Abstract: A rotating-shaft seal section protective plate including a cylindrical section that covers the periphery of part of a rotating shaft, a small-diameter flange-shaped section formed at an end on the rotor side, of the cylindrical section, and a large-diameter flange-shaped section formed at an end on the rotating-shaft seal section side, of the cylindrical section, is disposed between the rotor and the rotating-shaft seal section. The rotating-shaft seal section protective plate divides the interior of a chamber into a portion on the rotor side and a portion on the rotating-shaft seal section side by means of the large-diameter flange-shaped section and leads a liquid injection medium (corresponding to each of a peeling liquid and a cleaning liquid) to the discharge port by means of the small-diameter flange-shaped portion.

Abstract: A drawer-type dishwasher includes a dispenser mounted to one of front and opposing side walls of a basin. The basin is slidably supported in an outer body of the dishwasher. The dispenser includes a main body portion, first and second reservoirs and an actuator. Each of the first and second reservoirs includes upper and lower openings. The first reservoir includes a cover that selectively closes the upper opening, while the lower opening is opened by the actuator. The second reservoir is provided with first and second lids pivotally mounted to the main body portion. The first lid is opened to allow loading of wash aid, while the second lid is opened during a wash operation to release the wash aid. After the wash operation concludes, the second lid is closed, causing the first lid to open allowing detergent to again be loaded into the second reservoir.

Abstract: A novel gas jet apparatus and method of using the same to remove particulate matter from the surface of an object, wherein the apparatus utilizes a pressurized fluid comprising at least one of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a device for placing pieces of silverware, which makes it possible to dispose the pieces of silverware in an easily accessible, compact, and careful manner in the washing compartment while keeping production costs low. The dishwasher includes a washing container, at least one crockery basket, and the device for receiving items to be washed, with the device being arranged on an exterior side of the crockery basket. The dishwasher has the advantage of requiring no additional tray for placing the pieces of silverware, thus reducing production costs. The inventive device for placing pieces of silverware is particularly suitable for use in a built-in dishwasher.

Abstract: There is disclosed is a liquid immersion optical tool, which comprises a light source, an optical lens system, a stage which moves an object base on which an object is to be placed, a head comprising a liquid immersion medium fluid supply device and a liquid immersion medium fluid discharge device to provide a layer of liquid immersion medium fluid between the optical lens system and the object, a fence which limits a region of the layer of liquid immersion medium fluid, and a cleaning device which cleans a portion having been contacted with the liquid immersion medium fluid by means of a cleaning solution.

Abstract: A backpack is adapted to store an umbrella in a compact configuration within the backpack, and to enable to the user to selectively deploy and adjust the umbrella so as to shield the backpack wearer. The umbrella is compactly stored in a generally tubular storage compartment connected to the backpack and may be auto-deployed to a telescopically extended configuration in overhead shielding relation with the user. In an alternate embodiment, the umbrella is rotationally or positionally adjustable to provide cover from the elements, such as morning or afternoon sun, or wind driven rain.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight ballistic panel integrated with a shelter is capable of withstanding penetration by ammunition and fragmentation, so that the occupants of the shelter remain safe and unharmed. In one embodiment of the invention, wall segments or panels of ballistic material are provided so as to hang from an interior or exterior frame member of the shelter. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a frame independent of the shelter frame to which the panels can be secured. The panels can be provided such that they fold up into portable and manageable units.

Abstract: Collapsible structures include one or more add-on panels that are coupled to the underlying collapsible structure to improve the variety of play, entertainment value, and utility of these collapsible structures. Each of these collapsible structures incorporate at least one foldable frame member, and fabric covering portions of the frame member. The collapsible structures can be collapsed into a smaller configuration by twisting and folding the at least one frame member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoelectric cobalt oxide compositions and their use in thermal management and generation of electrical power. The invention particularly relates to thin films of these cobalt oxide compositions on a variety of substrates, particularly silicon-group substrates.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power generation system that includes a steerable light receiver with one or more photovoltaic cells for collecting light, and a supplementary light source operable to provide supplementary light under predetermined conditions. The receiver is steerable to a docking position at which the light receiver can receive light from the supplementary light source, whereby the supplementary light source can replace or augment natural light so that the power output of the system can be augmented when levels of natural or ambient light are inadequate.

Abstract: An anion generating device includes an outer housing formed with air inlet and outlets as well as a heat exchanging space, a fan unit disposed in the heat exchanging space, an anion generator operable so as to generate anions near a discharge electrode unit thereof disposed between the air outlet of the outer housing and an air outlet of the fan unit, and a power control unit disposed in a receiving space in the outer housing for supplying electrical power to each of the fan unit and the anion generator by means of electrical energy converted from solar power by a solar power collecting plate mounted on a heat conductive top wall of the outer housing. The anions are impelled by air expelled by the fan unit to move outwardly of the outer housing via the air outlet of the outer housing.

Abstract: A dye for a dye sensitized photovoltaic cell is disclosed. A dye sensitized photovoltaic cell including the dye is also disclosed. The dye includes a metal composite treated with a cation selected from imidazolium cations, pyridinium cations, pyrrolidinium cations, and quinolidinium cations.

Abstract: A photovoltaic element, in particular, for application as solar cell for photovoltaic units, comprises a photon absorber. An electrically conductive working element is at least partly embedded in the photon absorber. The working element is separated from the photon absorber by means of a phase boundary. The working element further comprises a higher electron mobility than the photon absorber. It was surprisingly discovered that the efficacy of said photovoltaic element is greatly increased.

Abstract: Non-polymeric drag reducing agents in the form of maleated fatty acids and the esters thereof and the organic, inorganic or amine salts thereof are described herein. These additives are useful to reduce drag in hydrocarbon fluids and multiphase fluids of hydrocarbon(s) and water. No injection probes or other special equipment is expected to be required to introduce the drag reducing agent into the liquid stream, nor is grinding (cryogenic or otherwise) of the additive necessary to form a suitable drag reducing agent. The drag reducing additives of the invention are not subject to shear degradation and do not cause undesirable changes in the emulsion or fluid quality of the fluid being treated, or undesirable foaming.

Abstract: A safety system for a fluid conduit having: a hose; a first housing connected to the hose with an internal cavity having a first connection point and a first check ball opening cavity; a second housing connected to the hose with an internal cavity having a second connection point and a second check ball opening cavity; a perforated retention tube positioned longitudinally within the hose and in communication with the first connection point and the second connection point; a first check device contained within the first check ball opening cavity and interposed between the perforated retention tube and the first check ball opening cavity; and a second check device contained within the second check ball opening cavity and interposed between the perforated retention tube and the second check ball opening cavity.

Abstract: The device includes an air release valve for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle, the air release valve comprising a housing defining at least one inlet opening therein, a central axis and a wall disposed proximate the inlet opening, the wall defining at least two outlet openings therein, the two outlet openings being sized differently; a sealing seat disposed about the two outlet openings; a float disposed in the housing moveable along the central axis, the float defining a center aligned with the central axis; and a flexible membrane attached proximate the center and extending freely therefrom to seal the two outlet openings.

Abstract: A yard hydrant that facilitates the evacuation of water from therein. The wall hydrant has a standpipe having a drain port wherein the standpipe is coupled to a head casing that has a discharge conduit. An air line is mounted adjacent and to the drain port and extends from the drain port to an end that may be attached to a pressurized fluid source. Thus, when water remains in the standpipe even after a closure valve is closed, pressurized air is supplied through the air line and drain port into the standpipe to force retained water toward and out of the discharge conduit.

Abstract: A leak diverter for positioning above a suspended ceiling is disclosed. The leak diverter can comprise a liquid collection tray comprising a flexible or substantially rigid sheet of material. The leak diverter can have a drain in flow communication with the liquid collection tray. The leak diverter can comprise a perimeter frame and can be supported by a plurality of support members. The drain can be positioned to extend through either the liquid collection tray or the side barrier and can be positioned above the suspended ceiling. In one embodiment, the width of the leak diverter is less than the standard width of a suspended ceiling panel in order to facilitate installation of the diverter above the suspended ceiling. In another embodiment, the length of the leak diverter may be greater than the standard length or width of a suspended ceiling panel, and may straddle adjacent ceiling panels.

Abstract: Pressure regulator with partial volumes for regulating the operating pressure of fluids, in particular adhesives, at the inlet of a consuming device, the first partial volume (14) being connectable to a fluid source and the second partial volume (24) being connectable to the fluid inlet of the consuming device, wherein the second partial volume (24) has a cylindrical section(24a) of variable size, a connecting channel (22) connecting the first (14) and the second (24) partial volumes, a valve disposed in the first partial volume for opening and closing the connecting channel, said valve having an insert (23) and a movable sealing piston (32), the front end of which forms a sealing body (34) for closing the connecting channel and the rear end of which is sealed against the first partial volume.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for constructing a valve assembly comprising an anti-friction ring. The anti-friction ring allows a closure member in the valve assembly to more freely rotate during operation of the valve assembly. Consequently, the closure member strikes a sealing member in different rotational positions during repetitive cycling of the valve assembly.

Abstract: A valve having one or more fluid conduits is operable to provide fluid flow configurations between various lines. The valve is operable to move between a first position, wherein a first fluid flow configuration is provided through the various lines, and a second position, wherein a second fluid flow configuration is provided through the various lines. The valve may include piston, plug, ball, and/or other valve configurations to provide an efficient, compact, and reliable valve operable to select fluid flow within a recirculation system.

Abstract: A faucet assembly includes a housing that defines a cavity. Within the cavity there is a ball valve that is held in place by cam surfaces of a cam. The cam surfaces positively and directly contact the ball valve without a pliable seal member disposed there between. The possible location of the ball valve eliminates linear movement. Further, a seal assembly is disposed between the cam and the ball valve in locations that are not in direct contact with the cam surfaces. The cam surfaces hold the ball valve in place separately from the seal resulting in less load on the seal to provide lengthened seal life.

Abstract: A valve portion for a solenoid valve is disclosed. The valve portion includes a valve body including a longitudinal channel, wherein the valve body further includes a supply aperture, a control aperture and an exhaust aperture. A spool is slidably disposed in said longitudinal channel and the spool is adapted to adjust a connection between said supply aperture and said control aperture upon external excitation. A pressure regulation device is operatively connected or adjoined to the exhaust aperture, the control aperture, and the supply aperture, wherein the pressure regulation device is adapted to adjustably connect or adjoin the exhaust aperture to at least one of the control aperture and the supply aperture, such that spool position is generally maintained substantially independent of pressure variation between the control aperture and the supply aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retainer band and a valve using the retainer band. The retainer band comprises an annular ring, a gasket and a block member. The annular ring has two terminals, which are opposite to each other. The gasket is formed on a periphery of the annular ring and is perpendicular to the annular ring. In addition, the valve comprises a body, an outlet pipe and an adaptor connected the body and the outlet pipe. The annular ring is provided to install around the adaptor and the block member is provided to wedge in between the two terminals of the annular ring. Therefore, when the outlet pipe is mounted on the second connecting portion of the adaptor, an entry of the outlet pipe tightly covers the annular ring and the block member, and is pressed against the gasket.

Abstract: A fluid system component is provided that includes first and second elements configured to be removably engaged with each other and defining a fluid passageway when engaged. The first element defines at least one groove. Correspondingly, the second element includes at least one engagement member configured and arranged to be received in, and travel along, a corresponding groove. The presence of a predetermined line pressure in the fluid passageway forces each engagement member into the terminal portion of the corresponding groove, so as to substantially foreclose disengagement of the first and second elements until the fluid pressure in the fluid passageway has reached a predetermined magnitude. The fluid system component includes means for selectively securing the second element, such as a collar, in relation to the first element, such as a sleeve, when the first element is received within the second element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and device for the protecting underground pipe portions from corrosion by providing applying a wrap having an anti-corrosion agent over the pipe portion to form a seal with an anti-corrosion agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilization means for a corrugated hose comprising at least one corrugated portion with at least one corrugation which projects relative to the corrugated hose and which extends, at least in certain sections thereof, essentially in the circumferential direction of said corrugated hose, said stabilization means comprising at least one annular segment which, when mounted on said corrugated hose, surrounds the circumference of said corrugated hose adjacent the corrugation. For improving the vibration behaviour of corrugated hoses, in particular of charge air hoses, the present invention is so conceived that a stabilization means is provided, in the case of which the annular segment is a substantially planar structure comprising individual threads or strands that are arranged relative to one another.

Abstract: A frost free sillcock generally comprising an elongated housing having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, a valve cartridge provided with a stem disposed within such housing, and a handle including a rigid section mounted on an end of such stem and a resilient section mounted on such rigid section.

Abstract: Procedure consisting of the of textile weaving of inelastic and elastic fiber forming an elastic weave with one or more rigid loops. Field of application: clothing, footwear, headgear, haberdashery, costume jewelry, items for personal use, travel items, cases, leather goods and imitation leather goods. The inventive procedure consists of the weaving of an inelastic fiber and an elastic fiber, natural or synthetic, which are separated at preset intervals, in this way giving rise to one or more rigid loops that allow the application of laces or other objects that benefit from the combined effect of resistance and/or stability, provided by the loop in inelastic fiber, and of elasticity, provided by the inelastic-elastic weave.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for quantifying fuel flow from a substantially stationary consumer container is contemplated. The system includes a flow sensor, a communications medium, and a receiver. Both the flow sensor and the receiver are in communication with the communications medium. The system may include a display, a computing device in communication with the receiver and an environmental sensor in communication with the communications medium. The communications medium may be wireless.

Abstract: An automatic pencil sharpener has a plurality of different sizes of pencil selector openings in a front side of a pencil selector panel, and an annulus groove at the back side of the pencil selector panel for mounting the trigger. Accordingly, the pencil inserted into the pencil receiving opening will keep a constant distance with the trigger switch, regardless of the sizes of the pencil inserted, thereby smoothing the pencil operation in the device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a single operator to load and control the automatic infeeding of workpieces to a saw including the loading of a first workpiece from a nearby supply and placing it onto a moveable structure that that is raised to form a ramp and lowered to release the workpiece. The workpiece moves down the ramp and stops against a stop member located on the top surface of the moveable structure positioned above a first conveyor. The operator controls the lowering of the ramp structure thereupon releasing the workpiece to the first conveyor moving the workpiece transversely past a scanner, which discerns dimensional characteristics of the workpiece. A second conveyor feeds the workpiece into the saw.

Abstract: An alkanethiol, alkyl thioglycollate, dialkyl sulfide or dialkyl disulfide may be used to surface treat of an alloy of silver containing an amount of germanium that is effective to reduce firestain and/or tarnishing. The treatment has been found to further reduce tarnishing of the alloy such that a sample can be supported close above a 20% solution of ammonium polysulphide for at least 30 minutes while retaining a generally untarnished appearance. The treatment may be carried out at the end of manufacturing a shaped article to give rise to an article that will preserve its untarnished appearance both during transit to a point of sale but during subsequent display for an extended period.

Abstract: A copper base for an electronic component includes a silicon oxide thin film containing at least one of a hydrocarbon group and a hydroxy group is used, the silicon oxide thin film being disposed on a surface of the copper base. Furthermore, a silicon-containing reaction gas is decomposed by generating plasma. The resulting decomposition product is brought into contact with the copper base to form a silicon oxide thin film on a surface of the copper base.

Abstract: The invention provides a lead-free brass material exhibiting excellent forgeability and dezincification resistance. The brass material includes 61.0 to 63.0 wt % of Cu, 0.5 to 2.5 wt % of Bi, 1.5 to 3.0 wt % of Sn, 0.02 to 0.10 wt % of Sb, and 0.04 to 0.15 wt % of P, with the balance being substantially Zn. The brass material is a lead-free free-cutting alloy which can be suitably applied to forging and exhibits excellent mechanical properties and dezincification resistance without substantially subjecting the brass material to a heat treatment after forging.

Abstract: An aluminum-based material and method of manufacturing products from the aluminum-based material formed by a solid solution of zinc, magnesium and copper in aluminum with dispersed phase particles of aluminum, zinc, magnesium and copper essentially evenly distributed in the solution and particles of nickel aluminide being essentially evenly distributed in the matrix of the aluminum-based material that contains particles, essentially evenly distributed in the matrix, of at least one of the aluminides group such as chromium aluminide and zirconium aluminide, with a total content of 0. 1-0.5% of the volume with the maximum amount of nickel aluminide particles being 3 ?m and the proportion between the maximum and minimum amount of nickel aluminide particles of no more than 2 and with the maximum amount of chromium aluminide and zirconium aluminide particles is 0.

Abstract: Aluminium alloy containing Mg and Si, in particular useful for extrusion purposes containing in wt %: Mg 0.3-0.5 Si 0.35-0.6? Mn 0.02-0.08 Cr 0.05 Zn 0.15 Cu 0.1? Fe 0.08-0.28 and in addition grain refining elements up to 0.1 wt % and incidental impurities up to 0.15 wt %. The manganese (Mn), within the specified limits, has an additional positive effect on the extrudability of an AlMgSi alloy. In addition to promoting the transformation of the AlFeSi intermetallic phases, AlMnFeSi dispersoid particles are formed during homogenisation. These particles are acting as nucleation sites for Mg2Si particles during cooling after homogenisation. In a high quality billet the Mg2Si particles formed during cooling after homogenisation should easily dissolve during the preheating and the extrusion operation before the material reach the die opening.

Abstract: A unique heat treat method for relieving stresses caused by a repairing weld joint in a full hoop part heat treats locally, at the location of the weld joint, and at a diametrically opposed location. By providing the diametrically opposed heat treat location, the present invention relieves stresses caused by the weld joint, without creating any additional residual stress in the weld joint.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes and activated carbon containing a metal such as palladium release a photoacoustic effect when subjected to a flash of light. A light ignitable, energetic composition is produced by mixing one of them with an energetic material such as black powder or ammonium perchlorate.

Abstract: A tire includes a tread rubber layer, a conductive layer located beneath the tread rubber layer and a reinforcement layer located at side periphery of the tread rubber layer and the conductive layer. Tread grooves are defined in a top surface of the tread tuber layer and a protection protrusion extends along each top edge of the tread grooves and protrudes beyond the top surface of the tread rubber layer. The conductive layer has at least one discharge terminal which is connected to an inner periphery of the tread groove. The at leas tone discharge terminal is exposed after the protection protrusions are worn out.

Abstract: A tubeless tire includes a tread portion, two sidewalls, an interfacing material integrally formed between the two sidewalls of a pliable, flexible yet reliable material, two beads extending outwardly from the tire, delimiting a section formed by the interfacing material, and an air valve stem provided on the interfacing material. The thickness of the interfacing material is substantially the same as the thickness of the two sidewalls, and the beads project outwardly of an outer surface of the interfacing material. The beads are disposed in a position such that when the tire is mounted on a rim, the beads will fit within the rim, when the tire is inflated on the rim using the air valve stem, the interfacing material will expand, causing the beads to fit tightly within the rim, thus fixing the tire on the rim, and there is no sealing layer within the tire.

Abstract: A tire comprises at least a bias carcass, a cushion rubber and a tread rubber viewing from an inside of a tread center zone in a radial direction of the tire, in which a sulfur content in the cushion rubber is 0.75-1.60% by mass. Also, a tire comprises at least a radial carcass, a belt, and, if necessary, a cushion rubber and a tread rubber viewing from an inside of a tread center zone in a radial direction of the tire, in which the belt is comprised of one or more belt layers each containing plural cords covered with a coating rubber and a sulfur content in the coating rubber and/or the cushion rubber is 0.75-1.80% by mass. Furthermore, a retread tire is formed from these tires by repetitive retreading.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluoropolymer-based coating material in tape or varnish form suitable for laser marking and containing as additive from 0.5% to 5% by weight of at least one polyimide comprising repeating units which include at least one group Ar—X—Ar?, in which Ar and Ar? represent independently an optionally substituted monovalent or divalent aryl group and X represents a —CO— or —S— group, the said polyimide being essentially free from heteroatoms or heteratomic groups other than —S— and other than the imide groups.

Abstract: A method of making a micro-fluid ejection head structure and structures made by the method. The method includes planarizing a heated substrate component of a micro-fluid ejection head structure by applying a clamping voltage to an electrostatic chuck sufficient to hold the substrate component in a planarized orientation. A polymeric nozzle layer is laminated to the heated substrate component in a manner sufficient to provide a planarized nozzle layer on the substrate component.

Abstract: Instead of raising and lowering the tension in a full length of a liner with labels affixed thereto, the tension in a small portion of the liner is temporarily reduced, such as by clamping the liner between a tensioning device (usually a rewinder) and a peel point. The overall liner tensioning system is not affected. After the leading edge of a bad label is driven past the peel point, the tension is resumed, such as by releasing the clamping. The bad label then remains on the liner. This type of a mechanism allows rapid and precise control of tension at the peel point without having to control the overall tensioning system for the liner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, a system, computer readable mediums and computer program products for controlling a process for producing a layered substrate. The method comprises the steps of: collecting (32) at least one first set of measurement data related to parameters of a substrate at a first process stage located upstream a pressing step in the translation direction (A) of the conveying means (14); collecting (34) at least one second set of measurement data related to parameters of the substrate at a second process stage located upstream a pressing step in the translation direction (A) of the conveying means (14); and controlling (36) resin dosage by using collected measurement data from the first and second process stage and a calculated calibration model, which model is based on collected measurement data of substrates at the first and/or second process stage.

Abstract: Non-ceramic floor coverings are bonded to a substrate by an aqueous adhesive that comprises a synthetic polymer as a binder and hydrolyzable silane groups.

Abstract: A coating material, green sheet and the method capable of producing a green sheet without a pin hole, having enough strength to be peeled from a support body and excellent surface smoothness even when the green sheet is extremely thin, and being suitable to make an electronic device thin and multilayered, are provided. The present invention provides a green sheet coating material comprising a ceramic powder, a binder resin including a butyral based resin as a main component thereof, and a solvent. The solvent includes a first solvent having an SP value as a solubility parameter of 10 or larger and a second solvent having the SP value of 8 or larger but smaller than 10. The second solvent is included by 20 to 60 wt % and, preferably, 25 to 60 wt % with respect to 100 wt % of the solvent as the entire weight.

Abstract: An elastic composite article and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The elastic composite article includes a pair of coverwebs, a plurality of elastic filaments located between the pair of coverwebs. One or both of the pair of coverwebs is a nonwoven fibrous coverweb with a tear pattern of weakened areas formed therein. The tear patterns are formed before the coverwebs are attached to each other to form the elastic composite article.

Abstract: A method for forming a dye sublimation image in a plastic substrate with a sheet having an image formed thereon of a sublimatic dyestuff is provided. The image on the sheet with a treatment that deposits a silicon compound is placed against a first surface of the substrate. The sheet is heated to a sublimation temperature, which causes the image of the sheet to sublimate into the substrate. The sheet is cooled to a release temperature. The sheet is removed from the substrate.