Abstract: A multifunctional switch having a push button placed on an upper surface, and an operating lever protruding laterally from the side thereof. The push button on the upper surface is used to operate a push switch. The operating lever on the side is used to operate a rotary switch.

Abstract: A switching apparatus includes a case, an operation shaft whose one end outwardly projects from inside of the case and which is provided at its central portion with a flange, a support member which supports the flange such that the operation shaft can rock and rotate, an operation knob mounted on one end of the operation shaft, a first contact which is switched when the operation knob is pushed to move the operation shaft, a second contact which is switched when the operation knob is rotated to rotate the operation shaft, and a third contact which is switched when the operation knob is rocked to rock the operation shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a construction machine such as an excavator, a crawler-type vehicle, a wheeled loader or the like, comprising at least one interchangeable equipment item which is actuable by means of an electronic control, wherein the control has a control handle, preferably movable through multiple axes, in particular a joystick, for the generation of control commands for the interchangeable equipment item, wherein at least one actuation element is arranged at the control handle whose actuation is sensed by means of a sensor device and is converted into a control signal. In accordance with the invention, the construction machine is characterized in that a dynamometer and/or torque meter is provided as the sensor device which is connected to the actuation element and senses actuation forces and/or actuation torques exerted onto the actuation element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control switch system for a vehicle, using a jog shuttle, by which a driver can rapidly and correctly select and control operation of a sound system in the vehicle even during driving of the vehicle. Since the control switch system uses simple members such as springs and metal balls, the cost of the vehicle decreases.

Abstract: A tamper switch actuator is used in combination with a circuit board held between two outer structural members. The tamper switch actuator includes a suspended displacement member moveable to a conducting position after a given amount of compression of a compressing member. The compressing member cooperates with an outer protecting sleeve and is positioned within and moveable in the axial direction of the sleeve. The tamper switch actuator separates the outer protecting sleeve from the displacement member. With this arrangement the electrical conducting surface of the displacement member can quickly respond to separation of the casing to produce a non-conducting condition or tamper indicating conditions while remaining protected within the outer protecting sleeve.

Abstract: An in-vehicle knob switch device is provided. The in-vehicle know switch device includes a tubular housing having an opening and defined by a casing and a cover. A holder is disposed inside the housing. A circuit board is disposed on the holder. A first push switch is mounted on the circuit board. An operating knob is exposed through the opening of the housing and provided for pushing the first push switch.

Abstract: A light guide (30) for illuminating a keypad (20) including a plurality of keys (22) includes a plurality of apertures (300) corresponding to the keys, and an accommodating portion. The accommodating portion defines at least one receiving hole (320) for receiving at least one light source. A thickness of the light guide gradually reduces from the accommodating portion to surrounding portions of the light guide along at least one direction.

Abstract: A control panel is shown with at least one switch (12) whose actuating button (6) is situated in an opening (3) of a front panel (4), and with a housing (1) arranged in the region of the opening (3) of the front panel (4) and enclosing the switch (12), which housing forms between an inner and an outer circumferential wall (2, 5) an annular gap (8) for receiving at least one lighting means (11), which annular gap is open towards the front panel (3) and is covered in a light-transmitting manner. In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that that the housing (1) is inserted with its outer circumferential wall (2) in a flush manner into the opening (3) of the front panel (4) and encloses the actuating button (6) with its inner circumferential wall (5), and that the light-transmitting cover of the annular gap (8) between inner and outer circumferential wall (2, 5) consists of a foil (9) extending over the front panel (4).

Abstract: A large actuation area switching device includes a housing for holding a switch, means for compression and at least three slotted hinges. The slotted hinges create axes of operation such that a force applied to any point on the surface of the housing actuates the switch.

Abstract: An electrical switch has a common contact body (21) and a first selective contact body (22) and a second selective contact body (23). A contactor (25) is connected mechanically and in an electrically conducting manner to the common contact body (21). The contactor (25) comprises an elastic, electrically conducting material. It is formed originating from the basic form of a leaf spring into a multifunctional part having a fastening are (25a), a deformation area (25b) and a stiffened actuating area (25c) that terminates in a sliding curvature (27). The actuating area (25c) has two edge strips (12) that continue in contact fingers (26). Pairs of the contact fingers (26) can enclose contact surfaces (22b, 23b) that are disposed on the first selective contact body (22) and on the second selective contact body (23). The pre-tension of the contactor (25) causes the contact fingers (26) to be positioned against the contact surfaces (22b) of the first selective contact body (22).

Abstract: A rocking key includes a keycap and a pair of supporting arms. The keycap includes at least two posts, a rib portion positioned between the two posts for preventing the two posts from being simultaneously depressed downwardly. The supporting arms are arranged at two opposite sides of the keycap for resiliently supporting the keycap.

Abstract: A switch coupling structure includes a cap and a seat that are coupled to form a housing chamber inside to hold switch elements. The cap and seat have a coupling surface. The cap and seat have respectively a first fastening portion and a second fastening portion formed in a mating convex and concave fashion corresponding to the coupling surface. The first and second fastening portions are partly or entirely covered by a bonding material so that they are bonded together without the bonding material overflowing inside or outside the switch. Hence no interference occurs to the switch elements.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus (10) includes an evaporating chamber (13), a light concentrator (11), and a heat pipe (12). The evaporating chamber is for containing impure water. The evaporating chamber has a connecting opening (134) and a vapor outlet (131). The light concentrator is for concentrating sunshine. The heat pipe has an evaporating section (121) and a condensing section (122). The evaporating section is irradiated by the concentrated sunshine, and the condensing section is disposed in the evaporating chamber through the connecting opening.

Abstract: A dehydration method of a water-containing substance using a liquefied matter, including a step (1) of contacting a liquefied matter of a substance which is in a gas phase under a condition at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure with the water-containing substance, to dissolve contained water in the water-containing substance into the liquefied matter, for obtaining the liquefied matter containing a large amount of water; and a step (2) of vaporizing the substance out of the liquefied matter containing a large amount of water, to thereby separate the substance as the gas from water.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating liquids flowing in a thin film around a source of wave energy to directly exposes the liquid to the wave energy, preferably generated in whole or part by an electrical arc between carbon electrodes. In addition to the wave energy generated by the electrical arc, energy generated by cavitation of the flowing liquid may be used in treating the liquid.

Abstract: A system for managing a plasma processing apparatus includes an impedance matching tool for matching impedance in a transmission line feeding a high frequency wave generating a plasma into a processing chamber; a collection unit collecting time series data of an adjustment parameter of the impedance matching tool; a reference creation module creating management reference data by reference time series data of the adjustment parameter, the reference time series data collected from a reference plasma process against a reference substrate; an initialization module initializing the adjustment parameter for a target plasma process against a target substrate; a recording module recording target time series data of the adjustment parameter adjusted so as to minimize a reflection wave of the high frequency wave in the target plasma process; and a determination module determining an abnormality of the target plasma process by comparing the target time series data with the management reference data.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for manufacturing a sputtering target that has a crucible for holding a liquid material. The crucible has a discharge opening. A positioning mechanism is mounted adjacent the crucible. A substrate is held by the positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism moves the substrate such that the material is deposited onto the substrate. A method of manufacturing a sputtering target is also disclosed. The method includes melting an material and discharging the material through a nozzle. A substrate is moved adjacent the nozzle such that the material is deposited onto the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for manufacturing a sputtering target that has a crucible for holding a liquid material. The crucible has a discharge opening. A positioning mechanism is mounted adjacent the crucible. A substrate is held by the positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism moves the substrate such that the material is deposited onto the substrate. A method of manufacturing a sputtering target is also disclosed. The method includes melting an material and discharging the material through a nozzle. A substrate is moved adjacent the nozzle such that the material is deposited onto the substrate.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a rotatable magnetron sputtering target(s) for use in sputtering material(s) onto a substrate. In certain example embodiments, the target includes a cathode tube with a target material applied thereto via plasma spraying or the like. A bonding layer is provided on the tube, between the cathode tube and the target material. The bonding layer is thicker proximate at least one end portion of the target than at a central portion of the target in order to reduce the likelihood of burn-through to or of the cathode tube during sputtering.

Abstract: Provided is a tantalum sputtering target having a crystal structure in which the (222) orientation is preferential from a position 10% of the target thickness toward the center face of the target, and a manufacturing method of a tantalum sputtering target, including the steps of forging and recrystallization annealing, and thereafter rolling, a tantalum ingot or billet having been subject to melting and casting, and forming a crystal structure in which the (222) orientation is preferential from a position of 10% of the target thickness toward the center face of the target. As a result, evenness (uniformity) of the film is enhanced, and quality of the sputter deposition is improved.

Abstract: Provided is a tantalum sputtering target having a crystal structure in which the (222) orientation is preferential from a position 10% of the target thickness toward the center face of the target, and a manufacturing method of a tantalum sputtering target, including the steps of forging and recrystallization annealing, and thereafter rolling, a tantalum ingot or billet having been subject to melting and casting, and forming a crystal structure in which the (222) orientation is preferential from a position of 10% of the target thickness toward the center face of the target. As a result, evenness (uniformity) of the film is enhanced, and quality of the sputter deposition is improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sputtering target for a phase change memory and a phase change memory film formed with such a target, and the manufacturing method thereof, characterized in that the sputtering target is composed from elements of not less than a three component system and has as its principal component one or more components selected from stibium, tellurium and selenium, and the compositional deviation in relation to the intended composition is ±1.0 at % or less.

Abstract: The process that is the subject of this invention is a method of making a rotary sputtering target having the steps of providing a cylinder of sputtering target material having an adhesion-wetting layer on its inside surface; providing a stainless steel sputtering target backing tube having an outside diameter smaller than the sputtering target material inside diameter, the backing tube having an adhesion-wetting layer on its outside surface; welding an upper and lower stainless steel retaining ring to the backing tube adjacent to the sputtering target material so that the target material is in compression and the backing tube in tension; and introducing molten bonding material into the annulus between the backing tube and the sputtering target material.

Abstract: An alloy based on silver is provided, which can be used for reflective layers with a reflection factor of >90% in the visible spectral range of daylight and which exhibits a high resistance to corrosion in sulfur-containing atmospheres. The alloy contains about 0.01 to 5 wt % indium and/or tin and/or antimony and/or bismuth and the remainder silver.

Abstract: A bioelectrochemical sensor strip capable of taking trace samples includes an insulating substrate, a reacting area protruded from the edge of the insulating substrate and the periphery of the reacting area is open, and a working electrode and a reference electrode of different electrodes are disposed between the insulating substrates, and the electrodes are extended to one end of the reacting area and covered by a reacting enzyme. During a test, an end of the electrode having no reacting enzyme is inserted into a testing instrument, and the reacting area is open and the opening has no limit on the position, so that the test sample (such as blood) can be absorbed from the reacting area into the reacting area in any direction, and the reacting enzyme will be dissolved into the test sample quickly. The electrodes use an oxidizing matter or a reducing matter to have a dedicated bioelectrochemical reaction with the test sample to produce an electron transfer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas sensor comprising a membrane layer (3) formed on a semiconductor substrate (2), an evaluation structure (7) being arranged on said substrate in an evaluation area (8) and a heating structure (9) outside the evaluation area (8), in addition to a gas-sensitive layer (10) arranged above the evaluation structure (7) and the heating structure (9), wherein said gas-sensitive layer (10) can be heated by the heating structure (9) and the electrical resistance of the gas-sensitive layer (10) can be evaluated by the evaluation structure (7). The heating structure (9) is arranged on an adhesion-promoting oxide layer (6) on the top surface of the membrane layer (3) and is separated from the gas-sensitive layer by a cover oxide layer (11).

Abstract: Electrophoresis Compositions, methods and kits useful for, among other things, detecting, quantifying and/or characterizing analytes are provided. The compositions are useful as electrophoresis standards for determine the isoelectric point and molecular weight of an analyte. The electrophoresis standards generally comprise at least one label moiety and one or more reactive moieties that when activated attach the standard to a substrate.

Abstract: A capillary array capable of being easily mounted on an electrophoresis apparatus without damaging the capillaries. The capillary array can include a plurality of capillaries that can be fixed via hollow electrodes on a load header in a matrix arrangement. The load header can be disposed on the electrophoresis apparatus. The capillary array can include a capillary frame onto which a capillary head and a detection portion can be detachably mounted. The structure allows the load header, the capillary head, the detection unit and other portions of the capillary array to be handled as a unit, thereby making it easier to mount the capillary array on the electrophoresis apparatus.

Abstract: A method for electrochemically processing a substrate is provided. In one embodiment, a method for electrochemically processing a substrate includes processing a substrate using a multi-step routine that includes a first processing period performed using a varying voltage to achieve a target removal current followed by a second processing period performed using a constant voltage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of electroplating a printed circuit board using a magnetic field having periodic directionality, in which the printed circuit board is electroplated using a magnetic field that is generated substantially perpendicular to a current direction and that has periodic directionality between a forward wave and a reverse wave. According to the method of the present invention, since the magnetic field having the periodic directionality is used, the aging of the plating solution may be prevented and the ionic concentration thereof may be made uniform even without the use of an external liquid flow device, and as well, the substrate may be uniformly plated.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a method of coating a surface of a substrate with copper by electroplating. According to the invention, this method comprises: a step during which the said surface to be coated is brought into contact with an electroplating bath while the said surface is not under electrical bias; a step of forming the coating during which the said surface is biased; a step during which the said surface is separated from the electroplating bath while it is under electrical bias; the aforementioned electroplating bath comprising, in solution in a solvent: a source of copper ions, with a concentration of between 0.4 and 40 mM; and at least one copper complexing agent.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is an electroplating composition intended in particular for coating a copper-diffusion barrier layer in the fabrication of interconnects for integrated circuits. According to the invention, this composition comprises, in solution in a solvent: a source of copper ions, in a concentration of between 0.4 and 40 mM; at least one copper complexing agent chosen from the group comprising primary aliphatic amines, secondary aliphatic amines, tertiary aliphatic amines, aromatic amines, nitrogen heterocycles and oximes; the copper/complexing agent(s) molar ratio being between 0.1 and 2.5, preferably between 0.3 and 1.3; and the pH of the said composition being less than 7, preferably between 3.5 and 6.5.

Abstract: A method for controlling an apparatus to perform a multi-layer chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process with a polishing rate for a plurality of process runs. For each process run, a multilayered structure with a first thickness formed on a wafer is polished and a second thickness of the multilayered structure is predetermined to be polished away. The method comprises steps of receiving a post-CMP thickness information of the multilayered structure of a first process run, wherein for the first process run, the CMP process is performed for a first CMP process time. Then, a second CMP process time is determined according to the first CMP process time, the first thickness and the post-CMP thickness. Further, the second CMP process time is provided to the apparatus for processing a second process run posterior to the first process run.

Abstract: The invention integrates three general operations: the electrolysis of water to produce oxygen and hydrogen gases; the use of the generated oxygen to promote microbial decay of organic substances as in wastewater treatment; and the generation of electrical power by hydrogen-fueled fuel cells. Electrolysis of water provides the molecular oxygen necessary for wastewater treatment, and the hydrogen gas as fuel for a fuel cell to generate power, thus reducing the overall power consumption of the treatment process.

Abstract: A porous electroconductive material is provided. The electroconductive material enables efficient enzymatic metabolic reactions on electrodes and yields electrodes having immobilized enzymes thereon which remain stable in any working environment. The porous electroconductive material, which has a three-dimensional network structure, is formed from a skeleton of porous material and a carbonaceous material covering the surface of the skeleton. The porous material constituting the skeleton is foamed metal or alloy. This porous electroconductive material is made into an electrode, and enzymes are immobilized on this electrode. The resulting electrode with immobilized enzymes thereon is used as the anode of a bio-fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of electrochemically measuring a hematocrit (Hct) value using a sensor, capable of achieving excellent measurement accuracy and reliability and also provides a sensor used in the method. The method of electrochemically measuring a hematocrit (Hct) value of blood include: providing an electrode system having a working electrode (11) and a counter electrode (12), in which a redox substance is provided on the counter electrode (12) but not on the working electrode (11); supplying blood to the electrode system; applying a voltage to the electrode system in this state to cause an oxidation current or a reduction current to flow between the working electrode (11) and the counter electrode (12); detecting the oxidation current or the reduction current; and determining a Hct value based on a value of the detected current.

Abstract: A wrapper and protective enclosure for a painting device includes a generally flexible enclosure forming a cavity having an opening for providing access to the cavity. The cavity is configured in size and shape to hold and store a painting device such as a brush, roller, tray or the like. The generally flexible enclosure is a multilayered material including at least one layer which provides a generally vapor proof barrier.

Abstract: A suture pledget assembly is disclosed that includes a block with at least one slit and a pledget in an abutting relationship to the block. A suture has first and second end portions that are retained by the first and second slits, respectively. The first and second end portions generally extend beyond a face of the block and are substantially parallel to each other. A suture pledget package for retaining a suture is disclosed. The suture pledget package includes a front panel and a backing panel where the backing panel forms a plurality of tracks. Each track is configured and dimensioned to receive at least one suture pledget assembly.

Abstract: A multi-chamber container having chambers formed of a film of which at least an innermost layer is a cyclic polyolefin, one chamber being partitioned from another chamber by a partition wall, and the partition wall having an easily peelable seal layer which contains a low-density polyethylene and a propylene/?-olefin copolymer. The multi-chamber container enables the contents of the chambers to be mixed together.

Abstract: A cap with a storage space for containing a secondary material includes a storage portion having a storage space and provided with a seal plate formed on a lower end of the storage space, an outer cap foldably formed on the storage portion and coupled to a spouting portion, a spouting member inserted in the spouting portion, and an operational member for breaking the seal plate when the spouting member is operation.

Abstract: Magnetic recording media are smoothed with a tape. Each magnetic recording medium has a magnetic film and a lubricant film thereon. Next, the smoothed magnetic recording media are taken out from a process case and put in a shipping case. The magnetic recording media are then taken out from the shipping case and tested. Non-defective ones of the magnetic recording media are put in the shipping case.

Abstract: The invention involves durable and protective data storage disc cases. A case includes two portions that join to form an inner support at the center of a disc and an outer support surrounding the disc at its outer diameter. The inner and outer supports prevent the case from contacting, and possibly scratching, the data surface of a disc within the case, even when the case is subjected to a compressive force. Furthermore, the case may secure a disc by holding the disc at its center using a spindle and by holding the outer edge, beyond the data surface, on a rim at the outer support. In this manner, a disc is centered on the spindle, and further constrained by the rim at its outer edge. This secures the disc when the halves of the case are closed and allows the disc to be freely removed once the case is opened.

Abstract: The “Brush Keeper for Professional Painters” provides unique storage for paintbrushes. Unlike existing brush covers, brushes may be put in this cover while they are still wet with cleaning solvent, without damaging the cover. For a professional painter, this product preserves a brush, used daily, for up to 6 months. It is made of mid grade plastic and can be made to fit 1? to 4? brushes. It includes a main panel which covers the brush front, lateral panels which wrap around sides of the brush and overlap, a lower end panel which folds around the brush tip and overlaps the lateral panels and an upper end panel with cut-out which folds over the top of the brush handle and overlaps the lateral panels and the lower end panel and interlocks with the lower end panel by button snap and snap receiver and/or hook and loop, Velcro, die cut locking flap. The bottom of the brush keeper may be straight or angled to accommodate either straight or angle tipped brushes.

Abstract: To improve a sterile container, in particular, for receiving and storing surgical instruments or surgical material under sterile conditions, comprising a receiving space formed by a container bottom and container walls, a lid for closing the receiving space, a sterile barrier permanently defining a sterile flow path for establishing a fluid connection between the receiving space and an environment outside of the sterile container, and an overpressure flow path defining a fluid connection between the receiving space and the environment outside of the sterile container, wherein the overpressure flow path is closed when the sterile container is in a sterile position in which an exchange of gas between the receiving space and the environment outside of the sterile container is only possible through the sterile flow path, and wherein the overpressure flow path is at least partially open when the sterile container is in an overpressure position in which a pressure difference between pressures prevailing in the rece

Abstract: A safety switch of a toolbox comprises a box body having a first positioning portion; an outer cover; a buckle having a first positioning unit and an resisting end at an upper side of the buckle; a gap being formed between the outer cover and the box body when the outer cover is closed upon the box body; the first positioning unit being capable of buckling the first positioning portion of the box body. When the outer cover is closed upon the box body, the resisting end protrudes out of the gap so as to buckle the outer cover. The buckle has a slender neck portion. The outer cover has a notch or the size of the outer cover is smaller than that of the box body so that the resisting end can protrude out from the notch.

Abstract: A rope can system which incorporates storage for lariat, piggin string, gloves, and an integral seating arrangement is disclosed. The disclosed invention is particularly well suited for use in competition rodeo scenarios wherein a cowboy or cowgirl has need for storage of competition materials used in calf roping. The present system permits uniform storage of lariat ropes and the like, as well as the piggin string used for securing the calf. Other accessories such as gloves may also be stored in the water-tight compartments of the disclosed invention. A key feature of the disclosed invention is the incorporation of a seating arrangement to permit the rope can to be used as a resting apparatus while the cowboy/cowgirl waits for their opportunity to compete.

Abstract: A divided storage system is formed of a collapsible container and a collapsible divided file assembly. The container includes a planar blank having a centrally-located bottom panel with four side portions, four side panels each foldably attached to a respective one side portion and movable to a position perpendicular to the bottom panel fasteners are carried by each side panel for attaching the side panels together to define an interior space. The file assembly includes files each locatable adjacent to the side panel and removably attachable thereto. The file assembly includes a plurality of file dividers located between the first and second files and are connected via accordion pleats. The first and second files include outwardly extending tabs with passageways therethrough and are attached to the container by being sandwiched between the respective end and side panel at each of the four corners of the assembled container.

Abstract: The carton of this invention is capable of carrying the plurality of containers stacked upon their ends in two tiers with a unique dispenser that permits the dispensing of containers on their sides. The dispenser is formed in a top side wall and extends into the end wall with most of the end wall being torn open but leaving a portion near the bottom side wall to prevent the bottom layer of containers from rolling out. Angled projections in the dispensing end of the carton near the top panel and bottom panel prevent the top layer of containers from rolling out. A divider may be inserted between the two tiers of containers to facilitate loading the carton and preventing the containers from accidentally rolling out when the dispenser is open.

Abstract: The present invention provides a patty manager having a dispensing tray including one or more dispensing regions for receiving surgical patties, and a recovery tray having a plurality of recovery regions for receiving surgical patties. Each dispensing region may include a dispensing indicia located, and each recovery region can include a recovery indicia, which may correspond to a substantially similar dispensing indicia of the dispensing tray. A string guide may be disposed about at least a portion of the dispensing regions for the organization and management of the patty strings. A gripping tool may further be coupled to one of the dispensing or recovery trays.

Abstract: A display pack for a consumer product is made of two sheets of corrugated cardboard and a clear plastic container with a flat insertion portion sandwiched between the cardboard sheets. The two cardboard sheets are adhered together in a peripheral area of the package by a heat-sensitive adhesive, and the corrugations of the cardboard sheets are crushed and flattened in the peripheral area. To seal the package, the peripheral area of the two cardboard sheets is subject to sufficient pressure to crush the corrugations inside the cardboard sheets and flatten them in that area. Heat is applied to the outer side of the cardboard sheets in the peripheral area and conducted to the adhesive material between the two sheets to activate the adhesive material. A sealer machine with a heated sealing press or parallel sets of heated rollers may be used to carry out the sealing process.