Abstract: A conveyer belt includes a panel member, a guiding member for the panel member, and a power source; the panel member includes several parts arranged one behind another, every two adjacent ones of which parts are pivoted to each other by means of a pivotal stick; each of the panel parts has holding gaps on two lateral edges, and wheels fitted in the holding gaps thereof; the guiding member includes two spaced guiding bars; the panel member is positioned between the guiding bars of the guiding member with the wheels thereof touching inward sides of the guiding bars at curved sides; thus, friction of the panel member against the guiding member is reduced.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism for preventing a first circuit breaker having a first actuating mechanism and a second circuit breaker having a second actuating mechanism from simultaneously being in a closed condition. The interlock mechanism includes a frame, a sliding bar slideably mounted within the frame, and one or more retaining protrusions extending outwardly from one or more inner edges of the frame. The sliding bar is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the sliding bar blocks a path of movement of the first actuating mechanism and in the second position the sliding bar blocks a path of movement of the second actuating mechanism. The one or more retaining protrusions frictionally engage the sliding bar when the sliding bar is in the first position and holds it in place, preferably with a frictional force sufficient to resist the force of gravity and/or vibrations.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a shutoff apparatus that can be controlled in either front or side mode, consisting of a minimum number of parts and resulting in a simple, economical, mechanically dependable, and compact unit. The shutoff apparatus (1) is characterized in that it comprises a rotating control element (20) in the shape a star with four branches (22), provided with a profiled extremity (25) and connected to the control rod (5) oriented toward one or the other of the two control axles (A, B) corresponding to front and lateral control modes, respectively. It comprises a transmission element (30) connected to movable contacts (7) and equipped with inclined ramps transforming rotational movement by the control element (20) on one or the other of the two control axles (A, B) into translational movement by the movable contacts (7) between the released and engaged positions, and conversely.

Abstract: A knob module is set on a circuit board of an electric device and comprises: a pedestal fixed on the circuit board with a plurality of interference parts and a pivotally connecting part; a rotative body with a plurality of pivotally connecting bodies corresponding to the pivotally connecting part and a plurality of interference bodies corresponding to the interference part, the rotative body is connected to the pedestal by pivotally connecting the pivotally connecting bodies with the pivotally connecting part, the interference bodies are interfered with the interference part, respectively; and, an elastically contacting piece is fixed on the rotative body, a first contacting part and a second contacting part of the elastically contacting piece are situated on the outer and inner circle of the pivot rod, the first contacting part and a second contacting part are electrically connected to corresponding places of the circuit board.

Abstract: A switch mechanism such as a circuit breaker includes a trip indicator mechanism. The switch mechanism includes a switch contact and a rocker movable between a first position in which the contacts are closed, a second position indicating that an electrical fault has occurred, in which the contacts are open, and a third position in which the switch mechanism has been reset and the contacts are open. The rocker preferably comprises two rocker members hinged together with one of the rocker members having a step formation between a front face and an end face. The step formation carries an instruction regarding resetting of the mechanism and lies substantially flush with the front panel of the circuit breaker housing, with the face of the first rocker member standing partially proud of the front panel, when the rocker is in the second position. The mechanism allows a user to distinguish between manual switching off of the circuit breaker and tripping due to a fault.

Abstract: An architectural preset rotary and preset slide control device comprising an N-mode latch mechanically coupled to a switch having a pole and a plurality of receiving terminals. The device further comprises a variable control component that is electrically coupled to the switch such that when the latch is activated into one of the N modes, the switch pole is caused to be electrically coupled to one of the receiving terminals allowing electrical energy at the pole to be routed through the switch to one of the receiving terminals. The variable control component controls the amount of electrical energy that is routed through the switch. The device has a modular design in that the switch, latch, variable control component and other parts of the device are single piece parts that facilitate the assembly of the device during its manufacture.

Abstract: A switch cell for use in opening and closing electrical connections, a multiple cell switch having multiple switch cells, and a method of assembling the same. The switch cell preferably includes one or more contactors in a base and an actuator slidable engaged to the base for controlling electrical connectivity by controlling movement of the contactors.

Abstract: A method for concentrating a water-soluble organic material wherein a mixture of the water-soluble organic material with water is distilled in a distillation column (11), and the fraction from the top (11a) of the distillation column (11) is separated by the use of a membrane separator (14) into a permeated vapor (F2) and a non-permeated vapor (F3), which comprises once condensing the fraction to form a condensate, heating the condensate in an evaporator (13) to generate a vapor (F1) having a pressure higher than the operation pressure for the distillation column (11), and introducing the vapor (F1) to the membrane separator (14), thereby separating water from the mixture.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing isotope-doped carbon nanotubes (10) includes the steps of: (a) providing a carbon rod (209) connected with an anode (214) of an electrical source, the carbon rod including at least two kinds of carbon isotope segments (202, 203) arranged therealong according to need; (b) providing a pure carbon rod (208) connected with a cathode (215) of the electrical source, the pure carbon rod positioned corresponding to the carbon rod and including carbon-12 isotopes; and (c) producing an arc discharge between the carbon rod and the pure carbon rod, wherein the carbon isotope segments of the carbon rod are consumed sequentially to form the isotope-doped carbon nanotubes on a surface of the pure carbon rod. Growth mechanisms of the isotope-doped carbon nanotubes manufactured by this method can be readily studied.

Abstract: The present invention in some embodiments provides sputter deposition techniques for applying thin film and thereafter applying over the sputtered film a temporary protective film. The thin film can optionally be applied by sputtering a target in a gaseous sputtering atmosphere containing an oxidizing gas and/or an inert gas. The invention in some embodiments relates to an insulating glazing unit or a monolithic pane having a thin film coating, deposited for example by sputtering, on at least one major surface, the thin film coating carrying a temporary protective film. The invention also provides embodiments involving high efficiency methods for producing such products.

Abstract: A method for making the plastic profile comprising depositing an inner thin film with a metallic appearance onto the surface of the flexible extruded plastic profile depositing an outer protective cover layer that is at least partially transparent onto the inner thin film wherein the inner thin film and the outer protective cover layer form a layer system to cover the flexible extruded plastic profile.

Abstract: There is provided a method for implementing a cathodic protection system for an underground storage tank. A DC voltage source provides a test current between the installed anode and storage tank resulting in the flow of electrical current. If the output is above a defined value, an automatic control DC power supply has sufficient voltage capacity to deliver the required current. If the anode test currents fall below the required minimum current, additional anode(s) are installed as set forth in a pre-engineered table. The method allows for the installation of a cathodic protection system by technicians and other non-experts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a substrate by electrochemical mechanical planarization and electrochemical mechanical plating is disclosed. Included are various embodiments of a processing pad article comprising an open cell foam subpad that is adapted to retain an electrolyte while encountering centrifugal motion, and simultaneously provide electrical and/or abrasive contact to a feature side of a substrate. Also disclosed is a platen capable of holding an electrolyte during processing at a desired RPM, then releasing the electrolyte centrifugally at a higher RPM. The release is actuated by an operator or by centrifugal force.

Abstract: An adjustable elastic element (19) for forcing the surfaces of expandable-type anodes for diaphragm chlor-alkali cells wherein such element consists of a U-shaped elastic sheet provided with at least one adjusting mechanism comprising both one collar (29) which fastens the elastic sheet through openings obtained in the sheet itself and one gear (23) connectable to a removable external tool consisting of a handle and a shaft whereby turning the tool, a rotation of the gears is produced, in its turn acting on the collar controlling the span of the anode surfaces. And the span is freely adjustable in order to establish a predetermined controlled gap between anode and finger-supported diaphragm surfaces, or alternatively to bring such surfaces in contact without introducing however a useless and hazardous compression.

Abstract: Highly active hydrogen evolving cathode using a platinum group metal catalyst in an amount smaller than that used in the conventional hydrogen evolving cathode. The hydrogen evolving cathode includes a conductive substrate, and a catalyst layer comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of silver and a silver oxide compound, and at least one selected from the group consisting of a platinum group metal, a platinum group metal oxide and a platinum group metal hydroxide, formed on a surface of the conductive substrate.

Abstract: A sputtering coil for a plasma chamber in a semiconductor fabrication system is provided. The sputtering coil couples energy into a plasma and also provides a source of sputtering material to be sputtered onto a workpiece from the coil to supplement material being sputtered from a target onto the workpiece. Alternatively a plurality of coils may be provided, one primarily for coupling energy into the plasma and the other primarily for providing a supplemental source of sputtering material to be sputtered on the workpiece.

Abstract: The invention includes a target construction having a sputtering region and a flange region laterally outward relative to the sputtering region. The flange region has a front surface disposed on a front face of the construction and a back surface opposing the front surface. An o-ring groove is disposed within the flange region. The o-ring groove has a planar base surface which has a first width and has an orifice disposed along the front surface of the flange. The orifice has a second width as measured parallel relative to the base surface. The second width is greater than the first width. The flange surfaces can additionally be protected from rubbing by a layer of protective material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetron sputtering device and technique for depositing materials onto a substrate at a high production rate in which the deposited films have predictive thickness distribution and in which the apparatus can operate continuously and repeatedly for very long periods. The present invention has realized increased production by reducing cycle time. Increased coating rates are achieved by coupling a planetary drive system with a large cathode. The cathode diameter is greater than the diameter of a planet and less than twice the diameter of the planet. Lower defect rates are obtained through the lower power density at the cathode which suppresses arcing, while runoff is minimized by the cathode to planet geometry without the use of a mask.

Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor strip has a base, an electrode system, a spacer and a cover. The electrode system is laid on the base and preferably comprises at least three electrodes. There is a short circuit formed between two selected electrodes of the at least three electrodes. The spacer is laid on the electrode system and exposes a portion of the electrode system for electrical connection with a meter and a different portion of the electrode system for application of a test reagent to those exposed surfaces of electrode system. The test reagent is a reagent that is specific for the test to be performed by the strip. The cover is covered on the spacer. The short circuit is used to switch on a meter for increasing the operative convenience and further used to recognize the suitable meter. The electrochemical biosensor strip may have a rough unit formed on the base for increasing the adhesion of the test reagent for the test to be performed by the strip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microfluidic processing by programmably manipulating a packet. A material is introduced onto a reaction surface and compartmentalized to form a packet. A position of the packet is sensed with a position sensor. A programmable manipulation force is applied to the packet at the position. The programmable manipulation force is adjustable according to packet position by a controller. The packet is programmably moved according to the programmable manipulation force along arbitrarily chosen paths.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manipulating separation media in the context of filling one or more capillaries with a separation medium for electrophoresis. A polymer-displacement pump system and method for reciprocating a pump piston in a first direction to draw fresh fluid into a chamber, and reciprocating the pump piston in a second direction to cause the fresh fluid to exit the chamber and fill a single capillary or multi-capillary array. The pump piston movement can be electrically controlled.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aluminum support for a planographic printing plate comprising an electrolytically surface-roughened aluminum plate, and a sulfuric acid anodization layer and a phosphoric acid anodization layer provided in that order on the surface-roughened surface of the surface-roughened aluminum plate, the sulfuric acid anodization layer having micro-pores with a pore size of from 8 to 15 nm and the phosphoric acid anodization layer having micro-pores with a pore size of from 40 to 100 nm, wherein the sulfuric acid anodization layer has been formed by anodizing the aluminum plate in a sulfuric acid electrolytic solution and the phosphoric acid anodization layer has been formed by anodizing the aluminum plate in a phosphoric acid electrolytic solution.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for filling material separations on the surface. In methods known in prior art, which are used for filling material separations, the substrate is often influenced in a negative manner by high processing temperatures and dissimilar additives. The inventive method overcomes said disadvantage, taking place at low temperatures and allowing the material separation to be completely filled without using dissimilar substances.

Abstract: A submersible assembly for exposing respective front surfaces of different work-pieces to an electroplating bath as a partial respective electrodes thereof, while protecting opposing, rear surfaces of the work-pieces from the bath. The assembly includes a wall, having a front surface also partially forming a first electrode of the bath, and having an opening smaller in size than the perimeter of a work-piece while substantially corresponding in size to the portion of the front surface of the work-piece to be exposed to the bath. The assembly also includes a chuck mechanism for applying pressure against the rear surface of the work-piece to thereby hold the work-piece against a rear surface of the wall and create a fluid-tight seal between the rear surface of the wall and the perimeter of the front surface of the work-piece, thereby exposing the front surface of the work-piece to the bath while protecting the rear surface of the work-piece from exposure to the bath.

Abstract: A processing apparatus electrochemically processes part of a first surface of a member having the first surface and a second surface. The processing apparatus includes a support which supports the member to expose the first surface, a first electrode which is arranged to oppose a first portion of the first surface, a second electrode which is arranged to oppose a second portion of the first surface, a third electrode which applies a potential to the member from a second surface side, and a processing bath to fill a space defined by the first and second electrodes and the member with a processing liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating high performance chip interconnects and packages by providing methods for depositing a conductive material in cavities of a substrate in a more efficient and time saving manner. This is accomplished by selectively removing portions of a seed layer from a top surface of a substrate and then depositing a conductive material in the cavities of the substrate, where portions of the seed layer remains in the cavities. Another method includes forming an oxide layer on the top surface of the substrate such that the conductive material can be deposited in the cavities without the material being formed on the top surface of the substrate. The present invention also discloses methods for forming multi-level interconnects and the corresponding structures.

Abstract: A method of optimizing a waveform of an electrical current applied to an electrode includes the steps of: applying an electrical current to an electrode of a device; determining a waveform of the voltage or the current of the electrical current; representing the waveform by a mathematical description such as a number of points or an analytical function characterized by a number of unknown coefficients and a fixed number of known functions; measuring a function of the device associated with the application of the electrical current; feeding the waveform description and the measurements to an algorithm, which may be in a computer program or other calculating device including manual calculations, including an optimization routine which uses the points or coefficients as independent variables for optimizing the function of the device; and performing the calculations to determine values of the points or coefficients which optimize the function of the device, and thereby determine an optimized waveform of the elect

Abstract: An apparatus and method of electrochemical machining utilizes a computer controlled static array of electrically insulated cathode sections to selectively and individually energize the electrodes for the purpose of shaping the surface of a part. The tightly clustered array of electrodes can be formed by individual wires as an example. The waste reaction products may be managed so as to improve machining accuracy. The electrodes can be composed of materials capable of generating an oxide layer or that resist electrolytic dissolution to combat the problem of crossover erosion in closely spaced conditions. An alternative approach to remedy crossover erosion is to extend the reach of insulation into the gap space between tool and part.

Abstract: The present electropolishing electrolyte comprises an acid solution and an alcohol additive having at least one hydroxy group, wherein the contact angle of the alcohol additive is smaller than the contact angle of the acid solution on a metal layer under electropolishing. The alcohol additive is selected methanol, ethanol and glycerol, and the acid-solution comprises phosphoric acid. The volumetric ratio of glycerol to phosphoric acid is between 1:50 and 1:200, and is preferably 1:100. The volumetric ratio is between 1:100 and 1:150 for methanol to phosphoric acid, and between 1:100 and 1:150 for ethanol to phosphoric acid. In addition, the acid solution further comprises an organic acid selected from the group consisting of acetic acid and citric acid. The concentration is between 10000 and 12000 ppm for the acetic acid, and between 500 and 1000 ppm for citric acid.

Abstract: A reference electrode for potentiometric measurements has a housing (2) with a hollow space (4) containing a liquid reference electrolyte (6) as well as a conductor element (8) immersed in the reference electrolyte. In addition, the housing has a diaphragm (12) through which the reference electrolyte can be brought into contact with a measuring medium (10) outside of the housing. Furthermore, means are provided to effect an outflow of the reference electrolyte through the diaphragm. A first electrical contact element (20, 36) is arranged in the hollow space in such a manner that the contact element is immersed in the reference electrolyte as long as the fill level (18) of the reference electrolyte does not fall below a threshold value (FS), and that the contact element is not immersed in the reference electrolyte if the fill level falls short of the threshold value.

Abstract: The gas sensor in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is a gas sensor comprising: a solid electrolyte member; a sensing electrode provided on the solid electrolyte member and comprising at least one of a metal carbonate and a metal hydrogen carbonate; and a plurality of reference electrodes arranged on the solid electrolyte member.

Abstract: Described herein is a portable storage device that stores a hydrogen fuel source. The storage device includes a bladder that contains the hydrogen fuel source and conforms to the volume of the hydrogen fuel source. A housing provides mechanical protection for the bladder. The storage device also includes a connector that interfaces with a mating connector to permit transfer of the fuel source between the bladder and a device that includes the mating connector. The device may be a portable electronics device such as a laptop computer. Refillable hydrogen fuel source storage devices and systems are also described. Hot swappable fuel storage systems described herein allow a portable hydrogen fuel source storage device to be removed from a fuel processor or electronics device it provides the hydrogen fuel source to, without shutting down the receiving device or without compromising hydrogen fuel source provision.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for use on a wall and with jewelry is disclosed. The apparatus includes a receiver and a cover. The receiver is adapted to receive the jewelry and is attached to the wall in use such that the receiver presents the jewelry received away from the wall. The cover has a presentation face and is attached to the receiver for sliding movement between a storage position where the receiver is disposed behind the presentation face and an extended position beside the receiver to permit access to jewelry received by the receiver. The presentation face can be a mirror; or a picture-receiving face, in which case, the apparatus also functions as a picture frame; or a transparent panel, in which case the apparatus also functions as a presentation fixture.

Abstract: A merchandise container comprises a coaster member including a top surface, for receiving a beverage container thereon; a storage compartment positioned within the coaster member for receiving and storing a merchandise item therein; and a means for securing the merchandise item within the storage compartment.

Abstract: An invertible tray for components on a strip is disclosed. A stack of trays can be manipulated to invert the orientation of its contents with minimum disturbance to the component strips. In addition, the tray includes adjustable rails for accommodating component strips of various dimensions.

Abstract: A novel drug dispensing and tracking system is provided. In one aspect, the system is provided as a kit comprising a plurality of coded containers and a correspondingly coded medication administration record sheet. The invention also includes a method of dispensing medications.

Abstract: A cigarette pack with a shell (10) and slide (11), the range of movement of the slide (11 ) within the shell (10) is limited, in particular by stops formed, on the one hand, on a stop tab (30) and, on the other hand, by a recess (34) in the shell (10). The stops help to define a closed position of the slide (11) and an open position.

Abstract: A case for holding a cartridge for a disc-shaped information medium, comprising a lower half provided on the recording side of the disc-shaped information medium and an upper half provided so as to engage with the lower half with the disc-shaped information medium sandwiched therebetween in order to allow the disc-shaped information medium to be rotatably held, in which an opening window for exposing the recording side of the disc-shaped information medium in its radial direction is formed in the lower half provided for the cartridge, and shutters for opening and closing the opening window are provided between the lower half and the disc-shaped information medium, wherein said case comprises a bottom panel provided so as to be facing the lower half of the cartridge, a plurality of latching members provided to the bottom panel for latching the cartridge, and a release member provided on the bottom panel so as to lift up the lower case of the cartridge in order to release the latching of the cartridge with one

Abstract: A sharps disposable container (10) comprises a base (12) having a bottom wall (23) and a sidewall extending upwardly therefrom defining a receptacle. A top having an aperture (42) therethrough is connected to an upper portion (16) of the sidewall. A closure (48) is hingedly connected to the top and capable of moving from an open position which allows access to the aperture and a closed position wherein the closure releasaby engages the top. A gripping tab (54) is hingedly connected to the closure and projects upwardly from the closure when the closure is in the closed position and releasably engages the top. The closure can be permanently locked to the top by pivoting the gripping tab in a downwardly position and moving the closure to the closed position.

Abstract: A writing utensil cover is preferably made from two flexible plastic walls for use in shielding an environment from nearly all of a writing utensil having a writing tip except for the writing tip. The cover has a generally tubular shape and preferably a plurality of covers is used with the writing utensil to further reduce the potential for cross contamination by or to the writing utensil.

Abstract: A tool container includes first and second container members rotatably connected to create an inner compartment. Each member has a compartment outer wall and integrally formed perimeter walls. A grid system is created on an inner compartment facing surface adjacent at least one of the compartment outer walls. The grid system includes female receptacles arranged in each of a plurality of rows and columns. Tool packages having at least one male peg member are releasably engaged within selected receptacles providing multiple locations and orientations about the grid system for the tool packages.

Abstract: A portable storage assembly is disclosed. The assembly can include a carrying case having body panels that enclose a main storage volume. At least one of the body panels can have an opening and a cover that is selectively positioned in an open position to allow access to the storage volume and a stowed position to cover the opening. A storage unit can be disposed in the main storage volume. The storage unit can have a holder and plural members that each define a storage volume for small items. The members can be received by the holder and accessible through the opening so that the small items can be placed in and removed from the storage volumes without removal of at least the holder from the carrying case.

Abstract: A display unit for storing a tool assembly, comprising a base, a moving-rotating mechanism and a support plate. The base has a front end, a rear end opposite the front end and two opposite sides. The moving-rotating mechanism comprises at least one moving-rotating device. The support plate has a front end and two opposite sides for supporting the tool assembly. At least one of the two opposite sides of the base is coupled to at least one of the two opposite sides of the support plate by at least one moving-rotating device, and the front end of the support plate is moveable and rotatable from a first position at the front end of the base to a second position at the rear end of the base.

Abstract: A hand tool accessory comprises a tool tray and a plurality of measuring members, each being located in an insertion slot of the tool tray and having a measuring block corresponding in size and shape to a wrench socket. The measuring block of each of the measuring members is provided with a measuring hole corresponding in size and shape to a screwdriver tip.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a base having first ridges and second ridges. The packaging apparatus also include end portions, each of which has a plurality of slots and channels. Each of the channels is adapted to receive one of the first ridges and each of the slots is adapted to receive one of the second ridges. The packaging apparatus also includes a sleeve, which is adapted to be disposed over the base and exteriorly to the first and second ridges. At least a portion of the sleeve element and at least a portion of the end portions comprise a corrugated material.

Abstract: A shipping container includes a first cover and a first bearer. The first cover includes sidewalls and a first plurality of ribs defined in the sidewalls. The first load bearer is positioned in a first pair of the first plurality of ribs and defines a first support surface.

Abstract: A tray for providing at least three levels of stacking between vertically adjacent trays includes a tray having four walls, a bottom, and an adjustment member. The adjustment member can be a pin. The tray includes multiple grooves, multiple extensions, multiple recesses, and multiple projections for engagement with another vertically adjacent stacked tray. The adjustment member in combination with the multiple grooves, multiple extensions, multiple recesses, and multiple projections define a first stacking level, a second stacking level, and a third stacking level, which is intermediate to the first stacking level and the second stacking level. An additional stacking level is defined when vertically adjacent stacked trays are rotated 90° with respect to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus to ensure location and usage of the appropriate lid for every container.

Abstract: A stackable container (10) has a generally cylindrical body with a rounded top (12), a rounded bottom (14), and a sidewall (16). A pair of opposed ears (26) formed below the top of the body extend outwardly from the side of the body for attaching ends of a handle (24) used to lift and carry the container. The container has a locking mechanism for stacking the container with a similarly formed container so the containers are securely attached to each other to facilitate their movement. The container has a circumferential lip (18) formed about the top of the container and a pair of opposed notches (30) are formed in the lip. A pair of lugs (32) extend outwardly from the container sidewall and are sized to fit into the notch when two containers are stacked together so to attach the containers to each other and facilitate stacking of the containers. In one embodiment the notches and lugs are aligned with the respective ears; while in another embodiment they are offset from the ears.

Abstract: The invention is a thermoplastic film having a heat resistant coating. The film is particularly useful in the preparation of bags and associated packaging systems that are used for protecting and packaging articles. Typically, the heat resistant coating has a melting range that is greater than the melting temperature of the thermoplastic film and exceeds the temperature of the heat generated during foam formation. As such, packaging films and bags that are prepared in accordance with the invention help prevent foam-in-bag cushions from fusing together. Particularly useful heat resistant coatings include ink varnishes and resins that are solvent-based, water-based, or energy cured.