Abstract: A cleaning implement, such as a floor mop, is provided. The cleaning implement includes a handle and a cleaning head attached to the handle. The cleaning head has at least one attachment structure for receiving and retaining a sheet about the cleaning head. The attachment structure includes a base triangle and a plurality of substantially pie-shaped sections whose apexes meet at a substantially common point adjacent the base triangle. Two sides of the base triangle and two sides of each of the pie-shaped sections are defined by slits passing through the flexible material forming the attachment structure such that the base triangle and each of the pie-shaped sections can be deflected to receive the sheet.

Abstract: A method of cleaning encrusted ballast comprises the steps of screening the encrusted ballast to separate detritus from the ballast, washing the screened ballast with water while removing the separated detritus on a conveyor belt unit, clarifying the washing water to produce a clarified water portion and washing water sludge, and disposing of the washing water sludge by moving it to the detritus on the conveyor belt unit for common removal with the detritus.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a unit for detecting an addition of a cleaning agent in a beverage dispenser, in particular in a coffee machine. In order to guarantee that a cleaning agent has been added when automatic cleaning is carried out, a measurement device is provided as well as a method of determining whether a cleaning agent has been added to the aqueous cleaning liquid. Whether a cleaning agent has been added to the aqueous cleaning liquid can be determined in dependence upon the measured conductivity and the measured electrical resistance of the cleaning liquid, respectively.

Abstract: A process for cleaning a glass-coating reactor includes: (a) providing the reactor to be cleaned, wherein the reactor contains a glass substrate within a chamber and the chamber has an internal surface coated with at least one substance selected from the group consisting of Si3N4 or SiO2; (b) terminating a flow of a deposition gas to the reactor; (c) adding to the reactor at least one cleaning gas to react with the at least one substance to form at least one volatile product; and (d) removing from the reactor the at least one volatile product.

Abstract: A method of removing photoresist and/or resist residue from a substrate includes exposing the substrate to a supercritical fluid in combination with a co-solvent mixture comprising an organic solvent and an oxidizer. In one embodiment, the supercritical fluid is supercritical carbon dioxide and the co-solvent mixture includes 1,2-Butylene Carbonate, Dimethyl Sulfoxide and hydrogen peroxide. If desired, supercritical carbon dioxide in combination with a second co-solvent mixture may be subsequently applied to the substrate to rinse and dry the substrate. In one embodiment, the second co-solvent mixture includes isopropyl alcohol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying a disk-shaped substrate. The substrate is typically a substrate used for the manufacture of magnetic disks, and has a centrally located opening. The substrate is lowered into a liquid bath by a first holder, which also becomes immersed in the bath. The first holder lifts the substrate until the substrate extends partially out of contact with the liquid. A second, dry holder grabs a dry portion of the substrate that extends out of the bath, and continues to lift the substrate out of contact with the liquid.

Abstract: A side edge of a wafer is retained by a plurality of chuck pins. A heating-and-cooling section is arranged such that a clearance is defined between a surface of the heating-and-cooling section and a surface of the wafer. The heating-and-cooling section is for heating or cooling the surface thereof. The clearance is filled with liquid by means of a liquid filling section. The surface of the wafer is heated or cooled by way of the thus-filled liquid.

Abstract: A disc-shaped wheel cover, or shield, with an arm rotatable around the shield center includes a pressurized fluid container at the arm distal end filled with cleaning chemical, extending on the arm radially beyond the shield. A nozzle on the container directed axially disburses chemical toward a tire sidewall. Alternatively, the arm may comprise a grasping member on its distal end adapted to receive a commercially-available pressurized container. A wheel may also be mounted under the container to support the arm distal end a predetermined distance from the tire as the wheel rolls around the tire sidewall. The shield is removably attached to a wheel rim flange by an elastic skirt around the shield circumference at shield closed end with a skirt open end adapted to attach to the wheel. Thus, in operation the elastic skirt is stretched about the flange.

Abstract: A single piece tub support and frame for a dishwasher has a unitary support member that includes a pair of laterally spaced U-shaped upright end portions and an intermediate inverted U-shaped upright portion. The intermediate portion fits over the top and sides of the dishwasher tub rearwardly adjacent the front flange portion thereof. When the U-shaped end portions clear the bottom wall of the tub, they resiliently spring inward into supporting positions under the bottom wall. The unitary support member greatly reduces the number of components required, reduces manufacturing time and cost, and maintains the tub in its designed shape.

Abstract: An umbrella includes: a spring catch secured on an upper portion of a central shaft of the umbrella, and a runner slidably held on the central shaft to be engaged with the spring catch when opening the umbrella, with the spring catch juxtapositionally positioned and operated outside the central shaft without cutting a catch slit or slot through a tube of the central shaft as found in a conventional umbrella having the spring catch retained within the central shaft and protruding outwardly through the catch slit for locking the runner, thereby enhancing the strength of the tube of the central shaft and prolonging the service life of the umbrella.

Abstract: A crutch has a hands-free attachment. The crutch has a pair of generally spaced apart vertical members having an upper end and a brace connected to the upper end of the each of the pair of vertical members which provides upper end structural support and an interface with the underarm of a user. The crutch also has a handgrip connected to and positioned between the vertical members which provides for an interface with a hand of the user. The crutch further includes a peg mounted to the vertical members between the handgrip and the brace and extending laterally therefrom, for engagement by a forearm of the user.

Abstract: A crutch provides ease of adjustment, transport and storage. In a described embodiment, the crutch includes two length adjustment mechanisms. Each of the mechanisms includes an inner tube slidingly received within an outer tube, and a spring-biased protrusion carried on the inner tube and inserted into one of a series of holes formed through the outer tube, thereby securing the inner tube relative to the outer tube. An armpit support is attached to one of the inner tubes, a foot is attached to the other inner tube, and a handle is attached to one of the outer tubes.

Abstract: A pipeline welding shelter which includes an umbrella-like framework with a support post which supports the umbrella-like framework. Means is provided for maintaining the support post in a substantially vertical orientation when positioned on or adjacent to a pipeline. A flexible heat resistant covering encloses the umbrella-like framework. The covering is capable of withstanding limited exposure to heat from a welding torch without melting or igniting.

Abstract: A solar co-generator for producing both heat energy and electricity is disclosed. A solar concentrator directs sunlight into a container lined with solar cells and filled with a thermal transfer fluid. The fluid is transparent with respect to certain wavelengths of light that may be converted to electricity by the solar cell, but is opaque with respect to longer wavelengths, particular the infrared band. The infrared portion of the sunlight heats the thermal transfer fluid, which then transfer that heat through a storage facility using a heat exchange mechanism. The thermal transfer fluid increases the efficiency of photovoltaic generation by preventing heating of the solar cells due to infrared radiation. The thermal transfer fluid may be a mixture containing barium sulfate and a suspension of zinc sulfide phosphors. A fluorescing anti-reflective coating may be applied to the solar cells to further increase efficiency.

Abstract: A tube system for propagating gaseous or liquid substances from a first tube (70) to a second tube (80) or vice versa includes a first connection (20) with a first connection element (40) which is to be contacted by the first tube (70) and a second connection (30) with a second connection element (60) which is to be contacted by the second tube (80). The outer diameter of the first connection element (40) is smaller than that of the second connection element (60). The inner diameter of the first tube (70) is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the first connection element (40) and the inner diameter of the second tube (80) is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the second connection element (60). Preferably, the first connection (20) also includes an outer diameter limiter (50), the inner diameter of the outer diameter limiter (50) being smaller than the outer diameter of the second tube (80) but larger than the outer diameter of the first tube (70).

Abstract: An in-line water shut-off valve is provided including a tailpipe which is attached to a main water line in order to form a “T” or 90° “L” which protrudes from the wall of the building and upon which is attached a cap which is threadably and rotatably attached and includes a plug therein so that upon rotation into a closed position, the plug will block the through flow bore of the tailpipe. After the installation of fixtures, the water supply line of the fixture may be threadingly attached to an outlet of the cap and the cap rotated 180 degrees to open the valve in order to allow for the flow of water; without the need of cutting off and replacing caps, soldering additional caps or valves or turning off the main water supply.

Abstract: A dosing valve apparatus for introducing a metered dose of a second fluid to a first fluid comprises a first, or main body, portion (1), a second ball valve portion (3) and an end cap (2). The main body (1) and ball valve (3) contain first and second chambers (13, 14), respectively, into which flow the first and second fluids. An orifice jet (8) and needle valve (11) control flow of the second fluid from the second chamber (14) to the first chamber (13). Within the first chamber (13) is a pivotable paddle (7) which is adapted to act upon the needle valve (11). In this way, flow of the first fluid into the first chamber (13) acts upon the paddle (7), which in turn causes the needle valve to at least partially open the orifice (8) allowing the second fluid into the first chamber (13) to mix with the first fluid.

Abstract: A side control faucet is provided with a separate diverter valve which is connected to a single outlet from the valve body. The diverter valve is connected to a spout and to an auxiliary water dispenser, such as a side spray or water filtration dispenser. The separate diverter assembly allows the use of a single valve body to be used for both side spray and non-side spray faucet models. The side control faucet design reduces the number of parts required for a side control valve body for a side control faucet.

Abstract: A pressure control valve for a fuel tank includes a valve chamber having the first communicating portion communicating with a canister and the second communicating portion communicating with the fuel tank; the first hollow valve member housed in the valve chamber to be vertically movable; and the second valve member housed in the first valve member to be vertically movable. A valve portion for closing the second communicating portion from the inside of the valve chamber and the first communicating hole passing through the valve portion are provided at a bottom of the first valve member. The second communicating hole is provided at an upper portion of the first valve member for communicating between the inside of the first valve member and the valve chamber.

Abstract: An air vent mechanism includes a composite type air vent valve having a check valve for controlling a pressure in a fuel tank and a cut valve for discharging vapor in the fuel tank and preventing fuel from leaking. The check valve and the cut valve are connected through a communicating path. A tank side connecting portion communicates with the communicating path, and an atmosphere side connecting portion communicates with an atmosphere side port of the check valve portion.

Abstract: An arrangement in a fire water system, especially for an offshore platform, wherein the system comprises one or more fire water pumps (6) connected through a pipe system (2-5) to a number of deluge valves (812) coupled to associate with pipe stretches leading to respective fire sections. The arrangement comprises a distribution manifold (2) having an upstream side (3) which is in open connection with the fire water pumps (6) and with a buffer tank (7) for water, and having a downstream side (4) connected to the deluge valves (12) which are coupled to said pipe stretches, and there is also provided a gas supply means (10) connected to the buffer tank (7) and having a pressure which is sufficient to see to it that the water pressure at the upstream side of the distribution manifold does not sink below a predetermined level after activation of the deluge valves (12).

Abstract: A system senses for fluid and activates a controller in response to sensing the fluid including a controller for actuating a valve used to control fluid flow, at least one detector including: a sensing circuit for detecting a voltage change due to the fluid and generating an oscillating output signal; and a transmitting circuit connected to the sensing circuit for transmitting a pulsed signal in response to the oscillating output signal; and a base receiver including: a triggering circuit for activating the controller, a receiver circuit for receiving the pulsed signal from the transmitting circuit and enabling the triggering circuit and a back-up power source for supplying power to the base receiver and the controller when an external power source is insufficient to actuate the valve.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and apparatus for rapid delivery of pulses of one or more reactants to a substrate processing chamber. One embodiment of a valve body includes a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet. A valve chamber is in fluid communication with the first inlet, the second inlet, and the outlet. A valve seat is formed at least around the first inlet. The valve chamber further includes an annular groove formed around the valve seat coupling the second inlet and the outlet. One embodiment of a pneumatic valve assembly includes a valve body having at least two ports. A valve seat surrounds one of the ports. The pneumatic valve assembly further includes a diaphragm assembly having a diaphragm movable to open and close the one port. A piston housed in a cylinder is coupled to the diaphragm to actuate the diaphragm. An actuation chamber is formed between the cylinder and the piston. In certain embodiments, the internal volume of the actuation chamber is about 3.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed for dispensing a flowable material. The valve has a first chamber (40) at a first pressure wherein said first chamber (40) defines an outlet (28) in communication with said first chamber (40). A second chamber (42) is at a second pressure. The valve has a stop (18) indexed against a third pressure, operating to selectively place the first chamber (40) into communication with the second chamber (42). The stop (18) is operative to connect the second chamber (42) to said first chamber (40) when the first pressure is less than the third pressure. The valve includes a vent (520) for venting the second chamber (42) when flowable material is removed.

Abstract: Hydraulic valve with a valve chest (1) provided with a substantially cylindrical internal chamber (5) which may be closed by a valve disc (9) which with its conical rim (9′) engages the facial rim of the internal chamber (5), an insert member (3) being arranged in a section of the internal chamber (5) and structured as a member of sprocket-like cross-section with circular gaps (3″) between teeth forming valve passages (4) with the internal wall of the chest, the valve disc stem (6) permeating the insert member (3) being a one-piece structure and provided with a safety nut (7).

Abstract: An air poppet valve for use in molding or drawing deep draw thin walled plastic or metal parts. The air poppet valve includes a poppet, a sleeve, a spring and a pin. Said poppet includes a pin clearance and a poppet sealing surface. Said sleeve includes a spring retaining ledge, an outer diameter, a recess portion, a plurality of reliefs, a collar, a plurality of air passage channels, a sleeve sealing surface, and a poppet clearance. Said pin is inserted through the pin clearance of the poppet, and the spring is contained between the pin and the spring retaining ledge of the sleeve. The air poppet valve having said plurality of air passage channels permit use of an air supply line from the underneath of the poppet, or the side of the air poppet valve.

Abstract: A pressure reducing valve with a tamper proof switch mounted directly on a stem portion of the pressure reducing valve. The switch provides an operating state of the pressure reducing valve in maintaining a predetermined outlet pressure by enabling the pressure reducing valve to be monitored.

Abstract: A combination solenoid operated flow control valve and solenoid operated by-pass valve and pressure transducer are disposed in a common housing with a common electrical receptacle for connection thereto. The pressure transducer senses differential pressure across a metering orifice. The pressure transducer measures flow through the metering orifice during leak testing. A vacuum is drawn in the system for leak testing. The by-pass valve is opened to bypass the metering orifice and permit full flow to the flow control valve during normal engine operation.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed for dispensing a flowable material. The valve has a first chamber (40) at a first pressure wherein said first chamber (40) defines an outlet (28) in communication with said first chamber (40). A second chamber (42) is at a second pressure. The valve has a stop (18) indexed against a third pressure, operating to selectively place the first chamber (40) into communication with the second chamber (42). The stop (18) is operative to connect the second chamber (42) to said first chamber (40) when the first pressure is less than the third pressure. The valve includes a vent (520) for venting the second chamber (42) when flowable material is removed.

Abstract: The present invention is an intrinsically safe pneumatically actuated flow controller. A preferred embodiment for the flow controller has a housing assembly defining an inlet port, an outlet port, a pressure signal inlet port, and a main flow path extending between the inlet port and the outlet port. A restriction member is arranged in the main flow path. A first valve assembly and second valve assembly control fluid flow along the main flow path. A first regulator assembly operates the first valve assembly. A pressure signal actuation assembly has an actuation bellows attached to an actuation piston mounted on a flow control piston rod that passes through an isolation plate and is sheathed by an isolation bellows. The flow control piston rod terminates in a flow control piston that engages a second regulator assembly, which operates the second valve assembly based on pressure signals transmitted through the pressure signal inlet to the pressure signal actuation assembly.

Abstract: A skirt guided control valve provides streamlined flow and minimum resistance to flow in flow up and flow down conditions when the valve is open. The skirt guided control valve has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a passageway disposed between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, a valve seat and a valve plug with a skirt. The valve seat and the skirt portion of the valve plug include blended edges and contoured surfaces to provide for streamlined flow.

Abstract: Disclosed herewith is a microchip having a micromixer therein. The mixromixer employs a mixing or extracting structure having (1) a first flow pass provided at a first level of the microchip; (2) a second flow pass provided at a second level of the microchip, which is different from the first level; (3) a third flow pass having a plurality of sub flow passes separately layered at the first level and each having a first end and second end thereof, each sub flow pass being connected to one of the first and second flow passes at the first end thereof; and (4) a fourth flow pass, provided at the first level, connected to the second ends of the sub flow passes so that, at least connecting portions between the fourth flow pass and the sub flow passes of the third flow pass, an extending direction of the fourth flow pass is substantially identical to those of the sub flow passes.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a flat diffuser for changing the flow cross section in a flow conduit, preferably for the inlet and outlet zone of UV disinfection devices for drinking water, water for industrial use or sewage water with a square or rectangular flow cross section. High-performance UV disinfection devices inevitably lead to the arrangement of UV radiators in square or rectangular UV radiator grids transversally or longitudinally to the flow direction. In closed UV disinfection devices of high flow rates the inlets and outlets have round cross sections like the arriving piping. It is necessary to achieve there a transition from the arriving round inlet cross section to the completely differently shaped rectangular inlet cross section of the radiation chamber.

Abstract: A method of repairing a section of pipe is described. The method includes applying a first split sleeve and a second split sleeve to the pipe section, functionally associating the first end of the first split sleeve with the first end of the second split sleeve, and applying a compressive force until the internal diameter of the pipe experiences compressive shear hoop strain. The method described produces substantially uniform compressive hoop strain along the length of the pipe section, and may exceed a predetermined value, such as 100 microstrain in compression, for example. The amount of force required may be calculated utilizing maximum operating conditions. The method described may produce an acceptable permanent repair by ensuring that the inner diameter of the section of pipe experiences compressive strain. Also described is a method of reinforcing a section of pipe utilizing these apparatus and methods.

Abstract: Proposed is a sley apparatus for a weaving machine, having a sley profile (1), a reed (2) and a drive (3), with the sley profile (1) carrying the reed (2) and being in active connection with the drive (3). In this the sley profile (1) comprises at least two separate parts, namely a main profile part (4) and an auxiliary profile part (5), with the auxiliary profile part (5) being releasably connected directly or indirectly to the main profile part (4).

Abstract: The dobby according to the invention comprises, at the level of each of its blades, an oscillating piece associated with an actuation element, at least one mobile coupling member borne by the actuation element and two pivoting levers subjected, on the one hand, to the action of a reading device and, on the other hand, to that of elastic means which tend to engage catches of the pivoting levers either with a jamming surface provided on the actuation element, or with the coupling member, while the lever in engagement with the jamming surface is out of range of a selector of the reading device. In addition, mechanical members independent of the reading device are adapted to displace, against the action of the elastic means, a lever whose catch is not in engagement with the jamming surface, with the result that it does not interfere with the angular displacement of the selector.

Abstract: A web having at least two types of weaves is provided. The construction of the web allows objects to be inserted into and through the web without detriment to the yarns of the web. The web is particularly useful for applications requiring the insertion of fasteners such as grommets into the web.

Abstract: A method for controlling weft insertion in an air jet type loom, includes setting an upper limit and a lower limit with respect to the running property of a weft yarn to be inserted through a shed of warp yarns by way of a main nozzle and a plurality of groups of sub nozzles arrayed in the running direction of the weft yarn, and causing air jet end timings of the respective groups of sub nozzles to become later when the running property of a weft yarn is lower than the lower limit, and air jet start timings of the respective groups of sub nozzles to become sooner when the running property of a weft yarn is higher than the upper limit. This method enables stable weaving of high-quality fabric while minimizing air consumption by properly regulating both the air jet start timing and the air jet end timing of sub nozzles of the air jet type loom, considering variation in the running property of a weft yarn.

Abstract: The improvement in a pneumatic inflation system for tyre-changing machines (1) provides that between a pressurised fluid supply organ (2) and a delivery organ (3) of the fluid, at least one limiter valve (4) of the fluid supply is located, which intercept valve (4) can limit the fluid delivery to at least two maximum pressure values, which values are different one to another and which are alternatively selectable by a user.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser contains a vapor sensor in the non-hazardous electronics chamber. The vapor sensor is operatively connected to a power interlock. When hydrocarbon vapors exceed a predetermined threshold in the electronics chamber, power is decoupled from the electronics in the electronics chamber to prevent explosions. The power interlock may further decouple power from the entire fuel dispenser. The detection of hydrocarbon vapors may also be communicated to another system including a remote location.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus dispenses liquid crystal onto a substrate. The liquid crystal dispensing apparatus includes a frame, a table, at least one liquid crystal discharge device, and a liquid crystal amount inspecting portion. The table is installed on the frame to have the substrate to be mounted thereon. The liquid crystal discharge device adjustably discharges an amount of liquid crystal, and the liquid crystal amount inspecting portion inspects a liquid crystal dispensing amount by comparing an actual amount of liquid crystal discharged from the liquid crystal discharge device with a preset liquid crystal amount. The liquid crystal discharge device includes a piston to perform ascending motions to draw in the liquid crystal and descending motions to discharge the liquid crystal with an angle of at least a portion of the liquid crystal discharge device determining a magnitude of the ascending/descending motion to control an amount of liquid crystal discharged.

Abstract: A paint toning machine comprising a container (11, 12) for storing each paint to be fed, such as toning paste or paint, a piston pump (3, 4) arranged in flow communication with the paint in the container for feeding the paint, and driving means (2, 5-10), driven by a servomotor, for driving the piston pump. In the invention, the driving means comprise a device (10) for changing the rotary motion of the shaft (5) driven by the servomotor in different directions of rotation into linear motion moving the piston rod (7) of the piston pump in opposite directions, and a coupling (8, 9) for selectively coupling the piston rod (7) of the piston pump and the shaft (5) driven by the servomotor (2) into engagement via said changing device (10).

Abstract: A system for transferring a fluid product between a carrier, such as a vessel, and an installation, in particular a fixed installation, for processing and storing the product. The system includes a tubular structure for conveying the product between the vessel and the installation, a device for connection to a manifold of the vessel and a flexible transfer pipe connected to the installation. The connection device and the pipe are connectable to each other at free ends for transferring the fluid product between the vessel and the installation. At least the free end of the flexible transfer pipe includes a product handler for displacing the free end between a position for connection to the connection device and a disengaged position for storage. The invention enables the transfer of cryogenic liquefied natural gas.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for directing toner from a hopper containing a supply of toner to fill as well as cleanly cutoff filling of a container without post-cutoff dribbling. The apparatus for the method includes (a) a conduit member connected to the hopper and having a discharging end for permitting a toner to be moved therethrough; (b) a conveyor device located at least partially within the conduit member for moving the toner from the hopper in a toner moving direction towards the container; (c) a nozzle device including a nozzle member for directing the toner from the conveyor to cleanly fill the container. The nozzle member is mounted within a housing and has a first end connected to the discharge end of the conduit member and a second and opposite end for dispensing moving toner into the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device at packages, coupling members and method for application of a coupling member. The device comprises coupling members (4, 8) with non-circular coupling portions (5, 9) which fit together only if they have the same non-circular shape. The non-circular coupling portions (5, 9) are also located relative to the package (1) such that a conduit (13) for discharging product (3) from the package (1) attains a predetermined position in relation thereto or the conduit (13) can be rotated to such a position.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve is used to judiciously shunt oil from lowering ends of the hoist and stick cylinders that have been plumbed to achieve near horizontal movement. This allows the use of cylinders that have unequal rod/bore ratios or to compensate for certain transient effects that may require the exchange of oil to the reservoir. The action of the hydraulic valve acts without obtrusive operator intervention and is essentially automatic. This allows for greater flexibility in the design of the boom system, allows the boom system to perform various tasks, while not requiring obtrusive intervention from the operator.

Abstract: A metallic sheet for motor vehicles which is excellent press forming property and chemical layer generation property, and a process for producing the sheet. The treating chemicals apply to a metal surface consists of (A) particles of phosphate of metal selected from Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Co, Ca, Mg and Al, the average size of the particles are 3 &mgr;m or smaller, (B) a dispersing agent, and water. It is applied to a metal surface and then dried. Dispersing agent (B) include orthophosphoric acid, polyphosphoric acid, and organic phosphonic acid compounds. (B) also include polymer formed from a monomer represented by the chemical formula(1). Further more, monosaccharides, polysaccharaides or derivatives of vinylacetate may also be used as (B). It is applied to the metal surface so as to form a film in an amount of 0.05 to 3 g/m2 on a dried basis.

Abstract: A zinc phosphate-containing surface conditioning agent to be used for surface conditioning as pretreatment for zinc phosphate conversion coating of a metallic material, which contains from 500 to 20,000 ppm of zinc phosphate and which has a pH of from 3 to 11, wherein said zinc phosphate has an average particle size of at most 3 &mgr;m and D90 of at most 4 &mgr;m.

Abstract: Operational problems such as scale and sludge formation which are encountered in phosphating processes using compositions containing zinc and at least one of Ni, Co, or Zn may be alleviated by maintaining an effective level of dissolved iron cations in such compositions.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for the passivation of zinc, cadmium or their alloys, in particular of zinc-nickel alloys by means of a chrome(VI) free solution containing a weak complexing agent, preferably di- or tri-carbonic acids, preferably chrome(III)-oxalate complex and Co2+, whereby the concentration of Co2+ is greater than 30 g/l.