Abstract: An exhaust valve for an internal combustion engine including a movable spindle with a valve disc of a nickel-based alloy which also constitutes an annular seat area at the upper surface of the valve disc. The seat area abuts a corresponding seat area on a stationary valve member in the closed position of the valve. At manufacturing, the seat area of the valve disc is subjected to a thermo-mechanical deformation process at a temperature lower than or around the recrystallization temperature of the alloy. The seat area on the upper surface of the valve disc has been given dent mark preventing properties in the form of a yield strength of at least 1000 MPa at a temperature of approximately 20° C. by means of the thermo-mechanical deformation process and possibly a yield strength increasing heat treatment.

Abstract: An integral valve stem seal retainer and spring seat for a valve seal subassembly is disclosed having lower, intermediate and upper portions. An annular sealing member is bonded to the intermediate and upper portions of the metal retainer and an annular flange extends radially outwardly of the lower portion of the retainer to engage at least one coil of a valve spring. The annular sealing member further includes upper and lower portions, wherein the upper portion engages an outer surface of a valve stem while the lower portion engages a top of a thin-walled valve guide.

Abstract: A balancer system for a power plant including a transversely mounted engine having an engine mount section located at a first side in a direction of an axis of an crankshaft, the engine being supported through the engine mount to a vehicle body on which the power plant is mounted. A transmission is fastened to the engine at a second side opposite to the first side in the direction of the axis of the crankshaft. The balancer system comprises a balance shaft which is rotatably installed to the engine. In the above balancer system, a first distance between center of gravity of the power plant and center of inertia force generated by the engine is smaller than a second distance between center of gravity of the power plant and center of inertia force generated by the balance shaft, each of the first and second distances being on a plane containing the axis of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A balancer device for a four-cycle V-type eight cylinder engine having a bank included angle of 90 degrees, including: a crankshaft, a cylinder block having an upper block and a lower block divided from a horizontal plane passing through a center of the crankshaft and balancer shafts. Each of the upper and lower blocks defines a bearing hole in such a manner that an axis thereof extends in parallel with the crankshaft, the bearing holes of the upper and lower blocks being located at positions symmetrical with respect to the dividing plane; and balancer shafts supported to the bearing holes.

Abstract: A journal wall of an in-line four cylinder engine is provided with an oilway and bolt fastening sections. A center of a breathing hole punched in the journal wall avoids the oilway and the bolt fastening sections by being offset by a predetermined amount with respect to a center of a breathing hole formed in an adjacent journal wall. In this way, it is possible to make the diameter of the breathing hole sufficiently large to alleviate friction loss in the four cylinder engine without making the oilway complicated or shortening the bolt fastening sections.

Abstract: A system for integrating together all the engine driven accessories on a typical automotive engine such that all the basic engine auxiliaries and secondary chassis related accessories are mounted in a compact and rigid assembly. The driving means for the secondary accessories is typically but not restricted to a single Multi-rib V belt driven by a pulley or torsional damper mounted to the front extension of the crankshaft. The auxiliaries and accessories are built into or mounted rigidly to an integrated housing. The integrated housing is mounted to a single surface of the engine block giving the strength and rigidity needed to carry the loads and offering the best accuracy for the location of the accessories to the crankshaft and to each other for best belt life and minimum noise from the belt and pulleys and engine forcing frequencies.

Abstract: A rotary vane pumping machine includes a stator and rotor in relative rotation. The rotor has a plurality of radial vanes slots and each one of a corresponding plurality of vanes slides within a radial vane slot of the rotor. Each pair of adjacent vanes defines a vane cell. A rotary scavenging disk is disposed along the stator circumference, and is sized such that the rotary scavenging disk extends into the vane cell. An outer circumferential edge of the rotary scavenging disk is in sealing proximity with an outer circumferential edge of the rotor and recesses within the rotary scavenging disk mesh and seal with the extending and retracting vanes.

Abstract: A fuel injection control system for a direct injection-spark ignition engine determines an injection pulse width corresponding to a given quantity of fuel with which an injector is kept open, controls the injector to spray a given quantity of fuel in a compression stroke while the engine operates in a zone of lower engine loads specified for lean stratified charge combustion so that the fuel is stratified around an ignition plug to cause lean stratified charge combustion so as thereby to provide an air-fuel ratio greater than a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, executes fuel injection feedback control to control a quantity of fuel injection based on an air-fuel ratio detected by an oxygen sensor, causes the injector to spray a given quantity of fuel through a plurality of intake stroke split injection in a specified engine operating zone in which the fuel injection feedback control is performed to maintain at least a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio while the engine operates with lower loads, learns a fuel injectio

Abstract: A method for controlling mode transitions, such as from stratified to homogeneous mode, in a direct injection engine adjusts a number of cylinders carrying out combustion to prevent engine torque disturbances. Cylinder activation is used when changes in cylinder air/fuel ratio cannot be compensated using ignition timing adjustments. In addition, the number of cylinders to activate is also determined and measures are taken if the number of cylinders determined are not available to be activated.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a direct injection engine provided with an injector for injecting fuel directly into a combustion chamber in a cylinder thereof and a throttle valve is switchable between a stratified charge combustion mode and a uniform charge combustion mode. The control device predicts switching to the uniform charge combustion mode based on a change in the target load Piobj during engine acceleration in the stratified charge combustion mode, and corrects the target load Piobj so that the opening of the throttle valve approaches the opening suited for the uniform charge combustion mode prior to the switching to the uniform charge combustion mode when such combustion mode switching has been predicted. This control device prevents torque shock due to the combustion mode switching during engine acceleration without causing a deterioration in fuel economy or in vehicle acceleration performance.

Abstract: A controller for an internal combustion engine that switches combustion modes in accordance with the running conditions of the engine. When there is a need to reduce the engine torque, the controller decreases the torque by a predetermined torque reduction method. The controller decreases the engine torque by a first torque reduction method when the engine is in a first combustion mode. When the engine is in a second combustion mode, the controller reduces the torque by a second torque reduction method. The controller sets a first control amount, which corresponds to the torque reduction requirement, according to one of the first and second torque reduction methods. The controller converts the first control amount into a second control amount, which corresponds to the other torque reduction method.

Abstract: A valve control unit for a fuel injection valve includes a housing body with two valve control chambers that continuously communicate with each other. An end member of a movable valve control piston can be moved inside the first valve control chamber and the first valve control chamber communicates with an inlet conduit for fuel. The second valve control chamber communicates with an outlet conduit that can be closed by a ball valve. The end member is comprised of an inner structural member and an outer structural member that can move in relation to each other. In the movement of the valve control piston, only the outer structural member is moved for a preinjection of fuel and the inner structural member is moved for the main injection. The quantity of preinjected fuel can be further minimized while an increased movement speed of the valve control piston is simultaneously possible during the main injection.

Abstract: A spark ignition internal combustion engine is described having a fuel supply system for separating the fuel into two or more continuous streams of fuel fractions having different octane ratings. The engine has an intake system that creates within each combustion chamber a stratified charge comprising at least two regions 113, 123 each containing a higher concentration of respective one of the fuel fractions. Each combustion chamber also has two spark plugs 114, 124 each located in a respective one of the stratified charge regions. The engine ignition system separately controls the spark timings of the spark plugs 114, 124 to vary the pattern of flame propagation through the stratified charge in the combustion chambers in dependence upon the engine operating conditions.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, an engine control device 40 judges based on a cooling water temperature of an engine in what state the engine is. When judged that the engine is in a cold state, the engine control device 40 produces an ignition signal to feed it to an igniter 6b so as to spark spark plugs 7 which are individually placed in cylinders at an exhaust stroke or expansion stroke.

Abstract: The present invention relates to verifying the cycle of a fuel injection internal combustion engine during running of the engine.

Abstract: A fuel injection diesel internal-combustion engine, having a fuel injection nozzle and having a spring chamber for the pressure spring acting upon the nozzle needle. The spring chamber is constructed as a closed chamber without a leak oil connection and forms a space which is under a fuel pressure. The spring chamber fills with fuel, by way of a slide guide for the pressure linkage of the nozzle needle constructed as a throttling point. As the fuel pressure in the spring chamber rises above an operating pressure corresponding to the control position of the injection pump for the defined driving condition, the delivery time of the pump is prolonged for compensating the lowering of the injection quantity connected with the pressure rise in the spring chamber.

Abstract: A common rail injector having an injector housing that can be made to communicate via a high-pressure connection with a high-pressure reservoir. A nozzle needle is axially displaceable against a nozzle needle seat in order to adjust the injection onset and the injection quantity in a common rail injection system of an internal combustion engine as a function of the position of a magnet-controlled control piston that is prestressed counter to a spring. To make it possible that during operation to characterize the opening and closing operation of the nozzle needle, the nozzle needle is coupled via an intermediate piece to a servo piston that cooperates with the control piston.

Abstract: A subsidiary tank 89 provided on a side wall of an engine block on an outboard engine system temporarily stores a fuel supplied from a fuel tank not shown and provided on a hull, and pressurizes the fuel to a high pressure to deliver it to a fuel injection valve 94. An upper space in the subsidiary tank 89 is connected to an inner space of an intake silencer 76 through two air vent pipes L7, L8. Even when a fuel vapor liquefies in the intake silencer 76 at the time of engine suspension, the liquefied fuel is caught at a bottom of the intake silencer 76 having a large volume with no possibility of flowing out.

Abstract: An advance arrangement comprising an advance piston slidable within a bore under the action of fuel pressure within a control chamber, a surface associated with the piston being exposed to the fuel pressure within the control chamber. The control chamber communicates, through a restricted flow passage, with a low pressure fuel volume. A valve is operable to vary the restriction to flow formed by the restricted flow passage.

Abstract: A pressure control valve for a fuel injection apparatus for internal combustion engines, including a housing with a high-pressure connection and a return connection and including a cup-shaped piston, which is disposed in a housing bore, can be moved axially between a valve seat oriented toward the high-pressure connection and a stop oriented toward the return connection, counter to the spring force of a spring acting in the direction of the valve seat, and has at least one through opening that connects the inside of the cup-shaped piston to the housing bore, is characterized in that at least one throttle element is disposed upstream and/or downstream of the valve seat in the flow direction of the fuel.

Abstract: A power activating device with several energy emitters provided in the air passing throughway of the fuel inlet system of an internal combustion engine. The energy emitters can emit preset energy (e.g., far infrared rays, electromagnetic field). Parallel guide holes extending therethrough are formed in the energy emitter in order to smooth the air flow and to enlarge the contact surface area so that the energy given off by the energy emitters can exert a full effect on the air running therethrough and the cluster of water molecules in the air can be made smaller and smaller in order to increase the contact surface area of the compressed air and improve the nebulization of the fuel, achieve complete combustion efficiency, reduce air pollution and increase horse power, torque, and acceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mounting structure is provided for an EGR valve or an EGR tube. The EGR valve or the EGR tube is made of stainless steel or cast iron which is high in the physical strength at a high temperature. The EGR valve or the EGR tube is mounted to an intake manifold made of aluminum by means of bolts or stud bolts. The EGR valve or the EGR tube has female threads provided therein into which the bolts or stud bolts are screwed. The intake manifold has through holes provided therein through which the bolts or stud bolts extend.

Abstract: An EGR system for an internal combustion engine has a separate, secondary high-temperature cooling loop, in addition to a primary cooling loop. In the secondary cooling loop, coolant flows through a secondary high-temperature exhaust gas cooler, which is located upstream of the primary exhaust gas cooler. A large amount of heat is transferred from the exhaust gases to the coolant in the secondary high-temperature cooling loop. The heat absorbed by the high-temperature coolant is rejected in a secondary high-temperature radiator. Heat absorbed by the primary coolant is rejected in a primary radiator. The two radiators occupy the same amount of frontal area as a single radiator used in a conventional single-stage EGR cooling system, but overall reject more heat to the ambient. In an alternate arrangement, the EGR system for a liquid-cooled internal combustion engine has a single exhaust gas cooler which is cooled by an EGR cooling loop that is independent of the engine cooling system.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has electrically controlled hydraulic linkages between engine cams and engine cylinder valves. If it is desired to skip a cam lobe or to modify the response of an engine cylinder valve to a cam lobe, hydraulic fluid is selectively released from the associated hydraulic linkage to permit lost motion between the cam and the engine cylinder valve. Electrically controlled hydraulic fluid valves are used to produce the selective release of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic linkages. The mode of operation of the engine can be changed (e.g., from positive power mode to compression release engine braking mode or vice versa), or more subtle changes can be made to modify the timing and/or extent of engine cylinder valve openings to optimize engine performance for various engine or vehicle operating conditions (e.g., different engine or vehicle speeds). The valves can be controlled to produce an exhaust gas recirculation event during various operating modes of the engine.

Abstract: The EGR controller 1 controls the EGR actions wherein exhaust gas from the cylinder cut-off engine 3 which can change over the running condition between the all-cylinder run and the cut-off-cylinder is recirculated to the induction. The EGR controller 1 comprises an EGR control valve 6 for opening and closing the EGR pipe 13, a water temperature sensor 5 for detecting cooling water temperature TW and an ECU 2, and the ECU 2 controls the EGR actions so as tobe executed if the cooling water temperature TW is higher (determined as “Yes” at Step 10) than the upper limit value TWE1H while at the all-cylinder run (determined as “No” at Step 2) or if the cooling water temperature TW is higher than the lower limit value TWE1L while at the cut-off-cylinder run (determined as “Yes” at Step 2).

Abstract: A bow limb mounting system for adjustably mounting a limb inner end of a bow limb to a riser mounting surface of a bow riser of an archery bow, with the limb inner end pivoting relative to the bow riser about a limb pivot axis. The pivot movement is produced by an adjustable strut assembly which varies an attachment angle between the limb inner end and the riser mounting surface, while restraining lateral movement between the two. The adjustable strut assembly has upper head and neck portions which connect to the limb inner end in a close toleranced manner, and an alignment block portion below the neck portion which is slidably and matingly seated in a cavity located below the mounting surface also in a close toleranced manner. A bolt extends through a central hole formed by the head, neck and alignment block portions and connects to a pivot pin, such that adjusting the bolt changes the distance between the limb inner end and the pivot pin to thereby change the attachment angle.

Abstract: An electronic game includes a device that is held or worn by a player, and a housing. The device includes an emitter that emits a signal in response to player input. The housing includes a controller and a detector that detects the signal from the emitter and provides an electrical signal to the controller indicating the location of the emitter. The housing further includes a magazine for storing objects, and a fire mechanism coupled to the magazine and controlled by the controller to fire a stored object at the implement when the controller determines that the detector has detected an emitted signal from the emitter.

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus for projecting a line across an intermediate span includes a launching tube having one end connected to a source of propellant gas energy for launching a projectile, the other end forming an open muzzle adapted to receive and fire a line deploying projectile. The projectile is releasably attached to one end of the line attached to a source of line connected to the launch tube and containing a supply of line to be payed out during the flight of the projectile. An axially-mounted laser sighting device connected to the launch tube for sighting the tube in on a remote target for the projectile is also provided.

Abstract: A method of forming a decorative shape from a concrete block by cutting the block into a predetermined shaped piece, polishing all flat surfaces and then applying a coating of clear material to the surface of said piece.

Abstract: A gas cooking burner includes a burner base having a base chamber, a burner head having at least one air and fuel mixture exit port, and a venturi having opposed relatively open ends, the venturi providing a passage between the burner base and the burner head. The base chamber surrounds one of the opposed relatively open ends of the venturi and the base chamber has an inner wall which reduces from a wider portion to a narrower portion with a fuel inlet providing access for fuel into the base chamber and a combustion air inlet being disposed about at least a portion of a periphery of the wider portion of the base chamber. The burner further including a means for securing the burner head to the burner base such that the burner head may be lifted off the burner base for inspection and cleaning of the burner base.

Abstract: A passive solar collector has a reflector or a plurality of reflectors in a tube that is in a partial vacuum and is entirely or partly transparent. An absorber collects light reflected by the reflector or plurality of reflectors and delivers energy from the collected light to a central tube where it heats a substance such as water or other fluid. The absorber is disposed at an angle to the axis of the passive solar collector. The passive solar collector is protected against overheating by one or more devices such as a getter that releases a gas to reduce the vacuum or an opaque shield that is placed so as to cover the reflector in response to an indication of overheating. Reflecting surfaces of the solar collector may be symmetrical or asymmetrical, and they may be smooth or they may have dents, protrusions, or both. The surfaces of the solar collector may be smooth, ridged with smooth curves, or ridged with sharp curves.

Abstract: Nasal dilators and strips, methods of their manufacture, and methods for improving the breathing of individuals are provided. The strips and dilators include an elongated substrate, with or without a dilating component or portion, having top and bottom surfaces and a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on the bottom surface. The dilator is designed to provide a gentle expanding force to the nasal wall tissue when the dilator is adhesively attached to the nose. This invention further includes a cosmetic fragrance, an aromatic medication and/or transdermal medication disposed on the strips or dilators. In order to improve the shelf-life and in-use olfactory effectiveness of such products, fragrance delivery mechanisms are used. Separation of volatile oils and adhesives are also provided to minimize adhesive residue.

Abstract: A cold weather air warming apparatus for permitting a user to breathe air warmed by the body. The cold weather air warming apparatus includes a mouthpiece that has a mouth engaging portion, a coupling portion, and a lumen extending through opposite ends of the mouthpiece. A length of body tubing has opposite open first and second ends. The first end of the body tubing is coupled to the coupling portion of the mouthpiece. The length of body tubing is flexible and adapted for wrapping around a torso of a user, the open second end of the length of body tubing is in communication with the lumen of the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A respirator with an inhalation line (3), an exhalation line (5) with an exhalation valve (6), with a pressure-measuring device (8) for measuring the airway pressure, and with a circuit (7) for controlling the phases of breathing. The circuit is connected at least to the exhalation valve (6). A rapid reduction in pressure in the breathing gas lines (3, 5) is possible at any time using a control valve (10) in the inhalation line (3) provided with a control pressure space (15) and with a discharge port (19) which can be opened to the environment through a valve element (14). A control pressure line (16), which is branched off from the inhalation line (3) and can be connected to the control pressure space (15), is present. A reversing valve (17) with an evacuation line (18), through which a flow connection can be established between the control pressure space (15) and the evacuation line (18), is arranged in the control pressure line (16).

Abstract: A configuration of surgical drapes for convenient dispensing and handling from a container. The configuration includes a continuous rolled length of surgical drapes having opposing major and minor longitudinal edges. Each drape of the continuous roll is separable from adjacent drapes by longitudinally spaced apart lines of weakness throughout the continuous length of surgical drapes. The continuous rolled length of surgical drapes includes an adhesive strip adjacent the major longitudinal edge of the continuous rolled length of surgical drape. The adhesive strip in turn carries a removable release liner thereover which preferably partially overhangs the adhesive strip. The continuous rolled length of surgical drapes further has an accordion pleat fold to thereby reduce the stored and dispensed width of each drape of said continuous length of surgical drapes.

Abstract: A two piece pliable, edible, flavored mouthpiece to be worn by one consenting adult performing oral sexual activities such as cunnilingus and fellatio, and the like, on another consenting adult. The mouthpiece can be formed from pliable flavored edible materials such as but not limited to starch jellied candies, gelatin candy(i.e. Gummy Bears TM), starch gelatin, licorice, chewing gum, and the like. The mouth piece includes a top U-shaped single piece set for fitting about the front top and partial top side teeth of the wearer, and a bottom U-shaped single piece set for fitting about the front bottom and partial bottom side teeth of the wearer. The wearer clenching down customizes the fit of the mouthpiece therein and changes the sharp hard edges of the teeth to be soft and rounded. Each piece uses more material adjacent to between the front teeth, tapering to less material toward the back of the side teeth.

Abstract: A head immobilizer apparatus includes a base plate having mounting members on outer edges which are releasably engagable through apertures to a spine board. In one aspect, the mounting members are cantilevered clips include a first leg projecting downward from the plane of the base plate and an outwardly and upwardly extending second leg. Alternately, a pair of clips may be formed on each opposed side edge and one additional clip formed on one end edge of the base plate. A flange is disposed adjacent to at least one side edge of each clip and is unitarily formed as part of the base plate. Each flange extends outward for substantially the same length as the adjacent clip to sandwich an outer edge of the spine board therebetween under spring force generated by the resilient, cantilever clips.

Abstract: A method of using a grasp-impeding apparatus that prevents newborns from dislodging health care devices such as monitoring lines, I.V./intraarterial lines, chest tubes, endotrachael tubes, feeding tubes, central lines, and catheter tubes. The grasp-impeding apparatus is worn on the infant's hand and impedes the infant's ability to grasp components of the health care devices, and accordingly, pull and remove the health care devices. The apparatus can further be used to provide support to the palm, thereby stabilizing the hand in which the I.V. is introduced.

Abstract: A multilayer assembly including a flexible, electrically conductive active central layer (532) with to main surfaces with a large area, i.e. a first surface adhered to at least one advantageously electrically insulating supporting layer (510) made of synthetic material and having substantially the same modulus of elasticity as the active central layer (532); and a second surface adhered to at least one advantageously electrically insulating second protective layer (520) made of synthetic material. The total thickness of the multilayer assembly is selected in such a way that the flexibility of the central adhesive layer (532) is substantially completely maintained. Said multilayer assembly may be used to treat or prevent bedsores.

Abstract: This invention is a comb that is attachable to a faucet to allow water to run through the comb's hollow-shaped inner body. The water travels through the faucet, plastic or rubbertubing, the comb's inner body, and exits through the comb's hollow-shaped teeth with an exit portal at the tip. The comb's two assemblies are a shower adapter, essentially tubing for the shower arm and connector on the comb, and the water holes, allowing water to flow through the comb. The shower adapter also has a bi-directional valve on it to direct water either to the comb or the shower head.

Abstract: A polymerizable thixotropic oligomeric composition for sculpting artificial fingernails which is non-yellowing, and which maintains its shaped when formed and polymerizes rapidly under actinic radiation.

Abstract: A method and a device for the control of the treatment of the interior of bottles or similar containers, where the introduction of the fluid into the interior occurs by means of a nozzle presenting an exit opening, and a control is performed to determine the presence of a fluid jet in the area after the exit opening and/or the fluid inlet leading to the exit opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for the direct recovery of residual quantities of an aqueous solution adhering to pourable mass parts following an electrolytic and/or chemical surface treatment on the parts, in the course of which the parts are carried in a perforated immersion barrel supported on a movable carriage of a barrel treatment installation. A compressed-air chamber is provided on the carriage, into which the barrel is moved, the chamber being provided with a compressed air source to cause a current of air to flow transversely through the chamber. The compressed-air chamber essentially comprises a horizontal, upwardly cylindrically convex upper half-shell which is fixed on the carriage and which encompasses in a substantially air-tight manner the upper half of the immersion barrel when the barrel has been positioned within the chamber, and a pair of horizontal, lateral, lower, outwardly cylindrically convex quarter-shells which are capable of movement towards and away from one another.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a cabinet and wash chambers is the form of drawers which slide in and out of the cabinet. Rigid and flexible closures are disclosed for sealing off the wash chambers when retracted into the cabinet. A detergent dispenser for the dishwasher is provided in one wall of a wash chamber in the wash water discharge path into the wash chamber so that detergent powder is flushed out of the dispenser and mixed with the wash water prior to the latter being discharged into the wash chamber. A wash programme for a dual wash chamber dishwasher is also disclosed which minimizes total water consumption by transferring water from one chamber to the other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning dirty transport containers, especially catering carts, the device comprising:—a cleaning chamber with essentially vertical chamber walls, a closable insertion opening for the transport containers, a supporting surface for the transport containers, a plurality of nozzles for emitting a cleaner for cleaning the transport containers, and a dryer for drying the cleaned transport containers, —an insertion track disposed against the insertion opening and outside the cleaning chamber for temporary keeping and insertion of the dirty transport containers, and—automated insertion in the cleaning chamber of dirty transport containers placed on the insertion track.

Abstract: A method and system for immersion cleaning of mechanical parts which includes a continuous conveyor having a plurality of vertical conveyor runs which pass through at least one cleaning tank. Each cleaning tank includes at least two turbulent wash zones. Parts carriers are supported by the conveyor such that the parts are rotated as they are conveyed through the at least one cleaning tank during the cleaning process.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning semiconductor devices and other workpieces using an aqueous rinse solution which is de-oxygenated by passing the aqueous rinse solution and a carrier gas through an osmotic membrane degasifier. A cleaning chamber is also disclosed for carrying out the cleaning method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying a substrate after the substrate is rinsed in a rinsing bath in which a rinsing liquid is contained. The substrate is vertically held selectively by first and second holders. The second holder is located between and below the first holders. Each of the first and second holders includes grooves with which the substrate is engageable. When the level of the rinsing liquid downwardly passes past the grooves of the first holders, the substrate is held solely by the second holder. Then, when the level of the rinsing liquid downwardly passes past the grooves of the second holder, the substrate is held solely by the first holder.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of substrates has a fluid container filled with a treatment fluid and at least one substrate receiving device. A lifting device is provided for lifting and lowering the at least one substrate receiving device out of and into the treatment fluid. The lifting device is arranged laterally at the container and has parts that are positioned above the container and the treatment fluid. A vapor suction device with a suction channel is provided for exhaustion of vapors in an area in which parts of the at least one lifting device are located above the treatment fluid. In the area above the treatment fluid, a plate is provided having an opening to which the suction channel is connected.

Abstract: An umbrella comprising a shank, a handle, a rib, multiple tip beads, a canopy, and a ferrule is characterized by a series of connectors which are installed at least between the handle and the shank, between the tip beads and the rib, between the canopy and the rib, and between the ferrule and the shank. Users can change various shapes and colors of canopies, tip beads, handles, and ferrules to assemble new umbrellas through simple lock and insertion operation.