Abstract: A Q-switched, diode-pumped, solid-state (DPSS) laser (54) employs harmonic generation through nonlinear crystals (72) to generate UV light (74) for both link processing and target alignment. The type and geometry of the nonlinear crystals (72) are selected, and their temperatures are precisely controlled, to produce focused spot sizes with excellent beam quality for severing of IC fuses. A fraction of the laser output (56) can be utilized in a secondary target alignment system (50). An imaging optics module (52) may be employed to further enhance the shape quality of either or both of the secondary and primary beams. Each beam passes through a detection module (100) that measures the incident and reflected light. The two beams pass through a common combiner to facilitate calibration and alignment of the beams and subsequent link processing.

Abstract: A modular welding system for performing quick, easy and high quality welds. The modular welding system comprises a basic component system and a modular fixture component system. The basic component system provides the basic components which are needed to perform a quality weld efficiently. The modular fixture component system interfaces with the basic component system and provides a particular welding fixture assembly that performs a particular type of weld. More particularly, a stiffener type modular fixture component system and a butt/tee type modular fixture system are described. However, any other particular fixture type system may be integrated with the basic component system of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminated pane (1), in particular heating or aerial pane, having electrically conductive wires (2) which are embedded in a thermoplastic adhesion layer (3) and are in electrical contact in particular with at least one connection element, and is distinguished by the fact that the wires (2) comprise at least two conductive material layers, one of which consists of a metal which can withstand high mechanical loads and the other of which consists of a metal of higher electrical conductivity and good solderability. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the laminated pane (1), there are electrically conductive wires (2) which have a core which is made from a metal which can withstand mechanical loads and is sheathed by a metal of higher conductivity and good solderability.

Abstract: A connecting clamp (4) comprises a heating member (9) which surrounds a portion to be connected of a steel pipe (1) and heats the portion to be connected, and a first clamp section (6) and a second clamp section (7) positioned on opposite sides of the portion to be connected and clamping the steel pipe, whereby the portion to be connected is connected by heating the portion to be connected by the heating member while applying pressure to the portion to be connected by the first and second clamp sections. The first and second clamp sections and the heating member are so arranged as to be slid around the outer surface of the steel pipe from one side of the steel pipe to the other side thereof.

Abstract: A system for heating a plurality of semiconductor wafers at the same time is disclosed. the apparatus includes a thermal processing chamber containing a substrate holder designed to hold from about three to about ten wafers. The thermal processing chamber is surrounded by light energy sources which heat the wafers contained in the chamber. The light energy sources can heat the wafers directly or indirectly. In one embodiment, the thermal processing chamber includes a liner made from a heat conductive material. The light energy sources are used to heat the liner which, in turn, heats the wafers. In an alternative embodiment, energy dispersing plates are placed in between adjacent wafers. Light energy being emitted by the light energy sources enters the energy dispersing members and gets distributed across the surface of adjacent wafers for heating the wafers uniformly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for operating a self-cleaning oven in which a gas sensor, such as for measuring concentrations of CO gas, is located remote from, yet in gas communication with, an exhaust flue of the oven. The gas sensor is located at the end of an outlet tube which extends from the exhaust flue. A sample gas flow is provided to the gas sensor through the outlet tube to isolate the sensor from the heat of the oven and a filter device is located in the outlet tube for filtering the sample gas flow. A valve may be provided at the inlet to the outlet tube. The rate of change (slope) of successive readings of gas concentrations may be used to determine when the combustion of food material is complete, in order to terminate a self-cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A chafing or warming dish construction typically used for buffet serving of comestibles having user sensing means which automatically opens and closes an overlying cover depending upon the presence of the user at a serving table. In a disclosed embodiment, the cover is arranged for pivotal rotation about a pair of aligned pintles.

Abstract: When left and right feed switches are pressed simultaneously for three seconds at the step S1, a special mode selection screen 1 is changed such that the name of each operating mode is displayed at a display portion corresponding to the position of each of switches <1> to <4>. Thus, pressing any of the corresponding switches <1> to <4> under each display makes it possible to select each operating mode. In this way, an operation mode can be easily and reliably selected.

Abstract: A heater supporting structure includes heaters comprising plate-shaped electrical resistance heating elements and power applying portions for energizing the electrical resistance heating elements, mounts for mounting the electrical resistance heating elements, and first insulative supporters and second insulative supporters, the supporters being provided on the mounts with a certain distance and supporting edges of the electrical resistance heating elements, and the electrical resistance heating elements are formed in a shape so as to project toward the mounts and are provided apart from the mounts.

Abstract: In a heating apparatus of magnetic induction heating type for heating an image formed on a recording material, there are generated an unevenness and a ripple in a temperature on the surface of a fixing roller, leading to the deterioration of fixing ability. This is caused by in accurate temperature detection by induction noise components such as a noise resulting from an alternating magnetic field generated by an excitation coil. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an induction heating apparatus capable of temperature control satisfactory accuracy.

Abstract: A heating chamber has a width in a direction of a two-head arrow X, a depth in a direction of a two-head arrow Y and a height in a direction of a two-head arrow Z. An infrared sensor includes 25 infrared detection elements each having a field of view. Since the 25 infrared detection elements are arranged, five by five in directions Y and Z, on the heating chamber's bottom plate there are projected a total of 25 fields of view, five by five in directions Y and X. Thus the bottom plate has any area thereof covered by one of the 25 fields of view.

Abstract: The concave design forming unit with the desired form is formed on the surface of the molded component easily in the case of injection molding by using the low melting point metal material.

Abstract: An easy-opening can end comprises: an end panel; a score which is formed on the upper surface or the lower surface of the end panel; the score having a cross section of a curved surface; and a tab having a finger grasping portion. The tab is attached to the can end panel and is rotatable around tab-fastening device. The tab-fastening device is positioned offset.

Abstract: A paint tray that can be used in the vertical as well as horizontal position to hold paint for use with a roller. Formed longitudinally inside the tray is an inclined bottom surface designed to return excess paint to the basin when the paint tray is disposed horizontally. Formed on the inclined surfaces is a plurality of parallel raised contact surfaces that provides a directional contact surface used to remove excess paint from the roller and return the excess paint to the basin. The length of the inclined surface is sufficient to create freeboard for use in the vertical position without risk of spillage. The paint tray is equipped with a pair of legs attached to its distal end that allows the paint tray to rest vertically on the rung(s) of a ladder or step(s) of a stepladder, as well as horizontally on the ladder shelf as in traditional paint trays. Aligned longitudinally on the distal end of the paint tray ray is a rigid handle for easy transport of the paint tray in the vertical position.

Abstract: A plastic container comprising a bottom portion which has a substantially rectangular bottom surface, a trunk portion which is formed by four planes which rise up vertically from respective sides of the bottom surface and which is substantially rectangular pipeshaped, a mouth portion whose surface area of a portion surrounded by a horizontal cross section is smaller than the surface area of the trunk portion, and a shoulder portion which is narrowed down from the trunk portion to the mouth portion, characterized in that: the amount of the contents of the plastic container is 800 to 3000 ml; the average thickness of the trunk portion is 0.2 to 0.

Abstract: In a two-shaft pivotal mechanism for opening/closing and supporting a cover of the invention, a second pivot shaft connecting a pivoting member and the cover projects integrally from one of a pivoting member and a connecting piece on the cover, and an attachment hole for supporting the second pivot shaft is formed in another of the pivoting member and the connecting piece, so that the pivoting member and connecting piece are pivotally connected. The pivot limiting portion is provided between the connecting piece and the pivoting member, and limits pivotal operation therebetween to a predetermined angular range. A first pivot shaft connecting the pivoting member and a receptacle projects integrally from one of the pivoting member and the receptacle, and an attachment hole supporting the first pivot shaft is formed in another of the pivoting member and the receptacle, so that the pivoting member and the receptacle are pivotally connected.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing a product includes a first chamber configured to initially contain at least one of a first composition and a mixture of the first composition and a second composition, a second chamber configured to contain the second composition, a flow passage for providing flow of the second composition from the second chamber to the first chamber, a selective air intake mechanism configured to selectively be placed in an open position to allow air to flow into the first chamber and a closed position to prevent air from flowing into the first chamber via the selective air intake mechanism, and an actuator configured to be actuated to cause an amount of a product to be dispensed from the first chamber. The product dispensed includes at least one of the first composition, the second composition, and the mixture of the first composition and the second composition.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing carbonated beverages includes a housing, an ice bin, a carbonator and a cold plate. The ice bin is disposed within the housing for storing ice and is surrounded by thermal insulation. The carbonator is disposed within the housing adjacent the ice bin and receives water and CO2 gas to form carbonated water. The thermal insulation is disposed between the carbonator and the ice bin such that the ice bin is thermally isolated from the carbonator. The cold plate is chilled by the ice in the ice bin and includes pre-chilling coils for cooling the water to be supplied to the carbonator and post-chilling coils for cooling the carbonated water flowing from the carbonator.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a liquid dispensing apparatus having improved sanitary, aesthetics and stabilizing aspects is provided. For example, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a dispensing housing designed to contain a soap filled bottle. Depending on particular configurations, the housing may be designed as an open or closed system. In any case, the housing has a sleek, streamlined design with a dispensing button which tends to have a rounded appearance that accents the shape of the remainder of housing. In accordance with various other aspects of the present invention, within the housing is a stabilization system which prevents bottles which are not designed to engage housing from being inserted into housing. In addition to (or alternatively) housing may have support structure which allows the soap bottle to rest within housing with less of a propensity to wobble.

Abstract: A dispensing cap for a product container, preferably a cosmetic product container, is provided. The cap includes a movable member comprising a valving portion capable of selectively opening and closing a product-dispensing orifice depending upon pressure within the container. The cap also includes an elastically deformable mounting element coupled to the movable member to retain the movable member on the cap, and the mounting element comprises a sealing member configured to selectively open and close at least one air intake passage, the air intake passage being separate from the product-dispensing orifice.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cellular-wheel sluice with a fast-changeable sealing arrangement for feeding bulk material into pneumatic feeding systems, in particular plastic granulate in dense-phase feeding systems, with feed pressures up to delta p which is equal to or less than 3 bar of overpressure, having closed cellular wheels, each comprising side disks disposed laterally on cellular-wheel struts in a side cap, into which disks a radially or axially acting sealing ring arrangement that follows the bending motion of the cellular wheel is integrated; a bearing arrangement for a cellular-wheel shaft and the side disk, which is split into at least two parts and communicates with the cellular wheel and the respective side cap and is embodied with a radial sealing arrangement, is disposed in each of the side caps.

Abstract: A valve element may be configured to be mounted in an air intake passage of a container. The valve element may be at least partially elastically deformable. The valve element may include a valving member configured such that, when vacuum pressure inside the container is less than a predetermined threshold differential from atmospheric pressure, the valving member is in sealed contact with a seat formed on the container. The valving member may also be configured such that the valving member moves away from the seat when the predetermined threshold differential is reached, so as to allow air to be taken into the container. By elastic return, the valving member may return to a position in sealed contact with the seat when the vacuum pressure inside the container drops back to less than the predetermined threshold differential. The valve element may be placed in a functional configuration via an elastically irreversible modification thereof during mounting.

Abstract: The bottle-connector connects a bottle to an individual, back-pack or clothing. The bottle is of the type having a neck in which an annular groove or ridge is formed. The connector has a resilient O-ring having an opening in which the neck is received. A collar is provided for adjusting the opening to an effective size such that the O-ring is snugly accommodated in the groove where the bottle has a groove or to an effective size smaller than the outer diameter of said ridge where the bottle has a ridge such that the O-ring is securely connected to the bottle. The connector also has a rigid ring connected to the O-ring and a strap or clip for connecting the rigid ring to the individual or to his back-pack or clothing.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a load from a shoulder of a user has a rod extending from above a shoulder to receive a load and extends to engage a support member on a hip of a user. A second rod, disposed above an opposite shoulder of a user, extends into engagement with a support on the same or opposite hip of the user. Other rod arrangements are provided.

Abstract: A sanitary glove container assembly and a method for its use that permits the storage of sanitary gloves. The assembly comprises two rounded, hollow members with threaded openings, and the members are joined by a securing mechanism. The area of the openings is smaller than the cross sectional area of the hollow members such that gloves will not fall out inadvertently. The user may individually encapsulate one glove in each hollow member in a manner in order to allow for easy access to the gloves, allow for easy loading of the device, prevent tangling of the gloves, and ensure cleanliness of the glove before use.

Abstract: A readily detachable and attachable saddle bag for motorcycles and other vehicles.The saddle bag is securable to a plane defining mounting plate that matches indices on a saddle bag and quick release couplings so that the the saddle bag can be quickly attached to and detached from the mounting plate. The mounting plate is low cost and is provided with means for securing the plate to a flat surface or for attaching transition links to the mounting plate for securing the mounting plate to the irregular structures such as the frame of a motorcycle or the like. The bag is provided with detachable wheels and pulling or carrying straps and an attachment for joining two similar saddle bags together.

Abstract: A bicycle rack holds the bicycle by its seat post using a closeable claw. The bicycle is also held by its wheels.

Abstract: A hitch-mounted cargo carrier for a vehicle which includes a platform that can be selectively tilted downwardly to facilitate loading of the carrier. Upon loading the platform, the platform may be raised for transport of the load. The carrier includes a fixed frame which is removably mounted to the hitch. A pair of pivotable arms are attached to the frame. The other end of the arms are pivotably attached to the platform. A jack assembly associated with the frame pivots the arms to move the platform. The arms have different lengths such that pivoting movement cases one end of the platform to tilt downwardly.

Abstract: Known covers, for example for receptacles in automobiles, have drawbacks in that they require several components in addition to the depositing receptacle and/or require additional reception space clearly exceeding the dimensions of the deposition receptacle for opening, and/or cannot be installed if only limited installation space is available in the depth or width direction, and/or the cover does not present sufficient sturdiness during use.

Abstract: A device suitable for opening at least one wrapper in which coins are wrapped, which devices comprise a drum which is capable of rotation about a central axis, the cylindrical drum wall of which is provided with wrapper breaking elements extending towards said central axis, as well as with coin passages. The device furthermore comprises a suction device for extracting opened wrappers and remaining wrapper parts.

Abstract: A rope system includes an endless rope, a measuring device and a rope cutter. The endless rope is configured to travel through a machine, while the endless rope is under tension. The measuring device is used to measure the tension in the endless rope. The rope cutter is positioned to sever the endless rope if the tension exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: Bearing pieces are formed on both sides of the rear end of a clincher arm which includes a clincher table for bending a staple at the front end thereof. A magazine member to which staples are loaded and a driver arm for driving out a staple fed from the magazine member are pivotally mounted on an axle, which is provided at the rear ends of the bearing pieces. A handle member is rotatably disposed above the driver arm. A rotation supporting shaft of the handle member is provided at a position somewhat closer to the front than the axle of the bearing pieces. A pin, which is provided at a position closer to the front than the rotation supporting shaft of the handle member, is inserted into an elongated hole formed in each side plate of the driver arm.

Abstract: A multi-element composite object composed from first, second, and third metal components is provided, wherein the first metal and the third metal are weld incompatible. The multi-element composite object includes a first component fabricated from a first metal. A second component, fabricated from a second metal, is brazed to the first component. A third component, fabricated from a third metal, is inertia welded to the second component. The first metal may be provided as a titanium alloy, e.g. a TiNi alloy. The second metal may be provided as low-carbon mild or alloy steel. The third metal may be provided as alloy steel, e.g., 9310 nickel alloy steel. In an embodiment, the multi-element composite object is a gear assembly, with the first element of the gear assembly object being a shaft and the third element of the gear assembly being a gear member with hardened teeth surfaces. The first and second components can be mechanically keyed together via an anti-rotational element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing solder balls used for an electrical and/or mechanical connection between a semiconductor chip and a substrate are provided. The apparatus includes a melting furnace having a nozzle through which a molten solder paste flows and drops, for producing solder balls; a vibrating mechanism attached to the nozzle of the melting furnace, for applying vibration to the nozzle; and a vibration controlling mechanism for controlling the vibration frequency of the vibrating mechanism to adjust the size of the solder balls dropped from the nozzle. The method includes the steps of setting a vibration frequency according to a desired solder ball size, applying vibration to a nozzle with the set vibration frequency, making the molten solder paste flow through the nozzle to manufacture solder balls of a predetermined size according to the vibration frequency, and measuring the size of the manufactured solder balls.

Abstract: A generalized remote ordering apparatus for customer and employee use within a restaurant, auto repair facility, retail store, grocery store, airport, or other service facility, to place orders, determine the status of orders, access information, and allow the customer to pay the bill either by cash or credit card, comprising:

Abstract: An automated negotiable instrument dispenser. Automatic negotiable instrument dispensers according to the present invention provide convenient, secure and efficient means for loading, selling and reporting activity relating to the dispensers.

Abstract: This invention discloses a data storage system for accessing data stored in a data storage medium. The data storage system includes a motor-head assembly controlled to activate a vertical movement for loading and unloading at least a pickup head supported thereon to access the data medium in the data storage medium. For a specific data-storage system configuration, the motor-head assembly further includes a rotating motor for rotating the pickup head when the pickup head is loaded onto the data storage medium. In another system configuration, the data storage system implemented with a motor to move the data storage medium in at least one linear direction or for rotating the data storage medium. The motor-head assembly further includes a vertical-position locking hook for automatically pulling away the pickup head from the data storage media when the motor-head assembly is unloaded from the data storage medium.

Abstract: A non-contact IC card comprising a one turn. loop antenna pattern provided on a substrate is provided which, in a non-contact manner, transmits information to exterior and receives information therefrom, and in addition can obtain an electric powder from an electric wave transmitted from exterior. By virtue of this constitution, the non-contact IC card, in a for in accordance with ISO, can transmit and receive signals while supplying an electric power for use in the non-contact IC card, even in the case of a frequency of a carrier of ten-odd MHz.

Abstract: This invention provides an information recording medium including a substrate, and a print pattern formed on the substrate and containing a first colorant which changes at least one of a color and a dielectric constant thereof upon application of an electromagnetic field having a first intensity, and a second colorant which behaves differently from the first colorant upon application of the electromagnetic field, a method of reproducing information recorded on the medium, and a method of discriminating an information recording medium whose genuineness is unknown between a genuine article and a counterfeit when the above medium is used as the genuine article.

Abstract: Electronic device operable by an user for regulating and controlling ambient parameters, such as ambient temperature, comprising a processing unit, a display device for displaying selectable control functions and setting parameters related to a set of desired ambient conditions and a selection/control unit for selecting by the user at least one control function or setting parameter from among a set of displayed control functions or setting parameters. The device comprises an interactive display of a dot matrix type able to display to a user variable indications comprising at least the specific control function associated with each of said selection/control unit according to the specific selection made by the user.

Abstract: A supercooling degree control type expansion valve which is capable of preventing seizure of a compressor when the compressor is at a low load condition.

Abstract: Methods and devices for repelling insects are disclosed. The methods and devices provide personal protection from insect bites and insect landings, particularly mosquito bites. The methods and devices employ insect repellents such as pyrethroids at low (parts per billion) levels. The methods and devices effectively minimize the number of mosquitoes landing on a subject properly using the devices.

Abstract: A method for driving the emptying of an induction unit with which an agricultural sprayer is equipped. The emptying is driven by a user acting with at least one of his lower limbs on a drive element. An agricultural sprayer for implementing such a method, comprising a drive element which has just one stable position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying undiluted chemical dispersant to a waterborne oil spill using a gentle uniform rain producing nozzle consisting of a rotating element having teeth to break up the fluid stream in to gentle uniform rain-sized droplets having a minimum diameter for uniform dispersal over a wide area. The novelty of this invention is that it is the only neat spray dispersant apparatus and method specifying dispersal through a moving element configured nozzle having an adjustable flow rate. The apparatus is skid mounted and portable. It comprises a pump to suction dispersant from tanks or other receptacles where it is stored and pressurize the dispersant, a pressure manifold that allows the dispersant to pressurize and a monitor or hose attachment hydraulically connecting the pressure manifold to one or more configured nozzles that distribute the chemical dispersant upon the oil spill. The method comprises pressurizing dispersant and spraying it through a configured nozzle onto the oil spill.

Abstract: Fluid and air nozzle assemblies are capable of propelling streams of a cleaning fluid and air mixture onto a vehicle vision device, visible indicator, or sensor. These nozzle assemblies are mounted on a vehicle adjacent to the vehicle vision device, visible indicator, or sensor and positioned such that liquid and air jets from the nozzles intersect prior to impinging upon the vehicle vision device, visible indicator, or sensor to form a spray mixture that cleans the vehicle vision device, visible indicator, or sensor. These nozzle assemblies have an adjustment feature for the purpose of aiming the fluid-air spray toward the vehicle vision device, visible indicator, or sensor.

Abstract: An air brush is shown and described including a replaceable, rotatable, nozzle head including a media port and a needle arrangement. Media contamination of the air brush is limited to the removable nozzle head, thereby making the air brush body free of media contamination. By rotatable mounting of the nozzle head, a variety of media sources are made available, ranging from gravity fed devices such as media top and side cups to suction fed devices such as media jars. The trigger arrangement of the present invention presents an actuator shaft movable longitudinally in response to trigger movement for engagement of the needle of the nozzle head. Mechanical coupling between the air brush body and nozzle head is limited to structural coupling for mounting the nozzle head and an abutment relationship between the actuator shaft and the needle. This allows rotational freedom of movement for the nozzle head relative to the body, and also ease of dismounting by simply separating the nozzle head from the air brush body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gas supply nozzle plate constructed by laminating a plurality of metal members each having a fluid path and branch. A fluid nozzle plate member provided by the invention has high sealing at a joined part, and high reliability even when used in high vacuum or at a high temperature. The fluid nozzle plate member comprises a plurality of plate-like metal members each having a fluid path and/or a branch. In this case, the plurality of plate-like metal members are laminated, and the laminated surfaces thereof are joined together by press forging.

Abstract: An apparatus for watering plants has a movable beam carrying several valves for dispersing water. At least some of the valves include a mechanism for sensing water flow and a regulator for adjusting the degree of opening of the valve until the actual flow corresponds to a selected flow value which is determined by a central control unit.

Abstract: A pretreatment apparatus for raw materials for production of reduced iron pretreats the raw materials, comprising an iron material, such as iron ore, and other raw materials, such as coal and flux, by a dryer, classifiers, a roll press, and a vertical mill, and feeds the pretreated raw materials to a pelletizer via a feed bin. At least two fluidized mixers for mixing the classified raw materials, one of the fluidized mixers for storage and the other fluidized mixer for supply, are provided for batch treatment. The pretreatment apparatus can uniformize the crushed particle sizes of iron ore, coal, etc.

Abstract: The mechanical crusher includes a rotating shaft, a rotor mounted about the rotating shaft and having at least one sub-rotor containing a plurality of blades, a liner having a plurality of grooves formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof and disposed externally of the rotor with a predetermined gap defined between the inner peripheral surface thereof and the outer-peripheral surface of the rotor, and a drive unit for rotating the rotor. The blades of at least the one sub-rotor incline in a direction where the flow of a material to be crushed is forced back. With this arrangement, the mechanical crusher can effectively crush a fiber-incluing material such as wheat bran, and the like to fine powder.