Abstract: Subject-matter of the present invention is a device for the optimization of hydraulically controlled engagement of clutches used in marine transmissions. This device comprises pumps (10) for the delivery of hydraulic fluid from a reservoir (11) to two control pistons (12a, 12b) of said clutches, two solenoid valves (13, 14) arranged between said pumps (10) and said pistons (12a, 12b), a bistable valve (15) arranged in parallel between said solenoid valves (13, 14) and said pistons (12a, 12b), a control valve (16) arranged on the pressure side of said pumps (10) toward the discharge line leading to the reservoir (11) and equipped with an adjusting device (17), whose spring element (18) is linked to said bistable valve (15).

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for controlling the application of pressurized cooling fluid to the clutches of a dual clutch transmission including a cooling unit in fluid communication with a source of the pressurized cooling fluid and adapted to exchange heat from the cooling fluid with another media. The circuit also includes at least one regulator in fluid communication with the source of the pressurized cooling fluid and separately in fluid communication with the cooling unit, and with the clutches. The regulator is adapted to operatively provide the cooling fluid to the clutches. The circuit further includes at least one control actuator adapted to selectively control the regulator to provide a first variable predetermined amount of cooling fluid from the cooling unit to the clutches as primary cooling, and to provide a second variable predetermined amount of cooling fluid from the source to the clutches thereby supplementing the cooling fluid from the cooling unit.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for controlling the application of pressurized cooling fluid to the clutches of a dual clutch transmission including a cooling unit in fluid communication with a source of the pressurized cooling fluid and adapted to exchange heat from the cooling fluid with another media. The circuit also includes at least one regulator in fluid communication with the source of the pressurized cooling fluid and separately in fluid communication with the cooling unit, and with the clutches. The regulator is adapted to operatively provide the cooling fluid to the clutches. The circuit further includes at least one control actuator adapted to selectively control the regulator to provide a first variable predetermined amount of cooling fluid from the cooling unit to the clutches as primary cooling, and to provide a second variable predetermined amount of cooling fluid from the source to the clutches thereby supplementing the cooling fluid from the cooling unit.

Abstract: A damper mechanism 6 is provided to transmit torque while absorbing and damping torsional vibrations. A small coil spring 45 achieves characteristics of a low rigidity in a small torsion angle region of the torsion characteristics when compressed by rotary members. A coil spring 33 achieves characteristics of a high rigidity in a large torsion angle region of the torsion characteristics when compressed by the rotary members rotating relatively to each other. A frictional resistance generating mechanism 7 generates a frictional resistance while each spring is being compressed. Owing to a rotating-direction space 79, the frictional resistance generating mechanism 7 does not operate in the second stage of the torsion characteristics and also does not in the first stage while a torsion angle is in a predetermined range.

Abstract: People mover (2) comprising an endless tread belt (6) formed from several tread elements (4) connected to one another, which is driven by a drive unit about a first and second reversal point (22), and a side skirt (24) moved along with tread belt (6), the side skirt (24) comprising flange elements (28) joined to the tread element (4) and bridge elements (30) connected movably relative to flange elements (28). A sensor (38) is arranged adjacent to the side skirt (24), the sensor (38) having a limited detection range perpendicular to the circulation direction of side skirt (24), and a plurality of marking elements are arranged in a line on side skirt (24) along the circulating direction having a limited width perpendicular to the circulating direction.

Abstract: An escalator and moving walk shaft mounting construction and method utilizes a truss, a shaft and a shaft-bearing to hold the shaft in the truss. The shaft bearing has a hub and a socket. The hub is affixed to the truss, while the socket interfits with the hub to hold the shaft. The hub-socket connection can be severed to release the shaft from the hub.

Abstract: A machining system and unit, especially a welding cell, is provided for use for the machining of workpieces (2), especially bode parts of vehicles. The machining system has one or more machining stations (15, 16) with robots (18, 19, 20) and at least one rotation or turning station (5), which has at least two work stations (6, 7) for carrying out different operations simultaneously. The turning station (5) has at least two multiaxially movable turning units (8, 9) arranged next to one another with said gripping tools (11, 12, 13). The working areas (10) intersect each other at the work stations (6, 7).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for singulating individual product items, such as pills, in unit-dose or multi-dose dispersing packaging that utilizes a pill-filling mechanism for reducing a large amount of bulk pills to a single-file stream of pills; a pill separation mechanism for singulating a variety of different sized and shaped pills; and a mechanism for delivering pills to a package, such as a blister-pack. Bar-code scanning and identification software may also be implemented to adjust the mechanisms to adapt the apparatus to different pills as they are presented to the apparatus.

Abstract: A transfer unit is configured for use with a form, fill and seal packaging machine. The transfer unit receives a partially erected carton from a first station in a tubular form, conveys the carton to a second station, and conveys the carton from the second station to a third station. The transfer unit includes a hub defining a longitudinal hub axis and configured for rotational movement about the hub axis. A plurality of car pairs are mounted to the hub for longitudinal movement along the hub. Each of the car pairs includes first and second cars, each of which has first and second mandrels mounted thereto. The mandrels are configured to receive a partially erected carton. Each mandrel has a mandrel axis and is rotational about its respective axis. The mandrel axes are perpendicular and tangential to the hub axis.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt with a self-adjusting edge for bearing against a conveyor side rail. An edge pad, which can be made of a durable material for long wear life, pivotably attaches to the side edge of a belt row. The pivotable attachment allows the pad to adjust itself to maximize its contact area with the side rail.

Abstract: Welded belt modules, belts made of such modules, and a method for making such modules. Wide belt modules are made by welding together side to side narrow belt modules to a selected width. Modular conveyor belts are constructed of rows of welded modules connected serially by hinge pins between interleaved hinge eyes of consecutive rows. The wider welded modules eliminate or reduce the number of gaps, or seams, in a conveyor belt by reducing the number of narrow modules in each belt row.

Abstract: A keyboard has a base plate, a membrane sheet, a housing, a key-top, a link mechanism disposed between the housing and the key-top, and a switch operating member disposed under the key-top and operated by the key-top. The housing, the membrane sheet and the base plate have slits at a position corresponding to a surrounding portion of the key-top. Consequently, the distance between the key-top and the housing can be decreased even if the skirt part of the key-top is long. Furthermore, the slit of the housing is formed as a discontinuous annular shape to surround the link mechanism, and the surrounding portion of the key-top has a slit corresponding to the bridge shaped portion of the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle interior illumination lamp for mounting at an opening portion formed in a roof panel (interior member) of a vehicle includes a function part including a bulb (light source), and a switch unit for supplying and interrupting electric power relative to the bulb, and a design part including a housing for mounting at the opening portion in the roof panel, a retaining mechanism securely engaging the function part with the housing, and a switch knob engaged with the switch unit. The retaining mechanism includes a retaining member which cooperates with the switch knob to hold the switch unite therebetween.

Abstract: A method of separating propylene oxide from a mixture (M) comprising propylene oxide and methanol, said method comprising (i) introducing said mixture (M) into an extractive distillation column; (ii) additionally introducing an extracting solvent into said extractive distillation column; (iii) distilling propylene oxide overhead from said extractive distillation column as top stream; (iv) withdrawing a bottoms stream from said extractive distillation column; (v) compressing the top stream obtained overhead in (iii) by means of at least one compressor to give a compressed vapor.

Abstract: The present invention in a first aspect provides a method and a system for stripping volatile compounds such as ammonia from e.g. fermentation liquids. Part of the ammonia is stripped from the liquid in a stripper system comprising a shunt through which liquid such as e.g. fermentation medium comprising a biomass can be diverted in the form of a side stream in liquid contact with a main fermentor(s). The stripper system is connected to an evaporator. In the evaporator aqueous liquid is heated at a pressure below atmospheric pressure whereby vapour is developed at a temperature below 100° C. The vapour from the evaporator is directed to the liquid medium comprising ammonia and this results in ammonia being stripped from the liquid and transferred to the vapour phase. The vapour phase is condensed in a first condenser at a low pressure, e.g. a pressure well below 1 bar, and the liquid thus obtained is further treated in a stripper unit at a higher pressure, such as e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new process for obtaining fatty acids with improved color, odor and heat stability which is characterized in that (a) in a first step the crude acids are fed to a rectification (“precut”) column in order to remove low boiling by-products being present in the starting material as a top fraction, and (b) in a second step the bottom fraction of the precut column is fed to a sidestream column in order to obtain the pure fatty acids as the side fraction, to remove low boiling by-products which have been formed in the course of the first distillation as a top fraction and to remove high boiling by-products, either being present from the starting material or formed during the first distillation, with the residue.

Abstract: A device (6) and a method for generating chlorine trifluoride is described, a high-density plasma (105) being generated in the interior of a plasma reactor (100) using plasma generating means (110, 120, 130, 150, 155, 160, 170, 180), and a first gas and a second gas, which react with one another under the influence of the high-density plasma (105) in the plasma reactor (100) under the formation of chlorine trifluoride, being supplied to the plasma reactor (100) via gas supply means (21, 22, 25, 26). In addition, a gas outlet (20) is provided, via which the generated chlorine trifluoride can be removed from the plasma reactor (100).

Abstract: A sputtering target, particularly for sputter depositing a target material onto large rectangular panels, in which a plurality of target tiles are bonded to a backing plate in a two-dimensional non-rectangular array such that the tiles meet at interstices of no more than three tile, thus locking the tiles against excessive misalignment during bonding. The rectangular tiles may be arranged in staggered rows or in a herringbone or zig-zag pattern. Hexagonal and triangular tiles also provide many of the advantages of the invention.

Abstract: For forming alumina films on substrates by sputtering of an aluminum metal target in an oxidizing gas-containing atmosphere, a method of producing ? crystal structure-based alumina films efficiently includes as an early film formation, forming films under conditions suited for formation of ? crystal structure alumina. For example the forming forms films of ? crystal structure alumina in a poisoning mode discharge condition only in an early stage of film formation.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a material on a surface of a wafer having a diameter includes a cavity defined by a peripheral wall terminating at a peripheral edge and having at least one lateral dimension smaller than the wafer diameter and at least one lateral dimension larger than the wafer diameter and configured to hold a process solution proximate to the peripheral edge such that the process solution will always contact a first wafer surface region, a head configured to hold the wafer above the cavity peripheral edge so that the surface of the wafer faces the cavity, and an electrical contact member positioned outside the cavity peripheral wall and configured to contact a second wafer surface region where the lateral dimension of the cavity is smaller than the wafer diameter and to maintain electrical contact with the wafer when the wafer is moved relative to the contact member. Advantages of the invention include substantially full surface treatment of the wafer.

Abstract: The electric microfluidics multiplex system comprises at least one channel for liquid flows which includes molecules, particularly biomolecules, molecule complexes or microparticles adapted to be manipulated and in particular to be transported by electric fields. Further, the electric microfluidics multiplex system comprises a multitude of electrodes arranged to follow each other individually or in groups along the at least one channel, and drive electronics with a plurality of outputs for control signals to be applied to the electrodes. The electrodes are divided into groups. Each group is assigned to an output of the drive electronics. The electrodes of each group are interconnected and are connected to the respective assigned output of the drive electronics.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolysis device for halogen gas production from an aqueous alkali halide solution in several plate-type electrolysis cells stacked and arranged side by side, with electrical contacts, each of the cells with a housing consisting of two half-shells made of electrically conductive material, said housing being equipped with devices for feeding electrolytic current and the electrolysis plant reactants and devices for discharging electrolytic current and discharging the electrolysis products, with anodic electrode, cathodic electrode and a membrane arranged therebetween, built-in components being fitted in at least one of the two half-shells and permitting a defined increase in the liquid level and thus minimising the remaining gas volume accordingly.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrode includes a preparatory step of preparing an electrode matrix comprising a collector and an active material containing layer formed on at least one face of the collector, at least one edge part of the collector including an exposed surface free of the active material containing layer, an edge part of the active material containing layer on a side close to the exposed surface including a thinner part having a thickness smaller than a maximum thickness of the active material containing layer; and a roll-pressing step of pressing the electrode matrix with a roll press.

Abstract: A sputtering target, particularly for sputter depositing a target material onto large rectangular panels, in which a plurality of target tiles are bonded to a backing plate in a two-dimensional non-rectangular array such that the tiles meet at interstices of no more than three tile, thus locking the tiles against excessive misalignment during bonding and repeated thermal cycling. The rectangular tiles may be arranged in staggered rows or in a herringbone or zig-zag pattern. Hexagonal and triangular tiles also provide many of the advantages of the invention. Sector-shaped tiles may be arranged in a circular target with a staggered offset at the center.

Abstract: A microfluidic fluid distribution manifold includes a common port and a plurality of fluidic channels spirally wound around the common port. Each fluidic channel connects the common port to an independent port and provides essentially the same flow resistance to a fluid flowing therethrough. A fixture for the flow restrictor allows fluid flows to be communicated between the flow restrictor and a larger system such as a parallel reactor system.

Abstract: Analysis is performed efficiently in an electrophoresis apparatus while avoiding deterioration of samples. A plurality of sample plates are stored in frozen storage. When a particular sample plate is being analyzed, other sample plates are stored in a standby unit. In this way, a plurality of sample plates can be stored under cool conditions and analysis can be performed efficiently.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging one or more selected fluorescence indications from a microfluidic device. The apparatus includes an imaging path coupled to least one chamber in at least one microfluidic device. The imaging path provides for transmission of one or more fluorescent emission signals derived from one or more samples in the at least one chamber of the at least one microfluidic device. The chamber has a chamber size, the chamber size being characterized by an actual spatial dimension normal to the imaging path. The apparatus also includes an optical lens system coupled to the imaging path. The optical lens system is adapted to transmit the one or more fluorescent signals associated with the chamber.

Abstract: A capillary array assembly is provided that can be used to inject samples into an electrophoresis device. The capillary array assembly can include an injection end that can be arranged to interface with output wells of a fluid processing device, for example, a microfluidic card-type device.

Abstract: A device for vertically stacking multiple pre-cast gels for simultaneous electrophoresis is described. The device comprises a plate of non-electrically conductive material that separates adjacent gels within a vertical stack and facilitates contact between the ends of the gels and an electrolyte solution during electrophoretic separation procedures. Further, a method of using the device for simultaneous electrophoresis of multiple pre-cast gels is disclosed.

Abstract: A conducting material comprising: a conducting core region comprising copper and from 0.001 atomic percent to 0.6 atomic percent of one or more metals selected from iridium, osmium and rhenium; and an interfacial region. The interfacial region comprises at least 80 atomic percent or greater of the one or more metals. The invention is also directed to a method of making a conducting material comprising: providing an underlayer; contacting the underlayer with a seed layer, the seed layer comprising copper and one or more metals selected from iridium, osmium and rhenium; depositing a conducting layer comprising copper on the seed layer, and annealing the conducting layer at a temperature sufficient to cause grain growth in the conducting layer, yet minimize the migration of the one or more alloy metals from the seed layer to the conducting layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods of reducing electroplating defects by adjusting immersion conditions. For one embodiment, the immersion conditions are adjusted based upon characteristics of the substrate, including feature size. Additionally or alternatively, the immersion conditions may be adjusted based upon aspects of the electroplating process, including motion of the substrate upon immersion. Immersion conditions that may be adjusted in accordance with various embodiments of the invention include entry bias voltage/current, vertical immersion speed, and angle of immersion.

Abstract: A pre-treating method for plating a Fe—Mn—Al alloy surface includes the steps of: cleaning a Fe—Mn—Al alloy surface with ultrasonic energy; heat-degreasing the Fe—Mn—Al alloy surface with a basic solution for removing accumulated grease; deterging the Fe—Mn—Al alloy surface with an acid solution for eliminating corrosion produced in previous high temperature conditions; electrolyzing the Fe—Mn—Al alloy surface with a basic solution for removing an oxidative layer; and neutralizing the basic solution remained on the Fe—Mn—Al alloy surface with an acid solution; and plating the Fe—Mn—Al alloy surface with corrosion-resisting materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electropolishing a conductive surface of a semiconductor wafer. The apparatus includes a polisher having at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode separated from one another by an isolation region.

Abstract: Polishing compositions and methods for removing conductive materials from a substrate surface are provided. In one aspect, a method is provided for processing a substrate to remove conductive material disposed over narrow feature definitions formed in a substrate at a higher removal rate than conductive material disposed over wide feature definitions formed in a substrate by an electrochemical mechanical polishing technique, and then polishing the substrate by at least a chemical mechanical polishing technique.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for storage of a pH glass electrode (1), characterized in that at least the swelling layer (2) of the pH glass electrode (1) is stored in a storage solution (3) which is essentially free of alkali-metal ions. Preferably the storage solution (3) is an ammonium chloride or ammonium nitrate solution (NH4Cl solution or a NH4NO3 solution), or an alkaline earth salt solution, especially an alkaline earth chloride solution, preferably a magnesium chloride solution (MgCl2 solution).

Abstract: A moisture chamber is disclosed which is a receptacle in any storage container or bag comprising of an entry to the chamber separate or the same as the entry into the container itself but allowing a moisture source to be stored within the storage container and kept separate from food within the container while still allowing the free exchange of air between a moisture source and the food. Additionally, a self-contained moisture chamber is disclosed which is a self-contained receptacle into which can be place a moisture source and then placed into an existing container to allow the moisture source to be placed within the storage container and kept separate from food within the container while still allowing the free exchange of air between the moisture source and the food.

Abstract: A single use unit dosage dispensing closure includes a shell attached to a container with an integral piecing member, an axial movable cap attached to the shell and a sealing member coupled to the cap. The shell has an inner guide in communication with the container and the cap is moveable along the guide. The cap has a chamber adapted to dispense material into the container. The chamber is sealed with the sealing member extending across a lower open end thereof, wherein axial movement of the cap along the inner guide member will cause the sealing member to be pieced by the piercing member to open the chamber and dispense the contents of the chamber into the container. The axial movable cap is formed from a material with a higher oxygen and moisture barrier property than the material forming the shell.

Abstract: A container (1; 48; 52; 54) for tobacco articles, the container (1; 48; 52; 54) being formed from folded sheet material (9), and having at least one wall (7) defined by an inner portion (22, 23) and an outer portion (21, 24) of sheet material superimposed at least partly on each other; and the part of the inner portion (22, 23) covered by a corresponding part of the outer portion (21,10 24) is drawn to accommodate the thickness of the corresponding part of the outer portion (21, 24), so that the relative wall (7) has a substantially continuous outer surface with no steps or exposed free edges (31).

Abstract: A package of insoles. The package includes at least two different pairs of insoles, including a first pair of insoles for use with first footwear and a second pair of insoles for use with second footwear different from the first footwear. The first pair of insoles has a first insole design and the second pair of insoles has a second insole design different from the first insole design. The package also includes a container containing the at least two different pairs of insoles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a card assembly comprising a cover and a data storage means. The cover comprises a back sheet, a front sheet and an intermediate sheet, which are integral and connected by one folding line area respectively. The intermediate sheet has a through hole adapted to the data storage means and the data storage means is placed in the through hole. The back sheet, the front sheet and the intermediate sheet are folded together along the folding line areas and permanently attached together, wherein the data storage means is enclosed in a pocket. The back sheet has a tear portion, which is operable to open the pocket and expose a part of the data storage means for enabling removal of the data storage means from the pocket and reinsertion thereof into the pocket. The present invention also relates to a blank for a cover for such a card assembly and to method for manufacturing such a card assembly.

Abstract: A movable panel (12) for cases but more specifically media cases for compact discs, digital video discs and mini-discs. Said panel is co-planer with top (10) in first position and non co-planer in second position. The bottom of the case (14) has a longitudinal channel (16) on the inside of the bottom sidewall. Each of these longitudinal channels is at an angle from the bottom of the case at an approximate 45-degrees. The channels are approximately one half inch in length and rise from the bottom of the case to the edge of the sidewall. There are offset radiuses (18) at each end of the longitudinal channels. The movable panel has extensions (22) on the bottom back surface of the panel that protrude down approximately ¼ inch. At the bottom of each of the extensions is a pin (20). The material constructing the parts is a styrene or resin plastic currently used in the manufacture of the commonly referred to jewel box.

Abstract: A golf bag includes a self actuating stand having a base assembly, a support mount assembly and an actuating mechanism. The base assembly includes a base ring and a foot is coupled to the base ring and includes a ground engaging surface covering the lower end of the body of the bag. The base ring is mounted to the foot wherein the base ring is selectively positionable relative to the foot to position the body between an upright position and an inclined position when the ground engaging surface is located stationary on a supporting surface. The support mount includes a plurality of interlocking hinge elements extending radially outward from an outer surface of the body, and at least one support leg is rotatably coupled to the support mount via the plurality of interlocking hinge elements.

Abstract: A golf bag includes a body configured to contain golf clubs, and a support mount coupled to the body. The support mount includes a plurality of interlocking hinge elements, wherein a support leg is pivotably coupled to the support mount via the plurality of interlocking hinge elements. The leg is positionable in a stowed position adjacent the body when the body is in the standing position and an extended support position in contact with a supporting surface when the body is in the inclined position.

Abstract: A golf bag includes a body having opposite upper and lower ends and a compartment therebetween configured to contain golf clubs, and a support mount coupled to the body. The support mount includes a plurality of interlocking hinge elements, wherein a support leg is rotatably coupled to the support mount via the plurality of interlocking hinge elements. The leg is positionable in a stowed position when the body is in the standing position and a support position when the body is in the inclined position.

Abstract: A golf bag includes a body having opposite upper and lower ends and a compartment therebetween configured to contain golf clubs, and a base ring enclosing the body proximate the lower end. A foot is coupled to the base, wherein the base ring is pivotably mounted to the foot adjacent an outer perimeter of the base. The base ring is movable over the foot between a standing position and an inclined position when the foot is located stationary on a supporting surface.

Abstract: A golf bag includes a body having opposite upper and lower ends and a compartment therebetween configured to contain golf clubs. A lumbar pad is coupled to the body, wherein a clearance is created between the lumbar pad and an outer covering of the bag.

Abstract: A strip includes an elongated strip body with a plurality of holding members for holding fasteners, such as screws, nails or the like. Each holding member includes a plurality of flexible tongues displaced from one another about a central line and terminating at distal ends that define a central hole for passage of a shank of the fastener. Thus, the distal ends are forced to incrementally flare out to acquire a biasing force that acts against squeezing movement of the shank and that culminates in a sufficient retaining force for holding the distal ends and the shank in frictional engagement so as to retain the shank in the central hole.

Abstract: A screw strip for holding a plurality of screws is flexible, and includes a plurality of interconnected screw-holding strip portions. Each of the screw-holding strip portions includes an annular planar top wall and a plurality of pressed and spaced-apart holding tongues. The holding tongues extend integrally, downwardly and inwardly from an inner periphery of the top wall so as to define a screw-clamping space thereamong, which clamps a respective one of the screws therewithin.

Abstract: A method for scenting toilet paper that does not require adding special apparatuses to the toilet paper dispensing means. The method includes the steps of providing a tubular toilet paper roll made of an absorbent material, applying a liquid scent to the toilet paper roll, attaching toilet paper onto the roll to form a toilet paper roll, and wrapping the toilet paper roll substantially air tight with a material impervious to the scent, thereby scenting the toilet paper roll.

Abstract: A method for selling windshield wiper blade assemblies for vehicles, comprises the steps of providing a windshield wiper blade assembly having a first length defining a physical size of the wiper blade assembly, and providing a label informing a customer of the physical size and a logical size of the wiper blade assembly. The wiper blade assembly is provided to fit a first vehicle and a second vehicle. The first vehicle requiring a wiper blade assembly having the first length and the second vehicle requiring a wiper blade assembly having a second length. Therefore, the label indicates that the windshield wiper blade assembly is provided to fit both the first vehicle and the second vehicle.