Abstract: A solar cell that has a photoactive region; a Lambertian surface on the topside of the photoactive region; and a photonic crystal on the backside of the photoactive region.

Abstract: Solar cells operating in liquid have an increased operating efficiency resulting from two independent physical phenomena, an increase in output current from the solar cells from simply wetting the solar cells, and enhanced collection of light through refraction and inner reflection of light in the liquid. Dielectric liquids are found to increase output power efficiency of n/p junction solar cells and also function as a medium for optical concentration. The properties of dielectric liquid permit the construction of a solar cell panel with a suitable geometry for functioning as an optical concentrator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering both quick dispensing water treatment materials and slow dispensing water treatment materials from the same dispensing unit by dispensing the slow dispensing water treatment materials over an extended period of time and the quick dispensing water treatment materials in a matter of minutes to allow the container for the quick dispensing water treatment materials to be removed and replaced with either a container containing a different quick dispensing water treatment materials or a container containing a slow dispensing water treatment material and a closed container for holding a quick dispensing water treatment materials therein and for dispensing the quick dispensing water treatment material therefrom through a process of cross circulation between a fluid stream of waster and the quick dispensing water treatment material in the container.

Abstract: A fuel component assembly having a fuel component disposed between a base and a cover, which prevent fluid communication to an exterior thereof. The fuel component defines at least one aperture, the base supports the fuel component and defines a passage in communication with the at least one aperture. The cover is located proximate the base. A securement having a projection and the receiver that engage to form a fluid tight seal. The projection is radially disposed about a longitudinal axis of the fuel component, and the receiver continuously engages the projection. The projection being disposed on one of the cover and the base, and the receiver being disposed on the other of the cover and the base. The fuel component assembly allows for a method of encapsulating a fuel component within a fuel supply.

Abstract: A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.

Abstract: A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.

Abstract: A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.

Abstract: A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.

Abstract: A relief valve having blow down values of 5% or lower is disclosed. The low blow down values are the result of reducing friction within the relief valve. The relief valve includes a movable plunger. Clearance is provided whereby the plunger does not experience significant friction as it moves into sealing contact with the seal assembly. An energized seal assembly forms a tight seal against the plunger while creating little friction, as the seal is elastomeric and the point of contact is minimized. The relief valve further includes an outlet port, which is adjustable 360° about the relief valve.

Abstract: A safety device protects a mud pump from an over pressure condition, which can occur during normal operation. The mud pump discharge couples to a high pressure inlet at the bottom of a valve body and the discharge outlet from the valve discharges to the side of the body, ninety degrees to the inlet. In a first aspect, the safety device includes a load piston mounted to a shaft which passes through a pressure chamber cap and connects to a pneumatic cylinder assembly on the top side of the pressure chamber cap. The pneumatic cylinder assembly is operated by a control valve mounted to the base of the cylinder to set the pressure at which the safety device actuates. In a further aspect, the safety device includes a light transmissive indicator cylinder, with a flag therein mounted on a rod coupling the valve to a pneumatic actuator piston, between the actuator piston and the valve.

Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.

Abstract: A fluid discharge floodgate improved for cistern aircrafts dedicated to fight fires comprising a first door, which opens toward an outside of the aircraft, and a second door that opens toward the interior of the aircraft. The first door and the second door are interconnected by a first rod, and a first lever and the combination of the first rod and the first lever forces the doors to open in opposite directions.

Abstract: A non-refillable valve in a compressed gas cylinder to prevent the refilling of the cylinder after depletion of compressed gas initially in the cylinder. The non-refillable valve comprises a valve housing defining a valve chamber, with the valve chamber having a proximal end and a distal end. A valve core including a valve pin is coupled to the valve housing in the valve chamber. A detent formed in the valve housing extends into the valve chamber. A check ball is positioned in the valve chamber with the check ball movable from a first position past the detent to a second position, wherein the check ball is disposed against the ball seat at the distal end of the valve chamber forming a seal that prevents refilling of the cylinder.

Abstract: To provide an electromagnetic valve where constitution and assembling of a current conduction system to a solenoid portion is simplified to improve assembling easiness and an insulation performance of the current conduction system can easily be secured.

Abstract: A manifold 10A is divided into a manifold main body 12 and a sub-plate 13, a plurality of branch holes 14a, 15a and 16a extending from a mounting face vertically and straightly to communicate with fluid flow passages 14, 15 and 16 are provided in the manifold main body 12, a plurality of relay holes 24, 25 and 26 which causes the respective branch holes 14a, 15a and 16a to communicate with respective ports 21, 22 and 23 of an electromagnetic valve 11 are provided in the sub-plate 13, and the relay hole and the branch hole whose positions are different to each other are caused to communicate with each other via a recessed portion 29 formed on an lower face of the sub-plate 13.

Abstract: “EASI-PLUM-SPI offers a great way for home owners and businesses to have their plumbing repairs done in a timely and less intrusive manner. Can you imagine having your busted pipes fixed without having your floors, ceilings, lawns, driveways, or streets torn out or completely up or out. Having your broken pipes sealed off so that you can still safe use water in other parts of your business or while the repairs are being made to major busted water pipes. Less traffic congestion thanks to the many possible expanded uses for the basic patent protected principle of the EAS-PLUM-SPI. Somethings are only too good to be true only when we refuse to make them come true. Lights . . . cameras . . . action . . . satisfaction thanks to the new and next step of plumbing ‘EASI-PLUM-PRO’SPI’.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose arrangement for vehicles, having a hose line which is held by one end on a moveable vehicle part and by its other end on a fixed vehicle part, the distance between the ends of the hose line being shortened, in an end position of the moveable vehicle part in the vicinity of the fixed vehicle part, to an extent leading to a buckling load on the hose line. In order, in the course of relative movements of the moveable vehicle part with respect to the fixed vehicle part, to automatically ensure a desired displacement of the hose line between its end positions, the hose line has a flexible length region whose two ends are adjoined in each case by a stiffer length region of the hose line, in order to control an envisaged yielding folding.

Abstract: A flexible hose comprising

Abstract: A flexible hose comprises a non-woven spun bonded fibrous polyolefin tube, and a layer of a liquid impervious polymer adhered to a major surface thereof.

Abstract: In an aspect, a depression container includes a vessel, a cover, a pump, a pressure-activated switch and a power supply. The vessel includes an open end. The cover is used for sealing the open end of the vessel. The pump is used for drawing air out of the vessel. The pressure-activated switch is used for controlling ON and OFF of the pump. The pressure-activated switch detects the pressure in the vessel, and turns on the pump when the pressure is higher than a predetermined upper limit, and turns off the pump when the pressure is lower than a predetermined lower limit. The pressure-activated switch and the pump are powered by the power supply. In another aspect, a depression container includes a vessel, a cover, a pump, a pressure-activated switch and a power supply. The vessel includes an open end. The cover is used for sealing the open end of the vessel. The pump is used for drawing air out of the vessel. The pressure-activated switch and the pump are powered by the power supply.

Abstract: A dispensing device for a powder filling machine comprises a duct with at least one dispensing outlet from which a powder material is directed into a container positioned beneath. The outlet incorporates an iris diaphragm with a plurality of occluding elements capable of movement between an operating condition in which the outlet is closed, disallowing passage of the powder material, and a non-operating condition in which the outlet is open, with the occluding elements compassing a flow section aligned concentrically with the duct and allowing the passage of the powder material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method to produce a uniformly moist veneer (6) or plywood. According to the invention moisture of the veneer (6) or plywood is measured in one or several points, and any moisture differences noticed in this veneer or plywood are levelled in a moistening stage following said measuring, in which stage the veneer or plywood, based upon measuring results received, is moistened with water or steam in one or several points in order to achieve an adjusted uniform moisture content.

Abstract: A log handling and cutting system which cuts logs into lengths, and allows for maximum use of fiber. The system includes equipment for singulating the logs, optimally removing the bark from the logs, scanning the true log image, cutting the logs to length, and sorting the cut logs arranged in a sequence of coupled operations. The logs are singulated using a dual quadrant singulation system to provide maximum singulation reliability, thereby allowing a single operator to attend to this process. Once singulated, the logs are fed automatically into a debarker where the diameter and volume are scanned and debarker-operating parameters are set for optimum bark removal. The log is then scanned, tree length, using a unique scanning system, which determines the true image of the log. This enables the determination by computer of the optimum bucking solution of the log as well as a proper sorting of the optimum random lengths.

Abstract: A log handling and cutting system which cuts logs into lengths, and allows for maximum use of fiber. The system includes equipment for singulating the logs, optimally removing the bark from the logs, scanning the true log image, cutting the logs to length, and sorting the cut logs arranged in a sequence of coupled operations. The logs are singulated using a dual quadrant singulation system to provide maximum singulation reliability, thereby allowing a single operator to attend to this process. Once singulated, the logs are fed automatically into a debarker where the diameter and volume are scanned and debarker-operating parameters are set for optimum bark removal. The log is then scanned, tree length, using a unique scanning system, which determines the true image of the log. This enables the determination by computer of the optimum bucking solution of the log as well as a proper sorting of the optimum random lengths.

Abstract: In order to dampen magnetization changes in magnetic devices, such as magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ) used in high speed Magnetic Random Access Memory (MRAM), a transition metal selected from the 4d transition metals and 5d transition metals is alloyed into the magnetic layer to be dampened. In a preferred form, a magnetic permalloy layer is alloyed with osmium (Os) in an atomic concentration of between 4% and 15% of the alloy.

Abstract: A method of laser shock peening a metallic part by firing a laser on a coated laser shock peening surface of the part which has been covered with an explosive coating containing at least one explosive ingredient. Two or more explosive ingredients having different shock sensitivities may be used and the laser beam is fired with sufficient power to explode at least some amount of each of the explosive ingredients.

Abstract: A method for reducing in situ the electrochemical corrosion potential and susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking of a nickel-base alloy and boiling water nuclear reactor components formed therefrom when in contact with high temperature water. The method comprises the steps of: adding a metal hydride to the high temperature water; dissociating the metal hydride in the high temperature water to form a metal and at least one hydrogen ion; and reducing the concentration of the oxidizing species by reacting the hydrogen ions with an oxidizing species, thereby reducing in situ the electrochemical corrosion potential of the nickel-base alloy. The method may further include the steps of reacting the metal with oxygen present in the high temperature water to form an insoluble oxide and incorporating the metal into the surface of the nickel-base alloy, thereby reducing the electrical conductivity of the surface of the nickel-base alloy.

Abstract: An aqueous solution and method for applying the solution to a metal surface form a zinc phosphate coating on the metal surface. The zinc phosphate coating minimizes corrosion and improves adhesion of subsequently coated materials such as sealants and paints. The solution of the composition and method of application consume free acidity otherwise left on the metal surface, and obviate the need for subsequent rinsing or extensive drying or stoving operations. The composition includes an aqueous solution including water, a zinc source, phosphoric acid, a polyhydric compound (preferably pentaerythritol), a metal salt, and optionally, an oxidizer.

Abstract: A rolling bearing including a rolling element made of steel is provided. The rolling element has a hardness of 620 to 750 HV in its interior. The rolling element is so constructed that the hardest point may exist within a depth of 10% of its diameter from a rolling contact surface of the rolling element, and that the hardness at this point is made higher by 20 to 150 HV than the hardness in the interior.

Abstract: Disclosed is a quasicrystalline phase-reinforced Mg-based metallic alloy with high warm and hot formability, and making method thereof. The metallic alloy comprises a composition of Mg-1˜10 at % Zn-0.1˜3 at % Y, in which a two-phase region consisting of a quasicrystalline phase and a magnesium-based solid solution phase exists. Constituting a matrix structure, the Mg-based solid solution phase (&agr;-Mg) is formed as a primary solid phase upon solidification. The quasicrystalline phase serves as a second phase and forms, together with the Mg-based solid solution phase, a eutectic phase, thereby reinforcing the matrix. The materials obtained through the hot rolling or extrusion of the cast alloy have an increased volume % of the second phase and thus show significantly increased strength.

Abstract: A phosphorized copper anode used for electroplating, including: 20-800 ppm of phosphorus; between 0.1 and less than 2 ppm of oxygen, and the balance being high purity copper having a purity of 99.9999% by mass or higher, wherein the average grain size of the copper anode after recrystallization is in the range between about 10 and 50 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting metal dusting corrosion of surfaces exposed to supersaturated carbon environments comprising constructing said surfaces of, or coating said surfaces with a copper based alloy. The invention is also directed to a composition resistant to metal dusting.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant aluminum alloy has controlled amounts of iron, manganese, chromium, and titanium along with levels of copper, silicon, nickel, and no more than impurity levels of zinc. The alloy chemistry is tailored such that the electrolytic potential of the grain boundaries matches the alloy matrix material to reduce intergranular corrosion. The alloy is particularly suited for the manufacture of tubing for heat exchangers using extrusion and brazing techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of thin-walled steel components and similar components, comprising an inner core layer (B) and an external boundary layer (A). Said layers are, at least partly, differently annealed. According to the invention, the disadvantages of conventional roll-cladding and case-hardening processes may be overcome by the following methodology: bonding core and boundary layers made from differently annealed steel alloys, in a casting process to give a combined material with flat alloy gradients on the boundary surfaces, moulding the composite material to the dimensions of the thin-walled components, annealing the components by heat treatment, whereby the layers made from the differently annealed steel alloys obtain different annealing properties.

Abstract: A process is described for producing an aluminum alloy sheet having excellent bendability for use in forming panels for automobiles. An aluminum alloy containing 0.50 to 0.75 by weight Mg, 0.7 to 0.85% by weight Si, 0.1 to 0.3% by weight Fe, 0.15 to 0.35% by weight Mn, and the balance Al and incidental impurities, is used and is semi-continuously cast into ingot. The cast alloy ingot is subjected to hot rolling and cold rolling, followed by solution heat treatment of the formed sheet. The heat treated sheet is quenched to a temperature of about 60-120° C. and the sheet is then coiled. This coil is then pre-aged by slowly cooling the coil from an initial temperature of about 60-120° C. to room temperature at a cooling rate of less than 10° C./hr.

Abstract: A high copper alloy with good resistance to stress relaxation at temperatures of up to at least 150° C., consists, by weight, essentially of from 0.8% to 3% of iron, from 0.3% to 2% of nickel, from 0.6% to 1.4% of tin, from 0.005% to 0.35% phosphorous and the remainder copper and inevitable impurities. The alloy has an electrical conductivity in excess of 40% IACS and a yield strength of 70 ksi or higher at final gauge following a relief anneal. Over 75% of an imposed stress remains after exposure to 150° C. for 3000 hours. The combination of good electrical conductivity, high strength and high stress relaxation resistance makes the alloys particularly suitable for under the hood automotive electrical connectors.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy article containing the alloying amounts of iron, silicon, manganese, titanium, and zinc has controlled levels of iron and manganese to produce an alloy article that combines excellent corrosion resistant with good formability. The alloy article composition employs a controlled ratio of manganese to iron and controlled total amounts of iron and manganese to form intermetallic compounds in the final alloy article. The electrolytic potential of the intermetallic compounds match the aluminum matrix of the article to minimize corrosion. The levels of iron and manganese are controlled so that the intermetallic compounds are present in a volume fraction that allows the alloy article to be easily formed. The aluminum alloy composition is especially adapted for extrusion processes, and tubing that are used in heat exchanger applications.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses one or more detachable hook and loop strips 20 and a non-detachable, mating means 24 for selectively maintaining the strips 20 within a housing 10, such as a purse 10. The non-detachable, mating means 24 for the dividers 20 are at least two lengths of hook and loop material 24 which, having an adhesive back, are adhesively positioned adjacent each other on opposing internal walls of the purse 10. The hook and loop material 24 may also be sewn into the present invention 10. The hook and loop strips 20, 24 can be of any length preferably extending substantially from the base to the top of the purse wall. By incorporating one or more partitioning elements 20 and retaining means 24 the purse 10 can be divided into a plurality of compartments 22 of varying size.

Abstract: A method for changing the residual aligning torque (RAT) of a pneumatic tire by forming angled sipes in certain of the tread blocks in at least a pair of circumferentially extending ribs, each rib being located on an opposite side of the mid-circumferential plane of the tire. The sipes in the tread blocks in one of the ribs are formed at an inclined angle opposite to the inclined angle of the sipes in the tread blocks in the opposite rib. The RAT can also be changed by varying the depth and width of the opposed angled sipes.

Abstract: A heavy load pneumatic radial tire has the circular fine groove 5 running in the tire circumferential direction at least at one side of the shoulder portion 4 running on both sides of the tread surface 11 of the tread portion 1. The said fine groove 5 has a narrowed area with the central axis 5C of the sectional view of the groove sloping inward in the tire diameter direction from the aperture 51 to the internal part in the tire width direction and an expanded area following thereafter whose groove width expands with a curvature, and the external wall 52 of the said narrowed area slopes outward in the tire diameter direction than the central axis 5C of the said sectional view of the groove and the internal wall 53 of the said fine groove 5 is provided with the convex part 57.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion comprising tread elements each provided with a sipe, the sipe having an open top end and a bottom, and in a range from the open top to a certain depth, a configuration of the sipe in a plane parallel with the tread face comprising a zigzag part oscillating in the longitudinal direction of the sipe in the course from the open top to said certain depth.

Abstract: A traction assembly for single and dual-wheeled vehicles that is easy to install and suitable for storing in the vehicle when not in use having a plurality of spaced apart traction units interconnected by a connector and locked into place with a securing mechanism. Each traction unit comprises a pair of spaced apart traction bars that are interconnected by a spacer member. Preferably, the traction bars are L-shaped angle irons and the spacer member is a V-shaped angle iron connected to two adjacent traction bars. A generally elongated, flexible connecting member interconnects the traction units and allows the assembly to be folded or collapsed. A securing mechanism connects the opposing ends of the traction assembly to secure the assembly around the wheel or wheels.

Abstract: Wheel rim comprising two rim seats having different diameters, inclined outwards and extended axially outwards by two humps of small height, the rim seat of smaller diameter being connected axially on the inside to a bearing surface via a truncated conical portion and the rim seat of larger diameter being connected axially on the inside to the said bearing surface by a rib of small or zero height, whose axially interior wall has a generatrix that makes with the rotation axis an angle open radially and axially outwards and at the most equal to 30°, characterised in that the said rib, which has an axially inside wall of axial width at most equal to the axial width of the said second seat is provided circumferentially with at least two transverse grooves of small size.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a smart label inlet web, in which method a smart label is protected from external effects by means of a surface film coated with an adhesive, the adhesive being in contact with the smart label. The adhesive is cured by radiation. The invention also relates to a smart label inlet web comprising a surface film, a smart label and a back web attached to each other. The surface film is attached to the smart label with an adhesive cured by radiation.

Abstract: The conductive resin composition contains silver powder that is a mixture of spherical particles and dendrite particles dispersed in binder resin, wherein the content (% by volume) of the spherical particle is larger than the content of the dendrite particle so that a conductive path is formed by silver powder of spherical particles, and dendrite particles are interposed between spherical particles.

Abstract: A tape and compound dispenser for wall surfaces automatically matches the delivery of the compound to the feed of the tape. The system has a compartment or tank that contains compound. A pump supplies compound from the tank through a flexible conduit to an applicator, which dispenses tape and compound. A sensor measures the rate of speed of the tape as it is being dispensed and provides a signal to a controller. The controller will vary the flow rate by varying the speed of the motor that drives the pump. An auger is rotated within the tank for prefeeding compound to the pump as well as for mixing compound.

Abstract: When connecting electrodes of a chip device CP are ultrasonic-bonded to circuit electrodes provided for a resin substrate 10 to mount the chip device CP on the resin substrate 10, a heater 5 for heating the resin substrate 10 is provided with which the temperature of the resin substrate 10 is raised to a level with which the ratio of elastic modulus &egr;h realized when heat is supplied with respect to elastic modulus &egr;r of the resin substrate 10 at room temperature satisfies 1>&egr;h/&egr;r≧0.5. The heater 5 may be provided for the substrate retaining frame 4.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pressure sensitive adhesive double coated sheet comprising a shrink substrate and, superimposed on one side thereof, an energy radiation curable pressure sensitive adhesive layer and, superimposed on the other side thereof, a removable pressure sensitive adhesive layer composed of an adhesive having a modulus of elasticity at 120° C. of 5×105 Pa or less.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a process for production of a carbon/carbon piece which is made from pieces cut out from a cloth of 2.5D, 3.5D or 4.5D and assembled to obtain a pre-form which is then densified with resin, gas or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus secures ventilation cloth to a screen frame. A screen frame is oriented in an approximately vertical position. The screen frame has a plurality of segments. Each segment has a mounting surface on a face thereof. At least one of said segments has adhesive on the mounting surface thereof. A ventilation cloth is hung across the mounting surface of said one segment. The adhesive in said one of the segments is melted. The ventilation cloth is inserted in the adhesive across a length of said one of the segments.