Abstract: Smoking article components, cigarettes, methods for making cigarettes and methods for smoking cigarettes are provided that use transition metal oxide clusters capable of catalyzing and/or oxidizing the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or adsorbing carbon monoxide. Cut filler compositions, cigarette paper and cigarette filter material can comprise transition metal oxide clusters.

Abstract: A tobacco leaf substitute for the manufacturing of a cigarette substitute that contains the same taste and flavor of a regular cigarette is comprised of, including but not limited to, leaves of Morus alba L, 1354MI, and leaves of Lillium longiflorum. The tobacco leaf substitute has additional beneficial effects of low nicotine content. The tobacco leaf substitute of this invention helps to quit smoking. It eliminates the poisons from the blood of a pre-smoker.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a tobacco leaf substitute that maintains the taste and flavor similar to typical commercial cigarettes utilizing: (1) the leaves of Morus alba L, 1354MI, (2) leaves of Lillium longiflorum; (3) and leaves of herbs, is comprised of, including but not limited to: 1) a salted water soaking; 2) washing; 3) 1st drying; 4) steaming; and 5) 2nd drying. The tobacco leaf substitute of this invention emits a minute amount of nicotine than conventional cigarettes. The tobacco leaf substitute has a beneficial effect of being free of any cigarette-related poisons stemming from traces of mercury, nickel, and cadmium found in typical commercially available cigarettes. The cigarette substitute of this invention helps to quit smoking and eliminates poisons from the bloodstream of pre-smokers.

Abstract: A hair extension device is provided wherein the apparatus comprising: at least one hair attachment device having at least one aperture; at least one bendable member having opposing ends, a first end being attached to the hair attachment device at the aperture; and at least one length of hair attached to second end of the bendable member wherein the end user forms a ponytail and the hair attachment device is attached onto the end user's existing hair adjacent to the ponytail and the bendable member is bent around the ponytail and shaped to provide for a plurality of hairstyles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for rolling a lock of hair, the device comprising: a deformable curler extending along a longitudinal axis, capable of taking up a first configuration enabling the lock of hair to be rolled up on the curler, and a second configuration in which at least a fraction of the length of the curler presents a radial dimension that is smaller than in the first configuration so as to facilitate extraction of the curler from the lock that has been rolled up in this way; and a control member enabling the curler to be changed from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: A dental flossing tool and dispenser includes a case with an enclosed chamber divided by a partition wall into floss spool and take up reel compartments. A hub mounts a floss spool for rotation within the floss spool compartment. A take up reel is rotatable within the take up reel compartment. A rotator on the take up reel, is at least partially disposed outward of the take up reel compartment. Floss in-feed and out-feed openings in the case communicate with the respective compartments. A length of floss extends through the floss out-feed opening and back into the take up reel compartment through the floss in-feed opening, thereby forming a bight in the floss outward of the case. A unidirectional rotation limiter allows rotation of the take up reel to take up the length of floss but inhibits pay out of floss.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an article where the article has polymeric residue that is to be removed during the manufacture of the article. The article is introduced into a controlled environment of a processing tool that has at least first and second processing chambers. Free radicals are generated from one or more reactant gases and introduced into at least the first processing chamber where they react with the polymeric residue. A cryogenic cleaning medium is supplied into the second processing chamber where it removes the polymeric residue present after the free radicals react with the polymeric residue. The reactant gases are selected to facilitate removal of the polymeric residue with the cryogenic cleaning medium The first and second processing chambers may be dedicated to plasma processing or cryogenic processing or each may provide both plasma processing and cryogenic processing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for polishing metallic articles comprising immersing a portion of the metallic article in abrasive media; tumbling the metallic article in a centrifugal force field; and passivating the metallic article in a passivating solution comprising an acid. Disclosed herein too is a method comprising immersing a portion of the metallic article in a first abrasive media; tumbling the metallic article in a first centrifugal force field; immersing the metallic article in a second abrasive media; tumbling the metallic article in a second centrifugal force field; and passivating the metallic article in a passivating solution comprising an acid.

Abstract: A method of transporting produce on a conveyor and rotating the produce substantially continuously during the transport. While the produce is being transported, steam is applied to an outer surface of the produce on the conveyor. Lane dividers are provided along the conveyor in a direction of travel of the conveyor to prevent the produce from touching each other and to help keep the produce rotating in various directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluid recovery in a semi-aqueous wash process including the steps of receiving semi-aqueous wash liquor from a wash container; pretreating the semi-aqueous wash liquor and separating it into aqueous-rich working fluid phase and non-aqueous working fluid phase, treating the aqueous-rich working fluid phase to remove remaining non-aqueous working fluid, and treating the non-aqueous-rich working fluid phase for recovery and reuse.

Abstract: A water recirculator in a dishwasher supplies water to spray arms for washing dishes and also purifies contaminated water after washing the dishes. The water recirculator includes a sump for holding water, a water supply pump connected to the sump, a guide passage for guiding a portion of the water pumped by the water supply pump to a spray arm in a washing chamber, a pre-filtering unit for purifying a rest of the water pumped by the water pumped by the water supply pump by means of precipitating contaminants included in the water therein, and a main filtering unit for purifying the rest of the water passed through the pre-filtering unit.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least one lower panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material substantially covering the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of its frame member, and each panel further includes a first side, a second side, a bottom side and a top side. The first side of one panel is coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel. The collapsible structure according to the present invention further includes an upper panel having a bottom side coupled to the top side of one of the lower panels. In other embodiments, at least two upper panels are provided, with the upper panels provided above the lower panels. The respective panels can be coupled to each other using stitching and/or detachable connectors, or by crossing the frame members of the panels at adjacent left, right, top or bottom sides.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation system having a thermoelectric unit is provided for an engine, through which cooling water flows. A part of cooling water circulates through the engine and a radiator, where cooling water is cooled. Cooling water of a discharge side of the engine and that of a discharge side of the radiator are respectively used as a high-temperature side heat source and a low-temperature side heat source of the thermoelectric unit. Thus, the thermoelectric unit is provided with a steady temperature difference to generate power, without increasing a component number and deteriorating a cooling of the engine.

Abstract: A number of compact, high-efficiency and high-power density thermoelectric systems utilizing the advantages of thermal isolation are described. Such configurations exhibit high system efficiency and power density. Some configurations exhibit a substantial reduction in the amount of thermoelectric material required.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules, as well as related systems, methods and components are disclosed.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules, as well as related systems, methods and components are disclosed.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules, as well as related systems, methods and components are disclosed.

Abstract: A passive convection cooling system for photovoltaic panels according to the present disclosure utilizes principals of aerodynamics to channel natural air flow across photovoltaic panels to increase the rate of heat transfer and increase the convection rate and decrease the temperature of the photovoltaic panels thereby increasing the efficiency of the solar cells and decreasing failures of the photovoltaic system. The photovoltaic cooling system comprises a generally rigid frame supporting one or more photovoltaic panels creating a lower ventilation path to increase rate of heat transfer under the photovoltaic panel to greatly increase the convection rate to effectively cool the photovoltaic system. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid electrolyte having superior conductive properties and reliability, a photovoltaic device using this electrolyte, and manufacturing methods thereof. The solid electrolyte of the present invention is a solid electrolyte having an electrolyte composition and a matrix polymer. The matrix polymer is formed by polymerization of a first compound having at least two isocyanate groups and a second compound having at least two nucleophilic groups containing active hydrogen in accordance with a polyaddition reaction, and the polymerization is performed after a precursor for the matrix polymer is brought into contact with a surface on which the solid electrolyte is to be formed.

Abstract: Photoelectric converting devices used for photovoltaic power generation or a photovoltaic power generating system have a photoelectric converting layer comprising an organic compound (A) having both an electron donating molecular structure and an electron accepting molecular structure dispersed in the polymer and/or an organic compound (B) having an electron donating molecular structure and an organic compound (C) having an electron accepting molecular structure, dispersed in a polymer. The photoelectric converting devices are suppressed in the phase separation of the photoelectric converting layer and thus is enhanced in light utilizing efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method of supplying continuous chemical to a processing area for use in manufacturing a semiconductor device are provided. First and second storage vessels store chemical. A sensor checks and senses whether conduits respectively connected with the first and second storage vessels are empty. A 3-way valve selectively connects the conduits respectively connected with the first and second storage vessels, with a conduit connected to the processing area, so that chemical of the first and second storage vessels can be selectively supplied to the process area. A controller controls the 3-way valve in response to outputs of the first and second sensors. A pump is installed on a conduit for connecting the 3-way valve to the processing area and provides a flow pressure to the chemical.

Abstract: An air inflation tube of a mini-size air pump is disclosed. The air inflation tube of the air pump has a dual direction air inflation capability, that is, inflation and deflation, and the pressure releasing and air pumping are done by the same tubular body to solve the problem of excessive tire pressure without removing the air inflation tube.

Abstract: A system for controlling filling a motor-vehicle tank with LPG, comprises: a normally-closed valve, which can be driven in opening by excitation of a solenoid; sensor means, pre-arranged to emit an electrical signal indicating that a pre-set maximum level of LPG in the tank has been reached; and a control member, which can be operated manually for generating an electrical signal indicating the intention to proceed with filling the tank. The system further comprises a control circuit, which is independent of the circuit on board the motor vehicle and which is active even when the vehicle engine is turned off and is pre-arranged for exciting the solenoid of the valve in order to control opening thereof when it receives the aforesaid signal indicating activation of the mode of filling of the tank, and for de-exciting the aforesaid solenoid in order to control closing of the valve when the signal indicating that the pre-set maximum level of LPG in the tank has been reached is received.

Abstract: A check valve is disclosed which may be anchored in place through the use of a barbed casing.

Abstract: A fluid pressure regulator includes a regulator housing having an inlet end and an outlet end; a flexible flow tube extending between the inlet end and the outlet end; a hollow piston located at a downstream location relative to a mid-portion of the flow tube in a direction of flow of fluid through the regulator housing; a first chamber above the piston and a second chamber below the piston; a passage establishing fluid communication between the outlet end and the first chamber; and at least one pinch arm pivotally mounted at one end within the regulator housing and movable in response to movement of the piston by an increase in fluid pressure in the first chamber so that an opposite end of the at least one pinch arm will pinch a portion of the flow tube and thereby restrict flow through the flow tube.

Abstract: A pressure regulator include a fluid introducing port; a primary regulating valve for reducing the primary pressure to a secondary pressure; a pressure regulating chamber receiving the fluid from the first pressure regulating valve; a diaphragm which is being displaced in response to the secondary pressure; a shift for drivingly connecting the diaphragm and the primary regulating valve; a pressure-setting section for adjusting a displacement magnitude of the diaphragm; and a discharging port through which the fluid of secondary pressure is discharged. The shaft includes a secondary regulating valve operatively associated with the primary regulating valve so as to further regulate the fluid from the primary regulating valve by opening-closing operations in reverse to those of the primary regulating valve. Hence, the pressure regulation characteristic of the secondary regulating valve against the fluctuations in the primary pressure become reverse to that of the primary regulating valve.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure A heat trap for use in a conduit through which fluid flows. The heat trap comprises a unitary body having a central bore extending therethrough, and first and second blocking portions having on a circumferential edge respective first and second resilient hinge portions. Both of the blocking portions substantially entirely block the central bore when in an at-rest condition. The first and second hinge portions hingedly interconnect the blocking portions to the unitary body in cantilever fashion and permit resilient deflection of the blocking portions on the hinge portions in response to fluid flow through the conduit. The resilient hinges also provide for the resilient return of the blocking portions to the at-rest condition in the absence of fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: Check valves including components having a straightforward and simple design allowing the components to be scaled down to an extremely small size without losing functionality or performance of the check valve.

Abstract: A tap for a gas or liquefied gas cylinder comprises a tap body having a tap stem and a closure element which are engaged directly in a tap body bore without the intermediary of a gland ring. A fixed seat of the tap is formed on a seat tube separate from the tap body. The tap stem, the closure element and the seat tube being adapted to be removably inserted into the tap body bore from the base end thereof.

Abstract: A breakaway coupling for a fuel supply hose includes a male tubular valve body interfitting with or female tubular valve body and defining a fuel supply passage, and the valve bodies enclose axially moveable spring biased valve members. The valve bodies are connected by releasable connecting means which provide for moving the valve bodies from a connected position to a disconnected position in response to a substantial axial tension force on the valve bodies. The valve bodies have cooperating peripherally extending and opposing cam surfaces effective to move the valve bodies from the connected position to the disconnected position in response to relative rotation of the valve bodies and cam surfaces. The valve bodies may also define a vapor return passage with an axially movable valve member and disposed either radially outboard or inboard of the fuel supply passage.

Abstract: A diverter valve includes a valve bore having a set of valve seats associated with each fluid outlet port. Each set of valve seats is at least partially separated from one another by a flow channel. The valve seat configuration increases the impact area for the valve element. As a result, the impact force upon seating against the valve seats is reduced. Moreover, by including flow channels between the sets of valve seats, the switching force and performance of the valve element is not adversely affected.

Abstract: A one-way valve which can be utilized in a toilet, particularly in a urinal, to prevent return flow of malodorous gases from the sewage system into the room wherein the toilet is installed has a body which is confined in the toilet. The body carries two sheet- or panel-shaped valving elements at least one of which is resilient to yield to the flow of urine but normally sealingly engages the other element to prevent the flow of gases from the sewage system counter to the direction of flow of the urine. At least one marginal portion of the at least one valving element is free to move away from the corresponding marginal portion of the other element to also permit lateral outflow of urine when the one element is at least partially out of contact with the other element.

Abstract: An air intake structure of an electromagnetic valve assembly for a massage chair comprising a plurality of electromagnetic valves, on each of the electromagnetic valve are defined air connecting portions, an air guide base is made of elastic material and is defined at an end thereof with a blind air feeding hole, in the air feeding hole are laterally defined passages for insertion of the air connecting portions of the respective electromagnetic valves, the air feeding hole is connected with an air intake duct assembly that is connected to an air source for introducing air into the air guide base.

Abstract: A modular manifold system is provided for interconnecting fluid components of a fluid system in a reduced area The system is comprised of a one or more bridge fittings having an internal fluid passageway which has an inlet end in fluid communication with an outlet port of a first fluid component, and an outlet end in fluid communication with an inlet port of a second fluid component. The bridge fittings may be mounted within a channel of a backing plate for structural support. An optional locator plate may be utilized which is mounted over the ends of the bridge fittings in order to align the inlet and outlet ports of the fluid components with the inlet and outlet ends of the bridge fittings. The bridge fittings may also be mounted to the locator plate in multiple directions forming multiple flow paths. Additionally, the bridge fittings may be stacked to form multiple layers where bridge fittings of one layer may be in fluid communication with bridge fittings of another layer.

Abstract: A pulsation absorber is provided in a fluid channel formed in a body of a fluid coupling. Fluid flows through the fluid channel in an assembled state. The pulsation absorber is arranged to deform in a same direction as the fluid to flow in the fluid channel pulsates. The pulsation absorber thereby absorbs pulsation of the fluid.

Abstract: Representative embodiments provide for a flow laminarizing device including a plurality of walls defining a plurality of passageways, each passageway defining a hexagonal cross-sectional area and configured to permit fluid flow there through, a casing configured to mechanically support the plurality of walls, and at least one support extension mechanically coupled to the casing, the at least one support extension and the casing cooperatively configured to support the flow laminarizing device in a substantially fixed slidingly received position relative to a fluid flow port of a fluid impelling device. A method includes the steps of decoupling an air line from a turbocharger, installing a flow laminarizing device in fluid communication with the turbocharger, and recoupling the air line to the turbocharger.

Abstract: Arrangement at a plug for sealing liquid- or gas-carrying pipes, comprising several slips (15) arranged peripherally on the plug, so as to allow them to be pushed up along a conical force ring (25) by means of a hydraulic cylinder (5), where the slips (15) are provided with a possibly divided sliding surface (19, 19?) and at least one possibly divided sliding surface (20, 23) having an angle that differs from the angle of the sliding surface (19, 19?). The force ring (25) has sliding surfaces (27, 29, 29?, 31) that correspond to the sliding surfaces (19, 19?, 20, 23) of the slips. The first part of the sliding surfaces (20, 23, 27, 31) has a steep gradient and the second part of the sliding surfaces (21, 21?, 29, 29?) has a small gradient.

Abstract: A closure for a plumbing cleanout includes a riser pipe having an interior surface defining an interior bore. A cylindrical plug is provided having a first end, a second end, and an exterior surface. A peripheral flange is positioned at the second end of the cylindrical plug which is adapted to limit the distance the first end of the cylindrical plug can be inserted into the interior bore of the riser pipe. Seals are provided for sealing fluids within the riser pipe. Stops are provided for limiting axial movement of the cylindrical plug relative to the riser pipe.

Abstract: A polymeric fuel system component made from a polyamide composition comprising one or more of polyamide 6,10 and polyamide 6,12 or copolymers thereof; stainless steel fibers and/or carbon nanotubes; an impact modifier; a plasticizer; and, optionally, other additives.

Abstract: An injection lance for injecting a fluid over a predefined target area within a system includes a support block with an inlet side and an outlet side. A plurality of channels are disposed non-parallel with respect to each other within the support block and extend between the inlet and outlet sides of the support block so as to receive fluid at the inlet side and deliver fluid through the support block for injection from the outlet side of the support block over the target area. At least two channels extend from the inlet side toward the outlet side in a direction away from a central axis of the support block, where the central axis intersects the outlet side. The target area includes a plurality of consecutively aligned sectors, and the channels are oriented within the support block so that a central axis of a fluid stream injected from each channel over the target area is centered between longitudinal boundaries defined by a respective sector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for mixing at least two components, the device comprising a bowl for receiving the components; and a measuring member including at least one mark useful for measuring purposes, the measuring member being releasably fastenable to the bowl.

Abstract: A check valve for use in an air-packing device has a simple structure and can easily inflate all of the air cells of the air-packing device with a relatively lower pressure. The check valves can be easily attached to any locations of the air-packing device. The check valves are formed when a check valve film is attached to one of the first and second thermoplastic films. Peeling agents of predetermined pattern are printed on the check valve film which prevents heat-sealing between the first and second thermoplastic films for air tightly separating two adjacent air containers. The check valve is configured by an air flow maze portion having a zig-zag air passage and a common air duct portion which provides the air to the air flow maze portion of a current air container as well as to the air flow maze portion of a next air container.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary method, the fine powder is first fluidized. At least a portion of the fluidized fine powder is then captured. The captured fine powder is then transferred to a receptacle, with the transferred powder being sufficiently uncompacted so that it may be dispersed upon removal from the receptacle.

Abstract: Liquid sending portions (7a, 7b) of an intermittent fixed displacement pump (6) intermittently sucking and discharging a fixed amount of fluid are parallelly arranged, plastic raw material liquid is discharged from the liquid sending portions (7a, 7b) with the timing of suction and discharge of the liquid sending portions being shifted from each other, plastic raw material liquid discharged from each other, plastic raw material liquid discharged from each of the liquid sending portions (7a, 7b) is joined, and the plastic raw material liquid joined is poured in a casting/polymerizing die (4). Plastic raw material liquid can be stably sent even if its viscosity becomes higher, air bubbles are prevented from being produced in raw material pouring, and an excellent production yield is achieved.

Abstract: Provided is a device for pressurized contents comprising a container having a hollow interior for location of the contents therein, a valve body having a channel in fluid communication with the interior of the container, a stem having a tapered end extending into the valve body, wherein the stem is moveable within the valve body, a single port for conveyance of the contents between the container exterior and the container interior, wherein the device has no additional port for conveyance of the contents between the container exterior and the container interior, and a seal arrangement between the valve body and the tapered end to prevent conveyance of the contents through the single port when the tapered end is in a seated position, wherein a rate of conveyance of the contents through the single port is controllable by movement of the stem within the valve body.

Abstract: An apparatus for decanting pulverulent product (Q) into a receptacle (50) made of deformable material which receptacle is arranged in a container made of rigid material and is temporarily placed upstream of a lock system containing so-called glove boxes, a shaft (64) is rotatably mounted at a distance (n) from an adjustable base (B), on which shaft at least one hood designed as a glove box, at least one hood trough (80) made of metallic material, preferably of stainless steel, is fixed; at least one support plate (78) for the rigid container is attached to length-adjustable piston/cylinder units (76) at an adjustable distance from the shaft (64), the support plate being parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis (N), and the rigid container is sealingly connected at the other end to a connecting tube (34a) which projects into the hood or the hood trough (80) or the hood system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for the environmentally safe transfer and disposal of solvents, such as waste solvents, and eliminate atmospheric contamination from evaporated solvents. The apparatus may also be used for the transfer of solvents into storage containers for further recycling and re-use. In addition, the apparatus eliminates the multiple steps and tedious procedures that are typically required for transferring solvent into storage or waste containers for storage and disposal.

Abstract: A fuel filler neck assembly having a uniform hemmed connection between an outer funnel portion and an inner funnel portion. The outer funnel portion is typically defined by an offset-expanded cylinder and sidewalls of varying thickness. The inner funnel portion includes sidewalls that have an internal thread, which is configured to mate with the threads of a gas cap. A hemmed connection is used to join one end of the outer funnel portion to one end of the inner funnel portion. The sidewalls at one end of the outer funnel portion are folded or bent inwardly and around the rim portion to define a curled portion. A tooling assembly for producing a uniform hemmed connection between one end of the outer funnel portion and one end of the inner funnel portion. A method of producing a uniform hemmed connection between portions of a fuel filler neck.

Abstract: A mortiser tool comprises a drill bit, a cutting element mounted around the drill bit and a motor means. In use a motor rotates the drill bit independently of the cutting element, and in use a motor moves the drill bit in a first reciprocating action, in which the cutting element is axially movable in relation to the drill bit. The drill bit is provided with a transmission adapted to axially move the cutting element in a second reciprocating action in use, which second reciprocating action is axially non-synchronous with the first reciprocating action.

Abstract: A rotary cutter includes: an elongated shaft that defines a rotation axis and that has two opposite mounting ends, and at least one axially extending blade-mounting surface parallel to the rotation axis and extending between the mounting ends; a pair of blade-aligning members, each of which is mounted on a respective one of the mounting ends of the shaft, and each of which is formed with at least one protrusion; at least one blade attached to the blade-mounting surface and having two opposite end portions, each of which is formed with a recess that receives the protrusion of a respective one of the blade-aligning members; and a fastening plate and screws for fastening the blade to the shaft.