Abstract: A ring and connector assembly for a tent. The ring and connector assembly is configured so that the connector attaches to the ring, such as via a loop that is attached to the connector and that extends around a portion of the ring. The ring is attached to the tent, for example at a floor edge of the tent, or at a corner of the tent. The connector is configured to be attached to a pole and may, for example, be a pin.

Abstract: An strap for assembling a canopy includes a first strap part with a first end and a second end, a second strap part with a first end and a second end, a fastening device with a fixing member, a guide member, and a stopping member, a first attaching device fixed at the second end of the first strap part for attaching the first strap part to a beam of the canopy, and a second attaching device fixed at the second end of the second strap part for attaching the second strap part to another beam of the canopy. The first end of the first strap part is fixed with the fixing member and the first end of the second strap part winds through the fastening device, to make the second strap part to engage with the fastening device frictionally. A canopy can be assembled strongly using the adjustable straps.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible structure includes a plurality of roller supports, each roller support including at least two ends separated by a non-zero distance and at least one roller disposed at one of the at least two ends of the roller support, and at least one folding assembly disposed between two of the plurality of roller supports.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a durable high-efficiency thermoelectric device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a thermoelectric device formed with a novel thermoelectric material and system which incorporates a vaporizable scaffolding to create microscopic gaps between the thermoelectric elements which are filled with a high-density, shrink-resistant aerogel.

Abstract: A waste heat recover system includes a mechanism for supplying power by use of a thermoelectric conversion unit, and a mechanism for utilizing heat released from the thermoelectric conversion unit. Heat released from the thermoelectric conversion unit is utilized for, for example, heating, defrosting, defogging, temperature keeping of fuel, temperature keeping of an internal combustion engine, and temperature keeping of a fuel cell. The waste heat recovery system is equipped in, for example, cars, incinerators, fuel cells, and industrial machinery.

Abstract: Optoelectronic device modules, arrays optoelectronic device modules and methods for fabricating optoelectronic device modules are disclosed. The device modules are made using a starting substrate having an insulator layer sandwiched between a bottom electrode made of a flexible bulk conductor and a conductive back plane. An active layer is disposed between the bottom electrode and a transparent conducting layer. One or more electrical contacts between the transparent conducting layer and the back plane are formed through the transparent conducting layer, the active layer, the flexible bulk conductor and the insulating layer. The electrical contacts are electrically isolated from the active layer, the bottom electrode and the insulating layer.

Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor anode including: a metal oxide semiconductor formed on a conductive substrate; a dye formed on a surface of the metal oxide semiconductor; and a polymer self-assembled on a surface of the metal oxide semiconductor. Provided are also a dye-sensitized solar cell, a method of manufacturing the dye-sensitized solar cell, and a polymer composition used for the method of manufacturing the dye-sensitized solar cell. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes an organic material-incorporated metal oxide semiconductor. Therefore, the transfer of electrons in the semiconductor to an electrolyte can be prevented, thereby increasing photocurrent and photovoltage, resulting in enhancement in energy conversion efficiency.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to minimize an electrode in a solar cell to minimize the solar cell. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a solar cell comprising the steps of forming a first electrode layer over a substrate, forming a photoelectric conversion layer over the first electrode layer, forming an organic layer over the photoelectric conversion layer, forming an opening reaching the first electrode layer in the photoelectric conversion layer, and forming a second electrode layer by filling the opening with a conductive paste, wherein the organic layer modifies the surface of the photoelectric conversion layer and a contact angle between the conductive paste and the photoelectric conversion becomes greater. According to the present invention, wettability of a photoelectric conversion layer can be decreased by forming an organic layer on a surface of the photoelectric conversion layer. Thereby an electrode layer and an insulating isolation layer can be thinned.

Abstract: A nitrous oxide and fuel control valve has simultaneous flow control of nitrous oxide from a first fluid-delivery aperture (8) and flow control of fuel from a second fluid-delivery aperture (10) into a mixing nozzle (38) of an intake manifold of an engine by simultaneous actuation of an activation T-bar (18) with an actuation piston (26) that is actuated with gas pressure from an actuation-pressure source (43) with an actuation on/off solenoid valve (44). It can be structured for low-weight, short-term needs for racing and other sports uses or for heavier long-term needs of engines.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cylindrical holder member for a bi-directional bulged rupture disc. The support body of the holder has a rim that supports the rupture disc with the concave surface of the disc facing the holder. The support body is provided with a unitary one-piece, centrally creased cutting element that is of generally V-shaped configuration in plan view. The cutting element has a pair of elongated converging leg components with each leg component being connected to and supported by the interior wall surface of the holder body, with each leg component having an arcuate cutting edge. The cutting edges of the leg components merge at the crease in the cutting element to define a central cutting edge peak section. The cutting element is positioned in the holder with the cutting edge peak section extending beyond the rim of the support body into the concave area of the disc.

Abstract: A nitrous oxide or fuel control valve has flow control of nitrous oxide from a fluid-delivery aperture (7) or flow control of fuel from a fluid-delivery aperture (8) into a injection nozzle (22) of an intake manifold of an engine by actuation of an adjuster coupler nut (11) with an actuation piston (14) that is actuated with gas pressure from an actuation-pressure source (43) with an actuation on/off valve(25). It can be structured for low-weight, short-term needs for racing and other sports uses or for heavier long-term needs of engines.

Abstract: A faucet assembly includes an air gap assembly disposed within a lower housing onto which is assembled a faucet assembly. The faucet assembly substantially conceals the air gap assembly within the lower housing. The faucet is mounted atop the lower housing. The lower housing includes an outer surface that corresponds to an outer surface of the upper housing such that the two housings provide a substantially continuous and mated appearance. The design and shape of the upper housing and the lower housing provide for an integrated faucet assembly that includes the air gap assembly substantially concealed within the faucet.

Abstract: A vacuum breaker for hose connection includes an upper and a lower connecting element for connecting to a hose bibb and a hose connection, respectively, and a pressure pad. The upper connecting element internally has a waterproof gasket supported on a transverse partition to tightly contact with an end surface of the hose bibb. The lower connecting element has an internal stepped surface with a plurality of spaced air holes for communicating an inner space of the vacuum breaker with external environment. The pressure pad has a convex top with a central hole and is rested on the stepped surface. The pressure pad is deformed by water impacted to seal the air holes on the stepped surface, and restores to the convex top to open the air holes when the hose bibb is turned off, so that water remained in the water tube can be vacuum drained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a backflow preventer having a housing, which has an inlet opening, an outlet opening and at least one leakage opening disposed between these openings and accommodates first and second nonreturn valves disposed in series, the first nonreturn valve being held displaceably in order to open up and close a flow connection between an intermediate space of the housing and the leakage opening.

Abstract: A railcar transfer containment unit for collecting spillage during transfer of liquid from a railcar tanker provides a container, a vertically adjustable ell disposed within the container, means for adjusting the vertical position of the ell within the container, and means for locking the ell in a selected fixed vertical position. Conductive grounding straps reduce the danger of fire resulting from a static electricity discharge during transfer of flammable liquids.

Abstract: At least one of a valve body, a sealing tip and a vessel or conduit includes at least one space formed therein between an interior of the vessel or conduit and an internal cavity of the valve. The space includes an active or passive thermal insulation forming at least a partial barrier to the flow of heat between the internal cavity and the interior of the vessel or conduit.

Abstract: The device for controlling fluid flow from a rain retention chamber or the like includes an inlet communicating with the chamber, an outlet permitting fluid to flow out of the device, and a shutter disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and supported in the device for linear shifting between a raised position and lowered position. A control element is rotatably mounted in a device for rotation about a central axis and includes a curved controller surface which is non-concentric with the central axis of the central element, such that rotation of the control element varies the radial distance between the central axis and the controller surface. A coupler member operably connects the shutter with the controller surface, such that rotation of the control element shifts the shutter between the raised and lowered positions to achieve a predetermined flow rate of fluid from the chamber.

Abstract: A regulator assembly for use with a supply of pressurized gas. A plurality of Belleville springs are disposed in a stack with at least one of the Belleville springs disposed in series configuration with at least one other Belleville spring and biased against a piston. The position of the piston is controlled by the pressure downstream of a poppet assembly and the load presented by the Belleville spring stack. The Belleville springs are initially compressed to a point at or near their zero spring rate.

Abstract: A safety relief valve provides for the equalization of backpressure across a valve spindle by providing for flow of fluid between equal sized upper and lower surfaces of the spindle in order to render the valve set point independent of backpressure, such that opening characteristics are controlled solely by the setting of the valve control spring. A seal preferably formed of TEFLON® is provided to prevent the escape of fluid from the valve body, which would otherwise adversely affect the pressure balance between the upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: A fuel tank venting system includes a fuel cap, a vent diaphragm and a vent disc. A valve cavity with a substantially concave bottom is formed in a bottom of the fuel cap. At least one air passage is formed through the vent disc. A substantially convex surface is formed on a top of the diaphragm projection. The vent diaphragm is retained between the substantially concave bottom and the substantially convex surface. When air is needed for fuel flow, a vacuum within the fuel tank pulls the perimeter of the vent diaphragm downward, which breaks a seal with the substantially concave bottom to allow air flow. In a second embodiment, the fuel tank venting system is contained in a wall of the fuel tank. In a third embodiment, the fuel tank venting system is contained in a fuel vent body, which is attached to the fuel tank.

Abstract: An air admittance vent diaphragm assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a base, an annular retainer ring, and an annular malleable washer. The base has an annular portion and a stem extending orthogonally from the center of the annular portion. The annular retainer ring includes a circumferential skirt engaged with an outer perimeter of the annular portion of the base, with the stem extending beyond the annular retainer ring. The annular malleable washer is disposed between the annular retainer ring and the annular portion of the base.

Abstract: A method for winterizing a swimming pool by providing a valve that opens to allow water to flow out of swimming pool pipes under air pressure and closes to prevent pool water from flowing back into the pipes thereby emptying the pipes without having to drain the pool.

Abstract: The pneumatic oscillating valve includes a housing defining an internal chamber, an inlet passageway, and an outlet passageway. An annular seat extends into the internal chamber. A diaphragm is disposed in the internal chamber. The diaphragm seats against the annular seat and separates the inlet passageway from the outlet passageway. A spring engages the diaphragm to seat the diaphragm against the annular seat. As fluid is admitted to the inlet passageway, pressure increases in the inlet passageway until sufficient pressure is present to overcome the spring and unseat the diaphragm. The inlet passageway is more restrictive to fluid flow than the outlet passageway such that fluid is exhausted more quickly from the outlet passageway than can pass through the inlet passageway allowing pressure in the inlet passageway to reduce to a point less than the spring force of the spring thereby allowing the diaphragm to reseat on the seat.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention comprise an on-off controller configured to control the flow of pressurized pneumatic fluid and to connect directly to a pneumatic device. In one embodiment, the on-off controller comprises a body having an inlet, at least one outlet, a vent, at least one connection bore, an activator positioned in the body, a position mechanism configured to move the activator in the body, a seal configured to sealably contact the activator and seal the vent, wherein the body may connected directly to a paintball marker.

Abstract: A first valve chest 241 formed integrally with a lid 2 of a high-pressure gas cylinder, a first valve element 5, a spring 6, a second valve chest 32, a second valve element 7, a spring 8 and a main body 8 are all formed in a rotor-shape, and in addition to arranging their axis lines on the same axis lime, flow channels 56, 35 and 76 are arranged on said axis line. By forming each part in a rotor-shape and adjusting the vibration directions of the valve elements 5 and 7 to the same direction, miniaturization is contemplated while suppressing loads generated by vibration. This invention is to provide a compact two-step pressure-reducing valve usable for a long term.

Abstract: The high pressure gas inlet channel (6) of the pressure regulator (1) is formed upstream in a stationary valve element (7) having an enlarged terminal head (9) interacting with a seat edge of a movable seat (10) acted upon in closure position by a spring (23), the mounting of the pressure regulator (1) in the high pressure gas inlet tap body (3) causing the retraction of the seat (10) and the opening of the inlet channel normally kept blanked off during operations of storage and/or washing of the pressure regulator. Applies mainly to sea diving pressure regulators.

Abstract: A frost free faucet having a spigot assembly including a drain conduit, a sleeve assembly including an elongated pipe, and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a ½ turn valve, a check valve and optionally a pressure relief mechanism. The ½ turn valve includes a rotatable valve element configured with a water passageway and a stationary valve element with one or through holes. The rotatable valve element is circular-shaped and configured with a water passageway in a semicircular portion. The stationary element is a disc shaped configured with one or more through-holes in a semi-circular portion of the stationary valve element. Upon turning the rotatable valve element 180 degrees in a first direction, the water passageway and the one or more through-holes are aligned to an open position and upon turning the rotatable element 180 degrees in a second direction, the water passageway and the one or more through-holes are misaligned to a closed position.

Abstract: An intermittent fluid flow controller including a main body that houses an inlet in controlled fluid communication with an outlet, a mechanical timing mechanism including a rotatable member that rotates during an operation of the timing mechanism, and a first valve operated by the rotatable member. The first valve is disposed in the main body such that a rotational movement of the rotatable member actuates the first valve to intermittently permit and restrict a fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet over a pre-selected period of time determined by the operation of the timing mechanism.

Abstract: A mixer cartridge contains a plate-type control system, the control plate of which is displaceable and twistable by an actuating element configured as a double-armed lever. The displacement leads to an opening and closing of the valve, while the twisting serves to alter the temperature. According to the invention, it is envisioned that the maximum opening and closing position of a holding plate controlling the movable control plate is limited by stops. For the actuating element, a stop is also provided, which acts in the same way, yet is arranged such that it still has a minimum distance from the actuating element when the holding plate is already bearing against the stop.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a swing spout is provided. The swing spout includes a spout hub and a bearing member. The spout hub is operable to rotate relative to the bearing member. The bearing member has a detent and the spout hub has a detent member. When the spout hub is rotated to a predetermined position, the detent member of the spout hub engages the detent of the bearing member.

Abstract: A locking device is provided with a faucet spout. The locking device is operable to lock the spout into a fixed position. The spout is rotated by pushing the spout in a desired direction. As the spout is rotated, the locking device locks the spout into a fixed position when the spout reaches a predetermined position.

Abstract: A single layer fluid routing device comprising a first channel having a cross-section of a first aspect ratio and a first depth; a second channel having a second cross-section of a second different aspect ratio and a second different depth; wherein the second channel intersects with the first channel from a first point to a second point, the first and second points having different offsets relative to the cross-section of the first channel.

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

Abstract: An improved venturi-style eductor apparatus for dispensing chemicals into a motive fluid stream where an eductor body FIG. 3 is manufactured by molding a chemically inert polymer material FIG. 2 around and inside a metallic insert FIG. 1. Opposing ends of the metallic insert may be threaded, flanged, or machined for push-in connection to facilitate mating with a motive fluid source and a dispensing device. By manufacturing an eductor assembly using a single-piece metal insert over-molded with an inert polymer provides improved chemical resistance for aggressive applications and allows improvements in venturi geometry not achievable using traditional machined components. This apparatus reduces manufacturing cost over current state-of-the-art eductor assemblies by using a single molding step to create flow-path geometry in the eductor body while retaining mechanical strength with the metallic insert FIG. 1.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are disclosed for enhance mixing of a first fluid and an injected fluid. A turbulence edge (18) is formed on an element associated with an injection lance. The turbulence edge can be an edge (18a) of a square tubing lance (16), an angle (24) added to a circular tubing lance (10) or a clip (26) added to the circular tubing lance (10).

Abstract: A pressure restrictor for use with a pressure sensing element, said element capable of providing an output upon application of a pressure to said element. The pressure restrictor comprises a cylindrical member of a given diameter and length. The member having a plurality of apertures directed from a first end to a second end. A pressure restrictor housing holds and positions the cylindrical member in close proximity to the pressure sensing element at said second end by clamping the pressure restrictor between the housing and element. The apertures provided in the pressure restrictor are the sole path for application of pressure to the sensing element. The sensing element is a double diaphragm silicon sensor where one diaphragm is exposed to pressure and the other diaphragm is not exposed to pressure. Each diaphragm has located thereon a half bridge wherein both half bridges are connected to provide a full bridge.

Abstract: In a flexible pipe having shape retaining capabilities, a first pipe is provided having a first base wire and a first subsidiary wire, the first base wire being wound in a spiral manner, the first subsidiary wire externally covering the first base wire and being fit into an external valley of the first base wire, and a second pipe having a second base wire and a second subsidiary wire, the second base wire being wound in a spiral manner in an opposite direction from the first base wire, the second subsidiary wire externally covering the second base wire and being fit into an external valley of the second base wire. The second pipe being provided inside and in contact with the first pipe. When a torsional force is applied to the first pipe, the second pipe generates a bearing force against the torsional force.

Abstract: A tube interface (53) includes a first tube (28) and a second tube (34). The first tube (28) has an oblong opening (54) exhibiting a first major dimension (58), and the second tube (34) has an oblong end (52) exhibiting a second major dimension (72). The oblong end (52) of the second tube (34) is inserted into the oblong opening (54) so that the second major dimension (72) is aligned with the first major dimension (58). The second tube (34) is turned in the oblong opening (54) to move the second major dimension (72) out of alignment with the first major dimension (58) of the oblong opening (54) to secure the second tube (34) to the first tube (28) prior to brazing.

Abstract: A Venetian blind tape that includes face and rear bands, each of a textile material woven from a loom. A plurality of cross-band members are inter-woven between the face and rear bands and are spacedly disposed along the bands to form supports for blind slats. At least the face band has a discernable decorative pattern woven into it by means of a Jacquard weaving mechanism that is characterized by independent single thread control.

Abstract: A string bead loom includes a body having a top side, a bottom side, and a rear edge; source means for providing and dispensing string wherein the source means is mounted on the top side of the body; guide means for guiding string being dispensed from the source means; and takeup mechanism for receiving string dispensed from the source means wherein the takeup mechanism is mounted on the bottom side of the body; and wherein the string being dispensed from the source means is guided by the guide means, entrained around the rear edge of the body, and releasably secured to the takeup mechanism.

Abstract: A method for weaving extremely low warp crimp fabrics is introduced. The weft yarns are allowed to take up the crimp in the fabric by weaving with pre-crimped weft yarn.

Abstract: Machine for binding elongate objects together by at least one wire, in particular for lashing reinforcing bars, electric cables or the like. The machine includes two claws which can be guided down over the objects to be bound together. Feed rollers are arranged for feeding the wire along a guide surface of one claw and across to a guide surface of the other claw, so that it is shaped into a wire loop surrounding the objects on three sides, the legs of which loop can be twisted together on the fourth side of the objects. The twisting-together device includes an arrangement, which is rotatable relative to the claws, and which guide the wire when it is fed to and from the claws. The twisting-together arrangement allows the wire length necessary for twisting-together of the legs of the wire loop to be drawn out while a resistance is overcome.

Abstract: The storage bag includes an interior volume for containing food items and a one-way valve element through which air from the interior volume can be evacuated. To prevent fluids and juices from the stored food items from contaminating the valve element, a separator defining a chamber is included that sealingly connects the valve element to the interior volume. In the separator, fluids and juices separate from the evacuating air by gravitational separation and are returned to the interior volume. In an embodiment, to facilitate packaging and distribution of multiple storage bags, the separator is adjustable between an expanded position for providing the chamber and a collapsed position substantially eliminating the chamber. In an embodiment, the separator may be comprised of elastically expandable material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container for supplying pressure fluid to a master cylinder of a hydraulic motor vehicle brake system. The container includes a filling reservoir (2,29) arranged at a first level (14,45) and including a fill hole (15,31) and a discharge opening (16,32), a main reservoir (3,30) arranged at a second level (19,46) and including an inlet opening (35, 44 and discharge openings (47,48), as well as a device 8 for monitoring the container's state of filling, with the first level (14,45) being disposed above the second level (19,46), and the filling reservoir (2,29) and the main reservoir (3,30) being interconnected. A device (17,33) for filling the main reservoir is integrated with the container and includes one or more channels (18,34).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for determining a volume of liquid product in a manifold set of tanks. The method includes identifying a plurality of book volumes of liquid product in the manifold set of tanks. The method further includes identifying a plurality of measured physical volumes of liquid product in the manifold set of tanks, each measured physical volume being associated with one book volume of the plurality of book volumes. Following collecting the volumes, the method includes determining a variance between each measured physical volume of the plurality of measured volumes and each book volume of the plurality of book volumes, and then using those variances to generate an expected variance to each of the plurality of measured physical volumes, the combination of the expected variance and the measured physical volume being the volume of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for collecting and communicating temperature and volume data directly from a dispenser for use during a book to physical reconciliation process. The temperature and volume readings can be received directly from a dispenser by at least one of a retail system and a central inventory management system. The method can include collecting flow data indicative of a volume of a liquid product dispensed from the dispenser at a plurality of times during a defined time interval and collecting temperature data indicative of a temperature of the liquid product dispensed from the dispenser at the plurality of times during the defined interval. Once collected, the temperature data and the flow data can be transmitted to at least one of a retail system and a central inventory management system.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and computer program products to compensate for surface movement of liquid product within one or more tanks during a liquid product book to physical reconciliation process. A plurality of measurement data at a plurality of times can be received. Each measurement data represents a volume of liquid product within the tank. The volume of liquid product represented by the measurement data can be compared against at least one predetermined volume identified as being unreliable. Following eliminating the measurement data that is unreliable, a sample mean and a standard deviation for the remaining measurement data are calculated and then used to filter the remaining measurement data by eliminating any measurement data that has a value plus or minus a predetermined number of the standard deviations from the standard mean for the second set of measurement data.

Abstract: Disclosed is methods, systems, and computer program products for monitoring and reporting liquid product dispenser transaction states for book to physical reconciliation purposes. The method can provide virtual real-time status of sales transactions in order to perform liquid product fuel reconciliation regardless of ongoing sales. The method can include receiving a request to perform the liquid product book to physical reconciliation for one or more storage tanks at a retail facility. Once the requested is received, the method can entail identifying a duration for accumulation of measurement data used for the reconciliation and during the identified duration, monitoring the status of one or more dispensers that dispense liquid product from the one or more storage tanks. Based on the status of the one or more dispensers, the method can include updating either a physical inventory or a book value to appropriately determine the book to physical reconciliation.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for balancing net inventory using a dynamic expansion coefficient of liquid product relative to the temperature changes with density. The method can include receiving an API gravity report that includes a measurement of a specific gravity and a temperature of the product reported at a rack. Utilizing the API gravity report, the method can include maintaining correct densities of the liquid product by utilizing a plurality of expansion coefficients to dynamically convert a gross volume measurement to a net volume measurement for transactions of liquid product in a tank and at a dispenser in order to maintain a net perpetual book balance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a virtual real-time liquid product book to physical reconciliation process within a dynamic environment. The method can include receiving a request to perform a liquid product book to physical reconciliation process for one or more storage tanks at a retail facility. Once received, the status of one or more liquid product dispensers corresponding to the one or more storage tanks can be identified. A plurality of measurements can be made while the one or more liquid product dispensers are in an active state and dispensing the liquid product. With the data indicative of the plurality of measurements, the method can automatically perform the liquid product book to physical reconciliation process.