filler resin. An insulating film is inserted between the photo-electricity generating device and the substrate so as to be inside the substrate, and an inorganic fibrous sheet is inserted between the photo-electricity generating device and the surface film so as to be disposed inside the insulating film. The substrate is bent at a portion thereof free from the insulating film. The solar cell member thus provided can exhibit a long-term reliability for outdoor use because of effective suppression of intrusion of moisture thereinto.