Abstract: A process reorders tobacco that has been expanded by impregnating the tobacco under pressure with liquid carbon dioxide, forming a frozen mass of the tobacco and carbon dioxide, and heating the frozen mass in an expansion zone to sublimate the carbon dioxide and thereby expand the tobacco. The expanded tobacco is discharged from the expansion zone and before the temperature of the expanded tobacco is below about 80° F. and preferably when the expanded tobacco is at an elevated temperature of between about 180° F. and about 212° F., the tobacco is contacted with humidifying air having a temperature of about 80° F. to about 91° F. and a relative humidity of about 58% to about 88%.

Abstract: An ornamental accessory for a fingernail comprises an overlay, a cover and at least one decorative element. A recess is formed in the top surface of the overlay for receiving the decorative element and the cover is fixed over the recess to form an enclosed pocket for containing the decorative element. The decorative elements may be metallic flakes, glitter, confetti, natural gemstones, artificial gemstones or combinations thereof and are preferably freely movable within the pocket of the overlay. In an alternate embodiment, the overlay includes a raised decorative portion formed on the top surface as opposed to a recess.

Abstract: A device including a rod having an end portion and a hooked portion is presented. The end portion and the hooked portion are located at opposite ends of the rod. A support is connected to the rod. The support includes a many rod guides. The hooked portion is adapted to string filamentous material through at least one bead that has a thru-hole.

Abstract: An implement for treating strands of hair comprising a reservoir containing a composition and guide means capable of sliding in the reservoir. The guide means comprises a body extending through the reservoir, pulling means (e.g. a pull strip) protruding from one end of the reservoir for at least partially pulling the guide means out of the reservoir and attaching means (e.g. a hook) protruding from another end of the reservoir for attaching the strands of hair to said guide means. When the guide means is pulled out of the reservoir, the strands of hair to be treated are pulled in the reservoir through the first opening, and are treated by the composition therein. The implement is preferably ready-to-use.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a hair accessory includes providing a hair clip having a plurality of tines, providing at least one support member having a plurality of strands extending therefrom and coupling the at least one support member to at least one of the plurality of tines.

Abstract: A method for desmearing resin accretions from the surface of a substrate and texturing resins by generating a free radical which attacks and removes the resin accretions and textures the resin.

Abstract: A method for removing polymer containing residues from a semiconductor wafer including metal containing features including providing a semiconductor wafer having a process surface including metal containing features said process surface at least partially covered with polymer containing residues; and, subjecting the semiconductor wafer to a series of cleaning steps including sequentially exposing the process surface to at least one primary solvent and at least one intermediate solvent the at least one intermediate solvent comprising an ammonium nitrate containing solution.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a semiconductor workpiece having a metal layer in a processing chamber includes the steps of introducing a liquid solution including dissolved carbon dioxide onto the workpiece, and introducing ozone into the processing chamber. The ozone oxidizes contaminants on the workpiece, while the carbon dioxide inhibits corrosion of the metal layer. The liquid solution is preferably heated to a temperature greater than 40° C., and preferably comprises deionized water injected with carbon dioxide gas. The workpiece is preferably rotated within the processing chamber during the cleaning process. The ozone may be entrained in the liquid solution before the liquid solution is introduced onto the workpiece, or the ozone may be introduced separately into the processing chamber.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for cleaning a surface of a wafer. The method starts by scrubbing the surface of the wafer with a cleaning brush that applies a chemical solution to the surface of the wafer. In one example, the cleaning brush implements a through the brush (TTB) technique to apply the chemicals. The scrubbing is generally performed in a brush box, with a top cleaning brush and a bottom cleaning brush. The top cleaning brush is then removed from contact with the surface of the wafer. The chemical concentration in the top brush may be maintained at substantially the same concentration that was in the brush during the scrubbing operation. Next, a flow of water (preferably de-ionized water) is delivered to the surface of the wafer. The delivery of water is preferably configured to remove substantially all of the chemical solution from the surface of the wafer before proceeding to a next cleaning operation.

Abstract: A chimney cleaning apparatus and method of using the same to clean a chimney. The chimney cleaning apparatus comprises a support structure for attaching the chimney cleaning apparatus adjacent an exhaust outlet of a chimney. An adjustable rotatable arm is supported by the support structure and a drive mechanism rotates the adjustable rotatable arm relative to the support structure. A cable is attached to a free end of the adjustable rotatable arm and the cable, during use, extending into a discharge passage of the chimney to facilitate cleaning of the chimney when the drive mechanism rotates the adjustable rotatable arm.

Abstract: A method of sampling contaminants of a semiconductor wafer carrier. The method includes placing a tool chamber in a clean room and then placing and fixing the semiconductor wafer carrier with its opening facing downward inside the tool chamber. Then the method includes using at least one nozzle to spray extraction fluid uniformly on the inner surfaces of the semiconductor wafer carrier and collecting the extraction fluid.

Abstract: Method for the cleaning of spinning devices with a plurality of spinning apertures for the output of molten plastic. With the spinning device in operation, individual dirt-contaminated and/or clogged spinning apertures are closed with plugs, these plugs consisting of at least in part of at least one oxidizable substance. The spinning device is subjected in the course of its cleaning to a pyrolysis treatment for the breakdown of residual plastic. The spinning device is subjected to an oxidative treatment, so that the oxidizable substance is oxidized.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for cleaning a process chamber for semiconductor and/or flat panel display manufacturing. This method comprises the steps of converting a non-cleaning feed gas to a cleaning gas in a remote location and then delivering the cleaning gas to the process chamber for cleaning. Such method may further comprise the step of activating the cleaning gas outside the chamber before the delivery of the gas to the chamber. Also provided is a method of eliminating non-cleaning feed gas from the cleaning gas by cryo condensation.

Abstract: There is provided a method of cleaning completely a deposit on the surface of the member to be cleaned, of a plasma processing apparatus without any damage of the coating which has been formed anodized coating or sprayed coating on the surface of the member to cleaned. The method of cleaning comprises a chemical cleaning step of dipping in an organic solvent (e.g. acetone) (a); and then a step blowing pressurized air so as to remove the deposit which has been peeled from a buffer plate (14) treated chemically (b); and then, of removing physically the deposit remained at the edges of the buffer plate (14) by blasting by using a CO2 blast apparatus (105), and f steps of dipping the buffer plate (14) in pure water (104), and imparting supersonic vibration to remove the deposit remaining on a buffer plate (14).

Abstract: A new and improved process for rinsing and drying a wafer to remove photoresist stripping chemicals and residue from the wafer during a photoresist stripping operation. The rinsing and drying process includes dispensing a heated rinsing liquid onto the wafer followed by application of a heated drying gas against the wafer to dry the rinsing liquid from the wafer. Heating of the rinsing liquid and drying gas facilitates expedited rinsing and drying, respectively, of the wafer, resulting in increased wafer throughput and enhanced efficiency of the photoresist stripping process.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a surface using a tool with both a cleaning head and a cleaning fluid reservoir housing coupled to an elongated handle, the method comprising the following steps: attaching a cleaning pad to the cleaning head; inserting a replaceable cleaning fluid reservoir into the housing; fluidically coupling the cleaning fluid reservoir to the cleaning head; dispensing controlled amounts of cleaning fluid from the reservoir onto a surface; and distributing the cleaning fluid evenly over the surface with the cleaning pad.

Abstract: Drying of patterned wafers is achieved in a manner effecting removal of water from the patterned wafers without collapse or deterioration of the pattern structures thereof. The drying is carried out in one aspect of the invention with a composition containing supercritical fluid, and at least one water-reactive agent that chemically reacts with water to form reaction product(s) more soluble in the supercritical fluid than water. Various methodologies are described for use of supercritical fluids to dry patterned wafers, which avoid the (low water solubility) deficiency of supercritical fluids such as supercritical CO2.

Abstract: A work washing apparatus including a transfer unit for controlling forward and rearward movements of a work, a table moved by the transfer unit, carrying out the washing of the work from upper and lower surfaces thereof and provided with water/air pipes, an upper surface washing unit provided on an upper surface of the transfer unit and having upper surface washing nozzles which make planetary movements by utilizing rational movements of the nozzles on their own axes and an orbital movement of the washing unit, side surface washing units provided on both side surfaces of the transfer unit and having side surface nozzles which make planetary movements by utilizing rotational movements of the nozzles on their own axes and an orbital movement of the upper surface washing unit, a lower washing unit provided on a lower surface of the transfer unit and having lower surface washing nozzles which make planetary movements by utilizing rotational movements of the nozzles on their own axes and an orbital movement of the

Abstract: A device for preventing foam or air bubbles from accumulating in a measuring zone of a turbidity sensor connected in a wash-water circuit of a dishwasher or washing machine includes a main flow conduit and a bypass conduit connected to the main flow conduit. The bypass conduit includes a first conduit section branching off from the main flow conduit, a second conduit section leading back into the main flow conduit at a junction, and an enlarged region of reduced flow velocity connected upstream of the junction. The enlarged region provides the measuring zone for the turbidity sensor, and includes a curved baffle and a downward-facing bulbous protuberance opposite the baffle so as to form a backflow region. The measuring zone is located within the backflow region in the bulbous protuberance.

Abstract: A cane includes a top. The cane includes a shaft having a first compartment, a second compartment and at least a third compartment. The top is connected to the shaft. The cane includes a first flask for holding fluid and removably disposed in the first compartment. The cane includes a second flask for holding fluid and removably disposed in the second compartment. The cane includes at least a third flask for holding fluid and removably disposed in the third compartment. A method for storing materials in a cane. A method of forming a cane.

Abstract: A lightweight metal or plastic framework which has a handle (11) at the top of an adjustable vertical shaft (12) with built in hooks (13,14) below the handle and a bottom shaft (15) attached to the end of the vertical shaft (12).

Abstract: A solar tracking storage system includes a solar collector, a gear mechanism, a control box, a light sensitive switch, a wind gauge, and a GPS receiver. Thus, when the car stops, the solar tracking storage system can track, receive and store the solar energy with the optimum efficiency. In addition, the microprocessor outputs signals to the motor controller to drive the gear mechanism to adjust the orientation and pitch of the solar collector so as to track the sun, so that the solar collector is kept vertical to the sun, thereby obtaining the optimum efficiency.

Abstract: A solar panel including a photovoltaic material layer; a backing panel; and an adhesive layer disposed between and adhering together the photovoltaic material layer and the backing panel, in which the adhesive layer comprises an adhesive composition, the adhesive composition comprising a low MVTR polymer or copolymer and a silane-modified polymer or copolymer. In another embodiment, the solar panel includes module wire openings which are filled by an adhesive composition comprising a low MVTR polymer or copolymer and a silane-modified polymer or copolymer. A method of making the solar panel is provided.

Abstract: A product fill system and method uses a mode valve. The mode valve is a shuttle valve that allows the shock tube to communicate with the filler valve during a fill operation corresponding to fill mode of the mode valve. If the filler valve is shut off, any overpressure can pass through the mode valve and be absorbed by the shock tube. The mode valve can be switched into a clean mode in which the shock tube is connected more directly in the circuit between the upstream side of the mode valve and the filler valve. In other words, the shock tube is on a side circuit of the main circuit used for product feeding during the fill operation. However, during the clean operation, the shock tube is in the circuit such that cleaning material travels completely throughout the shock tube. The method of the present invention involves the use of the product fill system so as to accommodate cleaning without disassembly of parts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing drag in a fluid stream. The method includes admixing the components of a drag reducer to form an incipient drag reducer and injecting the incipient drag reducer into the fluid stream wherein the drag reducer components are admixed at the site of the fluid stream.

Abstract: The inline flow control device includes housing with a tubular portion coaxially aligned with the tubular portion of a fitting threaded to the housing. A piston has a bore extending therethrough with the tubular portions extended thereinto in axial spaced relationship, the fitting tubular portion mounting a valve seat to abut against a piston internal shoulder when the piston has axially moved relative to the tubular portions to a blocking position to block fluid flow through the device. The piston enlarged diametric portion bottom surface is in fluid communication with the piston bore in both of the piston positions but not in fluid communication with the body high pressure inlet when the piston is in its blocking position. A spring resiliently urges the piston in its blocking position. Two embodiments are pressure regulators while the third is a balanced valve.

Abstract: A metering valve for industrial gas turbine engines includes a valve body, a flow tube, an orifice plate, a central flow body, and a mover. The valve body has an inlet and an outlet. The flow tube is carried for axial movement in slidable and sealing engagement with the valve body at an inlet end and an outlet end. The orifice plate has an outlet. The central flow body is provided on an upstream end of the orifice plate and has an annular seal configured to seat into engagement with the outlet end of the flow tube when the flow tube is moved to a downstream position. The central flow body also includes a central, protruding flow diverter upstream and central of the annular seal. The mover is provided in the valve body and is configured to carry the flow tube for displacement of the output end toward and away from the central flow body.

Abstract: In a feed device (2) for a motor vehicle, a ventilation element (10) is arranged in a feed line (7) which is guided into an intermediate tank (8) arranged upstream of a surge chamber (3). The ventilation element (10) has an opening (11) which is closed when the fuel is flowing and is released if the flow fails. Drainage of the intermediate tank (8) by means of a siphon effect is therefore avoided.

Abstract: A system for making modular all of the components of hydronic heating systems so that they can be assembled in various configurations with a minimum of error and labor. The system includes a modular transition adaptor that completes a first hydronic loop and provides a supply outlet and return inlet for servicing a second hydronic loop which is dependent from the first. The transition adaptor has standard spacing and fittings for simple and error free connection to other components such as boilers and mechanical modules. The system also includes a modular supply-return connector that can be connected to the branch outlet and branch inlet of the transition adaptor and to other supply-return connectors. Each supply-return connector includes further branches to provide heated liquid to hydronic radiator loops. The supply-return connectors may include pumps or valves.

Abstract: A valve assembly (10) comprises a vortex chamber (14) with an axial outlet port (20), a main inlet port (16) for a fluid to be controlled, and a substantially tangential inlet port (25); the fluid enters through an inlet chamber (13) in which is a mechanical valve (26) movable so as to obstruct fluid flow into the vortex chamber (14). A duct (24) links the inlet chamber (13) to the tangential inlet port (25) of the vortex chamber. The position of the mechanical valve (26) affects the flow of fluid through the duct (24), so the vortex chamber (14) amplifies the effect of the mechanical valve. Further movement of the valve (26) closes off flow altogether (40). The assembly may include a weir (36) in the outlet, to separate gas and liquid phases.

Abstract: A method for transporting an easily polymerizable liquid by a pipeline having branches, wherein among pipelines branched at a branch point, one pipeline which may not be used over a long period of time, is provided with a valve to close the pipeline, within 500 mm from the branch point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluid control systems and methods therefor. More particularly, such fluid control systems and methods of this invention are deigned to allow opening and closing of mixed fluid only at a downstream of a junction in which at least two streams of fluids having different properties are arranged to mix together. Thus, the fluid control systems and methods of the present invention allow an user to start or stop dispensing of the mixed fluids at any time and in any number of occasions without having to require the user to readjust control valves to obtain a desired property of the mixed fluids. Such fluid control systems may be incorporated to conventional shower assemblies, shower-tub assemblies, and sink assemblies, thereby allowing the user to turn off dispense of fluids when he or she does not need the fluids running.

Abstract: A valve has a solenoid part and a valve part connected to the solenoid part. The valve part has a housing provided with connecting bores for a pressure medium, including a pressure connector and working connectors. The valve part has a piston and the solenoid part acts on the piston to alternatingly connect the working connectors to the pressure connector. The valve part has at least one groove extending alongside the valve part. At least one of the connecting bores is positioned in the at least one groove.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide a device comprising a unitary toroidal hose retractor for use with a pull-out hose, said hose retractor defining a passage there-through having a passage width greater than an outer width of the pull-out hose, an inner portion of a radial cross-section of said hose retractor defining a conic segment having a focal point and a conic segment radius measured from said focal point.

Abstract: An air-driven microfluid control device and its method are disclosed. The control device contains an air source, a first inlet, a second inlet, a narrow sector, and an outlet. The air source is connected two the two inlets to produce an airflow. The first inlet connects to the narrow sector, which then connects to the outlet. The air flows through the first inlet and the narrow sector and exits via the outlet. A fluid tunnel connects to the narrows sideways. The second inlet connects to the fluid tunnel so that the air entering the second inlet flows into the fluid tunnel. Through the interaction between the two inlets, pushing and pulling forces can be produced to control the fluid inside the fluid tunnel.

Abstract: A reed valve having a plate shaped support substrate with a valve hole formed in a central section passing through in a plate thickness direction is provided. A flexible plate-shaped reed covering the valve hole at one surface of the support substrate and having one end in a longitudinal direction that is fixed to the support substrate. The support substrate has a rib extending along a center line in a longitudinal direction of the inside of the valve hole, to divide the valve hole into two spaces. A surface of the rib opposite to the reed is positioned on substantially the same plane as a surface of the support substrate to which the rib is attached, and is adjacent to the reed.

Abstract: An aircraft cabin pressure control system valve integrates three cabin pressure control functions, main cabin flow control, positive pressure relief, and negative pressure relief, into a single valve package. The valve includes a control valve that is used for main cabin flow control, for primary positive pressure relief, and primary negative pressure relief. The valve can also include a positive pressure relief valve and a negative pressure relief valve, which are used for backup positive pressure relief and negative pressure relief, respectively. An actuator for the valve is also provided.

Abstract: Individual attachment devices are mounted to tire valve stems or wheel lug nut studs. An upper surface of the device serves as a display area for presenting display items such as promotional decals and logos. The device may also include tabs that project from the body of the attachment device. The tabs are used as display platforms that bear indicia on one of its surfaces, such as advertisements and marketing logos. A free-floating tab may be suspended away from the attachment device body by a connection means and likewise includes display items.

Abstract: An expandable plug device and a method for manufacturing the expandable plug. The expandable plug device has a sacrificial core which is used as an interior mold in the manufacturing process and which remains in the plug body after completion and during use. The expandable plug device is a multi-size plug having elastomeric and reinforcing layers and which may have an internal fluid flow-through conduit.

Abstract: A flexible conduit for conveying cryogenic fluids has a metal inner tube and a metal outer tube. A strip-shaped spacer member is made of a material of low thermal conductivity, which is spirally wound on the inner tube such that it contacts both the inner and outer tubes. The strip-shaped spacer member is twisted about its own axis and includes a metal that is stable with respect to high-energy radiation and has a thermal conductivity of less than 25 W/m·K and a tensile strength of more than 240 MPa.

Abstract: A flexible hose of the invention has a hose wall which is formed by laminating resin layers. The resin layer acting as a gas barrier is formed by spirally winding a gas barrier resin strip and thermally fusing or bonding axially adjoining edges of the strip to each other. The resin layers are thermally fused or bonded to one another to become one piece.

Abstract: In a shed-forming mechanism for weaving loom of Jacquard type in which the position of certain warp yarns of the loom is controlled by means which are themselves controlled by a Jacquard system, there are provided, for at least one warp yarn, means for temporarily connecting this yarn on its position control means. The number or the type of warp yarns to be used is adjusted by cutting a warp yarn and by temporarily connecting it with its position control means, such as a heddle or the harness cord associated therewith.

Abstract: Paper making machine fabric comprising weft yarns extending in the machine direction (MD) and forming seaming loops at each end of the fabric, cross machine direction (CD) warp yarns being interwoven with the weft yarns, wherein that at least one multifilament warp yarn is inserted so that there is at least one standard warp yarn between the multifilament yarn and the seaming loops on each side of the seam.

Abstract: A multi-purpose shoelace structure comprises a shoelace flatly woven via multiple layers of side-by-side warps yarns and weft yarns interlacing back and forth the warp yarns thereof. A left and a right branches are formed by the interlaced warp and weft yarns respectively with a multiple of interwoven sections disposed at preset positions of the left and right branches thereon, and a multiple of elastic tying sections, each separated from the others via the interwoven sections thereof, equidistantly defined by the left and right branches thereof. When the shoelace is stringed through buttonholes of a shoe body and tied up into a knot, both ends of the shoelace are led through the elastic tying sections thereof and be held there-between at the left and right branches thereof for double protection in case the knot gets loose when the users are walking, running, or cycling. Both ends of the shoelace can also be led through the elastic tying sections in crisscross manner for more variety thereof.

Abstract: A system for inserting a weft thread into a shed of an air jet weaving machine (1) includes a thread store (21) with a measuring apparatus (23.1, 23.2), a plurality of air nozzles (3, 4, 5.1a-c to 5.na-c) for the insertion of the weft thread (2) and a control system (10) which is connected to the measuring apparatus (23.1, 23.2) in order to be able to control the compressed air supply of the air nozzles (3, 4, 5.1a-c to 5.na-c) in dependence on measurement values of the measuring apparatus (23.1, 23.2). Switch on points (xj) are associated with the air nozzles (3, 4, 5.1a-c to 5.na-c), with the control system (10) charging one or more of the air nozzles (3, 4, 5.1a-c to 5.na-c) with compressed air as soon as a predictor value (xF) for the position of the weft thread tip, which is formed with the help of the measurement values, reaches the switch on point (xj) of the relevant air nozzle or air nozzles respectively.

Abstract: A mobile prepressurized fluid storage tank is disclosed where the compressed air, completely separated from the fluid by a flexible diaphragm, dispenses the fluid under pressure, e.g., into an engine. The prepressurized diaphragm-type fluid storage tank is initially charged with a gas on one side of the diaphragm. A connector on the other end of the tank is connected to the fluid pumping system. Fluid is pumped into the tank until a predetermined pressure is reached and then the fill valve is shut off. A second connection attached to a bottom system connection has a hose. At the end of the hose there is a fluid shut off valve. Dispensing of the fluid takes place through the fluid shut off valve. The prepressurized fluid storage tank is mounted on a frame that contains wheels for mobility.

Abstract: A pressurized dispensing system (10) for dispensing a multi-component product, comprises an outer body (11) defining a first chamber (8) constructed to contain a first component of said product; an inner container (20), disposed within said body, defining a second chamber (7) constructed to contain a second component of said product and maintain said second component separate from said first component; a dispensing head (50), in fluid communication with said first (8) and second (7) chambers, through which the product is dispensed; and a modular valve assembly (5), including a valve constructed to move between a closed position, in which said first and second chambers are sealed, and an open position, in which said first and second components flow simultaneously from said first and second chambers to said dispensing head.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of damping pressure pulsations and attenuating noise transmission in a fuel supply system. The apparatus includes a first end in fluid communication with a fuel supply line, a second end in fluid communication with a manifold, and a body that couples in fluid communication the first and second ends. The first end is adapted to receive fuel from a pump. The second end is adapted to supply the fuel to a plurality of nozzles in individual fluid communication with the manifold. And the body includes a tube that is arranged in a helix around a central axis.

Abstract: A methodology and apparatus comprises integral material reservoir cylinders which contain separate material bags in which reside a component required for a formulation, or alternate material reservoir containers, typically drums, with a component required for a formulation in each drum, or a combination of both, that provides a volume of material through a supply tube into a valve that directs the material to either: 1) a dispense tube and through a dispense valve, into a receiving container that sits upon a scale, or 2) into a dispense cylinder in which resides a piston that, through the use of a piston drive plate actuator and the piston drive plate actuators' piston drive plate, directs the material through a valve and through a dispenser tube and through a dispense valve and into a receiving container that sits upon a scale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pre-filled contained media volumes and methods of media filling using pre-filled contained media volumes. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods of media filling a tooling for a fuselage using pre-filled contained media volumes. In one implementation, the pre-filled contained media volume comprises a bag formed of a porous fabric and media located in that bag. The pre-filled contained media volume is attached to a tooling prior to filling the tooling with additional media.