Abstract: A stand for an electrically heated cigarette smoking device can removably support an electrically heated cigarette smoking device, which includes a rechargeable power supply. The stand is configured to fit in a receptacle, such as a receptacle in a vehicle. Charging electronics controls charging of the rechargeable power supply when the electrically heated cigarette smoking device is supported by the stand, and the electrically heated cigarette smoking device or stand is electrically connected to the external power supply.

Abstract: A container has a disposable receptacle present within the container. The disposable receptacle, such as a suitably structured bag, is positioned within the container, and an air eliminator eliminates air from a space that is between the bag and the container, so that the bag is pulled against an interior of the container, thereby reducing the flammability and puncture resistance of the bag. The bag has a closure mechanism that prevents air from entering the bag, and that prevents smoke from escaping from the bag, after a burning object is placed within the bag.

Abstract: This tubular coin-saving device resembles a cigarette. It stands upright to accept coinage from a slot at the top. The coins fall to the bottom and stack up inside the tube. A strategic sight-hole along the “ciggie bank” indicate approximate total value of coins saved. Packaging and design visuals feature the monetary rewards of quitting smoking.

Abstract: A cigarette having reduced ignition propensity and machine for making the cigarette is disclosed. The machine applies a material in longitudinal bands onto the cigarette wrapper for reducing the ignition propensity of the cigarette. The material may be applied by roller, spray or printing.

Abstract: Size reduction equipment is added at the feed end of a cigarette maker to take separated winnowers and other overages from a tobacco feed to the maker, cut or shred the overages to appropriate size and reintroduce the cut or shred overages into the lamina stream from a tobacco feed hopper for the cigarette maker. The winnowers may be pneumatically or mechanically conveyed back into the feed stream in the cigarette maker.

Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to a dispensing applicator device that delivers a product to the scalp of a user with out having to dirty ones hands or using an excess of the product. The brush dispensing and applicator device comprises a reservoir and conic bristles attached to the reservoir. The conic bristles will further contain, at the ends not contacting the reservoir a delivery means. The delivery means can be a rolling mechanism (such as the ones used in ball point pen), a cotton swab or a sponge like material that will allow for the slow delivery of the product to the scalp of the user. The delivery means will be located at the tips of the bristles thereby preventing any waste of product delivered to the scalp of the user. The device can further have a handle attached to the reservoir.

Abstract: A hair treatment method and apparatus for use in conditioning hair. The treatment device includes two layers. One is formed of plastic or polyethylene material and the other is fabricated of terry cloth material. The method steps include placement of the treatment device in a dryer. The apparatus may be economically manufactured and is designed for in-home or hair salon usage. The concepts disclosed have utility for the treatment of long hair and related applications.

Abstract: A glove can be worn on a person's hand and, using several different techniques, can be used in styling a person's hair to produce curly or straight hair. The glove can be used to curl hair in a fist closing-type motion while hot drying air is applied. Hair may also be curled around the fingers, or the fingers may be used to put tension on hair to straighten it.

Abstract: In an applicator, in particular a mascara brush, comprising a plurality of bristles which are held between two intertwisted wire sections, with the bristles passing through a helical reinforcing element, it is provided that the reinforcing element is a two-flight helix.

Abstract: A hair care device including a main housing (3) and hair engagement means (2), the main housing (3) includes a hollow compartment interconnecting an upstream end (4) and a downstream end (5), the upstream end (4) includes means for connecting to the outlet nozzle of an air-blowing device (98), the hair engagement means (2) include a plurality of elongated teeth (12) which are thermally conductive and which generally extend along the direction of air blowing from said downstream end (5) when the upstream end (4) of the device is connected to the air-blowing device (98) with the air-blowing device in its normal operating conditions.

Abstract: A hairspray shield system for shielding a user's face while applying hairspray. The hairspray shield system includes a support member having a plurality of first slots and a plurality of second slots, and a shield positionable within one of the first slots and one of the second slots. The support member includes an gripping portion that the user engages with their mouth or teeth thereby supporting the shield in an upright position adjacent to their face. The user is then able to apply hairspray to their hair without the hairspray contacting their face.

Abstract: A plasma assisted cryogenic cleaner for and a method of performing cleaning of a surface that must be substantially free of contaminants has a resiliently mounted nozzle for spraying a cryogenic cleaning medium on the surface. The cleaning is conducted by applying to the substrate surface a mixture of gases selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, fluorine, hydrofluorocarbon or a mixture of such gases to both remove the photoresist layer and alter the composition of the residues such that the residues are soluble in water and/or have a weakened bonds that they can be removed with a stream of cryogenic medium. The cryogenic and plasma processes can be performed sequentially or simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a process (100) for cleaning a deposition chamber having multiple substrate stations contained therein. The process (100) includes a first cleaning step (110) that comprises maintaining the deposition chamber at a first pressure while passing a fluorocarbon gas into the deposition chamber. The first cleaning step (100) is conducted until an endpoint is reached. The process also includes a second cleaning step (120) that comprises maintaining the deposition chamber at a second pressure while passing the fluorocarbon gas into the deposition chamber. The process further includes a third cleaning step (130) that comprises maintaining the deposition chamber at a third pressure less than the first and second pressures while passing the fluorocarbon gas into the deposition chamber.

Abstract: Bidentate chelating ligands may be utilized to remove metal contaminants in semiconductor wafers. Each metal center may have three chelating ligands attached to it. The resulting complex may be removed as a vapor using a dynamic vacuum or a supercritical carbon dioxide, as two examples.

Abstract: A foreign matter removing apparatus for removing foreign matter from a surface of a substrate. The apparatus is provided with: a substrate rotating mechanism which holds and rotates the substrate; and a fluid mixture supplying mechanism which generates a fluid mixture by mixing a treatment liquid and a gas, and supplies the fluid mixture onto the surface of the substrate held by the substrate rotating mechanism. The treatment liquid may be deionized water or a resist removing liquid. Examples of the foreign matter to be removed include a resist film formed on the substrate and a residue remaining on the surface of the substrate after ashing of the resist film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and related apparatus for determining the rate of flow of a liquid, the liquid comprising a first liquid delivered to a point (24) with at least a second liquid to form a solution of the first and at least second liquids, the method comprising the steps of determining the rate of flow of the at least second liquid, delivering the solution to a conductivity-measuring means (38) by which the conductivity of the solution is measured, determining the ratio between the first and the at least second liquids in the solution on the basis of the conductivity of the solution and determining the rate of flow of the first liquid on the basis of the rate of flow of the at least second liquid and said ratio and wherein the rate of flow can be employed in calibrating a flow controller controlling the rate of flow of the first liquid.

Abstract: A brush cleaning and storing apparatus, particularly for storing of paint brushes and coating brushes and brushes of like material, in such Manner that the brush can be introduced into a solvent and then rubbed against a plate having a surface which aids in removal of the paint or similar substance. In addition, the apparatus and the method provide for suspending the brush in a housing of the apparatus. In this way, the solvent is contained within the housing, thereby avoiding environmental nuisance problems associated with the disposing of the solvent, and which also enables the reuse thereof.

Abstract: The washing chamber includes a housing, a washing chamber interior for spray application of wash water and rinse water, and a water vapor vent for removal of water vapor from the washing chamber interior. The water holding tank is provided for holding wash water and rinse water from the washing chamber. The water vapor recovery line extends from the water vapor vent to an air and liquid water discharge. The water vapor recovery line comprises a condensing region for condensing water vapor present in the condensing region. A method for operating a dishwashing machine is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are described delivering alternating pulses of fluid and air within either a fully sealed or partially sealed tooling enclave in the direct presence of a constant or variable vacuum source for the purpose of removing loose as well as attached contamination from the part and it's associated internal passageways, as well as internal and external surface areas. The agitation of the debris is created by the displacement of the air or other gases, held under compression by the fluids when released to the vacuum source surrounding, affixed, or presented to the part/area to be cleaned. The fluid/air medium is generated in an alternating method by the use of a rotating pulse generator. The generator receives a constant or alternately a variable rate flow of fluid to be used in the application as well as a constant or alternately variable rate flow of compressed air.

Abstract: A method and a device for washing a drain pipe allowing a nozzle to be rotated along the inner peripheral surface of a pipe even in a lateral pipe, wherein the positions of a plurality of injection holes (10, 11, 12, and 13) formed in the nozzle (1) are formed and the amount of high pressure water jetted from each of the injection holes (10, 11, 12, and 13) are regulated so that the specific injection hole (10) only among the plurality of injection holes is set so as to be opposed always to the inner peripheral surface (5a) of the pipe.

Abstract: A system and method for removing a layer from a substrate surface is provided. The method includes providing at least one encapsulating transport, where the encapsulating transport contains at least some reactive gas. At least one encapsulating transport is applied to the layer, and the layer is a chemically reactive layer. The encapsulating transport ruptures on the chemically reactive layer and releases the reactive gas in combination with a reaction inducing agent onto the chemically reactive layer to facilitate removal of the layer from the substrate surface.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a washing receptacle for items to be cleaned, a pump for liquid, a flow heater for liquid, a device for spraying items to be cleaned, a control device for wash cycles of the spraying device, and a device for providing steam having a separate steam dispenser and unit for producing a jet of steam supplied by the steam dispenser. The steam dispenser and the steam jet unit are disposed in the dishwasher in such a way that the steam jet unit always supplies steam to the same predetermined location in the washing receptacle specifically identified and configured for receiving particular items to be cleaned, e.g. particularly dirty items. An uncontrolled escape of steam from any section of the entire washing receptacle is prevented, thus improving the cleaning result with maximum usage of the steam and without also being dependent on activation of a separate steam washing cycle.

Abstract: A system for equalizing pressure in a washing chamber in response to changes in pressure inside washing chamber. Gate elements are operable between open and closed positions to regulate pressure conditions inside the washing chamber.

Abstract: A device for cleaning roller covers. A spray head has a fluid inlet with a fastener collar and a fluid collection chamber in communication with the fluid inlet defined by a retention wall. A plurality of spray apertures are radially spaced within the retention wall to be adjacent the nap of a roller cover during use. A sealing surface positioned within the radius of the spray apertures seals off an end of the roller cover. A housing having an inner cavity for receiving roller covers has a diameter sized to create cleansing fluid flow through the nap of a roller cover. A plurality of outlet apertures in communication with the inner cavity are radially spaced to be adjacent fibrous portions of a roller cover during use. A drain outlet in communication with the outlet apertures drains fluid from the housing. An outwardly protruding flange about the housing coacts with a fastening ring to tighten the housing against the spray head.

Abstract: A stand frame for an umbrella comprises a shaft, an umbrella frame, a foldable hanger arm hanging the umbrella frame, a height-adjustable device, and an angle-adjusting device. The stand frame for an umbrella utilizes the height-adjustable device and the angle-adjusting device to control the expansion/contraction and angular orientation of the umbrella frame thereof. The height-adjustable device provides a mechanism by which the middle section of the shaft can rotate horizontally, so as to move the umbrella frame about the shaft. A pull string extending from the shaft to the umbrella frame drives a vertical movement of the upper section of the shaft and the expansion of the umbrella frame simultaneously. A set of other pull strings are manipulated by the angle-adjusting device to vary the angular orientation of the umbrella frame in three dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable tent frame in which a connection frame connected to a column is minimized, and a fabrication is simple and easy, and a fabrication cost is largely decreased, and an economical fabrication is achieved, and a cut-away groove is formed in an engaging part of one side of the top connection part. A rotation protrusion of a rotation part is engaged to the cut-away groove for thereby achieving an easier installation of the rotation part. The rotation protrusion of the rotation part is rotated along the surface of the cut-away groove based on a stable and free rotation, so that it is possible to achieve an easier folding operation of the tent.

Abstract: Improved thermoelectric assemblies are disclosed, wherein layers of heterostructure thermoelectric materials or thin layers of thermoelectric material form thermoelectric elements. The layers are bound together with agents that improve structural strengths, allow electrical current to pass in a preferred direction, and minimize or reduce adverse affects, such a shear stresses, that might occur to the thermoelectric properties and materials of the assembly by their inclusion.

Abstract: A method of forming a thermoelectric device includes extruding a P/N-type billet to form a P/N-type extrusion having a first plurality of P-type regions and a first plurality of N-type regions. The P/N-type extrusion is sliced into a plurality of P/N-type wafers. A diffusion barrier metallization is applied to at least a subset of the P-type regions and N-type regions. One side of at least one P/N-type wafer is attached to a temporary substrate. The P/N-type regions of the P/N-type wafer are separated into an array of isolated P-type and N-type elements. The array of elements are coupled to a first plate having a first patterned metallization to form a thermoelectric circuit. The temporary substrate and bonding media may be detached from the P-type and N-type elements. The thermoelectric circuit may be coupled with a second plate at a second end of the thermoelectric circuit, second plate having a second patterned metallization.

Abstract: An on-board generation system of a vehicle includes an on-board combustor mounted to a vehicle independently from an engine thereof, a high-temperature system line for circulating a thermal medium for receiving heat caused through a combustion process in the combustor, a low-temperature system line for circulating a medium on a low-temperature side which is subjected to heat exchanging with the thermal medium, and an electric generator, arranged between the high-temperature system line and the low-temperature system line, for recovering the thermal energy of the thermal medium as electric energy, in which the electric power generated by the electric generator is supplied to a power source including either one of an on-board battery and a power supply element for driving a vehicle equipment.

Abstract: A method of measuring the photoelectric conversion characteristics of a solar cell element is provided which comprises the steps of placing and fixing a solar cell element on a stage with a light-receiving surface of the solar cell element being an upper surface, irradiating a photoelectric conversion layer of the solar cell element with a light from the upper surface side, and bringing probes provided on a side opposite to the light-receiving surface side into contact with a first electrode portion and a protruding electrode portion of a second electrode, respectively. An apparatus for measuring the photoelectric conversion characteristics of a solar cell element is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoelectric conversion material including a half-Heusler alloy represented by the formula QR(L1-pZp), where Q is at least one element selected from group 5 elements, R is at least one element selected from cobalt, rhodium and iridium, L is at least one element selected from tin and germanium, Z is at least one element selected from indium and antimony, p is a numerical value that is equal to or greater than 0 and less than 0.5. A preferable example of the half-Heusler alloy is NbCo(Sn1-pSbp). The thermoelectric conversion material according to the present invention is n-type, and therefore, it is desired that the material is combined with a p-type thermoelectric conversion material to make a thermoelectric conversion element.

Abstract: An interconnect structure is provided by applying a conductive layer (typically one or more metal layers 23,28) over the entire surface of the module (11) to form all of the contacts (19,32) to all of the cells in the module and then scribing the conductive layer into a series of strips using a series of straight high speed laser scribes. The strips are then divided into individual links by scribing transversely to the first scribe direction with the laser turned on and off to cut each alternate stripe. The p-type regions of the cells are contacted through holes (19), n-type regions are contacted through holes (32). A silicon film (12) is separated into cells (35a,b,c,d) by isolation grooves (16). In a first embodiment, every second transverse scribe is offset by one strip such that each strip is cut into links which overlap two links on either side that are offset by a distance equal to half the pitch of the links.

Abstract: A solar battery module can be constituted without connecting a plurality of bypass diodes, increasing the volume of potting, or reducing the area of a solar battery cell, so that the problems such as an increase in size of a terminal box, an increase in fabrication cost or a drop in mass productivity are overcome. A terminal box constituting an output section of a solar battery module, includes: a box body housing a circuit constituting section constituted by terminal boards, a bypass diode, and the like; and a box cover having a double structure of an inner cover made of a metal material and an outer cover made of a weather-resistant resin. The box body has an open side opposite to its attachment face, and includes a portion housing a charging section of the circuit constituting section apart from an outer wall structure of the box body. The box body is formed to have a box structure made of a weather-resistant resin. The open side of the box structure is covered with the box cover.

Abstract: A solar cell module is provided which comprises a solar cell element, and a front surface member provided so as to cover a light incidence surface of the solar cell element to provide an outermost surface of the solar cell module, wherein the front surface member comprises a fluoride polymer film having a light incidence surface subjected to a discharge treatment and which is, therefore, hard to stain even when placed outdoors for a long period of time, whereby it is possible to suppress a lowering in output caused by a decrease in quantity of incident light due to staining.

Abstract: A multi-junction solar cell device (10) is provided. The multi-junction solar cell device (10) comprises either two or three active solar cells connected in series in a monolithic structure. The multi-junction device (10) comprises a bottom active cell (20) having a single-crystal silicon substrate base and an emitter layer (23). The multi-junction device (10) further comprises one or two subsequent active cells each having a base layer (32) and an emitter layer (23) with interconnecting tunnel junctions between each active cell. At least one layer that forms each of the top and middle active cells is composed of a single-crystal semiconductor alloy that is substantially lattice-matched to the silicon substrate (22). The polarity of the active p-n junction cells is either p-on-n or n-on-p.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a photovoltaic energy source, a frontside array of metallic gridlines deposited upon a front face of the photovoltaic energy source, and a busbar structure in electrical continuity with the frontside array of metallic gridlines. The busbar structure has an electrical insulator layer overlying and contacting the front face of the photovoltaic energy source, and a metallic busbar layer overlying and contacting the electrical insulator layer. The metallic busbar layer is in electrical continuity with the frontside array of metallic gridlines. The solar cell is preferably a concentrator solar cell.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing back-contacted silicon solar cells fabricated using a gradient-driven solute transport process, such as thermomigration or electromigration, to create n-type conductive vias connecting the n-type emitter layer on the front side to n-type ohmic contacts located on the back side.

Abstract: A thin emitter wrap-through solar cell and method for making a thin emitter wrap-through solar cell. The cell preferably includes a silicon wafer substrate having a thickness of less than 280 microns. The p-type area on the back side of the cell is minimized, which maximizes the collector area and reduces or eliminates stress due to passivation of the p-type area, which is required for conventional solar cells. The efficiency of the cell of the present invention peaks for a much smaller thickness than that for conventional cells. Thus thin wafers of inexpensive, lower quality silicon may be used without a significant efficiency penalty, providing a large cost advantage over other solar cell configurations. Vias through the substrate, which connect emitter layers on the front and back surfaces of the substrate, may consist of holes which are doped, or alternatively may be solid doped channels formed by migration of a solvent, which preferably contains a dopant, caused by a gradient-driven process.

Abstract: A CIS-based solar cell with a high conversion efficiency that has been reduced in cost by omitting a window layer is provided. The solar cell includes: a first layer having translucency and conductivity; and a p-type semiconductor layer disposed adjacent to the first layer, with a junction being formed by the first layer and the p-type semiconductor layer, wherein the p-type semiconductor layer includes a semiconductor with a chalcopyrite structure containing a group Ib element, a group IIIb element and a group VIb element, the first layer has a carrier density of 1019/cm3 or more, a band gap Eg1 (eV) of the first layer and a band gap Eg2 (eV) of the p-type semiconductor layer satisfy a relationship represented by the formula: Eg1>Eg2, and an electron affinity &khgr;1 (eV) of the first layer and an electron affinity &khgr;2 (eV) of the p-type semiconductor layer satisfy a relationship represented by the formula: 0≦(&khgr;2−&khgr;1)<0.5.

Abstract: Provided is a dye-sensitized solar cell including liquid-type imidazolium material, which is liquid at a room temperature to a high temperature, as electrolyte.. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a semiconductor electrode; a confronting electrode; and electrolyte of 1,3-vinylalkylimidazolium iodide family being inserted between the semiconductor electrode and the confronting electrode. Since the solar cell of the present research uses 1,3-vinylalkylimidazolium iodide instead of iodine-family oxidation and reduction electrolyte including organic solvent easily volatilized at a high temperature. Thus, the solar cell can have excellent thermal stability and temperature stability as well as high energy conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A poppet valve assembly is sized and constructed for insertion into the lower portion of a flow control valve used within the opening of a cylinder for storing a compressed gas. When the flow control valve is removed, the normally open poppet valve assembly of the present invention is closed by escaping pressure of the compressed gas. The pressure of the compressed gas causes seals to be formed within the poppet valve assembly of the present invention between the exterior of a substantially hollow movable seat plug and the interior of a substantially tubular valve body.

Abstract: A drained water recovery system of a process device and recovering method thereof is provided. The recovering method includes using a conductivity meter to measure the conductivity of the drained water so that the drained water with different degrees of conductivity are channeled to different pipelines. Furthermore, another conductivity meter and a total organic carbon analyzer together with an interim tank liquid level controller sorts out the recovered water. Thereafter, according to the properties of the recovered water, the drained water is re-used to improve recycling efficiency.

Abstract: A float bell for use in a condenser comprising a center sleeve extending along a centerline comprising a first and second perimeter, an outer sleeve comprising a first and second perimeter encompassing the center sleeve, a top in contact with the second perimeter of the outer sleeve and the second perimeter of the center sleeve, and a plurality of stiffeners extending between the center sleeve and the outer sleeve.

Abstract: An allowable angle of a float valve member with respect to a valve case is so set that a deformed direction, as caused by a gate position at a injection molding time, of a inner circumference of a communication hole of the valve case with respect to a roundness and a deformed direction, as caused by a gate position at a injection molding time, of an outer circumference of a crest portion of the float valve member with respect to the roundness may be substantially aligned. Between the valve case and the float valve member, there is an interposed angle regulating unit for preventing the angle of the float valve member with respect to the valve case from varying over the allowable angle.

Abstract: A valve core for opening and closing a core mounting throughbore includes a cylindrical core body fixed inside the throughbore and made of a metal having a hardness differing from an inner wall of the throughbore, the core body having a distal opening, a moving shaft inserted through the core body so as to be directly moved and made of a metal having a hardness differing from the core body, the moving shaft having an end, a plug formed integrally at the end side of the moving shaft so as to open and close the distal opening of the core body, a biasing member biasing the moving shaft so that the distal opening of the core body is closed by the plug, a body positioning abutment formed on an outer face of the core body so as to abut the inner wall of the throughbore, thereby providing a metal seal for a gap between the inner wall of the throughbore and the outer face of the core body, and an abutting taper formed on the plug so as to abut an inner edge of the distal opening of the core body, thereby providing a

Abstract: A valve core for opening and closing a core mounting throughbore includes a cylindrical core body fixed inside the throughbore and having a distal opening, a moving shaft inserted through the core body so as to be directly moved and having an end, a plug formed integrally at the end side of the moving shaft so as to open and close the distal opening of the core body, a biasing member biasing the moving shaft so that the distal opening of the core body is closed by the plug, a cylindrical sealing member, an outer sealing portion formed integrally on the cylindrical sealing member and fitted with the outer periphery of the core body so as to be held between the core body and the inner wall of the throughbore thereby to adhere closely to the outer periphery of the core body, and an inner sealing portion formed integrally on the cylindrical sealing member so as to adhere closely to an outer face of the plug.

Abstract: Specifically, the present invention is a flush cartridge apparatus used in the controlled removal of accumulated debris from a water distribution system used within a residential and/or commercial structure. The flush cartridge apparatus is generally cylindrically shaped and is designed for sealed engagement within a plumbing valve housing, including pressure balance valves and mixing valves, to provide a long, sustained and complete flushing of water and debris from the water distribution system, while generally preventing water damage, and the occurrence of mold and/or mildew, within the structure. The flush cartridge apparatus can be used alone or in combination with other plumbing tools depending upon the specific need. The flush cartridge apparatus includes alignment and mating features for improved control and safety while using the apparatus.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve includes a heating body that thermally contacts a valve body of the valve and extends proximal to a diaphragm of the valve opposite a valve passage through which medium flows. The heating body forms a thermally conductive pathway between the valve body and the diaphragm that facilitates maintaining an operating temperature at the diaphragm. When used in an atomic layer deposition (ALD) system, the diaphragm valve inhibits condensation or freezing of high-temperature ALD precursor gases in the valve passage. A plunger including thermally insulating features preferably extends through a central opening in the heating body to operably couple a valve actuator to the diaphragm. In some embodiments, a thermally resistive member may be interposed between the valve passage and the actuator for attenuating heat transfer between the valve passage and the actuator.

Abstract: The storage tank of the invention for an easily polymerizable compound is a storage tank having an acceptance piping and a delivery piping and is characterized by having a circulation line which directly connects the acceptance piping to the delivery piping or having circulation lines which respectively connect the acceptance piping to the storage tank and the storage tank to the delivery piping; the method of storing of the invention is characterized by storing an easily polymerizable compound in the storage tank while circulating the compound in the storage tank through the circulation line(s); the method of pipe jointing and apparatus therefor of the invention are a method of jointing pipes fitted to a handling apparatus in a production apparatus, storage apparatus, or the like for the purpose of transporting a corrosive liquid, the method being characterized in that the pipes are jointed with flanges, bolts, and nuts made of a material having resistance to corrosion by the corrosive liquid; the process fo