Abstract: A self-assembled thin film thermoelectric device useful for thermal management of semiconductor devices, for medical treatment, or for other applications where precise, efficient, and controlled heating or cooling may be useful. TEC elements, including n-type TEC elements and p-type TEC elements may be self-assembled to binding sites on a substrate, and alternating TEC element types may be electrically coupled to each other with metallization in a serial circuit arrangement. A substrate suitable for self-assembly of a TFTEC device may include heat generating devices, cooling devices, or thermally neutral devices. Binding sites may be provided or activated so that TEC elements may be attracted to, aligned with, or attached to the binding sites.

Abstract: A computer with thermoelectric conversion uses a thermoelectric conversion module that connects between a heat generating device and a low temperature device to fully utilize the redundant heat generated by the computer. The thermoelectric conversion module converts heat to power based on a temperature difference between the heat generating device and the low temperature device. The power generated by the thermoelectric conversion module is then delivered to a load that can be activated by the power.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a Gap Diode is disclosed in which a tubular actuating element serves as both a housing for a pair of electrodes and as a means for controlling the separation between the electrode pair. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular actuating element is a quartz piezo-electric tube. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a Gap Diode is disclosed which is fabricated by micromachining techniques in which the separation of the electrodes is controlled by piezo-electric, electrostrictive or magnetostrictive actuators. Preferred embodiments of Gap Diodes include Cool Chips, Power Chips, and photoelectric converters.

Abstract: A thin film ceramic thermocouple (10) having two ceramic thermocouple (12, 14) that are in contact with each other in at least on point to form a junction, and wherein each element was prepared in a different oxygen/nitrogen/argon plasma. Since each element is prepared under different plasma conditions, they have different electrical conductivity and different charge carrier concentration. The thin film thermocouple (10) can be transparent. A versatile ceramic sensor system having an RTD heat flux sensor can be combined with a thermocouple and a strain sensor to yield a multifunctional ceramic sensor array. The transparent ceramic temperature sensor that could ultimately be used for calibration of optical sensors.

Abstract: This invention provides a photovoltaic module for preventing insulation failure between an outer frame and connection leads. The photovoltaic module comprises: a photovoltaic submodule including a plurality of solar cells interposed between two light-transmitting substrates through the intermediary of an encapsulant and the connection leads extending from an edge between light-transmitting substrates and outputting generated electric currents; a terminal box attached near an edge of the photovoltaic submodule and housing connected parts between the connection leads and cables for outputting the electric currents to the outside; and an outer frame fitting over peripheral edges of the photovoltaic submodule. A side, of the light-receiving side light-transmitting substrate, from which the connection leads are pulled out, is made large so as to extend outward further than the other light-transmitting substrate.

Abstract: A solar cell device. The device has a housing member. The device also has a lead frame member coupled to the housing member. In a preferred embodiment, the lead frame member has at least one photovoltaic strip thereon, which has a surface region and a back side region. The device has an optical elastomer material having a first thickness overlying the surface region of the photovoltaic surface. The device has a second substrate member comprising at least one optical concentrating element thereon. The optical concentrating element has a first side and a second side. The device has a first interface within a vicinity of the surface region and the first thickness of the optical elastomer material and a second interface within a vicinity of the second side and the optical elastomer material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell that absorbs a light source within a spectrum range from ultraviolet to far infrared with two surfaces by an absorption layer made of a semiconductor.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell includes carbon nanotubes formed by electrophoretic deposition. A separate carbon nanotube layer is stacked on a semiconductor layer by electrophoretic deposition, or a mixed layer of carbon nanotubes and a constituent material of a semiconductor layer is formed by electrophoretic deposition, thereby preventing damage to the carbon nanotubes. A method for fabricating the photovoltaic cell is also provided. Since superior electrical conductivity of the carbon nanotubes is maintained unchanged, the photovoltaic cell exhibits improved electron transfer performance and inhibits accumulation of electrons and occurrence of recombination reactions.

Abstract: A pressure relief device is disclosed for a system containing a pressurized fluid. The device includes a main valve body having inlet and outlet flow ports and a valve plug positioned to seal the flowpath of the pressurized fluid between the inlet port and the outlet port of main valve body. A force transmission component is connected to the valve plug and an activation component is installed between the force transmission component and a mounting surface. The activation component is configured to prevent axial movement of the valve plug until a predetermined pressure is exerted on the valve plug. The force transmission component more efficiently transfers the output force acting on the valve plug to the activation component.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling a pumping unit used in fire suppression comprises a pumping unit, a water flow sensor and a pump controller. The pumping unit has a pump with a suction inlet configured to receive water from an upstream pumping unit and an engine to run the pump. The water flow sensor senses water flow into the suction inlet of the pumping unit. The pump controller receives a water flow sensor signal from the water flow sensor and controls an on/off state of the engine based on the water flow sensor signal.

Abstract: A coupler for a hydrant assist kit includes a single piece construction having an inlet, an outlet, a basin, and a drain, the drain above the inlet and at a bottom of the basin. A hydrant assist kit connects a water line to a hydrant with the coupler and a sleeve attached to the coupler to protect the hydrant pipe.

Abstract: A hydraulic relief valve has a spring to offset an acting force of a spring resiliently supporting a main poppet so as to improve the make-up function of supplementing a hydraulic fluid since the outflow rate is higher than the inflow rate when the cylinder is retracted by an external force, in the case in which a pilot piston type of relief valve having a pilot piston displaceable in an orifice penetrating a main poppet is applied to a hydraulic system equipped with a cylinder. The pilot piston is provided with a circular rib on an external surface thereof, and an external surface of the orifice is partially cut to form a space around the external surface of the pilot piston. The external spring is installed between the valve seat and the external surface of the rib, and the internal spring is installed between the internal surface of the rib and the cut surface of the main poppet.

Abstract: The inventive sliding valve (8) comprises a slide (18), which is mounted in a manner that enables it to move transversal to the passage channel (11). This valve is provided with an asymmetrical design whereby enabling the pressure prevailing in the passage channel (11) to reach a side of the slide (18) via suitable ducts (25, 26), whereas the other side is not subjected to any pressure or only to a constant low pressure. A pressure spring (29) works counter to the pressure and holds the slide (18) in the open position. In the event the fluid pressure prevails, the slide (18) is displaced into the blocking position in which it remains until the pressure falls below the switching limit once again.

Abstract: In order to provide a set pressure controller capable of easily controlling a set pressure, releasing a load in an environment at a predetermined temperature or higher and realizing a compact structure, a valve having the pressure controller, and a fuel cell equipped with the valve having the pressure controller, the pressure controller for controlling a set pressure of a valve includes a movable part to be driven by a differential pressure, wherein the pressure controller is attachable to the valve, and the pressure controller attached to the valve provides the movable part with a predetermined displacement to control the set pressure.

Abstract: A fluid regulator having a body that encloses a chamber includes a gasket, a valve seat, and a valve stem. A fluid inlet and a fluid outlet are connected to the chamber and the gasket fluidly separates a portion of the chamber from a fluid path between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The valve seat is disposed in the fluid path and the valve stem extends through the gasket and directly engages the valve seat to selectively isolate an inlet side of the fluid path from an outlet side of the fluid path. Such a construction provides a fluid regulator with a reduced number of parts exposed to the regulated fluid flow.

Abstract: A check valve is for use in a fluid system. A valve body has an inlet end, a valve cavity, and an outlet end. A valve enables a valve assembly to control the flow of fluid therethrough. A plug of the valve assembly includes tapered and non-tapered sections, the tapered section having a cross section that increases in diameter in a direction that is downstream from the inlet end of the valve body. A sealing ring is mounted to reciprocate on the non-tapered section and an elastomeric actuation ring is mounted along the tapered section. The tapered section biases the actuation ring to a normal position, at which the actuation ring contacts and positions the sealing ring in contact with the valve body and the valve assembly to prevent fluid from flowing out the outlet end of the valve body.

Abstract: This invention provides a dripping nozzle device to produce ADU particles with good sphericity, a device for recovering a feedstock liquid to prepare a uniform feedstock liquid, a device for supplying a feedstock liquid to form drops with a uniform volume, a device for solidifying the surfaces of drops so that the drops will not deform easily when they fall onto and hit the surface of an aqueous ammonia solution, a device for circulating an aqueous ammonia solution so that the uranyl nitrate in the drops can be changed to ammonium diuranate completely, to such an extent that uranyl nitrate in the center of each drop is changed to ammonium diuranate, and an apparatus for producing ammonium diuranate particles with good sphericity. The dripping nozzle device is provided with a single vibrator to vibrate nozzles simultaneously. The device for recovering a feedstock liquid recovers the feedstock liquid remaining in the nozzles and mixes it with a fresh feedstock liquid.

Abstract: Space vehicles such as space stations are often constructed as segmented inflatable structures which are susceptible to being punctured by small meteoric materials, resulting in small insidious leaks which are difficult to locate and repair. A method and apparatus are described in which a differential pressure transducer is positioned between segments of the space vehicle. Atmospheric gas pressure of all segments is continuously monitored. Analysis is performed on any pressure differentials which are determined to exist between adjacent segments. Detection of small leaks initiates an automatic isolation of the leaking segment. Detection of catastrophic leaks initiates an emergency evacuation of personnel from the affected segment.

Abstract: An aspirator configured to be received within a shower fitting for generating a negative pressure in response to water flow.

Abstract: A flow control system able to realize stabilization of a flow rate of fluid at a high precision even in cases where pressure fluctuation of an outlet fluid of the flow control system occurs, that is, a flow control system arranged in a supply line of fluid running from a fluid supply part to a predetermined fluid usage part, provided with a first pressure control valve part arranged on the fluid supply part side and a second pressure control valve part arranged on the fluid usage part side through the first pressure control valve part and a pressure loss part, the first pressure control valve part provided with a first pressure control mechanism maintaining the outlet fluid at a predetermined pressure by a first valve part arranged within a first valve chamber moving back and forth with respect to a first valve seat in accordance with pressure fluctuation of the inlet fluid, the second pressure control valve part provided with a second pressure control mechanism maintaining the inlet fluid at a predetermined

Abstract: A standing pipe faucet assembly manufactured by a process separately manufacturing a faucet body and a separate body to simplify the process and lower its manufacturing cost effectively includes a faucet body made of a hollow copper pillar, a blocking rim formed at the top of the faucet body for fixing a separate body, an outlet pipe connected to the faucet body, a chamber disposed at the separate body made of a solid copper pillar for installing a water mixing valve, and a lateral hole groove corresponding to the outlet pipe of the faucet body. After the separate body is installed to the faucet body, a water inlet is passed through the separate body to interconnect a water outlet of the lateral hole groove. The invention provides a simple and time-saving manufacture and reduces the material and manufacturing costs greatly, and thus is very useful for the industry.

Abstract: A single handle mixing valve of the plate valve type where a single stem controls both the temperature and flow output from the valve. A control said characteristic plate having an opening is positioned over the stem and has at least one surface defining limits of stem movement. An actuating ring positioned within an exterior cover for the mixing valve has inwardly facing cam surfaces, which interact with the control plate to adjust either maximum temperature or maximum flow from the valve. The actuating ring has a tab extending to the outside of the exterior cover for convenient operator manipulation without the need for disassembly or the use of tools.

Abstract: A tank manifold assembly for use in combination with fuel tanks of Hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles. The manifold assembly incorporates a regulator, an excess flow valve, a manual shutoff valve, and ports to receive separate components. The separate components may include, by way of example, a thermal relief valve, a pressure sensor, a pressure relief valve, a check valve, thermal temperature sensors, and a low pressure solenoid valve. The tank assembly is versatile and easily customized to particular applications.

Abstract: A spool for a valve assembly is disclosed. The spool comprises an intermediate portion adapted to form a control chamber with a valve body, and a first end portion adapted to form a first damper chamber with the valve body, wherein the control chamber is in hydraulic communication with the first damper chamber such that the hydraulic communication dampens movement of the spool within the valve body.

Abstract: A solenoid valve and method has a simplified structure that integrates the fluid metering functions of the spool in the armature, thereby eliminating the need for a separate spool, bearings, and pin in the valve. The armature has a aperture that communicates with at least one port in a valve body. The position of the differential in the armature with respect to the ports in the valve body controls the pressure of fluid exiting the outputs of the valve body. In one embodiment, the same overall valve structure can be modified to form both inversely proportional valves and directly proportional valves. By integrating the fluid metering functions of the spool into a single ported armature, the inventive valve assembly reduces the number of parts in the valve, simplifying construction.

Abstract: A freeze-thaw valve is provided using a Peltier heat pump where the thermal short-circuit path between a cooled thermal mass and a heated thermal mass is reduced or absent and the valve state transition time is minimized. The freeze-thaw valve comprises a Peltier heat pump mounted to a heat exchange surface that comprises a cross-drilled copper water jacket or manifold. The Peltier heat pump is operated to maintain a cooled thermal mass at a substantially constant low temperature. A resistance heating element is used to produce a heated thermal mass. The freeze-thaw segment of a fluid conduit is commutated to contact either the heated or the cooled thermal mass to thaw and therefore open the valve or cool and thus close the valve. The operation of the Peltier heat pump at a constant temperature avoids problems inherent in the use of a Peltier heat pump to both heat and cool a freeze thaw segment.

Abstract: A flexible valve includes two or more juxtaposed film plies joined together with one or more seals. The valve is movable between (1) an ingress position to allow fluid flow through the valve in a first direction, e.g., into a container with which the valve is associated; (2) a seal position to substantially prevent fluid flow through the valve; and (3) an egress position to allow fluid flow through the valve in a second direction, e.g., out of a container with which the valve is associated.

Abstract: A valve has a flexible flap with a neck that engages with a slot on a spud to close a passage in the spud. When an object is inserted into the passage, the flap bends to an open position to allow flow through the passage. When the object is removed from the passage, the resiliency of the flap causes the flap to return to the closed position without any external biasing device. The flexibility of the flap material eliminates the need for a separate hinge mechanism or flap biasing mechanism in the valve.

Abstract: A pressure container comprises a container comprising an upper first space, a lower second space, and a removable cover; an air pipe assembly disposed externally of the container and comprising an air input and air pressure regulator; and a bellows releasably secured to the cover and disposed in the first space. Air is adapted to flow from the second space to the bellows through the air pipe assembly for expanding the bellows when air in the second space has a pressure larger than that of air in the first space. Liquid is adapted to flow from the liquid intake into the first space to compress the bellows for expelling air into the second space via the air pipe assembly. The bellows is pressed down by air flowing from the second space to the bellows through the air pipe assembly for flowing water out of the first space.

Abstract: A material composite has a part made from steel or a titanium-based material and a part made from a copper-based or aluminum-based material. The parts of the material composite are joined by way of an intermediate piece. The intermediate piece likewise comprises a region made from steel or a titanium-based material and a region made from a copper-based or aluminum-based material, which are connected by explosion welding. The parts of the material composite are connected to the regions of the intermediate piece which are in each case of the same type by means of a fusion or diffusion welding process.

Abstract: A woven magnetic is disclosed. The woven magnetic device comprises a first member comprising a magnetic material and having a body with a top portion and a bottom portion opposite the top portion and the bottom portion has at least two fingers. The woven magnetic device also comprises a second member comprising a magnetic material and having a body with a top portion and a bottom portion opposite the top portion. The bottom portion has at least two fingers interwoven with the at least two fingers of the first member.

Abstract: A process to reduce oxygen in the head space of containers includes introducing an inert gas into the container head space. This may be accomplished during a capping process. A cap chute attachment may be incorporated to transfer gas from an inert gas source to a body portion of the attachment. The gas may be directed into the body portion to pressurize the body portion. The inert gas may then flow through a gas exit end to be directed toward one or both of a cap and a container opening as the cap and container are brought into contact with each other. The inert gas displaces at least a portion of the oxygen from the head space.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for measuring and displaying the engine oil filling level in a vehicle having a filling level switch or sensor, measured values of the switch or sensor, in the form of determined time components, are summed to determine a state duration of a particular state of the engine oil filling level. The state duration is compared with predefined time limiting values of the respective state of the engine oil filling level. According to the invention, the length of the individual time components is determined as a function of driving-state-dependent parameters.

Abstract: A retainer for attaching an open end of a fuel filler pipe to a housing so that the open end of the fuel filler pipe registers with an opening in the housing. The retainer assembly includes an annular body disposed around and secured to the open end of the filler pipe. A resilient locking clip is mounted on the body and this locking clip lockingly engages a portion of the housing upon insertion of the annular body to a locking position into the housing opening.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of wood including: placing the wood to be treated in a treatment vessel and applying a vacuum; exposing the wood to a treatment solution while substantially maintaining said vacuum; applying a predetermined pressure to the wood for a period of time sufficient to partially impregnate the wood with the treatment solution; reducing the pressure within the treatment vessel and concurrently emptying the treatment vessel of treatment solution; whereby immediately after said reduction of pressure within the treatment vessel, the partially impregnated wood includes an unimpregnated inner zone which has a residual vacuum elevating seepage of treatment solution from the partially impregnated wood.

Abstract: By subjecting a threaded joint for OCTG (oil country tubular goods) to surface conditioning with an aqueous solution of potassium tetraborate or sodium tetraborate prior to manganese phosphate chemical conversion treatment, a manganese phosphate chemical conversion coating having coarse crystal grains with an average crystal grain diameter of 10-110 micrometers is formed on the surface of the steel member which may be any steel including a high Cr steel. This manganese phosphate chemical conversion coating can hold a large amount of a liquid lubricant, and it is effective at preventing the occurrence of galling at the time of makeup of a threaded joint for OCTG.

Abstract: A powder metallurgy corrosion and wear resistant tool steel article, and alloy thereof. The article is manufactured by hot isostatic compaction of nitrogen atomized, prealloyed high-chromium, high-vanadium, high-niobium powder particles. The alloy is characterized by very high wear and corrosion resistance, making it particularly useful for use in the manufacture of components for advanced bearing designs as well as machinery parts exposed to severe abrasive wear and corrosion conditions, as encountered, for example, in the plastic injection molding industry and food industry.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanoprisms etched to generate triangular framework structures. These triangular nanoframes possess no strong surface plasmon bands in the ultraviolet or visible regions of the optical spectrum. By adding a mild reducing agent, metal ions remaining in solution can be reduced, resulting in metal plating and reformation of nanoprisms. The extent of the backfilling process can be controlled, allowing the formation of novel nanoprisms with nanopores. This back-filling process is accompanied by a regeneration of the surface plasmon bands in the UV-visible spectrum.

Abstract: A (Nb, Ti) phase in an Nb—Ti—Co alloy is composed of a granular structure. The Nb—Ti—Co alloy is preferably subjected to heat treatment at 800° C. or more so that the eutectic structure in the casted state can be changed to a granular structure. The Nb—Ti—Co alloy used there is preferably NbxTi(100-x-y)Coy, (x?70, 20?y?50 (mol %)). By properly predetermining the heating temperature and time, the resulting alloy exhibits improved hydrogen permeability in combination with a good hydrogen embrittlement resistance characteristic in the CoTi phase, making it possible to provide a practical hydrogen permeable membrane having an advantageously high performance.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a beryllium copper alloy having a thickness in a range from 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm includes a solution heat treating step, a cold rolling step, and an age hardening step. In the solution heat treating step, a copper alloy having an alloy composition by weight (or mass %) of Cu100?(a+b)NiaBeb (1.0?a?2.0, 0.15?b?0.35, 5.5?a/b?6.5) is heated to a solid solution temperature region in which Ni and Be are solid-solved in Cu, and the copper alloy heated to the solution temperature region is quenched at a predetermined cooling rate. In the cold rolling step, plastic strain is applied to the copper alloy within a temperature region suppressing precipitation of Ni and Be. In the age hardening step, the copper alloy to which the plastic strain is applied in the cold rolling step, is retained in the age hardening temperature region in which precipitation of Ni and Be for a predetermined age hardening period. The cold rolling step and the age hardening step are repeated at least once.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating glass and crystalline inorganic materials whereby metal contamination during such process is inhibited. Such process includes treating the material in the presence of a purifying atmosphere comprising a cleansing gas. The process is especially advantageous for treating high purity fused silica glass for use in advanced lithographic devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compounds that can be used as an energetic binder used for improving the performance and the properties of a high explosive, and a preparation method thereof. More specifically, provided are glycidyl dinitropropyl formal of chemical formula IV having a nitro group (—NO2) as an energy group and having no hydrogen bonding to carbon to which the nitro group is binding, poly(glycidyl dinitropropyl formal) of chemical formula V polymerized using the glycidyl dinitropropyl formal as a monomer, and a preparation method thereof.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has longitudinal grooves formed continuously in a circumferential direction of the pneumatic tire in a region of a buttress part disposed between a tread part and a sidewall part; a plurality of transverse grooves formed continuously with the longitudinal grooves in the above-described region of the buttress part in an axial direction of the pneumatic tire, with the transverse grooves spaced at certain intervals in the circumferential direction of the pneumatic tire; and a concave portion formed in each of a plurality of blocks surrounded with the longitudinal grooves and the transverse grooves, with the concave portion extended in the circumferential direction of the pneumatic tire. The above-described region of the buttress part is adjacent to a periphery of an end of a contact surface of the tread part. The number of the concave portions is varied according to a circumferential length of each of the blocks.

Abstract: A tire tread comprising a tread pattern formed by elements in relief defined by at least two grooves of a width of generally circumferential orientation, at least one of said grooves comprising a plurality of anti-wear studs arranged substantially regularly in the longitudinal (circumferential) direction of the tread, each stud of a maximum height at its base being separate from its neighbors in the groove, each stud comprising an outer surface formed of lateral parts facing the walls of the tread pattern elements and an outer surface between said lateral parts, the outer surface of each stud comprising at least two contact surfaces substantially parallel to the running surface, these contact surfaces being offset radially towards the inside relative to the running surface and offset radially relative to one another in the direction of the height of the stud, the offset with regard to height between two successive contact surfaces of one and the same stud being at least equal to 25% of the maximum height of t

Abstract: The invention relates to a studded air-filled vehicle tire having a rolling direction and comprising a rubber tread with pattern blocks and grooves that-separate the blocks. Premade stud holes are arranged in the tread. Anti-slip studs each include a hard cermet piece that has a substantially quadrangular shape with diagonal dimensions are in at least part of the stud holes. At least part of the anti-slip studs arranged in the stud holes are orientated so that one of the diagonal dimensions of the hard cermet piece is located in the rolling direction or forms an angle, not larger than a toe-out angle with respect to the rolling direction.

Abstract: A wheel for an object to be moved on a floor surface has a hub and an outer running surface secured to the hub. The running surface is rotatable about an axis of rotation. A fiber layer of fibers is applied onto the running surface. The fiber layer forms an intermediate layer between a floor surface and the running surface when the wheel moves across the floor surface. The fiber layer is a flocking applied to the running surface.

Abstract: A first tire having a cavity filled with cured and foamed elastomeric material and a recycled foamed elastomeric material. The recycled foamed elastomeric material was removed from a second tire for recycling in the first tire.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel having a tire mounted on a wheel rim with a precured and foamed elastomeric material in a closed cavity in the tire and a polyurethane formed in the closed cavity around the precured and foamed elastomeric material.

Abstract: A tire having a core located in a tire cavity and a cured and foamed elastomeric material located in the tire cavity adjacent the core. The core is made of a solid material, a precured and foamed elastomeric material or a hollow rigid structure. The core may be a single piece or fabricated from multiple pieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle tube tire comprising a tubular casing (2) closed in an annular manner, a rubber tread (4), an air sealing means (1) and a webbing (3). To fix the bicycle tube tire onto the rim simply and quickly, the webbing (3) is made of a fabric comprising reinforcement carriers extending at least in the circumferential direction of the tire and made of a material which contracts when dampened with water or an aqueous solution and subsequently dried.