Abstract: A piston slidably fitted in a cylinder is connected to an auxiliary piston slidably fitted in an auxiliary cylinder coaxial with the cylinder through a first connecting rod. An intermediate pin provided on the auxiliary piston is connected to left and right crankshaft halves through a pair of second connecting rods. The left and right crankshaft halves are disposed outside of a piston sliding range of the cylinder with respect to the radial direction thereof. The increase of the volume of a combustion chamber corresponding to the increase of the crank angle with reference to top dead center of the piston is suppressed, and it is therefore possible to enhance the equal volume degree at the time of combustion of a mixture gas and to enhance thermal efficiency.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic motor system, suitable for driving an automotive cooling fan or the like. The system is driven by grade gerotor set and an idle gerotor set which are stacked between a center plate and against a rear wall of a cylindrical cavity in a front face of a manifold. A fluid-tight chamber is established by securing an end frame can around the stacked gerotor sets and against the perimeter of the manifold cavity. Tightness of the seal is controlled by positioning a resilient cover plate against the end frame can from a position opposite the manifold, and adjustably clamping the resilient cover against the manifold until the resilient cover has undergone a predetermined amount of elastic deformation.

Abstract: A state of combustion in a combustion chamber is controlled by stratifying an intake gas charge within the combustion chamber, so as to reduce amounts of harmful substances left in exhaust gas. A direct-injection type internal combustion engine in which a fuel is injected into the combustion chamber and which is arranged to stratify the intake gas charge within the combustion chamber (1) such that intake gases of different compositions exist in a central portion (13) of the combustion chamber including a position of the fuel injection, and in a peripheral portion of the combustion chamber, upon initiation of combustion of the fuel at a point of time near a terminal period of a compression stroke. The intake gases of different compositions may be intake gases having different concentrations of a specific component such as recirculated exhaust gas and the fuel.

Abstract: Under a partial load, a pumping loss is reduced by a stratified combustion to enhance a fuel consumption, and during the maximum output operation, the output is increased by a premixture combustion, and the output of an engine is controlled, thereby enhancing the drivability. Under the partial load, an ignition source is provided in the vicinity of a fuel injection valve, and after the fuel is injected, the mixture is ignited, and a resulting flame is caused by a spray of the fuel to spread into a cylinder, thereby effecting a stratified combustion. When the load increases, so that soot and so on are produced in the stratified combustion, the fuel injection is effected a plurality of times in a divided manner, and a premixture is produced within the cylinder by the front-half injection, and a flame, produced by the latter-half injection, is injected into the cylinder to burn this premixture.

Abstract: A drive device (10, 100) with an actuating drive (40, 130) for driving a movable element (11, 110), in which drive device a lever (62, 144) coupled to the movable element (11, 110) is capable of being driven by the actuating drive (40, 130) via a gear (48, 132), the lever (62, 144) being capable of being acted upon by a firmly supported return spring (34, 164) so as to be capable of being pivoted back into a basic position (82, 161), and, in the basic position (82, 161), a first lever arm (64, 146) of the lever (62, 144) being acted upon by a stop (84, 160), is to have a particularly low space requirement and at the same time absorb momentum energy of the gear (48, 132) in a particularly reliable way in the event of a failure of the actuating drive (40, 130).

Abstract: A throttle device for engine has a throttle valve, a shaft, and a valve gear. The valve gear is driven to rotate by a motor. The shaft and the valve gear are unitarily molded of a continuous resinous material. In the coupled area between the shaft and the valve, a recess section is provided. The recess section is formed, from the outer end face of the gear, coaxially with the shaft. The recess section serves as a thin-walled section, and prevents deformation of the gear likely to be caused by heat shrinkage. Furthermore, the recess section includes a through hole, which is effective for moving the ball bearing along the axial direction. A press-fitting tool is inserted into the through hole to install the ball bearing by pressing.

Abstract: A threadless knock sensor (10, 50) includes a sleeve (12, 52) around which a transducer (24, 64) and a load washer (30, 70) are disposed. A frusto-conical disk spring (34, 78) is installed in compression around the sleeve (12, 52) above the transducer (24, 64). The sleeve (12, 52) includes threadless means for holding the disk spring (34, 78) in compression.

Abstract: A canister for a vehicular evaporative emission control system has activated carbon and heating means. The heating means heats the activated carbon particles. The activated carbon particles are characterized by the following properties. Pore volume is 0.28 ml/ml or more. Average pore radius is in a range of 10.5 Angstroms to 12.0 Angstroms. Particle diameter of the activated carbon is in a range of 1.0 mm to 1.6 mm. The activated carbon particles provide high performances on both of adsorption and desorption.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the operation of a fuel flow system, including a recycling path and a cooler, comprising: sensing the temperature of the fuel; and inserting the cooler in the recycling path when the temperature of the fuel exceeds a threshold temperature. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An ignition coil unit to be installed in a hole opened through a cylinder head of an engine having a case, an ignition coil installed in the case and comprising a primary coil connected to a power source and a secondary coil connected to a spark plug which is installed in a combustion chamber of a cylinder of the engine for producing spark discharge to ignite air-fuel mixture to generate combustion thereof in the combustion chamber, and a circuit board on which an ionic-current detection circuit, connected to the secondary coil, which detects ionic-current that flows during the combustion of the air-fuel mixture; and a processing circuit, connected to the ionic-current detection circuit, which generates an output indicative of the detected ionic-current, are formed; In the unit, an igniter is also installed in the case, thereby improving detection accuracy of ionic-current and misfiring.

Abstract: Gas containing fuel vapor is purged as purge gas from a canister to an intake passage through a purge line. An ECU computes purge flow rate, which is the flow rate of the purge gas, and computes vapor concentration, which is the concentration of the fuel vapor contained in the purge gas. The ECU obtains a concentration correction value in accordance with the rate of change of the computed purge flow rate. The ECU correct the computed vapor concentration by using the concentration correction value and by taking into consideration of the time at which the purge flow rate is computed and the time at which purge gas having the computed flow rate is drawn into the combustion chamber. The ECU sets the fuel supply amount in accordance with the computed purge flow rate and the corrected vapor concentration. As a result, the accuracy of the air-fuel ratio control during purging is improved.

Abstract: An evaporated fuel processing apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided which includes a canister that traps fuel vapors generated in a fuel tank, and a purge control valve disposed between the canister and an intake passage of the internal combustion engine. A controller of the apparatus determines (a) a quantity of purge gas that passes through the purge control valve, (b) a fuel injection amount correction coefficient for reducing a deviation of an actual air-fuel ratio from a target air-fuel ratio due to the purge gas, (c) a fresh air ratio that represents a ratio of purge air contained in the purge gas to the purge gas, based on the fuel injection amount correction coefficient, and (d) a quantity of the purge air based on the quantity of the purge gas and the fresh air ratio. The controller then controls the internal combustion engine based on the quantity of the purge air.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shooting game apparatus using compressed air. The shooting game apparatus includes a housing, an air compressor installed in the housing, and least one shooting apparatus for launching bullets using compressed air generated by the air compressor.

Abstract: A pneumatic assembly preferably includes a compressed gas storage area, a firing valve, and a bolt arranged along substantially the same horizontal axis. A valve retainer, a compressed gas storage area housing, and a bolt assembly are preferably arranged to form a substantially contiguous assembly housing. The firing valve is preferably configured to open when gas pressure is applied to a surface area thereof through a control valve. The bolt is preferably configured to move to a closed position before the firing valve is actuated. The control valve is preferably an electro-pneumatic valve configured to actuate the firing valve in response to a trigger pull of a paintball gun.

Abstract: A method and a device for the division of materials, in particular of single crystals, in particular by inner hole cutting is provided, with a cutting disk (2) having a concentric hole whose edge (3) forms a cutting edge and wherein the cutting disk (2) is rotatable about its central axis in order to cut the single crystal (1), a positioning device for positioning the single crystal (1) to be cut relative to the cutting disk in such a way that the cutting disk moves in rotating manner through the single crystal in order to separate off a part (1a) of the single crystal (1), and a device for the supply of coolant-lubricant onto the cutting disk (2), wherein the device (10) for the supply of coolant-lubricant is arranged in such a way that viewed in the direction of rotation it supplies the coolant-lubricant on the exit side behind the passage of the cutting disk (2) through the single crystal (1), and a device for the supply of compressed air (12).

Abstract: A gas grilling apparatus includes a mechanism for raising and lowering its gas burner grilling element while keeping it level. An associated deflector tray for the gas grilling apparatus enables the gas burner element, when in its most vertical position, to be used to cook food over direct flame while and when in its lower vertical position, to cook the food by radiant heat. The mechanism for raising and lowering the gas burner element comprises a pair of upper and lower interconnected parallel arms which are pivotally connected to the gas burner element.

Abstract: This invention is a metal tray that is removed quickly and easily from the fireplace after burning firewood. It must be manually transported to a disposal receptacle for dumping ash then returned to the fireplace thus greatly eliminating messy cleanup.

Abstract: The present invention provides a starch that includes at least one glucose polymer having greater than 4% alpha 1-6 glycosidic linkages. The present invention further provides a starch hydrolyzate that includes at least one glucose oligomer having greater than 4% alpha 1-6 glycosidic linkages. The starch and starch hydrolyzate present invention have improved aqueous solution stability and are less likely to retrograde than are solutions of unbranched linear starches or starch hydrolyzates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dextrose in powder form,. characterised in that it has a dextrose content at least equal to 99%, an &agr; crystalline form content at least equal to 95%, a water content at most equal to 1% and a compressibility, determined according to a test A, at least equal to 80 N, preferably in the range 100 N and 200 N. The invention also relates to the use of said dextrose in powder form as a sweetener or excipient, particularly in food or pharmaceutical compositions, for example, for the preparation of confectionery or of tablets to be sucked, chewed, dissolved or swallowed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of beta-blockers through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing atenolol, pindolol, esmolol, propranolol, or metoprolol that are used in inhalation therapy. In a composition aspect of the present invention, the aerosol comprises particles comprising at least 5 percent by weight of atenolol, pindolol, esmolol, propranolol, or metoprolol. In a method aspect of the present invention, one of atenolol, pindolol, esmolol, propranolol, or metoprolol is delivered to a mammal through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises at least 5 percent by weight of atenolol, pindolol, esmolol, propranolol, or metoprolol, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles, which is inhaled by the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of rizatriptan or zolmitriptan through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing rizatriptan or zolmitriptan that are used in inhalation therapy. In a composition aspect of the present invention, the aerosol comprises particles comprising at least 5 percent by weight of rizatriptan or zolmitriptan. In a method aspect of the present invention, either rizatriptan or zolmitriptan is delivered to a mammal through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises at least 5 percent by weight of rizatriptan or zolmitriptan, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles, which is inhaled by the mammal.

Abstract: There is provided a medicament dispenser comprising a body, a medicament container and reset means for resetting a mechanical mechanism after actuation thereof, wherein the reset means comprises a reset coupling. The coupling is reversibly deformable in response to the application of non-mechanical energy thereto. The non-mechanical energy may comprise heat energy, electrical current energy, electrical field energy or magnetic field energy.

Abstract: A pressurized metered dose inhaler comprising a canister, said canister containing a liquid formulation comprising a pressurized liquid propellant and spherical hollow medicament particles of respirable size suspended therein. In preferred embodiments, the density of the particles is equivalent to that of the liquid propellant, such that uniform suspension formulation is formed.

Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator system adapted to be readily transported by a user includes a rechargeable energy source and a concentrator powered by the energy source. The concentrator converts ambient air into concentrated oxygen gas for the user and includes a plurality of adsorption beds and a rotary valve assembly. The rotary valve assembly is relatively rotatable with respect to the plurality of adsorption beds to provide valving action for selectively transferring fluids through the plurality of adsorption beds for converting ambient air into concentrated oxygen gas for the user. The ratio of adiabatic power to oxygen flow for the concentrator is in the range of 6.2 W/LPM to 23.0 W/LPM.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a nebula or aerosol to a patient. In one aspect, a nebulizer is pressure sensitive so that nebulization is coordinated with a breathing cycle of the patient. The nebulizer includes a movable gas diverter that diverts pressurized gas across a liquid outlet. The diverter is moved in response to the patient's breathing cycle. In one aspect, a biasing member moves the diverter. According to another aspect of the nebulizer, an annular liquid orifice disperses an aerosol in a radial direction in response to a pressurized gas flow from an orifice located concentrically thereto. Multiple liquid orifices may be provided. In a further aspect of the nebulizer, a reservoir includes an upper, wide portion and a lower narrow portion to apply relatively uniform pressure at a liquid orifice.

Abstract: A reusable anesthetic container (1) has an anesthetic reserve space (2), which is provided with at least one movable wall element (3). The wall element (3) can be caused to follow the liquid anesthetic volume. In one embodiment, the movable wall element (3) is designed as a piston, which is caused to follow the anesthetic volume via a toothed piston rod (9). An elastomer ring is preferably provided on the storage container as a detent pawl for the piston rod (9). The anesthetic container (1) has a first metering element (5), which is actuated inductively by means of a complementary second metering element (6) cooperating with another metering element on the anesthesia apparatus (7) for metering the anesthetic.

Abstract: An exhaust port assembly comprising a conduit carries a flow of gas. A vent assembly having a fixed exhaust area is provided on the conduit for venting a flow of exhaust gas from within the conduit to ambient atmosphere. The vent assembly is configured so as to minimize noise associated with the flow of exhaust gas passing to atmosphere, diffuse the flow of exhaust gas passing to ambient atmosphere over a relatively large area, and minimize the area occupied by the venting assembly on the conduit.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulation system has an inlet, an outlet, and an adjustable flow regulator connected between the inlet and the outlet. The regulator has a closed position at which a leakage gas flow through the system is established. An extraction device is provided for fluid connection with one or both of the inlet and the outlet and is operable to extract fluid to provide a zero or negative flow from the outlet when the flow regulator is in the closed position.

Abstract: A pressurized gas supply system includes a pressurized container which expands and contracts. The container includes a one-piece liner molded from a polymer which is reinforced by a high tensile fiber such as KEVLAR®. A valve is molded into the liner, and a regulator is connected to the valve. A hose, having a conserver positioned therealong, extends between the regulator and a fitting allowing a user to inhale gas from the container. The container is carried in a carrying bag, which can be in the form of a carrying case, a purse, or a back-pack.

Abstract: A filtering face mask that covers at least the nose and mouth of a wearer and that includes an exhalation valve. The exhalation valve opens in response to increased pressure when the wearer exhales to allow the exhaled air to be rapidly purged from the mask interior. An exhale filter element may be placed in one of several locations in the exhale flow stream to remove contaminants from the exhaled air. The face mask is beneficial in that it provides comfort to the wearer by allowing warm, moist, high-CO2-content air to be rapidly evacuated from the mask interior through the valve and also protects the wearer from splash fluids and polluted air while at the same time protecting other persons or things from being exposed to contaminants in the exhale flow stream.

Abstract: An adjustable forehead support for a nasal mask. The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system which adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-a-vis the mask and/or air flow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a modified life mask, which can protect the face, eyes, and hair of a user when hazards such as fire disasters happen. The modified life mask of the present invention comprises primarily a main body, a filtering device, and a contact part. The contact part is installed on the main body. The contact part is joined with the filtering device. The filtering device is fixedly installed on the main body. Thereby the contact part of the life mask can clamp the user's face so that the filtering device can stick tightly to the user's face to filter toxic gases effectively. The present invention also has the advantages of compact size, portability, easy operation, and convenient storing. Therefore, the modified life mask of the present invention can achieve best protection effect.

Abstract: The present invention reveals a device, a kit and a method for simultaneously delivering and distributing at least one beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of a vagina. The device is made of a flexible circular rim and a flexible dome. The device can exist in either a relaxed state or in a compressed state. In the compressed state, pouches are formed for carrying and delivering the beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of the vagina.

Abstract: A skin stabilization system is formed from lamination elements consisting of fabric layers bonded to plastic layers which in turn are laminated to the outer surface of the user's skin by adhesively attaching them thereto. The lamination elements resist tension, compression and bending forces and are used to strengthen or stabilize the skin to reduce deformation. The lamination elements can be applied as a single unit or interconnected to other lamination elements by extending the fabric portions of the laminate. The skin stabilization system can be used as a nasal dilator. As a nasal dilator, a lamination element is applied to each side of the nose between the bridge and the cheek, which in turn causes the center of the lamination element to lift the soft outer skin of the nasal passage and prevent any deflection that restricts breathing through the nasal passages.

Abstract: The present Invention relates to a new cosmetic method for removing hemorrhoids, The method comprises sequentially the steps of 1) isolating an hemorrhoidal mass from a patient with a curved forceps applied at the perianal skin outside mucocutaneous junction and eversion of the Internal and external hemorrhoidal mass. 2) Application of an another curved forceps at the base of the internal hemorrhoid first, and suturing under the forceps with 20 catgut (securing hemostasis) and amputation of the internal hemorrhoid with a knife and removing the forceps. 3) Leaving the first forceps in place, application the second forceps at the base of the external hemorrhoid, suturing as mentioned before, for hemostasis and amputation of the external hemorrhoid and removing the forceps. 4) This procedure is repeated for the remaining hemorrhoids.

Abstract: A smoking article includes a tobacco column, a wrapper and a carbon monoxide pump. The pump includes a separator, an adsorbent for carbon monoxide downstream from said separator and may include a catalyst for oxidizing carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and venting holes adjacent to the adsorbent. In use, the carbon monoxide pump selectively diverts carbon monoxide from main stream combustion products, the separator impedes the entry of large molecules into the carbon monoxide pump, the catalyst at least partially oxidizes the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and the venting holes provide an alternative path for the diverted carbon monoxide and the oxidized carbon monoxide to check or reduce carbon monoxide inhalation by a smoker.

Abstract: A false eyelash for removable application to the eyelash of a wearer includes an adornment support structure for removably adhering to the wearer eyelash upper surfaces, wearer eyelash lower surfaces or wearer eyelash upper and lower surfaces, and supporting an adornment structure such as natural or simulated feathers, butterfly wings, or flower pedals.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for automatically cleaning a portion of an optical fiber. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a fluid tank assembly that holds cleaning fluid and comprises an aperture sized and arranged to receive the portion of the optical fiber, an ultrasonic generator, a clamping assembly, and a controller. The clamping assembly, in one position, holds the portion of the optical fiber in a position that is axially aligned with the aperture of the fluid tank assembly and disposed through the aperture of the fluid tank assembly. The clamping assembly further comprises a sealing assembly that forms a fluid seal about the portion of the optical fiber and a fluid seal of the aperture of the fluid tank assembly. The controller controls the ultrasonic generator to provide an ultrasonic signal to the fluid within the fluid tank assembly to clean the portion of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a processing chamber is provided. The method initiates with introducing a fluorine containing gaseous mixture into a processing chamber. Then, a plasma is created from the fluorine containing gaseous mixture in the processing chamber. Next, a chamber pressure is established that corresponds to a threshold ion energy in which ions of the plasma clean inner surfaces of the processing chamber without leaving a residue. A method for substantially eliminating residual aluminum fluoride particles deposited by an in-situ cleaning process for a semiconductor processing chamber and a plasma processing system for executing an in-situ cleaning process are also provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a hydrogen-terminated silicon wafer surface with high stability against oxidation. The silicon wafer is cleaned with ammonium hydroxide/hydrogen peroxide/water, etched with high purity, heated dilute hydrofluoric acid, rinsed in-situ with ultrapure water at room temperature, and is spin-dried with heat ionized purge gas. The stability of the surface of the silicon wafer is assured by optimizing to minimize particle addition at each step. The silicon wafer produced by the method is stable in a normal clean room environment for greater than 3 days and has been demonstrated to last without significant oxide regrowth for greater than 7 days.

Abstract: [The present invention] provides a surface treatment method for recorded matter which can improve the weather resistance characteristics such as light resistance, gas resistance and the like of recorded matter in which images are recorded on the recording medium, as well as providing a surface-treated product using this surface treatment method, and a surface treatment apparatus. The surface treatment method of the present invention is characterized in that the surface of recorded matter in which images are recorded on a recording medium is treated using a specified treatment agent. The abovementioned treatment agent is a treatment agent which contains one or more active constituents selected from the group consisting of sulfur compounds, nitrogen compounds,. fluorine compounds, natural resins and synthetic resins, or a treatment agent comprising water or an organic solvent.

Abstract: A pipe cleaning apparatus adaptor assembley (1A) consists of an adaptor (2) arranged to be connected adjacent an opening (101) of a pipe (100) to be cleaned and a flange head plate (12) to close the opening (101) of the pipe (100). The flange head plate (12) has at least one opening (19) therein. The flange head plate (12) is releasably retained with the adaptor (2) by pins (7) received in apertures (13). The opening (19) of the flange head plate (12) is able to receive a supply of compressed air which is able to travel through the opening (101) of the pipe (100) and into the pipe (100). The flange head plate (12) is removable from the adaptor (2) so that, in use, a cleaning pellet (70) is insertable into the opening (101) of the pipe (100) and then the flange head plate (12) can be returned to close the opening (101) of the pipe (100) and again be retained with the adaptor (2).

Abstract: A substrate handling end effector is provided. The substrate handling end effector has a vacuum chuck to support a semiconductor substrate thereon. A vacuum passage and a liquid passage are located in the vacuum chuck. The vacuum passage is adapted to be connected to a vacuum source and the liquid passage is adapted to be connected to a liquid source. The liquid passage is connected to the vacuum passage.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus comprises an outer shell constructed such that the outer shell is selectively openable or hermetically closable to form a sealed space, an inner shell enclosed within the outer shell and having a holding member for holding a substrate, and a dispenser unit for feeding at least one of gas and liquid into the inner shell. Within the sealed space formed by the outer shell, a highly gas-tight space is formed by the inner shell to permit cleaning of the substrate within the highly gas-tight space. Also disclosed are a dispenser, a substrate holding mechanism and a substrate cleaning chamber, which are suitable for use with the substrate cleaning apparatus, and substrate cleaning processes making use of these dispenser, substrate holding mechanism and substrate cleaning chamber, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention can remove particles such as dust by flowing solvent gas such as CO2 through a line filter and eject it from a nozzle so as to be converted to solid particles or liquid droplets and eject to a workpiece to be cleaned so as to clean particles or organic materials. It is possible to make the solvent to a solid particle or liquid droplet by adjusting a gap between the nozzle and the workpiece to be cleaned; thus, it is possible to select the most preferable state according to the extent of the adhesion of organic material to the workpiece to be cleaned. Also, it is possible to remove particles such dust in the solvent by a line filter; thus, it is not necessary to use highly pure expensive solvent, and it is possible to reduce the running cost of the apparatus.

Abstract: A mid-level spray-arm assembly for a dishwasher includes a bracket for mounting a spray-arm hub to an upper rack of the machine, and a bearing coupling extending between the hub and the bracket. The bearing coupling forms a first bearing surface for rotation of the bearing coupling relative to the bracket, and a second bearing surface for rotation of the spray-arm relative to the bearing coupling. Thus, redundant bearing surfaces are provided that facilitate a more even wearing of the bearing surfaces and allow rotation of the spray-arm even when one of the bearing surfaces fails.

Abstract: A wind-protecting skeleton for folding umbrella is characterized in a rib-pulling mechanism mounted between each stretcher and each corresponding outer rib of the umbrella. The rib-pulling mechanism includes a flexible pull cord having an inner knotted end connected to a predetermined position on the stretcher and an outer knotted end movably connected to an eye at an inner end of a rigid wire. An eye at an outer end of the rigid wire is pivotally connected to a coupling device fixedly connected to a predetermined position on the outer rib. When the umbrella is stretched, the flexible pull cord and the rigid wire together pull the outer rib inward to protect the same from turning upward or breaking due to a strong wind force against an inner side of the umbrella.

Abstract: A five-piece umbrella cover includes a primary cover and four secondary covers each securely attached to a corresponding one of the sides of the primary cover. The primary cover is square and may be composed of multiple auxiliary covers. The four corners of the primary cover are not attached to any of the secondary covers. Angles defined by ribs are not all the same.

Abstract: A customizable enclosable frame assembly for providing a housing structure comprising an arrangement of elongated members connected by a plurality of connectors to define the frame assembly. The connectors include a plurality of knuckle joint assemblies for articulably connecting the elongated members. The connectors also include a plurality of slip-T members for connecting the elongated members to define a customizable, adjustable base of the customizable frame assembly.

Abstract: A semiconductor crystal substrate is fixed in a bent state to a support body. Preferably, the semiconductor crystal substrate is bonded to a transparent resin member provided between a surface cover member and a back cover member.