Abstract: The invention relates to a foldable umbrella frame having five ribs (II), wherein the first rib, the third rib, and the fourth rib are formed to be solid rods with outer flat portion. The second rib is still U-shaped structure and has its outer end with two parallel plates for receiving the inner end of the third rib when closing the umbrella. The ribs are pivoted to form a frame. Branch ribs have inner hooks to connect with outer flat portion that provides a small volume of the umbrella in closed state for facilitating carrying by users.

Abstract: A crutch has an adjustable crosspiece between two upright tube portions thereof, which includes a main body having tunnels lengthways extending along two end portions, two engaging pins respectively in the tunnels, springs for making the pins project out from the tunnels, two control members positioned next to and movable along the end portions of the main body, and two linearly displaceable bars on lateral sides of the main body, each of which connects a respective one of the pins to a respective one of the control members such that the pins are displaceable together with the control members; immediately after the control members are moved further away from each other, the pins will be retreated into the tunnels and disengaged from the uprights, and the crosspiece is adjustable; after the crosspiece is moved to a new position, the control members are released for the pins to engage the upright tubes.

Abstract: A collapsible, temporary shelter for use by an outdoorsman has a hollow body composed of two mirror image body members hinged to one another for swinging movements from a position in which one member overlies the other to form the hollow body, such body being coupled at a level above ground level to a movable vehicle. One of the body members is swingable to an adjusted position relative to the other about a substantially horizontal axis so as to extend downwardly to ground level. When the body members are in such adjusted position they provide a seat and a foot support for the user and also provide support for an upstanding framework on which a cover may be mounted to provide an enclosure to shelter a person.

Abstract: The present invention provides a support device associated with an object such as a vehicle tailgate or a residential deck for holding an umbrella with an umbrella pole supporting at least one serving tray to provide shade from the sun for a user occupying a portion of the object. The support device comprises a bent plate support in contact with the object. At least one retainer strap with a hook at each end holds the bent plate in contact with the object. An umbrella pole support is connected to the bent plate support to receive and help hold the umbrella pole. At least one support collar is welded to the bent plate to receive and support the umbrella pole support. Additional accessories and applications are also realized within the scope of this invention including a fishing pole holder, a bowl holder and a light assembly for night use.

Abstract: A modular shoot house facility is formed by building a modular shoot house and a modular enclosure around the modular shoot house for protecting the modular shoot house from the wind.

Abstract: New Peltier semiconductor heat transfer systems are presented herein. In particular, Peltier heat transfer systems of Peltier semiconductor elements of highly unique shape are arranged to bias the cooling side with respect to its size and consequently performance. In effect, a Peltier heat transfer system is created whereby the Peltier called side is greatly reduced in size and the Peltier hot side is greatly expanded in size. Such ‘high aspect ratio’ Peltier systems promote ‘focused’ cooling effect, which is particularly useful in conjunction with high-performance electronic devices having a small footprint. The entire cooling a fact of the Peltier device is brought to the small space approximated by a point. Thus a ‘point’ heat source such as a semiconductor laser are high-performance light emitting diode is more effectively cooled by these systems.

Abstract: A computer includes a motherboard, a heat-generating device mounted on the motherboard, a heat-conducting device attached to the heat-generating device for absorbing heat energy generated from the heat-generating device, and a thermoelectric converter coupled to the heat-dissipating device for converting the heat energy into electric energy for recycling use. The heat-conducting device includes a heatpipe. The heatpipe contains a working fluid, which has nano-sized particles therein. The nano-sized particles may be composed of carbon and/or a metallic material. The computer may include a heat-conducting plate interposed between the heatpipe and the heat-generating device. The thermoelectric converter may include a circuit with two strips connected in series, the strips each being formed of a different kind of thermoelectric metal. Corresponding ends of the two strips would be coupled to the heat-conducting device so as to receive heat energy therefrom.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a thin film thermoelectric cooler. The cooler may have a high packing density that provides good cooling performance. The cooler may be formed by forming a first set of cooling elements, depositing a conformal insulating layer on the first set, then forming a second set of cooling elements between the first set of elements.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a thermoelectric device is disclosed. The method includes forming a wafer of thermoelectric material and coupling the wafer to a stiff backing such that a bottom side of the wafer faces the stiff backing and a top side of the wafer faces away from the stiff backing. The method also includes reducing a thickness of the wafer by removing a portion of the wafer from the top side, and dicing the wafer into a plurality of blocks. At least a portion of the plurality of blocks are then coupled with a permanent substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoelectric conversion element that has high efficiency even at reduced thickness. In this thermoelectric conversion element, striped p-type thermoelectric conversion parts are arranged on one surface of an insulating layer, and striped n-type thermoelectric conversion parts are arranged on the other surface. The two sets of stripes form overlapped portions. At one or more of the overlapped portions, a first p-type thermoelectric conversion part and a first n-type thermoelectric conversion part are electrically connected via a first conducting portion arranged within the insulating layer, a second p-type thermoelectric conversion part and a second n-type thermoelectric conversion part are electrically connected via a second conducting portion arranged within the insulating layer, and the first conducting portion and the second conducting portion are electrically isolated.

Abstract: A solar cell module capable of suppressing reduction of output characteristics by suppressing reduction of the quantity of light incident upon solar cells is provided. This solar cell module comprises a light reflective member, arranged on a region of a surface of a first translucent member opposite to an incidence side corresponding to a space between solar cells, having a corrugated light reflective surface on a side closer to the first translucent member. A second translucent member having a refractive index higher than that of the first translucent member is embedded in at least recess portions of the corrugated light reflective surface of the light reflective member.

Abstract: The solar power plant contains the radiation concentrator fitted with a drive, the system of Sun tracking with a control unit, and a fixedly attached radiation detector, and the drive is made with a possibility of ensuring a straight-line reciprocating movement of the concentrator, and the concentrator is mirror-based with a cylindrical surface having a guide whose current radius value features a deviation from the average value corresponding to the circumradius of the circular cylinder guide by no more than ±10%, and the radiation detector—photoelectric converter, is located in the focal plane.

Abstract: A building element such as a roof tile, window pane, or building façade element includes a fluorescence collector comprising a substrate and particles dispersed in the substrate to absorb light from a plurality of directions and radiate the absorbed light. The fluorescence collector has opposing surfaces and a connecting surface between the opposing surfaces. A solar energy converter is configured for receiving radiated light from the fluorescence collector.

Abstract: In a photoelectric conversion device using a semiconductor electrode composed of semiconductor nanoparticles, the semiconductor electrode is made by coating and drying a paste containing a binder and semiconductor nanoparticles dispersed therein on a transparent conductive substrate, and pressing the paste to bond the semiconductor nanoparticles onto the transparent conductive substrate while heating it to a temperature in the range from 30° C. to the softening temperature of the transparent conductive substrate, or, if the semiconductor nanoparticles retain a sensitizing dye, to a temperature in the range from 30° C. to lower one of the softening temperature of the transparent conductive substrate and the deactivation temperature of the sensitizing dye.

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic device (10) includes an energy source (12) compatible with thermophotovoltaic cells and thermophotovoltaic cells (14). A filter (16), adapted to filter out long wavelength energy, is positioned between the energy source (12) and the thermophotovoltaic cells (14). The filter (16) has dual walls (30 & 32) with a low conductivity space (34) between the walls (30 & 32) which is adapted to break the convection heat transfer path from the energy source (12) to the thermophotovoltaic cells (14).

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell is described having a photoactive layer (4) made of two components, namely a conjugated polymer component as an electron donor and a fullerene component as an electron acceptor. In order to provide advantageous conditions, it is suggested that the two components and their mixed phases have an average largest grain size smaller than 500 nm in at least some sections of photoactive layer (4).

Abstract: An electrode according to the present invention includes a substrate, and a conductive layer containing carbon particles or platinum particles and a conductive binder for binding the carbon particles or platinum particles formed above the substrate. By binding the carbon particles or the platinum particles with the conductive binder, it is possible to form an electrode with a porous structure where spaces that communicate with a surface of the conductive layer are defined between the corresponding carbon particles or platinum particles, thereby increasing the effective area (surface area) of the electrode. The photoelectric conversion elements and the dye-sensitized photovoltaic or solar cells according to the present invention can be manufactured at a low cost and have an increased effective area, making it possible to obtain excellent photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for preparing wellbore viscous treatment gels from dry polymer and water. The apparatus includes an eductor which slurries dry polymer with water, at least two input tubes, wherein one input tube is connected with the eductor, and another to a water source. The apparatus also includes a mixing chimney connected to the input tubes. The mixing chimney includes a lower input section with inlets connected to the input tubes wherein a jet of metered dilution water is applied at high pressure to the incoming polymer-water slurry stream. This mixture is then accelerated in a circular, and preferably upward, motion where it is sheared against the wall of a central section of the chimney, without the use of an impeller. The chimney further includes an output section that comprising holes circumferentially located, through which the mixture passes from the central section and into a hydration tank.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to block the water outflow from a light liquid separator comprising an outflow ascending pipe (1) with a lower inlet (3), and a horizontal output pipe (2). To this end, a blocking element (4) displaced by a float (9) is provided. The float (9) and the blocking element (4) are displaceably guided on a fixing element (11) that can be detachably associated with the water outlet (1).

Abstract: The fuel cut off valve comprises a casing, a float that rises and falls with increases and decreases in the buoyant force depending on the fuel liquid level within a valve chamber, and a valve mechanism that opens and closes a connecting passage through the rising or falling of the float, equipped on the upper part of the float. The valve mechanism comprises a supported part, and when the supported part is supported by a support part of the float, the center of gravity is provided below the support portion, so that the supported part is balanced on a single support portion. The fuel cut off valve can provide excellent seal performance when a vehicle is at an angle, and that can be miniaturized.

Abstract: A mobile draining station for motor vehicles is disclosed, comprising a container (1) whose side wall and upper wall can be lifted up and in which carrier arms (6) for receiving a vehicle are arranged in a stationary manner; pivoting arms (13) for removal devices pivotably connected to the rear wall (7) of the container; and at least one door element (8) which is embodied in the rear wall (7) and which can be folded out downwards in order to extend the base of the container. Collectors (10) are positioned in the container in the region in front of the door element. Said collectors can move through the door opening onto the folded-down door element.

Abstract: Fire hydrants which feature additional structure for reducing the potential that those with ill intent can foul municipal water supplies by introducing toxins or other materials into fire hydrants. Various embodiments include valves which close off portions of the hydrant otherwise available for receipt of toxic or other materials when the fire hydrant nozzle cap is unscrewed and open. Such valves preferably open, manually or automatically, when water is flowing from the water supply through the nozzle, a condition which renders it difficult at best to introduce toxins through the hydrant into a water supply, but close off portions of the barrel when the nozzle is open and water is not flowing through the nozzle.

Abstract: A fluid leakage monitoring method and system comprising an electronic control, a sensor to monitor fluid inflow to a point of use, a sensor to monitor fluid outflow from a point of use, and a shut off valve. Uneven and asymmetrical fluid usage is monitored by a point of use station and the system is shut down when levels indicate abnormalities between the flows.

Abstract: In a pressure-regulating valve which supplies a functional liquid from a functional liquid tank to a functional liquid droplet ejection head, using, as a reference regulating pressure, atmospheric pressure which a diaphragm receives, a valve-disc energizing spring, which energizes a valve disc for opening and closing a communication passage communicating a primary chamber and a secondary chamber, is configured so as to be separated from a housing main body along with a lid body.

Abstract: A flow through pressure regulator apparatus and method for directing a flow of fuel and reducing noise generation within a fuel system. Present invention includes a lower housing having fuel inlet where fuel flows through the fuel inlet and communicates with a valve biasing member through a fuel chamber. The valve biasing member permits or inhibits fuel flow through the fuel chamber by opening and closing a valve element. The valve biasing member comprises a flat disk having at least two reticulated concentric rings coupled by at least one bridge. As fuel flows past an open valve element, the valve biasing member diffuses the flow of fuel. A fuel cover directs the flow of fuel from the valve biasing member to the fuel outlet.

Abstract: A flow through pressure regulator apparatus and method for directing a flow of fuel and reducing valve seat wear within a fuel system. Present invention includes a lower housing having fuel inlet where fuel flows through the fuel inlet and communicates with a valve assembly and valve biasing member. The valve assembly comprises a lower and upper valve member where the lower valve element contains a plurality of fuel passages. The valve biasing member permits or inhibits fuel flow through the lower valve member by opening and closing an upper valve member. The valve biasing member comprises a flat disk having at least two reticulated concentric rings coupled by at least one bridge. The fuel flows past an open upper valve member through the plurality of fuel passages that encircle the lower valve member to the valve biasing member. The valve biasing member then diffuses the flow of fuel. A fuel cover directs the flow of fuel from the valve biasing member to the fuel outlet.

Abstract: A flow through pressure regulator apparatus and method for directing a flow of fuel within a fuel system. Present invention includes a lower housing having a fuel inlet where fuel flows through the fuel inlet and communicates with a valve biasing member through a fuel chamber and lower valve element with fuel passages. The valve biasing member permits or inhibits fuel flow through a fuel chamber by opening and closing a ceramic valve element. The valve biasing member comprises a flat disk having at least two reticulated concentric rings coupled by at least one bridge. The fuel flows past an open valve element through the lower valve element fuel passages to the valve biasing member. The valve biasing member then diffuses the flow of fuel. A fuel cover directs the flow of fuel from the valve biasing member to the fuel outlet.

Abstract: A flow component for medical infusion/transfusion lines comprises a main duct and a lateral tubular connection containing a one-way valve, in an area corresponding to which the main duct has an axial section with a wall having a convergent-divergent profile.

Abstract: A pipe coupling is provided that facilitates an operation of opening or closing a ball valve and suppresses damage to a cylindrical seal member by the ball valve when rotated, thereby enabling an improvement in durability. A socket fluid passage (4) in a socket (1) is opened or closed with a ball valve (5). A cylindrical seal member (11) is disposed in a primary fluid passage portion (4a) of the socket fluid passage (4) in such a manner as to be in pressure contact with the ball valve (5) to seal between the ball valve (5) and the inner wall of the socket fluid passage (4). The ball valve (5) is rotatable to open when the socket (1) and a plug (2) are locked to each other by a lock mechanism (16).

Abstract: A diverter valve comprising a housing and a diverting stem cartridge, said housing having a top and a bottom and a stem cartridge receiving chamber extending from proximate the top to proximate the bottom of said housing, said housing having an inlet port proximate the bottom thereof and a plurality of laterally directed outlet ports extending from the cartridge receiving chamber, each outlet port for directing water for selective alternative uses such as a spout, shower, body spray or the like, said stem cartridge having an inlet port proximate the bottom thereof in alignment with the inlet of said housing and having a plurality of laterally directed outlet ports for selective alignment with the outlet ports of said housing, said inlet ports and outlet ports of said stem cartridge having disposed there-between a stem waterway to allow water to flow from the inlet to said outlets, said cartridge having an interior defining said waterway and having contained therein adjacent said stem cartridge inlet port at l

Abstract: A rotary valve having inner and outer sleeves includes multiple ports configured to provide pressure and vacuum pulses when the sleeves are rotated with respect to each other. A source of pressure and vacuum is connected to the rotary valve, and the inner sleeve is rotated to generate pressure and vacuum pulses. The alternating pressure and vacuum pulses may be used to remove obstructions in conduits such as piping systems. The rotary valve may also provide static positions where no vacuum or pressure is available. The valve may be motor driven and the pressure/vacuum pulse frequency may be controlled based upon the relative speed of rotation of the sleeves.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises first and second inlet passages (13) for respective immiscible fluids, these inlet passages merging into a third passage (8) along which the two fluids flow under parallel laminar flow conditions, the third passage being formed with a constriction or other discontinuity (9) causing the two fluids to form into a flow of alternate segments.

Abstract: A steam trap (1) is provided comprising a chamber (8) having a substantially cylindrical sidewall, an inlet 20 provided towards the upper end of the sidewall, and an escape aperture (16) provided at its base. The inlet (20) introduces the fluid into the chamber (8) in a manner to promote a rotational flow of the fluid in the chamber (8), so as to create a low pressure location upstream of the escape aperture (16) to restrict the discharge rate of the aperture (16).

Abstract: A device for attenuating shudder in vehicle power steering systems, whereby a baffle tube is positioned in the power steering hydraulic circuit to break up pressure waves which may exist in the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a seal or barrier comprising strands that are woven or wrapped in an overlapping manner such as, for example, helical or circumferential patterns.

Abstract: A plastic lined steel pipe characterized by having an adhesive layer on an inner surface of a steel pipe, having a plastic layer on its further inner side, and having an initial shearing adhesion strength between the steel pipe and the plastic layer of 2.0 MPa or more, said steel pipe being a steel pipe given substrate treatment on its inner surface in advance, said substrate treatment comprising forming a phosphate chemical treatment coating treated for grain refinement, and preferably having an epoxy primer layer between the steel pipe and the adhesive layer.

Abstract: The multiple pipe component is a pipe made up of at least an inner pipe and an outer pipe in which a fibrous filler is positioned between the outer pipe and the at least one inner pipe in a region that will be bent. The filler is formed with slits spaced at given pitches. Holes are provided in the inner pipe on at least one of the downstream side and the upstream side of the inner pipe in the bending region while holes are not disposed in the bending region.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention a method (1) for braking a weft thread (2) of a weaving machine (3), in particular of a jet weaving machine (3) is provided, in said method a braking element (4) is brought into contact with the weft thread (2) and the braking element (4) is moved via a control device (5) by means of a drive (6). In this arrangement, during a weft thread insertion (7) a first measurement value (8) of a movement parameter (9) of the weft thread (2) is determined, a first estimate value (10) for the movement parameter (9) is estimated on the basis of the first measurement value (8) and a correction value (11) is determined from it. The movement parameter (9) of the weft thread (2) is then corrected on the basis of the correction value (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method (1) for braking a weft thread (3) of a jet weaving machine (10), in said method (1) a braking element (2) being brought into contact with the weft thread (3), with the braking element (2) being moved by means of a drive (21) in accordance with a predeterminable distance/time plot so that the weft thread (3) is deflected by the braking element (2) in accordance with a position function (23), so that the weft thread (3) is braked in accordance with a braking profile (31), characterized in that the position function (23) is matched to the braking profile (31) of the weft thread (3).

Abstract: A plastic container comprised of a closed base, a body portion, and a neck portion with a dispensing opening. The closed base includes a substantially rigid support portion and a flexible portion. The body portion preferably includes a shoulder portion and a substantially rigid wall portion that includes a plurality of reinforcement formations. The container is configured so that the flexible portion of the base contracts upwardly about the support portion in response to vacuum pressures generated within the container, while the substantially rigid support portion of the sidewall remains substantially firm, for example, to accept or receive a label. If desired, the shoulder portion may include a logo and/or one or more pressure relief formations. A method for producing hot-filled, labeled containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling device for capsules, in particular medicament capsules. Said device comprises: a first transport device (1), which feeds a liquid medium (2) containing the capsules (3) with a defined volumetric flow via a first supply conduit (5, 6) to a collection container (17); a detector device (12), which detects and counts the capsules (3) that pass a measuring point (14) in the first supply conduit (5, 6); a control device, which stops the first transport device (1) when a predetermined number of capsules (3) has been reached and compares the actual volume fed to the collection container (17) with a target volume to be filled, forming a differential volume value; and a second transport device (1?), which feeds the liquid medium (2?) to the collection container (17) via a second supply conduit (5?, 6?) until the target volume has been reached. The invention also relates to a method for filling capsules in a collection container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a funnel including a funnel body extending between a mouth and an exit orifice and a mounting bracket for clamping the funnel body to the pour spout of a safety canister. To adjust the positioning of the funnel body with respect to the pour spout, the funnel body and mounting bracket are pivotally connected. In an embodiment, the funnel body and mounting bracket are made of plastic and pivotally connected together by a living hinge. In another aspect of the invention, to reducing splashing and spillage, the funnel body includes a conical-shaped body and a splash bowl or scupper portion disposed through and extending from the conical-shaped body. The scupper is shaped to direct fluid from the pour spout away from the mouth and toward the orifice exit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device for drinks or similar dosable liquid foodstuffs, especially coffee, milk, soft drinks or soups. Said dispensing device comprises an identification device for identifying a vertical height of a container for receiving the foodstuff and for emitting a height signal, a filling device which can be arranged in such a way that the height thereof can be adjusted in relation to the container, and a control device which sets the filling device to a pre-controllable filling level in relation to the container, on the basis of the height signal, before the foodstuff is introduced into the container. In this way, a container can be filled in an optimum manner without spilling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a router including a motor housing for at least partially enclosing a motor, a base having a sleeve for receiving the motor housing therein. The base is constructed to at least partially support the motor housing on a workpiece. The router additionally includes an electrical switch disposed substantially in a quadrant, defined by a first axis extending through generally opposing handles, and a second axis, extending normal to the first axis, and generally bisecting the motor housing, of the motor housing. Preferably, the electrical switch is disposed in the range of 30° (thirty degrees) to 60° (sixty degrees) from the second axis and particularly at approximately 45° (forty-five degrees) to allow for comfortable grasping of the motor housing/base, easy repeatable switch manipulation, and the like.

Abstract: A plane-blade adjusting device for a planing machine includes a blade shaft, a plurality of plane blades, plural covers and plural eccentric tubular posts. The blade shaft body is provided with plural set flat surfaces for each plane blade to rest on and then each cover secured on the plane blade and screwed tightly. The eccentric tubular post has an eccentric rotary portion formed in an upper portion, fitting in the rectangular hole of each plane knife and secured tightly on the shaft body for sandwiching a plane blade on the shaft body. So the eccentric tubular post is rotated to shift each plane blade up and down in a micro-distance with easiness, quickness and accuracy.

Abstract: A power transmission shaft which can be evaluated on torsional fatigue strength based on a management indicator different from compressive residual stress in an outer surface. In a power transmission shaft having outer circumferential serrations 1a, 1b, torsional fatigue strength is evaluated by using compressive residual stress at a depth of 30 ?m (and 50 ?m) from an outer surface of a rising portion of each concave of the outer circumferential serrations 1a, 1b as a management indicator. A high torsional fatigue strength can be secured by having a compressive residual stress of 1150 MPa or more at a depth of 30 ?m (and 50 ?m) from the outer surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultra clean spring steel which contains inclusions easily elongated and broken into fine particles by hot rolling and which is easily adaptive to cold rolling and yields springs excelling in fatigue characteristics.

Abstract: A hot rolled steel having improved formability and minimal silver formation is made with a method comprising the addition of titanium and boron to the molten steel to combine with and remove the free nitrogen prior to rolling. Titanium is added so that the amount of nitrogen remaining after Ti addition is less than or equal to about 0.0035 wt % and boron is added to remove the balance of the nitrogen by forming BN.

Abstract: While securing the building-up ability and crack resistance, to provide a build-up wear-resistant copper alloy and valve seat. The build-up wear-resistant copper alloy and valve seat are characterized by having a composition of nickel: 5.0-24.5%, iron: 3.0-20.0%, silicon: 0.5-5.0%, boron: 0.05-0.5%, chromium: 0.3-5.0%, one member or two members or more selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten and vanadium: 3.0-20.0%, by weight %, and the balance being copper and inevitable impurities.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy for cutting processing consists essentially of Cu: 1 to 6.5 mass %, Zn: 0.05 to 1 mass %, Bi: 0.1 to 1 mass %, Sn: 0.1 to 1 mass %, B: 100 mass ppm or less, or further includes at least one element as a selective additional element selected from the group consisting of Fe: 0.05 to 1 mass %, Mg: 0.01 to 0.3 mass %, Si: 0.05 to 1 mass % and Ti: 0.01 to 0.5 mass %.