Abstract: A rotary clutch assembly comprises a first hub and a second hub. The first hub has first and second ends. An inner surface in the first hub is defined by a first internal passageway extending from the first end to the second end for receiving a shaft. One of the first and second ends of the first hub has a first notch. The second hub has first and second ends and an outer surface. An inner surface in the second hub is defined by a second internal passageway extending from the first end to the second end for receiving the first hub. One of the first and second ends of the second hub has a second notch. Multiple clutch assemblies may be coupled on a single shaft to form a drive assembly having increased torque capacity by engaging the first and second notches of a first clutch assembly with first and second notches of a second clutch assembly.

Abstract: A clutch outer has a cylindrical portion, and slits defined in the cylindrical portion at a plurality of points circumferentially equally spaced apart from one another to extend in an axial direction of the cylindrical portion so that engagement claws on outer peripheries of a plurality of friction plates are slidably engaged into the slits. Each of the slits includes a wide portion which is defined on the side of an inner periphery of the cylindrical portion and into which the engagement claws are engaged, and a narrow portion defined on the side of an outer periphery of the cylindrical portion with a width in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion being smaller than that of the wide portion. The wide portion and the narrow portion are connected to each other through a step facing a radially inward direction of the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A multiplate clutch is provided with a clutch case and a sleeve fitted in an inner circumferential wall of the clutch case with their piston oilways registered with each other. The sleeve is provided in an outer circumference thereof with at least one notch. The inner circumferential wall of the clutch case has been crimped at a portion thereof into each notch such that a crimped portion is formed to fixedly secure the sleeve on the inner circumferential wall of the clutch case. Preferably, the crimped portion can be formed such that a front surface of the crimped portion is shallower on a side of the sleeve and deeper on a side of the clutch case. The front surface may desirably have an inclination of from 5 to 15°. Desirably, the sleeve can be provided with two or more notches.

Abstract: A shaft 6 of a motorized roller 1 is fastened to a side wall 17a of a frame 17 through a plate 19. An engaging portion 14 of the shaft 6 is fitted into a hole 21 of the plate 19 so as to prevent rotation of the shaft 6 relative to the plate 19. As a nut 22 tightened on a threaded portion 15 of the shaft 6 presses and urges the plate 19 against the side wall 17a, teeth 20 formed at the corners of the plate 19 bite into the surface of the side wall 17a and prevents rotation of the plate 19 relative to the side wall. Thus the shafts 6, 7 are fastened unrotatably relative to the side wall 17a.

Abstract: Document handling apparatus comprises a transport system (2, 3) for feeding documents from an input location (20) to one or more intermediate or final output locations (24, 30), least one of the output locations being accessable from outside the apparatus. At least one radiation generator (60) and detector (60A) are arranged so as to sense an attempt to access documents in the at least one output location.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting diagnostic services on live electrical equipment, such as electrical power transformers using a tap switch installed into each phase of the transformer. The tap switch is used along with the appropriate test and measurement equipment connected to a test and measurement system to perform the diagnostic service when the transformer is live and in-service. The tap switch allows the diagnostic service to be performed without the hazard of disconnecting the bushing tap in order to connect the bushing tap back to the test and measurement equipment. The tap switch provides for live diagnostic tests and measurements for the early identification of potential failures using diagnostic services, such as partial discharge (PD) and frequency response. Thus, live diagnostics can be performed on electrical power transformers while the transformers are in-service using a tap switch resulting in a reduction in down time and thus costs.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a state of a switch is disclosed. The method includes providing a high side driver circuit in communication with a voltage source, activating the high side driver circuit at a first predefined time interval, and sourcing voltage to a resistor in communication with the high side driver circuit at the first predefined time interval. Further, the method monitors the switch at the first predefined time interval, and determines the state of the switch, and deactivates the high side drive at a second predefined time interval.

Abstract: A switch mechanism has a ratchet, two tappets, and two sensors. The ratchet has a plurality of sawteeth. The tappets are installed at two opposite sides of the ratchet. Each sensor is installed beside the ratchet for generating detecting signals. When the ratchet rotates clockwise, the sawteeth of the ratchet will push one tappet toward its corresponding sensor so as to generate corresponding clockwise detecting signals. When the ratchet rotates counterclockwise, the sawteeth of the ratchet will push the other tappet toward its corresponding sensor so as to generate corresponding counterclockwise detecting signals.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column stalk switch assembly is provided having at least one enclosed switch cell unit used in lieu of metal connector contacts. More particularly, one or more enclosed switch cell units are used in place of conventional all-opened or exposed switch contacts. A switch cell is connected to a printed circuit board within the stalk switch assembly, and positioned for actuation upon movement of a corresponding actuating member of a stalk switch lever. Various switch cells can be positioned so that movement of the lever or knob on the lever in a particular direction will selectively control operation of different vehicle devices or functions.

Abstract: A switch having good maneuverability is provided. The switch of this invention includes a switch case, a rocker-button unit having a perforation thereon and a rotating shaft, which is located at a side of the rocker button unit and held at the switch case, and a pushing-button unit inserted at the perforation movably and vertically. Besides, the switch includes a slider whose upper surface comes in contact with a lower surface of the pushing-button unit, and the slider is accommodated in the switch case movably and vertically.

Abstract: A key top includes a body part having a first width and a flange formed on a lower end portion of the body part so as to have a second width which is larger than the first width. A click rubber is provided on a bottom face of the body part of the key top. The click rubber is elastically deformable such that the key top is vertically moved between an upper first position and a lower second position. A case is formed with a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber has a third width which is larger than the first width but smaller than the second width, for accommodating the body part of the key top therein. The second chamber is continued from the first chamber and has a fourth width which is larger than the second width for accommodating the flange of the key top and the click rubber therein.

Abstract: The present invention, a SOLAR DESALINATION PLANT is a water desalinating plant utilizing solar energy. It comprises of an airtight housing chamber covered with a transparent dome at its top and a transparent wall constructed over a source of saline or murky water. The chamber stands in the water and the water covers entire bottom portion inside the chamber. The surface of the water inside the chamber is covered with black floats. There is an horizontal channel in the form of an open duct above the surface of the water all around fixed to the wall inside the chamber. The channel slightly slopes down into an outlet pipe and a transparent U-tube connecting to a transparent collecting tank. A suction pump is connected between the collecting tank and a storage tank through a valve. The storage tank is also connected to the collecting tank through another valve. The transparent dome allows the sun's rays to pass through into the chamber to heat the black floats.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for depositing a magnetic film using one or more long throw magnetrons, and in some embodiments, an ion assist source and/or ion beam source. The long throw magnetrons are used to deposit particles at low energy and low pressure, which can be useful when, for example, depositing interfacial layers or the like. An ion assist source can be added to increase the energy of the particles provided by the long throw magnetrons, and/or modify or clean the layers on the surface of the substrate. An ion beam source can also be added to deposit layers at a higher energies and lower pressures to, for example, provide layers with increased crystallinity. By using a long throw magnetron, an ion assist source and/or an ion beam source, magnetic films can be advantageously provided.

Abstract: The method for producing an electrode for a lithium secondary battery, having an active material in the form of a thin film composed of an interface layer formed on a current collector and an active material layer formed on the interface layer. The method comprises the steps of: depositing the interface layer on the current collector by sputtering; and depositing the active material layer on the interface layer by vapor evaporation.

Abstract: Increased sidewall coverage by a sputtered material is achieved by generating an ionizing plasma in a relatively low pressure sputtering gas. By reducing the pressure of the sputtering gas, it is believed that the ionization rate of the deposition material passing through the plasma is correspondingly reduced which in turn is believed to increase the sidewall coverage by the underlayer. Although the ionization rate is decreased, sufficient bottom coverage of the by the material is maintained. In an alternative embodiment, increased sidewall coverage by the material may be achieved even in a high density plasma chamber by generating the high density plasma only during an initial portion of the material deposition. Once good bottom coverage has been achieved, the RF power to the coil generating the high density plasma may be turned off entirely and the remainder of the deposition conducted without the high density plasma.

Abstract: A method for providing an ultra thin electrical circuit integral with a portion of a surface of an object, including using a focal Vacuum Arc Vapor Deposition device having a chamber, a nozzle and a nozzle seal, depressing the nozzle seal against the portion of the object surface to create an airtight compartment in the chamber and depositing one or more ultra thin film layer(s) only on the portion of the surface of the object, the layers being of distinct patterns such that they form the circuit.

Abstract: An electrokinetic pump capable of producing high pressure is combined with a nozzle having a submicron orifice to provide a high pressure spray device. Because of its small size, the device can be contained within medical devices such as an endoscope for delivering biological materials such as DNA, chemo therapeutic agents, or vaccines to tissues and cells.

Abstract: An electrically conductive titanium dioxide sputter target with an electrical resistivity of less than 5 &OHgr;-cm, which contains as an additive at least one doping agent or a mixture of doping assents in an amount of less than 5 mole %. The doping agent or agents are selected from the group including indium oxide, zinc oxide, bismuth oxide, aluminun oxide, gallium oxide, antimony oxide, and zirconium oxide. This treatment renders the titanium dioxide sputter target suitable for use in a direct-current sputtering process without any negative effects on the properties of the coating.

Abstract: An electrode for use in an electrochemical sensor includes a catalyst dispersed within an electrolyte. Preferably, the catalyst is immobilized within a matrix of the electrolyte. In one embodiment, the electrode of the present invention includes at least one catalyst/electrolyte layer having a mixture of a powdered catalyst, a powdered, quasi-solid electrolyte and a binder material compressed together. The quasi-solid electrolyte can include a liquid electrolyte immobilized by a high-surface-area, high-pore-volume solid.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatus and kits for integrally labeling polymeric gels, such as polyacrylamide and agarose gels, with indicia that can serve, inter alia, unambiguously to identify the individual gel, using polymeric film labeled with detectable indicia and coated with materials that bond to the gel matrix as the gel polymerizes.

Abstract: A novel method for improving the coating film smoothness and a cationic electrodeposition coating composition containing no heavy metal-based rust prevention agents such as lead compounds and capable of forming a coating film with a high corrosion resistance are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and devices are disclosed for the manipulation (e.g., concentration, purification, capture, trapping, location, transfer, etc.) of analytes, e.g., biomolecules, with respect to analyte-containing solutions using one or more electric fields.

Abstract: A process for embossing high aspect ratio microstructures is provided, wherein the microstructures provide decreased surface reflection and increased transmission through an optical component. The process comprises etching columnar pits in a silicon substrate using inductively coupled plasma, followed by reactive ion etching of the columnar pits to create relatively pointed obelisks. The silicon substrate is then preferably rinsed prior to vapor depositing a conductive layer thereon. Further, a metal is electroformed over the conductive layer to form an embossing tool. The embossing tool is then used to form microstructures, for example in a polymer sheet, having aspect ratios greater than 5 to 1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microencapsulating or electrodeposited coating of ferromagnetic and soft-magnetic sub-micron or nano sized powderized material comprising use of a rotary flow-through device assisted by an electromagnet within the electrode ring to alternately position the powder at the face of the cathode ring and electroplate the powder and reorient it prior to another repositioning. The invention is also of a process and apparatus for forming a strip, mesh, or film from magnetic powderized material in an organized bipolar arrangement, which is particularly useful for electroforming foils with the magnetic particles positioned in a monolayer within a multilayer metallic foil.

Abstract: A method and system for electrolytically processing a microelectronic workpiece. In one embodiment, the method includes contacting the workpiece with an electrolytic fluid, positioning one or more electrodes in electrical communication with the workpiece, directing an electrical current through the electrolytic fluid from the electrodes to the workpiece or vice versa, and actively changing a distribution of the current at the workpiece during the process. For example, the current can be changed such that a current ratio of at least one electrical current to the sum of the electrical currents shifts from a first current ratio value to a second current ratio value. Accordingly, the current applied to the workpiece can be adjusted to achieve a target shape for a conductive layer on the workpiece, or to account for temporally and/or spatially varying characteristics of the electrolytic process.

Abstract: A method of electroplating metal onto a low conductivity layer combines a potential or current reversal waveform with variation in the amplitude and duration of the applied potential or current pulse. The method includes, over time, varying the duration of the pulse and continuously decreasing the amplitude of both the cathodic and anodic portions of the waveform across the surface of the low conductivity layer as the deposition zone moves from the center of the surface of the low conductivity layer to the outside edge. By virtue of the ability to vary the amplitude and duration of the pulse, the method facilitates the filling of structures in the center of the low conductivity layer without overdepositing on the outside edge, thus ensuring a controlled deposition of material across the surface of the low conductivity layer.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus, in accordance with the present invention, includes a plurality of chambers. A first chamber includes an anode therein. The first chamber has an opening for delivering an electrolytic solution containing metal ions onto a surface to be electroplated. The surface to be electroplated is preferably a cathode. A second chamber is formed adjacent to the first chamber and has a second opening in proximity of the first opening for removing electrolytic solution containing metal ions from the surface to be electroplated. The plurality of chambers are adapted for movement in a first direction along the surface to be electroplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a planar conductive surface on a wafer. In one aspect, the present invention uses a no-contact process with electrochemical deposition, followed by a contact process with electrochemical mechanical deposition.

Abstract: A method for protecting anode assemblies in an electrolytic cell from thermal shock is disclosed. The method generally involves applying a thermal insulating layer (8, 16) to the anode (2) and the castable plate (4) prior to preheating the anode assembly in a furnace, where the layer (8, 16) protects the anode (2) and the plate (4) from thermal shock during transfer from the preheat furnace to the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, especially for storing and dispensing dental materials. The inventive device comprises a container comprising a first and a second film which form at least one first chamber for receiving a first substance and a recess that is separated from the chamber and serves for removing the first substance. The separation area between the recess and the first chamber is provided with a passage area that can be opened in a selective manner. The first chamber contains at least one additional container.

Abstract: This invention relates to containers suitable for dispensing wipes comprising a dispensing opening that extends over more than one side.

Abstract: A recording medium accommodating case includes a main body, a lid and a joint portion. The main body is formed with a disk storage area and a cartridge storage area. On the lid, a booklet storage area is formed. The disk storage area includes a protrusion engaged in a center hole of a disk, a supporting portion which is brought into contact with a rear surface of the disk to support the disk, and a disk fall preventive portion which is formed in an outwardly projecting manner from an upper side surface of the protrusion and engaged in the center hole of the disk. The cartridge storage area includes a cartridge holding portion which comes into contact with a side surface of a cartridge to hold the cartridge, and a cartridge fall preventive portion which is formed in an inwardly projecting manner toward an inner surface of the cartridge holding portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a card-shaped storage case (1) made of metal or plastic with at least one internal storage compartment (8) for at least one article, which is defined by a base plate (6) and at least in sections by a cover plate (7) of the storage case (1) running parallel to this, wherein several storage compartments (8) at least partially separate from one another are arranged in the storage case (1) in a plane running parallel to the base plate (6) and/or cover plate (7) and are constructed to receive articles in the form of articles of daily use (9) and/or consumer articles and are also accessible from the outside via storage openings (23), and the storage openings (23) are arranged in at least one of the longitudinal side faces (4) and/or transverse side faces (5) preferably running perpendicular to the base plate (6) and/or cover plate (7).

Abstract: A rigid packet (1) of cigarettes, wherein an outer wrapping (2) of multilayer cardboard encloses a group (3) of cigarettes wrapped in an inner wrapping (4), and wherein a portion (21) of magnetic material is located within the thickness of a wall of the outer casing (2).

Abstract: A portable storage container (10) having a base shell (12) and cover shell (14) is disclosed. The shells (12) and (14) are planar and generally circular in shape with the exception of a spine (16) spanning between and integrally joining the base and cover shells (12) and (14). Disc shaped recesses (16) and (18) in combination with tine type gripping components (20) and (22) grip a compact disc within each base and cover shell (12) and (14). A groove (48) located equidistant between the centers of the shells (12) and (14) on the spine (16) forms a live hinge. The cover shell (14) may be bent towards the base shell (12), encasing the compact discs held in the disc shaped recess (16) and (18) of the shells (12) and (14). A locking mechanism maintains the storage container 10 in the closed position until opened by the user. Two tabs (36) with apertures (38) allow the storage container (10) to be removably mounted in a ring binder.

Abstract: A container system is provided for removing a needle portion from a needle holder of a needle system. The system includes a receptacle defining an opening, a lid configured to cover the receptacle opening, wherein the lid defines an aperture having a shape configured to receive a needle system having a first configuration. The system also includes an adapter configured for engagement in the lid aperture, wherein the adapter defines an aperture having a shape configured to receive a needle system having a second configuration, and wherein the engagement of the adapter in the lid aperture resists rotation of the adapter with respect to the lid.

Abstract: A portable storage case for housing a medical monitoring device is provided that facilitates communications with the medical monitoring device while the portable storage case is in transport. The portable storage case may also store the accessories required for the tests and a portable computing device for receiving additional data relating to the various activities of the patient. In order to communicate with the medical monitoring device, the portable storage case may include an integral data connector disposed in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the medical monitoring device. As such, communication may be established between the integral data connector and a corresponding data connector carried by the medical monitoring device such that data collected by the medical monitoring device may be accessed, such as by being downloaded, once the medical monitoring device is disposed within the case.

Abstract: A dispensing container for dispensing confectionary items. The dispensing container includes a body having a chamber for storing confectionary items and a door connected to the body and operable to dispense the confectionary items stored in the chamber. The body also includes a top portion, the top portion including the door, and a bottom portion having a tapered edge adapted to be inserted into a tight location, for example, between a wrapper of a cigarette package and the cigarette package. The dispensing container can have dimensions such that a flip top of the cigarette package can be opened and cigarettes can be extracted and/or the confectionary items can be extracted from the chamber while the dispensing container is inserted between the wrapper and the cigarette package.

Abstract: A pack includes a base having a first decoration plate and a first peripheral wall extends from the base. A head portion is connected to an end of the base. A cover has a second decoration plate connected thereto and a second peripheral wall extends therefrom. An opening is defined through the second peripheral wall so that the head portion is engaged with the opening. The second decoration plate in the opening is adhered on the head portion so that the cover can be opening from the base corresponding to the head portion. The second peripheral wall is engaged on an outer periphery of the first peripheral wall.

Abstract: A jewel case for storing and transporting compact discs and related optical storage media. The jewel case includes a front cover, back cover and a hinge region connecting the front and back covers. At least one of the surfaces of the covers is treated to enhance its ink-receptive properties such that it can accept direct printing of text, graphics and related indicia, thereby obviating the need for separate printed indicia-containing inserts. Suitable plastic, such as high impact polystyrene, is used to make up the ink-receptive portions of the jewel case, thereby reducing its brittleness. The reduced thickness and simplistic configuration of the jewel case saves manufacturing and shipping costs, while the use of smaller quantities of plastic, as well as the reduction or elimination of paper inserts, results in reduced environmental impact once the jewel case is discarded.

Abstract: A box or container, formed from a single blank, with a group of protruding tabs and corresponding bottom apertures which act together to urge, and maintain, the alignment of an upper box on top of a lower box during the stacking of similar boxes.

Abstract: The present invention is a combination metal cage supporting a cargo to be shipped within the metal cage. The metal cage provides a pallet platform and integral thereto, plural walls extending upwardly from the pallet platform. These walls define an open top of the metal cage. One of the plural walls is hingably mounted as a door. The cargo is comprised of a plurality of individual cartons, each of which has a length to width ratio of at least 10, i.e., the length of the carton is at least ten times the magnitude of the width of the carton. Preferably, the cartons are identical and are positioned in a vertical attitude within the metal cage in an adjacent, side-by-side manner. Preferably, one end of each of the cartons rests on the pallet platform while the opposing end of each of the cartons extends above the open top of the metal cage. The cage employs a loading rod for packing the cargo as it is loaded and a tilt mechanism to position the cage for gravity assist in loading.

Abstract: A pill dispenser having a tray body with multiple side by side compartments and a lid hinged to the body. The lid in a closed position is secured to the body by a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism includes a tongue having multiple shoulders. A first of the shoulders engages a bar attached to the lid so as to hold the lid in a closed position. The lid can be released and opened only by physical flexing of the tongue each time the bar engages the pair of shoulders, making the device child resistant. The tongue is also pivotal and can be moved to a non-locking configuration for use by the infirm where children are not present. The dispenser lid spans over and prevents access to multiple pill receiving compartments when in the closed configuration thereof.

Abstract: A corner protecting device of vacuum molded paper fiber wherein the device is molded onto a porous mold form, the mold form having valleys about twice the width of the material thickness when molded causing the material at the two sides of the valleys to merge and form columnar-like lands connected by rebounding arch-shaped material thus producing a complex resistance to crushing. Splitting is reduced by undulating tunnel configurations, bottom flanges and a dome shaped peak.

Abstract: A transportable container for bulk goods and a method for forming the container are disclosed. The transportable container is formed from a bag having a closed base and an open top. The open top is in a folded over position and a bottom support is located adjacent to the closed base. A particulate material is filled into the bag and an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bottom support and the bag such that the outer wrap secures the bag to the bottom support and secures the open top in the folded over position. The method for forming the transportable container includes the steps of securing the open top of the bag in an opened position and supporting a base of the bag. The bag is filled to a predetermined level with a particulate material and while being filled the fill level of the particulate material in the bag is monitored. Simultaneously with filling of the bag, an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag in an upward direction to a predetermined fill level.

Abstract: A modular carrier system uses a shell portion to house semiconductor wafer disks or similar inventory. The modular carrier system uses an external frame with accessories attached to the frame so that multiple configurations of accessories are possible with each shell portion and the accessories can be recycled when the shell portion is disposed.

Abstract: A decorative basket assembly is produced by wrapping a wrapping material about an outer periphery of a basket. The basket wrapping material forms both a bow and a closure in a sheet of material about the basket. Methods of wrapping a basket with a basket wrapping material which forms both a bow and a closure are also disclosed.

Abstract: This is a process for upgrading a petroleum naphtha fraction. The naphtha is subjected to reforming and the reformate is cascaded to a benzene and toluene synthesis zone over a benzene and toluene synthesis catalyst comprising a molecular sieve of low acid activity. The preferred molecular sieve is steamed ZSM-5. The benzene and toluene synthesis zone is operated under conditions compatible with the conditions of the reformer such as temperatures of above about 800° F. (427° C.). In one aspect on the invention, the benzene and toluene synthesis catalyst includes a metal hydrogenation component from group VII(B), specifically rhenium. In one mode of operation, the benzene and toluene synthesis catalyst replaces at least a portion of the catalyst in the reformer. The process produces a product containing an increased proportion of benzene, toluene, and/or xylenes, and a reduced portion of alkylated aromatics, as compared to reformate.

Abstract: A process is described for the upgrading of hydrocarbon mixtures which boil within the naphtha range containing sulfur impurities, i.e. a hydrodesulfuration process with contemporaneous skeleton isomerization and reduced hydrogenation degree of the olefins contained in said hydrocarbon mixtures, the whole process being carried out in a single step. The process is carried out in the presence of a catalytic system comprising a metal of group VI B, a metal of group VIII and a carrier of acid nature consisting of a mesoporous silico-alumina.

Abstract: A screening panel 10 comprises a peripheral frame 12 consisting of a pair of mutually laterally spaced side members 14, 16, which are integral with a pair of mutually axially spaced end members 18, 20. The side members 14, 16 and end members 18, 20 define corners of the panel 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 and 22.4 and the peripheral frame 12 where they meet. A plurality of mutually spaced ribs 15 extend across the periphery of the panel 10 to define a screening surface. The side members and end members are rectangular in cross-section, thereby defining substantially flat upper peripheral surfaces 12.1, outer peripheral surface 12.2 and lower peripheral surface 12.3 of the peripheral frame 12 and thus also the panel 10. The panel 10 includes locating recesses 24 provided at or near to the corners 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 and 22.4 of the panel 10. The panel 10 also has separate securing recesses in the form of semi-circular grooves 30 formed in the lower surface 12.