Abstract: Single-use cosmetic article comprising at least one fibrous support extending substantially in at least one plane, and made of at least one material chosen such that: i) when the support is placed in contact with water at a first temperature T0, it at least partially shrinks and becomes elastic in at least one direction of the said plane, and such that ii) when the support is placed in contact with water at a second temperature T1, higher than the first temperature T0, it dissolves so as to become at least partially disintegrated.

Abstract: Hair clip comprising two shells (1, 3) provided with claws (5, 7) which are at the front of the clip and pivot relative to one another around two shell hinges (8-12) which extend in the same axial direction (A) at the rear of the clip, from a closure position in which the claws (5, 7) are brought together or even intersect, in order to grip the hair trapped by the claws, to an opening position in which the claws are spaced apart against the deformation of a resilient return means (13, 131, 132) which tends to return the shells (1, 3) to the closure position, and comprising a support plate (17) which is designed to receive for example a jewel and two lugs (19-22) which support the support plate (17) above the two shells (1, 3) in the closure position.

Abstract: The invention features a dental hygiene article that includes a retractable portion and a chamber portion for use in conjunction with the same, as well as methods of use to promote good oral hygiene practices. In general, the invention is directed to a dental hygiene article, such as a toothbrush, wherein the device includes a retractable proximal portion that contains one or both of a head assembly and a stem portion, a chamber portion that is configured for receiving the retractable proximal portion, and a handle portion, which may be detachable. Accordingly, when the retractable portion is in a retracted configuration the head assembly is encased within the chamber, which may then be filled with an additive, such as a fluid medicament, disinfectant, cleaning solution, or the like, so as to treat the head assembly prior to use.

Abstract: There is provided a hair accessory application device essentially having at least two housing or body portions, a first body or ergonomic handle portion suitable for handling by an operator and for accommodating at least a portion of a drive assembly and a second body or head portion suitable for accommodating at least a portion of a hair beading assembly. The hair beading assembly is operatively connected to the drive assembly and suitable to allow an operator to effectively and efficiently apply one or more hair accessories over one or more strands of hair as desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved remote plasma cleaning method for removing surface deposits from a surface, such as the interior of a process chamber that is used in fabricating electronic devices. The improvement involves addition of a nitrogen source to the feeding gas mixture comprising an oxygen source and sulfur fluoride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved remote plasma cleaning method for removing surface deposits from a surface, such as the interior of a process chamber that is used in fabricating electronic devices. The improvement involves using an activated gas with high neutral temperature of at least about 3000 K, and addition of an oxygen source to the NF3 cleaning gas mixture to improve the etching rate.

Abstract: A method for achieving high purity in a jig for semiconductor heat treatment includes subjecting a semiconductor heat treatment jig made of a substrate having a surface covered with a silicon carbide film grown by chemical vapor deposition or a semiconductor heat treatment jig made of a silicon carbide film grown by chemical vapor deposition to high-temperature oxidation heat treatment so as to form an oxide film on a surface of the silicon carbide film, and removing the oxide film.

Abstract: A cleaning device for use in a semiconductor processing. The device comprises a substrate supporter for supporting a substrate to be cleaned, a scrub pad mounting plate, and a chuck coupling to the substrate supporter and the scrub pad mounting plate. The chuck is configured to move the substrate supporter and the scrub pad mounting plate. The device further comprises a scrub pad mountable to and moveable from the scrub pad mounting plate. The scrub pad, when mounted to the scrub pad mounting plate, is higher than the substrate when mounted on the substrate supporter. The scrub pad mounting plate and the substrate supporter can both be coupled to the chuck so that the chuck moves both the scrub pad mounting plate and the substrate supporter in one action.

Abstract: An on-line water wash system for a compressor having a bellmouth casing with a region of known high velocity inlet airflow and a number of rotating blades. The water wash system may include a number of water nozzles positioned within the bellmouth casing about the region of known high velocity inlet airflow and a stream of water droplets. The stream of water droplets is targeted by the water nozzles so as to avoid the bellmouth casing and the rotating blades.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine comprising a washing station having a wash water tank, a plurality of wash water dispensing nozzles, a recirculation pump adapted to circulate the wash water from the tank to the nozzles; and a hydraulic filling container communicating with the recirculation pump via a first and a second conduit respectively connected to a delivery conduit and to a suction conduit of the pump itself.

Abstract: A method of washing an automobile includes providing a tire shield, the tire shield including a base, two side walls connected to the base, a back wall connected to the base, the back wall having an upper edge, and a tongue connected to each of the side walls extending above the upper edge of the back wall. The method includes placing the tire shield against a tire of an automobile so that at least a portion of the base abuts against the tire and at least one of the upper edge and the tongues abuts against the tire, providing a hose connected to a water source, and washing the automobile.

Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus includes containers 26, 27, 26a, 26b surrounding processing chambers 51, 52 for accommodating a plurality of wafers W and nozzles 54, 56 for supplying a processing liquid to the substrates W in order to perform a liquid process. The nozzles 54, 56 are respectively equipped with a plurality of ejecting orifices 53, 55 capable of ejecting the processing liquid in a plane manner, allowing the substrates W to be processed uniformly and effectively.

Abstract: An automatic device for opening or closing multi-folding umbrella is provided, which comprises a umbrella shaft, a control handle, an upper and a lower nest, a rib assembly, a spring for closing, a spring for opening and a dragline in the shaft; a button with a reset spring and a snap convex is installed on the control handle and a rocker with a pushing spring can lock and release the step-cone; when the umbrella is closed, the snap convex of the button falls into the locking recess on the lower part of the upper tube; press the button, and it moves inwards but does not touch the rocker, the snap convex departs from the locking recess on the exterior wall of the upper tube and the umbrella is unfurled under the action of the spring for opening; press the button again, the step-cone is released, the spring for closing pulls the rib assembly to push downwards the lower nest back to the state of closing umbrella.

Abstract: There is a combination sleeping bag system. There is a tent member, including a tent base, a tent wall coupled to the tent base and defining a tent interior, and a tent aperture through the tent wall; and a sleeping bag defining a sleeping cavity, extending through the tent aperture, and including a head portion disposed within the tent interior, a foot portion disposed exterior the tent member, and a storage cavity accessible from the sleeping cavity.

Abstract: A canopy tensioning device to facilitate the tensioning and loosening of a canopy onto a frame. The canopy tensioning device may include an elongated body with a drive mechanism disposed at least partially inside the elongated body. Actuating the drive mechanism moves an engagement member longitudinally along the elongated body. The engagement member is connected to the canopy through the opening in the elongated body such that moving the engagement member in one direction tensions the canopy onto the frame and moving the engagement member in another direction loosens the canopy.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and a canopy framework that provides a flexible, collapsible canopy that is capable of flexing and moving, in whole or in part, between a raised position and lower positions having a reduced profile from the raised position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting a flexible framework mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. Truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.

Abstract: There is provided a thermoelectric device capable of improving a power generation performance while keeping a hermetic sealing after a heat cycle is applied, and also achieving simplification of a structure and improvement in productivity and reliability of a device by reducing the number of articles, and a method of manufacturing the same. A thermoelectric device, includes a metal substrate 2, a thermoelectric element 3 mounted on a center portion of a surface of the metal substrate 2, a metal lid 4 for covering an upper surface and side surfaces of the thermoelectric element 3, and a joining metal member 5 provided to a peripheral portion of a surface of the metal substrate 2 to hermetically seal a space between the metal substrate 2 and the lid 4.

Abstract: Forming a thermoelectric device may include forming a thermoelectric superlattice including a plurality of alternating layers of different thermoelectric materials wherein a period of the alternating layers varies over a thickness of the superlattice. More particularly, forming the superlattice may include depositing the superlattice on a single crystal substrate using epitaxial deposition. In addition, the single crystal substrate may be removed from the superlattice, and a second thermoelectric superlattice may be provided with the first and second thermoelectric superlattices having opposite conductivity types. Moreover, the first and second thermoelectric superlattices may be thermally coupled in parallel between two thermally conductive plates while electrically coupling the first and second thermoelectric superlattices in series. Related materials and devices and structures are also discussed.

Abstract: A photovoltaic solar cell (SZ) of improved light-to-current conversion properties is provided with nano emitters (NE) of acicular or rib-like form and are separated from each other at a uniform distance D??{square root over (2)}L and penetrating to a penetration depth T ? d HL - L 2 + w into the semiconductor layer (HL).

Abstract: Provided is a multiple layer composition and method for deposition of a solar energy harvesting strip onto a driving surface that will allow electric cars to charge by an inductive coupling. The multiple layer composition includes at least one magnetic material for generating a magnetic field, wherein at least one of the multiple layers comprises the magnetic material. Further, the a multiple layer composition includes at least one solar energy harvesting material for converting at least one of thermal and photonic energy into electrical energy, wherein at least one of the multiple layers comprises the at least one solar energy harvesting material and wherein the at least one solar energy harvesting material is located within a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic material.

Abstract: An electrode for a photoelectric conversion device includes a transparent substrate and a transparent conductive film, in which the transparent conductive film contains an added metal element on at least one surface thereof, and the surface resistance of the transparent substrate is reduced in order to improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency. A dye-sensitized solar cell includes the electrode.

Abstract: An impinging liquid jet or jets cooling device and a method of designing an impinging liquid jet or jets cooling device is disclosed. The device is arranged such that drainage of a jet liquid is in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface to be cooled.

Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect a composition having at least one croconine derivative. 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 photovoltaic cell. The photovoltaic cell may be used as a single cell or in tandem with other cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are low molecular weight conjugated nitrogen compounds having linear conjugated chains, and devices fabricated using the conjugated nitrogen compounds as organic semiconductor materials, hole conducting materials, or light-emitting materials. The conjugated nitrogen compounds can be spin-coated at room temperature, are stable, and has superior electrical conductivity.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a viscous fluid including waxy solids includes a mobile platform, a support member having a first end coupled to the platform and a second end, a pump unit coupled to the second end of the support member, wherein the pump unit can be raised and lowered with respect to the second end, wherein the pump unit includes a recirculation system selectively operable to break down waxy solids prior to transfer of the fluid, and an outlet in fluid communication with a collection tank.

Abstract: A resettable thermal valve for controlling the flow of a fluid therethrough comprises a valve assembly housing having a fluid passageway therethrough and a valve coupled to the valve assembly housing and disposed at least partially within the fluid passageway. The valve is moveable between an open position and a closed position and is coupled to a resettable, temperature sensitive linear actuator assembly. The linear actuator assembly enables the valve to move from the open position to the closed position when it is heated to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A fluid proportioning valve meters flow of pressurized inlet fluid in proportion to a pressure drop between the inlet and outlet of the valve. A pressure acutated, return biased poppet valve is actuated by the fluid above threshold fluid pressure to meter fluid to the outlet against spring force. The poppet is annular and has a circular metering edge that controls flow through circumferential orifices in a valve guide. Smooth stable flow is achieved by shearing action of the metering edge over the orifices. Sliding point contact with the poppet valve by non-ferrous convex buttons to eliminate galling and reduce particle contamination within the valve.

Abstract: A pressure regulating apparatus is disclosed for use in an irrigation network. A pressure regulator may be combined with a filter unit in a single pipe to reduce components and joints in the irrigation network. A pipe may be provided having openings in its sides for receiving and securing a portion of the pressure regulator. The openings may be reference ports for a pressure sink, and the ports may include a porous filter material for preventing ingress of particulate matter while permitting gas to pass therethrough. The pressure regulator has a reciprocating valve member which may be sealed within a housing of the pressure regulator or with an inner surface of the pipe. The incoming water is first filtered and then it goes to the pressure regulator. The pressure regulator may be assembled as sequentially installed components.

Abstract: The protection system protects a fire hydrant. The protection system includes a nozzle, a protection device, and a bracket assembly. The nozzle defines a bore, is in fluid communication with an interior of the fire hydrant, and is adaptable to receive a fire hose. The protection device is carried by the bore of the nozzle for prohibiting access into the interior of the fire hydrant from the exterior. The protection device includes a first position for preventing access into the fire hydrant from the exterior, and a second position wherein water can flow from inside the fire hydrant externally via the nozzle. The bracket assembly is coupled to the protection device for rotating the protection device and carried by the nozzle, wherein the bracket assembly has sufficient rotational travel for enabling the protection device to move from the first position to the second position, depending on the water pressure.

Abstract: A reservoir assembly for retaining a fluid includes a body having a base and external side walls defining a cavity. A baffle has a top surface spanning the cavity and includes a peripheral wall substantially conforming to the external side walls and extending to the base. A lid is connected to the body. The cavity is divided into a first, second and third compartment by a cooperation between the top surface of the baffle, a plurality of walls of the baffle, the base of the body and the external side walls of the body. The first and second compartments are in fluid communication with each other through the third compartment. An inlet port and an outlet port for allowing fluid to enter and exit the cavity are fluidly connected to the body and are fluidly connected to each other by the first compartment to direct a flow of the fluid.

Abstract: A microfluidic mixing assembly includes at least first and second liquid sources, a microfluidic manifold, a first capillary valve between the first liquid source and the manifold, and a second capillary valve between the second liquid source and the manifold, wherein the first capillary valve is configured to open and provide a first liquid flow to the microfluidic manifold in response to an external force and the second capillary vales is configured to be opened by the first liquid flow.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus relates to a public water system protection apparatus comprising: a single unit. The single unit comprises: a stop valve; and a check valve in fluid communication with the stop valve. The apparatus is configurable to couple to a customer water line and to prevent back flow into a water main. A public water system protection system comprising: a water main in fluid communication with a public water system; a customer water line in fluid communication with the water main and in fluid communication with a customer location; a public water system protection apparatus coupled to the customer water line and in fluid communication with the water main and in fluid communication with the customer location, and where the public water system protection apparatus comprises: a single unit. The single unit comprises: a stop valve; a check valve in fluid communication with the stop valve; and wherein the public water system protection apparatus is configured to prevent back flow into a water main.

Abstract: Rotary valve comprising (a) a rotor having a rotor face rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the rotor face, a plurality of openings, and at least one passage connecting at least one pair of the plurality of openings; (b) a stator having a stator face in sealing contact with the rotor face to form a planar rotary valve seal with an outer periphery, a plurality of openings in the stator face that are connected to respective passages through the stator, and wherein at least one of the passages through the stator is a stator vacuum passage directly connected to a vacuum pump; (c) a sealed valve chamber having an interior volume contiguous with the outer periphery of the rotary valve seal, which chamber is sealed from the atmosphere surrounding the rotary valve; and (d) a vacuum vent passage connected to the sealed valve chamber.

Abstract: A flow of fluid is switched on and off by diverting the flow to an alternative path. In a preferred application an abrasive cutting jet, formed by a flow of abrasive slurry fed via a conduit to a cutting jet nozzle, is switched on and off by diverting the flow at a three way changeover valve to a conduit and bypass nozzle. Valves control the connection to a flow of clean auxiliary water to respective outlet ports of the changeover valve to reduce pressure differentials during operation of the changeover valve and to provide clean backflows which hydraulically divert the flow of abrasive slurry at the changeover valve and allow the changeover valve to open and close on a clean, largely abrasive-free flow.

Abstract: A plurality of directional control valves are included in a valve main body 1. Each of the directional control valves is provided with a spool 2, actuator ports 3,4, a communication passage 7, a parallel passage 6, a tandem passage 5, a first check valve 8 for permitting a flow of pressure fluid from the parallel passage 6 toward the communication passage 7, and a second check valve 9 for permitting a flow of pressure fluid from the tandem passage 5 toward the communication passage 7. For example, the first check valve 8 is slidably arranged in the second check valve 9, the second check valve 9 is provided with a through-hole 14 formed in communication with the communication passage 7, and a plug 11 is arranged in threaded engagement with the valve main body 1 such that an end portion of the first check valve 8 and an end portion of the second check valve 9 are covered by the plug 11.

Abstract: A mixer tap assembly is shown which has a mixing chamber for mixing fluids from two inputs, and a mix controller to control the ratio of fluid flow into the mixing chamber from the inputs. The mix controller includes a mix actuator which operates a mix control apparatus, such as a rotatable sleeve, which is connected to a mix valve apparatus associated with the mixing chamber. The mix actuator and a fluid outlet are mountable on or above a work surface via a mounting apparatus, while the mixing chamber is mountable below the work surface. Furthermore, the mix control apparatus and an output conduit, between the fluid outlet and the mixing chamber, pass through a bore in the mounting means, so minimising the footprint of the mixer tap assembly on the work surface.

Abstract: A mixer valve is shown which has two valves controllable by a mix controller to determine the ratio of fluid entering the mixer valve from two respective inputs, such as a hot fluid input and a cold fluid input, and a third valve controllable by a flow controller to determine the flow rate of fluid out of the mixer valve. Thus, the mixing proportion of the input fluids and the output flow rate are independently controllable. The mixer valve is suitable for incorporation into a mixer tap.

Abstract: A system and method for conveying flowable material through a conduit that creates a strong laminar flow of the material surrounded by a boundary layer flow of the same or a different flowable material, such that long transport distances through dramatic elevation and directional changes can be achieved. Some embodiments of the system include a blower assembly, an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a mixing chamber, wherein the mixing chamber includes an outer barrel, an inner barrel and an accelerating chamber. Low pressure air is supplied to the system by the blower assembly and mixed with particulate material. The air/material mixture is transported through the mixing chamber into the accelerating chamber and through the outlet conduit. In other embodiments, the particulate material is mixed with the air in the accelerating chamber.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve, especially for severe service, e.g. gas and oil power application, comprises a plurality of vortex chambers 9 through each of which fluid flows in substantially vortex fashion between an inlet channel 8 and a pair of opposed outlets 10,11. Fluid enters each vortex chamber 9 from its associated inlet channel 8 in a substantially tangential direction wherein it splits into two flowpaths, each having both radial and axial components, leading to respective ones of the outlets 10, 11. The dual vortex outlet arrangement serves to further reduce the noise and erosion problems associated with severe service valves.

Abstract: An innovative valve mechanism for a detergent dispenser comprise a valve tube unit, a mobile valve unit, a liquid outlet; thereby, a simplified design of assembled valve mechanism to significantly reduce cost, labor and working hours, for accurate control of liquid flow and perfect stopping efficiency.

Abstract: A connector having a male-side connection section, a liquid flow section where a liquid flow space communicating with the inside of the male-side connection section is provided, a first female-side connection opening and a second female-side connection opening, and a first valve body and a second valve body that are made from an elastic material. The first valve body has a head section and a neck section that connects the head section and a liquid flow section and is thinner than the head section. In the first valve body is formed a slit penetrating from the top face of the head section to the liquid flow space. When a male lure is connected to the first female-side connection opening, the slit is opened and the flow path in the male lure and the inside of the male-side connection section are communicated through the liquid flow space.

Abstract: An eductor for mixing two liquids wherein the eductor includes a closed or non-air gap back flow prevention member. The vacuum profile of the eductor is altered by changing an opening in a passage portion to controllably divert water flow around the venturi tube or diverting the water without the opening. This affords the changing of the vacuum profile without redesigning the entire eductor.

Abstract: An hydraulic pressure reservoir having at least one pressure chamber with a fluid connection to a hydraulic circuit. The pressure chamber is formed between a movable partition member carried in a housing and having a pressure limiting valve, and a fixed partition. The movable partition member is in the form of a diaphragm spring.

Abstract: The present invention is a plug system having a plug for insertion into a pipeline, wherein the plug system is insertable via a fitting attached to the pipeline. A pre-drilled aperture of the pipeline positioned normal to the cylindrically-shaped pipeline may interfere with a pig traveling through the pipeline. In one embodiment, the plug includes two coaxial cylindrical portions. A first cylindrical portion has a diameter greater than the aperture diameter, while the second cylindrical portion has a diameter less than the aperture diameter. Additionally the plug defines a hole that is oriented perpendicular to an axis of the cylindrical portions, wherein the diameter of the hole is approximately the size of inside diameter of the pipe. The plug has a retaining member to stabilize the plug system. When the plug is installed in the pipe it permit a pig to flow freely, thereby eliminating pigging hazards.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hose for transporting material from one destination to another and a method of constructing a hose. According to an exemplary embodiment, the hose may be constructed with two helical coils wound in opposing directions and multiple layers. The hose construction may provide a flexible hose with walls that resist kinking and rupture.

Abstract: The invention relates to piping including a portion wherein the centerline of the portion follows a substantially helical path, and wherein the amplitude of the helix is less than or equal to one half of the internal diameter of the piping. When fluid flows in such piping, it is made to swirl. This provides a number of advantages, such as improved in-plane mixing of the fluid, enhanced uniformity of residence time, and so on. The invention also extends to various methods of making such piping.

Abstract: An improved heald consists of a flat material, such as tempered steel. It has closed (O-shaped) end eyelets (5, 6) which are one-piece parts of the heald body (4). An edge (10) which extends along the full length of the heald (1), is of entirely straight configuration. In contrast, the oppositely-located edge (11) consists of offset straight portions. A particularity of the heald according to the invention resides in the fact that the openings (15, 16) provided in the end eyelets (5, 6) for receiving the shaft staves are eccentrically arranged, whereby the two webs (17, 18) bordering the openings (15, 16) have unlike widths. With a reduced material input and weight a heald is obtained which, as concerns stability and possibility of utilization in existing weaving systems is at least equivalent to conventional healds.

Abstract: Device for locking the connection of a heddle (40) to a harness cord (50) comprising a heddle side and a harness cord side, wherein the device is composed of at most two different components, the device having a diameter on the heddle side and/or on the harness cord side which decreases towards the end. The device is releasable and recloseable, allowing the device to be reused. The said components are made from a plastics material which has a high wear resistance. The device is provided over virtually its entire length with a continuous passage (4) for guiding a heddle and a harness cord.

Abstract: A carrier assembly is provided for reinforcing vehicle flange engaging strip such as a weatherstrip or trim strip. The carrier assembly includes a serpentine frame and a warp interlaced with the frame to form at least one frame-warp aperture. A fused powder bonds to at least one of the serpentine frame and the warp and inhibits movement of the warp relative to the frame, substantially preserving the frame-warp aperture.

Abstract: A discharging container with a filter capable of sucking content liquid remaining on the downstream side of the filter to the upstream side of the filter, capable of accurately dripping the content liquid while avoiding an air lock state, and manufacturable at reduce cost, particularly in an instillation vial, comprising a bottle formed by laminating an inner layer separable from an outer layer on the inner surface of the outer layer and a plug body fitted to the mouth part of the bottle. A discharging passage for discharging the content liquid stored in the body part of the inner layer is formed in the plug body, and the filter is installed in the discharging passage.