Abstract: A process for cleaning a material with a cleaning system having system apparatus and at least one electronic device associated with the system apparatus, the at least one electronic device having a specified temperature operation range, the system having contacting apparatus, the process including contacting a material with an extracting fluid under conditions of temperature and pressure sufficient to maintain the extracting fluid at, near or above its critical point to produce a clean material, flowing the extracting fluid from the contacting apparatus to pressure reducing apparatus to lower pressure of the extracting fluid, lowering the pressure of the extracting fluid with the pressure reducing apparatus, thereby cooling the extracting fluid producing cooled extracting fluid, and flowing the cooled extracting fluid in heat exchange relation with the at least one electronic device to maintain temperature of the at least one electronic device within the specified temperature operation range; and a system for

Abstract: A cleaning system and a cleaning method is provided with a cleaning medium comprising a magnetic substance and a magnetic field generating device for applying a magnetic force to the magnetic substance in the cleaning medium so that the magnetic substance and the area to be cleaned are rubbed together. The area to be cleaned is cleaned by the rubbing action of the cleaning medium. The interior of the cleaned object not reachable by hands or instruments can be easily cleaned with this device. The cleaning medium, made of a magnetic substance, is guided into the interior of the cleaned object. The magnetic field generating device generates a magnetic field in the cleaning medium and thereby applies a force to the magnetic substance. By rubbing the magnetic substance on the inner wall surface of the area to be clean, the object can be cleaned efficiently.

Abstract: A cylindrical brush for scrubbing the inside surface of a pipe is made of bristles attached to a springy helix. The diameter of the brush is greater than the inside diameter of the pipe. When the brush is pushed through the pipe the helix collapses and compacts the bristles to scrub the surface. When the brush is released in the pipe, the helix expands and spreads the bristles; thereby aiding in release of debris collected on the bristles during the scrubbing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a controlled environment processing chamber into which solvents, water and/or gases can be introduced for cleaning of an object. The process includes first applying a negative gauge pressure to the chamber to non-condensable gases and then introducing a solvent, solvent mixture, water or gas in either a liquid or vapor state to remove soluble contaminants from the surface of an object being processed in the chamber. Further steps recover residual solvent or solution from the object and chamber. A secondary cleaning step directs a vapor state fluid at high velocity at a solid surface of the object to remove insoluble material left behind after the pretreatment step. A final series of steps recovers any loose impediments or residual liquid or vapor from the chamber and returns the chamber to atmospheric pressure for removal of the cleaned object.

Abstract: A method of and system for cleaning semiconductor wafers minimizes the exposure of the wafers to the air by washing, rinsing and drying the wafers in one cleaning chamber. The system includes a wafer support by which a plurality of wafers can be supported in the cleaning chamber as oriented vertically and spaced from each other, and tubular de-ionized water supply nozzles extending longitudinally in the direction in which the wafers are spaced from each other as disposed to the sides of the wafers. Each de-ionized water supply nozzle has an inner nozzle passageway, and a plurality of sets of nozzle holes extending radially through the main body of the nozzle from the inner nozzle passageway. Each such set of nozzle holes subtends an angle of 80˜100° in a vertical plane and is directed towards a surface of a respective wafer W.

Abstract: The inventive method cleans residual titanium accumulations and other undesirable materials from a planarized surface of a wafer to produce a planarized surface with less than about fifty defects per wafer. After a metallic layer of material has been planarized using a CMP process, loose residual particles of undesirable material are removed from the planarized surface. The residual titanium accumulations remaining on the planarized surface are then detached from the planarized surface, which produces additional, new particles on the surface of the wafer. The additional particles produced by the detaching step are then scrubbed from the planarized surface until the planarized surface has less than approximately 50 defects per wafer.

Abstract: A method of removing vegetation by running a blaster unit along a utility cut line on which vegetation is growing; and directing a jet of fluidised material at the vegetation at a sufficiently high rate and for a sufficiently long time to kill the vegetation. In one embodiment, the blaster unit is a water blaster unit and the jet of fluidised material is water. In another embodiment, the blaster unit is a sand blaster unit and the jet of fluidised material is sand carried by an air stream.

Abstract: The substrate processing apparatus is provided with a gas-liquid mixing nozzle for generating a gas-liquid mixture by mixing a liquid and a pressurized gas, to discharge the gas-liquid mixture to a substrate at high speeds. The mixture process is conducted in an open space out of the nozzle, and change in the supply pressure of the gas does not affect the supply of the liquid. The reaction products which having been generated on the substrate in etching process is removed at high speeds with the flow of the gas-liquid mixture, whereby the quality of the process is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning inner walls of a container, comprising: at least one spray nozzle which is rotatable at least on a first and on a second axis, wherein the first and the second axis enclose an angle; a drive connectable to the spray nozzle for selective rotation of the spray nozzle; and a transmission between the drive and the spray nozzle, wherein the transmission comprises at least two couplings, each of which can be actuated selectively and each of which is associated with one of the axes.

Abstract: Apparatus and washing and extracting head for an apparatus designed to wash microplates. The head is mobile above the microplate(s) in treating position and comprises an alignment of dispensing needles or tubes and suction needles or tubes associated in pairs, the number of the two types of needle pairs being equal to the number of wells per column or per row and the spacing between two adjacent pairs being equal to the spacing between two adjacent wells of the same column or row. The suction needles, and the parts of the consecutive suction and/or recovery circuit, have a passage cross sectional diameter not less than the largest transverse dimension of the sample supports present in the wells and the head comprises or co-operates with elements retaining the microplate to be washed or preventing it from being lifted, at least during the suction extraction phase.

Abstract: A rinsing lid for a wet bench cleaning chamber used in the rinsing of acids, chemicals and/or particles from semiconductor wafers. The rinsing lid includes a lid housing having an upper water reservoir for receiving a stream of deionized water or other cleaning liquid. A water distribution plate is provided in the lid housing beneath the water reservoir. Small water openings extend through the water distribution plate at the water inlet end, and large water openings extend through the water distribution plate at the opposite end, of the lid housing. A nozzle plate provides multiple nozzle openings in the lid housing beneath the water distribution plate. The large water openings at the end of the lid housing opposite the water inlet end compensate for diminishing water pressure along the length of the lid housing, providing water sprays of uniform force and volume.

Abstract: A beach umbrella and garden umbrella is stabilized against wind gusts by tying the umbrella with ropes to stakes in the ground. The ropes are tied to the canopy or to the center pole. It is possible to have some ropes tied to the canopy, and some ropes tied to the center pole. The ropes are connected to the umbrella using detachable couplings. It is possible to increase wind resistance further by using a flat base or a heavy base for the center pole, or by using an anchor or ground screw for the center pole, or by using anchors instead of stakes, or by venting the canopy. Ornaments and decorations can be tied to the ropes to decorate the umbrella.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for versatile object manipulation devices that allow a user to manipulate objects. The devices may be used to place an object and to retrieve an object. This is achieved by placing an object retrieval mechanism at one end region of a shaft and placing two or more handles at an opposite end region of the shaft.

Abstract: A foldable stick assembly includes a foldable tube unit, a sliding handle, a push rod unit, a ratchet socket, an upper ratchet, a pawl member, a lower ratchet, and a push block. The foldable tube unit includes a handle, an upper mounting tube, a lower mounting tube, an upper pivot sleeve, and a lower pivot sleeve. The push rod unit includes a main push rod and an upper push rod. Thus, the foldable stick assembly may be used to cut and remove the weeds and to loosen the soil. In addition, the foldable stick assembly is folded easily and conveniently, so that the volume of the foldable stick assembly is reduced, thereby facilitating storage and transportation of the foldable stick assembly, and thereby decreasing the cost of assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus providing at least one thermoelectric device for pressurizing a liquefied gas container and methods employing same are disclosed. A thermoelectric device including a heating surface and a cooling surface is used for pressurizing a container by vaporizing liquefied gas within the container by transferring heat energy from a portion of the liquefied gas in contact with the cooling surface to another portion of the liquefied gas in contact with the heating surface of the thermoelectric device to convert some of the liquefied gas to a vapor state. Liquefied gas vapor and/or liquid phase may be supplied by disclosed apparatus and methods. The apparatus may also be used as a vapor pump or a liquid pump, or fluid pump. Methods of operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for vaporizing a liquid cryogen and producing electric power, as well as devices and methods for improving the thermal contact between thermoelectric devices and heat transfer surfaces using positive and/or negative pressures. These teachings are applicable to a wide range of thermoelectric applications including thermoelectric vaporizers, thermoelectric generators and thermoelectric heaters/coolers.

Abstract: A circuit device for solar energy application is comprised of a solar panel as power supply and a rechargeable cell pack for receiving the power transferred from that solar panel, and is characterized in: the Drain and the Source of a MOSFET being conductively connected with the solar panel and the cell pack, respectively, such that the body diode of the MOSFET is forward interposed between the solar panel and the cell pack for prevention of a reverse current when charging is stopped.

Abstract: A solar cell structure includes a solar cell that produces a voltage when illuminated, and a discrete amorphous silicon by-pass diode. A first by-pass diode terminal of the amorphous silicon by-pass diode is electrically connected to a first side of an active semiconductor structure of the solar cell, and a second by-pass diode terminal of the amorphous silicon by-pass diode is electrically connected to a second side of the active semiconductor structure. Alternatively, the first bypass diode terminal of the amorphous silicon by-pass diode may be electrically connected to the first side of the active semiconductor structure of the solar cell, and the second by-pass diode terminal of the amorphous silicon by-pass diode may be electrically connected to a second side of the active semiconductor structure of another solar cell.

Abstract: A solar cell structure includes a solar cell having a front side and a back side and an active semiconductor structure. The solar cell produces a voltage when the front side is illuminated. The solar cell is protected by a by-pass diode structure including a by-pass diode positioned at the back side of the solar cell. A first electrical interconnection structure extends between the back side of the solar cell and the first diode terminal, and a second electrical interconnection structure extends between the front side of the solar cell and the second diode terminal. An entire length of the second electrical interconnection structure contacts the solar cell.

Abstract: In a fuel cut-off valve device including a casing, a float which is provided so as to be movable up-and-down in the casing, a valve element which is provided on a top surface of the float, a ventilation passage which is communicated with a downstream side of the valve element, at least one opening which is provided below the float and is positioned in the fuel tank, there is provided a plate whose diameter is larger than a diameter of the float and which is provided below the float.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic, reciprocating rotary driving mechanism unit for operating a shut-off member in a shut-off valve, comprising a substantially closed housing, in which a drive shaft (30) is journalled, a pneumatic control valve (39-42) for controlling said drive shaft and first signal transmitting means (54, 55) for delivering control signals to said pneumatic control valve, wherein the housing consists of a base part (48), in which the drive shaft and the pneumatic control valve are present, and a first function part (53), in which the first signal transmitting means are present, which first junction part is detachably and exchangeably connected to said base part so as to make it possible to exchange said first function part for a second function part containing second signal transmitting means of a type for the purpose of changing the manner in which the drive shaft can be controlled.

Abstract: The disclosed method & apparatus are for forming a fluid connection or tap through the wall (1) of a pipeline, particularly intended for “for tapping” of subsea pipelines. The method comprises fitting a connecting piece (2) having a mounting surface which extends around the tap location (2g) and at least partially over the tap location (2n) and a connecting wall (2h) which surrounds the tap location to provide an opening (2k) adapted or subsequent connection of a conduit to complete a fluid connection. The connecting piece is bonded to the pipeline by friction stitch welding performed (4, 6) inside said opening. The material at the tap location is removed (AC indicates after cutting) to define an aperture and provide said fluid connection surrounded closely by the weld (6) between the connecting piece and the wall.

Abstract: Adaptor assemblies are detailed. Preferably for connecting automatic pool cleaning apparatus to return lines of swimming pool water-circulation systems, the assemblies utilize spurs that may affirmatively grip, or cut or gouge into, the return lines to retain the adaptors in position. Releasing the adaptors may occur with use of a release line which retracts the spurs when activated. Avoiding release of the spurs through rotation of the assemblies allows rotation for other purposes as, for example, to connect the device to a hose or other apparatus. A bellows or other assembly additionally may be included with the assemblies to facilitate their sealing against walls or other surfaces in which the return lines are embedded.

Abstract: A cylindrical heat-generating member is disposed in a valve casing including a valve seat in a flow path connecting main ports, a valve member for opening and closing the valve seat, and a rod connecting the valve member and a piston. A first heater is mounted in the heat-generating member. The heat-generating member and a heat receiving member of the valve member are connected to each other by a heat-transfer member for expansion and contraction. As a result, the valve member is constantly heated through the heat-transfer member irrespective of its open/closed position. When the valve member is open, the heat receiving member comes in contact with the heat-generating member and the valve member is directly heated.

Abstract: A modular well for a wastewater lift station includes multiple well sections. Each of the well sections has at least one mating feature allowing it to be joined to at least one other well section and to form a liquid tight seal. The well is formed by vertically mating the well sections together. One of the well sections has an inlet opening, and the same or a different well section has at least one outlet opening.

Abstract: A sprinkler system having a method and computer program comprises one or more sprinklers each comprising a sprinkler valve adapted to regulate an amount of fluid delivered by the sprinkler in response to a control signal; a master unit adapted to transmit digital data; and a sprinkler controller comprising a receiver adapted to receive a signal representing the digital data; a media access controller adapted to obtain the digital data from the signal; and a processor adapted to produce the control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller; and an output circuit adapted to provide the control signal to the sprinklers.

Abstract: A spring-loaded pressure relief valve, particularly for containers of pressurized fluids, comprising a valve body that is associable with a container and forms a discharge port that is controlled by a main piston; an auxiliary valve is further provided, which controls a venting port and drives the intervention of the main piston, such main piston being accommodated in a cavity that is formed in the valve body and is open in an axial direction on the opposite side with respect to the venting port.

Abstract: A rotary connector with valve, comprising first and second connector members (1, 2) having connector terminal parts (5, 6) and fitting parts (7, 8) with hollows (3, 4) as fluid passages formed therein and a valve member (12), wherein the first and second connector members are rotatably connected to each other by fitting the fitting parts thereof to each other and the valve member is stored in a valve storage part (11) formed in the fitting part, valve pressing parts (14, 15) are provided on the first and second connectors (1, 2) on the side of the valve storage part, and at least a part of the valve member is pressingly held between the both valve pressing parts to hold a sealability, and a frictional force acting between the both valve pressing parts and the valve member is set so as to come within such a range that the first and second connector members can be rotated each other, whereby a structure allowing an easy assembly and an absorption of the twist of a line can be provided.

Abstract: A bi-directional flow-control device includes a housing defining a flow passage and first and second orifices installed in the passage, each orifice being tubular and having a seat, each seat having a plurality of circumferentially spaced flow-control channels, the seat of the second orifice being axially spaced from and facing the seat of the first orifice. A resiliently deformable diaphragm is disposed between the seats, whereby flow through the passage in a first direction urges the diaphragm against the seat of the first orifice and flow through the passage in an opposite second direction urges the diaphragm against the seat of the second orifice. The diaphragm in each case deforms into the channels in the seat to varying degrees as a function of pressure differential such that in either flow direction the flow is regulated to a substantially constant volumetric flow rate over a range of pressure differentials.

Abstract: A thermostatic valve for mixing hot water and cold water includes a valve body defining a first inlet, a second inlet, a mixing chamber, a first passageway between the first inlet and the mixing chamber, and a second passageway between the second inlet and the mixing chamber. The thermostatic valve includes first and second flow control assemblies and first and second screen assemblies assembled into the valve body. A first screen assembly is positioned downstream of a first flow control assembly and a second screen assembly is positioned downstream of a second flow control assembly. Each screen assembly is removable from the valve body and includes a screen body having a screening portion with a lower open end and a top portion. The screen assembly includes a closing cap to retain accumulated particulate matter. A retaining clip is used to hold the screen assembly in position within the valve body.

Abstract: A valve assembly with low gas level signaling and controlling function includes a primary valve threadedly engaged with an outlet of a tank, the primary valve being formed with a recess in which is fitted a plunger having an upper end extending upwardly through the primary valve to engage with a knob, a low level linking device comprising a tubular tube connected with a bottom of the primary valve, a flexible rod having an end extending upwardly through the tubular tube to connect with the primary valve and another end connected with an end of a float rod, and a float connected with another end of the float rod, and a release rod connected a pusher which is operatively connected with the primary valve so that when the release rod is turned, the pusher will move down the flexible rod to open the primary valve, whereby the valve assembly can detect the amount of gas remaining in a gas tank and will close when the level has decreased to a certain level thereby alerting the users and enabling them to replenish th

Abstract: A mounting base portion having a plurality of solenoid valve mounting areas is formed on an upper face of a manifold base. A board having an opening portion is mounted onto the manifold base with the mounting base portion fitted in the opening portion and projecting upward from the board. Solenoid valves are mounted to the respective mounting areas. Solenoid portions of the respective solenoid valves extend over the board from the mounting base portion to cover an upper face of the board.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve of a reduced size capable of suppressing temperature rise of a coil regardless of continuous electrical energization over an extended time while preventing attracting force from lowering includes a coil cooling fluid passage (9a; 8a; 4a) for communicating a coil cooling fluid sump space (2a) with a controlled pressure region for allowing a fluid to flow into the coil cooling fluid sump space (2a) from the controlled pressure region. The coil cooling fluid passage includes a small-diameter communicating passage portion (9a) provided so as not to exert influence to a hydraulic pressure prevailing in the controlled pressure region.

Abstract: A control valve system includes a housing having an inlet port, a first output port, a second output port, and a valve chamber. A primary spool and a secondary spool are independently slidable in the valve chamber. The secondary spool has a first end for abutting against the primary spool and has a second end with a working surface area greater than the working surface areas at the ends of the primary spool. A solenoid valve assembly controllably connects the inlet port to the second end of the secondary spool. A biaser provides a biasing force to the primary spool. A first fluid passage through the primary spool provides fluid communication between the first output port and a second end of the primary spool for displacing the primary spool relative to the secondary spool in an energy saving mode, thereby regulating a pressure at the first output relative to the predetermined magnitude of the biasing force.

Abstract: A stepped down groove 53 is provided around the peripheral surface of a rod portion 43 of a spool 40 which faces a third oil groove 33. Both the axial ends 53a and 53b of the stepped down groove 53 are located axially outside of both the axial ends 33a and 33b of the third oil groove 33 at least while the valve is in pressure-adjusting condition. Also, another stepped down groove 52 is provided around a land 42 which faces a first oil groove 31. Both the axial ends 52a and 52b of the stepped down groove 52 come, respectively, to the right and left sides of the axial end 31b of the first oil groove 31 to which end the spool 40 shifts to increase the opening of the oil groove at least while the valve is in pressure-adjusting condition.

Abstract: A ball valve unit for shutting off the flow of fluids flowing in heating and plumbing systems. The ball valve unit includes a ball valve and a main section including a flange formed integrally with the main section. A chamber is formed in the main section for receiving the ball of the ball valve. The main section is made of brass in order to prevent galvanic action between ball valve unit and the heating/plumbing system.

Abstract: An integrated electrofluidic system including an electronic control system amounted on a support platform, a microfluidic system embedded in the platform and having an input and an output and at least one electrofluidic component, and at least one electrical conductor carried by the platform for electrically interconnecting the electronic control system and the at least one electrofluidic component.

Abstract: A method of lining a main pipe and one or more service pipes extending therefrom is disclosed. The method comprises lining a main pipe with a liner of plastics material, inserting a liner of plastics material into a service pipe from an end of the service pipe remote form the main pipe and penetrating the wall of the main pipe liner to bring the main pipe into fluid communication with the service pipe. The wall of the main pipe liner is preferably penetrated by providing a pig or robot inside the lined main pipe, locating the position at which a service pipe is joined to the main pipe and using the pig or robot to cut, drill or pierce through the wall of the main pipe liner. A further lining portion may be provided along at least a part of any distance between the main pipe liner and the liner inserted into the service pipe. The further lining portion may be an insert of plastics material or may be provided by sealant with a channel formed therein or it may be formed by a combination of the two.

Abstract: The combination of a flexible pipe, e.g. plastic, and a reinforcing member mounted around the pipe to strengthen the pipe and to enhance its ability to resist deformation under load. In one embodiment the reinforcing member includes a flexible perforated plastic netting containing an aggregation of lightweight elements such as expanded polystyrene beads capable of wrapping around the pipe, preferably in helical fashion along the length of the pipe. In another embodiment, a number of members are mounted on the pipe in longitudinally extending fashion.

Abstract: A hose assembly including an elongated flexible metal hose attached to a hose fitting having a fitting body defining a passageway for conveying material. The fitting body has a mating portion for connecting the hose assembly to a corresponding fitting which delivers or accepts material passing through the hose assembly. A sleeve engages a surface of the fitting body and secures an end portion of the metal conduit to the fitting by trapping the end portion of the metal conduit between the sleeve and the fitting body. During installation, the sleeve is inserted into the body and subsequently the hose is inserted into a gap between the sleeve and fitting body. A fixture having a radially expanding member is slipped into the sleeve and brought into contact with the sleeve to deform the sleeve and consequently trap an end of the hose between the sleeve and the fitting.

Abstract: The combination of a flexible pipe, e.g. plastic, and a reinforcing member mounted around the pipe to strengthen the pipe and to enhance its ability to resist deformation under load. In one embodiment the reinforcing member includes a flexible perforated plastic netting containing an aggregation of lightweight elements such as expanded polystyrene beads capable of wrapping around the pipe, preferably in helical fashion along the length of the pipe. In another embodiment, a number of members are mounted on the pipe in longitudinally extending fashion.

Abstract: A single wire cable conduit provided having a rhomboid-shaped wire including approximately parallel sides, a rounded first end, and a tapered second end. The wire is serpentine wound into a hollow tubular body having a plurality of approximately parallel adjoining wire loops. The wire loops each have the rounded first end positioned in continuous displaceable contact with the tapered second end of an adjacent loop. As the hollow tubular body deflects, each wire loop displaces relative to its adjacent wire loop. Each rounded first end is able to rotate and translate along the abutting tapered second end reducing both conduit bending resistance and potential friction damage to either a sleeve or cable and to a jacket covering the hollow tubular body.

Abstract: A papermaker's fabric includes first and second layers of cross-machine-direction (CD) yarns and a plurality of machine-direction (MD) yarns interwoven therewith and arranged in groups each having a first, two second, and two third MD yarns. The first MD yarn binds with two CD yarns of the first layer and with two CD yarns of the second layer. The second M yarns bind with only one CD yarn of the first layer and floats over at least two consecutive CD yarns of the second layer. The third MD yarns bind with only one CD yarn of the first layer and floats over at least two consecutive CD yarns of the second layer. The second MD yarns are offset from the third MD yarns in a direction parallel to the MD yarns. The first MD yarn is between the two second MD yarns which are between the third MD yarns so as to form a continuous air channel.

Abstract: A papermaker's fabric, usable with a dryer section on a paper machine, has a first layer and a second layer of cross-machine-direction (CD) yarns. Interwoven with the CD yarns in a duplex weave is a system of MD yarns. The MD yarns are provided in groups of at least two adjacent MD yarns. Each group has one first MD yarn and one or more second MD yarn. The first MD yarn interweaves between the first and second layers of CD yarns, each time binding with only one CD yarn. Each second MD yarn also interweaves between first and second layers of CD yarns, each time binding with only one CD yarn in the first layer, but floating over at least two CD yarns in the second layer. The first MD yarn is between the one or more second MD yarns in its group and those of an adjacent group, and defines a continuous air channel on the surface of the fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paper-making machine wire cloth comprised of an individual woven cloth for the paper side (12) and an individual woven cloth for the running side (14), whereby each woven cloth consists of a set of weft threads (16; 20) and warp threads (18; 22). The diameters and the number of paper side and running side warp threads (18; 22) are essentially equal, and the paper side warp threads (18) and weft threads (16), together, form a plain weave. In order that at least a portion of the running side threads (22) passes into the paper side (12), extends over the subsequent paper side weft thread (16) and, afterwards, returns to the running side (14) each time at a location (24), at which this warp thread (22) is located above at least one assigned running side weft thread (20), a marking-free paper side is achieved in the plain weave while simultaneously improving the surface uniformity.

Abstract: A receiving gripper for a rapier loom, wherein at least the moving part is made of a ceramic material.

Abstract: A water bottle refill system provided for use with a bottled water cooler having an upwardly open reservoir, receiving a supply of water from a bottle mounted over the reservoir in an inverted orientation. Such cooler and bottle are described, among others patents, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,167,921 and D. 339067.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid moving device for use with inflatable articles. The fluid moving device includes a fluid intake port, a motor and impeller assembly, and a fluid transfer orifice that provides the fluid. The fluid moving device also includes a power switch. The fluid moving device may be provided with a hand-holdable housing. The fluid moving device may also be provided with a battery compartment sized and arranged to fit a standard size set of batteries, and a removable battery container. The removable battery container may be sized and arranged to adapt differently sized batteries to the battery compartment. The power switch may also be a self-sealing power switch that seals the intake port when the power switch is in a deactivated position.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for simultaneously sterilizing a large number of packs (1) by means of a gas mixture containing hydrogen peroxide and a carrier gas. The apparatus comprises: supply lines (4) for the carrier gas and for hydrogen peroxide (5), a device (21) for evaporating hydrogen peroxide by heat and mixing it into the carrier gas, supply lines (4, 5) and a substantially horizontally extending distributor line (6, 22) and nozzles (3) which are arranged above the respective pack (1) and are connected to the distributor line (6, 22).

Abstract: A method and system for preventing vehicle misfuelling by utilizing an apparatus that receives a fuel nozzle into the filler neck, and activates a vacuum on the nozzle inserted therein. Using the pump's internal shut-off mechanism, this prevents the fuel pump from dispensing fuel until the sensing unit within the apparatus is able to identify the fuel proposed to be added to the tank. If the fuel is deemed acceptable, the vacuum is released, and the fuel is permitted to enter into the desired fuel tank.