Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of methods and controllers configured to be operable for on demand initiation of a defrost cycle, e.g., demand defrost when necessary as opposed to automatically initiating defrost cycles according to a predetermined scheduled frequency of a set amount of defrost cycles per day.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid oligomers, including amplification oligomers and detection probes, for amplification and/or detection of human coronavirus OC43,HKU1, NL63, and/or 229E nucleic acid. Also disclosed are methods of nucleic acid amplification and/or detection using the disclosed oligomers, as well as corresponding reaction mixtures and kits.

Abstract: A heated mirror system for use in motor vehicles that includes the use of a thermally regulating material that eliminates electrical heater elements used in conventional heated mirror systems. The heated mirror system includes a mirror housing constructed from an electro thermally-active thermoplastic material. The electro thermally-active thermoplastic material is selected to be self-regulating such that the material heats up until it reaches a selected temperature at which point the resistivity of the material prevents further heating of the mirror housing to reduce the risk of damage to the mirror. The mirror is located in thermal contact in the mirror housing such that, as the electro thermally-active thermoplastic material heats, at least a portion of the heat is capable of heating the mirror. The mirror housing may be constructed using an injection molding process.

Abstract: A frame for a portable sprayer having an interlocking joint for securing sections of a frame on opposite sides of a tank. The interlocking joint facilitates attachment and detachment of tanks with respect to the frame, as well as securing a telescopic handle relative to the frame. An extension rib prevents the tank from tipping-over.

Abstract: A release mechanism is provided for a portable sprayer having a pump unit removably connected to a fluid tank. The release mechanism provides locking for the connection between the tank and the pump unit. Moreover, the release mechanism unlocks the connection between the pump unit and the tank, and operates in conjunction with a pressure relief mechanism to concurrently de-pressurize the tank to ease disconnection from the pump unit. Further, the compass of the pressure relief mechanism also serve to automatically relieve pressure when the pressure in the tank exceeds a predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: Methods and equipment for anisotropic, patterned conversion of copper into selectively removable compounds and for removal of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment a plasma reactor is used to anisotropically convert unmasked portions of a copper layer at low temperature into copper chloride. The copper chloride is removed by one or more of the following steps: (1) solvation by a solvent specific to the copper chloride; (2) vaporizing the copper chloride away; and (3) converting the copper chloride into a volatile, secondary compound. In another embodiment an ion implanter is used to anisotropically convert desired portions of a copper layer into copper oxide. The copper oxide is removed by one or more of the following steps: (1) solvation by a solvent specific to the copper oxide; (2) vaporizing the copper oxide away; and (3) converting the copper oxide into a volatile, secondary compound.