Abstract: A solar collector (100) is provided having increased efficiency and operating life, and reduced size and cost over conventional collectors. Generally, the collector (100) includes a three-dimensional array (110) of cells (104), including a base-layer (112) and at least one elevated-tier (114) above and separated from the base-layer, so that at least some light passes between cells of the tier to the base-layer. Preferably, the tier (114) includes cells (104) oriented to receive light reflected from the base-layer (112). More preferably, the array (100) is within an enclosure (108) having a bottom-wall (120) and sidewalls (122, 124) that reflect a portion of light incident thereon onto the cells (104). In one embodiment, the cells (104) include types of monolithic cells sensitive to different wavelengths of light, and the collector (100) further includes voltage converters (144) to match voltages from the different types of cells to a common output voltage.

Abstract: A shielding cover includes a cover plate, a base integrally coupled with the cover plate, and a score without cutting off the cover plate. The base is formed by enclosing an iron frame, and at least a pair of soldering pins are built at a lower edge of the frame of the base, and the base body in the middle of the base acts as the cover plate and integrally coupled with the frame of the base.

Abstract: An adjustable mid-panel spillover fitting is disclosed. The fitting includes a base, a cover securable to the base, and a cover cap securable to the base and the cover. The base has a spillover side, and the cover has an opening on a side wall thereof for receiving the spillover side. The cover has a shelf extending toward the side wall, and the cover cap has a groove for receiving the shelf therein. The cover cap includes at least one latch on an inside surface thereof for securing the cover cap to the base in a plurality of predetermined positions, and the cover cap is adjustable between the plurality of predetermined positions.

Abstract: A fire resistant assembly, which may include a first layer having a lumen therein, a second layer adjacent the first layer, a first structural member disposed between the first and second layers, and a box having a cavity defined by a wall, a first opening in the wall, a second opening in the wall, a panel having a panel opening fastened to the box about the second opening, and a fixture installed in the cavity and having conduit extending through the second opening and the panel opening.

Abstract: An electronic component housing structural body includes a first housing body accommodating electronic components and a second housing body accommodating electronic components. Fitting plane of the first and second housing bodies include a liquid passage area and a communicating passage area. The liquid passage area includes a cooling passage in which cooling liquid flows. The communicating passage area includes a communicating passage that connects housing chambers of the first and second housing bodies. Furthermore, a single sealing member is disposed on the fitting plane to independently surround and seal the liquid passage area and the communicating passage area.

Abstract: A combination electrical box and mounting bracket assembly is provided which includes an electrical box and a mounting bracket attached to the electrical box. The mounting bracket is configured and dimensioned for enabling the mounting bracket to be secured to a truss joist, especially to a floor truss joist, such as a TGI floor I truss joist. The mounting bracket is contoured to resemble the shape of a portion of the floor truss joist at which the mounting bracket is secured to. The combination assembly significantly reduces the force applied to the electrical box by electrical equipment and/or devices connected to wires/cable received by the electrical box as compared to prior art mounting brackets by distributing the force to a larger surface area of the mounting bracket and truss joist.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting an electrical enclosure. The bracket assembly includes a bracket extending from an electrical enclosure and a flange extending from the bracket. The flange is designed to support one or more biasing structures which engage the support structure, such as a stud, to secure the bracket assembly thereto. The bracket assembly may further include gripping teeth to provide further securement thereto.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a cabinet containing an electronic circuit; a covering member containing wire rods connected to the electronic circuit and led to the outside through an opening of the cabinet; a pivoting shaft portion provided on the covering member; and a pivoting shaft receiving portion provided in the cabinet and that supports the pivoting shaft portion, wherein the covering member is pivotally supported with respect to the cabinet. Also included is a splicer for connecting the wire rods and the electronic circuit.

Abstract: An electrical power cable with a foamed, compressible, semiconductive insulation shield which serves as both a cushioning layer and an electrical shield.

Abstract: A multi-pair cable including a plurality of twisted pairs of insulated conductors, each having a closing lay length (twist lay length measured after the twisted pairs are cabled together with a particular cable lay) of less than about 0.6 inches. The plurality of twisted pairs are twisted together with a cable lay of greater than about three inches to form the cable. In some examples, the multi-pair cable may further comprise a separator disposed between the first and second twisted pairs. In another example, a ratio between a longest closing lay length and a shortest closing lay length in the cable is less than 1.65 inches. In another example, the cable further includes at least one additional twisted pair of conductors having a closing lay length that is greater than about 0.6 inches, and the cable lay length is less than about four inches.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a high voltage, insulated electrical power cable suitable for use adjacent to one or more low power signal communications conductors in metal or plastic conduit or raceway. In one preferred embodiment, the power cable includes a first group of one or more conductors for supplying power and a power conductor insulation jacket enclosing the first group of one or more conductors. The power conductor insulation jacket includes a soft magnetic material that functions as an electromagnetic field shield in the radio frequency range of approximately 1 megahertz to 400 megahertz thereby protecting the integrity of signals transmitted on the adjacent signal communications conductors.

Abstract: A hardened voyage data recorder includes two subsystems: a removable non-volatile memory and a base containing electronics and firmware for communicating with data sensing systems and for accessing the memory. According to the invention, the memory is protected in a “boiler” and the electronics includes an ETHERNET interface for connecting to shipboard data acquisition devices. The firmware is preferably configured via web pages. A communications protocol for communicating with the recorder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer front bezel assembly includes a front panel (10), a front bezel (30), and a driving member (50). The front panel defines a securing opening (14). The front bezel is attached to a first surface of the front panel. A resilient engaging portion (38) with barb-shaped end is formed on the front bezel for engaging with the securing opening. The driving member is attached to a second surface of the front panel. The second surface is opposite to the first surface. The front panel includes a driving clip (572). When the driving member is slid, the driving clip urges the resilient engaging portion to deform, thereby the resilient engaging portion disengaging from the securing opening of the front panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seal (5) for a cover (8a, 8b) for an electrical connecting socket (32), with the seal (5) having at least one sealing lip (10) which is provided to make contact with a contact surface (30) when the seal (5) is in the compressed state and thus to seal at least a part of that area of a base body (1) which is covered by the cover (8a, 8b), and wherein the sealing lip (10) has at least one first circumferential rim (25) on its inner face (15), which rim (25) is in each case formed, when the seal (5) is in the unloaded state, by the contact edge of a first (16) and of a second (17) surface element, which each run along the surface of the sealing lip (10), and has at least one second circumferential rim (26) which, when the seal (5) is in the unloaded state, is formed by the contact edge of the second (17) and of the third (18) surface element, which each run along the surface of the sealing lip (10), with the first circumferential rim (25) making contact with the contact surface (30) whe

Abstract: An apparatus, such as mail processing apparatus, has a housing with a cavity therein, a grounded metal chassis in the housing, an electronics mainboard in the housing having a first plug and contact arrangement, with a scale module that is pluggable into the cavity of the housing. The scale module has a base plate having a grounding arrangement, and a load cell and weighing electronics both mounted on the base plate. The weighing electronics has a second plug and contact arrangement that mates with the first plug and contact arrangement when the scale module is plugged into the cavity. A metal part in the housing is mechanically connected to the chassis and has a plate part that protrudes into the cavity. This plate part makes planar electrical contact with the grounding arrangement of the base plate, to produce a grounding path for the base plate, substantially immediately at the beginning of the act of plugging the scale module into the cavity.

Abstract: A switch including at least one boss, outwardly protruding from the side surface(s) of the case, located below the supports which extend downward so as to engage the side surfaces of the case. Thus, if the switches occasionally collide with each other, with tools, the like the boss prevents the supports of the cover from receiving an outward force and thereby prevent the cover from coming off from the case.

Abstract: The rotary electronic component contains a case for accommodating a functional element section, a rotary shaft supported by a bearing for actuating the functional element section, with the upper portion of the shaft upwardly protruding, and a length-adjusting shaft attached to the upper portion of the rotary shaft. The rotary electronic component further contains a fixing member with a linear section extending in a direction axially of the rotary shaft. The linear section is inserted between the rotary shaft and the length-adjusting shaft, whereby a secure connection between the two shafts is obtained.

Abstract: A touch screen comprising: a) a substrate; b) a first conductive layer located on the substrate; c) a flexible sheet comprising a substantially planar surface and integral compressible spacer dots formed thereon, each integral compressible spacer dot having a base closest to the substantially planar surface and a peak furthest from the substantially planar surface; and d) a second conductive layer located on the substantially planar surface of the flexible sheet, the peaks of the integral compressible spacer dots extending beyond the second conductive layer located on the substantially planar surface; wherein the first and second conductive layers are positioned towards each other and separated by the integral compressible spacer dots.

Abstract: An operating switch mechanism in an IC recorder having an operating switch button for slide operation includes an IC recorder main body and an operating unit. The operating unit is attached to the main body by fixing a frame member on the operating unit side with a screw hole of a groove portion. The operating unit includes an operating switch button, a slide plate which switches-on/off switches, and a click spring member which holds a rubber roller. The rubber roller is abutted against a projected portion, a cam surface and an inclined can surface of an inner cam surface portion arranged on the main body side, and the operating switch button is held at the click determining position. The operating switch mechanism is used for an electronic device with high maintenance performance.

Abstract: A switch includes a body with a switch member and two springs are connected to an underside of the switch member. Two identical circuit assemblies are isolated from each other and received in the body. Each circuit assembly has two terminals and a bimetallic plate has a first end connected to the first terminal and the bi-metallic plate can be deformed when the switch is overloaded to separate two contact points to cut off the circuit. A carry member is connected to the two respective bi-metallic plates of the two circuit assemblies so that when either one of the two bi-metallic plates is deformed, the carry member is moved to separate the two contact points of the other circuit assembly and cut off the two circuit assemblies simultaneously when the switch is overloaded.

Abstract: A capacitance based switch device employs an electric field imaging device electrically coupled via an electrical conductor to a conductive electrode member that is attached to the door or any other suitable surface. Such electric field imaging device generates a sine wave which is transmitted to the conductive electrode member and produces a surrounding electrical field. Any human body part which enters such electrical field will create a capacitance load due to the body being grounded to a surface. Reduction in distance between the body part and the conductive electrode will increase the capacitance and will decrease the voltage intermediate the resistor and conductive electrode which is an inverse function of the capacitance. Such change in voltage will be detected by a microcontroller by comparing voltages at each end of the resistor and the change exceeding a predetermined threshold will be associated with an output control signal.

Abstract: A welding shield gas comprising an inert gas and nitrogen gas, where the concentration of the nitrogen gas is 1 to 95 vol %; or comprising an inert gas and a helium gas, where the concentration of the helium gas is 35 to 95 vol %; or comprising an inert gas, nitrogen gas, and a helium gas, wherein the concentration of the nitrogen gas is not less than 1 vol % and less than 65 vol % and the concentration of the helium gas is 35 to 95 vol %. This shield gas can be used in the non-consumable electrode arc welding of a welded material consisting of stainless steel.

Abstract: A method of forming a polycrystalline silicon layer. An amorphous silicon layer on a substrate is completely melted using a laser beam passed through a mask so as to form a polycrystalline silicon layer. The upper portion of the polycrystalline silicon layer is then re-melted and re-crystallized using a laser beam passed through a mask. The mask includes a high transmittance region for completely melting the amorphous silicon layer and a low transmittance region for re-melting the upper portion of the polycrystalline silicon layer.

Abstract: A welding control system to monitor the energy consumption of a plurality of welders. The welding control system controls the operation of one or more welders based upon the energy information received from one or more energy monitoring devices.

Abstract: A power block for holding a welding gun power pin has a receiving structure which defines a bore which receives and holds a welding gun power pin. The power block further includes a projection movable between at least a first position and a second position. When the projection is in the first position, the projection extends at least partially into the receiving structure cavity. When the projection is in the second position, the projection generally does not extend into the receiving structure cavity. In some embodiments, the projection has a generally straight line distal edge. In other embodiments, the projection has a generally arcuate distal edge.

Abstract: A spool gun having a quick connector connectable to an electrical power source and a gas source is disclosed. A connection line extends from the spool gun and is attached to a connector. The connector both fluidly connects the spool gun to a shielding gas source and electrically connects the spool gun to a power source constructed to generate a welding-type power. Such a spool gun is quickly and efficiently connectable to the gas and power systems required for performing welding processes.

Abstract: A construction box includes a power connector for connection to a power source and a heater constructed for generating heat within the construction box when connected to the power source. The construction box also functioning as a warmed seat.

Abstract: A method of cooking food with steam in an automatic household oven comprises receiving a user inputted cooking temperature, receiving a user inputted steam level, and implementing a preprogrammed steam cooking cycle based on the user inputted cooking temperature and the user inputted steam level.

Abstract: A steam cooker includes a first reservoir for receiving water, a second reservoir for receiving water, and a heating element. The water in the second reservoir is in fluid communication with the water in the first reservoir. The heating element is positioned proximate to the first reservoir and remote to the second reservoir.

Abstract: A substrate is made of a crystallized glass having translucency and an average linear thermal expansion coefficient of ?5×10?7/° C. at 30 to 500° C. The substrate has a first surface (working surface) of a smooth surface having a surface roughness Rmax of less than 0.5 ?m, and a second surface (non-working surface) of a rough surface having a surface roughness Rmax of 4 ?m. A light shielding layer consisting of a light shielding film and an antioxidant film is formed on the second surface of the substrate through sputtering.

Abstract: A system for wiring a heating element in an electrical appliance to a conventional thermostat switch in a new manner and a new thermostat for supporting the new wiring system. The new wiring system avoids switching the full heating element current for both hot power leads of a split-phase power system to reduce the amount of wiring needed to wire the thermostat switch to a heating element and a pilot lamp showing that current is being provided to the heating element.

Abstract: A heater bracket assembly for securing a heater case in a dryer is disclosed. The heater bracket assembly includes a supporting part secured to a bottom end of the heater case for supporting the heater case, a fixing part secured to a base plate of the dryer, and a connecting part connecting the supporting part and the fixing part, wherein the supporting part comprises a first extension member extended therefrom which engages with an aperture provided to the bottom end of the heater case such that the supporting part is initially secured to the heater case.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shrinking device for shrinking a rotary tool into a central receiving opening of a toolholder which holds said rotary tool in a press fit. The device an induction heating device for thermally expanding the toolholder in the area of the receiving opening. A cooling device with at least one cooling collar which can be placed on the toolholder, in physical contact with the same, and through which a liquid coolant can flow, is provided for cooling the receiving opening area of the toolholder. This liquid cooling considerably reduces the overall time span needed for the shrinking process.

Abstract: A heat storage unit (2) includes a body having a passage (12) formed therein through which a flowable product passes. A heatable element (10) is incorporated within the body of the heat storage unit (2) in thermal communication with the passage (12). The heatable element (10) includes either a magnetically-compatible material or a microwave-compatible material that is heated by locating the heatable element in a field (F) generated by a charging device (6), for example.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus for heating an image on a recording material by heat generation of a heating member includes a coil configured to generate a magnetic flux by energization a heat generation member having an electroconductive layer that generates heat by magnetic flux for heating an image on a recording material and, a frequency switching device for switching a frequency of a current supplied to the coil. The electroconductive layer includes a first electroconductive member at a central portion thereof and a second electroconductive member at an end portion thereof. The first electroconductive member has a resistence characteristic, with respect to the frequency of the current supplied to the coil, different from that of the second electroconductive member.

Abstract: A pressure-measuring vessel system for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed. The vessel system includes a pressure resistant vessel that is otherwise transparent to microwave radiation, a pressure-resistant closure for the mouth of the vessel, with portions of the closure including a pressure resistant synthetic membrane, a pressure transducer external to the vessel, and a tube extending from the transducer, through the membrane and into the vessel for permitting the pressure inside the vessel to be applied against the transducer while the closure and membrane otherwise maintain the pressure resistant characteristics of the vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating uniform heating of an microwave absorptive target. A circularly polarized waveguide mode is created that promotes uniform heating of the microwave absorptive target by rotating a propagated non-uniform field pattern around a central axis of a cylindrical cavity or waveguide. In the process of rotating the field pattern, hot and cold spots in the field pattern are averaged out over time.

Abstract: Dielectric welding apparatus has opposed electrodes that can be engaged on either side of a product to be welded and a dielectric welding power supply that supplies welding potentials to the electrodes. The apparatus includes electrically insulating buffer material adjacent to at least one of the electrodes. A recess formed in a surface of the buffer material receives an end of an electrically-conductive member in the product. The buffer material prevents arcing between the electrodes and the electrically-conductive member.

Abstract: A light source unit includes a light source having LED chips for emitting different colors of light and an optical sensor for detecting light from a light mixer. A light source control section controls by feedback control luminance of each of the LED chips according to values detected by the optical sensor. The light source unit also includes a temperature control section for controlling the temperature of the light source. The temperature control section is a feedback control system. Keeping the light source at a constant temperature allows suppressing spectrum changes of the LED chips with temperature, thereby suppressing changes in the luminance and chromaticity of the light source unit.

Abstract: An optical displacement sensor comprises: a light source; a light receiving means adapted to receive light emitted from the light source; and a light diffracting element disposed between the light source and the light receiving means. The light receiving means include a first light receiving element group centrally located, and a second light receiving element group constituted by two separate clusters disposed so as to sandwich the first light receiving element group, and the light diffracting element functions to diffract the light emitted from the light source along one direction of the two-axis directions into a zero-order beam to be received at the first light receiving element group, and higher-order beams received at the second light receiving element group.

Abstract: An image scanner and scanning method thereof are provided. By simultaneously using two light emitting diodes of different colors as light sources and cooperatively performing simple image data computations, three color image signals are obtained so as to shorten the exposure time and improve signal-to-noise ratio of the image signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image generation device (1), particularly a 3D camera. The inventive image generation device (1) is designed in order to obtain small dimensions and to take thermal considerations into account. The camera (1) has at least one, in particular, rigid first printed board (10) for highly complex semiconductors such as a microcontroller (11), memory (12), etc. with at least one optical image recording sensor (50), and has a second printed board (20) for all other components such as, in particular, large capacitors, transistors, resistors, coils (21) or plugs (22), etc. The first (10) and second (20) printed boards are mounted on, preferably glued to, a metallic base plate (40).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for excess signal compensation in an imaging system is described. In one particular embodiment, the invention provides for non-linear background, offset (due to time dependent dark current) and/or lag (including constant, linear and non-linear terms, due to image persistence) corrections of large area, flat panel imaging sensors.

Abstract: A light sensing panel includes a scan line transmitting a scan signal, a power source line transmitting a bias voltage, a readout line transmitting a light sensing signal and a light sensing device. The light sensing device includes a control electrode that is electrically connected to the scan line to receive the scan signal, a first current electrode that is electrically connected to the power source line to receive the bias voltage, and a second current electrode that is electrically connected to the readout line to apply a light sensing signal to the readout line when the light sensing signal senses an external light. The light sensing panel requires only one thin film transistor in order to detect a position wherein the external light is incident. Therefore, electrical coupling between devices is reduced and aperture ratio is increased, thereby enhancing a display quality.

Abstract: An assembly for an image capture device comprises an imaging lens, an optical spacer comprising at least one reflective surface and physically integrated with the imaging lens, and a photo-sensing system physically integrated with the optical spacer.

Abstract: An intrusion detection system comprises a pair of optical lenses arranged a predetermined distance apart and having overlapping fields of view within an area to be monitored to form a common field of view; at least one light-sensitive device responsive to light from each of the optical lenses; a range detector responsive to signals from the light-sensitive device and operable to determine a range to an object within the common field of view; and a range discriminator for setting at least one range gate to sense objects within the common field of view at predetermined ranges and for ignoring objects outside of the predetermined ranges.

Abstract: A material dispensing system for dispensing material onto a moving substrate (110), including a material dispensing nozzle (102), a material dispensing control signal controller (130) coupled to the material dispensing nozzle, a material dispensing control signal generator (120) coupled to the material dispenser control signal controller, the material dispensing control signal generator sending a material dispensing control signal to the material dispensing control signal controller, wherein the material dispensing control signal controller controls the material dispensing control signal from the material dispensing control signal generator based on the substrate speed input signal, and the material dispensing control signal controller sends the controlled material dispensing control signal to the material dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring coherent crosstalk (CXT) light of the invention generates in a light source section, measurement light which has been modulated to a sawtooth wave shape and applies this to an object of measurement; sends transmission light and CXT light emerging from the object of measurement to a light receiving section via a variable optical attenuator; applies an electrical signal photoelectric-converted in an optical receiver, to a frequency filter, to thereby extract a beat component corresponding to a frequency difference between the transmission light and CXT light; controls the modulation period of the measurement light so that the power of the beat component becomes a local maximum; varies an optical attenuation amount of a variable optical attenuator, while keeping constant the optimized modulation period; and measures with high accuracy the amount of CXT light generated in the object of measurement, based on a rate of variation in the power of the beat component caused at that time.

Abstract: An image processing system that detects foreign matter on a glass window of a vehicle and objects in front of the vehicle. The system includes an image processor, a first lamp, and a second lamp. On/off control of the first and second lamps is controlled by the image processor. Light from the first lamp is reflected from the outer sauce of the glass when raindrops are present on the outside of the glass. Light from the second lamp is reflected from the inner surface of the glass when moisture is present on the inside of the glass. Any reflected light goes through a lens and an optical filter with prescribed optical characteristics to an image device. The lens is focused to a point beyond the window so that the image processor an also detect objects in front of the vehicle.

Abstract: We disclose an apparatus and method for detecting probe-tip contact with a surface, generally inside a focused ion-beam instrument, where the probe tip is attached to a capsule, and the capsule is movably secured in a probe shaft. There is a fiber-optic cable having a first end and a second end; a beam splitter having first and second output ports; and a light source connected to the beam splitter. The first output port of the beam splitter is connected to the first end of the fiber-optic cable, and the second output port of the beam splitter is connected to a photodiode. The second end of the fiber-optic cable has a mirror for reflecting incident light at approximately a ninety-degree angle to the axis of the optical path in the fiber-optic cable and onto the capsule, so that the intensity of the light reflected back from the capsule through the fiber-optic cable is proportional to the deflection of the capsule as the probe tip makes contact with the surface.