Abstract: A mountainous or valley-shaped curved part 13 is provided in a part of a footstep guide rail 3 for guiding a movement of footstep rollers 5 linked by a footstep chain 7, the part being positioned in the vicinity of a drive sprocket 9. Consequently, owing to meshing of the footstep rollers 5 with the drive sprocket 9, an unevenness in velocity of the footstep rollers 5 is absorbed by the curved part 13, so that a moving velocity of the footstep rollers 5 moving on the downstream of the curved part 13 is maintained constantly, suppressing vibrating of the footsteps 4.

Abstract: An arrangement for a base region of an escalator or moving walkway includes an external covering element for being attached in the base region of the escalator or moving walkway. A substructure includes a profile, a support element extending from the profile and a magnet disposed on the support element. The external covering element is detachably mounted to the substructure in a region of the profile and in a region of the magnet.

Abstract: A positive displacement sorter apparatus includes a plurality of interconnected slats defining an endless web. An upper run of the web defines a conveying surface. Pusher shoes move along at least some of the slats to laterally displace an article on the conveying surface. The pusher shoes have slat engagement portions engaging the slats at shoe-engaging portions of the slats. Each of the pusher shoes has a body generally surrounding at least one of the slats. The body is substantially made of a first polymeric material. The slat engaging portions are substantially made of a second polymeric material that is different from the first polymeric material.

Abstract: A system and a method for feeding a solid into a solid deposition system is described. Solid contained in a hopper is directed into a vibratory bowl. The frequency of the vibrations of the vibratory bowl can be modulated by a feedback system. The solid can then be entrained in a carrier gas which can flow to a distributor for deposition on a substrate.

Abstract: Belt apparatus includes clip assemblies that releasably retain objects to the belt to convey the objects from a point of origination to a destination point. A feed system feeds the objects onto the belt apparatus at the point of origination and a deflector apparatus removes the objects from the belt at the destination point.

Abstract: A vertical conveyor for conveying a stream of closely spaced articles along a conveyor path includes at least one pair of roller chain assemblies that face the conveyor path. Each chain assembly includes a roller chain carrying grippers that extend into the conveyor path to securely hold articles between them. Bearings engage the roller chain to limit chain deflection under load to assure reliable conveyance of the articles.

Abstract: A multidirectional input device is provided. A multidirectional input device includes a keytop capable of moving up and down through pressing. A membrane switch that has a plurality of switch elements and is arranged on the side that faces the reverse side of said key top. A plurality of domed switch operating assembly arranged above said plurality of switch elements are capable of switching on said switching elements. The plurality of switch operating assemblies are connected with strip-shaped joint portions to be integrated. Upon pressing the key top, at least one of said plurality of switch operating assemblies is pressed, and thereby at least one of said plurality of switch elements can be switched on.

Abstract: An electromechanical device including a key top member (i.e., a push button cover device) used in a push button mechanism. The key top member has a main body, a frame surrounding the main body, and a hinge portion supporting the key top main body. The hinge portion is formed integrally to the frame. The electromechanical device can be used in an operation panel of an image forming apparatus. The hinge and the main body are less susceptible to breakage during transport, installation and maintenance because they are surrounded by the frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide a protective cover over one or more switches on an electronic device. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device includes a housing having a first perforation and a switch coupled to the housing. A switch cover may be placed over the switch to prevent operation of the switch, with the switch cover having a second perforation that aligns with the first perforation of the housing. A locking mechanism may be inserted at least partially through the first and second perforations to lock the switch cover to the electronic device.

Abstract: A motion sensor for tire pressure monitors and other applications includes an insulative collar, a conductive coil spring mounted on the cap, a conductive connector that extend through the cap and connects to the spring, and a conductive can around and spaced from the spring. The cap closes and seals the open end of the can. Acceleration of the motion sensor causes the coil spring to make electrical contact with the can to act as a switch closure.

Abstract: In a pressure switch with a housing in which a plunger element is located that is movable against a spring force of a first elastic element—contacts being located directly or indirectly on the plunger element, and the first elastic element being located on the side of the plunger element facing toward or away from the media connection—a second elastic element is provided, against the spring force of which the plunger element can be moved. As a result, the pressure switch can be used for pressures>200 bar in situations where overall dimensions are small.

Abstract: The switch disclosed comprises bosses, protruding outward from side surfaces of the case, located below the supports extending downward to catch the side surfaces of the case. Even if the switches collide with each other or with tools or the like occasionally, the bosses prevent the supports of cover from being put an outward force and thereby prevent the cover from coming off from the case. The structure can provide the switch with a reliable operationality.

Abstract: A keypad assembly including a light guide plate, a keypad, and reflective layers is disclosed. The light guide plate includes reflective patterns that are locally formed on the bottom surface of the light guide plate to reflect a part of light going into the light guide plate to the top surface of the light guide plate. The keypad includes a pad that is in the shape of a box whose bottom is opened by sidewalls and surrounds the remaining portions of the light guide plate except for the bottom surface of the light guide plate and at least one key button placed on the top surface of the pad and outputting light reflected from the reflective patterns to their outside. The reflective layers are formed at the sidewalls of the pad facing the sides of the light guide plate to reflect light irradiated from the sides of the light guide plate back to the sides of the light guide plate.

Abstract: The invention proposes a switch (10) comprising a bottom contact-holder (12) supporting two fixed electric contacts (30, 30B), an actuation member (54) and an intermediate conductive contact strip (14) that can be deformed elastically in order to modify the electric connection between the two fixed contacts (3030B) and that comprises two opposite longitudinal branches (40) connected to the front transverse contact arm (38B), characterized in that each branch (40) is curved and the switch comprises an actuation plate (16) which is interposed between the actuation member (54) and the contact strip (14) and which interacts with the tops (64) of the longitudinal branches (40) to deform the contact strip (14).

Abstract: A desalinator is disclosed wherein the energy required for evaporation is provided primarily by the energy released during condensation in a counterflow heat exchanger consisting of an outer chamber and an inner tube or tubes. Sea water is evaporated into air at ambient pressure in the inner tube; this air-vapor mixture is then heated and reintroduced into the outer chamber where it heats the contents in the inner tube as it cools and its vapor condenses to distilled water.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of photochemical transformation of metallic and non-metallic ions in an aqueous environment. The method comprises exposing the ions to UV irradiation in the presence of an organic acid. The aqueous ions are reduced by the method and may form hydrides, alkyl or carbonyl compounds.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for forming a metal layer in a via of a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate, the substrate having a plurality of vias formed therein, forming a first portion of a metal layer outwardly from the substrate using a long throw sputtering process, and forming a second portion of the metal layer outwardly form the first portion of the metal layer using a short throw sputtering process. The first and second portions of the metal layer equal a total thickness of the metal layer.

Abstract: There are provided a method and an apparatus which form silicon dots having substantially uniform particle diameters and exhibiting a substantially uniform density distribution directly on a substrate at a low temperature. A hydrogen gas (or a hydrogen gas and a silane-containing gas) is supplied into a vacuum chamber (1) provided with a silicon sputter target (e.g., target 30), or the hydrogen gas and the silane-containing gas are supplied into the chamber (1) without arranging the silicon sputter target therein, a high-frequency power is applied to the gas(es) so that plasma is generated such that a ratio (Si(288 nm)/H?) between an emission intensity Si(288 nm) of silicon atoms at a wavelength of 288 nm and an emission intensity H? of hydrogen atoms at a wavelength of 484 nm in plasma emission is 10.0 or lower, and preferably 3.0 or lower, or 0.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to form an exemplary memory structure by flowing argon gas and oxygen gas in a deposition chamber; providing a low oxygen flow rate approximately between 0 and ten percent (10%) of an argon flow rate, a pressure approximately between 2×10?5 Torr and 1×10?3 Torr, and a deposition temperature approximately between 340° C. and 450° C.; and the composition of sputtering target is PCMO (Pr1-xCaXMnO3, where X is between 0.1 and 0.9). The process forms a PCMO (Pr1-xCaXMnO3, X=0.1-0.9) material film on the wafer.

Abstract: A transparent conductive oxide (TCO) based film is formed on a substrate. The film may be formed by sputter-depositing, so as to include both a primary dopant (e.g., Al) and a co-dopant (e.g., Ag). The benefit of using the co-dopant in depositing the TCO inclusive film may be two-fold: (a) it may prevent or reduce self-compensation of the primary dopant by a more proper positioning of the Fermi level, and/or (b) it may promote declustering of the primary dopant, thereby freeing up space in the metal sublattice and permitting more primary dopant to create electrically active centers so as to improve conductivity of the film. Accordingly, the use of the co-dopant permits the primary dopant to be more effective in enhancing conductivity of the TCO inclusive film, without significantly sacrificing visible transmission characteristics. An example TCO in certain embodiments is ZnAlOx:Ag.

Abstract: A cylinder containing electrolyte is rotated at a very high speed, which facilitates dissociation of the electrolyte, producing oxygen and hydrogen as well as generating an increased potential difference between an insulated, central cathode and grounded, peripheral, multiple, moving anodes. When the anodes are close to the cathode, there is an easier rupture of the hydrated dipoles and separation into the component gases. As a central shell of hydrogen grows bigger around the cathode, the anodes, controlled by an electromagnetic device or mechanical gears move away from the cathode to the periphery of the cylinder, continually providing a short distance of migration of the described ions. As the molecules dissociate, the temperature drops. This collateral energy could also be used, adding to the efficiency of the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrolysis cell system comprising a cell, a water source disposed in fluid communication with the cell, an electrical source disposed in electrical communication with the cell, and a cascade section disposed in fluid communication with the cell. The cascade section comprises a piping network configured to distribute fluid to a first storage zone, the first storage zone being in fluid communication with a second storage zone.

Abstract: A silicon film forming apparatus includes a deposition chamber (10), a silicon sputter target (2) arranged in the chamber, a hydrogen gas supply circuit (102 or 102?) supplying a hydrogen gas into the chamber, and a high-frequency power applying device (antenna 1, 1?, power source PW and others) generating inductively coupled plasma by applying high-frequency power to the gas supplied into the deposition chamber (10). Chemical sputtering is effected on the target (2) by the plasma to form a silicon film on a substrate S. A silane gas may be used. A silane gas supply circuit (101) may be provided with a gas reservoir unit (GR). The silicon film can be formed inexpensively and fast at a relatively low temperature.

Abstract: A coupling system (10) to releasably affix a cylindrical target (12) to a spindie (14) comprises the following parts: a) a spindle (14) terminating in a flange portion (16); b) a cylindrical target (12) having at its end a grooved outside circumferential surface (18); c) an interface ring (20) having a circumferential inner or outer surface (22) adapted to engage respectively with the grooved outside or inside circumferential surface (22) of the cylindrical target (12); d) a clamping ring (26) adapted to engage at its one side with the flange portion (16) and to engage radially at its other side with the interface ring (20) to hold the cylindrical target (12) to the spindle (14); e) one or more sealing rings (30) between the spindle (14) and the cylindrical target (12). The interface ring (20) makes it possible to use particular types of cylindrical targets (12) with other types of spindles (14).

Abstract: An enhanced sputtering target is provided for use in a magnetron sputtering system. The sputtering target includes an active surface from which target material is sputtered and a back surface opposite the active surface. At least one magnet is embedded in the back surface of the target and is oriented to increase the magnetic field passing through the active surface of the target.

Abstract: A variable thickness sputtering target which increases the target material thickness at strategic locations to greatly improve the yield of usable wafers per target, and a method of manufacturing such target comprising forming a generally flat and circularly shaped target blank so that a thickness dimension between the top and bottom surfaces decreases as a function of radius of the target blank. The variable thickness target blank is then formed into a variable thickness dome shaped target member having a bottom portion and a sidewall portion, wherein a wall thickness of said variable thickness dome-shaped target member is thickest proximate a center portion of said bottom portion. In one embodiment of the invention, the variable thickness target blank is formed by clock rolling (or compression rolling) the target blank with crowned rolls to obtain a variable thickness target blank.

Abstract: Novel transition metal complexes of iron, cobalt, ruthenium, osmium, and vanadium are described. The transition metal complexes can be used as redox mediators in enzyme based electrochemical sensors. In such instances, transition metal complexes accept electrons from, or transfer electrons to, enzymes at a high rate and also exchange electrons rapidly with the sensor. The transition metal complexes include at least one substituted or unsubstituted biimidazole ligand and may further include a second substituted or unsubstituted biimidazole ligand or a substituted or unsubstituted bipyridine or pyridylimidazole ligand. Transition metal complexes attached to polymeric backbones are also described.

Abstract: Sensors and methods for producing them are disclosed. A cavity is created and filled with a reagent that includes a conductive matrix, enzyme, catalyst, and binding agent, in a preferred embodiment. The cavity is substantially enclosed, leaving enough of an opening to allow the sample to enter. A portion of the material surrounding the cavity is preferably permeable to a substance useful for measuring reaction, but not to the reagent or the sample. Cavities that have the shape of a cone, conical frustum, pyramidal frustum, and right circular cylinder are given as examples. Other systems include a membrane that contains the sensor's active area and defines an internal volume of fluid, where the membrane or internal volume has a particular geometric relationship to the active area.

Abstract: A gas concentration measuring system for use in air-fuel ratio control of motor vehicle engines is provided which is designed to determine the concentrations of oxygen as a function of an air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to the engine through a sensor element. The sensor element is activated by heat produced by an electric heater. The system works to sample the accumulated amount of energy inputted to the sensor element by the heat produced by the heater to determine whether the sensor element has been activated enough to produce an output representing an actual value of the air-fuel ratio correctly or not. Use of the accumulated amount of energy inputted to the sensor element will result in a decreased time required for such a determination as compared with the impedance of the sensor element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the selective absorption of oxygen from a gas mixture, preferably ambient air, into a liquid medium, followed by releasing of the oxygen so as to make it available in a concentrated form as a reaction partner for combustion or oxidation reactions, at least one ionic compound which is liquid at the respective processing temperature being used as a medium. The inventive method is characterized in that at least one ionic liquid is used as a medium, which has great reversible oxygen absorbing capacity that is selective towards other gases, particularly nitrogen.

Abstract: A gas sensor element having an element body, the element body including: a ceramic heater having ceramic layers and a heater element embedded in the ceramic layers; and a solid electrolyte layer including a detection section covered by a pair of electrodes, the solid electrolyte layer being laminated together with the ceramic heater. Furthermore, the element body has a width at a front portion including the detection section smaller than at a rear portion, and at least both side edge faces of the front portion of the element body are covered with a porous layer.

Abstract: A method of preparing an ionic conducting gel in solid form, known as ionogel. The method includes a step of mixing an ionic liquid with at least one molecular precursor containing at least one hydrolyzable group, if necessary in the presence of an acid, such as a carboxylic acid. The mixture is subsequently left to stand for one or more days until a gel is formed by polycondensation of the molecular precursor(s). The gel contains the aforementioned ionic liquid and can be set, in particular in transparent monolithic solid form.

Abstract: An insert element for a gel electrophoresis device, the insert element comprising a carrier element comprising one or more gel strip receptions, wherein each of the one or more gel strip receptions is adapted to receive a gel strip, and wherein each of the one or more gel strip receptions is adapted to receive a compartment frame to be located close to the gel strip.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement for a gel electrophoresis device, the electrode arrangement comprising a first electrode member adapted to provide an electrical contact with at least two gel strips individually so that each electrical signal of the at least two gel strips is controllable and/or monitorable separately.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement for a gel electrophoresis device, the electrode arrangement comprising a first electrode member adapted to provide an electrical contact with one or more gel strips, wherein the first electrode member comprises a first locking element to lock the first electrode member to the gel electrophoresis device.

Abstract: A fuel-cell stack is provided wherein an insulating resin layer having good electrical insulation characteristics is inserted between a terminal and end plate, so that an insulating plate is discarded so as to make the same more lightweight and downsized. It comprises a battery-cell group wherein a plurality of battery cells and separators are arranged; and terminal plates 1 and end plates 3 that are arranged on each end portion of the battery-cell group. The end plates 3 are formed as metal plate members having surfaces 31 opposing to the terminal plates 1. A polyimide film 35 is formed as an insulating resin layer at least on the opposing surface 31 of the end plate 3 for electrically insulating between the end plate 3 and terminal plate 1 by an electro-deposition coating method.

Abstract: A method for depositing a nanostructure-containing material onto an object or substrate includes one or more of the following: (1) forming a solution or suspension of nanostructure-containing material, (2) selectively adding “chargers” to the solution, (3) immersing electrodes in the solution, the substrate or object upon which the nanostructure material is to be deposited acting as one of the electrodes, (4) applying a direct and/or alternating current electrical field between the two electrodes for a certain period of time thereby causing the nanostructure materials in the solution to migrate toward and attach themselves to the substrate electrode, and (5) subsequent optional processing of the coated substrate. Associated objects and devices are also provided. A method for separating nanostructures based on their properties and/or geometry is also described.

Abstract: Copper plating baths containing a leveling agent that is a reaction product of a compound including a heteroatom chosen from nitrogen, sulfur and a mixture of nitrogen and sulfur, with a polyepoxide compound containing an ether linkage that deposit copper on the surface of an electronic device and in apertures on such substrate are provided. Such plating baths deposit a copper layer on the substrate surface that is substantially planar across a range of electrolyte concentrations. Methods of depositing copper layers using such copper plating baths are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of reducing tin whisker formation by creating a tin deposit which is inherently less prone to tin whisker formation or growth facilitated by oxide presence or corrosion reactions on the tin deposit surface. This is obtained by one or more of: (i) the deposition of a fine-grained tin deposit having an average grain diameter in the range of 0.05 to 5 microns; (ii) a phosphorous compound in the solution that is used to electroplate the tin deposit so that that the deposit incorporates trace amounts of phosphorous which in turn reduces tin whisker formation by preventing surface oxides even when exposed to heat or humidity; or (iii) a phosphorous compound, mercaptan, or organic or organo-metallic compound in a solution that applies a protective coating to the surface of a previously electroplated tin deposit, wherein the protective coating acts to minimize or prevent oxide formation or corrosion of the tin deposit during exposure to heat or humidity.

Abstract: A water treatment system is disclosed having electrolytic cell for liberating hydrogen from a base solution. The base solution may be a solution of brine for generating sodium hypochlorite, or potable water to be oxidized. The cell has first and second opposing electrode endplates held apart from each other by a pair of supports such that the supports enclose opposing sides of the endplates to form a cell chamber. One or more inner electrode plates are spaced apart from each other in the cell chamber in between the first and second electrode plates. The supports are configured to electrically isolate the first and second electrode plates and the inner electrode plates from each other. The first and second electrode plates are configured to receive opposite polarity charges that passively charge the inner electrode plates via conduction from the base solution to form a chemical reaction in the base solution as the base solution passes through the cell chamber.

Abstract: In a process for producing sodium hypochlorite in an electrolytic cell comprises forming an aqueous based chloride solution with a chloride salt; controlling the concentration of chloride within the solution to an amount comprising less than 25 g/L chloride salt; piping the salt solution to the electrolytic cell, the electrolytic cell comprising an anode and a cathode, the cathode comprising a metallic base material, a first coating on the metallic base material and a second non-conductive ceramic coating on the metallic base material. The chloride solution is then in contact with the anodes and cathodes and an electric current is sent throughout the electrolytic cell to produce hypochlorite. During this process the electric current is controlled so that the power consumption is less than 2.5 kWh per pound of hypochlorite produced and the resulting cell efficiency comprises less than 2.5 kg of chloride salt consumed for every 1 kg of hypochlorite generated.

Abstract: An electrolyzer (16) having opposed electrodes (44, 46) to produce hydrogen gas operates at a pressure greater than 5.5 MPa, where SO2 is liquefied, and a reaction phase (48) of liquid SO2 and H2O which is passed to the electrolyzer where liquid SO3 is formed as a bottom phase (54), and where the amount of water present is less than two moles per mole of liquid SO2.

Abstract: A conductive detecting electrode (2), first blocking molecules (21) formed so as to cover a surface of the detecting electrode (2), the first blocking molecules decreasing adsorption of an intercalating agent to the surface of the detecting electrode (2), a target-complementary probe (23) immobilized to the detecting electrode (2) via a spacer member (22) comprising straight chain organic molecules, the target-complementary probe including a base sequence complementary to a target base sequence which is an object of detection, a conductive comparison electrode (3), and second blocking molecules (31) formed so as to cover a surface of the comparison electrode (3), the second blocking molecules decreasing adsorption of an intercalating agent to the surface of the comparison electrode (3), are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous solution for calibrating conductometric measuring cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a convenient and unobtrusive means for carrying necessary emergency medication. The apparatus comprises a substantially hollow container member having an opening on at least one end thereof, such container member for holding such emergency medication. There is at least one closure member for closing the opening on at least one end of the substantially hollow container member so that such emergency medication disposed within such container member will not fall out. A clip member is disposed on one of an outer surface of the container member and the closure member for securing such apparatus to a shirt pocket.

Abstract: A container having a longitudinal dimension may comprise a first pocket member, a second pocket member, and a third pocket member each having substantially the same longitudinal dimension, with the third pocket member being sandwiched between the first and second pocket members. A first pocket may be defined by the second and third pocket members, and a second pocket may be defined by the first and third pocket members. The first, second, and third pocket members may each have a free edge, and the free edges may cooperate with one another to form openings to the first and second pockets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sealed flexible plastic packages for golf balls.

Abstract: A lens frame capable of accurately holding a lens, a production method thereof, a mold for molding the lens frame, and method for positioning the lens are provided. The lens frame according to the invention includes a cylindrical body and three ribs on an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body also has an inner circumferential surface including contacting portions where the ribs are formed on the outer circumferential surface, and spaced portions where the ribs are not formed thereon. A radius r1 of the contacting portions differs from a radius r2 of the spaced portions by 2 ?m or more (r1?r2>=2 ?m).

Abstract: A rotary wrench display bracket comprises a retaining frame composed of a swing arm and a U-shaped retaining plate. A pivotal portion is extended from the retaining frame, whereby the retaining frame will rotate about the pivotal portion through the swing arm. The retaining frame further includes an inner U-shaped flexible plate for retaining a wrench going into the retaining frame. Thereby, the wrench can be secured on the display bracket and can swing smoothly about a connecting mount it is confined.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a container for storing a shaving implement includes a base portion and lid portion. The base portion includes a first cavity sized for receiving a dispenser for replacement razor cartridges as well as a second cavity sized for receiving the shaving implement. The lid portion is hingedly connected to the base portion, and is moveable between a closed position and an open position. When the lid portion is in the closed position, the shaving implement is substantially enclosed therein. The container can also serve as packaging material by inserting an informational card partially within the second cavity, and placing shrinkwrap material around the container (in the closed position) such that at least a portion of the dispenser for replacement razor cartridges are between the container and the shrinkwrap material. The informational card includes a hole for hanging the packaged shaving implement on a store shelf.