Abstract: A disposable dental flossing device utilized by patients with orthodontic appliance generally worn to correct teeth misalignment. The appliance is adjoined to the teeth by brackets and is connected to each other by an arched wire which is secured by bands and or wire linkage. The orthodontic flosser is comprised of two arms, the inner arm which is slightly curved outward and rounded in shape being connected to the outer arm by the floss line which is used to dislodge particles between the teeth of the orthodontic patient. The outer arm is connected to the bridge of the orthodontic flossing device that joins the inner arm and the handle together. The handle end includes a thin tapered point that also dislodges particles from the orthodontic patient's teeth and appliance.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a disk-shape glass substrate, which comprises rotating the disk-shape glass substrate on its center with its main surface vertical, and making a cleaning fluid irradiated with ultrasonic waves run down on the outer peripheral edge surface of the rotating glass substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for sanitizing an item, such as a grocery store shopping cart or a child stroller, for re-use utilizes a passageway having an entrance and an exit and a source of ozinated water. A pump and an associated piping network are used to direct the water, when in an ozinated condition, from the source toward the item so that the surfaces of the item which are struck by the ozinated water are sanitized thereby. The water can be collected after it has been directed toward the item for subsequent use in the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a backwash system for cleaning an underwater intake filter assembly is disclosed. The backwash system includes an underwater tank coupled on one end to a source of compressed fluid and on the other end to the intake screen assembly. The backwash system includes a U-shaped release conduit that is adapted to release a predetermined quantity of fluid to the intake screen in order to clean the filter assembly of waterborne debris.

Abstract: Process for the treatment of cork or a cork-based material particularly with a view towards extracting contaminating organic compounds, in which said cork or said cork-based material is put into contact with a dense fluid under pressure at a temperature of from 10 to 120° C. and at a pressure of from 10 to 600 bars. Manufacturing installation for parts made of cork or a cork-based material, such as bottle corks, comprising an installation for treatment or extraction by putting the said cork or the said material into contact with a dense fluid under pressure.

Abstract: A method of filling a dishwasher includes inputting first water into a dishwasher in a first fill, monitoring temperature of the first water, pumping the first water out of the dishwasher until the temperature of the first water reaches a first predetermined temperature, then filling the dishwasher with second water in a second fill. The method may use criteria other than temperature for stopping the pumping out of the first water and commencing with the filling of the second fill. Such criteria may include elapsing of a timeout.

Abstract: The present invention provides a discharging method for discharging solid matter out of a container in which the solid matter is stored. In this discharging method of solid matter, a discharging liquid is supplied into the container 2 and thereby generates a spiral flow to cause the liquid and the solid matter exhibiting the spiral flow to be discharged from a discharge port 20 arranged in the bottom of said container 2. The spiral flow of the liquid and the solid matter can be generated by allowing the discharging liquid to flow tangentially into the container 2 specifically at a location in the vicinity of the bottom of said container 2.

Abstract: A method of washing ware in an automatic institutional warewashing machine, using a cleaning composition containing a surfactant which eliminates the need for a surfactant in the rinse step. A surfactant is employed in the wash step in an amount not to exceed 15 wt % based on weight of the detergent. The amount of surfactant is sufficient to provide a layer of surfactant on the ware so as to afford a sheeting action in an aqueous rinse step without any added rinse agent.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer treating apparatus comprising a housing, holding means rotatably disposed within the housing, rotating means for rotating the holding means, and cleaning means for cleaning a semiconductor wafer held on the holding means. Irradiation means for irradiating the semiconductor wafer held on the holding means with short wavelength ultraviolet radiation is further disposed in the semiconductor wafer treating apparatus.

Abstract: A substrate (W) is processed with the use of a process liquid such as a deionized water. Then, a first fluid which is more volatile than the process liquid is supplied to an upper surface of the substrate (W) from a fluid nozzle (12) to form a liquid film. Next, a second fluid which is more volatile than the process liquid is supplied to the upper surface of the substrate (W) from the fluid nozzle (12), while the wafer (W) is being rotated. During this supply operation, a supply position (Sf) of the second fluid to the substrate (W) is moved radially outward from a rotational center (Po) of the substrate (W). As a result, it is possible to prevent the generation of particles on the substrate (W) after it is dried by using the first and second fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher, and more particularly to a dishwasher having multiple wash zones. The dishwasher has an interior tub configured to provide an interior wash chamber for washing dishes. It also has a spray arm assembly configured to rotate within the tub and to spray a first flow of wash liquid over a portion of the interior tub thereby providing a first wash zone. A spray manifold fixed adjacent a lower dish rack, the manifold configured to provide a second flow of wash liquid toward the lower dish rack thereby providing a second wash zone.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus having multiple wash tanks for washing articles in a carbon dioxide dry cleaning system employing a liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution are provided. Cleaning apparatus having multiple wash tanks of the present invention may provide improved thermodynamic efficiency by allowing carbon dioxide vapor to be transferred between wash tanks rather than condensed. Cleaning apparatus having multiple wash tanks of the present invention may have a lower capital cost than multiple cleaning systems having single wash tanks. Cleaning apparatus having multiple wash tanks of the present invention include a first wash tank for contacting a first article with liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution, and a second wash tank for contacting a second article with liquid carbon dioxide cleaning solution. The second wash tank is in fluid communication with the first wash tank. Methods of utilizing such cleaning apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A system that cleans boat bottoms, or aquarium windows, and also stimulates the skin, yet does not penetrate or break the skin. The cleaning or skin stimulation is accomplished by high speed high pressure liquid flow, through multiple orifices carried by an orifice plate, with all or most orifices positioned at preselected angles, rather than simply perpendicular or parallel. The angle positioning emits water or fluids in a tangential manner to cause flow in a circle or straight line. The multiple orifices cooperate and force the water in the same direction, so that the cleaning effect is greater than that of individual perpendicular flow. An inner shroud around the head briefly captures much of the water. The water is largely caught by a second outer shroud and returned to the pump. The return water flow creates a suction and force on the head towards the surface to be cleaned. Filters before and after the pump remove the debris from the water.

Abstract: In the present washer fluid spraying apparatus, when the amount of the remaining washer fluid in the tank is reduced, the buoyant force of the float does not have an effect to the valve member, and therefore the cross-sectional area of the flow passage of the valve member is reduced. Consequently spraying amount is limited compared to a case where there is a plenty of amount of remaining washer fluid. Therefore, compared to the structure that controls the washer pump driving status by detecting the remaining amount by a sensor, the driver of the vehicle can know that the amount of the remaining washer fluid in the tank is reduced while limiting the manufacturing costs.

Abstract: The present invention includes a plurality of carrier arms provided close to each other, each of the carrier arms for supporting a substrate and carrying the substrate in the horizontal direction. The plurality of carrier arms are arranged such that carriage paths thereof overlap one on the other in plan view, each of the paths for carrying-in/out the substrate to/from a processing unit or a substrate housing cassette, and each of the plurality of carrier arms is independently movable in the vertical direction and is capable of passing the other in the vertical direction without interfering with each other. According to the present invention, in the carrier including the plurality of carrier arms, the degrees of freedom of the carrier arms are increased to improve the substrate carriage efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic collapsible umbrella, which includes a spring-provided between two runners, another spring between a slider and upper joint of the shaft, and a rope connecting its outer end with the upper joint. By pulling the shaft of the umbrella first, the springs can provide recovery force for opening or closing the umbrella automatically and efficiently.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible umbrella, which includes a frame and two layers of cover. The frame includes an elastic rib, which has its inner end extend and bend outward to become a connecting end for assembling the upper-layer cover. The structure of the frame is thus simple and utilized that increase the performance of all collapsible umbrella with the two-layers of cover.

Abstract: A tent has at least one main pole fixed to a ground with being bended into an arch shape so as to constitute a frame of the tent, a main body made of waterproof fabric and expanded by the main pole to form a dome shape having a predetermined volume, and a wind screen provided to the highest top portion of the main body so as to extend while approximately forming a horizontality with the ground and capable of resisting wind flowing along an outer surface of the main body. According to the tent, since the side of the tent is raised due to the wind screen even when the strong wind blows, it is possible to the original shape of the tent without any deformation.

Abstract: A connector for connecting tent poles has a tubular body and a plurality of insert poles connected radially to the body and inserted into one end of the tent pole. A plurality of tap holes are formed along a periphery of the body at an interval and an external screw portion corresponding to the tap hole is formed on one end of the insert pole, so that the insert pole is screw-engaged to the tap hole. According to the invention, the tent poles are connected to the connector via the insert poles without being directly connected to the connector. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the size and the weight of the connector and to prevent the tent pole from being damaged at the connection region with the connector when the bending stress is applied to the region.

Abstract: In a liquid-metal cooled reactor equipped with a primary cooling system, a secondary cooling system and a steam turbine power generation system, or equipped with a primary cooling system and a steam power generation system, an alkali metal thermoelectric converter is disposed between the primary cooling system or the secondary cooling system and the steam turbine power generation system. Heat of the primary cooling system or the secondary cooling system is supplied to a high-temperature side of the alkali metal thermoelectric converter and waste heat on a low-temperature side of the alkali metal thermoelectric converter is supplied to the steam turbine power generation system. Thus, power generation by the steam turbine power generation system is performed simultaneously with power generation by the alkali metal thermoelectric converter. As a result, the power generation efficiency of the whole plant can be significantly increased.

Abstract: Flexible photovoltaic modules, as well as related systems, methods, and components are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and materials to improve photovoltaic cell efficiency by implementing a self-cleaning function on photovoltaic cells and on albedo surfaces associated with photovoltaic cell assemblies are provided. Materials for protecting albedo surfaces that surround photovoltaic cell assemblies, thereby maximizing energy input into the photovoltaic cell assemblies, are provided. Materials for self-cleaning photovoltaic cell panels, thereby maintaining their efficiency, are provided. Portable albedo collecting devices associated with photovoltaic cell assemblies are provided.

Abstract: Methods of preparing electrodes, as well as related components, systems, and methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect a composition having at least one metal complex, such that the metal complex comprises at least one metal atom, at least one first organic ligand comprising at least one triarylamine group, at least one second ligand comprising at least one acidic group, and at least one thiocyanate or isothiocyanate ligand. This composition may be disposed on a semiconductor layer which is further disposed on an electrically conductive surface to provide a dye-sensitized electrode. The dye-sensitized electrode can be assembled together with a counter electrode and a redox electrolyte to provide a dye-sensitized solar cell.

Abstract: A rectangular conductor for a solar battery and a lead wire for a solar battery, in which warping or damaging of a silicon crystal wafer is hard to occur at the time of bonding a connection lead wire even when a silicon crystal wafer is configured to have a thin sheet structure, can be provided. A conductor 1 having a volume resistivity equal to or less than 50 ??·mm, and a 0.2% yield strength value equal to or less than 90 MPa in a tensile test is formed into a rectangular conductor 10 for a solar battery having a rectangular cross section, and a surface of the rectangular conductor 10 for a solar battery is coated with a solder plating film 13, to provide a lead wire 20 for a solar battery.

Abstract: Polymers with low band gaps and high charge mobility, as well as related systems, methods and components are disclosed.

Abstract: A pipeline.

Abstract: The electromechanical regulator for passenger oxygen is a hybrid oxygen regulator that provides for electronic or mechanical regulation of oxygen flow. The electronic portion of the regulator consists of an inlet solenoid valve, an outlet solenoid valve, a cabin pressure transducer, a regulated output transducer and a PID based controller, and the solenoid valves are normally biased so that in the event of an electronic system failure or a power supply failure the system will automatically revert to mechanical operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which is used for cleaning and/or disinfecting a keg coupler (10) which has a collar-like lower section (14) with segment-like projections (18). The lower section (14) is provided on its periphery with a cylindrical external peripheral surface (16) and is provided on the inside with a recess which is formed by an axially recessed radial bearing surface (19), a cylindrical internal peripheral surface (20), a lower radial surface (21), and a peripheral surface (22) divided into segments. An adapter (30) can be fitted onto the keg coupler (10). The adapter (30) comprises an applying unit adapted to apply a cleaning liquid to a surface of the recess.

Abstract: An integrated ship mounted system for loading a gas stream, separating heavier hydrocarbons, compressing the gas, cooling the gas, mixing the gas with a desiccant, blending it with a liquid carrier or solvent, and then cooling the mix to processing, storage and transportation conditions. After transporting the product to its destination, a hydrocarbon processing train and liquid displacement method is provided to unload the liquid from the pipeline and storage system, separate the liquid carrier, and transfer the gas stream to a storage or transmission system.

Abstract: The Federal Emergency Management Agency reports that an average of over 35,000 homes in designated flood areas file flood claims averaging in excess of $18,000. Twenty-five percent of all homeowner flood insurance claims come from areas that were not considered to be high risk. Homes generally not at risk of flooding can be seriously impacted by other failures such as loss of power to sewer lift stations, which results in a sewer system backflow into homes. Existing devices such as sewer backflow valves are installed on some homes. In many instances these devices fail due to obstructions and wear. The homeowner has no viable method to test such devices and won't be able to react to failures in time to save their home and contents. The Inflatable Sewage Line Backflow Prevention Devices described herein can be rapidly deployed in a multitude of embodiments to block sewer backup in emergency situations.

Abstract: A fluid control valve assembly is disclosed that includes a housing. The housing defines an inlet pipe and a valve port in fluid communication with the inlet pipe, such that a fluid passes from the inlet pipe and through the valve port. The inlet pipe defines an inlet pipe axis and the valve port defines a valve port axis. The fluid control valve assembly also includes a valve movably supported within the housing. The valve includes a valve head for opening and closing the valve and a valve shaft coupled to the valve head. The valve shaft defines a valve axis that is coaxial with the valve port axis. The inlet pipe is orientated toward the valve port such that a positive, acute angle is formed between the inlet pipe axis and a plane perpendicular to the valve axis.

Abstract: Drainage device for arrangement on a floor tile, the drainage device, when at least partially assembled in the floor, has at least two pipe lengths moveable relative to one another in such a way that a movement of the pipe lengths relative to one another allows an aperture in the floor tile and the upper inlet aperture of the drainage device to be made to coincide at least partially with one another. At the same time the pipe lengths have flanges extending radially outwards, which are sealed against one another by seals.

Abstract: A reset relief valve with a body having an inlet port, an outlet port, and an interior wall partially defining an enclosed chamber, a piston disposed in the body and moveable between a first position at which the piston is disposed in fluid flow-blocking relationship between the inlet port and the outlet port of the body and a second position at which the piston is removed from that position, a piston having a head with opposed end surfaces one of which defines a portion of the enclosed chamber and at least one fluid flow passageway extending through the head and providing fluid communication between the enclosed chamber in the body, and a second chamber above a moveable disc in the piston. A preferred embodiment includes the crank assembly with cross bar support and a T-bar to prevent downward movement of the disc.

Abstract: A variable device for regulating the outlet pressure of a fluid from a valve body, includes a pressure-sensing chamber having a wall formed by a resilient self-restoring diaphragm which is responsive to pressure in the chamber. A valve element connected to the diaphragm controls flow into the chamber. Increased pressure in the chamber decreases the flow into the chamber and decreasing pressure increases flow whereby fluid flow out from the chamber is maintained at a desired pressure. The outlet pressure is adjusted by deflecting the diaphragm in a direction to open the valve while permitting a section of the diaphragm connected to the valve member to remain responsive to the pressure in the chamber. An adjustment cover is provided to adjustably deflect the diaphragm and includes a catch mechanism to allow adjustment of the fluid outlet pressures and also retain the device at a desired value. An indicator arrangement may be provided to visually indicate the fluid outlet pressure.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus for mixing two fluids immediately following contact with each other is disclosed. The mixing apparatus includes a spring-loaded ball valve separating a first fluid from a second fluid. The ball valve closes as a result of at least spring force. The ball valve opens as a result of hydraulic pressure of one of the fluids operating against the spring force. Mixing is accomplished instantaneously by dispersing one fluid in a thin pattern around the open ball valve into a stream of the other fluid.

Abstract: Fluid couplings are provided for devices that include a flow path having two or more separable portions. Devices including such couplings are also provided, for example, a device including: first and second separable portions; a conduit, within the first portion, defining a flow path for fluid flow between the first portion and the second portion, the conduit having an open terminal end; a valve, within the first portion, including a deformable member configured to cover the terminal end thereby sealing the first portion when the first and second portions are separated; and a member, extending from the second portion, configured to cause the deformable member to deflect so as to expose the terminal end when the first and second portions are connected.

Abstract: A luer connector including a housing with first end including a male luer tip and a second end. The connector further includes a rigid valve member having a first opened end and a second closed end and a retaining member configured to couple the valve member and the housing. The housing further includes a rigid conduit positioned within the housing and in fluid communication with the second end of the housing, the rigid conduit adapted to engage the first opened end of the valve member. The housing including a first internal volume when the valve member is in a first position and a second, smaller volume when the valve member is in a second position.

Abstract: A noise reducing apparatus and method for handling of fluid comprises a plurality of discs stacked on one another, each disc having a radially inner periphery and a radially outer periphery, and a plurality of fluid flow channels defined on at least some of the discs and extending from the inner periphery to the outer periphery. One or more sound reducing material elements are disposed to extend across at least some of the fluid flow channels so that fluid flowing through the channel passes through the sound absorbing material. Alternatively, a plurality of sound absorbing wafers are disposed in between adjacent discs and form a respective wall of the flow channels with respect to the flow channel of an adjacent disc.

Abstract: A fluid control valve for the mixing of hot and cold water and delivery at a selected flow rate is described wherein an upper housing and lower housing are clamped together by a snap-fit connection thereby enclosing other fluid control valve component parts. A ball stem is manually movable in two separate and independent directions of motion. There is frictional loading on the ball stem such that movement in one direction to control the water temperature has a frictional loading that is higher than the frictional loading in the other direction to control the flow rate. A spring-biased guide pin is used to increase the frictional loading in the one direction.

Abstract: A choke valve for use in reverse flow when mounted on a wellhead or manifold. The choke valve includes a valve body forming a T shaped bore to provide a vertically extending bottom opening and a horizontally extending side opening. Flow trim is positioned in the T-shaped bore, optionally in a tubular sleeve or removable cartridge. The flow trim includes a tubular cage having a side wall forming an internal bore aligned with the body bottom opening, and a single flow port or a plurality of flow ports, each of the single flow port or plurality of flow ports being positioned for alignment with the body side opening. In reverse flow mode in the valve body, fluid from the bottom opening enters the cage and exits through the single flow port or plurality of flow ports directly into the body side opening.

Abstract: An electromagnetic adjustment unit of a directional control valve is provided. The individual components of the adjustment unit are to be embodied, arranged, and joined such that the assembly expenditure and the costs during the production are reduced to a minimum.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a flow channel for liquids or also gases, which is of such a design that the lowest possible losses occur in the flow, in particular low frictional losses. A further aim of the invention is to provide a flow channel for liquids, in which different flow regions are set. A flow channel for liquids characterized in that at least one wall defining the flow channel is of such a configuration that when a liquid flows therethrough at least one flow region is produced which has an axial and simultaneous tangential flow component.

Abstract: The pipe repair tool provides for repairing a damaged section of a pipeline. The repair tool comprises a main body having a top surface and a bottom surface. A compressible alignment portion is positioned above the main body. A compression plate is positioned above the alignment portion. An elongate rod extends through the center of the main body, the alignment portion and the compression plate. A fastener is secured to the top end of the compression rod and a rotatable fastener is secured to the bottom end of the rod. The repair tool is inserted into an open end of a cut pipe so that the top surface of the main body aligns with the open end of the pipe. The alignment portion is then compressed by rotating the rotatable fastener to secure the pipe repair tool inside of the cut pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulation system for pipes, containers, ventilation ducts and like installation parts which have an outer surface temperature which periodically is below the dew point of the ambient air. The insulation system comprises a thermally insulating layer and a vapour barrier arranged on one side of the thermally insulating layer. The insulation system has a hygroscopic material which is arranged between the vapour barrier and the thermally insulating layer, which hygroscopic material is at least partially connected with the vapour barrier. A combination of the vapour barrier and the hygroscopic material is connected with the thermally insulating layer in such a manner that the hygroscopic material partially makes contact with the thermally insulating layer.

Abstract: A shaped hose assembly includes a length of hose having an external surface and a hose form including a non-continuous, generally curved wall that extends around the circumference of the external surface of the hose. The wall includes a first axially extending end and a second axially extending end. The hose form also includes at least one bend of predetermined radius. A method for shaping hose is also provided.

Abstract: This device is used for hooking a heddle of a weaving loom of the Jacquard type together with a cord belonging to the harness of the loom. It comprises an endpiece injection-moulded on the upper end of the heddle and forming an aperture for the passage and wedging of the cord and a housing for receiving the two strands of the cord. It likewise comprises a rigid sleeve mounted on the endpiece and movable in translational motion on this endpiece between a first position, in which it allows access to the aperture, and a second position, in which it covers the aperture and exerts a centripetal force for constricting the aperture and the housing, thus making it possible to block the lower end of the cord. Such a device may also be used for hooking one or more cords on a string.

Abstract: Method of operating a beverage bottling plant with a beverage filling machine for filling beverage bottles, and a method and apparatus for monitoring beverage bottle or container handling machines in the beverage bottling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: The invention concerns a storage apparatus for rod-shaped articles, including a housing with a closable opening for filling and emptying the storage apparatus, wherein within the housing is arranged a flexible belt element which is designed for variable adjustment of a storage space depending on the fill level, which is distinguished in that the storage apparatus is designed for filling with a multi-layer, disorderly mass flow. Furthermore, the invention concerns an apparatus and a method for filling a corresponding storage apparatus.

Abstract: A tire fill nozzle having an integrated dryer for drying compressed air or gas delivered to a tire. According to exemplary disclosed embodiments, the tire fill nozzle comprises a main body, an inlet connector on the main body adapted to engage an air/gas line, an outlet connector on the main body adapted to engage a tire valve stem, and a dryer in the main body adapted to dry air/gas passing through the nozzle. The dryer may comprise a drying composition, such as a desiccant, that can be permanently disposed within the main body or optionally disposed within a replaceable cartridge.