Abstract: A unidirectional transmission includes a driver generating a torque selectively in a first direction and a second direction. A first passive member meshes with the driver and receives the torque from the driver. A second passive member meshes with the first passive member and receives the torque from the driver via the first passive member. A first unidirectional member engages with the first passive member to transmit the torque in the first direction, when the driver generates the torque in the second direction. A second unidirectional member engages with the second passive member to transmit the torque in the first direction, when the driver generates the torque in the first direction. An output member couples to the first unidirectional member and the second unidirectional member and selectively receives the torque in the first direction from the first and second unidirectional members.

Abstract: As a key sheet for fixing a base sheet and key tops to be arranged on the base sheet using adhesive layers, a key sheet where the key tops and the base sheet are fixed, is obtained by forming printed adhesive layers of the key tops on facing surfaces of at least either of the key tops or the base sheet by means of printing, and then bringing the printed adhesive layer into contact with the other facing surfaces in a softened or molten state, and by curing the printed adhesive layer.

Abstract: A button assembly comprising a panel having a hole and a button configured to extend through the hole. The assembly further includes an integral switch pad and gasket member, with the switch pad having a base and a flexible dome including a contact extending from the base. The gasket member is integrally connected to the switch pad at a transition line and includes an opening. The button is configured to be placed through the hole in the panel and the gasket member is configured to be repositioned relative to the switch pad along the transition line such that the opening in the gasket member is aligned with the hole in the panel and the button engages the gasket member. The flexible dome of the switch pad is configured to be aligned with the hole in the panel such that depression of the button collapses the dome of the switch pad.

Abstract: A pushbutton provides an operator with a replaceable cam ring that converts the operating mode of the operator from push-pull to twist-to-release.

Abstract: The invention relates to both a method and apparatus for thermal cracking hydrocarbons. The apparatus includes a rotating conical drum assembly within a vessel containing a hydrocarbon feedstock. The conical drum assembly is internally heated to cause cracking of hydrocarbons adjacent the conical drum surface and the formation of coke on its external surface as the conical drum rotates. Coke is removed from the drum surface by a coke removal system and cracked hydrocarbon product is collected as a vapor.

Abstract: A method and system for treating feedwater includes producing a stream of hot air in an evaporation chamber having an upper section and a lower section and dispersing droplets of feedwater into the stream of hot air. The droplets evaporate and solids in the feedwater precipitate. The precipitated solids are collected in the lower section of the evaporation chamber. Water vapor is discharged from the evaporation chamber and treated in a cyclone separator to remove residual solids therefrom. The water vapor output from the cyclone separator is condensed. In this case, dry solids can be discharged from the evaporation chamber and the cyclone separator for recovery. Treated water can be recovered from the condenser.

Abstract: A method and system for treating feedwater includes evaporating a portion of the feedwater in a first evaporation chamber so as to separate water vapor from the remaining feedwater. Droplets of the remaining feedwater are dispersed into a stream of hot air produced in a second evaporation chamber. The droplets evaporate and solids in the feedwater precipitate. The precipitated solids are collected in the lower section of the second evaporation chamber. Water vapor discharged from both evaporation chambers can be treated in a cyclone separator to remove residual solids therefrom. The cleansed water vapor output from the cyclone separator can be condensed to recover clean water. Dry solids can be discharged from the second evaporation chamber and the cyclone separator for recovery.

Abstract: A method and system for treating emissions includes charging particles in an exhaust stream, producing one or more radicals, and oxidizing at least a portion of the charged particles with at least a portion of the produced radicals. At least a portion of the charged particles in the exhaust stream are then attracted on at least one attraction surface which is one of oppositely charged from the charged particles and grounded. The attracted particles are oxidized with another portion of the one or more produced radicals to self regenerate the at least one attraction surface. Downstream from where the attracted particles are oxidized, at least a portion of one or more first compounds in the exhaust stream are converted to one or more second compounds downstream from the attracting. Additionally, at least a portion of any remaining charged particles are oxidized into one or more gases.

Abstract: An improved planetary sputter deposition method for sputter depositing an alloy on a substrate wherein the sputter deposited amount, or thickness, of a specific material of the alloy can be controlled so that different substrates can be provided with an alloy having a different composition, i.e. having different percentages of the same materials, thus, reducing the costs of stockpiling multiple alloy targets. The method generally includes providing a substrate and a plurality of targets with each of the plurality of targets being composed of one or more magnetic materials. The targets are sputtered, in sequence, to deposit each of the materials of the plurality of targets on the substrate to provide at least one laminate defining an alloy.

Abstract: An aluminum sputtering process including RF biasing the wafer and a two-step aluminum fill process and apparatus used therefor to fill aluminum into a narrow via hole by sputtering under two distinctly different conditions, preferably in two different plasma sputter reactors. The first step includes sputtering a high fraction of ionized aluminum atoms onto a relatively cold wafer, e.g., held at less than 150° C., and relatively highly biased to attract aluminum atoms into the narrow holes and etch overhangs. The second step includes more neutral sputtering onto a relatively warm wafer, e.g. held at greater than 250° C., and substantially unbiased to provide a more isotropic and uniform aluminum flux. The magnetron scanned about the back of the aluminum target may be relatively small and unbalanced in the first step and relatively large and balanced in the second.

Abstract: A self-baking, Soderberg type carbon anode (40) for use in an aluminum electrolyses cell (1) to form product aluminum (11), where the anode (40) is consumable in molten electrolyte (12) in the cell, the anode having top, bottom and side surfaces and at least four layers of vertically disposed plate inserts (48) meltable in the molten electrolyte, the plate inserts (48) preferably made of aluminum and are capable of melting to create hollow vertical slots (52) at the bottom of the anode facilitating any gas bubbles (60) generated to channel to the side of the anode into the electrolyte (12).

Abstract: Describes a method for lowering the flow of liquid anolyte through perforations in the diaphragm of a diaphragm electrolytic cell, e.g., a chlor-alkali diaphragm electrolytic cell, comprising introducing ceramic fiber into the anolyte compartment of the electrolytic cell, e.g., during cell operation. The benefits described for lowering the flow of anolyte liquor through the diaphragm of a chlor-alkali diaphragm electrolytic cell are increasing the concentration of alkali metal hydroxide, e.g., sodium hydroxide, and decreasing the concentration of hypochlorite ion, e.g., sodium hypochlorite, in the catholyte liquor. Also describes introducing dopant material and/or fibers comprising halogen-containing polymer, e.g., fluorocarbon polymer fibers, into the anolyte compartment of the electrolytic cell in conjunction with the addition of ceramic fiber into the anolyte compartment, e.g., during cell operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for fabricating solid-state alkaline polymer Zn-air battery, which consists of a zinc-gel anode, an air cathode electrode, and alkaline polymer electrolyte. The formulation of said zinc gel anode is similar to that of alkaline Zn—MnO2 battery. The zinc gel anode contains a mixture of electrolytic dendritic zinc powders, KOH electrolyte, gelling agent and small amount of additives. The air cathode electrode is made by carbon gas diffusion electrode, which comprises two layers, namely gas diffusion layer and active layer. The active layer on the electrolyte side uses a high surface area carbon for oxygen reduction reaction and potassium permanganate and MnO2 as catalysts for oxygen reduction. The diffusion layer on the air side has high PTFE content to prevent KOH electrolyte from weeping or climbing. Due to adequate amount of fresh air and oxygen supply, the air cathode electrode can run continuously.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell (1) for the production of a halogen biocide from an aqueous solution with an electrolyses process comprises an enclosure (5) and electrode plates (2, 3, 4). The enclosure (5) consists of two parts which are connected by at least one connector (9). Only few components are used to build up the cell. This allows easy manufacturing of the cell, also in developing countries.

Abstract: A single-piece backing plate for a sputtering target is disclosed where cooling passages are formed internal to the backing plate. In some embodiments, cooling passages can be formed through the edges of a single plate of material by gun drilling. These passages can then be sealed at the edge so as to form cooling passages within the plate. A sputtering target can then be bonded to one side of the plate to form a target assembly. In some embodiments, an insulating plate can be permanently bonded a side of the backing plate. Some embodiments of the target plate according to the present invention remove the need for multiple internal sealing surfaces, multiple attachment devices, and external back-side plasma suppression plates that are often utilized in conventional backing plate assemblies.

Abstract: An insulating target material for obtaining an insulating complex oxide film represented by a general formula AB1-XCXO3, an element A including at least Pb, an element B including at least one of Zr, Ti, V, W, and Hf, and an element C including at least one of Nb and Ta.

Abstract: A carrier having a plurality of support bars for safely transferring a substrate is provided. The carrier includes a frame having a through-hole formed at a center, the center through-hole including a first inner surface and a second inner surface that faces the first inner surface within in the through-hole; and a plurality of support bars joined to the first inner surface and the second inner surface.

Abstract: A plasma excitation system includes at least one DC current supply connected to a mains supply, at least one medium frequency (MF) unit connected to the at least one DC current supply for generating an AC voltage at its output, and a controller. The output of the MF unit is connected to electrodes of a coating chamber. The controller is connected to the at least one DC current supply for regulating and/or controlling an output value of the DC current supply, and is also connected to the at least one MF unit for regulating and/or controlling an output value of the MF unit. The controller includes at least one input interface for supplying a value describing an output value of the at least one MF unit, and at least one control output interface for connecting a control input of the at least one MF unit.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio sensor has an exhaust-side electrode and an atmosphere-side electrode. The atmosphere-side electrode is disposed in an atmosphere layer that communicates with the atmosphere. Since the air-fuel ratio sensor is disposed in an exhaust passage, exhaust gas enters the atmosphere layer if a sensor crack occurs. Ordinarily, forward voltage is applied to the air-fuel ratio sensor to obtain an output thereof in accordance with the air-fuel ratio. Immediately after the applied voltage is switched to reverse voltage, sensor current i1 in accordance with the impedance flows, regardless of the presence/absence of a sensor crack. After that, the sensor current converges to a value i2 that is in accordance with the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere layer. The presence/absence of a sensor crack is determined by comparing the value obtained by correcting i2 by i1, with a criterion value.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte gas sensor of the invention includes a sensor main body S3 having a solid electrolyte board 10, a gas detecting electrode layer (auxiliary electrode layer) 12 formed on one face of the board, and a reference electrode 14 formed on a face thereof on a side opposed to the one face, and a supporting member provided at the sensor main body, and a first and a second conductive member rod 15-1, 15-2 connected to the respective electrodes are adopted as the supporting members. Or, in place of the conductive member rod, as the supporting member rod, an insulating tube for inserting a lead wire, or a rod-like member formed integrally with the sensor main body and extended in one direction can be adopted.

Abstract: A sensor including a species selective electrode and a reference electrode having an electrolyte layer disposed therebetween; a reference gas channel in fluid communication with the reference electrode; a heater and a temperature sensor; wherein the species selective electrode is disposed on a first side of an insulating layer separating the species selective electrode from the electrolyte layer, the insulating layer having a first substantially solid area and a second area having an opening pattern extending through the insulating layer; the species selective electrode comprising a species sensing electrode portion disposed on the opening pattern of the insulating layer so as to contact the electrolyte layer through the opening pattern and a non-active electrode lead portion disposed over the first substantially solid area so that the non-active electrode lead portion is in electrical communication with the species sensing electrode portion and is free from contact with the electrolyte layer.

Abstract: An injection system including a first electrical circuit for concentration of an analyte and a second electrical circuit for injection of the concentrated analyte into an electrophoretic device is described, as well as methods of using the injection system.

Abstract: An electrodepositable coating composition is provided including a resinous phase and catalyst nanoparticles dispersed in an aqueous medium, the resinous phase including (a) at least one active hydrogen-containing, ionic salt group-containing resin; and (b) at least one curing agent; and the catalyst nanoparticles for effecting cure between the resin (a) and the curing agent (b). The catalyst nanoparticles have an average BET specific surface area greater than 20 square meters per gram (m2/g). Methods of preparing and using the composition also are provided.

Abstract: Apparatuses for mixing droplets, such as a binary mixing apparatus, are provided. The binary mixing apparatus includes an array of electrodes and a conducting element positioned in relation to at least one of the electrodes to enable a droplet placed in electrical communication with the at least one electrode to electrically communicate with the conducting element. The binary mixing apparatus additionally includes an electrode selector for sequentially biasing one or more selected electrodes of the array to move a droplet disposed on the array into contact with another droplet. The apparatus further includes a first droplet supply area communicating with the array and a second droplet supply area communicating with the array.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a sample separation instrument used in a sample separation apparatus which includes: holding means for holding a first medium supporter which supports a first medium; and driving means for moving fixing means or the holding means in a direction parallel or perpendicular to a plane whose sides extend in the first direction and in the second directions. The sample separation instrument includes an insulator for storing a second medium which allows a sample separated in the first medium in the first direction to be further separated in the second direction different from the first direction, wherein: the insulator includes a first opening and a second opening each of which defines the second direction in which the second medium is electrified, and the second opening has a shape which allows the first medium containing the separated sample to be attached to the second medium along the first direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming devices using nanotubes. In one embodiment, an apparatus for depositing nanotubes onto a workpiece comprises a vessel configured to contain a deposition fluid having a plurality of nanotubes including first nanotubes having a first characteristic and second nanotubes having a second characteristic. The apparatus further includes a sorting unit in the vessel configured to selectively isolate or otherwise sort the first nanotubes from the second nanotubes, and a field unit in the vessel configured to attach the first nanotubes to the workpiece. For example, the field unit can attach the first nanotubes to the workpiece such that the first nanotubes are at least generally parallel to each other and in a desired orientation relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for filling features on microfeature workpieces. One embodiment of a method for filling features on a microfeature workpiece comprises contacting a surface of the microfeature workpiece with a plating solution having a plating species and an accelerator, and electrochemically depositing the plating species onto the workpiece until the plating species at least substantially fills first depressions on the workpiece. The electrochemical species forms a plated layer on the workpiece, and this method further includes changing the concentration of the accelerator on a surface of the plated layer at locations aligned with the first depressions. The method continues by electroplating more of the plating species onto the workpiece after changing the concentration of the accelerator on the plated layer to further deposit the plating species into a second depression on the microfeature workpiece that is larger than the first depression.

Abstract: In some embodiments, multilayer structures are electrochemically fabricated from at least one structural material (e.g. nickel), at least one sacrificial material (e.g. copper), and at least one sealing material (e.g. solder). In some embodiments, the layered structure is made to have a desired configuration which is at least partially and immediately surrounded by sacrificial material which is in turn surrounded almost entirely by structural material. The surrounding structural material includes openings in the surface through which etchant can attack and remove trapped sacrificial material found within. Sealing material is located near the openings. After removal of the sacrificial material, the box is evacuated or filled with a desired gas or liquid. Thereafter, the sealing material is made to flow, seal the openings, and resolidify. In other embodiments, a post-layer formation lid or other enclosure completing structure is added.

Abstract: Multi-layer structures are electrochemically fabricated by depositing a first material, selectively etching the first material (e.g. via a mask), depositing a second material to fill in the voids created by the etching, and then planarizing the depositions so as to bound the layer being created and thereafter adding additional layers to previously formed layers. The first and second depositions may be of the blanket or selective type. The repetition of the formation process for forming successive layers may be repeated with or without variations (e.g. variations in: patterns; numbers or existence of or parameters associated with depositions, etchings, and or planarization operations; the order of operations, or the materials deposited). Other embodiments form multi-layer structures using operations that interlace material deposited in association with some layers with material deposited in association with other layers.

Abstract: Methods of forming metal interconnect layers include forming an electrically insulating layer having a contact hole therein, on a semiconductor substrate and then forming a recess in the electrically insulating layer, at a location adjacent the contact hole. The contact hole and the recess are then filled with a first electrically conductive material (e.g., tungsten (W)). At least a portion of the first electrically conductive material within the contact hole is then exposed. This exposure occurs by etching back a portion of the electrically insulating layer using the first electrically conductive material within the contact hole and within the recess as an etching mask. The first electrically conductive material within the recess is then removed to expose another portion of the electrically insulating layer. Following this, the exposed portion of the first electrically conductive material is covered with a second electrically conductive material (e.g.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrical contact includes providing a series of electrical contacts joined on a carrier strip to a plating station followed by an induction heating station. At the plating station, plating the electrical contacts with a conductive alloy coating to form coated electrical contacts. At the induction heating station, induction heating the coated electrical contacts.

Abstract: A method is provided for synthesizing synthesis gas from carbon dioxide obtained from atmospheric air or other available carbon dioxide source and water using a sodium-conducting electrochemical cell. Synthesis gas is also produced by the coelectrolysis of carbon dioxide and steam in a solid oxide fuel cell or solid oxide electrolytic cell. The synthesis gas produced may then be further processed and eventually converted into a liquid fuel suitable for transportation or other applications.

Abstract: A biosensor (102) for determining the presence or amount of a substance in a sample and methods of use of the biosensor (102) are provided. The biosensor (102) for receiving a user sample to be analyzed includes a mixture for electrochemical reaction with an analyte. The mixture includes an enzyme, a mediator and an oxidizable species as an internal reference.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochemical sensor (10) for detecting the concentration of analyte in a fluid test sample is disclosed. The sensor (10) includes a counter electrode having a high-resistance portion for use in detecting whether a predetermined amount of sample has been received by the test sensor.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed that includes an electrolyte pump in fluid communication with an electrochemical cell and an ion selective electrode. The electrochemical cell may include a gold cathode and a platinum anode. The sensor may include an electrolyte reservoir as well as an optional electrolyte waste reservoir. Methods of sensing chlorine dioxide are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas sensor is provided for detecting one or more gases in a gas sample. The gas sensor includes a substrate, a solid electrolyte layer including lanthanum oxide for sensing carbon dioxide, a heating element thermally coupled to the solid electrolyte layer, and a controller coupled to the heating element and the solid electrolyte layer. The controller heats the heating element so that the solid electrolyte layer reaches an operating. Methods of sensing carbon dioxide and humidity are also disclosed.

Abstract: A display unit for combining a fabric fashion accessory such as a necktie to jewelry such as cufflinks comprises a substrate having first and second panels arranged along an axis, a pair of first flaps attached to the first panel and being pivotally mounted in a direction generally parallel to the axis, a fold at the union of the first and second panels, a first hole disposed proximate to or at the fold in the substrate, a securement that holds the first and second panels to one another and a hanger seated in the first hole comprising a hook and a downwardly depending neck, and a pair of second holes extending through only one of the at least first and second panels which is sized to receive a stem of the jewelry. A method for combining jewelry and a fabric fashion is provided as well.

Abstract: A display unit for combining a first and second fabric fashion accessory such as a necktie comprises a substrate having first and second panels arranged along an axis, a fold at the union of the first and second panels, a first hole disposed proximate to or at the fold in the substrate, and a securement that holds the first and second panels to one another to preserve the fold, a hanger seated in the first hole comprising a hook and a downwardly depending neck, and a flap attached to the first panel, the flap capable of extending around the entire display unit to be secured to the back of the first panel. A method for combining fabric fashions is provided as well.

Abstract: There is provided a storage container or reservoir for paint or varnish brushes that facilitates both storage of the brushes and transport to the worksite that includes a suitable, preferably transparent or translucent container for the brush solvent having rods or dowels that are sealingly and slidably passed through opposing walls of a container at various heights above the bottom of the container so that various sized brushes can be suspended with their ferrules at substantially the same level and so that a single volume of solvent can effectively immerse the bristles of the various sized brushes. Each rod or dowel desirably suspends one or two brushes so that access to retrieve any brush from the container may be had by manually sliding the rod or dowel so that a free end of the rod or dowel is within the container whereupon the brush of choice can be slid off the rod or dowel and retrieved, after which the rod or dowel may be easily replaced though the opposing wall.

Abstract: A transparent or partially transparent polymer packet is described containing a hand sanitizing fluid in which floats a printed insert. Inclusion of the message-bearing insert promotes the distribution and use of the hand sanitizing fluid for improving hand hygiene.

Abstract: A bottle cap is adapted to retain a quantity of an additive, such as for example aspirin or the like. The additive is retained in an isolated condition within a sealed chamber or within a bladder inside the bottle cap but in fluid communication with the liquid within the bottle, such as water. Means are provided to breech the seal of the chamber or the bladder, thereby releasing some or all of the additive retained within the bottle cap.

Abstract: A wipe includes a substrate with a pouch configured on an application side thereof. An access opening is provided into an internal space of the pouch. A composition delivered by the wipe upon use of the product is stored in a container that is inserted into the pouch through the access opening. Upon use of the wipe, the container within the pouch releases the composition, which is delivered through the pouch for application by the wipe.

Abstract: A display unit for a tie and a handkerchief comprises a substrate having first and second panels arranged along an axis, a pair of first flaps attached to the first panel and being pivotally mounted in a direction generally parallel to the axis, a pair of second flaps attached to the second panel and pivotal in the first direction, a hole through the substrate, a fold at the union of the first and second panels, a securement that holds the first and second panels to one another and a hanger seated in the hole comprising a hook, a downwardly depending neck, and an engagement surface which is larger than the hole.

Abstract: A disk retaining structure, disposed inside a disk box and adapted to hold a disk, comprises a flat base disposed on a central part of the disk box; a pair of finger strips integrally formed at a central part of the flat base and each of the finger strips can be bent relative to the flat base. Two retaining pieces are respectively disposed adjacent to two upper edges of two outside surfaces of the finger strips and each of them has a flange at a bottom edge of a free end thereof. Two supporting pieces are respectively disposed adjacent to two lower edges of the outside surfaces of the finger strips. A buckling structure is provided between the two finger strips. When the finger strips are pinched, a disk can be conveniently placed horizontally on the retaining structure.

Abstract: The invented modular, capacity-adjustable racquet tote bag device includes two or more individual container segments each configured to contain at least a head portion of a racquet and associated gear, each segment being substantially coextensive and congruent in dimension and shape on at least one face with another; cooperative fastening means extending at least part-way circumferentially around confronting ones of the faces, the fastening means configured to securely join the two or more individual container segments together; and tote means, e.g. a handle or a shoulder strap, associated with at least one of the segments for transporting the racquet tote bag device. Preferably, the cooperative fastening means includes one or more confronting loop and pile textile members configured to detachably affix to one another when pressed together.

Abstract: A top cuff for a golf bag that has an outer collar and two sets of arcuate dividers. The first set of arcuate dividers may be angled in a first downward direction relative to the top of the top cuff. The second set of arcuate dividers are angled in a downward direction that is opposite from the downward angled direction of the first set of arcuate dividers. Each arcuate divider from the second set intersects at least one arcuate divider from the first set of arcuate dividers along a central axis extending vertically through the top cuff. The downward angled direction of each of the arcuate dividers allows golf clubs, when placed within each compartment, to be carried away from the central portion of the top cuff and come to rest near the outer collar, thereby minimizing contact between golf clubs.

Abstract: A container may include a receptacle having a floor, a base rim, an open end, a pair of generally parallel side walls, and a pair of end walls. The floor of the receptacle may have a generally rectangular shape, surrounded by the end walls and side walls. The container may have a length of between about 7½ inch and about 8½ inch and a height of between about 2½ inch and about 3 inch. The floor may have base rim extending downward from the floor and integral with the side walls and end walls. The side and end walls may define an open end opposite the floor. A complementary removable lid may have an elevated cap region and a rotation joint. The elevated cap region may be stackably mountable with the base rim of the receptacle. The rotation joint may divide the lid into an openable portion and a fixed portion, the openable portion being pivotable about the rotation joint. The container may be loaded with a plurality of angled collated strips of fasteners.

Abstract: A reinforcement element (30) for a welding wire container is provided, having an elongated body (32) and an attachment provision (50; 52, 54, 56; 60) for being connected to a wall (16) of the welding wire container (10). Further, a welding wire container (10) having such reinforcement element (30) is provided.

Abstract: A data disc storage arrangement for a plurality of data discs includes a disc housing having a storage portion, and a disc guider. The disc guider includes a plurality of edge holders spacedly formed on the storage portion of the disc housing, wherein each of the edge holders is adapted for substantially holding a non-data edge of the data disc, such that the disc guider is adapted for spacedly retaining the data discs on the storage portion of the disc housing in an upright manner that data surfaces of the data discs contact with air for preventing the data surfaces of the data discs from being scratched.

Abstract: A parcel of flat absorbent articles such as diapers placed into a stack and disposed into an encasement. When the encasement is in a closed state, the stack is folded. When the encasement is in at least a partially open state, one of the absorbent articles may be dispensed from the encasement.