Abstract: The present invention permits the positioning and support of a fuel tank in a stable state while preventing unnecessary stresses from being generated in the fuel tank. A tapered, single projecting portion for positioning is formed on either the bottom portion of an inner wall of a hull or the bottom of the fuel tank. A tapered, single depressed portion for positioning is fitted on the projecting portion, and is formed on the opposing bottom portion of the fuel tank or the inner wall of the hull, respectively. A space is formed between a peripheral wall of the fuel tank and the inner wall of the hull that permits contraction and expansion of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a single crystal of calcium fluoride by which it is possible to obtain a single crystal of calcium fluoride with adequately small double refraction, which can be used in optical systems for photolithography, and in particular, a single crystal of calcium fluoride with a large diameter (ø200 mm or larger) having superior optical properties, which can be used for photolithography with a wavelength of 250 nm or less.

Abstract: A method of crystallizing an amorphous silicon layer includes the steps of generating an excimer laser beam having a first energy density and a second energy density, irradiating an amorphous silicon layer with at least one exposure of the excimer, wherein the first energy density melts the amorphous silicon layer to a first depth from a surface of the amorphous silicon layer equal to the first thickness and the second energy density melts the amorphous silicon layer to a second depth from the surface of the amorphous silicon layer less than the first thickness.

Abstract: A low dislocation density silicon carbide (SiC) is provided as well as an apparatus and method for growing the same. The SiC crystal, grown using sublimation techniques, is preferably divided into two stages of growth. During the first stage of growth, the crystal grows in a normal direction while simultaneously expanding laterally. Although dislocations and other material defects may propagate within the axially grown material, defect propagation and generation in the laterally grown material are substantially reduced, if not altogether eliminated. After the crystal has expanded to the desired diameter, the second stage of growth begins in which lateral growth is suppressed and normal growth is enhanced. A substantially reduced defect density is maintained within the axially grown material that is based on the laterally grown first stage material.

Abstract: A transferring device which operates on an apparatus for producing optical discs comprising several different work stations, each arranged to perform a predetermined operation on the discs being processed. The transferring device performs a sequential transfer of each disc between the different work stations following a path comprising two parallel advance lines, one forward line and one return line, respectively, which are disposed laterally on opposite sides relative to the longitudinal extension axis of a support arm. The support arm supports a first and a second series of pick-up heads arranged to execute the optical disc transfer on the forward and return lines during the forward and return strokes of the support arm, respectively.

Abstract: A semiconductor processor for spray coating wafers or other semiconductor articles. The processor has a compartment in which are mounted a wafer transfer, coating station and thermal treatment station. The coating station has a spray processing vessel in which a movable spray-head and rotatable wafer holder. The spray station has coating viscosity control features. An ultrasonic resonating spray-head is precisely supplied with coating from a metering pump. The heat treatment station heat cures the coating and then cools the wafer. The system allows coatings to be applied in relatively uniform conformational layers upon irregular surfaces.

Abstract: In order to make possible formation of a deposited film of a relatively large area at a treatment rate which could not accomplished by the plasma process of the prior art, and in order to make possible stable production of the deposited film without variation in film quality, in an apparatus and a method for forming a deposited film, a part of a reaction vessel is formed of a dielectric member, at least one high-frequency electrode is arranged so as to face at least one substrate with interposition of the dielectric member, an earth shield is arranged so as to cover the reaction vessel and the high-frequency electrode, plasma is generated between the high-frequency electrode and the substrate, and a deposited film is formed under the conditions in which the following equation:

Abstract: A plasma processing method and apparatus are proposed that are suited to process the surface of a sample such as a semiconductor device using plasma. The bias voltages to the plasma generation and sample are respectively independently controlled, the RF voltage waveform as the bias voltage to a substrate electrode on which the sample is placed is flattened at an arbitrary voltage level, thereby controlling the energy distribution of ions incident to the sample to be a desired distribution. Therefore, plasma processing can be carried out with high precision.

Abstract: In a plasma treatment method of and apparatus for treating the surface of a treatment target substrate by utilizing glow discharge produced by supplying high-frequency power into an inside-evacuated reactor through a high-frequency power supply means, a plurality of impedance regulation means for regulating impedances on the side of the reactor and on the side of the high-frequency power supply means are provided correspondingly to the impedances of a plurality of reactors, and the high-frequency power is supplied into the reactors via the impedance regulation means corresponding to the reactors. Plasma treatment can be made in a good efficiency and a low cost on a plurality of reactors having different impedances.

Abstract: A cellulose ether having a viscosity of at least 80,000 mPa·s, as measured in a 2 wt % aqueous solution thereof at 20° C. by Ubbelohde's viscometer No. 5 according to JIS K2283-1993 is useful as a binder in the preparation of pet waste-absorbing granular material. The pet waste-absorbing granules effectively gather into clumps upon contact with pet urine, are economical because of a reduced weight per urination of granules gathered into clumps to be removed, and are combustible or disposable by flushing in the toilet.

Abstract: A cooling air system for motor vehicles has a radiator that is arranged in a front-end area of a motor vehicle and through which a cooling air stream flows. The exhaust air stream exiting from the radiator is directed beneath the motor vehicle by outlets that are arranged on the bottom of the motor vehicle. The outlets can be covered by an air guide element. In order to create a cooling air system for motor vehicles that has a simple design and simultaneously ensures favorable guidance of the cooling air, in the case of a motor vehicle whose outlets for cooling air can be covered by an air guide element, to arrange the air guide element in such a way that the exhaust air stream flowing out of the air guide element is directed basically parallel to one of the air streams flowing around the front end of the car.

Abstract: A lubricant filler structure for an internal combustion engine includes a lubricant filler tube having a lower end connected to the crankcase and an upper end forming a filling port. The filler tube is disposed forwardly at an angle with respect to the vertical. The engine also has a cover member through which the lubricant filler structure extends. The cover member and the lubricant filler structure are configured to enhance accessibility of a lubricant filling port by the user.

Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable support element (1) requiring only a small design space. For this purpose, a slide (12) that serves to couple an inner element (6) to an outer housing (3) in the support element (1) is positioned laterally in a housing (2) arranged in the cylinder head (5). At the same time, a bore (8) in the inner element (6) for the slide (12) is made as a pocket bore, the housing (2) being seated through an annular extension (11) directly in a bore (9) of the outer housing (3). The slide (12) can be displaced electromagnetically or hydraulically in at least one direction.

Abstract: A variable valve timing system includes a first controlling mechanism through which operation fluid is supplied to and discharged from an advanced angle chamber to restrict the relative rotation to an advanced angle side at the lock phase, and a second controlling mechanism through which operation fluid is supplied to and discharged from a retarded angle chamber to restrict the relative rotation to a retarded angle side at the lock phase. The variable valve timing system further includes passages which function as a throttle at the lock phase to connect the advanced angle chamber with the first controlling mechanism and the retarded angle chamber with the second controlling mechanism.

Abstract: A control device for controlling an internal combustion engine with a variably controlled valve stroke and with a butterfly valve in an air intake tract is provided. The control device is equipped with devices with which the even running of the internal combustion engine is monitored and through which the butterfly valve is actuated in the closing direction when a defined uneven running threshold value has been exceeded and when the valve stroke is smaller than a specified threshold until the value drops below the uneven running threshold value again.

Abstract: A variable valve timing apparatus has a rotational torque transmission path that changes the relative phases of a camshaft that moves an engine valve and a rotary crank body that is coupled to the crankshaft. The rotational torque transmission path has uses an electromagnetic brake delay rotation of a drum, which is coupled to the rotary crank body by a biasing member and a moving member. When rotation of the drum is delayed, the moving member changes the angular orientation between the drum and the rotary crank body against the biasing force of the biasing member. The electromagnetic brake is coupled to a cover by two protrusions and two concavities. The protrusions are arranged to prevent contact between the electromagnetic brake and the drum due to tension of the chain.

Abstract: A variable valve timing system includes a relative rotation controlling mechanism restricting relative rotation of a housing member and a rotor member at the intermediate lock phase between the most advanced angle phase and the most retarded angle phase. An auxiliary controlling mechanism actuated in response to the operation fluid to be supplied to and discharged from a fluid pressure circuit allows the relative rotation of the housing member and the rotor member under the unlock condition and restricts the rotation of the rotor member to the retarded angle side or to the advanced angle side relative to the housing member at a set phase between the most retarded angle phase or the most advanced angle phase and the intermediate lock phase under the lock condition.

Abstract: A valve timing adjusting device, in which the housing member including a chain sprocket and a shoe housing, and a vane rotor are relatively rotatable. The inner surfaces on both axial sides of the housing member and the outside surfaces on both axial sides of the vane rotor slide each other. A retard oil passage communicating with each retard hydraulic chamber is formed in an outside surface of the vane rotor on the side to which a hydraulic fluid is supplied through an oil passage formed in a camshaft. Furthermore, an advance oil passage communicating with each advance hydraulic chamber is formed at an interval of about 90 degrees at the center of an inner surface of the chain sprocket on the side to which the hydraulic fluid is supplied through a groove oil passage formed in the camshaft.

Abstract: A switchable, hydraulic support element (1) requiring only a small design space is proposed. For achieving this, a bore (16) for a slide (23) is arranged laterally of a pressure piston (10) of a hydraulic clearance compensation element (11) in the inner element (7) and is configured as a pocket bore. This dispenses with the stacked arrangement of the bore in the inner element and the clearance compensation element on top of each other as seen in prior art. At the same time, the slide (23) is installed in a housing (19) that extends in the cylinder head (5).

Abstract: A starter protective device is provided which is capable of accurately determining the commencement of overrunning (i.e., timing of the commencement of starting of an engine) even in the presence of variations in the cycle of fluctuations in a battery voltage, noise and so on, thereby to prevent a starter from being overrun after starting of an engine in a reliable manner. The starter protective device includes an overrunning determination section 15 for determining when the starter motor 4 commences overrunning; and a starter motor cut-off section for interrupting the main contactor 3 when it is determined that the starter motor 4 commences overrunning. The overrunning determination section 15 detects a change over time of the battery voltage BV after the starter switch 2 has been turned on, and determines that the starter motor 4 commences overrunning when the battery voltage VB remains unchanged without any increase or decrease over a predetermined time T.

Abstract: An arrangement of an internal combustion engine is disclosed that balances the various inertia forces acting on the engine during operation. A plurality of counterweight assemblies are provided that counterbalance the forces generated during engine operation. A first counterweight assembly rotates about the crankshaft axis. Second and third counterweight assemblies are provided that are spaced from the crankshaft axis and the first counterweight assembly. The first, second and third counterweight assemblies combine to counteract and balance the inertia forces generated during operation of the engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine operated with a self-ignitable fuel, with an approximately homogeneous fuel-air mixture being produced in the combustion chamber in the self-ignition ranges (CI), a high compression ratio suitable for a self-ignition of the fuel being provided and the combustion occurring in the self-ignition ranges (CI) predominantly by self-ignition. In order to control the start of combustion in the self-ignition range (CI) in the easiest possible way it is provided that in the self-ignition range (CI) the pressure and/or temperature of the homogeneous fuel-air mixture are set in such a way, preferably depending on the charge composition and/or charge temperature, that the self-ignition would be achieved only after the actually desired start of combustion in the zone of the upper dead center and the combustion of the homogeneous fuel-air mixture is initiated locally in the self-ignition range (CI) by an external energy impulse.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to effectively prevent deterioration of combustion characteristics when engine temperature is low. There is provided an intake pressure controller 24 that effects control such that, when an operating condition discriminator 21 that identifies engine temperature identifies low engine temperature after engine start-up, control by an engine controller (feedback controller 23) that performs engine control on fluctuation of intake negative pressure to decrease the intake negative pressure is suppressed until the temperature of the intake passage rises to at or above a predetermined value, and such that the intake negative pressure is made larger.

Abstract: Automotive control system designed to control a plurality of controlled elements installed in the vehicle is provided. The control system includes control circuits and a manager circuit. The control circuits are designed to perform given control tasks using pre-defined controlled variables. The manager circuit is designed to determine a target value of a preselected output parameter of at least one of the controlled elements in the form of a second controlled variable different from one of the controlled variables employed in the control circuit for the one of the controlled elements. The control system also includes an adaptor designed to translate the second controlled variable indicative of the target value of the output parameter into a value of the corresponding controlled variable. This allows the control system to be constructed easily without redesigning typical controlled elements.

Abstract: A CDI ignition coil unit integrally formed of an exciter coil, pickup coil and control unit is arranged over the upper side of the engine case, at a position on the cylinder head side in proximity to the periphery of the flywheel while an ignition cord is provided to connect a spark plug located at the cylinder head to the CDI ignition coil unit.

Abstract: A fuel system has a fuel injector directly mounted with a fuel rail. The fuel rail includes a first portion and a second portion that form a body. The body has an interior surface defining a volume, an exterior surface surrounding the interior surface, and at least one aperture disposed between the interior and exterior surfaces in fluid communication with the volume. The at least one fuel injector has an inlet tube with an inside surface defining a flow path through a portion of the fuel injector and an outside surface surrounding the inside surface. The fuel injector is disposed such that the flow path is in fluid communication with the volume. A rigid connection is disposed between the interior surface of the fuel rail and at least one of the outside surface and the inside surface of the inlet tube. The rigid connection secures and hermetically seals the fuel rail with the at least one fuel injector.

Abstract: A fuel system has a fuel injector directly mounted with a fuel rail. The fuel rail has a body with interior and exterior surfaces. The interior surface defines a volume. The exterior surface surrounds the interior surface. An aperture extends between the interior and exterior surfaces in fluid communication with the volume. The fuel injector has an inlet tube with an inside surface that defines a flow path through a portion of the fuel injector, and an outside surface that surrounds the inside surface. The fuel injector is disposed so that the flow path is in fluid communication with the volume. A rigid connection is disposed between at least one of the interior and exterior surfaces of the fuel rail and the outside surface of the inlet tube, the rigid connection securing and hermetically sealing the fuel rail with the fuel injector.

Abstract: A support structure for a fuel supply system of a V-type engine having a mechanical connection to fixedly connect an intermediate portion of a fuel supply conduit portion arranged to straddle between the cylinder heads in two banks of the V-type engine to a water jacket assembly disposed to bridge between and rigidly connected to the cylinder heads to thereby provide a rigid vibration-suppressing support for the fuel supply conduit portion of the fuel supply system whereby generation of the working sound of respective fuel injection valves in every cylinders of the V-type engine is suppressed and reduced.

Abstract: A batteryless fuel injection apparatus for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine adapted to generate a start injection command signal for each of cylinders in predetermined order whenever a reference pulse signal is generated by a signal generation device in case that which cylinder the reference pulse signal corresponds to cannot be judged to inject a fuel from the injector for each of the cylinders and to generate the injection command signal for each of the cylinders at a regular injection start position after which cylinder the reference pulse signal corresponds to is judged.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for a vehicle is provided with a fuel pump disposed in a fuel tank sitting astride a vehicle body frame. The fuel pump is disposed along a side surface of the fuel tank in a position opposed to a portion of the vehicle body frame. This fuel supply system for a vehicle provides a system in which a fuel pump can be disposed even in a fuel tank of a saddle-ridden vehicle with minimum modifications required in size and shape.

Abstract: A compression ignition type engine selectively switching between a first combustion where an amount of recirculated exhaust gas supplied in a combustion chamber (5) is greater than an amount of recirculated exhaust gas where the amount of production of soot peaks and a second combustion where the amount of recirculated exhaust gas supplied in the combustion chamber (5) is smaller than the amount of recirculated exhaust gas where the amount of production of soot peaks. A particulate filter (24) carrying a NOx absorbent (71) is arranged in the engine exhaust passage. When SOx should be released from the NOx absorbent (71) and there is leeway in the electrical energy stored in the battery (41), the first combustion is performed even when the second combustion should be performed and the drop in output power of the energy is made up by the output torque of an electric motor (37).

Abstract: An engine operating region in which two ignition plugs ignite at different ignition timings is restricted to a region (phase-difference ignition region) where the effect of different ignition timings is remarkably achieved. In the operating region other than the above region, simultaneous ignition is performed. A basic ignition timing IGMAPIN of the intake ignition plugs 8I is calculated by searching a map (S11). In the phase-difference ignition region, a basic ignition timing IGMAPEX of exhaust ignition plugs 8E is calculated by searching a map (S13). By contrast, in the operating region where simultaneous ignition is to be performed, the basic exhaust ignition timing IGMAPEX is set as the basic intake ignition timing IGMAPIN (S14).

Abstract: A small oxygen enriching apparatus which can supply oxygen-enriched gas at high flow rate without imparting unnatural sensation to a user, as well as a controller and recording medium therefore. In step 100, a judgment is made as to whether a flow rate set by use of a flow-rate setting unit 47 is equal to or less than a continuous base flow rate (2 liters/min). When the set flow rate is a low flow rate of not greater than 2 liters/min, breath-synchronized operation is not performed (continuous supply is to be performed), and therefore, in step 110, oxygen-enriched gas is supplied continuously at the set flow rate. When the set flow rate is a high flow rate of greater than 2 liters/min, breath-synchronized operation is to be performed (supply during the inhalation period only of each breathing cycle), and therefore, in step 120, oxygen-enriched gas is continuously supplied at the continuous base flow rate.

Abstract: An oxygen enriching apparatus which can supply oxygen or oxygen-enriched gas to a user at proper timings, as well as a controller and recording medium therefore. In step 100, a signal from a pressure sensor 53 is input. In subsequent step 110, on the basis of the signal output from the pressure sensor 53, a judgment is made as to whether the state of inhalation can be detected. When the result of judgment is “Yes,” this means that an anomalous state exists. In this case, the processing proceeds to step 120. When the result of judgment is “No,” this means that the patient and the apparatus are normal. In this case, the present processing is suspended. When start of inhalation cannot be detected over, for example, a period of 10 seconds or more, an anomalous state is judged to have arisen. In step 120, because of the anomalous state having arisen, the electromagnetic valve 47 is driven to open the supply passage 29 so as to supply oxygen-enriched gas over a period of about 4 seconds.

Abstract: Employing the known “tensegrity” principle, a female condom is configured such that when the condom is inserted into a woman's vagina, the woman's introitus acts on a proximal section of an elongated pouch extending between internal and external biasing members (e.g., rings) of the condom. Inward compressive forces exerted by the introitus on the inner ring of the condom cause the inner ring to be pushed distally within the vaginal canal, and the proximal pouch section to become a tension member pulling against the external ring. This causes a “tenting” of the proximal pouch section against the introitus. The resulting interaction of compression and tensile forces (a tensegrity effect) serves to provide the condom with a high degree of internal and external stability, including resistance to twisting and slippage.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an immobilisation system including an immobilisation unit (10) and an immobilisation holder (11). The invention also refers to an immobilisation unit comprising a mouldable sheet (12) and a rigid adjustable frame (13). The immobilisation unit comprises an adjustable frame to which a mouldable sheet of a low temperature melting temperature material is attached. After exposure to an increased temperature the low melting temperature material becomes soft and can be used to make an imprint of a body without cracking. The immobilisation holder being adapted to hold the frame in exact position comprises a mechanism for locking the frame into the holder by a slide in, pressure, or snap mechanism to obtain a tight connection between the frame and the holder and thereby obtain a perfect immobilisation of the body.

Abstract: A hair article according to the invention comprises two jaws which are elongate in a direction of extension and each include a rigid body having a principal part which is elongate in the direction of extension and parallel transverse excrescences to which is attached an elastically flexible structure parallel to the direction of extension, offset from the principal part of the rigid body and including projecting parts oriented toward the second jaw. A lighter hair article, in which the flexibility of the elastically flexible structure improves the hold in the hair, is thus produced.

Abstract: A device for applying a product comprises a receptacle body defining a reservoir configured to contain a product and an application element configured to apply a product to a surface. A cavity is in flow communication with the reservoir and configured to receive the application element. The device further comprises a support element on which the application element is mounted. The support element is mounted to pivot relative to the receptacle body between a first position wherein the application element is received in the cavity and a second position wherein the application element is at least partially exposed so as to be capable of coming into contact with a surface to which product is to be applied.

Abstract: The invention provides a pair of parallel megasonic transducers that generate parallel columns of megasonic waves across a cleaning container. Semiconductor wafers move back and forth transverse to the columns. The transducers have their back side potted with a silicone elastomer to prevent corrosion. In another embodiment megasonic waves from in-line transducers are dispersed with a cylindrical quartz rod. Water is enriched with ozone by pumping ozone under pressure through a filter into sealed housing of deionized water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photovoltaic device assembly comprising a plurality of photovoltaic devices connected with one another, wherein no rectangular corner part is formed in the peripheral parts of the photovoltaic device assembly itself and the shape of the peripheral parts of the photovoltaic devices is composed of straight lines and curved lines connecting the straight lines to one another, thereby preventing penetration owing to the effects of manufacture, installation, transportation, handling, and the state after installation of the solar cell module.

Abstract: A sealing composition for a solar cell, comprising a polymer blend or a polymer alloy which comprises at least one kind of a polyolefin series copolymer and at least one kind of a crystalline polyolefin. A solar cell module in which said sealing composition is used and a building material-integral type solar cell module in which said sealing composition is used.

Abstract: A substrate treatment process is disclosed which comprises plural steps of delivering a long substrate with application of tensile force to the substrate, wherein the strength of the tensile force is changed at least between a first delivery step and a second delivery step. This process prevents enlargement of edge waviness of a belt-shaped substrate to stabilize the plasma discharge.

Abstract: If an inverter is merely attached to the back side of a solar battery module, the inverter becomes an obstacle to transport and installation, it may be broken if it strikes a building structure at the time of installation and it may malfunction owing to impact with an object. Accordingly, a weather-resistant film, a first filler, a solar battery element, a second filler and a back reinforcing material are stacked in the order mentioned and the fillers are melted using a vacuum laminator to thereby seal the solar battery element in resin between the back reinforcing material and weather-resistant film. At this time an inverter is placed on the surface of the back reinforcing material that opposes the solar battery element.

Abstract: AC module, integrating a solar battery and an inverter, can easily be connected with other plural AC modules in parallel by way of cascade connections. However, when the number of AC modules connected is improvidently increased, the current flowing through the current path or connector of the AC module exceeds a rated current. In view of this, the current detector detects a current in the collective-power current path of the AC module, and when the detected current value exceeds a value set in the reference current setting circuit, the current detector stops the inverter.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for use in mating a filter cartridge to a filter manifold, includes an adapter body having a manifold coupler and a cartridge coupler. The manifold coupler is for mating with the filter manifold and has an inlet being fluidly communicable with a filter manifold fluid inlet and a fluid outlet being fluidly communicable with a filter manifold fluid outlet and having sealing means, the sealing means isolating an inlet flow of unfiltered water from an outlet flow of filtered water. The cartridge coupler is for mating with the filter cartridge and has an inlet being fluidly communicable with a filter cartridge inlet and being in fluid communication with the manifold coupler inlet and a fluid outlet being fluidly communicable with a filter cartridge outlet and being in fluid communication with the manifold coupler outlet and having sealing means, the sealing means isolating an inlet flow of unfiltered water to the filter cartridge from an outlet flow of filtered water form the filter cartridge.

Abstract: A gas-line system used for a semiconductor-manufacturing apparatus with at least two reactors, includes at least one gas source; a flow-divider means including an input port on the primary side, which receives a source gas from the gas source, and an output port on the secondary side, which outputs an inputted source gas by equally distributing it. The input port on the primary side is connected with the gas source and the output port on the secondary side is connected with the reactors; and one exhaust pump for exhausting gases within the reactors, which is connected with the reactors. Tt is desirable that the gas-line system is provided between the reactors and the exhaust pump, and an APC is included for controlling pressure for each reactor.

Abstract: A solenoid valve device controls a driving force generated by a linear solenoid (electromagnetic driving portion), for pressing a spool away from the linear solenoid by controlling a current supplied to a coil, and ultimately adjusting an oil pressure flowing from an outlet port. As current supplied to the coil increases, the outlet port oil pressure decreases. An outside diameter of a tube portion of a valve housing is equal to or larger than an outside diameter r1 of the linear solenoid (r2≧r1) and a flange of the valve housing, permitting the entire solenoid valve device to be disposed within a cylindrical reception hole provided in a hydraulic control apparatus body of an automatic gear, for example. A method of manufacturing the solenoid valve device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid handling port array includes at least one fluid conduction bore, a plurality of insert bores each intersecting at least one fluid conduction bore and being adapted to receive a configuration insert, a plurality of port bores each intersecting at least one of the fluid conduction bores for providing fluid access to the fluid conduction bores. The port array is configured by fixing configuration inserts in the insert bores. In a particular embodiment, the configuration inserts comprise device seats and are adapted to receive configuration devices such as a valves, caps or plugs. Alternatively, the configuration inserts, themselves, embody configuration devices.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating gas components that combines together, either in an in-line or modular fashion, at least two gas components used in a gas stick for flowing a gas from a first point to an end point. In one embodiment, the present invention can be used to combine a pressure transducer, a filter, and a display into a single unit that will reduce the gas stick size along the gas flow axis of the gas stick. The gas components can be integrated using VCR connections for an in-line use of the present invention. In the modular form, the present invention can use a number of different connections to connect the gas components vertically on a modular base block (i.e., stacked approximately perpendicular to the modular base block). Thus, the gas components will stack vertically with respect to the traditional horizontal gas flow path axis.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating gas components that combines together, either in an in-line or modular fashion, at least two gas components used in a gas stick for flowing a gas from a first point to an end point. In one embodiment, the present invention can be used to combine a pressure transducer, a filter, and a display into a single unit that will reduce the gas stick size along the gas flow axis of the gas stick. The gas components can be integrated using VCR connections for an in-line use of the present invention. In the modular form, the present invention can use a number of different connections to connect the gas components vertically on a modular base block (i.e., stacked approximately perpendicular to the modular base block). Thus, the gas components will stack vertically with respect to the traditional horizontal gas flow path axis.