Abstract: One of many embodiments of a substrate preparation system is provided which includes a head having a head surface where the head surface is proximate to a surface of the substrate. The system also includes a first conduit for delivering a first fluid to the surface of the substrate through the head, and a second conduit for delivering a second fluid to the surface of the substrate through the head, where the second fluid is different than the first fluid. The system also includes a third conduit for removing each of the first fluid and the second fluid from the surface of the substrate where the first conduit, the second conduit and the third conduit act substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A device for wet processing of a semiconductor-containing substrate that addresses contamination in the wet process by removing undesired sources of gas contamination, the method involving pumping a processing liquid through a degasifier, exposing the semiconductor wafer, in a vessel, to the degasified processing liquid; and optionally recirculating the processing liquid through the degasifier and back into the vessel.

Abstract: An assembly for rotating and axially directing a high pressure spray hose and spray head to clean residue from the bores of thermal transfer tubes. The assembly includes a number of modular subassemblies that are concentrically aligned and mounted to rotate in synchrony and direct a high-pressure water hose and spray head. An air controlled operator control gun directs spray pressure and hose movement. A hose cleaning subassembly washes and/or brushes and cleans the hose exterior with a low-pressure spray. A hose drive assembly controls hose rotation and axial hose movement via biased pinch wheels that abut the hose. An eccentric linkage and spring tensioners coupled to the pinch wheels release and re-engage the wheels to the hose at a preset pressure. A layering arm stacks the hose in uniform layers at a hose reel. The diameter of the reel hub can adjusted relative to an outer cage.

Abstract: The invention is a spray arm hub/head for a high-temperature, automatic ware washer. The hub/head sub-assembly of the invention is mounted to the inlet water line via a double ball-bearing coupling that is independent of the hub. The substantially non-enclosed ball-bearing coupling enables the hub/head sub-assembly to rotate freely within the washer. Also, the hub/head sub-assembly has ports and clamps for removably receiving spray arm sub-assemblies. This way, the spray arms may be quickly and easily removed for repair and replacement. In addition, because the ball-bearing mount is not enclosed within the hub/head assembly, the bearing is readily accessible for cleaning and maintenance and is also easily removable for repair or replacement.

Abstract: A side post umbrella includes a side post to which a side arm is mounted by an arm retainer that is a tubular member receiving an end of the side arm therein. A rib skeleton is hung on the side arm and supports a shade. A shade rotating device is provided for rotating the side arm and thus the shade, including a cylinder rotatably received in the arm retainer and fixed to the side arm to be rotatable in unison therewith A drive bar is pivotally connected to the cylinder for manually rotating the cylinder. A latch bar having a latch pin is movable with respect to the cylinder between a latched position where the latch pin engages a securing plate to secure the side arm and thus the shade at a corresponding angular position and a released position where the latch pin disengages the securing plate to allow for free rotation of the side arm and the shade. A helical spring is arranged between the latch bar and the cylinder to bias the latch pin toward the latched position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning structure for tubes of an umbrella shaft, which uses a lateral connecting means connected with an upper tube of the shaft, which has particularly more than four tubes. When the upper tube is inserted into a second tube, the connecting means can connecting the upper tube with the second tube elastically.

Abstract: In a stick mounted with casters of the invention, a lower end of a stick main body in which extensible vertical rods are connected to both ends of a grip extending in a horizontal direction is connected to a rectangular horizontal loading table which makes the vertical rods to be self-standing through casters fixed at four corners of a lower face of the horizontal loading table, and a bag is detachably attached on the horizontal loading table. The outer diameter of a wheel of the caster is 30 to 60 mm, and the caster is attached to the horizontal loading table such that a rotational shaft can rotate in the horizontal plane. The grip of the stick main body extends along a longitudinal direction of the horizontal loading table. The vertical rods are curved or tilted in a direction of placing the grip at a central section of the horizontal loading table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ordinary crutch modified with a straight support which may be formed from a solid, lightweight tubular member, said support connected at one end to near the bottom portion of the crutch and with a bicycle pedal-like cushion on the other end for which the calf, shin or cast of the injured leg or leg of the injured foot rests. Since the pedal can freely revolve from its attachment to the solid support member, the angle at which the leg rests on the pedal relative to the crutch may be readily optimized for the patient's comfort in order to relieve pain and discomfort. Also, fatigue from the body when supporting the dangling leg may be avoided as the leg no longer dangles with its concomitant “dead weight”, because the entire weight of the leg is resting on the cushion of the leg support, the knee is flexed or extended while standing, or while sifting.

Abstract: An ergonomically enhanced crutch that has a unitary upright member that is readily manufacturable and which has a upper section and a lower section that are generally straight sections. An intermediate section forms an indentation and a handle extends from the indentation outwardly for gripping by the patent. The crutch also includes an upper arm cradle that is affixed to the unitary upright member in a telescoping manner and its location is adjustable by the user to a comfortable position. Similarly, a bottom member is telescopingly affixed to the lower section and can be adjusted along the length of the lower section for the convenience and comfort of the patient. The upper arm cradle thus is angularly inclined upwardly in the direction the patient is facing to provide added comfort for the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a retractable portable shelter apparatus with an attachment apparatus for vehicles. The shelter apparatus includes a stationary frame, a plurality of pivotably rotatable frames, a collapsible canopy stretched over the rotatable frames, and an attachment member for attaching the apparatus to the vehicle. The vehicle attachment apparatus can be moved between at least two positions, the deployed, substantially enclosed housing position, and the substantially closed or collapsed position. The shelter apparatus may be used as an ice fishing shelter, a duck hunting blind, a tent, a camping shelter, a portable shower facility, a storage tent, a sun shade, a hunting rack for carrying hunted animals, a medical emergency shelter, or a tool carrier. In one embodiment the shelter apparatus includes a platform for supporting a user, and further includes a floor and wheels supporting the floor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) In one embodiment, the TEC includes a first substrate and a second substrate. In addition, the TEC includes first and second TEC elements coupled to and between the first substrate and the second substrate. Moreover, the second TEC elements have a physical parameter different from the first TEC elements. A method of manufacturing a TEC and a laser pump module incorporating the TEC or the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention comprises deposition of thin film photovoltaic junctions on metal substrates which can be heat treated following deposition in a continuous fashion without deterioration of the metal support structure. In a separate operation an interconnection substrate structure is produced in a continuous roll-to-roll fashion. In this way the interconnection substrate structure can be uniquely formulated from polymer-based materials since it does not have to endure high temperature exposure. Cells comprising the metal foil supported photovoltaic junctions are then laminated to the interconnection substrate structure. Conductive interconnections are deposited to complete the array. The conductive interconnections can be accomplished with a separately prepared interconnection component.

Abstract: A solar cell plate for generating electric current, is designed advantageously in that it is comprised of a number of individual plates that can be moved in relation to one another to produce a convenient packing size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a zwitterionic surfactant in combination with an anionic surfactant, selected from the group consisting of a sulphonate, a sulphate, an ether sulphate, an ether carboxylate, or a mixture thereof, as a drag-reducing agent in a water-based liquid suitable for heat distribution. Besides the drag-reducing agent the water-based liquid contains 5-35% by weight of the ethylene glycol compound of the formula HO(C2H4O)nH, where n is a number from 1 to 4 and 0-4% by weight of an electrolyte.

Abstract: A fully draining valve including an upper valve portion and a lower valve portion. The lower valve body has an integral weir, which in conjunction with a resilient diaphragm, defines a fluid passage. The weir axis is sloped from a horizontal plane. A first duct axis is sloped downwardly away from the weir and sloped from the horizontal plane. A second duct axis is sloped downwardly away from the weir and sloped from the horizontal plane. A third duct axis is oriented downwardly away from the weir and substantially parallel to a vertical axis such that substantially all liquid from within the fluid passage drains from the valve by gravity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the balancing of fuel among tanks in a circulating fuel system. The tanks in the system have both a draw conduit and a return conduit mounted to and extending into the tank. Flow restriction devices are mounted in both the draw and the return conduits and are controlled by a fuel level detection system, which detects the fuel in the tank.

Abstract: A water supply system for an apartment complex can include individual hot water conduits and cold water conduits for each apartment. Each conduit includes a water meter that enables the owner of the apartment complex to accurately determine the hot water usage and cold water usage of each apartment tenant. The meter system can also be used to locate leakage points in the water supply system, e.g. dripping faucets or continuously running toilets.

Abstract: A sprinkler winterization and drainage device and method for use in new and existing sprinkler systems that is capable of operation completely from the outside of a building. The devices and methods of the present invention may be used for sprinkler systems in residential homes, commercial or residential rentals, parks, schools and any other application where the main water supply conduit and main sprinkler supply line is located within the interior of a building. The device and method include a valve assembly including a valve located inside a building for shutting off the main sprinkler supply line from outside the building, while also providing for drainage of residual water in the valve assembly to the outside of the building. The device and methods of the present invention completely eliminate the necessity of entry into a building in order to perform sprinkler winterization.

Abstract: A system and method for providing process chemicals. The system includes a housing comprising a functional component positioned in a first compartment, a control module positioned in a second compartment and at least one connecting line positioned in a third compartment. At least one compartment is positioned in a defined location in the housing. Modules may be removable received in their respective compartments.

Abstract: An arrangement for calibrating a Venturi valve includes a source of flow measurements and a processing circuit. The Venturi valve has a variable shaft position and is operable to provide an air flow corresponding to the variable shaft position. The processing circuit is operable to provide a plurality of voltages to an actuator, the actuator operable to change the variable shaft position dependent on said plurality of voltages. The processing circuit is also operable to receive from the source of flow measurements a flow measure for each variable shaft position corresponding to each of the plurality of voltages. The processing circuit is further operable to store information representative of the relationship between each of the plurality of voltages and the flow measures.

Abstract: A flow-through pressure regulator includes a retainer that secures a diaphragm relative to a seat, and includes an intermediate portion, an end portion and a base portion. The intermediate portion extends along a longitudinal axis and is fixed with respect to the seat. The end portion extends from the intermediate portion and includes a concave surface facing the seat. The regulator includes multiple flow diffusers such that the end portion includes at least one aperture having a flow axis that is oblique to the longitudinal axis so as to reduce noise due to fluid flow and/or the seat forms a passage having an increasing cross-sectional area from an inlet to an outlet.

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: A low deviation pressure relief valve for a fuel pump consisting of a housing having an elongated bore having a continuous wall, an axis, shoulders arranged on the wall so as to extend toward the axis. A ball in the housing has a diameter at least less than the diameter of the bore and a ball retainer located in the bore upstream from the shoulders forms a ball seat by pre-coining process. The ball is smaller than the retainer seat in diameter to ensure an edge seal with the ball. A spring coaxial with the axis located down stream from the ball retainer and supported on the shoulders, and the ball is located between the spring and the ball seat wherein low flow restriction is created and reduced pressure variation is created as fluid flows past the ball and less buckling in the spring is created by guide ribs.

Abstract: In the check valve according to the invention, a narrowing of the inner chamber encompassing the closing body results in the fact that the closing body already reaches—and is damped in—its end position at a comparatively low delivery quantity, which significantly reduces vibrations and thus the generation of noise. The cross section of the inner chamber narrows, for example monotonically, in the opening direction of the closing body.

Abstract: A check valve for a fuel pump of a vehicle includes a valve housing adapted to be disposed in an outlet member of the fuel pump. The check valve also includes a valve guide disposed within the valve housing and a valve seat disposed within the valve housing and spaced from the valve guide. The check valve further includes a valve member having an aerodynamic shape disposed within the valve housing and having a closed position to engage the valve seat to prevent fuel from flowing through the outlet member and an open position to cooperate with the valve guide to allow fuel to flow through the outlet member.

Abstract: A pipe fitting (31) comprises a body (32) adapted for connection at a first end thereof to a supply pipe and at a second end thereof to a distribution pipe so as to permit fluid communication between the supply pipe and the distribution pipe. The body (32) is provided with a valve (32a) by which said fluid communication can be interrupted, and has an upstream port (37) and a downstream port (38), respectively upstream and downstream, in use, of the valve (32a). The upstream port (37) and the downstream port (38) permit the valve (32a) to be by-passed and fluid from the supply pipe to be introduced to the distribution pipe. The pipe fitting (31) is of particular utility in the commissioning of new water mains.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising at least one safety shut-off control valve. A safety valve is optionally connected to said safety shut-off control valve, connected in series in the fluid flow path. In the safety shut-off control valve, a sealing valve is returned to a sealing position against a seat by means of a return spring, and is controlled by a linear actuator and a connecting rod for continuous adjustment of the valve opening. The connecting rod comprises two independent segments which are at least partially made from a ferromagnetic material and which are magnetically coupled to a magnetic coupling circuit that is activated by a coil. While electric power is being supplied to the coil, the magnetic field that said coil creates maintains the linking rod segments coupled to one another, such that the linear actuator can control the sealing valve.

Abstract: A concrete boom hose is provided with a first end that is connected to the outermost end of a series of concrete pipes and a second end through which the flowing concrete exits. The second end is provided with an inner diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the first end that is connected to the concrete pipe.

Abstract: An automatic fluid control valve assembly comprising a rotary valve which is changed from fully open to fully closed by rotation of an actuating shaft through approximately a right angle, a spring for rotating the shaft from a position where the valve is open to a position where the holds the valve is closed or vice versa, a trigger mechanism which holds the valve open or closed against the action of the spring, and a solenoid for actuating the trigger mechanism when the valve is to be opened or closed.

Abstract: A plate (9, 10) made of hard material, having at least one flat surface machined by means of lapping and intended to be used as a member to control the flow in a hydraulic equipment unit, that consists of a thermosetting synthetic polymer, is made by means of molding and has in the regions different from its flat surface configurations suitable for cooperating directly with some specific members of a hydraulic equipment unit. The thermosetting synthetic polymer can be mixed with a solid lubricant. When the plate is a fixed plate, it presents the characteristic configurations of a bottom member that is directly connected to the cage (1) of a cartridge, whereas when the plate is a movable plate, it presents the characteristic configurations of a slide that cooperates directly with guide members and with members for operating the cartridge.

Abstract: The invention is based on a directional control valve which is used for the control, in particular the load-independent control, of a hydraulic load in terms of direction and speed. A known directional control valve of this kind has, in a piston bore of a valve housing, a control piston which can be displaced axially in opposite directions from a central position and which has first fine control grooves for opening a connection between a load chamber and a feed chamber under control, and second fine control grooves for opening a connection between a load chamber and a discharge chamber of the piston bore under control. In its central position, there is a restricted relief connection from a load chamber to the discharge chamber via the control piston. The restricted relief connection is obtained in the known directional control valve by the second fine control grooves being lengthened to such an extent that they already project into the load chambers in the rest position of the control piston.

Abstract: A large diameter check valve has an upstream inlet part mountable on a discharge end of a conduit, a downstream outlet part adapted to prevent backflow of fluid through the check valve, and a transition part located between the upstream inlet part and the downstream outlet part. A support is included in the check valve to prevent drooping of the check valve via a cantilever effect. A method for supporting a check valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hose for conveying a fluid containing hydrogen, the hose being comprising, from the inside towards the outside:

Abstract: This invention is related to ultra-light conduit for used air and a method for construction of such a conduit with sandwich sheet type of material such as “THERMO-FOIL™” permitting to avoid losses of heat and humid air. The method of construction of a used air rectangular conduit includes the following five (5) steps: 1) cutting of a sandwich sheet 2) sealing around the sandwich sheet 3) heat formation of lengthwise channels on the surface of sandwich sheet 4) assembling the sandwich sheet into a conduit of a predetermined length and 5) installing a lengthwise vertical reinforcement into the conduit and providing a male adaptor to a fore end of the conduit which could be adapted to an aft end of a joining conduit.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a bead-weaving system comprising means for spacing apart a multiplicity of warp threads, each of said beads being pierced by a hole through their diameter and intended to be threaded on a weft thread by means of a needle and to be positioned between each warp thread

Abstract: The invention provides a method of disposing spacers which allows spacers to be disposed in a predetermined location more accurately, and a method of manufacturing an electro-optic device, in which the method of disposing spacers is used. A method of disposing spacers in a predetermined location on a substrate for an electro-optic device using a droplet discharge unit, includes discharging droplets onto the substrate for an electro-optic device using the droplet discharge unit. The droplets are formed from a solvent having a boiling point of 150 to 250 ° C. and a viscosity of 10 to 40 mPa·s with the spacers suspended therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a car wax spray, particularly to the one stored in the decomposed liquid state in a storage bottle that will turn into solid state after being sprayed out from the storage bottle. The present invention comprises the steps of filling 55% of the solid wax into the bottom of a storage bottle, and then 35% of the soluble gaseous propane to dissolve and decompose the solid wax into a concentrated liquid state, and then filling 10% of the volatile butane into the storage bottle to dilute the concentrated wax liquid by the movement of two steel beads into a dilute ready liquid, such that when the air pressure sprays out the wax, the butane is oxidized by the air and is vaporized instantly, and the even film remained after the spray will resume its original solid state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for extracting fuel vapour displaced during the simultaneous operation of at least two fuel-dispensing units using a gas pump device. Each fuel-dispensing unit comprises a vapour extraction conduit in which a control valve is arranged. The different vapour extraction conduits are connected to a single gas pump device. The underpressure to be created by the gas pump device and essential for discharge of the correct quantity of vapour is determined, whereafter the control valves are adjusted such that they each allow through the correct quantity of vapour at the specific underpressure.

Abstract: A vacuum device and method for extraction of a substance from a fluid source, the vacuum device including an upper member that may be selectively, and operably, connected to a lower member. The upper member defines a bottom opening, and has a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the bottom opening. The vacuum pump is selectively coupled to an energy source. The lower member defines an inner cavity, a first opening, and a second opening, the inner cavity in communication with the first opening and the second opening. An elastic membrane defining an interior cavity is disposed in the inner cavity and is coupled to the first opening of the lower member.

Abstract: A tapping device (1) for beverage, comprising a cooling device and a tapping rod (8) with a tapping cock (14), the tapping rod comprising a first (50) and a second (52) channel, which channels are in fluid communication with each other adjacent the tapping cock (14), while at least during use a tapping line (48) extends through the second channel, which tapping line is coupled at one end with a container (6) for beverage and at the other end can cooperate with the tapping cock.

Abstract: The invention provides a sealable lead-through system for a protected space defined by walls, the system including at least one sleeve made of a flexible material, one end of the sleeve being tightly attached to the outside of one of the walls, at least one sealing element, approximately fitting the sleeve and being made of a material deformable in compression, the sealing element being provided with a bore approximately fitting the size of a transfer member intended to be led from outside the protected space into its interior or vice-versa, the sealing element being adapted to be subjected to a compressive force, for sealing off any interspaces between the transfer member and the bore, and between the sealing element and the sleeve.

Abstract: In a cup-type beverage vending machine according to the present invention, during conveyance of a beverage-filled cup to a product taking-out position and when the cup does not reach the product taking-out position, a pivot arm is supported by a support roller and a cup on a cup stage is held by a holder. When the cup reaches the product taking-out position, a lower edge of the pivot arm is released from the support roller and the pivot arm and the holder are pivoted downward. Consequently, the holder is spaced downward apart from a front surface of the cup, which allows a customer to easily take out the cup.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system that does not cause a decrease in efficiency of actuators, does not hinder an optimal action of devices such as flow adjustment valves, and does not cause any corrosion of water acting as an operating fluid. The system uses water as an operating fluid. The system includes a hydraulic generation apparatus 40 including, a main tank 41, a return path 52, an accessory tank 54, and a water disposal apparatus 56 disposed in a path 57. The operating fluid from structuring devices of the processing apparatuses 10, 20 and 30 flows through the return path 52. The operating fluid flows from the accessory tank 54 to the main tank 41 through the path 57 and the water disposal apparatus 56.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a fuel vapor recovery system to determine if a leak condition exists in either the vapor return passage in a fuel dispenser or a common vapor return pipe. An air-flow sensor (AFS) may be located in the common vapor return pipe for all of the dispensing points at a service station, or in each fuel dispenser and coupled to the dispensing points of the fuel dispenser. The AFS registers vapor flow recovered by a dispensing point(s) that is returned back to the storage tank. If the AFS measures vapor flow when such dispensing point(s) coupled to such AFS is not actively recovering vapor, this is indicative of a leak in such dispensing point(s). The leak condition is reported by a tank monitor or other reporting system so that appropriate measures can be taken.

Abstract: An elastic tube having at least one end formed as a rolled elastic ring. The opposite end of the tube may be fashioned with a rolled elastic ring or may hang free depending on the perceived usage. The tube is fabricated from a thin latex material having a stretchability of up to 1,000%. The tube is tapered from top to bottom so as to form an unobstructed, funnel-shaped passage. The wall of the tube is fluid-impervious so that liquids can flow there through without leaking. The rolled elastic end of the tube is adapted for frictional attachment to the outlet of a liquid-filled container. The other end of the tube may be frictionally attached to the inlet of a second container to be filled. Alternatively, the other end of the tube may hang freely within the second container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for fluid transfer between a fixed marine production platform and a work vessel (eg. jack up barge). The method includes positioning the work vessel next to the production platform and then adjusting the elevational position of the vessel relative to the production platform so that the deck of the production platform and the deck of the work vessel or at about the same elevational position. A bridge truss spans between the deck portions of the production platform and work vessel, the truss having interconnected truss members and a planar surface that enables flexible hoses to be supported by the truss. The truss further includes a plurality of piping spool pieces that span across the truss. Ends of the spool pieces have quick connect fittings that enable the spool pieces to be quickly connected to the piping system of the production platform and work vessel. The gap between the production platform and the work vessel are spanned with the truss.

Abstract: The knuckle boom includes a hoist boom having a proximal end pivoted to a machine base, and a stick boom having a proximal end pivoted to a distal end of the hoist boom. At least one hydraulic hoist cylinder is mounted between the machine base and the hoist boom, and at least one hydraulic stick cylinder is mounted between the hoist boom and the stick boom. A hydraulic circuit supplies hydraulic oil to the cylinders, and provides an oil flow path between working ends of the cylinders so as to transfer a slug of pressurized hydraulic oil between the working ends. In one embodiment, reaching movement is controlled by a pump connected to control transferring of the slug between the hoist and stick cylinders. The pump determines which cylinder receives which portion of the slug of oil, and thereby controls the angle between the booms, thereby producing reach.

Abstract: There are disclosed a water-soluble flux composition which comprises a water-soluble binder and an activating agent comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a sulfonic acid compound, a sulfuric acid compound, a sulfamic acid compound, a multi-valent carboxylic acid compound and a persulfuric acid compound, and a process for producing an IC part or an electronic part which comprises the steps of coating the water-soluble flux composition on a terminal of the IC part or the electronic part and subsequently soldering the terminal.

Abstract: Process for the production of oriented grain electrical steel strips, in which a silicon steel, comprising at least 30 ppm of S, is directly cast as strip 1.5-4.5 mm thick and cold rolled to a final thickness of between 1.0 and 0.15 mm; characterised by the following staged: Cooling and deformation of the solidified strip to obtain a second phases distribution in which 600 cm−1<Iz<1500 cm−1 and Iy=1.9 Fv/r (cm−1), Fv being the volume fraction of second phases stable at temperatures of less than 800° C., and r being the precipitates mean radius, in cm.; Hot rolling between solidification and coiling of the strip at a temperature of not less than 750° C., with a reduction ratio of between 15 and 60%; Cold rolling with reduction ratio of 60-92%; Cold rolled strip annealing at 750-1100° C., with increase of the nitrogen content of at least 30 ppm with respect to the initial composition at the strip core, in nitriding atmosphere.

Abstract: A raw steel is coated with or surrounded by a boron compound (step S1). A coating film of h-BN is formed on the surface of the raw steel. Then, the raw steel is nitrided by a nitriding gas while being heated (step S2). B from the boron compound and N from the nitriding gas are diffused into the raw steel, turning the raw steel into a steel material containing B and N. Most of B and N are present as an Fe (B, N) solid solution or an Fe (C, B, N) solid solution in the structure of the steel material. The raw steel is heated and nitrided under conditions such that B and N are contained ranging from 7 to 30 ppm by weight and ranging from 10 to 70 ppm by weight, respectively.