Abstract: A multi-function peripheral device includes a scanning unit provided with a lamp that reads an image of an object to be copied, and an ultraviolet (UV) lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto the object for the purpose of detecting a fluorescent substance on the object; a printing unit that prints an image data read by the scanning unit; and a controller that determines a counterfeit when the fluorescent substance is not detected on the object under the UV lamp and thereby, giving a visual or audible warning to a user.

Abstract: There is provided a highly secure bill handling device that can essentially prevent bill removal. The bill handling device according to the invention includes a bill container for storing a bill inserted through a bill insertion slot, an exit through which the bill container projects out of a housing an openable/closable shutter for closing the exit, a shutter drive module for opening and closing the shutter, a lock member movably supported between a locked position where the shutter is not allowed to open and an unlocked position where the shutter is allowed to open, and a lock member moving module for moving the lock member between the locked position and the unlocked position.

Abstract: A passenger conveyor drive assembly (40) includes drive members such as belts (42) that engage a step chain (30). A monitoring device (50) provides an indication of a damaged or broken drive member (42) by monitoring the relative rotations between wheels (44, 46). In one example, relative rotation between deflection wheels (46) provides an indication that one of the drive members (42) is not performing as well as the other. In another example, a comparison between the speed of rotation of the drive wheels (44) on the one hand and the deflection wheels (46) on the other hand allows for independently monitoring each of the drive members (42) of the drive assembly. In a disclosed embodiment, the monitoring device includes rotating members (52, 56) that normally rotate in unison and move into another position when there is relative rotation between the selected wheels. Such movement provides an indication of a malfunction of the drive system and may actuate the brake as needed.

Abstract: A balustrade fastening arrangement for an escalator or passenger conveyor having a moveable skirt panel whereby the fastening arrangement secures an inner decking panel such that it overhangs the moving skirt panel between the skirt panel and the step.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying and simultaneously turning objects has a first conveyor device for conveying the objects into the area of two conveyor-turning stations and a second conveyor device for conveying the objects out of the area of the conveyor-turning stations. The conveyor-turning stations have a conveyor that rotates horizontally and at least one turning device for contacting and turning the objects. The two conveyor-turning stations are used for alternate conveying of the objects along a common conveyor path. Each conveyor-turning station can be driven by its own electric motor with controllable speed. In an access area of the conveyor-turning stations, there is a device for detecting the position of the next object to be contacted and to be conveyed by the respective conveyor-turning station.

Abstract: An overhead rotatably powered conveyer drive shaft has ridges inter-engaged with skewed driven wheels mounted for free rotation on a load carrying carriage to trace a helical loci of engagement and improve traction. The ridges are preferably extruded to be parallel. The driven wheels may also have extruded parallel ridges or have an elastic peripheral surface deformed elastically into spaces between adjacent drive shaft ridges during normal conveying to provide the inter-engaging.

Abstract: A chain drive overhead conveyer extends through an oven to move carriages between exit and entrance ends of respective rotary drive shafts that are outside the oven. Driven wheels of the carriages are canted with respect to the rotary drive shafts so that when a drive shaft is rotated, a helical loci of engagement between the drive shaft and engaged driven wheels provides sufficient traction to propel the carriages along the conveying path outside the oven. Weight of loaded carriages is carried through carriage support wheels to a load support structure adjacent to and independently of the rotary drive shafts and the chain conveyer through the conveying path. Heat sensitive portions of the carriages, e.g. the driven wheels, are chilled at the exit of the oven.

Abstract: A conveyor system including a crank arm having a base end portion rotatably supported by a second support axle and a free end portion rotatably supporting a suspended supporting apparatus, and a swinging arm having a base end portion fixed to a first support axle and a front end portion coupled to an intermediate position of the crank arm. A movable bearing stand supporting the second support axle is provided to be movable toward and away from a fixed bearing stand supporting the first support axle. Further, a suspended section parallel link mechanism of a suspended supporting apparatus is so configured that a free end support axle is located above a line connecting suspension pins at both ends of an upper frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport vehicle comprising a load compartment having a front side and a rear side and a loading floor for supporting the load. The loading floor comprises conveyor belt means (3) that are moveable in a direction of movement between said front side and said rear side, and a support for the conveyor belt means, which is provided with transverse slats. The transport vehicle further comprises first accumulation means (4) for accumulating the conveyor belt means (3) near the rear side of the loading floor and first driving means for driving said first accumulation means (4). Adjacent slats (10, 11) interlock for transmitting pulling forces that occur in the conveyor belt means (3) during movement thereof.

Abstract: A link module suitable for use in a conveyor chain intended for travel along an intended direction on a given path. The module includes a first eye and a second eye adjacent the first eye. The eyes define a space therebetween. A roller assembly extends into the space and is detachably mounted between the first and second eyes.

Abstract: An automotive combination switch includes a housing having an opening through which a steering shaft passes, and a stork switch having a switch box, that is inserted and mounted in the housing and a manipulating rod protruding from the switching box. Snaps protruding from the outsides of walls of the switching box are snap-fitted into locking holes formed on walls of the housing. A claw of each snap is in elastical contact with a periphery of each locking hole by providing an elastic plate in the housing, and elastically contacting the elastic plate to a front of the switch box in the inserting direction.

Abstract: A switch comprises a first wafer having a thin-film structure defined thereon, a second wafer having a plurality of features defined therein, and a seal between the first wafer and the second wafer forming a two-wafer structure having a liquid metal microswitch defined therebetween.

Abstract: A movable contact assembly includes a base sheet made of insulating film, a contact provided under a bottom surface of the base sheet, and a conductive layer comprising silver paste on the base sheet. The silver paste contains 12 wt % to 15 wt % of resin binder and 35 wt % to 88 wt % of silver particles. The resin binder includes polyester resin having a glass-transition point ranging from 30° C. to 40° C. and an average molecular weight ranging from 30000 to 35000. The silver particles contain 70 wt % to 80 wt % of flake-shaped silver particles and 20 wt % to 30 wt % of dendritic silver particles. This conductive layer of the movable contact assembly can be baked at a low temperature, and does not have cracks and is not peeled off even when being bent. In addition, this conductive layer can easily cope with static electricity and has high reliability.

Abstract: Described is a device including a housing and a display arrangement. The housing is integrally formed (i.e., a single-piece housing) and has a predefined substantially transparent area. The housing has also at least one opening. The display arrangement is situated inside of the housing and is inserted into the housing through the opening and aligned with the predefined area.

Abstract: A locking switch assembly includes a cam, a plunger, and a locking mechanism. The cam is rotatably attached to a frame assembly and an end of the plunger is constructed to follow a contour of the cam. The plunger is movable between a plunger first position and a plunger second position. A pin is biased against the plunger and movable between a pin first position and a pin second position and locks the plunger in the plunger second position when the pin is in the pin second position. A breakable arm prevents movement of the plunger from the plunger second position to the plunger first position unless a force above a selected amount is applied to the cam when the plunger is in the plunger second position.

Abstract: A keypad (20) includes a plurality of keytops (22) and an elastic base (24). The keytops are integrally formed at one side of the elastic base. A manufacturing method of the keypad (20) is provided. An electronic device (30) employing the keypad is also provided. The keypad has good adhesion between the keytops and the elastic base, which can prevent separation between the keytop and the elastic base.

Abstract: The invention proposes a switch (10) comprising a casing (12) which carries a pair of fixed contact elements (48), a contact bar (96) which is movable between a rear closure position and a front opening position, and a member (60) for actuation of the movable contact bar (96) which is mounted so as to slide between a rear rest position and a front triggering position, the movable contact bar (96) and the actuation member (60) constituting a movable assembly, and the switch (10) comprising a return spring (108) which co-operates with the movable contact bar (96) so as to urge it towards its rear closure position.

Abstract: A system for recycling solid waste into energy includes a heated enclosure 66, one or more input conveyors 60, 67 move waste materials through the heated enclosure, provide a flow line with a temperature gradient of at least 150F°, and mechanically move the waste particles and the residual solids along the flow line. A heated rotary drum 74 is in fluid communication with the flow line, and condenser unit 94, 98 receive vapors from the flow line and the rotary drum and output hydrocarbons. One or more discharge conveyors 76 discharge carbon black from the rotary drum. Control valves 80, 82 seal a vacuum downstream from the discharge conveyors, and control valves 34, 46 seal vacuum upstream from the one or more input conveyors. Various types of vacuum pumps may be used to maintain a selected vacuum between the control valves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for producing ethanol from an organic source and that operates to purify and dry ethanol from a beer source. The system for producing substantially anhydrous ethanol comprises: (a) a first distillation stripping column that operates between 160 to 220 degrees F.; (b) a second distillation rectifying column having a higher operating temperature than said stripping column; (c) a molecular sieve dehydration means in fluid communication with said rectifying column; and (d) an energy control means.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming an amorphous carbon film, having the steps of: preparing at least two units of unbalanced magnetron sputtering evaporation sources, or at least one unit each of the unbalanced magnetron sputtering evaporation source and a magnetic field applied arc-discharge evaporation source, and using a solid carbon as a sputtering target material of at least one unit of the unbalanced magnetron sputtering evaporation source among the evaporation sources to thereby turn an atmosphere into an atmosphere of a mixed gas of an inert gas for sputtering and a carbon-containing gas. In this method, respective magnetic fields of the evaporation sources are reversed in polarity from a magnetic field of the evaporation source adjacent to the respective evaporation sources, and a pulse potential at a frequency in a range of 50 to 400 kHz is imparted to the respective unbalanced magnetron sputtering evaporation sources.

Abstract: Molding a carrier base from plastic having a curved base surface formed into a fixed shape prior to receiving a mirror coating. Sputtering a first mirror coating layer selected of chromium onto the curved base surface, wherein the first layer has a light reflectivity in the range of approximately 60% to 65% of visible electromagnetic radiation. Sputtering a second mirror coating layer of aluminum onto the first layer so that the second layer has a light reflectivity of at least about 80% of visible electromagnetic radiation and a maximum thickness of approximately 20% of the thickness of the first layer. The first and second mirror coating layers are applied to the curved base surface to have a combined layer thickness in the range of approximately 5 mm to 1 ?m. Applying an anti-scratch coating onto the second mirror coating layer to resist damage to the first and second mirror coating layers.

Abstract: This invention relates to an arc-based method for the deposition of insulating layers and to an arc-based method for low-temperature coating processes, in which an electric arc discharge, ignited and applied on the surface of a target in an arc source, is simultaneously fed a direct current and a pulsed or alternating current. The invention further relates to an arc source in which the target is connected to a power supply unit that encompasses either a minimum of one pulsed high-current power supply 18, 18? and an additional power supply 13?, 18?, or a power supply 21, 21?, 22 designed with switchable combinatorial circuitry.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating gas by electrolysis of a liquid comprises an electrolysis cell, and first, second and third chambers. Liquid for supply to the electrolysis cell is stored in the first chamber. The second chamber contains liquid which is a product of the electrolysis reaction and is enriched with a first gaseous product of the electrolysis reaction, and has an outlet for controlled release of the first gaseous product. The third chamber contains liquid which is a product of the electrolysis reaction and is enriched with a second gaseous product of the electrolysis reaction, and has an outlet for controlled release of the third gaseous product. A first channel which connects the first and second chambers, and a second channel which connects the second and third chambers.

Abstract: An electrode having a valve metal substrate and an electrocatalytic surface composition comprising titanium dioxide doped with bismuth is provided, and an electrolytic water purification process utilizing this electrode, wherein organic substances dissolved or dispersed in water are oxidized and degraded in a nonselective manner with good current efficiency.

Abstract: An electrochemical device includes a pair of electrodes, an electrolytic solution, and a container for containing the pair of electrodes and the electrolytic solution. The container includes a frame body having concave shape and a sealing plate configured to seal an opening of the frame body, and an electronic device is buried in the frame body or the sealing plate.

Abstract: A downsized biosensor in which an electrode is formed on one sheet of electrically-insulated substrate, and a sheet of flat substrate is worked three-dimensionally so as to dispose the electrode on the inner side of the substrate to provide a two-dimensional or three-dimensional electrode disposition, whereby a sample introduced by capillary phenomenon can be measured quantitatively in a small space. A production method of a biosensor comprising the steps of bending a plate member so as to position an electrode formed on the surface of the electrically-insulated plane member on the inner side, and disposing the electrode in a space surrounded by a substrate and a cover to thereby form the substrate and the cover from one sheet of plate member.

Abstract: A test system for measuring analyte concentration in a fluid sample includes: (i) a capillary-fill biosensor (20) having a working electrode (24), a reference electrode (22) and a separate counter electrode (23), arranged such that a fluid sample which flows evenly along the capillary flow path will substantially completely cover the reference electrode (22) before the fluid sample makes contact with any part of the counter electrode (23); and (ii) a test meter (42) for receiving the biosensor (20), the meter (42) including: first signal circuitry (31) for producing a first signal when an electrical circuit is detected between the reference electrode (22) and the working electrode (24); second signal circuitry (33) for producing a second signal when an electrical circuit is detected between the counter electrode (23) and at least one of the reference electrode (22) and the working electrode (24); a timer (35) for determining the time interval between production of said first signal and said second sign

Abstract: The present discloses an ion sensor and its readout circuit. The sensor includes potentiometric, amperometric ion sensors or dual mode electrochemical sensor. The dual mode electrochemical sensors can be measured by the same measurement circuit system. The dual mode sensors are extended gate ion sensitive field effect transistors and amperometric biosensors. The measurement circuit system is adaptable to the different mode sensors.

Abstract: A sensor element is described, which is used in particular for detecting a physical property of a measuring gas, preferably for determining the oxygen partial pressure in an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The sensor element contains at least one electrochemical measuring cell, which includes a first electrode and a second electrode, which are electrically connected by a solid electrolyte. The second electrode is in a gas chamber, which is connected to the measuring gas located outside the sensor element via a first element having a catalytically active material and a second diffusion-limiting element. The first element has a length of at least 1 mm in the diffusion direction of the measuring gas.

Abstract: A plural-cell gas sensor including at least an oxygen pump cell (40) comprising a solid electrolyte ceramic layer; an internal space (210) formed between the cells; and a heater substrate (190) arranged on the side of the oxygen pump cell; the heater substrate heating the oxygen pump cell that pumps oxygen out of the internal space.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus of immobilizing a biocatalyst on a microfluidic biochip for conducting reactions in the presence of electroosmotic flow. The biochip includes a polymer on its microfluidic flow surfaces, wherein the polymer includes a first substituent selected from ionic groups of the same polarity or precursors thereof, a second substituent that is a hydrophobic group, and a third substituent comprising an immobilized biocatalyst- or precursor thereof. The biochip can be used to conduct multiple sequential biocatalyzed reactions in the presence of electroosmotic flow.

Abstract: A method for batch fabricating electron emission source of electrophoresis deposited carbon nanotubes includes preparing a semi-manufactured cathode structure and a metallic plate connected with electrophoresis electrodes. The cathode structure and the metallic plate that are parallel to each other are separated with a fixed distance and are rinsed in an electrophoresis solution. A processe is performed to remove the bubbles formed in the cathode structure, and to electrophoresis deposit the carbon nanotubes onto the cathode structure. After each deposition process is completed, the cathode structure is baked under a low temperature so as to remove the residual solution remained on the cathode structure. After a homogeneous carbon nanotubes layer is deposited to form the electron emission source, a sintering process is performed so as to transfer the chargers into conductive metallic oxide salts. Thereby, the electron conduction of the carbon nanotubes and the cathode electrode layer is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention has for its object to provide a method of forming an electrocoating film having an excellent smoothness and exceptionally high dielectric properties with a drastically reduced incidence of pinhole formation, such an electrocoating film, and such an electrodeposited article. A method of forming an electrocoating film comprising coating a work with an electrocoating composition curable by heating and irradiation with an activation energy beam in which an electrodepositing step, an aqueous cleaning step, a pre-baking step, an activation energy beam irradiation step, and a post-baking step are serially carried out in the order mentioned.

Abstract: Electroosmotic flow controllers and methods of fluid flow control are described. The invention uses an electroosmotically generated flow component in conjunction with a pressure driven flow component to modulate fluid flow. The devices and methods of the invention may include salt bridges for making electrical connection between a power supply and a channel filled with a porous dielectric material and a fluid. Embodiments including flow controllers and flow splitters are described as is their use in a variety of fluid handling applications.

Abstract: A nozzle plate component manufactured by forming a layer of photoresist on a substrate and selectively exposing and removing material to define an array of distinct bodies. Nickel is then electroformed around the bodies to form a plate, with nozzles subsequently formed by ablation through the photoresist. The process can essentially be repeated to form a guard structure around each nozzle.

Abstract: A method of selectively depositing metal features on a conductive surface of a substrate. An electrode assembly that includes a plurality of electrodes connected in series so as to be oppositely polarized when a voltage is applied thereacross is positioned over the conductive surface of the substrate. The plurality of electrodes is in close proximity to, but does not contact, the conductive surface of the substrate. Positively charged portions and negatively charged portions of the conductive surface of the substrate are created and metal ions are deposited on the negatively charged portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for operating and controlling the temperature of inert electrodes during production of molten aluminium by electrolysis of an aluminous ore, preferably alumina, dissolved in molten salts, preferably a fluoride based electrolyte, in an electrolysis cell with vertical or essentially vertical electrode configuration. The invention describes methods of designing and operating inert electrodes in a vertical and/or inclined position for production of aluminium metal, where said electrodes have an operating temperature that may deviate from the electrolyte temperature, thereby controlling the dissolution of electrode materials and preventing solid deposit formation on the electrodes. The present invention is also applicable to aluminium production cells utilising inert electrodes in a horisontal configuration, and traditional Hall-Hèroult cells retrofitted with inert anodes.

Abstract: An organic compound hydrogenation apparatus 1 of the present invention includes a reaction cell 13 to which an electrolytic solution is supplied, and an anode 11 and a cathode 12 arranged in the reaction cell 13, in which the cathode 12 is made of a material including a hydrogen storage material, the cathode being arranged as a tubular member so that an organic compound as an object to be treated circulates thereinside. The present invention having the arrangement described above can provide a method for hydrogenating organic compounds and an organic compound hydrogenation apparatus that can enhance efficiency of hydrogenation of the organic compound.

Abstract: A method of operating an integrated hydrogen production and processing system is provided. The method includes operating an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen from water and utilizing heat generated from the electrolyzer to increase a temperature of an electrolyte in a first mode of operation. The method also includes heating the electrolyte in a second mode of operation by extracting heat from a hydrogen compressor to increase or maintain the temperature of the electrolyte during periods when electrolysis is not performed in the electrolyzer or during startup of the electrolyzer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for electrochemical disinfection of water without addition of chemical products, by means of at least one cell, comprising an anode (1) and a cathode (2), contained in a housing (3), provided with inlet (4) and outlet means (5) for water. Said method is characterised in essentially comprising: a) circulating the water for disinfection in a laminar or quasi-laminar manner, in the space between the catalytic faces opposite the anode (1) and the cathode (2) of a given cell, b) using opposing catalytic faces with identical surfaces, c) supplying electrically each pair of anode and cathode by means of connections (1A) and (2A), arranged in opposition.

Abstract: An ion-removing apparatus includes a housing, a first ion-removing unit and a second ion-removing unit. The housing includes an inlet port, a liquid discharge port and a gas discharge port. The first ion-removing unit is disposed within the housing, so that the fluid that has entered the housing via the inlet port flows through the first ion-removing unit. The first ion-removing unit serves to remove a first ion, such anions, contained in the fluid. The second ion-removing unit is disposed within the housing, so that the fluid that has flown though the first ion-removing unit flows through the first ion-removing unit. The second ion-removing unit serves to remove a second ion, such as cations contained in the fluid. The liquid contained in the fluid that has flown through the second ion-removing unit is discharged from the liquid discharge port. The gas contained in the fluid that has flown through the second ion-removing unit is discharged from the gas discharge port.

Abstract: A contact lens package that is reusable as a case to store a contact lens between uses includes a bottom member having a well with an inside generally concave shape, and a wall rising above the well and ending in a top rim defining an opening; a temporary seal comprising a moisture-proof film sealed across the top rim to seal the opening, thus defining a volume within the package, the volume containing a contact lens and contact lens fluid; and a cap secured to the bottom member covering the temporary seal, the cap being removable to give access to the temporary seal and replaceable on the bottom member thereafter to provide storage of the contact lens between uses thereof.

Abstract: Novelty dispensing packages (20, 66, 102) are provided which include a base (22, 68, 104) presenting one or more concavities (40, 86, 88) adapted to receive a stack (28, 74, 76, 110) of individually dispensable, image-bearing, adhesive tabs (30). The packages (20, 66, 102) also include preferably transparent upper covers (24, 70, 106) which mate with the bases (22, 68, 104), as well as image-bearing panels (26, 72, 108) which are sandwiched between the bases (22, 68, 104) and the covers (24, 70, 106). Preferably, the visible images on the panels (26, 72, 108) relate to the images provided on the individual tabs (30).

Abstract: A package is formed from a carton and containers extending through a bottom panel of the carton. The carton also includes a top panel, and an intermediate panel located between the top and bottom panels. The intermediate panel acts to stabilize the containers within the carton.

Abstract: My unit can safely store anything from small items such as wallets and purses to larger items such as laptops and briefcases. This idea came about due to lack of storage space, and needing a way to keep things orderly. It is a way of keeping the appearance of the items in good clean condition. The materials can be made of many different textures and there can be an array of color combinations. The compartments of the unit are in different sizes with the smaller ones at the top and working the way down to the larger ones at the bottom.

Abstract: There is provided a bag storing and carrying shoe(s), the arrangement of which includes at least one cavity or compartment to receive independently a shoe, preferably in a pair of cavities or compartments to receive independently each of pair of shoes, with the cavity or compartment defined by an apertured enclosure wall.

Abstract: An anti-theft security device has a case having a front case and a rear case pivotably connected to each other and receiving information storage media in a space formed between the front case and the rear case, a hub formed at a center of an inner surface of one of the front and rear cases and to which the information storage media is detachably fixed, a separation prevention member inserted into the case through a side of the case and passing through the hub across over the information storage media fixed to the hub to prevent the information storage media from being separated from the hub, and a locking device selectively inserted along an insertion passage formed at a side of the case to prevent the separation prevention member from being separated from the case and to lock the case. According to the anti-theft security device, it is certainly possible to maintain the locked state of the case.

Abstract: Disclosed is a package for storing one or more disc-shaped elements. The package includes a housing structure that defines an internal chamber. The housing structure has at least one open end that provides access to the internal chamber. The package also includes at least one tray for holding a disc-shaped element. The tray is pivotably mounted to the housing and is movable from a first position wherein the tray is contained entirely within the internal chamber of the housing and a second position wherein the tray extends at least partially from the open end of the housing structure. The tray(s) used in the package include a first tray portion having upper and lower surfaces and a second tray portion having upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: An inner core structure of a golf club bag is installed in an interior of golf club bag for preventing more than ten golf clubs from being interleaved in the bag such that they are difficult to retrieve, shafts and handles are scratched with each other and damaged, and club heads are collided in an opening of bag. When the golf club is inserted into an interior of golf club bag, each golf club is positioned in an independent nest of tube, which will not interfere with each other, and can be convenient for retrieving and emplacing. In addition, a difference in heights will be generated to the club heads which are configured at the opening of golf club bag, so as to reduce a collision and to provide a protection function whether in playing the golf or transporting the golf club bag.

Abstract: A paint roller cover storage system includes a paint roller cover container sized to store a single paint roller cover. A resealable closure selectively closes the paint roller cover container to form a generally airtight environment such that a paint-wet paint roller cover may be stored—such as overnight—until further painting will occur.