Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the bevel of a semiconductor substrate. The apparatus generally includes a cell body having upstanding walls and a fluid drain basin, a rotatable vacuum chuck positioned centrally positioned in the fluid drain basin, and at least 3 substrate centering members positioned at equal radial increments around the rotatable vacuum chuck. The substrate centering members include a vertically oriented shaft having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, a cap member positioned over an upper terminating end of the shaft, a raised central portion formed onto the cap member, the raised central portion having a maximum thickness at a location the coincides with the longitudinal axis, and a substrate centering post positioned on the cap member radially outward of the raised central portion, an upper terminating end of the substrate centering post extending from the cap member to a distance that exceeds the maximum thickness.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a folding roller (2) on a roll folding machine has a capsule with an aperture for insertion of the folding roller (2) and a nozzle which is connected to a high pressure source of a cleaning agent. The nozzle is directed for emitting a jet (32, 33) of the cleaning agent and movement means against the peripheral or circumferential surface of the folding roller (2). In such instance, a relative movement is created between the folding roller (2) and the jet (32, 33) so that the peripheral or circumferential surface will be exposed to the action of the jet 10 (31, 33). A method of cleaning a folding roller (2) in a roll folding machine comprises the steps that the folding roller (2) is passed into a capsule and that the peripheral or circumferential surface of the folding roller (2) is exposed to a jet (32, 33) of cleaning agent under pressure.

Abstract: Sound insulation core material is made by melt-blowing a polypropylene resin having a hydroxystearamide wax additive to produce a fibrous mass having improved loft. The core material is encased between outer layers of spun-bond polyethylene fibers by longitudinal seams and transverse seams to form a product suitable for use in dishwashers.

Abstract: The substrate processing apparatus is provided with a gas-liquid mixing nozzle for generating a process liquid mist by mixing a liquid and a pressurized gas, to discharge the process liquid mist to a substrate at high speeds. The liquid may be remover liquid, intermediate rinse liquid or deionized water. The reaction products which having been generated on the substrate in etching process is removed at high speeds with the flow of the mist, whereby the quality of the process is improved.

Abstract: The substrate processing apparatus is provided with a gas-liquid mixing nozzle for generating a process liquid mist by mixing a liquid and a pressurized gas, to discharge the process liquid mist to a substrate at high speeds. The liquid may be remover liquid, intermediate rinse liquid or deionized water. The reaction products which having been generated on the substrate in etching process is removed at high speeds with the flow of the mist, whereby the quality of the process is improved.

Abstract: A paint roller includes a spindle adapted to hold a rotatable cylindrical paint pad, and an arm connecting the spindle to a handle. A semi-cylindrical cover curves about the roller's spindle. A liquid manifold is integral with the cover to deliver a curtain of liquid to the paint roller for washing the cylindrical pad. The liquid manifold is made up of a tubular section having a hollow interior, a closed lower end and an open upper end adapted for attachment to a hose, the section including a plurality of spaced, longitudinally aligned holes in communication with the interior, whereby liquid is capable of flowing from the tubular section upper end through the hollow interior for discharge through the holes. An adapter plate for adapting the paint roller cover, to cover all types of rollers including different length spindles or roller cages, is slidably attachable to the cover outer surface.

Abstract: A procedure for an umbrella-assisted departure on a rainy day through a door opening used to exit from a vehicle, in which an open umbrella is clamped to the top edge of the door so that the site of attachment correlates to the bottom hand-held location on the umbrella rod at which it is gripped during normal use, so that the head room under the umbrella during use is necessarily also the head room during departure, thereby obviating a crouching inconvenience in the departure procedure.

Abstract: An umbrella frame provides a stable and enduring support for an umbrella canopy while also allowing canopies of varying shapes and sizes to be mounted thereto. The umbrella frame includes a hub assembly, namely, a main hub member mounted about a central pole member of the umbrella frame which offers improved means for attaching brackets thereto which are structured to pivotally receive a plurality of strut members therein, which strut members are, in turn, pivotally secured to a plurality of rib members interconnected with an upper, secondary hub. The main hub member of the present invention preferably includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a channel having at least one ledge formed therebetween, with a band formed from a flattened strip of metal secured within the channel about the hub member.

Abstract: An umbrella frame structured for use in a strong wind conditions such as those conditions frequently encountered on a boat traveling at relatively high speeds. An umbrella frame assembly includes a reinforcing assembly connected thereto in a supportive, operative orientation thereby providing a stable support for an umbrella canopy which can remain open even during travel of the boat. The frame assembly can be modified to support canopies of varying shapes and sizes and the frame assembly can be easily removed, for storage purposes, from a supporting base which may be mounted on or connected to a boat.

Abstract: An improved cane to assist walking, comprising a shaft, a base and an articulated connection allowing the base to pivot relative to the shaft, depending upon the slope of the surface below the base, the connection characterized in that articulation capability decreases as downward loading on the shaft is increased, and articulation capability increases as downward loading on the shaft is decreased. Articulation capacity may have a path of resistance that guides the user into selected patterns of therapeutic motion.

Abstract: A lift assist apparatus for moving an individual from a seated to a standing position comprises two vertical supports wherein each vertical support comprises a vertical slot. A top rod is attached to the upper portion of each vertical support and a bottom rod is attached to the lower portion of each vertical support. A horizontal arm is movably connected to each vertical support. Motor driven belts located within the vertical slots of the vertical supports cause the horizontal arms to simultaneously move up and down along the vertical supports. Alternatively, a piston located in each vertical slot is used to move the horizontal arms along the vertical supports. The horizontal arms provide support for an individual moving to as seated or standing position. The lift assist apparatus may also be comprised of a single vertical support. The lift assist apparatus is typically mounted to a wall.

Abstract: This invention is intended to provide a mechanical building block system independent of mechanical tolerances of generator stack elements consisting of multiple parallel in plane elements that can be mass produced and mass assembled without sorting or lapping or machining in place. This implementation allows for simple maintenance of interchangeable unmatched parts.

Abstract: A substrate of which the crystal planes are orientated perpendicular to a main surface thereof and made of the same kind of ion is prepared. Then, film forming operation is performed on the main surface of the substrate to epitaxially grow a Fe—Si based thin film thereon.

Abstract: There is disclosed a photoelectric conversion device comprising a substrate 1 serving as a lower electrode; first conductivity-type crystalline semiconductor particles 3 deposited on the substrate; second conductivity-type semiconductor layers 4 formed on the crystalline semiconductor particles 3; an insulator layer 2 formed among the crystalline semiconductor particles; and an upper electrode layer 5 formed on the second conductivity-type semiconductor layers 4, wherein the second conductivity-type semiconductor layers 4 each have a smaller thickness at or below an equator of each of the crystalline semiconductor particles than at a zenith region thereof, and the second conductivity-type semiconductor layers 4 include an impurity element with a concentration gradient decreasing with proximity to the crystalline semiconductor particles.

Abstract: On a surface of a GaAs substrate, layers to be a top cell are formed by epitaxial growth. On the top cell, layers to be a bottom cell are formed. Thereafter, on a surface of the bottom cell, a back surface electrode is formed. Thereafter, a glass plate is adhered to the back surface electrode by wax. Then, the GaAs substrate supported by the glass plate is dipped in an alkali solution, whereby the GaAs substrate is removed. Thereafter, a surface electrode is formed on the top cell. Finally the glass plate is separated from the back surface electrode. In this manner, a compound solar battery that improves efficiency of conversion to electric energy can be obtained.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell exhibiting an overall conversion efficiency of at least 9.0% is prepared from a copper-indium-gallium-diselenide thin film. The thin film is prepared by simultaneously electroplating copper, indium, gallium, and selenium onto a substrate using a buffered electro-deposition bath. The electrodeposition is followed by adding indium to adjust the final stoichiometry of the thin film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and to their method of manufacture. The microfluidic devices are original by their specific structure (of sandwich type) and by the materials from which they are made (mainly glasses, glass ceramics, ceramics), and also by their specific method of manufacture, which is based on a vacuum-forming operation. The microfluidic device includes a first assembly including a microstructure and a first substrate, wherein the microstructure is constructed and arranged on the substrate under vacuum. A second assembly includes a second substrate positioned on the microstructure after the first assembly is presintered and adhered thereto by heat treatment to form a one-piece microstructure defining at least one recess between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation and aeration device for a fuel tank (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising a ventilation line (9) leading to the exterior of the fuel tank (1); said ventilation line being connected to the inner area (18) of the fuel tank (1) via a ventilation opening (16) of a ventilation link having a larger throughflow diameter and an aeration opening (21) of an aeration link having a smaller throughflow diameter. The ventilation opening (16) leads into the inner area of the fuel tank (18) at a filling level height (17) which is lower than that of the aeration opening (19) of the aeration link. A roll-over valve (10) is used to seal off the inner area (18) of the fuel tank (1) in relation to the ventilation line (9). The ventilation link and the aeration lead to a common ventilation channel (20) leading to a single roll-over valve (10) whose outlet is connected to the ventilation line (9).

Abstract: A pressure relief device is provided. The pressure relief device includes a sealing member and a low-pressure support member that is adapted to provide support to the sealing member when the sealing member is subject to a certain pressure differential. The low pressure support member includes an annular flange and at least one supporting projection. A cutting element is adapted to puncture the sealing member when the sealing member is subject to a predetermined pressure differential. The pressure relief device may further include a high pressure support member and safety heads forming a pre-torqued assembly. The supporting projection may optionally include an area of weakness either wholly within or on the periphery thereof.

Abstract: A plumbing system operable to automatically introduce antifreeze into the hot and cold water systems responsive to a signal from a controller. The controller activates the system automatically at a predetermined ambient temperature. The system can also be reconfigured manually.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irrigation control system in which a device (irrigation scheduler) automatically modifies irrigation schedules of installed irrigation controllers to affect irrigating of the landscape based on the water requirements of the landscape plants and comprises: providing an irrigation controller programmed to execute irrigations on watering days by closing an electrical circuit connecting the controller and at least one irrigation valve; providing an irrigation scheduler programmed to execute irrigations on substantially equivalent watering days as the irrigation controller; and the irrigation scheduler selectively interrupting the electrical circuit to control the execution of irrigations on watering days. Preferably the microprocessor uses either an ETo value or weather data used in calculating the ETo value to at least partially derive the improved irrigation schedule.

Abstract: The invention relates to an An automatically opening and closing value [[(1)]] for fluids, in which a connecting duct is opened or closed by means of a piston [[(7)]] displaceable axially by the fluid pressure. The invention can be used in refrigerating and/or pressure-medium engineering.

Abstract: A flow regulator with pressure relief combination valve is disclosed which can include a housing and a valve assembly. The housing can have a chamber and four ports. A cage, having a plurality of cross holes, is supported by the housing. A hollow spool is slidably disposed within the cage and is biased to engage the cage. A shoulder of the cage and a counterbore of the spool cooperate to interferingly retain an insert. A poppet is slidably disposed inside of the cage. The valve assembly includes an adaptor, a spring disposed within the adaptor, a guide disposed between the spring and the poppet, and an adjuster adjustably secured to the adaptor. The spring is arranged to bias the poppet against a seat via the guide. The adjustor is movable to adjust the position of the spring.

Abstract: A fuel trap for a vehicle's fuel system, the liquid fuel trap comprises a housing adapted for fitting within the vehicle's fuel tank and at least one fuel fluid inlet port connectable to a fuel venting valve system, a gas outlet port connectable to a fuel vapor treating system; and a liquid fuel discharge assembly for discharging liquid fuel into the fuel tank, said liquid fuel discharge assembly fitted with a fluid propelling mechanism responsive to acceleration and buoyant forces, and to fuel motion within the fuel tank.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices provide substances to a mass spectrometer. The microfluidic devices include first and second surfaces, at least one microchannel formed by the surfaces, and an outlet at an edge of the surfaces which is recessed back from an adjacent portion of the edge. Hydrophilic surfaces and/or hydrophobic surfaces guide substances out of the outlet. A source of electrical potential can help move substances through the microchannel, separate substances and/or provide electrospray ionization.

Abstract: A decompression valve incorporated in a gas decompression device valve of fuel cell system is divided into a measuring room and a back pressure room by a diaphragm. A valve seat and a valve body adjoining to the measuring room are arranged on the decompression valve. When gas pressure works on the diaphragm, the diaphragm is displaced to move in a direction for making the valve body closer to the valve seat. Pressure control springs arranged on the decompression valve urge the diaphragm in a direction to make the valve body separate from the valve seat. The diaphragm, pressure control springs and the like allow hydrogen gas to pass the valve seat, whereby hydrogen gas from an outlet is decompressed.

Abstract: A pressure reducer has a housing with inlet and outlet sockets, a partition between said inlet and outlet sockets, and an accommodation socket. The partition defines an aperture aligned with the accommodation socket. A pressure reducer insert is inserted into the accommodation socket and the aperture. The pressure reducer insert has a tapering, funnel-like insert housing, a valve seat, and webs for connecting the insert housing with a valve seat sealingly mounted in the aperture. A regulating diaphragm closes the open end to define a controlled pressure chamber which communicates with an outlet chamber. A cap encloses a biased helical spring and a bias setting threaded spindle rotatably mounted in the cap. A setting knob is axially movable between a first position non-rotatably coupled with the cap, and a second position rotatable relative to the cap where rotation of the knob rotates the bias setting spindle and adjusts the pressure setting.

Abstract: A ball stop valve (10) allows liquid to enter a reciprocating piston pump when internal suction is great enough to raise the ball (13) and create a space between the ball (13) and a seat (9). This invention allows the user to easily insert or remove rings (15) into the ball inlet valve, either above or below the ball (13), so that the space between the ball (13) and the seat (9) can be adjusted. The valve (10) is easily accessible to the user and all components of the ball valve (10) are removable.

Abstract: A check valve for use in a continuously variable transmission includes a valve body having an axial through-communicating oil path and a cylindrical fitting recess part opened at an axial end thereof, an insert member having a cylindrical fitting projection part fitted in the fitting recess part to attach the insert member to the valve body, and also having an accommodating space therein opened at one side of the insert member near the fitting projection part, and a valve element and a spring disposed in the accommodating space such that the valve element is normally urged by the spring to close an opening of the communicating oil path.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly includes a housing with a ball valve rotatably received therein and an adjusting shaft extends through a wall of the housing and is connected to the ball valve. A passage is defined through the ball valve and a separation bar is connected to an inner periphery of the passage so as to define a first partition and a second partition in the passage. A seal member is located in the first partition of the passage and a control device is connected to the seal member which movably seals the passage. The ball valve is rotated an angle by rotating the adjusting shaft so that the direction of the flow of the liquid via the ball valve can be changed.

Abstract: A full and complete Water Management System developed into a single programmable electronic controller specifically designed to both aid in Water Conservation, and provide full control and monitoring of all aspects of a plumbing system, including Water Usage Counting, Flow Control, Leak Detection, Water Heater on/off, hot water temperature and irrigation/sprinkler system(s); A device which allows the user to monitor, control, purge and adjust the entirity of a plumbing system; A device which applies the principle . . . (“increased pressure IS=decreased flow” . . . , therefore “stable pressure IS ALSO=absence of flow”) . . .

Abstract: A pressure control apparatus is disposed in a pressure control system for a transmission to set pressure control at a torque-transmitting mechanism. The pressure control apparatus includes a torque transmitting mechanism control valve, which distributes pressure from a high pressure source to the torque-transmitting mechanism. Also within the pressure control apparatus is a boost valve mechanism, which is effective to control feedback pressure on the torque transmitting mechanism pressure regulator valve thereby controlling the pressure rise at the torque-transmitting mechanism and also permitting a boost pressure to be distributed to the torque-transmitting mechanism when full engagement thereof is required.

Abstract: A selectable detent relief valve of this invention is used to operate a hydraulic detent mechanism on a manually operated spool valve. This design has three modes of operation, no-detent, continuous detent and kick-out detent. The no-detent position allows flow to pass through the relief valve, from a first port to a second port and bypass the relief function. The pressure created, disengages the detent mechanism in the spool valve. The spool always returns to neutral position as long as pressure is present. The continuous detent position blocks the flow from a first port to a second port. The kick-out detent position allows flow to pass from the first port to the second port to override (kick-out) the detent mechanism in the spool when the pressure is greater than 2600 psi.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic switch for stopping a liquid flow during a time interval with the following features: the switch has at least one first channel and at least one second channel; the first channel and the second channel have a common end area; the first channel in the end area has a stopping mechanism for stopping of a liquid flow flowing in the first channel; the stopping mechanism can be controlled by means of a liquid flow flowing in the second channel for continuing the liquid flow in the first channel. Transport in the first and the second channel takes place advantageously by the capillarity acting in the channel.

Abstract: The air valve includes a valve body for controlling operations to open and close the communication between an air pressure chamber and an air outlet, a piezoelectric element for generating driving force in the form of displacements, and a displacement enlarging mechanism for enlarging the small displacements generated by the piezoelectric element by the principle of a pry and applying the enlarged displacements to the valve body. The enlarged displacements cause a large and sufficient gap to be developed between the air pressure chamber and the air outlet when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element. When the applying of voltage to the piezoelectric element is stopped, the resetting force of the piezoelectric element itself causes the gap to be closed quickly.

Abstract: A fluid handling component having a durable ultraphobic fluid contact surface that is capable of exhibiting ultraphobic properties at liquid pressures of one atmosphere and above.

Abstract: A liner for a water supply or other pipe comprises an extrusion of an elastomeric material (10), which is extruded in a semi-collapsed multi-lobed state, and encased in a heat shrinkable film (11).

Abstract: A nylon resin multi-layer pipe, excellent in adhesivity to a nylon resin joint, includes at least (A) a layer containing a copolymerized nylon and (B) a layer containing a nylon resin other than the copolymerized nylon of the layer (A). The surface in contact with the joint is the layer (A) containing a copolymerized nylon. An adhesion method is provided for adhering a nylon resin joint to the aforementioned nylon resin multi-layer pipe using a solvent adhesive.

Abstract: The heating and/or sanitation pipe comprises an inner pipe (12) made of a plastic material and a metal corrugated pipe (14) surrounding the inner pipe (12) at a radial distance®). Further, the heating and/or sanitation pipe is provided with a compressible and/or expanded material (16) between the inner pipe (12) and the corrugated pipe (14) for fixing the inner pipe (12) inside the corrugated pipe (14). The compressible and/or expanded material (16) is adapted to be detached from the inner pipe for the purpose of exposing a connecting end of the inner pipe (12). Further, the heating and/or sanitation pipe comprises an insulation layer (18) surrounding the metal corrugated pipe (14) and an outer covering (20) around the insulation layer (18).

Abstract: A papermaker's fabric, usable in the forming section of a paper machine, has a top layer and a bottom layer of machine-direction (MD) warps and cross-machine direction (CD) wefts and a triplet of CD binder yarns interwoven with the top and bottom fabric layers. The triplet of binder yarns combine to weave a plain pattern in the top layer, thereby reducing sheet marking and providing a high level of web support.

Abstract: Within the scope of the method for oil filling for transmissions, particularly for automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, by way of a filling device attached to an oil overflow orifice on the transmission, as a first step a first oil filling is effected with a basic amount, when the basic amount is filled up, a suction of excess oil is carried out during a simultaneous continuous subsequent dosing. Then follows a final oil adjustment by single subsequent dosing of a specific amount of oil while the suction is cut off.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for needle protection provided by a container having opposed ends, with one end permitting the container to be positioned on a receptacle, and the opposite end for the attachment of a fillable member. A needle is positioned within the container, which can be tubular, between the opposed ends. The attachment of a fillable member can be by the attachment of an empty syringe, and the container can be positioned on a receptacle for attaching a serum vial. A needle removably extends within the container near the end where the receptacle is attachable. The empty syringe is removably connected to the needle within the container, and is used to withdraw serum from the vial. After the filled syringe is withdrawn, the serum is dispensed, and the empty syringe, with the needle is returned to the container, which is disposed of.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the delivery of a liquid anesthetic agent from an anesthetic bottle to an anesthetic vaporizer. The system includes a bottle adapter, an anesthetic bottle and a filler arrangement positioned on the anesthetic vaporizer. The bottle adapter and filler arrangement each include a keyed configuration such that only the correct type of anesthetic agent can be emptied into the anesthetic vaporizer. The bottle adapter includes an adapter valve assembly that engages a filler valve assembly contained within the filler. The dimensions and arrangement of the adapter valve assembly and the filler valve assembly insure anesthetic agent is delivered to the anesthetic vaporizer only when the anesthetic agent can safely flow from the anesthetic bottle to the anesthetic vaporizer.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle includes a body, a handle connected to the body, a handle guard connected to the body and generally surrounding the handle, and a spout extending from the body. Parts of the nozzle are made of, or covered in, static dissipative materials. Additionally, a method for reducing static discharge in existing nozzle installations include the application of static dissipative material to existing nozzles to address certain static discharge risks.

Abstract: A device and method for the automated storage and retrieval of trays holding subject matter. A computer system is programmed to control a storage gantry to move the trays between a storage rack and an automated machine. In a preferred embodiment, the subject matter in the trays is a plurality of micro-well plates in which microscopic crystals may be growing and the automated machine is configured to inspect and classify microscopic crystals. The automated machine has an indexing device for sequentially placing microscopic crystals in camera-view of a camera and a control computer is programmed to control the indexing device and to cause the camera to take images of the microscopic crystals and then transfer the images to a classifying processor where the images are classified. In a preferred embodiment, the microscopic crystals are protein crystals that have been grown in the wells of micro-well plates.

Abstract: An electrically driven router is mounted in a top portion of an elongated rod. An electrical cord is juxtaposed along the length of the rod and is electrically connected to the router at a top portion of the rod and at a lower portion of the rod to a source of electrical power in the form of a battery pack or 110 volt service. The router mounts a fluted cutting bit having a length preferably of at least three inches, the bit adapted to laterally cut through a longitudinal axis of small diameter vegetation.

Abstract: A method is proposed for increasing the carbon-content dependent dynamic stability of a toothed structural part, particularly of a toothed wheel. A curve of the carbon content portion in an edge layer of the structural part is adjusted so that the carbon portion, departing form the surface in direction to a core of the structural part, at first increases and as of a certain depth of the layer continuously decreases. Part of the edge of the layer is removed in areas of the structural part whose dynamic stress capacity increases as the carbon content increases on the surface of the structural part.

Abstract: The method of the present invention includes a step of preparing a rare earth magnet 22 disposed for forming a cylinder 22a, a first magnetizing step of applying a first external magnetic field H1 to the rare earth magnet 22, thereby forming a first region R1 magnetized from an inner side to an outer side of the cylinder 22a and a second region R2 magnetized from the outer side to the inner side, and a second magnetizing step of applying a second external magnetic field H2 so that an external magnetic field component forming an angle of more than 0° and less than 50 ° with a direction of the external magnetic field component applied in the first magnetizing step to a boundary between the first region R1 and the second region R2.

Abstract: A method for producing a compact of rare earth alloy powder of the present invention includes: a powder-filling step of filling rare earth allow powder in a cavity formed by inserting a lower punch into a through hall of a die of a powder compacting machine; and a compression step of pressing the rare earth alloy powder while applying a magnetic field, the steps being repeated a plurality of times. When the (n+1)th (n is an integer equal to or more than 1) stage compression step is to be carried out, the top surface of a compact produced in the n-th stage compression step is placed at a position above the bottom surface of a magnetic portion of a die.

Abstract: A modified Ti—Mn2 hydrogen storage alloy. The alloy generally is comprised of Ti and Mn. A generic formula for the alloy is: TiQ-XZrXMnZ-YAY, where A is generally one or more of V, Cr, Fe, Ni and Al. Most preferably A is one or more of V, Cr, and Fe. The subscript Q is preferably between 0.9 and 1.1, and most preferably Q is 1.0. The subscript X is between 0.0 and 0.35, more preferably X is between 0.1 and 0.2, and most preferably X is between 0.1 and 0.15. The subscript Y is preferably between 0.3 and 1.8, more preferably Y is between 0.6 and 1.2, and most preferably Y is between 0.6 and 1.0. The subscript Z is preferably between 1.8 and 2.1, and most preferably Z is between 1.8 and 2.0. The alloys are generally single phase materials, exhibiting a hexagonal C14 Laves phase crystalline structure.