Abstract: A catenary conveyor belt support apparatus for supporting a conveyor belt having a first edge and second edge. The support apparatus includes a first support block having a top surface for supporting the conveyor belt at the first edge and a second support block having atop surface for supporting the conveyor belt at the second edge. First and second idler strings extend between and are connected to the first and second support blocks. Each idler string includes one or more idler rollers for supporting the conveyor belt. A pair of resilient biasing members are respectively attached at a first end to each idler string and at a second end to an anchor member. The support blocks and the resilient biasing members inhibit misalignment of the idler rollers and movement of the first and second edges of the conveyor belt to reduce the escape of conveyed material from the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A lagging system for conveyor belt pulleys is provided that allows for significant flexibility in attaching lagging members to the face of the pulleys while also providing improved distribution of the lagging material on the pulley face, and doing this while avoiding the creation of unduly long and circumferentially wide gaps between adjacent lagging members attached on the pulley. The lagging system can include lagging strips having a backing plate with rubber material bonded thereto, and which can carry lagging material such as ceramic tiles embedded therein. These strips include non-linear leading/trailing edges thereof to allow adjacent strips to be attached without the undesired gaps formed therebetweeen.

Abstract: Am element (S) for walls (A, B) supporting a plurality of idle rollers, particularly for accumulation stations for conveying lines for products in general, comprises two components (1, 1; 1, 2) coupled together, said components being identical (1, 1) in the case of central walls, and different (1, 2) in the case of side walls, one of said different components (1, 2) being identical, i.e. “common”, to those relative to the central walls (1).

Abstract: A connection element for at least two components (15, 7) of a conveyor support or guide structure, of the type comprising a body (1) presenting a first part (2) comprising first means (3) for removably fixing a portion (15A) of one (15) of said components, and a second part (5) comprising second means (6) for removably fixing a tubular portion (7A) of said other component (7), in which the first and second fixing means (3, 6) are distinct and separated from each other, the first fixing means (3) comprise a plurality of slotted apertures (3A-D), and the second fixing means (6) comprise an expansion member (8) able to expand within said tubular portion (7A) to fix it to said second part (5).

Abstract: A belt-driving apparatus has a belt in the shape of an endless loop. The belt has an outside surface and inside surface, and a guide belt that is formed on the inside surface. The belt is entrained about a roller with the inside surface in contact with the roller. A pulley is mounted at least on one axial end of the roller, the pulley having a circumferential groove formed therein that receives the guide belt therein. A resilient member that urges the first surface of the belt in such a direction that the guide belt enters the groove. The roller may have a circumferential groove formed therein to receive the guide belt, thereby eliminating the pulley.

Abstract: An interlocking type multi-switch device having plural push-buttons is disclosed wherein external connection terminals can be connected using a single connector and the reduction in switch size can be attained while ensuring a high contact reliability of contact portions. In a housing 1 having plural receptacle portions 1b is formed a connecting groove 1e for connecting together the receptacle portions 1b. Plural fixed contacts 3 disposed within the plural receptacle portions 1b and connecting terminals 4 are integrally fixed to a single wafer 2 and are arranged side by side on one and same plane. The wafer 2 is brought into engagement with the connecting groove 1e formed in the housing 1, thereby allowing the plural fixed contacts 3 to be disposed within the receptacle portions 1b.

Abstract: A handle assembly for enabling an electrical product to work is provided. The electrical product has an activating device for activating the electrical product including a handle moveably connected with the electrical product, a driving element thereon for enabling the electrical product to work when the driving element is in touch with said the activating device of the electrical product, and a locking device for securing said the handle to the electrical product when the driving element is in touch with the activating device of the electrical product.

Abstract: A switch apparatus for controlling multiple electrical circuits includes a pivot shaft carried in a housing mountable on a vehicle steering column. A carrier is pivotally mounted on the pivot shaft for rotation of about axis. A lever is pivotally mounted to the carrier for rotation about a first axis to the axis of the shaft. A rotatable end cap is mounted on the lever. A shaft is fixed to the end cap at one end and extends through a lever to a second end on which a gear is mounted. A radial rack is mounted in the housing and engaged by the gear for rotation about the pivot shaft. Electrical traces are formed in the housing and engaged by contacts carried on the radial rack to control operating circuits. An actuator is rotatably and translatingly mounted on the pivot shaft and has an arm extending from a center. The arm engages one leaf contact in the housing upon rotation of the actuator to control a circuit.

Abstract: A steering switch assembly structure which facilitates mounting of a pad member and switch assemblies to a metal core of a steering wheel, and which reduces assembly steps and is low in cost. The pad member is disposed between first leg pieces and second leg pieces on a bracket, compression coil springs are arranged between mount pieces of the pad member and the second leg pieces. In this state, the first leg pieces are inserted into mount slots of the switch assemblies. When the mount pieces are moved against elastic force of the springs and brought into contact with horn contacts, a horn device is actuated. The pad member is engaged by bottom surfaces of the switch assemblies, and is prevented from falling off the bracket, which is secured to the metal core, in a direction of separation from the bracket, without use of any further fastening means.

Abstract: To reduce a number of parts and a number of assembling steps of a steering sensor to thereby reduce cost. A combination switch is mounted with switch bodies at recesses formed at a base and is provided with a steering sensor for detecting a steering angle of a steering wheel. The combination switch is provided with a rotor rotated along with the steering wheel. The rotor is provided with a sensor board of the steering sensor. The switch bodies are provided with a detecting portion for detecting pivotal movement of the sensor board.

Abstract: Methods of controlling fluid flow (e.g., flow of liquids, water vapor and gases) through switch members, e.g., switch buttons, which are used to seal an interior cavity of a surgical handpiece are provided. The switch members provide improved sealing properties which prevent gas and water vapor transmission across the switch member and into and out of the sealed internal switch chamber. The switch members are also resistant to puncture due to striking by tools or cleaning instruments, or the like.

Abstract: A electrical switch that capable being combined with an electrical product. The electrical switch comprises a key cover that can combine with the outer surface of the electrical product, a spring and a light source. The inner surface of the key cover comprises a cylindrical protuberant structure at the both side of the inner surface. The key cover further comprises a cylindrical protrusion and a pair of hooks. The holes on the outer surface of the electrical product are corresponding to the shapes and the positions of the cylindrical protuberant structures, the cylindrical protrusion and the hooks. The spring is fixed onto the cylindrical protrusion, wherein the cylindrical protuberant structures and hooks allow the key cover fit onto the outer surface of the electrical product. The spring also creates tension between the key cover and the electrical product. The light source is located between the key cover and the electrical product, wherein the light is dispersed from a tooth shape light panel.

Abstract: A mechanism for the rapid closure of electrical contacts on modular electrical apparatuses, particularly circuit-breakers is disclosed. The mechanism includes at least one movable electrical contact, which cooperates with at least one fixed electrical contact. The movable electrical contacts pivot with respect to a contact support. The movable electrical contacts are maintained in a rest position through at least one spring. The contact support is capable of rotary movement to alternatively position the movable electrical contacts in and out of electrical contact with the fixed electrical contact. The contact support is moved by a control lever, which may be manually actuated, acting through a toggle system, which imparts opposing rotary movements to the control lever and the movable electrical contacts.

Abstract: An arc evaporator comprises: an anode; an evaporation source electrode as a cathode; and a current control unit for supplying an AC square wave arcing current across the anode and the evaporation source electrode.

Abstract: In an electroplating reactor for plating a spinning wafer, a diffusion plate is supported above an anode located within a cup filled with process fluid within the reactor. The diffusion plate includes a plurality of openings which are arranged in a spiral pattern. The openings allow for an improved plating thickness distribution on the wafer surface. The openings can be elongated slots curved along the direction of the spiral path.

Abstract: Since the transfer speed of a substrate is controlled to compensate for a film-forming rate, and an electric power applied to heating means for heating the substrate is controlled so that thermal equilibrium of the substrate is maintained, a film having a uniform thickness and quality can be stably formed even when sputtering is performed for a long time.

Abstract: A sputter deposition chamber may be fitted with measures to prevent or reduce electrical noise that might otherwise interfere with a controller for the sputter deposition chamber. A grounded shield plate may be coupled to an insulating member by which a sputtering target is mounted in the chamber. A ground line, separate from a power supply line, may be coupled to the chamber's enclosure wall and to a varying power supply. One or more filters may be coupled in series between chamber components and a controller associated with the chamber.

Abstract: A sputter deposition apparatus and method includes perimeter magnets oriented an angle relative to the plane of the sputter target, either by magnetizing or by physically orienting the magnets at the chosen angle. The resulting magnetic flux extends radially outward, away from the central axis of the target, toward and beyond the target perimeter. This causes the return path of the flux to pass over the target surface more parallel to the plane of its sputtering surface. This spreads sputter erosion over a greater area of the target surface and mitigates development of sputtering grooves. Since target erosion is more uniform, more target material is used for sputter deposition, deterring waste. Each target can be used longer before the target material is penetrated, resulting in fewer target replacement cycles for a given volume of workpiece coating, raising the deposition chamber capacity factor.

Abstract: An in-line sputtering apparatus includes a deposition chamber, a target installed inside the deposition chamber, a substrate holder to hold a substrate, a substrate holder transferring mechanism which transfers the substrate holder relative to the target such that a thin film made of a material of the target that is formed on the substrate held by the substrate holder, first and second thickness distribution correcting members and a plate driving mechanism. The first and second thickness distribution correcting members are provided above the target, and each of the first and second thickness distribution correcting members has a plurality of movable plates. The plate driving mechanism is linked to the first and second thickness distribution correcting members and moves the corresponding movable plates of the first and second distribution correcting plates, symmetrically.

Abstract: A combined oxygen and NOx sensor is provided. Generally, the combined sensor employs a sensor body that includes two different types of electrodes—oxygen-porous electrode layers and dissociative oxygen-porous electrode layers. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor comprises a sensor body, an oxygen content electrical signal output, and a NOx content electrical signal output. The sensor body is disposed in the gas and comprises a plurality of oxygen-porous electrode layers and a plurality of dissociative oxygen-porous electrode layers. The dissociative oxygen-porous electrode layers comprise a material selected to catalyze dissociation of NOx into nitrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: Methods and devices for inducing high bulk hydrodynamic resistance and/or for inducing low electrical resistance in microscale systems including bulk viscosity enhancers, surfactants, and electrolytes. High bulk hydrodynamic resistance is optionally utilized to regulate the effects of spontaneous injection and/or dispersion. Induced high hydrodynamic resistance in conjunction with induced low electrical resistance are optionally utilized to provide and regulate electrical fields within microfluidic devices. Integrated systems incorporating the methods of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A table is used to position eight specimen reservoirs of an electrophoretic chip into which a specimen is firstly dispensed to a specimen dispensing position. A specimen dispensing mechanism is used to move a head to thereby suck a test-specimen contained in eight different wells of specimen plates into eight nozzles respectively and then move the head to the specimen dispensing position, thus dispensing the test-specimen sucked into the nozzles into the specimen reservoirs simultaneously. The table is used to sequentially position the specimen reservoirs to the specimen dispensing position and then the specimen dispensing mechanism is used to sequentially dispensing the specimen into the specimen reservoirs.

Abstract: A two-component concentrate which includes an aqueous dispersion of a cathodically depositable binder having groups comprising active hydrogen that are cross-linkable using blocked polyisocyanate, as the binder component, and an anhydrous, organic solution of an oxime-blocked isocyanate-functional adduct of aromatic polyisocyanate and at least one compound comprising at least one group capable of addition towards isocyanate and at least one tertiary amino group, as the cross-linking component is used for the preparation of cathodic electrodeposition coating compositions.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for use in electrochemical processes, such as plating processes, has a first electrode which extends circumferentially about at least a portion of an electrode chamber. The article being treated is the second electrode and is disposed within the chamber. Electrolyte is flowed between the two electrodes. Various construction details of the electrochemical cell are developed which facilitate a plating process. In one embodiment, a supply conduit to the electrode chamber has a swirler.

Abstract: A system for electroplating a semiconductor wafer is set forth. The system comprises a first electrode in electrical contact with the semiconductor wafer and a second electrode. The first electrode and the semiconductor wafer form a cathode during electroplating of the semiconductor wafer. The second electrode forms an anode during electroplating of the semiconductor wafer. A reaction container defining a reaction chamber is also employed. The reaction chamber comprises an electrically conductive plating solution. At least a portion of each of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the semiconductor wafer contact the plating solution during electroplating of the semiconductor wafer. An auxiliary electrode is disposed exterior to the reaction chamber and positioned for contact with plating solution exiting the reaction chamber during cleaning of the first electrode to thereby provide an electrically conductive path between the auxiliary electrode and the first electrode.

Abstract: A method is described for catalyst-induced growth of carbon nanotubes, nanofibers, and other nanostructures on the tips of nanowires, cantilevers, conductive micro/nanometer structures, wafers and the like. The method can be used for production of carbon nanotube-anchored cantilevers that can significantly improve the performance of scaning probe microscopy (AFM, EFM etc). The invention can also be used in many other processes of micro and/or nanofabrication with carbon nanotubes/fibers. Key elements of this invention include: (1) Proper selection of a metal catalyst and programmable pulsed electrolytic deposition of the desired specific catalyst precisely at the tip of a substrate, (2) Catalyst-induced growth of carbon nanotubes/fibers at the catalyst-deposited tips, (3) Control of carbon nanotube/fiber growth pattern by manipulation of tip shape and growth conditions, and (4) Automation for mass production.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous solution comprising the following components: Zn(II) ions, Sn(II) ions, aliphatic carboxylic acids and/or their alkaline salts, anionic surfactants, non-ionogenic surfactants and optionally aromatic aldehydes, aromatic ketones, aromatic carboxylic acids and heterocyclic carboxylic acids or their alkaline salts or conducting salts. The inventive solution provides a means for electrodepositing uniform light-colored tin-zinc alloys without having to use cyanide ions, allowing low energy consumption and few requirements in terms of the control of the bath.

Abstract: A powder of electrolytic manganese dioxide and a process for producing the same are disclosed. The powder has a maximum particle diameter of 100 &mgr;m or smaller, a content of 1 &mgr;m and smaller particles of lower than 15% by number, and a median diameter of from 20 to 60 &mgr;m, and which has a potential of 270 mV or higher in terms of the potential of a suspension of the powder in 40% aqueous KOH solution as measured using a mercury/mercury oxide reference electrode as a base.

Abstract: A system for preventing corrosion of a surface of a metal structure in contact with a corrosive environment comprising:

Abstract: A hand portable water purification system includes a portable electrolytic cell to increase the content of oxygen and chlorine in water to be purified. The electrolytic cell includes a housing and a set of electrodes. The housing provides physical support and spacing for the electrodes and protects the electrolytic cell from damage during handling and storage. The hand portable apparatus has a system control circuit that converts an external source of power to a direct current (DC) voltage to energize the electrolytic cell. The combination of the electrolytic cell and the system control circuit is small enough and light enough to be carried in a person's hand. In one embodiment, the portable electrolytic cell is mounted near the bottom of a container with one-half to five gallon capacity mounted either permanently or detachably.

Abstract: A container for storing a silicone hydrogel contact lens in a liquid, having a bowl portion with a radius such that the radius of the lens is from about 85 percent to about 100 percent of the inner surface radius. The bowl portion has an outer section which is defined by a radius larger than the inner surface radius. Furthermore, the bowl portion has a roughness sufficient to maintain capillary attraction of the lens to the bowl portion but preventing adhesion of any portion of the front surface of the lens to the bowl portion.

Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes a first member provided with a first chamber and a first opening, and a second member provided with a second chamber and a second opening for the storage of other materials in such second chamber. The first member may include an inner structure defining central support for the disc media by means of interaction of such inner structure with the annular opening at the center of the disc media, such that the disc media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media both perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of the media.

Abstract: An optical disc accommodating case is provided, which permits quick and smooth accommodation and take-out of optical disc, permits reliable accommodation of the disc without causing contamination or scars and scratches to the disc, and permits coping with an assembling process, in which the disc is automatically loaded by a robot.

Abstract: The surgical clip holder retains a plurality of surgical clips which are removed by clip carrying jaws of a clip appliance. The holder includes a pedestal base which defines clip retaining depressions between intervening lands. A superstructure with a plurality of flexible guide ribs is mounted on the pedestal base. In one embodiment, finger tabs from a rim of the superstructure retain lower clip leg segments. At least one of the tabs has an aperture for receiving a lower leg segment of the clip. The aperture helps ensure consistent placement of the clip within the depressions to facilitate alignment and registration of the clip with the jaws of the clip appliance.

Abstract: A wallet for the safe disposal of sharp implements including a closeable cover member. Implement receiving means is provided on the cover member to receive at least one sharp implement. When one or more sharp implements are received in the receiving means, the cover member can be closed over the receiving means to hold the implements in the wallet. The cover member may comprise first and second portions. At least the first portion may define a recess in which the implement receiving means is arranged. Each of the first and second portions may include inner and outer parts. Each outer part is in the form of a flange which are adapted to engage each other when the cover member is closed. A hinge member may extend outwardly from the cover member. A part of the second portion arranged over the implement receiving means may be formed of a transparent material.

Abstract: A lockable media storage box includes a base and a lid connected to the base with at least one hinge. The base and lid include elements that cooperate with a locking to allows the lid to be locked in the closed position. In one embodiment, the lock is received in the concave opening disposed at the front of the storage container. The lock may be unlocked with a special key or may be unlocked by destroying portions of the lock that are designed to be destroyed. In another embodiment of the invention, a sliding lock is carried by the container. The sliding lock may be carried inside the container or on the front wall of the container.

Abstract: A module is provided for screening or diverting particulate material. A method for producing a module for screening or diverting particulate material is also provided. Each module comprises either a screening member having an array of sieve apertures of a predetermined size defined therein for allowing particulate material up to the predetermined size to pass through the module or a diverting member or redirecting the flow path of the particulate material. A plurality of posts removably and interlockingly supports at least one reinforcing support frame and at least one module. Each reinforcing support frame is interlockably mounted onto the posts, and is readily detachable therefrom. Each module is disposed on the interlocking posts and is mounted onto, and readily detachable from, the reinforcing support frame. Each module is further positioned on the frame such that any particulate material passing through the module passes through the frame.

Abstract: An efficient fluid cleaning system. The efficient system includes a first mechanism for changing the pressure of a fluid from a first pressure to a second pressure, the second pressure lower than the first pressure. A second mechanism distributes the fluid within an evaporation chamber at the second pressure. The evaporation chamber includes an evaporation surface having capillary channels for dispersing oil about the evaporation surface via capillary action to facilitate evaporation of contaminants from within the fluid. In a specific embodiment, the capillary channels are spiral capillary channels and the system further includes a vent through a ceiling of the evaporation chamber. The vent includes a valve biased in an open position and lacking a cracking pressure. The valve prevents the escape of the fluid from the system but allows gases to escape from the system unencumbered.

Abstract: Use of a support material for capillary electrochromatography (CEC), characterized in that the support material has a porous design and a surface which consists of an outer surface and a pore surface, wherein the outer surface has regions of different derivatization and/or functionality from that of the pore surface.

Abstract: A centrifuge bucket, for holding a first article, further comprises a compartment for holding a second article, and an arrangement for securing the compartment to an outer surface of the centrifuge bucket.

Abstract: Device and process for separation of absorbent/floating material from product mixes by means of float/sink separation with a float/sink separator which exhibits a separator tank filled with a liquid separating medium, in which context there are provided devices for generation of a surface flow in the separating medium, which propel the absorbent/floating material as a floating fraction from a pickup point mix to an output point for the floating fraction, along the surface of the separating medium at such a speed as to inhibit absorption of the separating medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spraying device suitable for spraying cleaning compositions and rinse water onto hard surfaces. More particularly the spraying device may be attached to a hose, for example a conventional garden hose, so that the cleaning composition and rinse water can be applied to outside surfaces, such as vehicles or the outside surface of windows. The spraying device comprises a purifier located inside the cavity of a container and a spray head.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a porous membrane which has a superior separation performance and a high permeation performance, as well as a high mechanical physical property, in particular, a high tensile/rupture strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat filter element and a filter module composed of said filter elements, which are easy to handle and enable easy disposal when dealing with large filtering surfaces. The filter element consists of at least one inner structure (17) formed by openings (20a-f, 21a, b, 30a-g, 31a, b), wherein the defining surface of the openings (20, 21a, b, 30a, b, 31a, b) formed by the depth filter material (12) constitutes a through-flow surface (11a, b) which is substantially perpendicular to the filter element plane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of bioremediation by mixing a gas and in particular a high oxygen content low pressure gaseous stream with water at a higher pressure, dissolving the gas in the water at elevated pressures by subdividing the water into fine droplets and thereafter injecting such water into soil containing contaminated groundwater.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a plurality of amino acids in a fluid sample by a user is provided comprising the steps of introducing the sample into a buffer solution, passing the sample in the buffer solution through a separation column and setting a lithium ion concentration in the buffer to no more than 0.3 mols/L up to a time before &bgr;-aminoisobutyric acid (&bgr;-AiBA) is eluted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microfiltration useful in softening water as well as in removing other dissolved constituents where the method comprises passing water that contains a precipitate through a semipermeable tubular membrane. Filtrate is received from the outside of the tubular membrane and the filtrate contains levels of dissolved compounds at concentrations below those that would be predicted by the solubility limits of the compounds. The method may be practiced at elevated pressures without incurring significant fouling of the membrane. It is particularly suited to removing cations such as calcium and magnesium that contribute to water hardness. The water may be treated prior to passing through the membrane by adjusting pH, adding complimentary anions, or adding a flocculant. The apparatus comprises a series of semipermeable tubular membranes housed in a module. The membranes are fluidly connected to an inlet and two outlets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing blood component products. In one embodiment, a plurality of a predetermined type of blood component is harvested from a source of whole blood. At least two on-line yield determination techniques are utilized to determine the yield for the harvested blood components. One is a predetermined yield prediction technique and the second is a predetermined yield monitoring technique, each of which are individually calibrated in relation to a predetermined off-line yield determination technique. The predetermined yield prediction and monitoring techniques each provide the yield for the harvested blood components and each is then utilized to provide a determined yield. Consequently, when the harvested blood components are packaged the determined yield my be associated therewith, thereby providing a blood component product.

Abstract: A boiler water treatment chemical includes a heterocyclic compound with N-substituted amino group, or the salt thereof, and alkaline agent and/or water soluble polymer.

Abstract: A multi-directional flow gravity separator for separating a mixture of two immiscible fluids with different densities includes an elongated generally vertical tank, in which the mixture flows in a generally downward direction, and an effluent discharge tube through which the clarified effluent flows upward and out the tank. Alternatively, the separator includes an elongated vessel, or shroud, within the tank, through which the mixture flows in a generally upward direction before flowing downwardly in the tank; the clarified effluent is discharged from about the bottom of the tank. Alternatively, a separator includes both the elongated vessel and an effluent discharge tube. Alternatively, the vessel of a separator includes a coalescer; preferably, the coalescer results in an increased length of the fluid flow path through the vessel; most preferably, the coalescer is a helical spiraled vane, which results in a helical fluid flow path.