Abstract: A parking system of a hybrid vehicle includes a traction motor that rotates an output shaft of the transmission, a parking gear rotated by the output shaft, a sprag selectively engaged with the parking gear, an actuator that moves the sprag, and a control portion that controls the traction motor, wherein the control portion operates the traction motor when the sprag and the parking gear are not disengaged by the actuator. A method for releasing a parking lock includes detecting operation of a shift lever, operating an actuator to move a sprag, detecting whether the sprag is disengaged from the parking gear, and operating a traction motor if the sprag is not disengaged.

Abstract: A portable truck dump comprises a conveyor system mounted on an elongate frame to transport material from a first end of the frame to a second, opposite end of the frame. A grate is positioned over the conveyor system and is supported by first and second sides of the frame. A ramp extends generally perpendicular to the frame on each side of the frame next to the grate to provide a drive-over access for a material transport vehicle to deposit its load over the grate and onto the conveyor system. A first end of each ramp immediately adjacent to the frame is pivotally connected to the frame to allow the frame to be articulated towards the grate. A second end of each ramp spaced from the frame is supported above but in close proximity to the ground. A support frame is associated with each ramp to provide a barrier along the ground adjacent to and at a level of the second end of each ramp.

Abstract: A food product alignment device for a conveyor includes a plurality of upright pins that act in pin pairs to align respective food products that approach the pin pairs on a moving conveyor. Particularly for round food products or food product stacks, a misaligned round food product will slightly pivot on the moving conveyor when contacting a first pin to be evenly positioned between the two pins of the respective pin pair. The pins are retractable to a position beneath the conveyor after the food products are aligned to allow the aligned food products to continue proceeding on the conveyor.

Abstract: A removable scraper blade tip and reusable pocket for a conveyor belt cleaner comprises a scraper blade with leg portions adapted to be releasably received by receiving compartments in a pocket member that is permanently affixed to a support frame. The scraper blade tip is press fit into the pocket and secured with the use of a self-locking mounting pin. Removal of the scraper blade tip requires removal of the mounting pin and applying a force to the scraper blade tip to break the press fit. A new scraper blade tip may be inserted with the pocket and secured with the mounting pin.

Abstract: A conveying roll including a generally cylindrical drum portion and at least one separating bar connected to and extending generally axially across the drum portion, wherein at least a first portion of the bar has a first radial length and at least a second portion of the bar has a second radial length, wherein the first radial length is generally larger than the second radial length.

Abstract: A conveyor comprising an endless conveyor belt made from a plurality of rows of hinged interconnected belt links where each row extends in a width direction substantially perpendicular to a traveling direction of the belt and comprises at least one link, where substantially all links further comprise a front end, a back end, a top surface, a bottom surface, a pair of opposing side surfaces, front hinge parts and rear hinge parts for a pin-less connection, at least one roller aperture provided through the thickness of the link, the at least one roller aperture comprising at least one axle receiving, guiding, and retaining means, such that an axle may be arranged substantially parallel to the top surface, and a roller arranged coaxially with the axle.

Abstract: A button assembly includes a bezel, an elastic member, and a button. The bezel defines a through hole. The elastic member forms a locating portion on an end thereof, and a mounting portion on the other end thereof. The locating portion is movably mounted to the bezel. The button is assembled on the mounting portion of the elastic member. The button includes a manipulating section extending through the through hole of the bezel.

Abstract: A button assembly of a dishwasher is provided. The button assembly includes a button portion and a front panel. The button portion has a button head for a user to press and a button body extending down from the button head. A button connecting portion connects a plurality of button bodies, and hence, a plurality of button portions along one piece. The button portion is installed at the rear of the front panel. The front panel has a button window formed therein for inserting the button head therethrough. Because the button portions do not need to be individually mounted using individual springs and fasteners, the assembly process is simplified, and manufacturing cost is reduced.

Abstract: An actuator includes a movable plate, at least one elastic member supporting the movable plate to allow the movable plate to rock, a support holding the elastic member, a wiring layer extending on the elastic member, and a protective film covering the wiring layer. The protective film is of a resin.

Abstract: A fluid height sensor (10) includes a float (14) with an arm (20) fixed to a shaft (40) that extends into a cavity (30) in a housing (12). A switch assembly (32) in the housing includes a switch (50) formed by a largely stationary blade (52) and by a moveable switch blade (54) that moves forward (F) and rearward (R), respectively against and away from the stationary blade. The switch assembly also includes an activator (56) for snapping the switch blade as the shaft pivots back and forth. The activator (56) includes an activation blade (58) that is moved back and forth by the shaft, and a leaf spring (90) that extends in a loop between the outer ends of the activation blade and of the switch blade. The leaf spring compresses the switch blade by urging its outer end (74) towards its inner end (72), to cause the moveable blade to overshoot when it passes a center position in its forward and rearward movement.

Abstract: A liquid metal switch uses a conductive liquid droplet of a material containing gallium as a substitute for mercury. A secondary fluid surrounding the material containing gallium prevents the formation of oxide on a surface of the conductive liquid droplet.

Abstract: Damage to a part when assembling a substrate from behind a casing mounted with push buttons is prevented. When a circuit substrate is mounted in a casing to which a push button is attached, a circuit substrate is inserted along a guide groove of the push button. At this time, the contact section is pushed by the circuit substrate and the circuit substrate is engaged with the contact section with a second hinge section deflected. This causes the circuit substrate to be parallel with a pushing section with a tiny gap in between and a pushing operation of an operation button deforms a first hinge section and the pushing section turns ON/OFF a switch.

Abstract: A switch device includes a operation body, a membrane switch pushed by the operation body, and plural push switches activated by pushing the operation body via the membrane switch. The membrane switch includes plural contact switches electrically connected upon being pushed by the operation body. The switch device is activated easily without operating errors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to low molecular weight chitosan oligosaccharides and its preparation method. Chitosan oligosaccharides were obtained under microwave irradiation assisted the electrolyte. The method of preparing chitosan oligosaccharides was described as follows: acid solvent containing electrolyte was added to chitosan. The reaction was performed at 480˜800 W for 3˜12 min. After irradiation ceased, the reaction liquid was cooled to room temperature. Then the solution was adjusted to neutrality with 1˜10 M NaOH or KOH and obtained the pale yellow floc. The processes of precipitation, filtering, desiccation and crushing are settled sequentially. Finally, chitosan oligosaccharides were obtained. Method of the present invention makes chitosan degrade to water-soluble chitosan oligosaccharides and it makes some inert substance become active. The method of the present invention can cut down energy consumption, decrease pollution and save time and raw materials.

Abstract: A method for the surface treatment of a metal substrate, whether previously painted or not, in particular for decorated containers and for decorated containers and for the packaging of foodstuffs consists in applying, using an electrode, an electrical discharge having a voltage of between 17,000 V and 49,000 V and a frequency of between 18 kHz and 24 kHz on the surface of the metal substrate.

Abstract: A gridless ion source operates from a control system (201) that generates an anode voltage (215) comprising a mains rectified signal such that the anode voltage modulates between a first voltage above a threshold and a second voltage below the threshold. The mains rectified signal is provided by transformer (210) receiving a mains input (211). The output of the transformer (213) is rectified by a bridge rectifier (214). In preferred embodiments, the threshold is an ionization threshold such that the ion current is initiated and extinguished in every cycle.

Abstract: An electrolysis device is provided. The electrolysis device includes an ionizer unit having first and second plate assemblies that each provide a different surface area that is contacted by water when the unit is in use. The plate assemblies may each provide a different surface area by providing a different number of plates. The plate assemblies are formed from integral pieces of material, to enhance the reliability of the device. The present invention further provides a control unit programmed to provide an output to the ionizer unit that varies in polarity over time.

Abstract: A sputtering target includes an outer target tube, an inner support tube of rectangular cross-sectional shape supporting a magnet carrier extending along substantially the entire length of the inner support tube; and a water cooling circuit including at least one passageway within said inner support tube with an inlet at one end thereof adapted to receive cooling water from an external source, at least one outlet aperture at an opposite end thereof opening to a chamber radially between the inner support tube and the outer target tube; and at least one cooling water outlet at the one end of the inner support tube.

Abstract: A sputtering cathode apparatus having a hollow cylindrical sputter target that is fixed or rotatable about its central axis and an internal magnet assembly that is rotated axially within the sputter target.

Abstract: Molybdenum titanium sputter targets are provided. In one aspect, the targets are substantially free of the ?(Ti, Mo) alloy phase. In another aspect, the targets are substantially comprised of single phase ?(Ti, Mo) alloy. In both aspects, particulate emission during sputtering is reduced. Methods of preparing the targets, methods of bonding targets together to produce large area sputter targets, and films produced by the targets, are also provided.

Abstract: A sputtering target comprising an outer target tube, an inner support tube supporting a magnet carrier extending along substantially the entire length of the inner support tube; and a water cooling circuit including at least one passageway within the inner support tube with an inlet at one end thereof adapted to receive cooling water from an external source, at least one outlet aperture at an opposite end thereof opening to a cooling chamber radially between the inner support tube and the outer target tube; and a plurality of spiral vane segments attached to an outer surface of the inner support tube.

Abstract: A sputtering target includes an outer target tube, an inner support tube supporting a magnet carrier bar extending along substantially the entire length of the inner support tube; and a water cooling circuit including at least one passageway within the inner support tube with an inlet at one end thereof adapted to receive cooling water from an external source, at least one outlet aperture at an opposite end thereof opening to a cooling plenum radially between the inner support tube and the outer target tube; and a baffle comprising a substantially flat plate attached to the inner support tube adjacent the opposite end, the plate extending radially within the plenum between the inner support tube and the outer target tube and having an array of flow apertures therein.

Abstract: A system for measuring a glucose level in a blood sample includes a test strip and a meter. The test strip includes a sample chamber, a working electrode, a counter electrode, fill-detect electrodes, and an auto-on conductor. A reagent layer is disposed in the sample chamber. The auto-on conductor causes the meter to wake up and perform a test strip sequence when the test strip is inserted in the meter. The meter uses the working and counter electrodes to initially detect the blood sample in the sample chamber and uses the fill-detect electrodes to check that the blood sample has mixed with the reagent layer. The meter applies an assay voltage between the working and counter electrodes and measures the resulting current. The meter calculates the glucose level based on the measured current and calibration data saved in memory from a removable data storage device associated with the test strip.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for ion sensor with the body effect reduction includes a bridge-type floating source circuit provided with an input terminal, an output terminal reflecting the change in the potential dependent on ion concentration, and an ion-sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) wherein one terminal of the ISFET is coupled with the output terminal; a current mirror for providing a current to the bridge-type circuit; a third transistor for receiving the operating current provided by the current mirror, identical to the current provided to the ISFET; a differential amplifying circuit, wherein one input terminal of the amplifying circuit is input with a reference voltage, and the other input terminal is coupled with the output of the bridge-type readout circuit; and a third amplifier to generate a differential output voltage compensated for the body effect, temperature and time drift effects.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas leak detector comprises a thin film hydrogen detector on a sheet of conformable substrate material, for example, a plastic cling wrap material or a plastic heat shrink material, that is wrappable around a component from which hydrogen gas might leak or evolve. The thin film hydrogen detector may comprise a thin film hydrogen detecting material, for example, a metal oxide, and a thin film catalyst material. The conformable substrate material can be transparent or translucent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a dose to an electrolyte solution including measuring the time after adding fresh solution, measuring the Amp-hours after adding fresh solution, measuring the number of substrates processed by the solution, calculating the volume of a dose to supply to the solution based on the time, Amp-hours, and number of substrates processed, and adding the dose to the solution.

Abstract: A facility for selecting and refining electrical parameters for processing a microelectronic workpiece in a processing chamber is described. The facility initially configures the electrical parameters in accordance with either a mathematical model of the processing chamber or experimental data derived from operating the actual processing chamber. After a workpiece is processed with the initial parameter configuration, the results are measured and a sensitivity matrix based upon the mathematical model of the processing chamber is used to select new parameters that correct for any deficiencies measured in the processing of the first workpiece. These parameters are then used in processing a second workpiece, which may be similarly measured, and the results used to further refine the parameters.

Abstract: An electrode surface coating and method for manufacturing the electrode surface coating comprising a conductive substrate; and one or more surface coatings comprising one or more of the following metals titanium, niobium, tantalum, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, palladium, or gold, or an alloy of two or more metals, or a combination of two or more alloys or metal layers thereof having an increase in the surface area of 5 times to 500 times of the corresponding surface area resulting from the basic geometric shape.

Abstract: An electrochemical printing system (100, 200) and method are disclosed having a printer head (130, 230) that expels a small jet of electrolyte (112) towards a conductive substrate (92) to facilitate electrodeposition or removal of material from the substrate. In an embodiment of the invention the printer head includes a plurality of individually addressable electrodes (220), each electrode having a channel therethrough and wherein the electrodes are much larger than the electrolyte jet outlet. The printer head includes means for inhibiting cross talk between electrodes. For example, the printer head may include a plenum (241) and a nonconductive cross-talk inhibition layer (245) upstream of the electrodes. A resolution defining layer (270) having small apertures (271) is provided at the distal end of the printer head.

Abstract: An electrode surface coating and method for manufacturing the electrode surface coating comprising a conductive substrate; a surface coating of platinum having a rough configuration and an increase in the surface area of 5 times to 500 times of the corresponding surface area resulting from the basic geometric shape of the electrode. A method for electroplating an electrode surface with platinum coating having a rough surface, comprising electroplating the surface of a conductive substrate at a rate such that the metal particles form on the conductive substrate faster than necessary to form shiny platinum and slower than necessary to form platinum black.

Abstract: An optimized plating bath composition suitable for plating coil structures in thin film magnetic heads is disclosed. The disclosed bath composition is based on Shipley High Acid Damascene copper electroplating baths containing A-2001 accelerator and S-2001 suppressor components.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of forming a cationic electrodeposition film, which has no detrimental effect on basic performances of electrodeposition that a curing property in low temperature and the stability of pigment dispersion are good and basic performances such as corrosion resistance and a rust-preventive property are maintained while maintaining both surface smoothness and economical advantage and exhibits the extremely precise throwing power and can attain an excellent ability of preventing a pinhole due to gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing hydrogen and oxygen gas includes a tank for capturing the gas and holding anodes and cathodes submersed in water. An electrical supply is attached to the anodes and cathodes, providing direct current modulated at a duty cycle that is varied depending on the measured pressure of the produced gas.

Abstract: The invention provides contact lens packages in which removal of the lens is facilitated by providing a means for elevating the lens when the package is opened.

Abstract: There is provided a protective case for a plastic data card. This protective case includes a non-transparent housing having a first planar surface and a second planar surface both having a desired length and a desired height. The first planar surface and the second planar surface are joined together at a first end with a slit separating the first planar surface from the second planar surface. This slit extends inward from an opposing second end of said transparent housing. The slit terminates proximate the first end at a distance from the first end which is effective to position desired data on the plastic data card at an effective distance from the first end. A transparent window is formed in the first planar side and is effective to expose the desired data. The height of the second planar surface is effective to expose a magnetic stripe on the plastic data card.

Abstract: A two-compartment container in which the first compartment has an upper layer and a lower layer and contains a first component that is to be added to the second compartment. Above the first compartment is a dome that is bowed upward and is flexible. Depressing the dome by pushing downward on it causes the lower layer of the first compartment to be ruptured without cutting or rupturing the upper layer, releasing the first component into the second compartment.

Abstract: My invention is to produce and sell wet or dry napkin together with a bag of chips or with a pack of other food items. This will allow consumer to clean hands after the product has been consumed. New product composition involves combining individually sold chips or other snacks with a wet or dry napkin and to be sold as a part of such product, Consumption of the product will be more convenient, especially outside of home; in the car, in the train, or elsewhere where the option of washing hands is not available. I plan to contact manufacturers of prospective items and/or add value resellers to allow them use my idea on profit sharing conditions per my decision. No other parties shall have rights on my idea to be used for profit or to gain any advantage of market for any non-profit, promotions or marketing reasons whatsoever.

Abstract: A kit for storing and organizing sheets of adhesive segments includes a storage member that has at least a first pocket and a second pocket. The kit also includes at least a first carrier sheet of adhesive segments and a second carrier sheet of adhesive segments which are removably stored within the first and second pockets, respectively.

Abstract: A locking device and method for a storage container provide benefit denial. The locking device includes a base part and a cover part configured to lock to the base part. The cover part is configured to prevent a disk from being removed from a disk-retaining hub when the cover part is locked to the base part, and the base part is configured for easy and secure connection to the storage container. The base part includes a stop for engaging the exterior of the case when inserted into a receptacle in the bottom wall of the container, which precludes the base part from being pulled through the bottom wall of the storage container When the cover part is locked to the base part, the base part cannot be separated from the storage container without causing damage to the media disk.

Abstract: The function of a case is to protect a disc positioned inside the case from damages like scratches, fingerprints, dust or the like. When access the disk is needed, the case has to be inserted into a loading slot of e.g. a disk drive, thereby opening an access window of the case. Cases known from prior art have a rectangular shape and a moveable slider positioned at one side of the case. The present invention provides a case (1) for a disk (3), comprising at least two shells (4, 5), whereby said at least two shells are rotatable around at least one axis between a closed position and an open position, whereby outer side walls (11) of said shells (4, 5) define a triangular shape of the case in said closed position of the case, and whereby inner side walls (12) of said shells (4, 5) define an access window (14) in said open position of the case (1) providing access to the disk (3) through said access window (14).

Abstract: A disposable security frame for CDs, DVDs and the like having a frame with four walls and a shelf around the perimeter of the walls to hold the jewel case for the CD or DVD. A flap hingedly connected at the top and the bottom for covering a portion of the top of the frame for securing the jewel case therein. A locking mechanism for engaging a locking column on the hinge to a lock housing on the outside walls of the frame to lock the flap to the frame. A key for unlocking the flaps. A thinned portion of the frame for cutting though to release the jewel case. The flaps being of small length to covers small portion of the top, saving material, lowering the cost and reducing the amount of space needed to store open frames. The frame tilted by standing on tilted housing walls.

Abstract: A spindle sleeve configured to be placed over a spindle for holding a plurality of manufactured articles is provided. The spindle sleeve includes a hollow cylindrical body having a top end and an open bottom end and configured to slip over the spindle. An inner diameter of the cylindrical body is greater than an outer diameter of the spindle. The spindle sleeve may be used for stacking and transporting a plurality of optical discs. In such an instance, an outer diameter of the cylindrical body is smaller than a diameter of a center hole of the optical disc.

Abstract: A laptop cover adapted to be positioned on the exterior surface of a laptop includes a first sheet to form the bottom of the laptop cover, a second sheet to cover the top of the laptop cover and a storage section between the first sheet and the second sheet with access through the side of the laptop cover.

Abstract: A tool box includes a base with a pivotable cover and a tool rack is securely connected to the cover so that when the cover is pivoted to open position, the rack is pivoted with the cover. A shaft rotatably extends through the tool rack and includes a plurality of notches which are located corresponding to through holes defined in the rack. Each notch includes two inclined surfaces so as to clamp a side of an end of the tool inserted into the through hole. By this specific arrangement, the tools are well positioned and do not shake.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compressed package of articles having a packaging component with a seal, and a plurality of compressible articles in an array having an uncompressed length. The compressible articles are compressed to a first compressed state having a first compressed length and disposed within the packaging component in the first compressed state. The packaging component retains the plurality of compressible articles in the first compressed state, and the packaging component and the plurality of compressible articles in the first compressed state form a package having a first package volume. Vacuum compression is used to compress the packaging component and the plurality of compressible articles in the first compressed state disposed in the packaging component together to a second compressed state having a second package volume. The array of compressible articles has a second compressed length after the vacuum compression.

Abstract: The present invention is direct to a filled package comprising a transparent or translucent container exhibiting the tint of a first color and being adapted to house a liquid; and a liquid exhibiting the tint of a second color which is different than the first color and being housed in said container, the tint of the first color of the container and the tint of the second color of said liquid cooperating such that the tinted container when filled with the tinted liquid exhibits an appearance having the tint of a third color.

Abstract: A method for the packaging of editorial products (11) in plastic film comprising the phases of unwinding a plastic film (12) from a bobbin (13) and feeding it in a longitudinal direction (F), applying preprinted self-adhesive labels (16) to the film (12) transversally with respect to the longitudinal direction (F) and distanced between each other by a pre-established length greater than the length of the editorial products (11), positioning the editorial products (11) on the film (12) in the space between two subsequent labels (16), folding the plastic film (12) over the editorial products (11), welding the plastic film (12) longitudinally and transversally with a first transversal welding line (22) to form two containment areas (100a, 100b) of the label (16) and editorial product (11) respectively, and also with a second transversal welding line (23) forming a head of a finished packaging (100,100?) separated by means of the second transversal welding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover for wrapping at least one article, the cover being of the type constituted by a sleeve of heat-shrinkable plastics material suitable for closely surrounding at least a portion of the article or a group of articles. In accordance with the invention, the sleeve is constituted by superposing at least two walls secured to each another by detachable adhesive means, said walls having shrinkage characteristics that are essentially identical, and the outermost wall of the sleeve also presenting, through its entire thickness, at least one cut defining a detachable circumferential strip, said circumferential strip being printed so as to present respective patterns of printing that appear on each of its sides, the other wall(s) also presenting a pattern of printing behind the detachable circumferential strip that appears after said circumferential strip has been detached.

Abstract: An air-packing device has an improved shock absorbing capability to protect a product in a container box. The air-packing device is comprised of first and second thermoplastic films where predetermined portions are bonded thereby creating a plurality of air containers, a plurality of heat-seal lands each sealing the first and second thermoplastic films in a small area of the air container thereby creating a plurality of series connected air cells for each air container, a plurality of check valves for corresponding air containers for allowing the compressed air to flow in a forward direction, and at least one pocket formed of a sheet of thermoplastic film bonded to either the first thermoplastic film or the second thermoplatic film at boundaries between two adjacent air containers. The air-packing device is folded after the product is inserted in the pocket and installed in a container box.

Abstract: The present invention provides a discreet sanitary kit which allows a person in need of sanitary personal care products to carry the sanitary personal care articles in a manner which will not alert others that the kit contains sanitary articles. Also provided by the present invention is a discreet sanitary kit with a self-indulgence item.