Abstract: The invention features cleaning tools for brachytherapy applicators. In particular, the invention features devices that are useful for flushing areas within and adjacent to a magazine receiving well of a brachytherapy applicator in order to remove debris and contaminants. Such tools can be used to restore the function of magazine retaining structures of brachytherapy applicators.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning passageways and the like with a two-phase mixture of gas under pressure and an aqueous cleaning solution. The two-phase cleaning mixture is generated in a module and is passed out of the module at a predetermined rate that determines droplet size, velocity and droplet density at the pipeline surface to be cleaned. The droplets impact the walls of the passageway to be cleaned, thereby fragmenting, eroding and removing contaminants in said passageway. These are then flushed out of the passageway by the two-phase flow. The flow of cleaning solution can be steady or pulsed. The apparatus and process include a clean-in-place system that is useful in food, beverage, pharmaceutical and similar process industries.

Abstract: The dishwashing machine has at least two washing vessels (10-12) that are separated from each other and are part of a structural assembly (3) that is capable of being pulled out as a whole from a casing (1) in which it is housed. Each such washing vessel (10-12) has at least a loading lid or door (17) that can be opened when the structural assembly (3) is in its pulled-out position.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a wafer preferably includes a rotating chuck for rotating the wafer and a treating fluid supplying part for supplying the wafer with one or more treating fluids. The treating fluid(s) can be used to clean and/or dry the wafer. The treating fluid supplying part preferably includes a receiving portion for receiving a treating fluid, and a slit communicating with the receiving portion for applying the treating fluid to a surface of the wafer. An ultrasonic oscillating part can be installed in the receiving portion and can apply ultrasonic oscillation to the treating fluid. The treating fluid for applying the ultrasonic oscillation is preferably provided uniformly across the treated surface of the wafer. The effectiveness of the cleaning process can thereby be improved, and damage to patterns formed on the wafer can be reduced.

Abstract: This simple non-electric produce washer is a devise designed to dislodge and gently wash away unhealthy and often time's life threatening impurities from any number of fruits and vegetables without causing bruising or damage. The unit is designed for both residential and/or commercial use. Its unique design employs a non-electrical, three part system, which consists of a reservoir (4) for holding a continuous stream of water, a sieved basket (16), and a waste outlet.

Abstract: A fashion umbrella comprises: an umbrella shank, a ring around the shank, numerous umbrella ribs connected at the upper end of the shank and extend outwardly to tips, numerous spreaders connected to said ring and extend outwardly in radius configuration and connected to said umbrella ribs. A hollow umbrella handle attached at the lower end of said shank. A battery is housed into hollow handle. Electric wires are housed into the said hollow shank and extend to the tips of said umbrella ribs. Numerous light bulbs are mounted on the tips of said ribs, said light bulbs are connected to said battery through said electric wires, an electric switch is provided to turn said light bulbs ON and OFF. A fiber optic system is mounted on said shank under the canopy of the umbrella; a single cable often contains many separate fiber optic filaments, allowing multiple light signals to be transmitted to tips of said ribs of the fashion umbrella.

Abstract: A PV assembly comprises a base, having a length L, an upwardly extending PV module, having a length H, and a downwardly extending deflector. The PV module and the deflector are preferably secured to the base so that they are placeable at shipping and inclined-use angles. The module may be connected to the base by a living hinge. The deflector may comprise an outer surface having a solar reflectivity of at least about 0.2, and more preferably of at least about 0.7, whereby solar radiation contacting the outer surface may be redirected to an adjacent PV module to increase the power output of the adjacent PV module. The inclined-use angle of the PV module may be about 2° to 15° and a ground cover ratio of H/L may be about 0.6 to about 0.8 for increased power output.

Abstract: A check valve with an elongated body and a hole extending from an inlet end to an outlet end. A piston assembly is mounted within the body and can include a piston, a check valve seal and a piston spring. The piston spring biases the piston to a first piston location preventing air from flowing from the inlet toward the outlet end. The check valve seal can be positioned on the piston assembly to seal against either a check valve seat or the inside diameter of the hole to restrict air flow when the piston is in the first piston location. Movement of the piston to a downstream piston location can remove the check valve seal from the check valve seat and/or from the inside diameter of the hole, allowing air to flow from the inlet end toward to outlet end.

Abstract: A pressure control valve includes a valve chamber having the first communicating portion connected to a canister and the second communicating portion connected to a fuel tank, the first valve member disposed inside the valve chamber, and the second valve member disposed inside the first valve member. The first valve member includes a valve portion for blocking the second communicating portion, the first communicating hole passing through the valve portion, and the second communicating hole communicating between the first valve member and the valve chamber. The second valve member blocks the second communicating hole. When the fuel tank reaches a certain high pressure state, the first valve member rises to open the second communicating portion. When the fuel tank reaches a certain low pressure state, the second valve member rises to open the second communicating hole.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to prevent the blockages that occur in the general drainage traps of buildings. The invention consists in connecting a conduit by positioning it in the inlet part above the trap water float level (M) and in the outlet par below a line (N), thereby forming a new auxiliary trap. The invention is suitable for use in traps in buildings which are connected to the common sewerage system. The invention provides a technical solution that prevents the obstruction of the trap by means of an alarm which is installed in the conduit wherein the water is diverted due to gravity when the conduit is obstructed. Said alarm signals any obstruction in the conduit so that it can be cleared without waiting for the consequences of such a situation to occur. Other versions of the invention consist in installing said conduit in the upper or lateral part of the trap, on the connection points indicated.

Abstract: A control circuit for a plumbing device that has a drain line and a water supply line includes a water sensor generating a potential overflow level signal in response to the water level in the plumbing device caused from a restricted drain line, an electrically controlled valve coupled to the drain line, and a controller coupled to the water sensor and the valve. The controller closes the valve in response to the potential overflow level signal.

Abstract: A valve inspection chamber includes a housing having a vertical inspection and valve retrieval opening. A valve cassette is provided which includes a frame and a valve member movable relative to the frame between an open position and a closed position. A valve cassette receptacle is positioned in the housing. The valve cassette is inserted and retrieved through the vertical inspection and valve retrieval opening of the housing using a retrieval tool.

Abstract: A fluid shutoff apparatus utilizes a float [121] of a float chamber [115] connected to a float-operated valve [113] to provide positive shutoff of fluid to a downstream load upon excessive flow from the fluid outlet [109] of the apparatus. The float-operated valve is shut when fluid discharge from the apparatus is greater than the flow rate from a flow-limiting valve [103] connected to a fluid inlet [107], decreasing the fluid level in the float chamber. The volume of the float chamber prevents inadvertent shutoff of fluid due to normal perturbations in flow to the load.

Abstract: A flow-through pressure regulator includes a retainer that secures a diaphragm relative to a seat, and includes a cylindrical portion, an axial end portion and an annular portion. The cylindrical portion extends about a longitudinal axis and is fixed with respect to the seat. The axial end portion extends from the cylindrical portion and extends generally orthogonal relative to the longitudinal axis. The axial end portion includes a plurality of apertures that permit fluid communication and are selected so as to reduce noise due to fluid flow.

Abstract: Variable flowrate regulators of this invention r comprises a regulator body having a fluid transport chamber disposed therethrough. Fluid inlet and outlet ports are in fluid flow communication with the chamber, and a valve seat is positioned at one end of the chamber. A diaphragm housing is attached to the body and has a diaphragm chamber in fluid flow communication with the fluid transport chamber. A diaphragm is disposed within the diaphragm chamber. A one-piece poppet assembly is attached to the diaphragm and is disposed within the body. The poppet assembly comprises a head that has a diameter sized greater than that of the valve seat for providing a leak-tight seal thereagainst when placed in a closed position. The poppet assembly also comprises a plurality of orifices positioned downstream from the head for passing fluid into the fluid transport chamber when the head is unseated from the valve seat. The plurality of orifices is positioned concentrically within the fluid transport chamber.

Abstract: The pressure reducing regulator includes a regulator body with a tubular portion coaxially aligned with the tubular portion of a bonnet threaded to the regulator body. A piston has a bore extending therethrough with the tubular portions extended thereinto in axial spaced relationship, the body tubular portion mounting a valve seat to abut against a piston internal shoulder when the piston has axially moved relative to the tubular portions to a blocking position to block fluid flow through the regulator. The piston enlarged diametric portion bottom surface is in fluid communication with the piston bore in both of the piston positions but not in fluid communication with the body high pressure inlet when the piston is in its blocking position. A spring resiliently retains the piston in its open position when no pressurized fluid is applied to the body inlet.

Abstract: A pressure regulator comprising a housing, a pivoting lever, a diaphragm and a stabilizer element. The housing has an inlet port and an outlet port. The pivoting lever selectively covers a section of a passage between the inlet port and the outlet port. The diaphragm is interconnected to the pivoting lever to rotate the lever in reaction to pressure levels in the housing. The stabilizer element is movable with the pivoting lever. The stabilizer element frictionally abuts a portion of the housing as the pivoting lever rotates to thereby stabilize movement of the pivoting lever.

Abstract: The check valve according to the invention significantly reduces the generation of noise by producing an asymmetrical circulation around the closing body causing a force resulting from the flow and acting on the closing body to have a transverse component in relation to the opening direction, as a result of which increased friction and damping are generated in the closing body guide. The closing body may be asymmetrically embodied, or the housing wall encompassing the closing body may be provided with a conduit extending in the opening direction over at least a part of the travel path of the closing body.

Abstract: A vessel for the storage and transportation of bulk volumes of a fluid is described herein and a method for using same. The vessel contains a plurality of dividers that apportion the internal volume into a number of sections. The dividers within the vessel aid in minimizing sloshing of the fluid contained therein during transport. In addition, the dividers optimize the fluid flow pattern thereby allowing for the continuous purge of the vessel without the need for the application of a partial or full vacuum.

Abstract: In a liquid pressure control system including a spool-type control valve mounted between a liquid pressure source and an actuator in such a manner that an output liquid pressure from the liquid pressure source is controlled in accordance with a thrust exhibited by a linear solenoid, a manually operated valve is disposed in a valve housing of the control valve to have an operational axis parallel to an axis of the linear solenoid. The manually operated valve is capable of blocking the communication between the actuator and the control valve and bringing the liquid pressure source into communication with the actuator to bypass the control valve. Thus, the supply of a liquid pressure to the actuator can be secured in any abnormality of the control valve, while enabling a reduction in size of the system in an axial direction of the control valve.

Abstract: Flow enhancing restrictors are located within a fluid conduit to provide pressure reduction and flow enhancement. The restrictors may be used in combination with a conventional choke valve or as a stand-alone pressure reduction means. Alternative exemplary embodiments for flow enhancers are described. Each of the flow enhancers has a generally cylindrical base with at least one fluid passage disposed therethrough. Each of the flow enhancers also provides a dome that projects upwardly from the center of the base to assist in directing fluid flow and receiving the abrasive forces associated with the fluid.

Abstract: A fluidic valve (125, 300, 500, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) switches a state of flow of a fluid in a fluid communication channel of a fluid guiding structure (505). Heating a bi-phase valve element (515, 1065, 1215) causes a change a state of the bi-phase valve element from a high viscosity state to a low viscosity state. A bi-phase valve element that clogs the fluid communication channel can be pushed into an expanded portion (135, 320, 520, 915, 1220) of the fluid communication channel by an application of pressure to the fluid while the bi-phase valve element is in the low viscosity state, unclogging the fluid communication channel. A bi-phase valve element can be pushed from a valve element source chamber (550, 1250) into the fluid communication channel by using a pumped fluid entering the source chamber at a pump inlet (551) while the bi-phase valve element is in the low viscosity state, clogging the fluid communication channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for distributing beer from a keg to a plurality of destinations. Beer is received from the keg through a coupler and divided to a plurality of branches that may be opened with by valves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving a flow of fluid and restricting the flow through a device are described. The apparatus includes an insert having a shaped surface including at least one through-hole located off-center. The shaped surface may be a bell-shaped curve in cross-section. The method includes supplying a flow of fluid to one side of the apparatus, redirecting a portion of the flow of the fluid onto itself, and directing the flow to the at least one through-hole.

Abstract: A conduit defining a continuous conduit passage extending from a first opening to a second opening includes a plurality of flexible, tubular, corrugated sections, each defining at least a portion of the conduit passage therethrough. A plurality of tubular, non-corrugated sections are merged with at least one of the corrugated sections and define at least a portion of the conduit passage therethrough. The plurality of corrugated sections and the plurality of non-corrugated sections are arranged in alternating relation.

Abstract: As the first object, the present invention intends to provide high-pressure composite pipes which show remarkable pressure resistance and optimum applicability in various uses and which can be economically manufactured in a light weight. As the second object, the present invention intends to provide a joining method which is capable of firmly joining the high-pressure composite pipes in a simple operation, firmly joining the high-pressure composite pipes by reinforcing the joint strength at the butt-fused area, and making a joint area adjustable to strain of the high-pressure composite pipes. To achieve these objects, a high-pressure composite pipe of the present invention comprises a pipe-shaped inner layer made of a synthetic resin, a reinforcing layer made of a stretched polyolefin resin sheet and wound on an external circumferential surface of the inner layer, and an outer layer made of a synthetic resin and disposed on an external circumferential surface of the reinforcing layer.

Abstract: A tube blank is disclosed for producing glass receptacles, in particular glass tube vials, glass ampules, or glass syringes, particularly those suitable for pharmaceutical applications, having a tube wall, including two end regions—a first end region and the second end region—the first end region being sealed to form a floor and a ventilation hole being introduced into the tube wall in the region of the end region, distinguished in that the tube end characterizing the second end region has an opening.

Abstract: The invention concerns a porous paper machine clothing (1) for dewatering a paper web in a paper machine, having a yarn layer made up of at least one ply (2) of longitudinal yarns (3) and at least one ply (4) of transverse yarns (5, 6, 7) that cross the longitudinal yarns (3), which is characterized in that the longitudinal and transverse yarns (3, 5, 6, 7) are connected positively to one another at crossing points (8).

Abstract: Form tie breaking tools are disclosed which include first members, second members and third members. Each member includes a first end and a second end. In particular embodiments, the second member is attached to the first member at either of the second end or between first and second ends of the first member. The third member is attached to the remaining of the second end or between the first and second ends of the first member. Second and third members are attached to the first member approximately parallel to one another. Each third member first end has a form tie engaging member attached. Each form tie engaging member includes a first end and a second end and the form tie engaging member is substantially perpendicularly attached to the third member.

Abstract: Using a punching tool for a strapping unit for producing an auxiliary-free connection of ends of a strapping band, the tool having a recess of different widths, in the case of which at least one section of a recess-bounding wall is provided with a rounded portion in the region of at least one change in width, on the one hand, the intention is to make a fixed closure between the band ends possible. On the other hand, the intention is for this tool to be produced as easily and cost-effectively as possible and, in addition, for uniform cutting forces to be made possible. For this purpose, it is proposed that the rounded portion is of circle-arc shape with a certain radius, and that the largest width of the recess is equal to or less than four times the radius of the wall.

Abstract: A multi-composition stick product, such as a lip balm, sun screen, deodorant, or glue stick. The multi-composition stick product including a stick composition molded in the container so as to contact the walls thereof and be advanceable or ejected therefrom. The stick composition includes a first composition and a second composition. The first and second compositions differ in at least one component, such as a medicament, colorant, fragrance, flavorant, sunscreen, preservative, conditioner, moisturizer, emollient, or surfactant. Furthermore the first and second compositions are arranged in a predetermined non-random pattern that is reproducible. Also described is the method and apparatus for manufacturing the multi-composition stick product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metering installation for powder pigments, having an arrangement for supplying the powder pigments into a weighing container of a weighing arrangement. The weighing container may be emptied into a pneumatic conveying conduit which leads into a consuming unit, if appropriate, via an intermediate store. The conveying arrangement has a hopper-like pressure container which can be subjected to the action of compressed air. The pressure container has a closure at the base and a laterally curved outlet connector. An injector tube, which can be subjected to the action of compressed air and has lateral exit openings for the compressed air, extends axially into the outlet connector.

Abstract: A high-speed bulk filling tank truck is provided, which permits reduction of the filling time. The high-speed bulk filling tank truck delivers a liquefied gas in a truck tank to a bulk storage tank, and recovers a gas-phase gas in the bulk storage tank into the truck tank, thereby filling the bulk storage tank with the liquefied gas. The high-speed bulk filling tank truck includes a liquid feed pump, provided on a liquid line through which the liquefied gas flows, for feeding the liquefied gas in the truck tank to the bulk storage tank, and a gas compressor, provided on the gas line through which a gas-phase gas flows, for compressing the gas-phase gas in the bulk storage tank and delivering the same into the truck tank.

Abstract: A vent and fluid transfer fitment for sealing and transferring a fluid from an inverted fluid-filled container without premature leakage to a receiver attachment, has a transfer check valve and a venting check valve which are preferably duckbill valves. The transfer check valve is attached to the fitment for allowing fluid to be transferred from the container when the receiver attachment engages the transfer check valve. The venting check valve is also attached to the fitment for allowing air to displace the fluid as the fluid exits the container, wherein both the transfer check valve and the venting check valve have an inherent sealing pressure created by the static pressure of the fluid within the container. In addition, the inherent sealing pressure of the venting check valve is less than the inherent sealing pressure of the transfer check valve which allows air to enter the container due to the pressure differential created as the fluid is displaced.

Abstract: Apparatus for debarking logs including a drum mounted for rotation about an axis to define an inner drum surface. Debarking apparatus is provided on the inner surface configurable to debark logs within the drum at a first rate on rotation of the drum in a first direction and at a second rate when the drum is rotated in a second direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an insulating material between adjacent metal layers of a soft magnetic core, and a process for forming this insulating material. The insulating material is composed of the native metal oxides of the metallic core material.

Abstract: A steel sheet for a magnetic shield comprising less than 0.005 % by weight of C and 0.0003 to 0.01 % by weight of B, and having a thickness of 0.05 to 0.5 mm and an anhysteresis magnetic permeability of 7500 or more.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an insulating material between adjacent metal layers of a soft magnetic core, and a process for forming this insulating material. The insulating material is composed of the native metal oxides of the metallic core material.

Abstract: A nitriding method includes the steps of nitriding an object held under a nitriding gas atmosphere in a sealed furnace and applying vibration energy to one or both of the nitriding gas and the object W to facilitate nitriding. A nitriding apparatus includes a nitriding furnace for holding an object W to be nitrided in a sealed manner, means 30 for supplying a nitriding gas to the furnace, and means 2 for applying vibration to the atmosphere gas in the furnace 1 to faciliate nitriding. According to the method or apparatus, nitriding-resistant or complex-shaped materials can be nitrided at high efficiency and a nitrided layer can be formed at a lower temperature for a shorter time as compared with conventional processes.

Abstract: A NbC-added Fe—Mn—Si-based shape memory alloy is provided, showing a shape memory property even if a special treatment such as training is not performed.

Abstract: A phosphor bronze strip having excellent bending workability and high mechanical strength for use in electronic parts such as terminal connectors wherein;

Abstract: A method for manufacturing aluminum sheet stock that includes hot rolling an aluminum alloy feedstock to a final thickness and then back-annealing (or stress relieving or stabilizing) the hot rolled feedstock to provide an intermediate temper.

Abstract: A single crystal casting is cast from a nickel base superalloy including Cr, Co, Mo, W, Ta, Al, Ti, Re and Hf as alloying elements with C increased effective to substantially reduce formation of a solidification-driven, as-cast eutectic/secondary phase scale metallurgically bonded to the casting when the alloy is cast as a single crystal and to reduce recrystallized grains when the casting is solution heat treated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steel sheet having a chemical composition comprising 0.15% or less C, 2.0% or less Si, 3.0% or less Mn, P, S, Al and N in adjusted amounts, from 0.5 to 3.0% Cu, or one or more of Cr, Mo and W in a total amount of 2.0% or less, and having a composite structure comprising ferrite and martensite having an area ratio of 2% or more. The steel sheet is in the form of a high-strength hot-rolled steel sheet, a high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet, or a hot-dip galvanized steel sheet. There is thus available a steel sheet excellent in press-formability and in strain age hardening property as represented by a &Dgr;TS of 80 MPa or more.

Abstract: A high-strength steel sheet comprises carbon: 0.06 to 0.25 mass %, Si: 0.5 to 3.5 mass % and Mn: 0.7 to 4 mass %. Its mother structure is ferrite, its second phase structure comprises martensite and the residual austenite and the second phase structure measured by image analysis has an area fraction of 25 % or less based on the total structure. The steel sheet satisfies the following requirements (1) to (3): (1) the volume fraction (Vt&ggr;hd R) of the residual austenite is 5 % or more; (2) the ratio (SF&ggr;R/Vt&ggr;R) of the area fraction (SF&ggr;R) of the residual austenite within ferrite to Vt&ggr;R is 0.65 or more; and (3) the ratio [&agr;2/(&agr;1+&ggr;R)] of the space factor (&agr;2) of martensite to the second phase structure (&agr;1+&ggr;R) is 0.25 to 0.60. The steel sheet has excellent balance between strength and local elongation, and a low yield ratio.

Abstract: A tread for retreading tires, having an external face (21) provided with the usual grooves (23) and an internal face (22) to be seated and adhered, usually by vulcanization, to the convex external face (11) of a tire carcass (10), from which the compound of the original tread has been totally abraded, said tread (20) presenting a thickness that varies throughout the width thereof, having its internal face (22) defined in a concave arc, with the radius of curvature corresponding to that of the external face (11) of the tire carcass (10) and with its external face (21) being flat or slightly convex, with the radius of curvature substantially larger than that of its internal face (22).

Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle tire to support a nominal load, where the tire comprises a tread including apertures inclined with respect to the normal to the surface of the tread at an angle alpha, where alpha is between five degrees and thirty degrees. In one embodiment of the invention, the tread does not include tread blocks. In another embodiment of the invention, the tread only includes wide ribs. In another embodiment of the invention, the tread does not include sipes. In a further embodiment of the invention, the tread comprises styrene-butadiene rubber in a further embodiment of the invention, the apertures are in echelon formation. In one embodiment of the invention, each aperture is an ellipse.

Abstract: A multi-layer tire for a baby stroller comprises an EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer) foam tire inner tube and a rubber layer incorporated with a wheel hub. The wheel hub comprises a recess along the edge for the EVA foam tire inner tube to grab and secure thereat, whereas the EVA foam tire inner tube is formed with a pair of grooves at respective sides and wrapped by the rubber layer which comprises a pair of ribs at respective sides engaging with the grooves of the EVA foam tire inner tube to hold the rubber layer and the EVA foam tire inner tube securely.

Abstract: A generator system powered by a fluid fly-wheel is disclosed that generates electric current to power a tire pressure maintenance and monitoring system. A vehicle wheel including a tire and a rim. A sealed tube containing fluid is fixed around the rim. When the rim accelerates or decelerates, the fluid within the tube moves within the tube a turbine in communication with the fluid is turned by the moving fluid within the tube. The turning turbine drives an electric generator to produce an electric current through induction. In certain configurations, the turning turbine rotates gears to drive a mechanical pump. The electric generator, or mechanical pump may be used to add air pressure to the tire when a sensor indicates low air pressure.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire for heavy duty use applications, having at least one sidewall of formed an increased thickness, for providing better tire sidewall wear and increased re-use of the tire's internal carcass, the tire's enhanced thickness sidewall having a relief area formed by at least one radius relief portion adjacent that sidewall's bead to prevent the associated rim flange edge from cutting into the enhanced thickened sidewall, and a sharp angled return sidewall portion adjacent the portion tread sidewall. The increased thickened sidewall, ranging between approximately 2.0 and 3.5 inches, provides maximum thickness in the area of maximum sidewall flexing during use.