Abstract: Fixtures and methods for clamping workpieces in a workplace to enable the optimized exposure thereof to a stream or flow of a supercritical fluid. Provided is a rotatably indexable chuck or locator mounting the workpiece and enabling orientating the latter in specific static pitch position within a high pressure vessel in order to subject the workpiece to a full frontal exposure to the supercritical fluid stream within the vessel. This mounting arrangement facilitates an optimum positioning of the workpiece being processed in the flow path of the supercritical fluid stream while oriented in selectively indexed rotational positions.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for adjusting chemistry concentrations and temperatures within a substrate processing tank is provided. A first aspect may include checking the fluid level within the tank, and, if the level is higher than a predetermined upper level, bleeding an amount of fluid from the tank; if the level is lower than a predetermined lower level, flowing an amount of fluid to the tank, and if the level is between the predetermined upper and lower levels, bleeding an amount of fluid from the tank and flowing an amount of fluid to the tank. A second aspect may include flowing water into the tank at a flow rate at least equivalent to the flow rate of water required to achieve a chemistry spike of a predetermined concentration and volume prior to beginning the flow of chemicals. A third aspect may include a method and apparatus for heating or cooling chemistry to a predetermined temperature as the chemistry is recirculated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning a roller cover of the type used to apply a coating material is disclosed. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a body, at least one roller cover engaging element for positioning at least partially within the interior area of a roller cover and engaging the roller cover, and a drive adaptor associated with the body for effectuating rotation of the roller cover engaging element, and thus a roller cover connected thereto, with a drive. In one embodiment, the drive adaptor comprises a shaft connected to the body of the apparatus and extending therefrom, the shaft adapted to be rotated by a drive.

Abstract: [According to the invention, a] A guide rod [(44)] is provided for improving the ability of an extension arm [(6)], which can rotate around [the] an axis [(24)] thereof, [to] and pivot on a support or a pole [(4)]. [Said] The guide rod can be locked into different rotational [angle] angular positions with the extension arm [(6)] and can be retained on the support [(4)].

Abstract: The present invention relates to a strengthened structure of a wind-proof umbrella, which includes a frame being consisted of elastic main ribs and stretched ribs being connected with related joint on the main rib. An extended rod is formed under the joint to contact the stretched rib, when the umbrella is opened, for providing a downward force to offset an upward force on the main rib and obtaining strengthened wind-proof effect to prevent the main rib from being outward folded or broken.

Abstract: The push and pull handle for walkers is a mechanical device consisting of a “U” shaped handle, a single “L” or “J” shaped handle or a club having an “S” type handle linked to a wheeled walker by one or two adjustable or folding anchor points. The device is used as a pull or push handle when attached to a geriatric walker often consisting of four wheels, two handles, brakes and a seat. The device enables a person to push or pull a person seated on the walker seat.

Abstract: An improved wading staff of the type having a shaft, a tip, and a hand grip, the shaft having a longitudinal axis, the hand grip having a top end and a bottom end, the hand grip having a longitudinal axis, the tip being connected to the bottom end of the shaft, the bottom end of the hand grip being connected to the top end of the shaft. The improvement is to arrange the hand grip so that the longitudinal axis of the hand grip is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the shaft, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the hand grip and the longitudinal axis of the shaft being less than about twenty degrees.

Abstract: A sun screening tool that has an elongated directional mounting assembly with one end mounted to a stationary upright structure via a T-handled screw. The elongated directional mounting assembly pivots in the horizontal plane relative to the stationary upright structure. The elongated directional mounting assembly's other end has rotatably mounted in the vertical plane one end of a first substantially rectangular elongated member. The first substantially rectangular elongated member's other end has a substantially rectangular visor perpendicularly connected thereto. The elongated directional mounting assembly, in concert with the first substantially rectangular elongated member, enables positional adjustment of the visor in the horizontal and vertical planes relative to the stationary upright structure.

Abstract: A portable, free-standing, pop-up seat enclosure for protecting its occupant includes:

Abstract: The invention is directed to a PV assembly, for use on a support surface, comprising a base, a PV module, a multi-position module support assembly, securing the module to the base at shipping and inclined-use angles, a deflector, a multi-position deflector support securing the deflector to the base at deflector shipping and deflector inclined-use angles, the module and deflector having opposed edges defining a gap therebetween. The invention permits transport of the PV assemblies in a relatively compact form, thus lowering shipping costs, while facilitating installation of the PV assemblies with the PV module at the proper inclination.

Abstract: A solar-battery array comprising a plurality of solar batteries, which is characterized by satisfying the relationship of V2<0 and V1+V2>0, where V1 is the voltage to ground of the positive-pole terminal at the time of maximum output of the solar-battery array, and V2 is the voltage to ground of the negative-pole terminal at the time of maximum output of the same and a photovoltaic power generation system having such an array are disclosed, whereby the effects of an electric shock on the human body can lessen even when you touch any electric circuit of the solar-battery arrays.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an array of photovoltaic (PV) assemblies mountable to a support surface. Each PV assembly comprises a base, a PV module and a support assembly securing the PV module to a position overlying the upper surface of the base. The base comprises a main member and a cover defining the upper surface of the base; the cover comprises an electrical conductor. An electrical ground connector may be made between the covers of different PV assemblies. The cover may comprise sheet metal and may have an electrically-insulating surface layer. The main member may be a thermal insulator and the cover may comprise a low-emissivity layer. The covers of adjacent PV assemblies may be interengaged so that wind uplift forces on one of the PV assemblies tend to transfer to adjacent the assemblies so to help counteract the wind uplift forces.

Abstract: Each PV assembly of an array of PV assemblies comprises a base, a PV module and a support assembly securing the PV module to a position overlying the upper surface of the base. Vents are formed through the base. A pressure equalization path extends from the outer surface of the PV module, past the peripheral edge of the PV module, to and through at least one of the vents, and to the lower surface of the base to help reduce wind uplift forces on the PV assembly. The PV assemblies may be interengaged, such as by interengaging the bases of adjacent PV assemblies. The base may include a main portion and a cover and the bases of adjacent PV assemblies may be interengaged by securing the covers of adjacent bases together.

Abstract: Provided is an outer covering for solar battery, comprising a resin laminate having a liquid crystal polymer layer showing optical anisotropy in molten state, which has excellent water vapor-barrier property and imparts durability to the solar

Abstract: A photovoltaic module including: a light-transmissive substrate; a first sealing polymer layer stacked on the substrate; a photovoltaic cell stacked on the first sealing polymer layer; a second sealing polymer layer stacked on the photovoltaic cell and a weatherproof film stacked on the second sealing polymer layer, wherein the weatherproof film includes a moisture-proof layer provided on the second sealing polymer layer and a gas-proof layer provided on the moisture-proof layer, the gas-proof layer being made of polyphenylene sulfide.

Abstract: Two sheet glasses are superposed at a prescribed distance with a spacer interposed. By these two sheet glasses and a spacer, a double glazing glass having a sealed inner space is formed. In the inner space of the double glazing glass, a plurality of solar cells that have been subjected to weather resistant sealing process are provided. As a result, a double glazing glass type solar cell module is obtained, which is lightweight, of which manufacturing process is simple and which has high reliability over a long period of time.

Abstract: A fire prevention safety device for a gas meter (3) has closure means (4, 4′, V) that can be activated by heat to interrupt the gas supply into the gas meter (3) in the event of a fire. The gas meter (3) is arranged in a bypass (2) of a gas pipe (1). At least one of the aforementioned closure means (4, 4′, V) for interrupting the gas supply is in each case arranged in the bypass (2) in the flow direction upstream and downstream of a sensor (31) belonging to the gas meter (3). The device permits a cost-efficient, simple and effective fire prevention safeguard, in particular for electronic gas meters.

Abstract: An auto-drain unit for a compressed gas supply system, comprising: a first, main chamber including a liquid collection reservoir; a second, reference chamber; a discharge valve actuatable to discharge collected liquid from the liquid collection reservoir; a trigger mechanism for actuating the discharge valve; a diaphragm at least in part defining the liquid collection reservoir and the reference chamber, the diaphragm being configured to be movable under the weight of liquid collected in the liquid collection reservoir and operate the trigger mechanism when the weight of collected liquid exceeds a predetermined threshold; and a fluid conduit fluidly connecting the reference chamber to a location in the main chamber above the maximum possible liquid level therein.

Abstract: Currently, there are no products available which allow a user to treat microbial and bacterial growth inside a HVAC condensate drain line or clear a clogged line without cutting into the drain line. Our valve is an in-line condensate drain line valve that can be installed easily, quickly and economically, either during new construction or onto existing HVAC systems. The HVAC user can add household bleach to the condensate line, which inhibits microbial and bacterial growth without cutting into or disassembling the drain line. The design of our valve allows the user to perform safe routine maintenance to the HVAC drainage system without having to resort to expensive and repetitive service call repairs over the lifetime of the HVAC system. The valve is further designed to prevent undesirable reverse airflows into the HVAC system and home or building, caused by a dry water trap in the condensate drain.

Abstract: A modular oxygen supply system is provided comprising at least one module skeleton with a baseplate with frames arranged in parallel to one another. The system includes supply lines for ambient air with air connections for taking off the air, first gas lines for oxygen with first gas connections for taking up the oxygen and second gas lines for outgoing air with second gas connections for taking up outgoing air. Rack guides with data lines are provided. At least one individual module can be pushed into the module skeleton. Each individual module has at least one molecular sieve container fastened on a baseplate with the gas connections and with an electric contact. Each individual module has a gas treatment unit for the ambient air fed in. A pressure reducer and a multiple-way valve as well as an oxygen reservoir are arranged downstream of the molecular sieve container or containers connected in parallel.

Abstract: A valve includes a valve housing having a fluid conduit communicating between an inlet port and an outlet port, a valve closure member that is movable between a closed position and an open position, and a radiation-absorbing coating on at least a part of the fluid conduit. The radiation-absorbing coating may be disposed on inside surfaces of mounting flanges of the valve. The coating may be black chrome or a black anodized surface, for example.

Abstract: An excess pressure release is provided which at injector effect during inflation of an air cushion ensures an underpressure in a part (23) of a valve chamber. By activating a piston (19), the underpressure retains the excess pressure release in its open position against the force of a spring (11), until a desired counter pressure from the filled air cushion stops the injector effect, whereby the excess pressure release is closed. As a result the air cushion may be inflated at a comparative high pressure and thus in a fast manner. The inflation is stopped automatically and securely, when the desired pressure has been reached in the air cushion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safety valve installed in a tank of a vessel carrying oil or chemical substance to discharge supersaturated gas produced in the tank and to adjust an internal pressure to a normal level when a negative pressure is produced in the tank. The valve comprises a lower body; an upper body mounted onto the lower body; a valve stem extended from the upper body to the lower body; and a disc provided on the valve stem and positioned between the upper and lower body to shut out a communication between the upper and lower body. The disc has a groove on an underside thereof, with a protruded portion being formed along an edge of the disc, a Teflon bushing is interposed between the disc and the valve stem, and the disc has a large diameter than an internal diameter of the lower body.

Abstract: A flow control device for installation in a bore in a compliant housing comprises a central flow control mechanism and generally cylindrical body with an outer surface having a base diameter and comprising a plurality of annular ridges, coaxial with the device, arrayed in an axial series and separated by grooves, and projecting radially outward above the base diameter of the device, and a method of securing a flow control device within a bore formed in a compliant housing, comprises the steps of forming the outer surface of the device to have a generally cylindrical shape and a base diameter and comprising a plurality of annular ridges, coaxial with the device, arrayed in an axial series, separated by grooves and projecting radially outward above the base diameter of the device, the base diameter formed or selected to be slightly less than the inside diameter of the bore, and pressing the device into the bore to the desired location at a rate not exceeding the rate at which the material of the housing displac

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for use with a drum with a bung, and a drum insert that includes a downtube that inserts into the bung. A dispense head has provision for a return flow line that discharges recirculated fluid into the annular space around the drum insert downtube. A foaming reduction device minimizes foam created from the recirculation. The invention includes a spring-loaded poppet that closes when the dispense head is removed from the bung opening. The poppet is configured such that the engagement member is a ring shaped with support members extending axially. The engagement member seats on and couples with a nipple on the drum insert.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for at least intermittently generating an overpressure in a system S in relation to an ambient pressure U, with a pump P that has a pressure side 20 and an intake side 10, where during the generation of an overpressure, the pressure side 20 is connected to the system S and the intake side 10 is connected to the ambient pressure by means of at least one first valve MV1, in particular a solenoid valve.

Abstract: An adapter for disposing between a replacement valve and a manifold to provide an improved valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure control device, in particular for motor vehicle braking systems, with at least one valve carrier (2) accommodating a pressure control valve (1), a pressure sensor (3) for detecting the hydraulic pressure in a pressure fluid channel (4) of the valve carrier (2) as well as with an electric module (5) including electric and/or electronic structural members and being connected to the pressure control valve (1) and the pressure sensor (3) by way of electric contacts (18). The pressure sensor (3) is positioned in a space (17) interposed between the pressure control valve (1) and the electric module (5), with at least one of the contacts (18) that is connected to the pressure sensor (3) leading through a sensor carrier (16) to the electric module (5). The sensor carrier (16) is located at least in sections within the space (17).

Abstract: A floor panel for use in an air handling unit that provides a thermal barrier to the passage of heat. The panel is reinforced internally so that it can support a heavy piece of air handling equipment inside the unit such as an air conditioner heat exchanger coil. The panel includes a reservoir for collecting moisture from the coil and rapidly exhausting the moisture from the unit.

Abstract: A panel for use in air conditioning duct for carrying air along an enclosed path of travel. The panel includes a rectangular shaped frame made of a material having a relatively high R value. The frame is closed by a top cover and a bottom cover so that a cavity is established within the panel. The cavity is filled with a curable material that sets inside the panel to bond the walls of the frame together and to bond the covers to the frame. A bulb seal having high insulation characteristics extending along the length of one edge of adjoining panels so that energy transmission is further inhibited.

Abstract: An industrial multilayer textile has at least an upper surface side layer and a lower surface side layer as a running surface. The upper surface side layer and the lower surface side layer are connected by warp ground yarn connecting yarns that weave the upper surface side layer and the lower surface side layer. Among these, a pair of warp ground yarn connecting yarns is made into yarns corresponding to one warp in an upper surface side surface, and the pair of warp ground yarn connecting yarns and another warp are alternately disposed and woven with upper surface side wefts to form a surface of a substantially plain weave texture on the upper surface side layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for filling containers, in particular with finely divided granular, powdered solids having a high air content, selected from pyrogenic oxides, precipitated oxides, carbon blacks and modifications, comprising a feed nozzle which may be placed over the feed orifice of the container, the feed nozzle being so constructed that the solids may be introduced under pressure and the container being surrounded by a cage, and to a process for filling containers, in particular with finely divided solids having a high air content by

Abstract: A cylinder containing gas has a valve and is connected to a delivery side through a filling pipe, a primary pipe, a first air-operated valve, a pressure reducing valve, a secondary pipe, and a second air-operated valve. Inert gas flows into the primary pipe through an air-operated valve. The primary pipe is connected to a vacuum generator through an air-operated valve and a pipe. Gas remaining in the primary pipe is purged as exhaust gas by automatically repeating leaving-pipe-in-pressurized-state purge for pressurizing the inside of the primary pipe by the inert gas and leaving the pipe in this state for 2 to 10 minutes and evacuating the pipe for 20 seconds. Gas remaining in the primary pipe is purged with high-efficiency, and the vacuum generator is stopped while the inside of the primary pipe is pressurized in the leaving-pipe-in-pressurized-state purge and the just-before-replacement purge.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of measuring both concentration and amount of a liquid in a liquid chemical container are presented, one method comprising the steps of: (a) viewing light emanating from a first optical member that is in visual contact with the liquid, the light emanating from the optical member having a level indicating quality; and (b) routing light from a second optical member that is in visual contact with the liquid to means for optical discrimination between liquid chemical based on different optical properties.

Abstract: A fill station for filling various sizes of containers from a liquid dispensing system includes a first stationary platform and second rotatable platform positioned above the first platform. The second platform is hinged to move between a horizontal loading position and a stowed position to provide access to the first platform. A third platform may be positioned above the second platform, wherein the third platform is hinged at an opposite end from the second platform to move between a horizontal load position and a stowed position. Sensors may be used to detect whether a container is positioned on one of the platforms and to detect the positions of the different rotatable platforms.

Abstract: A rotary and flow meter type liquid filling apparatus including a liquid reservoir tank that stores and supplies liquid to filling nozzles, and air supply paths for different amount of air supply and air discharge paths for different amount of air discharge being connected to the liquid reservoir tank. An air compressor is connected to the air supply paths, and the air discharge paths open into the atmosphere. A liquid pressure sensor disposed near the filling nozzles sense the increase or decrease of the liquid pressure inside a pipe that connects the liquid reservoir tank and liquid filling nozzles, and the electromagnetic valves provided on the air supply and air discharge paths are opened or closed, thus supplying air to and discharging air from the liquid reservoir tank so as to control the air pressure inside the liquid reservoir tank and the liquid pressure near the liquid filling nozzles.

Abstract: An arrangement for supplying mobile consumers which have an on-board power generation system, and a fuel tank for storing a fuel for operating the power generation system, includes a stationary discharge device for transferring fuel from a stationary fuel source to the fuel tank. The discharge device includes a supply unit for supplying fuel to the consumer, and the consumer has corresponding holding unit with a tank connection for holding fuel. The discharge device also has electricity consuming devices, and the holding means is also equipped with a corresponding means for electricity emission.

Abstract: A bottle drainage coupler unit has upper and lower coupler pairs to supports bottles with viscous fluid such as ketchup for stable, effective, mouth to mouth drainage. The drainage is effected without the need for supervision.

Abstract: A squirt gun includes a hollow housing in the form of a gun with a liquid dispensing assembly within the housing. The liquid dispensing assembly includes a rigid pressure vessel having either a gas-filled compressible bladder or a spring-loaded piston disposed within. The vessel is connected to a flexible tube with a nozzle at one end, and the gun is adapted to receive and expel water to and from the vessel through the nozzle. A pivotable trigger cooperates with the flexible tube to either enable both the receiving and expelling, or to deny the expelling of the water. To fill the gun, water is forced into the vessel under pressure, which compresses the air bladder or the piston to retain that pressure within the water-filled vessel. To expel the retained water, the trigger is moved to an “open” position, which allows the water to be forced from the pressurized water-filled vessel, through the nozzle, and from the gun as the air bladder or the piston expands.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus for defrosting frozen wood prior to debarking. The defrosting method of logs of the invention is based on bringing heat zone-specifically to logs in transfer motion on a conveyor according to their heat receiving capacity immediately from the moment of starting of the defrosting, and at the end of the defrosting process, the heat volume per time unit, supplied at a higher temperature, is only a part of the heat volume of the starting phase of the defrosting process. For instance, it is possible to spray water on the wood to be defrosted so that the row interval of the showers in the initial part of the piping is a fraction of the row interval in the tail end of the piping. In the tail end of the defrosting conveyor steam can also be supplied.

Abstract: Single-edged wood chipper blades which can be repeatedly removed from a wood chipper and sharpened, as needed, to prevent the need for disposing of multiple conventional blades over a prolonged period of repeated use. Each of the replaceable blades typically includes a blade mount base for engaging a rotary chipping head of the chipper, a clamp plate for engaging the blade mount base, and a blade body interposed between the blade mount base and the clamp plate. A blade edge is shaped in the front end of the blade body, and extends from between the blade mount base and the clamp plate. A blade babbitt is provided in the rear end of the blade body. Accordingly, the blade body can easily and repeatedly be removed from between the blade mount base and the clamp plate and sharpened, and again secured in place between the blade mount base and the clamp plate, as needed for optimum and economical operation of the chipper over a prolonged period.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for cutting submerged trees at an underwater logging site and for retrieving the cut trees. Once cut, each tree is retrieved to the water surface by an inflatable bag deployed from and inflated by the apparatus. The apparatus includes a control unit positioned on a surface vessel, such as a barge or large boat, and an underwater vessel connected together by an umbilical. Preferably the underwater vessel is a remotely controllable submersible including a grapple for releasably holding each tree to be cut, a saw, a gas supply connectable to a gas source located on the surface vessel, and an air bag deployment and inflation assembly for inflating the air bag and securely attaching it to the tree. The underwater vessel is initially loaded with a plurality of air bags which are stored in a magazine located in the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: Devices and methods employ FeGa alloys having excellent magnetostriction and good strength. Additionally, methods of producing preferentially oriented FeGa alloys are described.

Abstract: For the purpose of improving wear-resistance and anti-seizing property of slide surfaces of machineries, such as outer slide surfaces of piston pins of vehicle engines, slide surfaces of iron or steel base materials of machineries are first processed by carburizing, then the carburized surfaces are plated with chromium, and next the chromium-plated surfaces undergo impulses by shot peening to produce lubricant-retaining cavities on the slide surfaces, which include fine cavities in the form of depressions in the chromium-plating layer and relatively large cavities produced by exfoliation of the chromium-plating layer.

Abstract: A compact type large capacity titanium electrolytic capacitor having minimized leakage current is provided by forming a stable oxide film having a large dielectric constant on a titanium surface, wherein a titanium substrate having a titanium oxide film thereon having a thickness of 50 nm or more is subjected to calcination in vacuum or an inert gas atmosphere, thereby reducing the thickness of said oxide film to less than 50 nm and the calcined surface of said metal titanium substrate is subjected to oxidation, thereby re-forming an oxide film on the surface of said metal titanium substrate. The metal titanium substrate having the re-formed oxide film obtained by such method can be used as an anode for a titanium electrolytic capacitor.

Abstract: A magnetic powder 4 is produced by use of a plating mold M which is pattern-formed with an electrode range 10 corresponding to the shape of a magnetic powder 4 and an insulative range surrounding the periphery of the electrode range, precipitating films 40 of the magnetic material selectively in the electrode range through an electroplating and then peeling the films 40 from the plating mold. The flat magnetic powders 4 where are regular in plane shapes and diameters among or between powders or where average crystal grain diameters are 100 nm or smaller, are much dispersed into an insulative resin as a bonding agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are reinforced metal matrix composites and methods of shaping powder materials to form such composites. Articles of manufacture are formed in layers by a laser fabrication process. In the process, powder is melted and cooled to form successive layers of a discontinuously reinforced metal matrix. The matrix exhibits fine grain structure with enhanced properties over the unreinforced metal, including higher tensile modulus, higher strength, and greater hardness. In some preferred embodiments, an in-situ alloy powder, a powder metallurgy blend, or independently provided powders are reinforced with boron and/or carbon to form the composite.

Abstract: A method for making a joint between copper or copper alloys and austenitic steel alloys, in which method in between the junction surfaces of the objects to be joined together, there is arranged at least one intermediate layer, so that the junction surfaces, including their intermediate layers, are pressed together, and at least the junction area is heated in order to create a diffusion joint. In the method, there is brought a first intermediate layer (3) on the junction surface of the steel object (2) or against said surface, in order to activate the creation of the diffusion joint.

Abstract: An Al—Cu—Si—Ge quaternary alloy uses Si—Ge additions to provide a reasonably dense and homogeneous distribution of precipitates. Heterogeneous nucleation on this Si—Ge template is used to enhance both strength and thermal stability. These precipitates are used as a template for heterogeneous precipitation of other hardening phases, particularly the •′ (Al2Cu) phase. Thus, a Si—Ge addition is used to provide a dense template of heterogeneous nucleation sites for subsequent precipitation of Al—Cu precipitates.

Abstract: An aluminum casting forged product is provided by using an aluminum alloy for casting forge including a useless raw material for forging such as flash as a raw material and by controlling a weight percentage of an alloy element such as silicon, magnesium, copper, and manganese; the product having an enhanced fluidity, and an improved castability, with retaining a sufficient strength, preventing useless intermetallic compounds from forming, restraining deterioration due to oxidation and corrosion, and further improved strength by a forging effect: and there is also provided a simple manufacturing method, with a high yield and high productivity. An aluminum casting forged product of high tensile strength, high proof, and elongation, higher mechanical properties than those of the conventional casting forged product, high corrosion resistance, and high quality without defects, and being low in cost is also obtainable as a thick-wall aluminum product.