Abstract: A method for cleaning an industrial part, such as crankshafts, engine blocks and the like, following a manufacturing operation after which manufacturing debris, such as oils, shavings, and/or foundry sand, are present on the part. The part is first spun at a speed and for a time period sufficient to eject at least a portion of the debris and oil from the part after the manufacturing operation. Thereafter, the part is washed with a cleaning solution to remove the remaining oil and debris from the part. Optionally, the part is spun dry after being washed with the cleaning solution.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for cleaning articles in a dish washing machine comprising an alkaline and an acidic cleaning step and at least one additional alkaline cleaning step, characterized in that a) in a hood dish washing machine there is a first alkaline cleaning step with an aqueous cleaning solution having a pH-value higher than 9, b) the first alkaline cleaning step is followed by a first acidic cleaning step with an aqueous cleaning solution having a pH-value lower than 5. c) the first acidic cleaning step is followed by at least a second alkaline cleaning step with an aqueous cleaning solution having a pH-value higher than 9.

Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprising a sink having a bowl defining a wash chamber with an open top for providing access to the wash chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid throughout the wash chamber. A drain conduit can be provided, alone or in combination with the recirculation system, for draining liquid from the wash chamber when the drain is closed. A fill control system is provided to ensure that the dishwashing cycle is not started with liquid in the wash chamber and that the sink drain is properly closed. One or more sensors can be provided for enabling the fill control system. The sensors can be located within the drain above the location where the drain is plugged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and sealing components of a display utilizes continuous isolation of the components between the cleaning step and the sealing step. This limits exposure of the components to contaminants and isolates the components from oxidizing agents which can cause an oxide to form on the surface of one or more of the components. In one embodiment, a high vacuum transfer station couples a cleaning station and a sealing station to allow a component to be transferred from the cleaning station to the sealing station without leaving the high vacuum. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a conveyor transferring the components from the cleaning station at a high vacuum to the sealing station at a similarly high vacuum without exposure to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Stepper and/or scanner machines including cleaning devices and methods for cleaning stepper and/or scanner machines are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a stepper and/or scanner machine includes a housing, an illuminator, a lens, a workpiece support, a cleaning device for removing contaminants from the workpiece support, and a stage carrying the workpiece support. The stage and/or cleaning device is movable to selectively position the workpiece support proximate to the cleaning device. It is emphasized that this Abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).

Abstract: It is an object to provide a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus provided with an apparatus performing a cleaning-drying process without a defect due to static electricity or the like, in a manufacturing process of a semiconductor device. One of features is that an ionizer included in a sheath is provided in a cleaning-drying apparatus. A structure in which an ionizer is covered with a sheath is used; accordingly, the ionizer can be operated without a concern of an electric leak due to an attachment of liquid. Also, static electricity generated in a cleaning-drying process can be removed.

Abstract: An umbrella is provided that includes a support pole, at least a portion of which extends upwardly in use, a suspending pole, a canopy, and a mechanism for rotating the suspending pole about its longitudinal axis. The suspending pole is mounted transversely to the support pole and has first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. The canopy is suspended in use from the second end of the support pole. The mechanism includes a plurality of gear teeth coupled with the suspending pole to cause the suspending pole to rotate in either direction about said axis upon movement of the gear teeth and to thereby cause the canopy to tilt in either direction about said axis.

Abstract: An automatic close umbrella is disclosed. As folding an umbrella, the user presses a control device on a handle by one finger so that a tenon is released from a buckle and thus the buckle unit of the lower rib collector is separated from the lower central pole. Furthermore, the lower rib collector descends due to the elasticity of elastomer disposed between the upper rib collector and lower rib collector further addition of impacting the hook device of the central pole. Thereby, two central poles are separated from each other and the hook device of each central pole will be released. Therefore, each multi-section central pole is telescopic automatically. Furthermore, as the hinged ribs are folded, the canopy arranged on the hinged ribs will be closed. Thus, as the user enters into a room or a car, the user may close the umbrella easily by only one hand.

Abstract: A main object of the invention is to provide a filler sheet for a solar cell module which is excellent in various properties such as strength, endurance, weatherability, heat resistance, water resistance, light resistance, wind pressure resistance, hailstorm resistance, and vacuum laminating suitability, and has very good thermal melting/bonding property without being affected by production conditions and others, and which makes it possible to produce a solar cell module, suitable for various use purposes, stably at low costs; and a solar cell module using the same.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fire resistant laminate and incorporating the laminate into an encapsulant for a photovoltaic module that may be used in a photovoltaic building material. More particularly, the present invention relates to fire resistant encapsulant that may be used in a triple junction amorphous silicon photovoltaic module that is fire resistant on a wide variety of buildings roofs, including residential housing, and that is flexible and lightweight. A fire resistant additive, such as solid glass spheres, may be added to encapsulant material to produce a fire resistant, cut resistant, lightweight photovoltaic device.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device comprising: a substrate including a photoelectric conversion part; at least one photoelectric conversion layer provided above the substrate; and an optical film for increasing a reflectivity of light within a wavelength range capable of being absorbed by the photoelectric conversion layer, wherein the optical film is provided between the photoelectric conversion part and the photoelectric conversion layer.

Abstract: Space-based power system and method of altering weather using space-born energy. The space-based power system maintains proper positioning and alignment of system components without using connecting structures. Power system elements are launched into orbit, and the free-floating power system elements are maintained in proper relative alignment, e.g., position, orientation, and shape, using a control system. Energy from the space-based power system is applied to a weather element, such as a hurricane, and alters the weather element to weaken or dissipate the weather element. The weather element can be altered by changing a temperature of a section of a weather element, such as the eye of a hurricane, changing airflows, or changing a path of the weather element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic valve arranged for connecting to a water supply source, constituted by three separate co-axially disposed and spaced apart telescopic cylindrical members. The outer cylinder regulates water flow, the middle cylinder has openings or windows and the inner cylinder has a bottom, with the inner cylinder interconnected with the outer cylinder having a hoisting means constituted by a cable and pulley system. Alternatively the valve may operate with the inner cylinder as the piston which closes the valve. In that case the outer cylinder acts as a water weight to raise the piston and open the valve.

Abstract: A check valve that reduces leakage caused by flapping is disclosed. The shape of the heat seals focus the flow of gas in the valve so that the flapping that results from using elongated parallel heat seals is reduced. Alternative embodiments also enable tying of balloons while reducing the risk of leaking. Balloons can also be inflated at a greater rate without risk of leakage thereby reducing labor costs and the reduction in leaks also reduces the return of faulty products.

Abstract: The claimed universal polymeric molded fire hydrant is lightweight, weather resistant and will meet the UL, FM, NFPA and AWWA standards established for conventional metallic hydrants. Polymeric fire hydrants will also exceed standard performance expectations by eliminating rusting, binding, cracking and the associated need for periodic painting and lubrication. This polymeric fire hydrant costs less to produce than traditional metallic models providing significant costs savings to commercial and residential developers as well as municipalities. The inherent light weight nature of the units will reduce manpower and heavy equipment required to install it. This hydrant can be manufactured to resemble all existing traditional hydrant designs and performance specifications and will allow for future design modifications as future performance specifications and designs evolve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for providing a fire hydrant actuator rod with additional structure for allowing air to reach the area of a fire hydrant below a secondary valve. Various embodiments include an actuator rod with openings and hollow portions and configured to provide air from the area of a hydrant above the secondary valve to the area of a hydrant below a secondary valve. In some embodiments of the present invention, a check valve is provided with the actuator rod that is adapted to prevent the flow of fluid in at least one direction.

Abstract: A universal gas valve finishing flange assembly is provided which is adapted to receive a plurality of different size gas valves. The finishing flange assembly comprises a flanged coupler comprising a pipe coupler having internal threads and a pair of ends. The internal threads are adapted to be received by a first gas shut-off valve with a valve stem leg having threads with a first diameter. The flanged coupler further includes a flange attached to one end of the coupler and is centered about an axis defined by the coupler. The flange further includes an orifice for receiving a gas valve key. A trim plate is also provided having a frontside and a backside and a hole there through to receive the pipe coupler. Also, the trim plate includes recess disposed in the frontside to receive the flange. Additionally, a reducer nipple is provided having outer threads and inner threads.

Abstract: A freezeless hydrant having an inlet and outlet, the hydrant including an elongated pipe connecting a valve to an operator. A stem has a length and has a first end engaged with operator threads and a second end carrying a stopper portion of the valve. A portion of the stem engages projections on an inner portion of the pipe such that the valve operator stem is held against rotational movement. The stopper portion includes a first and second seal face such that rotational movement of the operator results in longitudinal movement of the stem and in closing of the valve by moving the stopper portion and the first seal face into compressive sealing engagement with a face of a reduced diameter portion of the pipe and the second seal into movable frictional engagement with an inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion. The hydrant can be mounted in a hydrant box on the exterior of a structure.

Abstract: A pilot operated pressure valve which limits the rate of pressure rise and substantially eliminates excessive system and tank pressure spikes. Because the pilot ball downstream of the damping orifice is held off the pilot seat in the normal starting condition by a pilot return spring, the main piston will open immediately when system pressure overcomes the low bias pressure of the main spring. A pilot pressure bypass port, which selectively deactivates the pilot chamber features, may also be included.

Abstract: A vacuum relief safety valve includes a housing defining an inner chamber and attached to the suction-side of the swimming pool or spa pump. An air inlet aperture is formed in the housing so as to be open to ambient air. A sealing element is disposed within the housing and biased against the air inlet aperture by a spring so as to effectively seal the inner chamber of the housing from ambient air. When a maximum allowed vacuum level within the pump is exceeded, such as when a swimming pool drain is obstructed, the sealing element moves into the inner chamber and opens the air inlet aperture causing the pump to rapidly lose its prime and enabling removal of the entrapment.

Abstract: A vacuum relief safety valve includes a housing defining an inner chamber and attached to the suction-side of the swimming pool or spa pump. An air inlet aperture is formed in the housing so as to be open to ambient air. A sealing element is disposed within the housing and biased against the air inlet aperture by a spring so as to effectively seal the inner chamber of the housing from ambient air. When a maximum allowed vacuum level within the pump is exceeded, such as when a swimming pool drain is obstructed, the sealing element moves into the inner chamber and opens the air inlet aperture causing the pump to rapidly lose its prime and enabling removal of the entrapment.

Abstract: A ball check valve includes a mounting base, a valve cage and a valve ball. The valve cage is mounted on the mounting base and includes a base, multiple holding fingers and a filtering and regulating device. The holding fingers are formed on the base and are arranged to form a valve chamber. The filtering and regulating device is mounted on the holding fingers, includes multiple curved ribs respectively mounted on a pair of corresponding holding fingers and are arranged in parallel with the base of the valve cage to filter impurities in and regulate fluid flow through the ball check valve. The valve ball is movably mounted in the valve chamber to selectively open and close the check valve. Consequently, the ball check valve can not only service as a check valve, but also service as a filter and regulator for the fluid flow.

Abstract: A battery compartment assembly includes a housing and a lid configured to be removably attached to the housing. The lid includes a pair of hinges that engage a corresponding pair of openings in the housing, and a latch that engages a ridge on the housing when the lid is in the closed position. The lid also includes a pair of contacts that extend from the lid to mate with connectors of a control unit to be powered by the batteries in the assembly. A spring is included in the housing for connecting to a positive terminal of a first battery and a negative terminal of a second battery.

Abstract: A valve arrangement for a hydraulic or pneumatic control device is proposed, which comprises a housing (4) with two ports (7, 8) provided on one side and a further port (9) on the other side, in particular the opposite side, in which a switching valve (6) and a throttle check-valve (1) are arranged in the housing (4) in a layered configuration, such that the control pressure medium can pass from the working valve (A) or (B), via the switching valve (6) and through the throttle check-valve (1) to a consumer (P) or vice-versa.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve which enables the user mechanically to recover the cold water contained in shower tubes, which is usually wasted through general drainage, for the subsequent use thereof. The inventive valve can also be used to reduce water wastage during daily bathing. The purpose of the invention is to provide a type of valve which helps save water in an easy-to-use manner, without limiting same to other possible applications.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a spout which provides a tranquil fluid flow is provided. The spout has a base and a trough attached to the top of and substantially perpendicular to the base. The base has a flow restrictor to reduce the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the base into the trough. The trough has an open design and a flow control disposed on its upper interior surface. The tip end of the trough is angled back towards the base. The spout allows fluid to flow out of the trough in a laminar flow state which results in a pleasant look and feel.

Abstract: The sanitary fitting (10) has an outflow conduit system (40) which can be telescoped by a displacement distance (H). The outflow conduit system (40) has an inner tube (42), which is retained by a base unit (39), and an outer tube (44), which can be moved longitudinally in relation to the inner tube (42). The inner tube (42) has a closed tube end (48) and, at a spacing from the closed tube end (48) which corresponds at least to the displacement distance (H), a radial through-passage (50). The radial through-passage (50) connects an interior of the inner tube (42) on a permanent basis to a lateral space (70) of constant volume, the lateral space being bounded by the inner tube (42) and the outer tube (44). Longitudinally running throughflow channels (78) run through the outer tube (44) to a free end region of the outer tube (44), in which water passes out of a water-outflow opening (90) when the control cartridge (18) is open.

Abstract: A modular fluid handling device includes at least one block having opposing block faces shaped as tessellating regular polygons, and a series of block sides therebetween. Each block includes a central bore extending between the block faces, and channels extending into the block sides and intersecting with the central bore. The blocks may be rapidly horizontally and/or vertically affixed with their channels and/or bores in communication to form a fluid handling device having the desired configuration (e.g., with the channels/bores forming a desired process flow path, fluid circuit, or the like). Inserts complementarily fit within the bores of selected blocks can then bear components such as valves, filters, turbines or stirrers, heating or cooling elements, pumps, sensors, or other equipment, so that a block can be adapted to fulfill desired purposes by simply installing the desired inserts.

Abstract: A method for installing risers so they extend from a FPU (floating production unit) to multiple subsea hydrocarbon wells of an oil field, which avoids damage to the pipe sections and that is economical. As pipe sections are connected to a near end (56) of a pipe string portion (68B-68D) that lies at the FPU, a tug boat (30) pulls the far end (65) of the pipe string toward a well head. Initially, a long pull line (34) extends from a winch (32) on the tug boat, in a double catenary curve to the far end of the pipe string. The winch is operated to shorten the pull line until the pipe string extends in a double catenary curve (60). Tension in the pipe string is maintained at a proper level during installation by maintaining the near end portion of the pipe string so it extends at a near end angle (70) to the vertical that continually lies within a predetermined range, such as from 3° to 12°.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe system comprising four pipes or tubes each with external corrugations. The pipes also have an end sleeve or connector joint. As in the first embodiment, the pipes of the system are supported in a desired array by an initially separate support, comprising in use base element or part, an intermediate or middle, in use, cruciform element or part and in use upper element or part. The upper part is shown cut away to show the pipes in position. The parts of the support are bound together by a shrink-wrapped film e.g. of polyethylene, and can be delivered to a building site and laid in a trench without the need to import on the site expensive gravel, sand, soil or the like. Material removed from the trench is used as the back fill.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose that comprises at least one inner layer (1) produced from an elastomer material, an embedded reinforcement carcass produced from a textile and/or metal material, an outer layer produced from an elastomer material and a coupling having a flange section inside the hose end. The inventive hose is characterized in that the coupling comprises a fitting, a supporting flange and at least one annular lamina. A first reinforcement carcass, consisting of at least one reinforcement layer, extends along the entire inside of the fitting and changes in the flange area from the axial to the radial direction of extension. The radial area of the first reinforcement carcass is mounted between the supporting flange and the annular lamina(e). A second reinforcement carcass, likewise consisting of at least one reinforcement layer, partially or completely holds the outside of the fitting, especially by way of fastening means.

Abstract: A pipe having an axially extending bore is defined by a pipe wall including a corrugated outer wall having axially adjacent annular outwardly-extending crests separated by valleys. The pipe wall also includes a non-linear outer layer having adjacent concave portions and convex portions. The concave portions are aligned with the corrugation crests of the outer wall so that the convex portion of the outer layer extends outwardly between at least two corrugation crests to provide improved resistance to deformation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a flexible, tubular device e.g. a bellows with an internal diameter up to 60 millimeters, said device comprising one or more corrugated convolutions (2), said convolutions having an overall bell-like shape with rounded top portions (T) and rounded bottom portions (B,B?).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose made of a thermoplastic polymer comprising a core and a cover provided with a reinforcement, in particular in the form of a multilayer reinforcing structure, wherein each core and cover consists of a thermoplastic polymer and wherein, according to the invention, an intermediate coupling layer is incorporated into the core and/or cover material by welding and is connected in the form of a reinforcement. The appropriated variants of the embodiment of the intermediate coupling layer are also enclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a flexible hose assembly are provided. The flexible hose assembly includes a core tube including a substantially fluid-impervious body including an inner surface and an outer surface, and an aramid sleeve including aramid yarn, the aramid sleeve circumferentially covering the core tube.

Abstract: A textile information carrier is described, consisting of a textile label or textile goods and a textile detection wafer having a textile carrier, which is joined to the textile label or the textile goods. A textile antenna and an electronic chip module connected to the textile antenna are disposed in or on the textile carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressurized gas charging method of charging a gas into the interior of a gas generator which has a pressurized gas chamber having an outer shell formed by a pressurized gas chamber housing, a gas generating chamber having an outer shell formed by a gas generating chamber housing, being connected to an opening portion at one end of the pressurized gas chamber, a diffuser portion having a gas discharge port, being connected to an opening portion at the other end of the pressurized gas chamber, and no charging hole, for charging a pressurized gas, provided in the pressurized gas chamber housing before charging the pressurized gas, comprising: a first step of connecting one of the gas generating chamber housing and the diffuser portion to the opening portion at one end of the pressurized gas chamber housing, which has opening portions at both ends, thereby sealing the opening portion; a second step of disposing the gas generating chamber housing or the diffuser portion, that is

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for charging a reactor with a catalyst, to the resulting charged reactors, and to the use thereof for carrying out catalytic gas phase reactions.

Abstract: A system for storage and delivery of a fuel additive to a fuel tank includes a reservoir in fluidic communication with a volumetric pump, through a tubular member such as a steel-braided hose. The pump is in further fluidic communication with the fuel return line of a vehicle, via another tubular member, such as a steel-braided hose. Valves disposed along the fluidic pathway prevent backflow of additive. The pump is electrically connected to and actuated by a timer, the timer calibrated to a rate of the pump to provide a predetermined amount of fuel additive necessary to treat an amount of fuel added to the fuel tank of the vehicle. A user interface with user-selectable, volumetric settings and control switches is electrically connected to the timer. A related method of adding a fuel additive to the fuel tank of a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated medication preparation system according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a medication preparation station where a dosage of medication is prepared in a just-in-time manner and a holding station for storing multi-use injectable medication vials, the contents of which have been previously accessed for preparing the dosage of medication at the medication preparation station and. The medication vials are cataloged according to prescribed criteria to permit later use in preparing another dosage of medication at the medication preparation station. The system include an automated transfer device for-transferring the vial from one station to another station.

Abstract: A one-way valve allows air to be drawn from an air tight container using a vacuum source. When the vacuum source is removed, the one-way valve prevents air from re-entering the container. A pump evacuates air from the container including a housing cooperatively engaging the housing for filter and cap assembly of the one way valve assembly. A seal isolates the pump housing from the cap sealing housing, and a handle is provided to withdrawably evacuate the air from the container.

Abstract: A method of proof testing glass containers is disclosed. The method involves applying pressure to a sealed container in two discrete stages as shown in FIG. 1. In the first stage, the pressure is increased to a peak over at a first rate. In the second stage, the pressure is reduced to zero at a much greater rate.

Abstract: A fuel level gauge includes a measuring pipe configured as a riser pipe that has a fuel inlet opening at one end region defines a measuring distance. The fuel level gauge also includes a fuel level sensor associated with the measuring pipe and disposed the vicinity of the fuel inlet opening and having a measurement-sensitive sensor area for purposes of measuring the fuel filling height in the measuring pipe. A fuel-permeable, thin-walled enveloping element surrounding the measuring pipe tightly so as to seal it in a first area of the measuring pipe and enclosing a second area of the measuring pipe at a predefined distance over a large surface. The second area encompasses at least the fuel inlet opening and the measurement-sensitive area of the fuel level sensor, and forms a large-volume antechamber upstream from the fuel inlet opening in the second area between an inside of the enveloping element and an outside of the measuring pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for compensating for pressure drop in a product pipe through which a liquid flows and a system comprising such a device. The device comprises a collapsible tube portion, which is connectible to the product pipe and is characterized by a limiting means, which is adapted to counteract stretching of the tube portion in the circumferential direction and which is adapted to allow free collapsing of the tube portion.

Abstract: A method for providing a feedback-controlled exercise routine for a user by providing a predetermined sequence of movements for the user; sensing movements of the user during the sequence; measuring data related to the sensed movements; and evaluating the data to determine whether to repeat or modify the routine. The method can also include storing the user's exercise routine on a user key, displaying exercise instructions to the user from the user key to illustrate the sequence of movements, with the evaluation of the data including modifying the displayed exercise instructions, and storing an updated user exercise routine after successful completion of the routine, wherein the updated routine includes the modified exercise instructions.

Abstract: A timber fastener and method of manufacturing and utilizing the same wherein the fastener includes a shaft having a center axis, a head end, and a tip end. The shaft has a first threaded portion proximate the tip end and a second threaded portion proximate the head end and having off-timed threads in relation to the first threaded portion. The off-timing of the second threaded portion threads results from such structural features as: a pre-selected defined distance separating the first and second threaded portions; different thread and flank angles; different thread pitches; and/or a different thread direction relative to the first threaded portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing rough cut lumber to convert the rough cut lumber into trimmed to length and dimensionally trimmed to form a standard piece of dimensioned lumber. The process and apparatus includes the formation of a plurality of columns of lumber pieces in addition to a one column operation mode. The lumber pieces in each of the columns are graded, indexed, measured for a trim to length, trimmed to length and then sorted by grade and trimmed length.

Abstract: A method of forming a sputtering target and other metal articles having controlled oxygen and nitrogen content levels and the articles so formed are described. The method includes surface-nitriding a deoxidized metal powder and further includes consolidating the powder by a powder metallurgy technique. Preferred metal powders include, but are not limited to, valve metals, including tantalum, niobium, and alloys thereof.

Abstract: A method of treating a surface (13) of an aluminium component and an aluminium component of this kind are described. In the method described, a PTFE coating (16) is applied to the surface (13) of the aluminium component. The method described is used for example for treating the surface (13) of a decorative trim (10) on a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A rare-earth sintered magnet according to the present invention, of which the main phase is an R2T14B type compound phase, includes: 27 mass % through 32 mass % of R, which is at least one rare-earth element that is selected from the group consisting of Nd, Pr, Tb, and Dy and that always includes at least one of Nd and Pr; 60 mass % through 73 mass % of T, which is either Fe alone or a mixture of Fe and Co; 0.85 mass % through 0.98 mass % of Q, which is either B alone or a mixture of B and C and which is converted-into B on a number of atoms basis when its mass percentage is calculated; more than 0 mass % through 0.3 mass % of Zr; at most 2.0 mass % of an additive element M, which is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Cu, Ga, In and Sn; and inevitably contained impurities.