Abstract: A system for dispensing a liquid, wherein the system includes a reservoir comprising a plurality of apertures disposed therein, and at least one dispenser in flow communication with the reservoir, the dispenser comprising a first and a second tube operatively coupled to the reservoir.

Abstract: A vehicle loading system for the wash bay of an automatic vehicle wash system that eliminates the use of a floor-mounted target to capture the front tire of the vehicle to be washed. The vehicle wash system includes a pair of side position sensors that detect and create a side profile of the vehicle as the vehicle enters into the wash bay. The vehicle wash system includes a front sensor array that includes a plurality of through-beam sensors that detect the front bumper of a vehicle and signal the vehicle operator to stop when the front bumper is in the correct position. An overhead sensor contained on the overhead gantry detects the top profile of the vehicle positioned within the open wash bay. A control unit receives the information from the variety of sensors and operates the overhead gantry based upon the detected parameters of the vehicle.

Abstract: A high temperature and pressure steam sterilization container for an endoscope, which contains the endoscope to perform a high temperature and pressure steam sterilization, is contained in a cleaner so that cleaning is possible in a state in which the endoscope is stored.

Abstract: A dishwasher rack basket assembly that includes a water impervious basket of open mesh construction, the basket is selectively positionable between a first size and a second size, the first size securing small items while permitting flow of liquid therethrough, the second size smaller than the first size and not securing small items while permitting flow of liquid therethrough, and a projection positioned on the basket, wherein the projection is engageable to transform the basket from the first size to the second size.

Abstract: The tent (1) according to the invention comprises a frame supporting: an inner wall (3) defining with a groundsheet (5) a room, the inner wall having in its upper part an air-permeable zone (7), and an outer wall (2) superposed on the inner wall (3) and defining with the latter a layer of air, the outer wall having at least one opening (9) facing the air-permeable zone (7) of the inner wall (3), characterized in that the lower border (13) of the outer wall (2) is provided with raising means for moving the lower border from a position in which the border is in contact with the surface to a position in which the lower border (13) is raised to a distance from this surface.

Abstract: A pro-up netting comprises three frame rods, a rope, an extending means, a buckling ring and a web. Each frame rod is formed by an insertion rod, an elastic cotton string and a connecting tube. Ends of the rope have respective receptacles. The plurality of buckling rings serve for fixing the extending means. Three frame rods are connected with each frame rod having one end being connected together. Another ends of two selected frame rods are connected to two ends of the extending means and another end of another frame rod is connected to a middle part of the extending means. The web is connected between each two of the three frame rods.

Abstract: A collapsible structure has a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first side that is stitched to the fabric of the second panel by a stitching. Another collapsible structure has a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The second panel has an opening provided in its fabric, with a first side of the first panel inserted through the opening to couple the first panel to the second panel.

Abstract: A thermoelectric converting device includes a P type thermoelectric element, an N type thermoelectric element, the N type thermoelectric element connected with the P type thermoelectric element alternately to be electrically in series, an electrode circuit contacting the P type thermoelectric element and the N type thermoelectric element, an insulation substrate, at least one electric circuit forming a layer with the electrode circuit via the insulation substrate, and a conduction member for electrically conducting the electrode circuit and the electric circuit.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator (e.g., a waste heat recovery apparatus) comprises a heat absorption member made of touch pitch copper and a thermoelectric module in which a plurality of thermoelectric elements are arranged to join electrodes between a pair of insulating substrates, thus utilizing waste heat emitted from a lamp having an exterior wall. One surface of the heat absorption member is formed to match the exterior wall of the lamp, and the other surface is formed to match the thermoelectric module, which is accompanied with a heat dissipating fin, which is further cooled by a cooling fan. At least a part of the heat absorption member can be arranged close to a light emitting tube of the lamp. The thermoelectric module generates electricity based on the heat transferred thereto from the lamp via the heat absorption member.

Abstract: A solar cell module comprising a substrate, a filler, a photovoltaic element and a protective layer, wherein at least one of the substrate, the filler, the photovoltaic element and the protective layer is separable from other constituent members. Constituent members having been separated and still serviceable can be reused.

Abstract: The photovoltaic cells (1a, 1b) of the assembly are disposed side by side between a front (10) and rear (11) glass substrates and are connected in series by means of front (12) and (13) rear connecting conductors and of interconnection elements (14). The connecting conductors can be formed on the internal face of each glass substrate facing the location of each of the cells or obtained by laser cutting, through the glass substrates, of conducting strips tightened beforehand between the cells and the glass substrates. The electrical interconnection elements (14) are disposed between two adjacent cells (1) to connect the opposite connecting conductors associated to two adjacent cells. A sealing joint (16), made of inorganic material, arranged between the two glass substrates (10, 11), defines a sealed internal volume which contains all the cells (1). Sealing is performed between 380° C. and 480° C. for a period of less than 30 minutes.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a front member placed at a light-incident side of the module; a sealing member having an exposed section that is not covered with the front member; solar cell elements that are sealed with the sealing member and covered with the front member; and an electric device, stored in a housing, for extracting electricity generated by the solar cell elements. The housing is fixed on the exposed section and is located at a light-incident side of the module.

Abstract: The stacked photovoltaic element of the present invention is a stacked photovoltaic element comprising a stack formed of a plurality of unit elements each having a pin constitution, and a transparent electrode provided on the surface of a light incident side of the stacked unit elements, wherein the transparent electrode provided on the surface of the light incident side comprises indium tin oxide (ITO), and the transparent electrode has 90% or more and 99.8% or less in transmittivity of a light of the maximum absorption wavelength of a unit element having the smallest current in a light collection efficiency measurement among the plurality of unit elements, and 50 ?/? or more and 300 ?/? or less in sheet resistance. Such a constitution of the present invention provides a stacked photovoltaic element having an excellent photoelectric conversion efficiency and high reliability at a low cost.

Abstract: A substrate with a transparent conductive oxide film (especially a substrate with a transparent conductive oxide film useful as a substrate for a thin-film silicon-based solar cell) being excellent in mass production efficiency and being characterized by having a low resistance, a high transparency and a good light scattering performance over a full wavelength region (300 nm to 3 ?m) of solar ray, a process for its production, and a photoelectric conversion element (especially, solar cell) employing the substrate, are presented. A substrate with a transparent conductive oxide film, comprising a substrate and a transparent conductive oxide layer formed on the substrate and constituted by a plurality of ridges is and a plurality of flat portions, wherein the surfaces of the ridges and the flat portions, have many continuous micron-size protrusions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to self-assembly methodologies, such as electrostatic self-assembly, layer by layer covalent self-assembly, nuclear induced self-assembly, regular ink jet printing and self-assembly inkjet printing methodologies for the fabrication of McFarland-Tang multilayer structured photovoltaic devices, photo-detectors and sensors. The methodology of the present invention allows for the flexibility to nanofabricate the thin layer of the semiconductor layer, the ultra-thin noble metal layer, and the ultra-thin photosensitizer layers to form the desired multilayer photovoltaic devices. Extending the self-assembly processes by ink-jet printing allows for the up-scaled nano-manufacture of McFarland-Tang photovoltaic devices on any type of substrate, including light-weight flexible photovoltaic fabrics and paper.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for passivating and contacting a surface of a germanium substrate. A passivation layer of amorphous silicon material is formed on the germanium surface. A contact layer of metal is then formed on the passivation. The structure is heated so that the germanium surface makes contact with the contact layer. Thus, a passivated germanium surface is disclosed, as well as a solar cell comprising such a structure.

Abstract: An inflatable container includes a container body that defines a water-storage space, and that has a bottom wall, peripheral inner and outer walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, and a top wall interconnecting the peripheral inner and outer walls to define an air chamber thereamong. A draining device includes a tubular member that extends through the peripheral inner and outer walls, that is connected sealingly to the peripheral inner and outer walls, and that defines a passage in spatial communication with the water-storage space and an exterior of the container body. A valve is associated with the tubular member for controlling opening and closing of the passage in the tubular member.

Abstract: A kit and method of converting a conventional automotive tire or the like into a rapid access coupling system to provide a means of quickly connecting or disconnecting a pressurized air or fluid source to the tire in order to inflate or deflate the tire or deliver a fluid therein or evacuate it there from. The kit includes the adaptor configured to be sealingly attachable to the tire valve stem and a source of pressurized fluid such as pressurized air, a gas mixture or another fluid, having a hose with the rapid connect coupler disposed at one end and another end connected to the outlet port of the supply. The rapid connect coupler assembly is equipped with a centrally located core depressor for engaging with a tire valve core and for moving it into the open position when the rapid connect coupler is attached onto the adapter.

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. Some embodiments also include a tip surface with one or more surface features for helping guide substances from the outlet of the device toward a mass spectrometer. In some embodiments, the surface feature(s) includes a groove, which may be hydrophilic along all or part of its length. Hydrophilic surfaces and/or hydrophobic surfaces may also help guide substances out of the outlet and/or toward the mass spectrometer. In some embodiments, the outlet and/or the tip surface is recessed back from an adjacent portion of the edge. A source of electrical potential can help move substances through the microchannel, separate substances and/or provide electrospray ionization.

Abstract: A combination manual/pneumatic shut-off valve (11) is disclosed. The valve comprises a housing (13); a valve chamber (17) which is disposed in the housing and which has a fluid inlet (19) and a fluid outlet (21); a diaphragm (23); a valve seat (25); a pneumatically driven actuator (29) which is adapted to move the diaphragm from a first position in which the diaphragm and the valve seat form a seal between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, to a second position in which the fluid inlet and fluid outlet are in open communication with each other; and a handle (31) adapted to manually move the diaphragm from the second position to the first position by way of the actuator, independently of the pneumatic control signal. The valve allows the length of process fluid control assemblies, and hence the size of fluid panels, to be reduced by combining the functionalities of a manual valve and a pneumatic valve into a single element.

Abstract: A suction valve including a valve seat and a piston movably joined to the valve seat. The piston has a head for engaging the top surface of the valve seat and a stem extending downwardly from the head through the valve seat. A valve guide is positioned adjacent the bottom surface of the valve seat and slidably receives the stem. A valve keeper is fitted upon the stem such that the valve guide is disposed between the valve seat and the valve keeper. A keeper pin is slidably positioned within a transverse aperture in the stem and abuts the bottom of the valve keeper. A compressed spring is positioned between, and exerts opposing forces upon, the valve guide and the valve keeper so as to normally retain the head of the piston in engagement with the top surface of the valve seat.

Abstract: A stream splitting device splits a two-phase inlet stream into two or more outlet streams having nearly identical vapor-to-liquid ratios. The inlet stream is directed into a separator vessel containing an impingement plate to decrease the velocity of the stream and direct it toward the inner walls of the vessel, where it impinges, separating the liquid from the vapor. Inside the vessel, each of two vertical suction channels with side wall apertures is in fluid communication with an outlet pipe. The lower ends of the suction channels are submerged in the liquid phase. Vapor flows though the apertures that are above the liquid surface in the vessel, thereby generating a pressure drop across the walls of the suction channels. Consequently, liquid is lifted up into the suction channels, where it is mixed with the vapor. The two-phase mixture then leaves the vessel and stream splitter through the outlet pipes.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is defined for regulating the level of liquid on a first side of a barrier (12) with respect to a moveable level of liquid on a second side of the barrier. The apparatus includes an inlet conduit (30) for positioning on the second side of the barrier and having an inlet (38) that is arranged for moving up and down with the liquid level, and an outlet conduit (16) for positioning on the first side of the barrier (12) and in liquid communication with the inlet conduit (30) across the barrier. The outlet conduit has an outlet (22) that can be located at a predetermined liquid level at the first side.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a shape memory alloy (“SMA”)-actuated flow controller comprises a number of grille members, each having a long axis and being slideable relative to one another parallel to that long axis. The SMA-actuated flow controller also includes a frame configured to guide the number of grille members, and an actuator disposed within the frame to move at least one of the number of grille members for varying a size of an aperture. Further, the actuator includes an SMA actuator that includes a number of SMA elements each connecting one grille number to another.

Abstract: Single-control mixer tap for sanitary apparatuses, sinks and showers, with improved delivering water flow adjustment, includes: a base body; a ceramic disk cartridge inserted in a seat of the base body, between the body and a covering cap controlling the cartridge; a control lever to rotate the cap and the cartridge in a first plane to adjust the percentage of hot and cold water and in a second plane substantially orthogonal to the first one, to adjust the total water flow; and elements to be activated together with the control lever to reduce the maximum delivering flow from the tap. The elements and members for their adjustment are all directly associated to the control lever and positioned completely outside of the cap with the lever itself.

Abstract: A valve core for a single handled faucet is made up of a valve housing, a valve stick, a base mount, a switching control valve, and a valve seat wherein the base mount, engaged with the valve stick and mounted onto the switching control valve thereof, is securely located at the valve housing therein, stably refrained from being moved or rotated by the valve stick thereof in operation. The valve stick is pivotally moved at the base mount therein to activate the switching control valve via a protruding connecting section thereof, driving an upper switch valve of the valve seat joined to the bottom of the switching control valve thereof to open the valve core for water discharge. Via a protruded guide spot of the base mount as a pivoting point, the valve stick is also rotated left or right with a turning protruded block thereof moved at a turning cut area of the base mount therein to adjust the water temperature.

Abstract: A valve assembly with a multiple-component valve plug is disclosed. The use of multiple materials in the construction of the valve plug provides different rates of thermal expansion in the axial and radial directions thereby enabling the valve plug to have thermal expansion characteristics that closely match that of the components in which it cooperates with. Specifically, the radial thermal expansion of the downstream end of the plug is closely matched to that of the retainer component which receives the downstream end of the plug. The radial thermal expansion of the upstream end of the plug is closely matched to that of the cage and seat ring to enable the plug to properly close or seat when the valve is in the closed position. The plug body or spacer tube has an axial thermal expansion that closely matches that of the cage retainer, cage or valve body, depending upon the valve design.

Abstract: A housing of a multiway valve contains several inlets and outlets and a chamber containing several valve seats, each of which is allocated to one of the outlets. A closing device can be displaced between the valve seats. A cylinder contains a cylinder chamber having a fluid. A heating device is provided for heating the fluid and a plunger is provided that can be displaced in the cylinder by the pressure of the fluid. By its displacement, the plunger is able to dislodge the closing device from one of the valve seats.

Abstract: A magnetic actuator includes a spool surrounded by a coil, a primary plate disposed at a first end of the spool, and a secondary plate disposed at a second end opposite the first end. A plunger is slidably disposed within respective annular portions defined by the spool and the secondary plate and surrounded by the coil energizable to urge the plunger toward the primary plate. A first spring biases a ball against a supply valve seat configured in either the primary plate or a valve seat assembly, while a rod having a first portion is in operable communication with the plunger and a second portion is in contact with the ball opposite the first spring. A second spring biases the plunger and rod toward an exhaust valve seat configured in either the primary plate or valve seat assembly, opposite the supply valve seat, wherein the supply exhaust valve seats are in fluid communication with each other via a bore therebetween connecting the supply exhaust valve seats.

Abstract: Provided is a servovalve system for regulating fluid flowing within a fluid circuit. The servovalve system comprises a housing, a spool slidably disposed within the housing, a stepper motor operatively connected to the spool, and a controller and a position sensor electronically connected to the stepper motor. The controller generates driver signals representative of a desired amount of stepper motor rotation in order to cause the stepper motor to effectuate spool motion relative to the housing. The position sensor senses an actual amount of stepper motor rotation and generates a quantity of position signals representative thereof. The controller determines a signal ratio of the quantity of the position signals to the quantity of the driver signals and generates a diagnostic signal when the signal ratio reaches a threshold value representative of a predetermined level of mechanical resistance of spool motion relative to the housing.

Abstract: A system for conveying fluid through a conduit that creates a strong laminar flow of the material surrounded by a boundary layer flow of the same or a different flowable material, such that long transport distances through dramatic elevation and directional changes can be achieved. Some embodiments of the system include a blower assembly, an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a mixing chamber, wherein the mixing chamber includes an outer barrel, an inner barrel and an accelerating chamber. Low pressure gas is supplied to the system by the blower assembly and mixed with particulate material. The gas/material mixture is transported through the mixing chamber into the accelerating chamber and through the outlet conduit. In other embodiments, the particulate material is mixed with the gas in the accelerating chamber.

Abstract: A fuel hose which has excellent permeation resistance to gasoline, sour gasoline resistance, amine resistance and low temperature properties, and has excellent electrical conductivity. The fuel hose has a laminate structure comprising an innermost layer made of the rubber blend (A) of an acrylic rubber and an acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber wherein acrylonitrile is present in a proportion of 15 wt % to 30 wt %, or an acrylic rubber (B) having a skeleton derived from acrylonitrile in its molecular skeleton, and a fluororesin layer formed on a peripheral surface of the innermost layer.

Abstract: A drainpipe embedded in a water-permeable layer of a water-dischargeable pavement body is molded by using as a constitutional material a material which is degraded or disintegrated and disappears the tubular shape thereof with the passage of time in a natural environment, for example, a biodegradable resin.

Abstract: A secure conduit system is described through which electrical, electronic or optical fiber cables, pneumatic tubing, hydraulic tubing or other elongated wiring, cabling or tubing can be routed. The system includes open-sided raceways through which the cable is routed, covers for closure of the raceways, at least one locking device to lock a raceway and cover and being releasable only from within the raceway, with the device release being accessible only though an open end of the conduit, and the remainder of the conduit sections being openable only after release of the locking device of the first section. The conduit system may be multibranched and is intended to be connected at its ends to secure enclosures which allow for controlled access to the cabling and to the release mechanism. Typical uses will be for computer networks, communication systems, equipment control systems and remote environmental gas sampling and analysis systems.

Abstract: This invention provides a duct cover system for ducts installed in exposed locations. For use primarily with ducts having generally rectangular cross sections, the duct cover system provides a roof over the duct that may be integral with the duct or retrofitted to the duct. The roof includes at least one cover panel extending along the duct length. The cover panel is inclined laterally relative to the duct bottom wall thereby to shed water and prevent snow accumulation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for tensioning and sealing tightening straps of plastics for package tightenings, in which the superposed strap ends are received in a strap channel which is essentially open at a longitudinal outer side and the two faces. The strap channel has a strap edge guide at its longitudinal inner side for the inner edges of the tightening strap. A tensioning device is arranged in the front region of the device, and a sealing device is arranged in the rear region. So as to compensate for the forces acting outwardly on the upper strap end due to the irregular deformations of the upper strap end during the tensioning process by the tensioning roller of the tensioning device which is mounted in a floating manner, the strap edge guide is arranged obliquely to the tensioning direction of the tensioning roller and projects further into the strap channel in the vicinity of the strap sealing device than in the region of the tensioning device.

Abstract: To provide an automatic air supply mechanism for a pneumatic tire which can automatically supply air to a pneumatic tire by rotation of the pneumatic tire with respect to an axle when the air pressure in the pneumatic tire becomes a prescribed value or lower. There is provided an axle 101 and a wheel body rotatable with respect to the axle 101. An automatic air supply mechanism 1 is provided on the wheel body. The automatic air supply mechanism 1 has a constant pressure maintaining section 2 and a compression section 3. The constant pressure maintaining section 2 is configured to maintain the air pressure therein at a constant value and connected to the pneumatic tire mounted on the wheel body 110 in air flow communication. The compression section 3 compresses air when the wheel body 110 is rotated with respect to the axle 101 and feeds the compressed air into the constant pressure maintaining section 2.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser includes a non-mechanical switch that detects whether a fueling nozzle is positioned inside or outside of a nozzle boot. When the non-mechanical switch detects that the fueling nozzle is removed from the nozzle boot, the non-mechanical switch generates a signal to activate a fuel dispensing transaction. When the non-mechanical switch detects that the fueling nozzle if replaced in the nozzle boot, the non-mechanical switch generates a signal to terminate the fuel dispensing transaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel filler warning indicator for warning or reminding a user about to add fuel to a tank that only a particular type of fuel is to be used. It includes a flap portion or panel, which may include indicia, that is normally biased or disposed into a position that requires it to be manually displaced before the fuel filler cap can be removed or a fuel nozzle inserted.

Abstract: A two-stage pressure differential pressure responsive flow control valve is disposed to provide greater fuel vapor recirculation to a tank filler tube when high vacuum conditions are encountered during refueling from a fuel dispensing nozzle inserted in the filler tube. The pressure responsive valve has an obturator with a passage therethrough for providing a relatively low flow rate when the valve is in the closed condition resulting from a relatively low vacuum during refueling. When a higher vacuum is encountered, the obturator is moved to the open position permitting greater flow. Preferably, the pressure responsive valve is disposed in a common housing with a float operated rollover valve.

Abstract: A dispenser for holding multiple doses of fluids or other substances, and for dispensing the substances, has a vial, a flexible bladder received within the vial, and a variable volume storage chamber formed between the bladder and vial. A filling valve is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position hermetically sealing the storage chamber from the ambient atmosphere, and (2) an open position allowing the passage of fluid through the valve both to evacuate the storage chamber and to introduce fluid through the valve to fill the storage chamber. A pump is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber for pumping fluids out of the storage chamber. A dispensing valve is coupled in fluid communication with the pump and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position preventing the passage of fluid out of the dispenser, and (2) an open position for dispensing pumped fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A device for preventing entry of an unleaded gas fill nozzle in a diesel fuel filler neck comprising an elongate sleeve configured to be inserted inside the diesel fuel filler neck. The sleeve provides for a finger tight or friction pressure fit at its upper end against the internal wall surface of the diesel fuel filler neck. A gas nozzle blocking screen or grid for preventing the insertion of an unleaded gas fill nozzle into the sleeve is located at or near the upper end of the sleeve. The invention also includes a filler neck cap. The filler neck cap includes a removable weather-tight cap through which the nozzle is inserted. The cap preferably includes a key lock to prevent its removal by anyone other than an authorized person. The removable weather tight cap preferably is tethered to the filler neck cap.

Abstract: A plumber's tool having a hand operated bulb at one end and an inflatable distal end with and intermediate smaller diameter hose portion for easy insertion into a water pipe or the like for repair thereof and the method of using same.

Abstract: A bridge and adapter system for a bag-in-box packaging filler is shown to include an adapter providing a quick connection between the supply line and the dispensing member of the bag-in-box packaging. A bridge is adapted to sit longitudinally across the box of the bag-in-box packaging and is adapted to engage with both the adapter and the dispensing member of the bag-in-box packaging in order to provide support of the adapter and dispensing member, therein. The adapter includes air vents which facilitate the escape of air in the bag-in-box while it is being displaced with other contents from the supply line. The upper end portion of the adapter includes a cam lock for connecting the supply line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for receiving fuel from a fuel outlet of an aircraft, which container comprises means of attachment for effecting a detachable, liquid-tight coupling with the fuel outlet. The invention furthermore provides a method for receiving and discharging fuel from a fuel outlet of an aircraft, comprising the steps of coupling a container for receiving fuel to a fuel outlet of an aircraft, draining the fuel outlet, disconnecting the container from the fuel outlet, and transporting the fuel in the container to a storage location for discharged fuel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a non-oriented electrical steel with improved magnetic properties and improved resistance to ridging, brittleness, nozzle clogging and magnetic aging.. The chromium bearing steel is produced from a steel melt which is cast as a thin slab or conventional slab, cooled, hot rolled and/or cold rolled into a finished strip. The finished strip is further subjected to at least one annealing treatment wherein the magnetic properties are developed, making the steel sheet of the present invention suitable for use in electrical machinery such as motors or transformers.

Abstract: The method for quenching a steel charge after carburizing or carbonitriding is carried out at atmospheric pressure and comprises the following steps: the charge is extracted from a treatment furnace (1) at a temperature ranging from 750 ° C. to 1100 ° C.; b) the charge is transferred to a quenching cell (3); c) a quenching fluid is introduced at a pressure which is higher than atmospheric pressure; d) the charge is cooled to a temperature of less than 400 ° C. According to the invention, the fluid is primarily composed of air, and the part is brought to a temperature of at least 400 ° C., whereby an oxide layer preventing decarburization is formed in the time period starting from the moment when the charge exits (1) from the furnace.

Abstract: In a first process of a method of gas carburizing, a steel treatment object in a carburizing atmosphere containing carburizing gas is heated to an initial set temperature which is not higher than a peritectic point at which ? iron and a liquid phase transform into ? iron and not less than a eutectic point at which the liquid phase transforms into ? iron and cementite, such that the surface carbon concentration thereof does not exceed a solid solubility limit. In a second process following the first process, the carburizing temperature is gradually decreased from the initial set temperature such that the surface carbon concentration of the treatment object increases without exceeding the solid solubility limit, and such that the carburized depth of the treatment object increases.

Abstract: A drawn glass-coated metallic member has a thermal contraction coefficient differential such that the thermal contraction coefficient of the glass is less than that of the metallic member. The thermal contraction coefficient differential is maintained within a predetermined range during drawing. The glass is placed under residual compression, interfacial bonding between said glass and said wire is substantially uniform, and surface cracking and bond breaks between metal and glass are substantially prevented. A dynamic balance is maintained between the surface tension of the molten alloy and the resistance to high temperature deformation by the glass vessel in which it is contained, enabling the production of glass-coated amorphous or nanocrystalline alloy members having predefined cross-sectional shapes.

Abstract: A method for forming a plated magnetic thin film of high saturation magnetization and low coercivity having the general form Co100-a-bFeaMb, where M can be Mo, Cr, W, Ni or Rh, which is suitable for use in magnetic recording heads that write on narrow trackwidth, high coercivity media. The plating method includes four current application processes: direct current, pulsed current, pulse reversed current and conditioned pulse reversed current.