Abstract: A sunshade comprises a post, a support rod having a lower end detachably mounted on top of the post, a runner mounted to the support rod and slidable along a longitudinal direction of the support rod, plural stretchers, and plural ribs. Each rib comprises an upper tube and a lower tube that are engaged together in a manner allowing relative longitudinal telescopic movement therebetween. Each upper tube comprises an upper end pivotally connected to an upper end of the support rod. A button is provided for retaining each lower tube in one of an extended state and a retracted state relative to an associated one of the upper tubes. An end of each stretcher is pivotally connected to an associated one of the lower tubes. The other end of each stretcher is pivotally connected to the runner.

Abstract: Devices for assisting a frail or physically handicapped user include an angled handgrip that is positioned for use by the user in rising from a seated or reclined position. The device may be in the form of a crutch in which the handgrip projects rearwardly from the upper end of the crutch, preferably at an angle of about 45° from vertical. Alternatively, the device may be in the form of a telescoping shaft that is attached to a frame member of a chair or bed, with the handgrip projecting rearwardly from the upper end of the telescoping shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rollator which tubular frame assembly comprising a pair of U-shaped side frames connected by a front brace. The side frames also have a cross bar that extends between the front legs and the back legs of the frame. The side frames are pivotably attached to the front brace so that the side frames can fold inward. Further, the rollator has a molded rigid seat that is mounted on pivot brackets to allow it to pivot upward out of the way of the user. The pivot brackets have an offset axis of rotation so that the seat nestles in a curved area of the front brace.

Abstract: A collapsible structure has first and second flexible loop members, each loop member defining a closed loop and having a first side and an opposing second side, each loop member adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position, with the two loop members overlapping each other at a first overlapping point along the first sides of the loop members, and at a second overlapping point along the second sides of the loop members. The loop members are adapted to assume a deployed position in which one loop member is disposed at an angle with respect to the other loop member at the overlapping points, so that the structure defines a top side, four vertical sides, and a bottom side when in the loop members are in the deployed position. The structure also includes a flexible wall extending across the four vertical sides and the bottom side to define an interior space.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling a solar panel to track a solar or other energy source, comprising a panel; a mast; a first collar slidingly receiving the mast; a sleeve slidingly receiving the mast and the link tube; a controller second collar slidingly receiving the mast; a universal joint comprising a first section and a second section, both sections pivotably joined, the first section fixedly attached to one end of the mast; a first arm fixedly attached to the controller second collar; a second arm fixed attached to the first collar; a link pivotably joining the first arm and the second arm; a first stop associated with the first collar; wherein the mast is capable of vertical movement within the first collar such that the panel can tilt and be displaced angularly.

Abstract: A tilted single-axis tracking system (20) for collecting solar energy includes a structure (22) for supporting an array (26) of photovoltaic (PV) modules (24) above a surface (28). The structure (22) includes a frame (34) having first and second legs (40, 42) configured to extend upwardly from the surface (28) and join at an apex (54). A base tensioning member (44) of the frame (34) is interposed between the first and second legs (40, 42). A torque tube (36) is pivotally retained by the frame (34) at the apex (54) and is configured for attachment of the array (26) of PV modules (24). A foot member (38) pivotally retains a tube end (60) of the torque tube (36) and is configured to rest on the surface (22). A first tensioning member (106) is coupled between the foot member (38) and the first leg (40), and a second tensioning member (108) is coupled between the foot member (38) and the second leg (42).

Abstract: In a thin film solar battery module, a flat glass substrate with non-monocrystal silicon type thin film solar cells formed thereon, a space layer, and a chilled figured glass are sequentially stacked in this order. The chilled figured glass has fine unevenness on at least its incident side surface to achieve an anti-glare effect.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell or other optoelectronic device having a wide-bandgap semiconductor used in the window layer. This wider bandgap is achieved by using a semiconductor composition that is not lattice-matched to the cell layer directly beneath it and/or to the growth substrate. The wider bandgap of the window layer increases the transmission of short wavelength light into the emitter and base layers of the photovoltaic cell. This in turn increases the current generation in the photovoltaic cell. Additionally, the wider bandgap of the lattice mismatched window layer inhibits minority carrier injection and recombination in the window layer.

Abstract: A nonrotating adjustable solar panel for optimizing cell charging of a portable message sign, comprising a movable frame, a message sign, a solar panel, a support post attached to the underside of the solar panel by a universal joint, and a mechanism for adjusting the angle and position of the solar panel comprising a pair of outwardly extending arms, a pair of threaded support rods, each rod extending through an aperture in the arm, and a handle for turning the rod. Each rod is coupled to the underside of the solar panel by a ball or universal joint. As each rod is turned, it raises or lowers a portion of the solar panel, providing tilting and pivoting, but not rotating motion for adjustment of the solar panel angle.

Abstract: A temporary ball valve support structure is utilized to apply pressure on the ball in a ball valve so that a seal is maintained between the ball portion of the valve and one seal member. This prevents fluid from leaking from the valve while the valve is being serviced by ensuring that there is a good seal between the ball valve and the seal closest to the fluid filled tank or pipe. The temporary ball valve support allows a outermost ball valve seal and the ball valve retainer housing assembly to be removed. This allows the outer seal and retainer to be replaced and/or serviced without allowing fluid to be escape from the tank. First and second clamping members are alternately used to force the ball member against the seal closest to the fluid container.

Abstract: A fluid pressure regulator has a program controller, a PID controller, a second PID controller, a drive controller, a solenoid-operated valve for supplying a fluid, a solenoid-operated valve for discharging a fluid, a diaphragm, a main valve, and a pressure sensor. Based on a desired preset value and/or a desired control program inputted from an external source, the fluid pressure regulator regulates the pressure or flow rate of the fluid discharged from a discharge port of the main valve. A detecting mechanism is combined with a controlled object for supplying a controlled variable in the controlled object to the second PID controller through a feedback loop.

Abstract: A compact fuel control valve is presented where a hydraulic manifold is used as both a valve bonnet and an actuator seat for the valve actuator. The valve body has a fuel inlet, a fuel outlet and a metering plug opening. A metering plug guide mounted within the metering plug opening and attached to the hydraulic manifold forms a thermal barrier between the valve body and the hydraulic manifold to protect lower temperature components from high temperature gaseous fluids. A valve metering plug is directly coupled to the valve actuator piston. The hydraulic manifold maintains barriers between the hydraulics and the gaseous fuel with redundant seals and leakage paths. An intermediate vent within the hydraulic manifold routed to atmosphere further maintains physical separation of the gas and hydraulic system.

Abstract: A discharge valve assembly of fluid machinery is provided. The discharge valve assembly of fluid machinery includes a valve housing connected to a discharge side of a compression chamber, forming a valve holding space for holding a valve, forming a discharge hole on one side of the valve holding space, forming a back current hole in the other side of the valve holding space to be separated from the discharge hole, and fixedly installed in a discharge chamber, and a sliding valve positioned between the discharge side of the compression chamber and the discharge hole of the valve housing so as to open and close the discharge hole while sliding according to the pressure of the compression chamber and the pressure of the discharge chamber and inserted into the valve holding space to slide. The sliding valve completely opens the discharge side of the compression chamber and the discharge hole of the valve housing when compressed refrigerant gas is discharged.

Abstract: A check valve is mounted in a valve arrangement having a valve member with an annular channel and at least one bore opening into the annular channel. The check valve has a closing element configured to close the at least one bore in the annular channel. The closing element is formed of a strip shaped as a ring. The strip of the check valve is arranged in the annular channel of the valve member.

Abstract: A motorized rotary water valve has an integrally formed one piece motor housing and emergency bypass channel. A solenoid operated valve is integrally provided on the bypass channel and is spring biased to the open position upon shut off of electrical power to the solenoid.

Abstract: An auto-relieving pressure modulating valve includes a spool, a solenoid that shifts the spool in an energized direction, and a spring arrangement. The spring arrangement functions to shift the spool from a relieving position to a neutral position, in the energized direction, without energizing the solenoid.

Abstract: A microvalve comprising a valve chamber defined by a housing, the valve chamber being connected with housing openings constituting fluid ducts. Within the valve chamber a valve member is arranged, which consists of an elongated actuator element secured at one point to the housing and on which at least one electrical conductor is applied, whose coefficient of thermal expansion, different to that of the actuator element, causes deflection of the valve member into at least one position. The top actuator element is manufactured of a plastic material.

Abstract: In a hydraulic tensioner having a relief valve mechanism in which a spring-biased valve element is reciprocable in a bore, hitting sounds produced by collision of the relief valve element with a plug in the bore, and wear and breakage of the biasing spring, are prevented by providing an oil relief hole in a peripheral wall of the relief valve bore at a position where it is closed by the relief valve element when he relief valve element is moved by a rapid increase in oil pressure.

Abstract: A fluid diversion apparatus, which has a first member and a second member, each said member having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, the first member comprising a fluid inlet adapted for connection to a fluid pipe, and a fluid outlet adapted for connection to a fluid pipe such that fluid passing through the fluid pipes passes through the first member in a fluid flow direction, and a connecting means, the second member being attached to the first member via the connecting means, the second member having a first end and a second end, the first end being positioned inside the first member, the first end having an inlet means and an outlet means, the second end of the second member having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the first end of the second member is in fluid connection with the outlet of the second end and the outlet of the first end is in fluid connection with the inlet of the second end.

Abstract: Flexible metal tube having a box element and flexible pipe comprising such a metal tube.

Abstract: Plastic tube fluid handling means provided in the form of one or more polymeric tubes embedded in foil laminate which includes metal and at least one polymer. The preferred polymers are polyolefins and polyamides. The metal provides barrier protection making the structure suitable for use in fuel lines, refrigerator hose, in-floor heating pipe, solar hot water heating systems and the like. The tubes are of a geometry which provides burst strength, so that the metal can be quite thin.

Abstract: The shed of a fluidic weaving loom is not changed simultaneously for all warp threads, but rather continuously starting at the weft entrance and continuing helically, so to speak, to the exit of the warp shed. This sequential shed closure takes place with a so-called domino effect along a helical line curved in space, whereby additional time is gained for stretching the inserted weft thread and temporarily stopping the shed formation or shedding is avoided.

Abstract: Provided are methods of charging refrigerants into refrigeration systems. The present methods involve recharging a refrigerant system that contains a chlorine-containing refrigerant and a lubricant comprising the steps of (a)providing a refrigeration system comprising a chamber having a hydrocarbon-based lubricant and substantially no chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant; and (b) introducing to the system a composition comprising: (i) a refrigerant; (ii) a surfactant; and (iii) a solubilizing agent.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of damping pressure pulsations and attenuating noise transmission in a fuel supply system. The apparatus includes a first end in fluid communication with a fuel supply line, a second end in fluid communication with a manifold, and a body that couples in fluid communication the first and second ends. The first end is adapted to receive fuel from a pump. The second end is adapted to supply the fuel to a plurality of nozzles in individual fluid communication with the manifold. And the body includes a tube that is arranged in a helix around a central axis.

Abstract: A method of filling a cylinder with a target weight of a gas. The method includes successively measuring weight of the cylinder at periodic time intervals to obtain successive actual weights of the cylinder; opening a first valve and filling the cylinder with the gas at a high flow rate; and closing the first valve after reaching a predetermined weight difference between the target weight and an actual weight. After closing the first valve, the method opens a second valve and fills the cylinder with the gas at a low flow rate. After opening the second valve to fill the cylinder with the gas, the method adjustably controls, via an adjustable valve, the flow of gas to the cylinder. The method differences each successively measured actual weight from the target weight of the gas to obtain multiple first difference values. The method also differences adjacently measured actual weights to obtain multiple second difference values.

Abstract: A discrete object dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of objects, up to a maximum number, without a delay associated with counting the tablets. A preset number of objects are counted and stored in dedicated chambers, the combination of the numbers of objects within the chambers being known to comprise any number of objects which is desired for dispensing. According to a preferred system, n chambers are provided, with 20, 21, 22, . . . , 2n−1 tablets provided respectively in the individual chambers. The chambers which together add up to the selected number for dispensing are emptied. Only those chambers which are emptied after dispensing need to be refilled and, as such, only the number of tablets in those storage locations need to be counted. The system may include a plurality of cells, each including a plurality of chambers for a different solid dose medication.

Abstract: A fluid transfer assembly comprising a bottle connector and a drug bottle. The bottle has a neck with an opening covered by a closure, while the connector has a hollow needle for penetrating the closure when establishing a fluid transfer line in the fluid transfer assembly. The assembly further comprises a neck element having locking members for irreversible coupling to the neck and to the connector. The neck element and the connector further comprise interacting guiding members for directing the hollow needle to penetrate the closure at a predetermined angle when establishing the fluid transfer line.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tool system including a workpiece support assembly and tool mount assembly operatively secured to a base structure. The tool mount assembly and workpiece support assembly typically are configured to be movable to provide tools and workpieces supported by those structures with a wide variety of movements relative to the base structure. In particular, the tool mount assembly may be configured to permit rotation of a tool mounted thereon about multiple axes of rotation relative to the base structure. In addition, the base structure may be configured to include a way assembly having one or more elongate way members, where the way assembly is modular to permit selective insertion and removal of one or more additional elongate way members to provide the way assembly with an adjustable length.

Abstract: A wood processing device having a spinning wood processing head having one or more spaced apart knives mounted on said spinning head for processing wood. The knives, upon contacting said wood, form a curved cut surface in said wood being processed. At least one limit surface is adjustably mounted between said one or more knives on said spinning head, said limit surface being sized and shaped to limit abnormal movement of said wood during processing. An adjustor for adjusting a position of said limit surface is provided to permit said limit surface to limit abnormal movement of said wood over a range of operating conditions. In a preferred embodiment the limiter is curved. A method of adjusting a wood processing head is also disclosed.

Abstract: Permanent magnets, devices including permanent magnets and methods for manufacture are described with the permanent magnet comprising, for example: iron-boron-rare earth alloy particulate having an intrinsic coercive force of at least about 1591 kiloamperes/meter (about 20 kiloOersteds) and a residual magnetization of at least bout 0.8 tesla (about 8 kiloGauss), wherein the rare earth content comprises praseodymium, a light rare earth element selected from the group consisting of cerium, lanthanum, yttrium and mixtures thereof, and balance neodymium; and a binder bonding the particulate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of coating aluminum and aluminum alloy substrates by which not only a corrosion resistance comparable or even superior to that afforded by chromate treatment can be imparted but also the adhesion to the coating film can be improved, while the luster of aluminum is fully retained, notwithstanding the use of a chromium-free treating solution, as well as a coated article with the coated surface according to the above method having a metallic luster.

Abstract: A method for forming a zinc oxalate coating on the surface of a strip or sheet of metal covered with a zinc or zinc alloy coating other than zinc/iron coatings, with the aid of an aqueous solution consisting of oxalic acid having a concentration of between 5.10−3 and 0.1 mole/l, and at least one compound and/or ion of an oxidant zinc metal having a concentration of between 10−6 and 10−2 mole/l, and possibly a wetting agent. The inventive method enables sheet metal to be treated at very high speeds without using large amounts of oxidant. It facilitates management of treatment baths. The invention can be used in the lubrication of sheet metal, especially for die stamping.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an iron, aluminum, chromium, carbon alloy and a method of producing the same, wherein the alloy has g good room temperature ductility, excellent high temperature oxidation resistance and ductility. The alloy includes about 10 to 70 at. % iron, about 10 to 45 at. % aluminum, about 1 to 70 at. % chromium and about 0.9 to 15 at. % carbon. The invention is also directed to a material comprising a body-centered-cubic solid solution of this alloy, and a method for strengthening this material by the precipitation of body-centered-cubic particles within the solid solution, wherein the particles have substantially the same lattice parameters as the underlying solid solution. The ease of processing and excellent mechanical properties exhibited by the alloy, especially at high temperatures, allows it to be used in high temperature structural applications, such as a turbocharger component.

Abstract: A single step heat treatment for Ni—Cr—Mo alloys containing from 12% to 19% chromium and from 18% to 23% molybdenum provides higher yield strength, high tensile strength and other mechanical properties comparable to those observed in similar alloys age-hardened according to current practices. This treatment is done over a total time of at least 24 hours and preferably less than 50 hours. However, the treatment works for only those alloys having alloying elements present in amounts according to an equation here disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product comprising an aluminum base alloy consisting of (in weight %): Cu 3.8-4.9, Mg 1.2-1.8, Mn 0.1-0.9, Fe max. 0.12, Si max. 0.10, Ti max. 0.15, Zn max. 0.20, Cr max. 0.10, impurities each max. 0.05, total max. 0.15, balance aluminum. The product having a minimum L-0.2% yield strength of 300 MPa or more, a minimum LT-0.2% yield strength of 270 MPa, a minimum T-L fracture toughness KC(ao) of 100 MPa. {square root}m or more for a 700 mm wide CCT-panel, and has in both L/ST- and LT/ST-sections an average grain size of at least 6 according to ASTM4 E-112. Further the invention relates to a method for the manufacturing of such a product.

Abstract: An improved silicon steel sheet has two lateral ends each having a side edge narrower than the width of the silicon sheet. The side edge has two end points linking respectively to two lateral sides of the silicon steel sheet to form two symmetrical slant edges for reducing tension area of the silicon steel sheet at the side edge. The slant edges and the side edges form two solder zones to anchor the silicon steel sheet for soldering at the initial winding stage and after the winding is completed.

Abstract: Ferrous articles are austenitized, then converted to at least 60% bainite, and the balance substantially converted to martensite; the articles are then cold worked, preferably by both compression and tensile deformation to at least 60% yield strength. The articles have improved serviceability, particularly fatigue life.

Abstract: Ferrous articles are austenitized, then converted to at least 60% bainite, and the balance substantially converted to martensite by quenching; the articles are then cold worked, preferably by both compression and tensile deformation to at least 60% yield strength. The articles have improved serviceability, particularly fatigue life.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic compositions such as used in initiator devices and corresponding initiator devices having a low firing energy are provided. The pyrotechnic composition includes a mixture containing a fuel component which includes a quantity of at least one Iron Blue Pigment and an oxidizer component which includes at least one oxidizer effective, upon reaction initiation with at least a portion of the quantity of the at least one Iron Blue Pigment, to produce gaseous reaction products. The pyrotechnic composition may additionally include a burn rate enhancing additive such as zirconium metal powder.

Abstract: A stitched pile surface structure and a process and apparatus for producing and finishing the same is disclosed. The stitched pile surface structure includes a backing having a thickness T. A plurality of parallel lines of stitches extends longitudinally along the backing. Each stitch has a predetermined stitch length dimension S. A plurality of rows of pile elements (either as loop pile or cut pile) is formed from one or more pile yarn(s) having an effective predetermined yarn diameter D. The total weight of the yarn used to form the pile loop elements is G grams.

Abstract: A method of depositing adhesives or adhesion control agents using ink jet technology. The adhesive may be used in the manufacture of assembled paper products including greeting cards. The adhesion control agents may be deposited on a plastic sheet used in laminated safety glass.

Abstract: A polyurethane adhesive which is useful in bonding porous and non-porous surfaces is provided. The adhesive is especially useful in bonding windshield glass into automotive frames under a variety of environmental conditions, particularly in after market windshield replacement applications. The polyurethane includes at least one urethane prepolymer which is based on at least one thermoplastic polyol. In one embodiment, the urethane prepolymer may be formed from one or more polyisocyanates, one or more polyetherpolyols and one or more thermoplastic polyesterpolyols, wherein the prepolymer has a free isocyanate content of from about 0.6 to about 3.5 % by weight, based on the weight of the polyurethane. In another embodiment, a one-part adhesive composition is provided which includes an isocyanate-functional and thermoplastic polyurethane prepolymer having a free isocyanate content of from about 0.6 to about 3.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making a tread-belt assembly for a pneumatic tire using a supply ramp to supply green rubber tread stock for application on a substantially cylindrical green rubber belt package; advancing the tread stock along the supply ramp toward the belt package; positioning at least a final portion of the supply ramp substantially along a plane tangent to an outer circumference of the belt package; and applying the tread stock to the outer circumference by moving a leading cut end of the tread stock from the supply ramp to the belt package along the plane tangent to the outer circumference. The green rubber tread stock is held from above for moving by inserting a plurality of transfer pins downward into both edges of the green rubber tread stock such that each transfer pin is angled toward a closest laterally outside edge.

Abstract: In a technique for joining ends of coaxial tubular members, adhesive is applied to their external surfaces at their ends and an expandable insert assembly is positioned longitudinally within them so as to be coextensive with the adjoining ends. Planar side pieces on the assembly are advanced into conforming engagement with the inside surfaces of the tubular members at their adjoining ends, the adhesive is cured to fixedly join the tubular members together, then the side pieces are withdrawn. Simultaneously, the external surfaces of the tubular members are clamped in the region of their adjoining ends until full curing of the adhesive has been achieved. The insert assembly includes a bladder of flexible material with planar side pieces being attached to the inside or outside surfaces and the insert assembly advanced so the bladder engages the internal surfaces of the tubular members at their adjoining ends.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a composite sheet having a layer of inelastically stretchable continuous fibers improved so that a possible unevenness in fiber diameter may be minimized.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and a device (101) for producing a longitudinal fibre web (100), in which fibres (2) are continuously applied, in the longitudinal direction, to a substrate web (6). In a pretreatment section, a relatively high tensile force (F) has to be exerted on the fibres, resulting in a relatively great strain (&egr;). Before the fibres (2) are applied to the substrate web (6), the stress in the fibres is reduced. The drive for the fibres in the pretreatment section is separate from the drive for the substrate web, the transport velocity of the fibres in the pretreatment section being controlled separately as a function of the transport velocity of the substrate web, in such a manner that the transport velocity of the fibres in the relaxed state is substantially equal to the transport velocity of the substrate web in the relaxed state.

Abstract: Multilayer disposable pads for use as wipes or applicators in various applications, including the cosmetic and personal care fields and the medical field. The pads include an absorbent base pad and a flexible handle attached either to an intermediate barrier layer or to the base pad. To form the handle, handle forming material is mechanically folded, employing a pleating/folding machine, prior to being adhered to the barrier layer or to the base pad. In one embodiment, the handle includes a graspable portion made of two facing segments which may be joined along a distal folded edge, and two handle attached portions respectively joined to the facing segments along fold lines.

Abstract: An electronic circuit is made by printing a Parmod® composition on a temporary substrate and curing it to produce a pattern of metal conductors. The conductors are laminated to a substrate under heat and pressure to produce a laminate with the metal prepatterned into the desired circuit configuration. The conductor can also be coated with a polymer and cured to form a prepatterned substrate. Single and double-sided circuits or multilayers can be made this way.

Abstract: A blade member manufacturing process using no mold and a developer quantity control blade manufacturing process using this blade member are disclosed in which a material for the blade member is extruded onto a charge control face face-transferring sheet in a uniform thickness, and solidified to form a layer, and the layer is cut into the shape of a blade member.

Abstract: A method for forming an overlay (310); to be used to verify or form a folding die (300), embossing die (330), or rule die (320) comprising the steps of; creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) having an image (210), a first thermal print layer (224), and a support layer, laminating an imageless receiver sheet (160) having a second thermal print layer (228) and a second support layer (170), which is preferably clear with the imaged receiver sheet (140), thereby encapsulating the image (210) between the first thermal print layer (224) and the second thermal print layer (228); removing the first support layer (150); removing the second support layer (170); forming an overlay (310) having an electrostatic charge; to be used to verify or form a folding die (300), embossing die (330), or rule die (320).