Abstract: A system and method for installing a solar module on a roof using a mounting structure which can be adjusted after it has been fixed to the roof. The mounting structure is comprised of a plate having a slot into which an adjustable bracket is slidably positioned. The mounting structures are spaced from each other and the plates are fixed to the roof by toggle bolts or the like. A framed module is placed across the structures and one or both of the adjustable brackets are adjusted to align holes in the frame of the module with threaded chambers in the brackets. Next, threaded fasteners are passed through the holes and into the chambers to thereby secure the solar module to the roof.

Abstract: In a module of photovoltaic cells, a method of forming the module interconnects includes a single cutting process after the deposition of all active layers. This simplifies the overall process to a set of vacuum steps followed by a set of interconnect steps, and may significantly module quality and yield. According to another aspect, an interconnect forming method includes self-aligned deposition of an insulator. This simplifies the process because no alignment is required. According to another aspect, an interconnect forming method includes a scribing process that results in a much narrower interconnect which may significantly boost cell efficiency, and allow for narrower cell sizes. According to another aspect, an interconnect includes an insulator layer that greatly reduces shunt current through the active layer, which can greatly improve cell efficiency.

Abstract: Photovoltaic materials and methods of photovoltaic cell fabrication provide a photovoltaic cell in the form of a fiber. These fibers may be formed into a flexible fabric or textile.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thick film conductor composition comprised of (a) aluminum-containing powder; (b) amorphous silicon dioxide (c) and one or more optional glass frit compositions; dispersed in (d) organic medium. The amorphous silicon dioxide contributes to significant bow reduction tendency for solar cells thinner than 270 microns and larger than five inches square without significant effect on reducing the electrical performance of the fired solar cell. In addition and as preferred by solar cell manufacturers, the addition of glass frit reduces the dusting tendency of the aluminum thick film composition.

Abstract: A transparent conductive multi-layer structure having a smooth base material 1, a transparent conductive layer 2 formed on the smooth base material 1 by coating, an auxiliary electrode layer 3 formed in a pattern on the transparent conductive layer 2, and a transparent substrate 5 joined to the transparent conductive layer 2 and auxiliary electrode layer 3 through an adhesive layer 4. On a smooth peeled-off surface of the transparent conductive layer 2 from which the smooth base material 1 has been peeled off, various devices are formed to set up devices such as a dye-sensitized solar cell and an organic electroluminescent device.

Abstract: The present invention is a monolithic photoelectrochemical cell for photoelectrical-induction of a chemical reaction and a method capable of vectorial electron transfer apparatus including one or more semiconductor electrodes and one or more dye sensitized electrodes positioned in communication with an electrolyte whereby the electrode is capable of vectorial electron transfer upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A pneumatic relay and instrument housing combination. The instrument housing has walls that define an interior cavity with an access opening closed by a closure. The instrument housing has a gas inlet aperture and a gas outlet aperture both of which extend through the walls to allow fluid communication from exterior into the interior cavity. The pneumatic relay is disposed within the interior cavity of the instrument housing and has an upper body portion and a lower body portion, which together define an interior chamber in which is disposed a pneumatic valve. All flow channels necessary to connect the pneumatic relay to the gas inlet aperture and the gas outlet aperture of the instrument housing are integrally formed into the upper body portion of the pneumatic relay.

Abstract: A vent valve assembly utilizes a lever arrangement that opens a vapor discharge opening such as during normal operation of a motor vehicle to permit fuel vapor venting and that seals the vapor discharge opening such as when the motor vehicle is inclined to prevent liquid fuel from discharging through the vapor discharge opening.

Abstract: A system disconnector for physically disconnecting an upstream liquid system from a downstream liquid system by means of a release valve (34) in response to a pressure drop between the upstream and downstream liquid system, with an upstream backflow preventer (40), a downstream backflow preventer (64) and a release valve body (18) in the form of a piston which is, regarding the flow, arranged between the backflow preventers (40, 64), an inlet pressure of the upstream liquid system upstream from the upstream backflow preventer (40), a middle pressure in a middle pressure space (66) between the release valve body (18) and the downstream backflow preventer (64) and an outlet pressure of the downstream liquid system downstream of the downstream backflow preventer (64), wherein a pressure difference between the inlet pressure and the middle pressure counteracts a spring (60) biasing the release valve body in the opening direction and wherein the release valve body (18) has an effective pressurized surface (d) whic

Abstract: A waste trap 10 for use in plumbing installations is provided, the trap comprising a unitary metal body 12 defining an interior volume, and having a tubular plastics insert 20 located in an inlet 14 of the body 12 and extending into the volume to below the height of a waste outlet 16. The insert 20 partitions the upper portion of the volume into two regions, and serves to provide a water seal between the inlet 14 and the outlet 16 when the trap is in use. The insert is non-removably secured to the body.

Abstract: A valve has a body, an outer shell and a bottom board. The outer shell contains a membrane and internal and external sliding bases with abutting stubs pressing the membrane. Channels are defined in the body and the sliding bases. The bottom board fits inside a rear of the body and has multiple apertures rotatably aligning the channels in the body to change “5-way, 2-position” or “3-way, 2-position” operation modes. Moreover, an electromagnetic valve with a shaft is installed inside the valve and cooperates with the movement of the sliding bases to selectively open or close the channels.

Abstract: A control valve assembly and for a gas delivery system is disclosed comprising a valve housing and piping combination adapted to mate with a gas meter outlet, the valve including a main inlet and an auxiliary inlet for bypassing the main inlet, and a poppet disposed within the housing for selectively opening the respective inlets and for closing both inlets. The poppet is controlled by a valve stem extending into the valve housing and coupled to the poppet, such that rotation of the valve stem orients the poppet in the predetermined positions to selectively open the respective inlets. The valve stem is rotated using a lever arm extending radially from the valve stem, where the lever arm is adapted to carry a locking member at a distal end. When the locking member is carried by the lever arm, rotation of the lever arm may be denied due to interference of the locking member with the valve housing, and the poppet in such case prevents flow through either of the inlets.

Abstract: A crankcase pressure control valve with a bent nipple with a machined hole sealed later by a plug formed on a valve body. The crankcase pressure control valve has the bent nipple which makes linear access to the interior of the valve body difficult, thus allowing a bypass hole to be formed in the valve body through a relatively easy method using a slide core metal mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure limiting valve. The pressure limiting valve comprises a valve holder a valve insert connected to the valve holder a valve piston slidably supported in the valve insert and a compression spring acting on the valve piston in the closing direction. Between the valve piston and the compression spring an adjusting shim is disposed such that the compression spring is braced on one end on a bottom piece of the valve holder and on the other on a face of the adjusting shim facing away from the valve piston.

Abstract: A valve (1) comprises: a body (2); a bushing (3) slidably mounted on said body; a valve spool (4) slidably mounted on said bushing; said bushing and spool having respective control edges (5) that are adapted to cooperate with one another as a function of the relative position between said bushing and spool to vary the size of a control opening therebetween; a first drive (11) operatively arranged to controllably move one of said bushing and spool relative to said body; and a second drive (12) operatively arranged to controllably move the other of said bushing and spool relative to said body; whereby said first and second drives may be selectively operated to move said bushing and spool simultaneously in opposite directions to increase the dynamic response of said valve.

Abstract: A flush adapter, comprising an elongated spout having a bent tip on one end and a channel on the other end, the channel enclosed within a wider enclosed outlet with an opening outside of the channel. An example of a method for displacing fluids and particles from a non-readily accessible area using the flush adapter to prevent fluid stagnation and particle deposition, comprises: inserting the flush adapter into the non-readily accessible area; positioning the bent tip of the elongated spout to face the direction of the fluid flow along the main stream; continuously diverting a portion of the fluid flow downwards into the non-readily accessible area at a rate sufficient to displace the fluid inside the non-readily accessible area; and, exiting the displaced fluid through the opening on the enclosed outlet into the fluid flowing along the main stream.

Abstract: A fluid controller (17) controls a main fluid path (18) from a pump (11) to a primary steering cylinder (19) and a second fluid path (26) from a fluid meter (37) to a second cylinder (31). A mechanical or electrical linkage (149) couples the primary steering cylinder (19) to the second cylinder (31) such that displacement of the primary cylinder (19) results in proportional corresponding displacement of the second cylinder (31). The main fluid path (18) and the second fluid path (26) are maintained separate from each other. As such, the main fluid path (18) provides pressurized fluid from the pump to the primary steering cylinder (19) without communicating main fluid flow to the secondary cylinder (31). Due to the separate fluid paths, the present invention can be used to provide a substantial amount of fluid through a fluid controller (17) with a relatively small displacement fluid meter (37).

Abstract: A diverter valve having an improved transition at the connecting branches, wherein one inlet and two outlet ports are formed and a cylindrical rotary valve incorporating a straight inner pipe is provided.

Abstract: An air divider having a shutoff plate for converting row spacing on a seeding implement. A reversible shutoff plate has a closed position wherein one end of the plate extends through a slot and completely blocks a leg of a Y-shaped output end of the divider. By reversing the shutoff plate, the leg is opened to air and material flow. The shutoff plate is retained in a clip or post adjacent the slot in both the closed and open positions. A seal closes the slot if the shutoff plate is not inserted and permits the shutoff plate option to be selected at any time.

Abstract: A dual wall duct constructed of heat resistant polymer, a reinforcing cord interposed between the inner and outer tube and the outer tube heat shrunk on the inner to form an annulus for entrapment for thermally insulated gas such as air.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a hose assembly including a corrugated metal hose having an inner surface defining a lumen and an outer surface and a polymeric layer surrounding the outer surface of the corrugated metal hose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for weaving curved warp yarns and a woven fabric. The method is characterized in that, in weaving warp yarns are delivered in an inclined direction by using a reed with vertical and inclined dents the spacing between which is variable. Inclined warp yarns and weft yarns are not interwoven in a vertical direction to form a curved warp yarn pattern in the fabric. The fabric woven by the method according to the invention has an irregular and variable pattern and good appearance.

Abstract: Heddles for use within a harness frame of a weaving machine are provided. Each of the heddles includes a body formed from a liquid crystal polymer resin. The body forms at least one rod slot enabling engagement with a harness frame. The body also has an eyelet section with the eyelet section forming a yarn eye through which a yarn is capable of passing.

Abstract: A gas dispenser includes a reservoir for holding a liquid, and a chamber in communication with the reservoir. The chamber receives the liquid, and a micro power source generates energy for conversion of the liquid disposed in the chamber. A nozzle defining an orifice in selective communication with the chamber. The nozzle is used to release the converted liquid from the chamber through the orifice.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser, or dispensing needle, cleaning station which provides a non-contact apparatus and method of cleaning the dispensing end of a fluid dispenser. The cleaning station includes gas dispensing devices attached to a frame. The gas dispensing devices control the application of pressurized gas to the dispensing end of a fluid dispenser such that excess material on the fluid dispenser is removed.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of compressed gas being transferred from one or more high-pressure storage vessels to a receiving vessel includes a plurality of high-pressure storage vessels with compressed gas therein, a conduit for receiving the compressed gas from one or more of the storage vessels and being adapted to communicate with a receiving vessel to transfer the compressed gas thereto. A plurality of flow-control devices control the flow of compressed gas from one or more of the storage vessels to the receiving vessel and a controller regulates the flow-control devices in response to the ambient temperature measured by a temperature-measuring device of the system to thereby control the temperature of the compressed gas being transferred to the receiving vessel. The method in which the system of this invention operates also constitutes a part of the present invention.

Abstract: A system and method for supplying a gas from a supply of compressed gas to a receiving vessel by measuring the pressure of gas being directed into the receiving vessel in successive selected time intervals to determine the actual ramp rate of gas being directed into the receiving vessel and providing means for comparing the actual ramp rate with a desired ramp rate and controlling the gas flow rate in response to that comparison. In a preferred embodiment the pressure of the gas at an upstream end of the system is monitored and directed into a controller and this latter pressure is employed in determining the mass flow of gas into the receiving vessel.

Abstract: A particle filling line comprises a vertically-oriented conduit that includes a conduit hollow. The conduit includes a conduit top and a conduit bottom. The conduit bottom defines an outlet. The conduit is arranged so that particles supplied to the conduit top flow through the outlet to be received by one or more containers disposed on a movable conveyor belt. The conduit hollow includes one or more conduit hollow elements disposed therein. The one or more conduit hollow elements include any of a plurality of agitators and an auger. The particle filling line is arranged for determining a resistance that is based on the spacing between the one or more conduit hollow elements and the conduit inner walls. When the resistance is determined to be less than a threshold resistance value, the particle filling process ceases.

Abstract: A drug mixing system including at least one receptacle port adaptor adapted to be inserted into a port of a fluid receptacle, at least one syringe adaptor adapted to be attached to a syringe and to the at least one receptacle port adaptor and at least one vial adaptor adapted for connection to a vial containing a drug and adapted for connection to the at least one syringe adaptor, the system being characterized in that at least one of the receptacle port adaptor, the at least one syringe adaptor and the at least one vial adaptor being vented to the atmosphere in a manner which prevents release to the atmosphere of possibly harmful contents of the vial in a liquid, solid or gaseous form.

Abstract: Provided is a bottle comprising a water reservoir, a threaded neck having an opening, and a top reservoir in one embodiment including an upper portion, a lower portion releasably secured to the upper portion, a cylindrical coupling member projected downwardly from the lower portion and having internal threads secured to the neck, and a seal formed at a top of the coupling member and above the opening, the seal being adapted to separate the contents (e.g., powder or thick fluid) in the top reservoir from water in the water reservoir. Screwing down the top reservoir to lift the opening until the seal is broken will drop the contents in the top reservoir into the water reservoir to mix for making beverage.

Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a heat resealable stopper and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the stopper and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through an e-beam chamber, wherein an electron beam is directed onto a penetrable surface of the stopper to sterilize the penetrable surface. A needle is mounted within the e-beam chamber and moved into engagement with the stopper to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the stopper and inject the substance through the needle and into the chamber of the container. The needle is then withdrawn from the stopper and the filled container is transported outside of the e-beam chamber.

Abstract: A funnel for pouring liquid into a receptacle is collapsible and is stored in the receptacle when not in use. The funnel is automatically unfolded upon opening the receptacle lid. The funnel has no risk of is unfolding in the receptacle. A tube fixed to the base plate includes displaceable means that are fastened to the lid. The tube is terminated at the top with an arrester for securing the displaceable means. The foldable funnel is disposed inside the existing receptacle, and the funnel is unfolded as soon as the lid is lifted. The opened lid is disposed at the side of the funnel completely outside the funnel circumference so as not to interfere with filling. Placing the lid upon the tube, centering the lid on the funnel and pushing downward closes the receptacle and folds the funnel, which disappears downward into the receptacle.

Abstract: This is a vessel with a funnel like shape that threads into place to stop the vessel from falling over. This vessel may be any size or shape so that it can be gripped by the hand and threaded into place. It has a tapered shape from the top at its widest opening. At this widest opening it has a ribbed area around the top where you can grip it. This is a non slip area so you can thread it into place with your hand. As it tapers smaller to the bottom of the vessel there are threads around the spout area. These threads on the outside edge are used to thread the vessel into the head cover of an automobile or any other apparatus. The threads on the inside around the spout area are there to thread onto a container so it will not tip over when pouring liquids into the container. This is good for pouring liquids into an engine and the waste into a container. The threads make the vessel steady; this will stop the waste of material.

Abstract: A debarking chain having passing links; the passing links being substantially rounded in order to permit the passing links to pass through adjacent links such that the orientation of the passing link relative to its adjacent links can change at random in order to randomly distribute the wear and stress from the impact of adjacent or next to adjacent links on the passing links so that the overall wear life of the present debarking chain is extended over similar chain with elongated, oblong links of the prior art. The invention also includes a debarking drum having a plurality of debarking chains having at least one, preferably a plurality of passing links, as well as a debarking device having such a debarking drum. The debarking device preferably includes a chipping device and a method of using the same.

Abstract: A conical chipper/canter head. The head includes, at least, one or more chipping knives. Each chipping knife provides at least one pair of linear cutting edges including a face cutting edge and a chip cutting edge angled with respect to each other. The face cutting edge defines a planar, face cutting surface of revolution of the cutting head, and the chip cutting edge defines a conical, chip cutting surface of revolution of the cutting head. The face and chip cutting edges of the same chipping knife lie in substantially the same plane. A cutting head may include a plurality of facing knives and corresponding clamping members in addition to one or more chipping knives. The facing knives and corresponding clamping members are adapted so that each of the facing knives is removable from the cutting head without removing any other facing knives.

Abstract: A swiftly and minutely adjusting device for a wood-planer working table includes a bottom base, a stationary working table, a movable working table, a linking rod unit, an adjusting device, a guide plate and a tightening grip. The movable working table is slidably combined on the bottom base. The adjusting device and the linking rod unit are pivotally connected to a support shaft to permit the adjusting device move the linking rod unit for swiftly adjusting the height of the movable working table. A worm gear is attached on the support shaft, and the adjusting device has a worm shaft and a bevel gear unit for adjusting minutely the support shaft, so the movable working table of a wood planer can be adjusted minutely as well.

Abstract: A debarking mechanism for the excortication or pretreatment of trees for separately performed final barking and for the expulsion of at least some of the removed barks from a wood flow passing through the debarking mechanism, the debarking mechanism including a number of rotatable debarking shafts extending parallel to an advancing direction (A) of the trees to be fed therethrough, which are provided with a number of teeth extending beyond the circumferential surface of the shaft and adapted to strip bark off the presently processed trees transversely to the lengthwise direction of the trees and at the same time to convey the trees transversely relative to said shafts, and the shafts together with the teeth thereof, being adapted to constitute at least a section of a support surface, upon which the presently processed trees travel through the debarking mechanism, and the debarking shafts being adapted to each other in such a way that the presently processed trees make a circular motion (C) in the debarking me

Abstract: A method for creating a design on a surface comprising providing a template to overlay the surface upon which the design is to be created, forming a pattern of the design on the template for the design which is to be created on the surface, placing the template with the pattern of the design thereon on the surface, with a tool, tracing the pattern of the design on the template to form an impression on the surface below the template and removing the template leaving the impression of the design on the surface.

Abstract: A rare earth magnet powder has a chemical composition which includes R: 5 to 20% (wherein, R represents one or two or more rare earth elements being inclusive of Y but exclusive of Dy and Tb), one or two of Dy and Tb: 0.01 to 10%, and B: 3 to 20%, with the balance comprising Fe and inevitable impurities; and an average particle diameter of 10 to 1,000 ?m, wherein 70% or more of the entire surface of the rare earth magnet powder is covered with a layer being rich in the content of one or two of Dy and Tb and having a thickness of 0.05 to 50 ?m.

Abstract: The invention relates to tungsten carbide powder consisting of powder particles, which have a core comprised of tungsten cast carbide and a covering comprised of tungsten monocarbide, to the production thereof by heating a tungsten cast carbide powder in the presence of a carbon source to a temperature ranging from 1300 to 2000° C., and to the use thereof for coating surfaces of parts subjected to wear and for producing drill bits.

Abstract: A process for patinating articles comprising copper or a copper alloy is described. The articles to be patinated are treated with a preferably aqueous patination solution which preferably contains copper ions and zinc ions and are subsequently subjected to a maturing process. This is, in particular, carried out in a temperature- and humidity-controlled chamber.

Abstract: An Fe-base in-situ composite alloy, castable into 3-dimensional bulk objects, where the alloy includes a matrix having one or both of a nano-crystalline phase and an amorphous phase, and a face-centered cubic crystalline phase. The alloy has an Fe content more than 60 atomic percent.

Abstract: A titanium metal or a titanium alloy having submicron titanium boride substantially uniformly dispersed therein and a method of making same is disclosed. Ti power of Ti alloy powder has dispersed within the particles forming the powder titanum boride which is other than whisker-shaped or spherical substantially uniformly dispersed therein.

Abstract: A process for producing a lightweight molded part, comprising introducing a gas into a particle-containing, molten metal to produce a metal foam having voids with a monomodal distribution of their dimensions, introducing the metal foam into a casting die and compressing it therein essentially under all-round pressure; and the molded part made by this process.

Abstract: The present invention provides ultralow carbon thin gauge steel sheet and a method for producing the same where coalescence and growth of inclusions in the molten steel are prevented and the inclusions are finely dispersed in the steel sheet, whereby surface defects and cracks at the time of press forming are prevented, growth of recrystallized grains at the time of continuous annealing is promoted, and a high r value (r value?2.0) and elongation (total elongation?50%) are exhibited, that is, ultralow carbon thin gauge steel sheet excellent in surface conditions, formability, and workability comprised of, by mass %, 0.0003%?C?0.003%, Si <0.01%, Mn ?0.1%, P?0.02%, S?0.01%, 0.0005%?N?0.0025%, 0.01%?acid soluble Ti?0.07%, acid soluble Al ?0.003%, and 0.002%?La+Ce+Nd?0.02% and a balance of iron and unavoidable impurities, said steel sheet characterized by containing at least cerium oxysulfite, lanthanum oxysulfite, and neodymium oxysulfite.

Abstract: A method for selectively erasing information from or restoring information to a shape memory material includes selectively heating and/or selectively cooling, to a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time, at least a portion of at least one heating element or cooling element adjacent a predetermined area of the shape memory material, thereby erasing the information stored therein or restoring information thereto. The heating element or cooling element is located in an array of heating or cooling elements.

Abstract: The invention concerns steel building components whereof the chemical composition comprises, by weight: 0.40 %=C=0.50%, 0.50%=Si=1.50%, 0%=Mn=3%, 0%=Ni=5%, 0%=Cr=4%, 0%=Cu=1%, 0%=Mo+W/2 =1.5%, 0.0005%=B=0.010%, N=0.025 %, Al?0.9%, Si+Al=2.0%, optionally at least one element selected among V, Nb, Ta, S and Ca, in contents less than 0.3%, and among Ti and Zr in contents not more than 0.5%, the rest being iron and impurities resulting from the preparation, the aluminium, boron, titanium and nitrogen contents, expressed in thousandths of %, of said composition further satisfying the following relationship: B=?×K+0.5, (1) with K=Min (1*; J*), I*=Max (0;1) and J*=Max(0;J), I=Min(N; N?0.29(Ti?5)), J=Min [N; 0.5 (N?0.52 Al+v(N?0.52 Al)2+283)], and whereof the structure is bainitic, martensitic or martensitic/bainitic and additionally comprises 3 to 20% of residual austenite. The invention also concerns a method for making said components.

Abstract: A method of improving the formability of a strip of sheet magnesium or other hexagonal closely packed metal is comprised of repeatedly bending, straightening and reverse bending the strip along its entire continuous length to induce plastic deformation and twinning. Twinning reduces and redistributes the grain size of the sheet material to make the sheet material more formable during subsequent metal forming operations. In practice, a coil of sheet magnesium strip is mounted on a spindle. The end of the strip is unwound from the coil and threaded through a series of offset rollers. The end of the strip is connected to a take-up spindle located down stream of the offset rollers. The strip is unwound from the storage spindle and progressively and continuously bent and reverse bent as it traverses around the offset rollers and is recoiled onto a take-up spindle.

Abstract: A protection device for the golf club grips includes a compartment adapted to slideably receive the grip and protect the grip from moisture, precipitation and debris. In one embodiment, multiple compartments are combined to create a useful club tote having a strap for carrying and a clip for attaching to a golf-bag. The device advantageously enables the golfer to carry a partial set of clubs on the fairway or green, or during practice at a driving range, protecting the clubs from moisture, precipitation and debris when the unused clubs rest on the ground or lean against an object when not being used.

Abstract: A vehicle tire 10 is provided. The tire 10 includes an outermost member 12 having a plurality of spaced aligned apertures 22 formed therethrough. An innermost member 28 is aligned in and adjacent to the outermost member 12. Additionally a plurality of spaced aligned elongated studs 40 are formed in the innermost member 28 in recesses 38 formed therein and aligned in a corresponding one of the apertures in the outermost member. The tire 10 further includes an air inflation member 36 for inflating the innermost member 28 so that the studs 40 formed thereon will move from a retracted recessed position to an extended position through the apertures in the outermost member 12 to provide additional surface traction for the tire.