Abstract: The present invention generally relates to tobacco and tobacco products having a reduced amount of nicotine and/or tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNA). More specifically, several ways to make tobacco plants that have reduced nicotine and TSNA levels have been discovered. Embodiments include tobacco harvested from said tobacco plants, cured tobacco from said tobacco plants, tobacco products made with said cured tobacco and methods of making these compositions.

Abstract: The hair-on-hair extension system has hair extensions that include a generally continuous span of natural and/or synthetic attachment hair strands extending from the weft base or edge of the attachment. The attachment hair strands are braided or intertwined directly into braids formed in the native hair of the wearer as those braids are being formed, without the need for additional attachment apparatus. The weft base may include a relatively narrow, linear weft edge having the hair extension and attachment strands extending in the opposite or same direction therefrom, or may include a two-dimensional crown sheet having the hair extension strands extending from a series of wefts from one surface of the sheet and the hair attachment strands extending from the opposite surface. The hair extension may include a separator sheet between the hair extension and hair attachment strands to facilitate manipulation of the hair attachment strands during installation.

Abstract: An artificial fingernail and method of making an artificial fingernail is provided in which the artificial fingernail is adapted to conform to varying finger sizes and shapes. In one aspect, the artificial fingernail includes a polymeric body having a fingernail shape with an upper and a lower surface. A layer of deformable material is applied to at least a portion of the lower surface. The layer of deformable material is adapted to conform to an upper surface of a natural fingernail when applied to the natural fingernail.

Abstract: A nail grooming device suitable for incorporation in other products and comprising a support base is disclosed. A nail cleaning tip is defined on the base. A cuticle pusher is defined on the base. An abrasive member is secured to the base. An attachment member is also secured to the base.

Abstract: A nail file in the form of an arc with generally rounded edges and a method for grooming finger- and toenails using the file.

Abstract: The apparatus is a scissor shaped hair dryer composed by two articulated arms. The upper arm is composed of a hair dryer and a hair brush with multiple soft bristles and multiple orifices. The bottom arm is composed of a hair brush with multiple soft bristles and multiple orifices. In the apparatus' closed position the hair brushes form a scissor in which the hair is gently compressed while it receives the warm air of the hair dryer which is exhaled through the orifices of the upper brush arm. This hot air from the hair dryer of the upper arm exits through the orifices of the lower arm. This scissor shaped hair dryer is composed by three elements (a hair dryer and two hair brushes) which facilitates the drying of the hair, allowing a person to dry her hair using one hand, while the hair brushes keep this from getting entangled.

Abstract: To provide a cleaning method for an etching apparatus for a metal film that efficiently removes an etching residue deposited in an etching process chamber, assures the reproducibility of the etching performance, and keeps the etching process chamber in a low-dust-emission condition. Each time one workpiece with a metal film is etched (S1), the interior of the vacuum chamber is cleaned by replacing the workpiece with a dummy substrate (S2), performing a first step of plasma processing using oxygen (O2) and carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) to remove a carbon-based deposit pile (S3), and performing a second step of plasma processing using boron trichloride (BCl3) and chlorine (Cl2) to remove a residue that could not be removed by the first step and an etching residue of the metal film (S4).

Abstract: In a substrate processing apparatus (1), a ring-shaped cover part (61) opposed to an annular surface (51a) of a rotating part (51) is provided and the rotating part (51) rotates the substrate (9) while holding the substrate (9). An exhaust flow space (64) connecting with a gap space (62) between the cover part (61) and the annular surface (51a) along an outer edge of the cover part (61) is formed by a duct main body (63) connected to the cover part (61) along the outer edge of the cover part (61). Since a cross-sectional area of the exhaust flow space (64) increases gradually along a rotation direction of the rotating part (51), it is possible to reduce variation of inlet flow speed of air around the gap space (62) and to suppress nonuniformity of processing of the substrate (9).

Abstract: A single layer cleaning pad is provided for cleaning a surface without separate application of a cleaning solution. The pad can be removably attached to a cleaning instrument for ease of use. Prior to use, the pad is stored in a vessel so that the pad is saturated with cleaning solution.

Abstract: A method for cleaning pipes of a heat exchanger includes placing a throttle-free jet nozzle against an end of a pipe. The throttle-free jet nozzle has an outlet opening of a same size or slightly smaller than an inner cross-sectional area of the pipe. A stream of air containing an abrasive is blown through the pipe for cleaning the pipe.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus useful for cleaning the interior of a pipeline contains: (A) a platform of a dimension sufficient to be inserted through an opening in the pipeline, the platform containing one or more portions; (B) a fluid interruptor having one or more parts to provide a surface to contact fluid flow and thereby interrupt fluid flow, the fluid interruptor constructed and arranged to be attached to the platform; a downstream side of the fluid interrupter being supported by members connected to the platform to dispose the fluid interruptor against fluid flow; (C) runners attached to the underside of the platform to contact an inner diameter of the pipeline; whereby the supported fluid interruptor, platform and runners redirect fluid flow between an underside of the platform and an inner surface of the pipeline; and (D) a device located downstream of the fluid interruptor to constrict the volume of the redirected fluid and increase its flow rate; whereby fluid flow is increased to move solid waste in the p

Abstract: In one embodiment, a substrate preparation system is provided. The system includes a brush, a front head, and a back head. The brush is configured to brush scrub a back surface of a substrate using a brush scrubbing chemistry. The front head is defined in close proximity to a front surface of the substrate while the back head is defined in close proximity to the back surface of the substrate. The back head is positioned substantially opposite to the front head. The front head and the back head are applied as a pair to the substrate when the brush is apart from the substrate.

Abstract: An undercarriage carwash system for use in a self-serve carwash bay includes a housing, a conduit with a plurality of nozzles, and a control. The bay has a support surface at which a vehicle is parked during the washing of the vehicle, and has a pressurized fluid system for discharging pressurized fluid via at least one spraying device of the bay to wash the vehicle. The housing is positioned on the support surface of the bay and entirely above the plane of the support surface. The conduit is positioned within the housing and is connected to the pressurized fluid system of the carwash bay. The nozzles are directed to discharge fluid from the pressurized fluid system of the carwash bay to an underside of a vehicle at the support surface of the bay. The control selectively provides pressurized fluid to the conduit for discharging the fluid by said nozzles.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic washer for washing by splaying washing toward an object to be washed or a portion to be washed from a front end of a nozzle, a part of an ultrasonic wave propagation member connected to an ultrasonic transducer is protruded into a cavity of the nozzle into which the washing is filled in order to propagate ultrasonic vibration generated by the ultrasonic transducer to the washing efficiently. Furthermore, the ultrasonic wave propagation member is formed so that a cross-sectional area becomes gradually smaller as approaching to the front end thereof, so that the ultrasonic vibration is converged to the end face of the ultrasonic wave propagation member.

Abstract: A thatched umbrella, particularly, a weather resistant, synthetic thatched umbrella capable of being collapsed to a closed position. The thatching of the umbrella is constructed of synthetic fibers attached to an acrylic lining and the umbrella is capable of resisting a variety of weather conditions.

Abstract: A demountable wind-resistant sunshade canopy for shading children's play areas or other actively used areas. The canopy device is removably secured over a support structure, and is comprised of a hip beams supported by columns mounted on the support structure, and the hip beams extend upwardly and inwardly toward an apex or ridge beam. Cantilevered ends of the hip beam extend beyond the support structure, providing shade for equipment, such as children's play equipment or other actively used areas.

Abstract: To provide, in relation to a dye-sensitized solar cell, an inexpensive photovoltaic film material which can solve problems arising from usage of a sensitizing dye comprising an organic substance; and a solar cell having the photovoltaic film. A photovoltaic film 30 comprises photocatalyst-coated particles which include inorganic material particles, titanium dioxide particles coated on the surface of the inorganic material particles, and lithium particles attached to the inorganic material particles and/or the titanium dioxide particles.

Abstract: A non-imaging optical collecting and concentrating apparatus for use in i.e., optical communications, passive lighting, and solar power applications that is relatively immune from optical incidence angle(s) and therefore does not need to track the movement of the sun to efficiently collect and concentrate optical energy. The apparatus includes a non-planar support structure having a source-facing entrance and an energy-outputting exit. An interior surface of the structure includes a scattering, reflecting and/or diffractive medium such as a photonic bandgap structure to enhance the collection and concentration efficiency.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element comprising: a substrate; a conductive layer; a photoelectric conversion layer; and a transparent conductive layer, provided in this order, wherein the transparent conductive layer has a sheet resistance of from 100 to 10000?/?.

Abstract: A double-walled contained shear valve comprises of an inner housing forming a fuel flow path, and a containment housing surrounding the inner housing, either partially or wholly, to provide a secondary containment. An interstitial space is formed between the inner housing and the containment housing as a result, and may be placed under a vacuum or pressure level to monitor for leaks. A vacuum actuator coupled to the interstitial space automatically opens and closes the fuel flow path of the shear valve in response to the vacuum level in the interstitial space to prevent leaks to the environment. The shear valve may contain a flange for connection to internal fuel dispenser piping that either does or does not includes interstitial space orifices to couple the shear valve interstitial space to the fuel dispenser piping interstitial space to monitor the vacuum or pressure level in these interstitial spaces as one contiguous space.

Abstract: A double-walled contained shear valve comprises of an inner housing forming a fuel flow path, and a containment housing surrounding the inner housing, either partially or wholly, to provide a secondary containment. An interstitial space is formed between the inner housing and the containment housing as a result, and may be placed under a vacuum or pressure level to monitor for leaks. A vacuum actuator coupled to the interstitial space automatically opens and closes the fuel flow path of the shear valve in response to the vacuum level in the interstitial space to prevent leaks to the environment. The shear valve may contain a flange for connection to internal fuel dispenser piping that either does or does not includes interstitial space orifices to couple the shear valve interstitial space to the fuel dispenser piping interstitial space to monitor the vacuum or pressure level in these interstitial spaces as one contiguous space.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling the shear rate at which an acoustic wave device measures viscosity, by utilizing an automatic level control or an automatic gain control circuit to control power input to the sensor as a function of the sensor's output power. Further improvement is provided by measuring the input power and combining the input power and output power measurements, preferably by averaging, to control the input power to the sensor. A method is also provided for characterizing the fluid under test by providing a set of viscosity measurements at various shear rates.

Abstract: Fluid flow arrangements that include optical fluid concentration sensors are disclosed. One arrangement directs fluid flow toward or against a sensor window. One arrangement inhibits light from entering a region that is sensed by the sensor. One arrangement includes a plurality of sensors that monitor blended fluids.

Abstract: A universal kinetic diverting spout post assembly for mounting in a vertical orientation in a roman tub or deck installation is provided. The assembly includes a valve body containing a replaceable diverting cartridge into which hot and cold water are fed. The cartridge also includes a spring biased plunger assembly normally closing the outlet to a second use, such as a spray, when water normally passes through the spout to a tub and until such time as a diverting mechanism, either in response to a predetermined pressure rise in the spout when water exiting the spout is prevented, or as a direct result of the user lifting the plunger assembly. In either alternative the plunger assembly rises off it's seat and as a result closes the water path to the spout and at the same time opens the normally closed outlet to the spray and allows water to pass to the outlet. The assembly also includes a flow regulator proximate the spray outlet to prevent overpressure in a supply hose and excessive water flow therein.

Abstract: A sanitizable float valve body, a closing element located into the body and a float connected to a lever arm for controlling the closing element, said closing element being set into the valve chamber so that the allowance between the chamber and the closing element allows a part of the liquid to discharge through this allowance, when the valve is open.

Abstract: In a hydraulic control system for an automatic transmission, a valve element of an accumulator closes communication between a pressure switch circuit and a detection circuit when a hydraulic pressure applied to the detection circuit is lower than a predetermined hydraulic pressure, and opens communication between the pressure switch circuit and the detection circuit when the applied pressure is higher than or equal to the predetermined hydraulic pressure. A switching element opens communication between one end of the pressure switch circuit and an exhaust circuit when the other end of the pressure switch circuit does not communicate with the detection circuit, and closes communication between the one end and the exhaust circuit when the other end communicates with the detection circuit.

Abstract: The present invention regards an underpressure-activated valve mechanism for controlled dispensing of fluids, including liquid food articles, from a receptacle. When the user applies sufficient suction force (P2) across a pressure comparative diaphragm zone a valve opening force is applied to a valve area that has a force connection with the diaphragm zone. When the suction force ceases the valve area closes and remains closed, even in the event of overpressure (P3) in the receptacle.

Abstract: An air admittance vent including a housing having a base and a cap with a diaphragm assembly disposed therein. The assembly comprises a diaphragm base, an annular retainer ring, and an annular malleable washer. The diaphragm 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. A member extends from the housing base into engagement with the stem for guiding movement of the diaphragm assembly to open or close an ambient air passage through said housing base.

Abstract: The Hydro-Controller is a plumbing devise designed to control storm water runoff. It incorporates a new type of fitting, which we manufacture and call the S&M Adapter. This plumbing fitting allows us to revise the current art of storm water control by fastening a pipe-within-a-pipe, thus reversing the outflow direction by releasing the storm water from inside the riser (outlet chamber), rather than into the riser from outside via orifices and/or weirs mounted on the riser wall. This eliminates the need for a separate reservoir in the form of a catch basin or manhole within which to mount the flow control devise. The S&M Adapter provides other benefits, such as reducing the required size of the control structure, easy observation of the operation, ready access and easy removal of the flow-control pipe for cleaning and repair, or modification of the orifices for increased flow capacity, as well as greater economy in materials and installation, when compared with the current art.

Abstract: A compact venting valve for the fuel tank of a motor vehicle comprises a valve housing with at least one switchable element for providing at least two switching positions and with at least three connections, a first connection to the fuel tank or to a fuel vapor filter connected downstream thereof, a second connection to a filling pipe of a fuel tank and a third connection to atmosphere. The valve housing includes at least one first filter chamber enclosing a second fuel vapor filter, wherein a first switching position provides for operational venting of the fuel tank in which a flow path between the first and second connections is enabled and a second switching position provides for refuelling venting of the fuel tank in which a flow path between the first and second connections is enabled with the second fuel vapor filter being bypassed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic unit for activating a plurality of discharge valves of a turbomachine, the pneumatic unit having activation outlets corresponding to the number of discharge valves forming said plurality of discharge valves, and a single control input receiving a single control signal from an electronic control unit, the control signal serving to act on a control winding of a manifold means having outlets that form said activation outlets.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in-line valve cartridge for use in sanitary fittings. The valve cartridge of the present invention includes a generally cylindrical housing having a proximate extent for support in a sanitary fitting, a distal extent from which water leaves the cartridge and a longitudinal body extending therebetween. The body has a thickness delineated by inner and outer peripheral surfaces with the inner peripheral surface further defining an elongated lumen thereby. The housing further includes an annular aperture that accommodates placement of a driving member therethrough and includes opposing extents that operate as stops for the driving member and correspond to the valve cartridge's open and closed positions. In addition, rotating and stationary ceramic disks are disposed in tandem wherein the stationary disk has at least one aperture for through flow of cold water, hot water or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The rotating valve for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has a stator with connections for the solvent reservoirs, pumps, chromatography columns etc. and a disc-shaped rotor with connecting grooves on the front face for selectively connecting different connections to one another. Said grooves are evenly distributed on two concentrical circles. The connecting grooves on the front face of the rotor are configured in the form of circular segments and are arranged in such a way that fife connections are simultaneously connected to one another in defined positions of the rotor in each circle.

Abstract: A hydraulic control arrangement is disclosed for the load-independent control of a consumer with a continuously adjustable distribution valve having a pressure compensator down the line. According to the invention, the pressure compensator has a single-sided damping such that the movement in the opening direction is damped and the movement in the closing direction is substantially undamped. Furthermore, a control arrangement is disclosed in which a load-holding function is integrated in the pressure compensator.

Abstract: A tandem hydraulic valve comprising first and second axially aligned valve spools, a valve guide slidably receiving said valve spools to control, in use, the connection between respective ports of the valve guide, said first and second spools being formed as separate components and being axially interconnected, to move in unison, by an axial connection component, and, the interface of said first and second spools being connected to a predefined, external, hydraulic fluid leakage path.

Abstract: Trim disk assemblies for use in fluid flow control devices include a first disk and a second disk. An elongated void is formed in a surface of each of the first disk and the second disk. The second disk is aligned with the first disk to provide fluid communication between the void of the first disk and the void of the second disk, the void of the first disk being offset or staggered from the void of the second disk. The void of the first disk and the void of the second disk at least partially define a fluid passageway having a cross-sectional area characterized by increases and decreases in cross-sectional area, which define an expansion/contraction mechanism of the fluid passageway.

Abstract: A corrugated tube 30 has corrugated sections 33 in which a plurality of peaks 33a and valleys 33b are alternately formed. The ratio Wb/Wa of the peak longitudinal breadth Wa and the valley longitudinal breadth Wb, with reference to a base line BL established at a position midway in the height direction between the peaks 33a and valleys 33b, is 1.2 to 2.0. The valley 33b floor is formed as a straight portion 33c formed to virtually the same outside diameter along the longitudinal direction of the corrugated tube 30. The corrugated tube 30 stretches less under fluid pressure and has less bending rigidity, improving a better disposition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a double-layer explosion-proof braided hose structure and manufacturing method thereof. The present invention uses a vulcanized rubber hose as a principal part of explosion-proof hose, and sequentially forms the first braided layer, the heatproof glue layer and the second braided layer on surface of the vulcanized rubber hose. Then, a heating renovation procedure is performed to form a double-layer explosion-proof braided hose. After the heating renovation procedure, the first braided layer, the heatproof glue layer and the second braided layer will be firmly combined. Furthermore, the present invention can also simplify the manufacturing procedure and save the installation time to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-bonded pipe which is used to produce a dynamic pressurized fluid transfer hose and, in particular, a mud hose for rotary oil drilling. The inventive pipe consists of the following elements from inside outwards: an inner polymer sheath, at least two crosswise-arranged reinforcing plies comprising a wire which is wound helically at opposing winding angles, A and B, which are close to the angle of equilibrium of 55°, having an average that is centered on a value close to the equilibrium angle value; and an outer polymer sheath. The pipe also comprises an anticreep layer which is made from at least one coil with contiguous edges of a strip with high mechanical properties. Moreover, the aforementioned winding angles, A and B, of the crosswise-arranged reinforcing plies are not equal.

Abstract: A fuel cell hose which is superior in flexibility (low-temperature flexibility) and in barrier performance against hydrogen gas or water without causing a defect such as buckling or cracking at the time of the press-fitting of a connector. The fuel cell hose comprises an inner layer in contact with fluid, a barrier layer formed on an outer peripheral surface of the inner layer and an outer layer formed on an outer peripheral surface of the barrier layer. The inner layer is made of a material (A) containing a polyolefin resin and a styrene-isobutylene block copolymer as essential components, the barrier layer is made of a material (B) containing an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and a modified polyolefin resin as essential components and the mixing ratio by volume of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer to the modified polyolefin resin is in the range of 95/5 to 30/70, and the outer layer is made of a material (C) containing a polyamide resin as an essential component.

Abstract: A multi-liquid phase composition wherein said phases are visually distinctive. These compositions combine multiple phases for creating personal care compositions.

Abstract: A system and method enable toner to be packed more densely in a toner container and the container to be more quickly filled with toner. The system includes a container for storage of toner in an xerographic reproduction machine, the container having a fill opening, and a porous plug in a wall of the container; a filling system for mating to the fill opening of the container to provide toner to the container; and a source of negative pressure coupled to the porous plug to remove air from an internal volume of the container and more densely pack the toner stored in the container.

Abstract: Damage or deformation of a container in a processing device downstream a convey path is prevented. A filling device includes a filling unit (1), star wheel (2), and timing screw (3). Containers (10) are supplied to the timing screw (3) by a conveyor (6) along a convey path. A container control apparatus includes a control member (11) which controls supply and stop of the containers (10) before the timing screw (3), a driving unit (13) which drives the control member (11), and a sensor (35) which detects a state of the timing screw (3) such as a rotation angle. When the containers (10) are to be stopped, the driving unit (13) controls the control member (11) under the control of a control unit (30) to stop the containers (10) in accordance with a detection result of the sensor (35).

Abstract: A beverage dispenser operates a cup holder to advance a cup holding portion holding a cup in which a beverage is filled from an inside of a cup port to an outside thereof to locate it above a cup mount, lower the cup holding portion from a above position by a predetermined distance to place the cup on the cup mount in process of lowering, and retreat the cup holding portion from a lowered position to the inside of the cup port to leave the cup on the cup mount.

Abstract: A fuel line assembly tool and method for repairing or creating replacement fuel lines. An exemplary embodiment of this tool uses a squeeze operated plunger to insert a fitting into a length of synthetic flexible tubing by holding the parts and plunger in alignment for accurate and direct insertion. Another exemplary embodiment uses specially adapted fittings assembled in a kit for use in creating replacement fuel lines.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for needle penetrating and filling a chamber with a predetermined substance, and laser resealing a resulting needle hole in the device. A needle penetrable and laser resealable portion of the device is pierceable with a needle to form a needle aperture therethrough to fill the chamber through the needle, and is laser resealable to hermetically seal the needle aperture by applying laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength and power thereto. The needle penetrable and laser resealable portion defines a predetermined wall thickness in an axial direction thereof, and includes a thermoplastic that substantially prevents the formation of particles released into the chamber from the needle penetrable and laser resealable portion during penetration by and withdrawal of the needle.

Abstract: A base (10) for a router includes a sub base (12) having a plurality of dispersed air ducts (24) extending through the lower surface (14) and spaced from a central opening (20) and its periphery (18). First and second plates (30, 50) form a manifold (28) providing pressurized air to the air ducts (24) to create a cushion of air between the lower surface (14) and the work piece during operation of the router. The air ducts (24) are arranged in a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radial lines each including multiple air ducts (24) and in fluid communication with a radial channel (44) formed in the first plate (30) in turn in fluid communication with a groove (64) formed in the second plate (50).

Abstract: A motion guide for use with a machine having a table is disclosed. A motion guide in accordance with the present invention includes a body portion defining a top surface and a bottom surface, a first guiding surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, a second guiding surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, the second guiding surface being disposed at an angle relative to the first guiding surface, a plurality of keeper fingers protruding from a keeper surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, and disposed between the first guiding surface and the second guiding surface, the keeper fingers being generally parallel to each other, and an alignment member protruding from the keeper surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for providing convenient grasping of a router adjacent base/motor housing includes a base for supporting a motor housing for driving a working tool. A generally L-shaped handle including a connecting member and grasping member is connected to the base for permitting a user to comfortably manipulate the power tool adjacent the motor housing. In further aspect, a removable a generally L-shaped handle includes a channel extending through the handle for directing dust and debris away from the working tool.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for optimizing the veneer yield in veneer peeling. The contour of the log to be peeled is determined and the peeling axes at the ends of the log are determined by simulating the veneer yield. The desired veneer yield is determined at least as two veneer products having their own grades. These desired veneer products serve as basic values for the optimizing calculation. The maximum grade of the veneer yield is calculated, based on the dimensions and grades of the veneer products, as well as by iterating the places of the peeling axes and simulating the peeling process. When the peeling axes of the log ends giving the maximum grade yield have been found, the log is placed according to these peeling axes in the lathe and peeled into a veneer web to be cut with a clipper into said desired veneer products.