Abstract: In a conveyance system comprising a movable body supported and guided by a rail device and movable in a fixed path, a feeder line laid along the fixed path, a power receiving means opposed to the feeder line and installed in the movable body, thereby effecting the feeding of power to the movable body by a noncontact power feeding system, main path feeder lines and branching feeder lines are installed overlapping each other on both sides in a branching/joining portion or the like, with the result that the entire arrangement becomes complicated and expensive. In the main path portion of a fixed path, a feeder line is laid along the main path portion, a power receiving means opposed to the feeder line is installed in the movable body to effect the feeding of power to the movable body by a noncontact power feeding system, while in an auxiliary path portion having no feeder line, the feeding of power is effected by a power storing means mounted on the movable body.

Abstract: A conveyor is provided that is capable of preventing degradation in quality of an article being conveyed. The conveyor includes a conveyor belt; and a rolling element rotatably provided at a surface of the conveyor belt. A plurality of rolling elements are provided along a conveying direction. The conveyor further includes a holder provided at the surface of the conveyor belt, for rotatably holding the corresponding rolling element. The rolling element has a ball shape.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt forming a hinge between consecutive belt rows hingedly connected by a two-part hinge pin. Hinge eyes along the forward and rearward ends of each row of belt modules include aligned openings for the hinge pins. The belt rows are arranged end-to-end with the hinge eyes of adjacent rows interleaved. The hinge pins are inserted in the passageway formed by the aligned openings of the interleaved hinge eyes. The hinge pins include first and second hinge pin members, such as flat strips. The openings in the hinge eyes are characterized by a narrow slotted portion for restraining the first hinge pin member against rotation within the slotted portion and a wider sector-shaped portion that allows the second hinge pin member to rotate relative to the first hinge pin member.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switch having a high-resonance-frequency beam is disclosed. The MEMS switch includes first and second spaced apart electrical contacts, and an actuating electrode. The beam is adapted to establish contact between the electrodes via electrostatic deflection of the beam as induced by the actuating electrode. The beam may have a cantilever or bridge structure, and may be hollow or otherwise shaped to have a high resonant frequency. Methods of forming the high-speed MEMS switch are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for activating a switch includes a thread connected to a switch and a hollow casing is connected to a free end of the thread. A body is received in the casing and a space is defined between the body and an inside of the casing. An earth line is connected to the body and extends through the casing so that when touching the casing or the earth line, the body is shake and contacts the inside of the casing to form a circuit to activate the switch.

Abstract: A control device for activating an electric appliance includes a conductive thread connected to and hanged on an induction control switch. An end piece which is a conductive member is connected to the conductive thread. A wire with a plug extends from a first end of the induction control switch so as to be plugged in a plug on a wall, and an electrical appliance is connected to a second end of the induction control switch. The electric appliance is activated by petting the conductive thread or the end piece.

Abstract: To provide a switch that can hold a switch knob at neutral and prevent play while reducing a number of parts. In the switch, an operating lever portion of a switch knob is inserted from an opening of a knob attaching portion provided at a switch case and the switching knob is axially supported by the knob attaching portion to be capable of operating to pivot, wherein an elastic pin portion is integrally provided to the switch knob, an engaging hole for engaging the elastic pin portion is provided to a side of the switch case, and when the switch knob is operated to pivot, the switch knob is urged to a neutral portion relative to the knob attaching portion by elastic force by deforming the elastic pin portion to the engaging hole.

Abstract: In a push switch, a hemispherical click spring is always connected to a first contact electrically. When a key top is depressed, the click spring is brought into contact with a second contact so that the first contact and the second contact are electrically connected. A bottom portion of the key top is bonded to a center portion of an upper face of the click spring with an adhesive agent.

Abstract: A trigger switch includes a trigger member, a rotation detector and a first shaft. The first shaft rotatably supports the trigger member on the rotation detector, so that the rotation detector detects a rotation of the trigger member.

Abstract: A key switch adapted to raise or lower a key top according to need is disclosed. The key switch includes a key top, a link assembly comprised of two link members and operatively connected to the key top, which is retracted by a pressure on the key top and extended by release of the pressure and which has an elastic member at its lower end, an FPC placed on a frame of a keyboard to recognize pressing of the key top, and a plate movably placed on the FPC, to which a lower end of one of the link members is connected, and which has an elastic supporting member being in contact with the elastic member of the link assembly. When the key top is pressed down, the link assembly is retracted while compressing the elastic member of the link assembly and the elastic supporting member of the plate.

Abstract: To provide a switch which can widen a degree of freedom of setting height and shape of a click groove while providing the click groove on a side of a movable contact and promote operation feeling without increasing cost. The switch for bringing a movable contact into contact with a fixed contact and separating the movable contact therefrom by pivoting a movable piece by moving a steel ball on the movable piece by operating to pivot a switch knob, wherein the movable piece is provided with a flat click portion made of resin having a contact portion made of a conductive material and a click groove at an end edge thereof, the click portion is arranged to erect relative to a housing, a steel ball is contained in a ball support portion via a coil spring and an opening of the ball support portion is provided with a fitting groove to be fitted loosely to the end edge of the click portion of the movable piece.

Abstract: A process for separating a feed mixture comprising at least one aromatic hydrocarbon and at least one non-aromatic hydrocarbon by extractive distillation (ED) utilizing a solvent mixture comprising sulfolane and at least one co-solvent. The co-solvent is an alkyl sulfolane having from 4 to 8 carbon atoms per molecule. The solvent mixture is added to the top of the ED column, and the feed mixture is added at a point on the ED column that is lower than the point where the solvent mixture is added. Extractive distillation is performed, and the aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons are separated.

Abstract: A photocatalytic method and apparatus employing a Holl-type mill for the direct production of methanol from methane and water comprising forming a water/methane emulsion and contacting the emulsion with a photocatalyst under conditions to react the methane and water to form methanol.

Abstract: A discoloration of an aminosilane having a content of a free base is treated by adding an acid chloride to the aminosilane to obtain a mixture having a molar excess of acid chloride; neutralizing the molar excess of the acid chloride in one or more steps with a molar deficit of a base to obtain a mixture containing a salt; separating off the salt from; and irradiating the remaining aminosilane with UV-containing light.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of purifying mixtures comprising nanofibers and/or nanotubes and residual catalyst particles that are covered by outer layers of the nanotube or nanofiber material. The mixtures are exposed to electromagnetic radiation, which induces localized heating in the residual catalyst particles. The localized heating creates breaches in the outer layers. Thereafter, the residual catalyst particles may be removed under relatively mild conditions that do not significantly affect the structural integrity of the nanotubes or nanofibers. The methods of the invention have been used to particular advantage in the purification of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) synthesized using metal catalysts. For these SWNTs, microwave radiation is preferably used to induce the localized heating, the outer layers are preferably removed at least in part by carrying out the localized heating under air, and the residual catalyst may be removed by exposure to relatively dilute aqueous acid.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a plasma polymerization surface modification of a metal for enhancing its applicability for use in refrigerating and air conditioning such as in constructing heat exchanges, by using a DC discharge plasma, comprising the steps of: (a) positioning an anode electrode which is substantially of metal to be surface-modified and a cathode electrode in a chamber, (b) maintaining a pressure in the chamber at a predetermined vacuum level, (c) blowing a reaction gas composed of an unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon monomer gas or fluorine-containing monomer and silicon containing monomer gas at a predetermined pressure and a non-polymerizable gas at a predetermined pressure into the chamber, and (d) applying a voltage to the electrodes in order to obtain a DC discharge, whereby to obtain a plasma consisting of positive and negative ions and radicals generated from the unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon monomer gas and the non-polymerizable gas, and then forming a poly

Abstract: A method for controlling plasma density distribution over a target of a magnetron sputter source has at least one electron trap generated with a magnetic field over the target. The filed forms a closed circulating loop and, viewed in cross section, has a tunnel shape. Due to the loop of the tunnel-shaped magnetic field as well as of an electric field that si at an angle to it and which is generated between an anode and the target acting as the cathode, an electron current is formed, which forms along and in the loop current loop. In a region along the loop of the magnetic field, the field conditions are locally varied under control. With changes of field conditions, the component of the loop electron current is varied which is anodically coupled out of the loop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing physical vapor deposition of a layer or a substrate, composed of a deposition chamber enclosing a plasma region for containing an ionizable gas; an electromagnetic field generating system surrounding the plasma region for inductively coupling an electromagnetic field into the plasma region to ionize the gas and generate and maintain a high density, low potential plasma; a source of deposition material including a solid target constituting a source of material to be deposited onto the substrate; a unit associated with the target for electrically biasing the target in order to cause ions in the plasma to strike the target and sputter material from the target; and a substrate holder for holding the substrate at a location to permit material sputtered from the target to be deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: A thin film of a metal compound such as metal oxide, nitride and carbide is formed on a substrate by sputtering a target in vacuum in the presence of an inert gas and a reactive gas. From a curve of an input power supplied from a DC supply to the target versus an input voltage between the target and the substrate, a transition point of input power at which an abrupt change of the input voltage occurs is determined. The input power during sputtering is controlled using the transition point as a reference, thereby controlling the composition or physical properties of the thin film. When a cobalt oxide thin film is formed on a substrate in this way, rubber can be vulcanized thereto to form a firm bond.

Abstract: A substrate is placed in a sputter chamber so as to be spaced from a target contained in the chamber. A gaseous impurity is provided into the sputter chamber so as to control a pressure within the chamber in a pressure transition range. A first pressure in the chamber when during an increase in pressure is different from a second pressure in the chamber during a decrease in pressure, while an equal amount of the nitrogen gas is provided into the sputter chamber. Accelerated particles collide with the target to sputter the metal material from the target. Accordingly, a metal barrier layer containing an impurity comprised of the gaseous impurity and the metal material is deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: A method for killing microorganisms in water, by passing an aqueous feed solution comprising of water containing some form of halide salt into a non-membrane electrolysis cell comprising an anode and a cathode, adjacent to the anode, while flowing electrical current between the anode and the cathode to electrolyze the aqueous feed solution and convert the halide salt to anti-microbial mixed oxidants.

Abstract: A finite element model of the environment of electrodeposit coating is prepared by a simulation method, change of an electric field in an electrolytic cell for the case of electrodeposit coating is simulated, the distribution of currents then flowing through individual parts of a finite element model of a to-be-coated object is obtained, the electric variables of currents flowing through the respective surfaces of the finite elements of the to-be-coated object are obtained and accumulated according to the current distribution, the thickness of an electrodeposition coating film is calculated as h=&Sgr;KFICC.E.&Dgr;t/&rgr; if the cumulative electric variable is higher than a deposition starting electric variable such that a fixed concentration is attained by OH− or H+.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell with an anode and cathode for the electrolysis of hydrochloric acid and brine is provided. The anodes and cathodes of the present invention are made of a bulk ceramic or intermetallic material.

Abstract: Novel membranes comprising various polymers containing heterocyclic nitrogen groups are described. These membranes are usefully employed in electrochemical sensors, such as amperometric biosensors. More particularly, these membranes effectively regulate a flux of analyte to a measurement electrode in an electrochemical sensor, thereby improving the functioning of the electrochemical sensor over a significant range of analyte concentrations. Electrochemical sensors equipped with such membranes are also described.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas sensor including a first electrode 3 provided on one surface of a proton conduction layer 1; a second electrode 5 provided on the other surface of the proton conduction layer 1 in opposition to the first electrode 3; and these components are supported in a support element including a first support element 9a and a second support element 9b. A conductive, elastic element 23 is disposed between a first lead portion 10a and a first electrode 3 in contact with the first lead portion 10a and the first electrode 3. The conductive, elastic element 23 is an electrically conductive, elastic sheetlike element made of metal, and has a pair of right-hand and left-hand through-holes 25 formed therein at a central portion thereof. The conductive, elastic element 23 is held between the first lead portion 10a and the first electrode 3 while being pressed inward by a first support element 9a.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas sensor is configured such that a first electrode (3) is provided on one surface of a proton conduction layer (1); a second electrode (5) and a reference electrode (7) are provided on the other surface of the proton conduction layer (1) in opposition to the first electrode (3); and these components are supported in a support element (10) consisting of a first support element (8) and a second support element (9). The first support element (8), which partially constitutes the support element (10), has a diffusion controlling portion (19) for establishing communication between an ambient atmosphere and a first recess (11a). The ratio (area ratio) S1/S2 between the first area S1 (the area of the meshed portion in FIG. 1) and the second area S2 (the area of the hatched portion in FIG. 1) is less than 0.35.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for controlling electroosmotic flow by treating a surface with an organosilane having a single leaving group and optionally a ceramic oxide. This protective coating allows increased control and stabilization of electroosmotic flow by applying a radial voltage field.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymer (a) having a polymer backbone having appended thereto at least one carbamate functional group, the polymer represented by randomly-repeating units according to the formula: 1

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel crater inhibiting method and crater inhibiting agent not containing an acrylic resin and hence capable of increasing the opportunities to be added to coating compositions and improving degree of freedom in preparation methods of coating composition. The method comprises that electrodeposition coating is conducted by using an electrodeposition coating composition containing an aminopolyether modified epoxy having a polyether chain of specific structure as an additive.

Abstract: A system for use with a plating cell configured to plate objects in a plating process. At least one byproduct is created in a plating substance used in the plating cell. The system includes a purification system configured to remove at least a portion of the at least one byproduct from the plating substance. The purification system comprises at least a first processing vessel, a second processing vessel, and a flow path providing flow from the first processing vessel to the second processing vessel. The flow path may be configured such that the flow from the first vessel to the second vessel is caused by gravity. A method is also provided for removing at least a portion of at least one byproduct from a plating substance used in a plating cell.

Abstract: A high-frequency circuit device using a plane antenna is provided which has improved reliability of electrical conduction even when subjected to repeated bending stresses. A film structure of a wiring pattern is constituted by forming a Cu-film layer on an organic substrate, and then forming a Ni-plated film and an Au-plated film successively on the Cu-film layer. The Ni-plated film is formed by electrolytic plating. An elongation rate of the Ni-plated film formed by electrolytic plating is 4.9% at minimum. A thermal shock test proves that the wiring pattern is free from cracks and disconnections. Hence, reliability against repeated bending stresses can be improved.

Abstract: Electroplating methods and systems employing ultrasonic energy to enhance electroplating processes. The electroplating methods involve sweeping a plating surface with ultrasonic energy having an area of maximum ultrasonic energy density while simultaneously performing electroplating. The systems include movement apparatus providing relative movement between an ultrasonic energy source and a cathode while the ultrasonic energy source and the cathode are located within a plating tank.

Abstract: A method for applying a metal layer onto at least one surface of an aluminium or aluminium alloy workpiece, including the steps of pretreating the surface and applying the metal layer by plating, wherein the pretreating step includes a non-electrolytic treatment by immersion of the workpiece in a single acidic solution, preferably a sulphuric acid solution, having a temperature of at most 100° C. A brazed assembly comprising at least one component of an aluminium workpiece made by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of forming a nano-supported catalyst on a substrate and at least one carbon nanotube on the substrate are comprised of configuring a substrate with an electrode (102), immersing the substrate with the electrode into a solvent containing a first metal salt and a second metal salt (104) and applying a bias voltage to the electrode such that a nano-supported catalyst is at least partly formed with the first metal salt and the second metal salt on the substrate at the electrode (106). In addition, the method of forming at least one carbon nanotube is comprised of conducting a chemical reaction process such as catalytic decomposition, pyrolysis, chemical vapor deposition, or hot filament chemical vapor deposition o grow at least one nanotube on the surface of the nano-supported catalyst (108).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anodizing aluminum exhaust housings including the utilization of conducting rods placed through the narrow passages. The rods allow current to flow and anodizing coating to build up inside the narrow passages. The rods are insulated from the housing and are connected to a special end plate. The end plate has an insulating spacer between the housing and connecting plate and ensures that the rods are installed and spaced properly and that the current properly flows. The assembly is then degreased and rinsed. The clean assembly is then placed into an appropriate anodizing solution and connected to a current source until the coating sufficiently builds up. The assembly is then removed from the anodizing tanks and rinsed in a series of tanks of increasing temperature.

Abstract: An automated self-calibrating water quality monitoring sensor housing assembly includes a number of ion-selective electrodes combined in a single flow train to provide for the multi constituent analysis of a number of samples without direct intervention by a human operator. An operator can enter the laboratory, connect sample bottles to an intake manifold, activate the device, and download data once the analysis is complete. With the exception of periodic probe maintenance, the system is designed to be self-calibrating and self cleaning.

Abstract: An Electrochemical biosensor system which can do selectively quantitative analysis of blood sugar, cholesterol and other elements in blood is disclosed. The electrochemical biosensor test strip used in this invention is provided with recognition electrode which indicates that a fixed reagent is used for what material's quantitative analysis. The readout meter used in this invention discriminates the use of inserted test strip by auto-recognition of the location of said recognition electrode and performs predetermined algorithm. According to this invention, it has advantage that various blood elements such as blood sugar, cholesterol, GOT and GPT can be analyzed quantitatively by one readout meter.

Abstract: A method for detecting the concentration of a specific gas (NOx) in an engine exhaust gas using a gas sensor and a process of correcting the gas sensor. According to the correcting process, the amount of moisture in the exhaust gas is estimated, then a gas concentration detection signal output by the gas sensor on the basis of an estimated amount of moisture is corrected.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a measurement gas chamber into which a measurement gas is introduced. An oxygen pumping cell adjusts an oxygen concentration in the measurement gas chamber. An oxygen monitor cell has a monitor electrode exposed in the measurement gas chamber. The monitor electrode has an oxidizing activity with respect to a specific component of the measurement gas. A sensor cell has a sensor electrode exposed in the measurement gas chamber. The sensor electrode has an oxidizing activity with respect to the specific component of the measurement gas which is lower than the oxidizing activity of the monitor electrode. An oxygen-ion current in the oxygen monitor cell is detected. An oxygen-ion current in the sensor cell is detected. A concentration of the specific component of the measurement gas is detected from a relation between the detected oxygen-ion currents in the oxygen monitor cell and the sensor cell.

Abstract: An electronic package comprised of multiple chip stacks attached together to form a single, compact electronic module. The module is hermetically sealed in an enclosure. The enclosure comprises a pressurized, thermally conductive fluid, which is utilized for cooling the enclosed chip stack. A structure that allows for densely-packed, multiple chip stack electronic packages to be manufactured with improved heat dissipation efficiency, thus improving the performance and reliability of the multi-chip electronic packages.

Abstract: Portable compact disk storage systems that are designed to hold one or more circular compacts disks. The storage systems may be made as a single molded plastic embodiment or a two-part molded plastic embodiment. An exemplary compact disk storage system comprises a lower housing having a plurality of slots formed along one side thereof that are sized to receive individual compact disks therein, and a frictional pad disposed on the plurality of slots. The frictional pad provides a frictional surface that assists removal of the compact disks from the storage system. An upper housing is coupled to the lower housing by way of a living hinge. A locking mechanism is provided for locking the lower and upper housings together when the storage system is closed.

Abstract: A decorative disc holder is provided. The disc holder includes a display member and a disc securing mechanism, removably attached to the display member. In one embodiment, the display member is fabric. An example of a suitable fabric is a loop fabric. In one embodiment, the disc securing mechanism includes a hub having a front side and a back side and a hook fastener attached to the back side of the hub.

Abstract: A modular storage system for recording media, includes a plurality of folders and a plurality of slipcases for storing at least one folder. Each folder has orthogonal outer dimensions in common with each other folder, and each individual folder is formed from a single paperboard blank and capable of storing therein at least one recording media. Each folder defines a plurality of panels, at least one of the panels being capable of storing a recording media, and the panels being laterally turnable like the pages of a book. Each folder is characterized by the absence of any additional member joining together the panels.

Abstract: Baseball bat and accessory bag with a hollow, open topped, semi-rigid rectangular case having a lower level that can retain a plurality of baseball bats and an upper level that can retain items such as baseball gloves and the like, the case having longitudinal partitions in the lower level to separate one bat from another, the case having a pair of wheels, each the wheel located at the bottom corner, the open topped case having a semi-rigid lid that is hinged at one end, said lid having a semi-rigid reinforcing lip about three sides of the perimeter, a locking mechanism that penetrates through said reinforcing lip and through the wall of said rectangular case thereby capable of locking the two together when said lock is in place, a heating device comprised of a series of resistive elements fastened to an aluminum heat dissipating plate, said plate positioned at the barrel end of one of said bat retaining sections, said heating element powered by a removably replaceable rechargeable battery, said battery provi

Abstract: A dual function portable computer bag serves its conventional function as a carrying device for a portable computer and associated accessories and also serves an additional function as an ergonomically appropriate padded back support for a user thereby converting a conventional chair and table into an ergonomically appropriate and comfortable workstation for a portable computer user.

Abstract: This invention relates to a package comprising a roll of asphaltic roofing or siding material wrapped with a stressed polymeric membrane having an elasticity of at least 4%.

Abstract: A power tool carrying and storage case is comprised of four flaps arranged around the four sides of a generally rectangular and rigid bottom panel. The flaps may be folded over the contents of the bag.

Abstract: At least one of a holding cylinder 2 holding a stick-shaped cosmetic 1, a shell cylinder 4 accommodating the holding cylinder 2 and a sleeve 13 held on the outer periphery of the shell cylinder 4 is formed of a different material, a lower portion of the shell cylinder 4 is coupled to a body cylinder 14 unrotatably and removably so as not to be dropped out, the shell cylinder 4 is divided into an upper shell cylinder 4a and a lower shell cylinder 4b, the upper shell cylinder 4a is provided with a guide groove 5 through which a screwing projection 3 of the holding cylinder 2 penetrates, a pair of window portions 34 are provided in the vicinity of a lower end in a horizontal direction, a tongue piece-shaped inserting portion 8 entering from the lower end of the upper shell cylinder 4a is linked to the lower shell cylinder 4b, a hook 32 is protruded from the window portion 34 to the outside over a side wall of a tip portion of the inserting portion 8, one of end faces of the hook 32 is cut like a taper to constit

Abstract: A package for containing and dispensing wire from a coil of wire having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a top and bottom defining a coil height comprising an outer carton having a rectangular bottom wall and four side panels extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The package further includes an octagonal inner liner having eight walls and wherein every other wall engages a portion of one of the side panels of the outer carton. The package has a planar retainer ring which engages the top of the wire coil and which has an opening forming an inner edge and an outer periphery comprising a plurality of nodes extending radially outwardly beyond the outer surface of the wire coil.

Abstract: The cardboard box for containing and dispensing large quantities of wire, especially metal wire for welding, comprises a cubic external container with an open top side, an octagonal-base internal container, fitting snugly into the external container and being destined to contain a coil of wire, and a bag-type wrapper made of a flexible airtight material, which is interposed between the external and the internal containers so as completely to cover the internal container and able to be closed and sealed there-upon.