Abstract: A cigarette filter includes a cigarette filter material to which 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-3-oxide-1-oxyl is added.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning excess nail coating with an elongated planar base comprising a converging end and cotton attached to the converging end.

Abstract: A hairbrush and styling preparation reservoir, the reservoir being removable or permanently fixed to a handle portion of the brush with a dispensing end of the reservoir projecting into the bristle portion of the hairbrush.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface of a photomask includes placing the photomask in a vessel, which is held under an elevated pressure and feeding a supercritical fluid, in particular, CO2 in a supercritical state, to the vessel. As a result, contaminants are efficiently removed from the photomask surface. An additive, such as alcohol, water ketones, esters, surfactants, and organic solvents, can be added to the fluid. The vessel can be held under a pressure higher than the critical pressure of the fluid and at a temperature higher than the critical temperature of the fluid.

Abstract: An atmospheric cold plasma brush was used to treat the surfaces of polymers. The surface properties of plasma-treated polymers were compared to those of the corresponding untreated polymers by static water contact angle measurements. Surface treatment usually resulted in a decrease in the static water contact angle, indicating that the treatment resulted in a higher surface energy and surface wettability compared to the untreated polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of cleaning a dielectric film are provided in the present invention. In one embodiment, an apparatus of cleaning a dielectric film the apparatus includes a chamber body adapted to support a substrate therein, a remote plasma source adapted to provide a plurality of reactive radicals to the chamber body, a passage coupling the remote plasma source to the chamber body, and at least one magnet disposed adjacent the passage. In another embodiment, a method of cleaning a dielectric film that includes providing a substrate having an at least partially exposed dielectric layer disposed in a process chamber, generating a plurality of reactive radicals in a remote plasma source, flowing the reactive radicals from the remote plasma source into the process chamber through a passage having at least one magnet disposed adjacent the passage, and magnetically filtering the reactive radicals passing through the passage.

Abstract: This invention relates to cleaning large format movie screens, such as vinyl screens and painted screens. There are different variations of the basic concept of using a cleaning head, cables, pulleys, an upper mounting bracket and a winch. In one instance a track may be used instead of a cable. The winch is connected to the cleaning head using cables and is used to move the cleaning head vertically across the screen through pulleys and other arrangements.

Abstract: A predetermined amount of filtration sand is suctioned out in the upward direction with a pump from a filtration reservoir embedded in the ground, during a backwash cleansing operation. The suctioned filtration sand is supplied to a sand cleansing apparatus and the filtration sand is cleansed to remove contaminants. The cleansed filtration sand is retained in a retention tank. The stocked filtration sand is returned to the filtration reservoir during the backwash cleansing operation. By repeating the suctioning, cleansing, retaining and returning of the filtration sand in this manner, the filtration sand within the filtration reservoir is automatically cleansed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for waste evacuation using an extendible and retractable hose for transferring the waste have been described.

Abstract: A liquid processing method includes: placing a plate adjacently to at least one of surfaces of a target substrate, and supplying a process liquid into a gap between the plate and the target substrate, thereby forming a liquid film of the process liquid; subjecting the target substrate to a process using a state with the liquid film of the process liquid thus formed; and supplying a gas to the liquid film, thereby breaking the liquid film, after finishing the process.

Abstract: A method of cleaning used to clean alkalized optical films has a first rinsing process by which a base liquid on the optical film is rinsed, a second rinsing process by which remaining alkaline solution on the optical film is rinsed, and a drying process by which water remaining on the optical film is removed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing method including a substrate rotating step for rotating a substrate with the substrate held almost horizontally within a chamber; a peripheral edge processing step for discharging a processing liquid to a lower surface of the substrate rotated in the substrate rotating step and causing the processing liquid to flow around an upper surface of the substrate at a peripheral edge thereof from the lower surface of the substrate to process the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the substrate in the chamber; and a both-surface processing step for discharging the processing liquid to both the surfaces of the substrate rotated in the substrate rotating step to process both the surfaces of the substrate in the chamber.

Abstract: A stabilized basic aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition is disclosed. The composition contains about 0.3 wt % to about 15 wt % of hydrogen peroxide; water; and a stabilizer system that contains about 10 ppm to about 1% of a stannate stabilizer; 10 ppm to about 1% of a phosphonic acid chelating agent or a mixture of phosphonic acid chelating agents; and 10 ppm to about 1% of an aromatic chelating agent or a mixture of aromatic chelating agents. The composition comprises less than 10 ppm pyrophosphate, preferably no pyrophosphate; and has a pH greater than 7.0, preferably about 8.0 to about 10.5.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus is provided having tray carriers (10) supported on a carousel (19) that move by means of a driven chain (18) between a collection station (21) and a washing area (22). The tray carriers (10) are operably connected on a support plate (16) of the carousel (19) and slide vertically relative thereto. The carousel (19) comprises a track (25) engaged by a roller (14) attached to the tray carriers (10). The track (25) has inclined sections between the collection station (21) and the washing area (22), whereby the tray carriers (10) are raised to the required height in the washing area (22), but are lower in the collection station (21) to suit the needs of disabled persons such as those in wheelchairs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for accurate view of the entire sky from the horizon regardless of the location on earth of the user. The device is an umbrella type design that a person stands underneath and views the night sky through the device. The device includes an umbrella portion and a removably attachable drape portion. The umbrella portion provides the structure of the device and the drape provides the mapped out night sky thereon which may be removably detachable and adjustable for an accurate depiction of the sky.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembled secure runner applied on an umbrella for facilitating safe use. The secure runner includes a connector and a base, both of which are assembled to complete a single runner very easily. The runner consisted of the base and the connector can be separated if there is any fault happened. The umbrella can be then repaired and can be used after assembling them. This obtains utility and improvement.

Abstract: A car awning includes a shade storing case set, a cloth shade, a stretch rod unit and two standing posts. The shade storing case set is composed of a case body, a position rod, two swingable arms and two suckers. The suckers are placed at one side of the top of a car by sucking on a car by sucking. The position rod is fixed in the case body, two swingable rods are pivotally connected with two ends of the position rod for fixing an upper end of the cloth shade, which is to be wound thereon. The cloth shade is stretched flat by the stretch rod unit. The standing poles have the upper end combined with the stretch rod unit, standing on the ground, supporting the stretch cloth shade and forming the car awning for use. The car awning can be put in a car after disassembled, convenient for use.

Abstract: An instrument for performing highly accurate PCR employing an assembly, a heated cover and an internal computer. The assembly is made up of a sample block, a number of Peltier thermal electric devices and heat sink, clamped together. The sample block temperature is changed exclusively by the thermoelectric devices controlled by the computer. The sample block is of low thermal mass and is constructed of silver. The Peltier devices are designed to provide fast temperature excursions over a wide range. The heat sink has a perimeter trench to minimize edge losses and is adjacent to a continuously variable fan. A perimeter heater is used to improve the thermal uniformity across the sample block to approximately ±0.2° C. A heated platen pushes down onto the tube caps to apply a minimum acceptable force for seating the tubes into the block, ensuring good thermal contact with the block. The force is applied about the periphery of the tube caps to prevent distortion of the caps during thermal cycling.

Abstract: There is provided a coated article (e.g., solar cell) that includes an improved anti-reflection (AR) coating. This AR coating functions to reduce reflection of light from a glass substrate, thereby allowing more light within the solar spectrum to pass through the incident glass substrate. In certain example embodiments, the AR coating is at least partially formed by flame pyrolysis.

Abstract: A system and method for an integrated rechargeable power system for a container monitoring and security system is provided. The power system is affixed to a container and comprises an integrated photovoltaic area conforming to the container construction, a battery pack module, power conditioning circuitry or recharge unit, and a power controller unit. The photovoltaic unit may be a conventional photovoltaic crystalline cell array, or a photovoltaic coating with is applied to the walls, door, or roof of a container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a concentration method of sunbeams for a photovoltaic power generation and lens and apparatus used in the method. A method of concentrating sunbeams according to the present invention is characterized in that as a method of concentrating sunbeams on a concentration surface of a solar cell that is installed on a photovoltaic power generator, it comprises steps of installing a concentration lens (20) on the upper side of a solar cell in parallel to the concentration surface, which includes a plurality of unit lens (21) having areas corresponding to the areas of the concentration surface, and irradiating and concentrating superposingly the sunbeams incident on the respective unit lens to the concentration surface. As a result, the present invention has advantageously a best performance in a solar cell.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a solar cell assembly. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a substrate, at least a first solar cell, coupled to a first side of the substrate, the first side of the substrate to be exposed to light such that the at least first solar cell generates a current when exposed to the light, and a bypass diode, formed on a second side of the substrate, the second side of the substrate being substantially opposite the first side of the substrate, such that the bypass diode is monolithically integrated with the at least first solar cell.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells with interconnects to an external circuit, as well as related components, systems, and methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device provided with a photoelectric conversion layer between a first electrode and a second electrode is formed. The first electrode is partially in contact with the photoelectric conversion layer, and a cross-sectional shape of the first electrode in the contact portion is a taper shape. In this case, part of a first semiconductor layer with one conductivity type is in contact with the first electrode. A planer shape in an edge portion of the first electrode is preferably nonangular, that is, a shape in which edges are planed or a curved shape. By such a structure, concentration of an electric field and concentration of a stress can be suppressed, whereby characteristic deterioration of the photoelectric conversion device can be reduced.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell with resonance cavity is provided. A first structure of reflection is attached toward one side of the resonance cavity and configured for reflecting light beams from the resonance cavity. The second structure of reflection is attached toward other side of the resonance cavity and configured for reflecting light beams from exterior and the resonance cavity. Thus, photos will be absorbed efficiently within the resonance cavity and converted into electrons.

Abstract: A method for treating powder particles of a Cu(In,Ga)Se2, compound, according to which the powder particles and a quantity of sulfur are introduced into a vessel and heated and maintained at a constant temperature over a period of time. The invention also relates to a monograin-membrane solar cell containing a rear contact, a monogram membrane containing powder particles that have been treated according to the inventive method, at least one semiconductor layer and a front contact.

Abstract: Provided are a composition for a semiconductor electrode that can be sintered at a low temperature, a manufacturing method thereof, and a dye-sensitized solar cell using the composition. The composition for the semiconductor electrode comprises a colloid solution containing a nanocrystalline oxide material and an aqueous base solution. Even though the composition does not include binders, the composition can be sintered at a low temperature. By coating the composition on a conductive substrate and treating the substrate with a solution of TiCl4, the sintering between the nanoparticles can be reinforced. The dye-sensitized solar cell manufactured using the composition for the semiconductor electrode can have excellent photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A leak detector sleeve allows performing leak detection at a flanged joint. The leak detector sleeve is made of elastomeric material that allows achieving a gas-tight seal when the leak detector sleeve encircles a flanged joint. The leak detector sleeve includes a hole that communicates with a gap in the flanged joint, thereby allowing the tip of a sniffer probe to be placed in or near the hole to detect whether the flanged joint is leaking. The leak detector sleeve is made of material that will withstand the operating temperature of the flanged joint without becoming hardened or brittle. A method for detecting a leak using the leak detector sleeve allows for efficiently and conveniently detecting leaks. In addition, the sleeve may be easily used and reused without the adverse effects or intensive manual labor required in the prior art.

Abstract: A safety shut-off device for sections of fluid circuits, which in case of damage or the like, have to shut off from each other on safety considerations. The safety shut-off device includes at least two valves connected to each other via a control chamber. A first pressure differential with the control chamber closes the valves and a second pressure differential, which is greater than the first, opens the valves.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and methods for introducing additives into a fluid flow. An additive vessel, with chambers for one or more additives, is attached to a primary flow fixture in a configuration that permits a diversion of part of the primary flow through the additive vessel then back to the outlet of the primary flow fixture. When the apparatus is engaged, a part of the primary flow is diverted to the additive vessel, combines with the additive, and then is re-introduced to the fluid stream, exiting the primary flow fixture.

Abstract: The current invention provides a pressurizing liquid delivery device comprising of: a cover used to screw tight and connect a sealed container to form a sealed shape, or to loosen or release the sealed container to form a released shape so that liquid can be inputted or the pressure can be reduced, an inlet end and an outlet end is installed on the cover respectively, and the two ends of the inlet end are connected respectively to first and second gas delivery tube, and the outlet end has two ends connected respectively to first and second liquid delivery tube; a ball pressurizing device used to provide pressurized gas source and is connected to first gas delivery tube; a gas filtering device, connected and installed at near end of first gas delivery tube; a check valve, penetrated and inserted in the upper medium section of second gas delivery tube to provide a channel between ball pressurizing device and the inside of sealed container, it only allows gas be injected into the sealed container and stops the b

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluid system including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids. The method includes the steps of identifying a first reservoir for use in performing a fluid process; (a) adjusting a configuration of a valve system operatively coupled to the fluid system to permit a fluid evacuation process to be performed for the reservoir, (b) subsequently performing the fluid evacuation process for the reservoir, (c) subsequently adjusting the configuration of the valve system to permit a fluid refill process to be performed for the reservoir, (d) subsequently performing the fluid refill process for the reservoir; and, subsequently identifying an additional reservoir and performing at least one of the steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) for the additional reservoir, wherein the first reservoir includes a fluid of a type which is different from a type of a fluid of the additional reservoir.

Abstract: A saddle tap to be mounted on a resin pipe, includes a saddle, a branching barrel including a straight piping portion having an internally threaded hole longitudinally extending therealong, and a branch portion extended from the middle of the straight piping portion, the straight piping portion standing at one end thereof on the saddle, a hole-drilling cutter with a rotating tool detachably connected thereto, and having, at one end thereof, a cutting edge integrally formed therewith, the hole-drilling cutter having an externally threaded barrel portion and being screwed into the internally threaded hole of the straight piping portion so that the hole-drilling cutter is longitudinally movable, and a cap detachably mounted on the other end of the straight piping portion of the branching barrel for closing the internally threaded hole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for waste evacuation using an extendible and retractable hose for transferring the waste have been described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for waste evacuation using an extendible and retractable hose for transferring the waste have been described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for waste evacuation using an extendible and retractable hose for transferring the waste have been described.

Abstract: A manifolded fail-safe hydraulic control system provides fail-safe operation of a pipeline valve using no more than a total of 45 proprietary parts in the system. The system controls the operation of a spring return actuator, which in turn strokes the pipeline valve from the normal operating position to the fail-safe position, or from the fail-safe position to the normal operating position. The system enables the valve to automatically stroke to its fail-safe position without external power.

Abstract: An automatic shutoff valve is provided. The valve is preferably constructed of a check valve (which is normally shut) and a shutoff valve which is open during static, no-flow, operation. Upon initiation of flow, even a drip flow, the check valve opens, and the pressure differential from the inlet to the outlet causes a piston in the shutoff valve to move toward a shut position. As long as the pressure differential stops before the piston closes, the shutoff valve resets to the fully open position. However, if the shutoff valve shuts, it preferably must be manually reset.

Abstract: In a cooling apparatus, the amount of coolant flowing into an inlet and exhausted outlet is equalized, so cooling performance is not deteriorated.

Abstract: The present invention has completely broken from the unreasonable construction of conventional type of relief valve which places weight and lifting disc inside of upper body or lower body. In other words, lifting disc and weight are placed outside of upper body. It is brand-new construction that adopts casket-shaped housing forming flow slot which guides releasing gas to move upwards vertically when the above-mentioned lifting disc ascends by the releasing gas from tank. And also the present invention features that drain part is formed to drain all the time sea water or rain gathering inside of casket-shaped housing to outside of casket-shaped housing and brand-new construction of vacuum relief valve is equipped.

Abstract: The duckbill valve assembly includes at least two duckbill valve members (12,14) and a flexible, flat flange member (16) which joins the two duckbill valve members (12,16) together. The flange (16) connects the duckbill valve members (12,14) together at their respective bases, thereby maintaining the two duckbill valve members (12,14) in a particular orientation and arrangement relative to each other.

Abstract: A discharge valve is provided in a discharge section integrally formed with a housing main body. A spring seat member of the discharge valve is accommodated inside a discharge passage defined by the discharge section. Movement of the spring seat member accommodated in the housing main body is restricted by a ring, and the spring seat member is held by the housing main body. Thus, binding between the housing main body and the discharge section is unnecessary, and a sealing member to be provided between the housing main body and the discharge section for preventing fuel leak is unnecessary. The spring seat member is formed in a cylindrical shape with a first passage and a second passage. Thus, a passage, through which the fuel pressurized in the pressurization chamber flows, is ensured.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluid controller, e.g. for a hydrostatic power steering. The controller comprises a cylindrical valve member cooperating with a housing to define at least one fluid path from a pressure source to a steering cylinder. The valve member is rotatable in the housing and comprises a sleeve and a spool, wherein the spool is rotatable within the sleeve. The fluid flow is metered by a flow meter, and the valve member comprises a plurality of meter ports communicating the fluid between the valve member and the flow meter. To obtain less friction between the sleeve and the housing and between the sleeve and the spool, the meter ports are grouped in two groups in which groups the ports are in mutually fluid communication.

Abstract: Pressure balanced spool poppet valves with printed actuator coils minimize valve leakage and facilitate efficient manufacturing and reliable operation. The spool poppet valves may be configured like a conventional spool valve, but further include a poppet valve at one end of the spool to proved much better sealing when the poppet valve is closed. Various features are disclosed, including pressure balancing for high pressure operation. The printed actuator coils for the spool poppet valves are formed by the interconnection of conductive coils on each of multiple layers of a multiple layer printed circuit board, which circuit board may have a hole there through for accommodation of mechanical and/or magnet requirements, and may include similar printed actuator coils for one or more additional spool poppet valves as well as electronic devices associated with the operation thereof.

Abstract: A fluidic device is provided that includes a plurality of fluid-transporting features extending from a common inlet to a common outlet and a means for effecting fluid flow through the fluid-transporting features. The features are associated with differing fluid dwell times. The means for effecting fluid flow cooperates with the fluid-transporting features to merge fluids from the fluid-transporting features in a manner effective to produce an output stream from the common outlet that exhibits at least one desired characteristic generated as a result of the differing dwell times. Also provided is a method for producing a fluid stream exhibiting at least one desired characteristic. Optionally, the device and/or method are used in microfluidic applications.

Abstract: A valve is provided for use in a microfluidic platform. The valve is preferably a superhydrophobic fishbone valve that comprises a channel and at least one branch in continuous contact with the channel. The channel has two sidewalls, an inlet, and an outlet. The branch extends outwardly and substantially perpendicularly from each sidewall of the channel. In further embodiments, the number of branches is from one to five. The sidewalls and the walls of the branch(es) preferably have a fluorine coating. The valve retains superhydrophobicity even after exposure to a protein solution.

Abstract: A modular manifold includes a first pair of adjoining port modules configured with a first internal channel adapted for fluid flow and two side ports arranged on top of each other. A front cap is operatively coupled to one side of the first pair of adjoining port modules. The front cap provides threaded access to the first internal channel. A second pair of adjoining port modules is operatively coupled to another side of the first pair of adjoining port modules. The second pair of adjoining port modules has a second internal channel adapted for fluid flow and two side ports arranged on top of each other. The first and second internal channels define a common manifold channel. The side ports are aligned in a linear fashion. An end cap is operatively coupled to the second pair of adjoining port modules and configured to seal the common manifold channel.

Abstract: A thread protector assembly for protecting threads on the exterior end of a pipe as well as the interior. The assembly comprises an open protector and a closing cap that defines a completely closed plug that is engageable from above to cover over the open protector. The open protector has an internal thread and a bumper at an upper end with cutouts for applying a torque. The closing cap also has cutouts and internal ribs to engage the cutouts on the open protector and transmit torque to the open protector.

Abstract: A multi-lumen miniature ribbon tube is generally flat in overall shape, and includes a number of generally parallel, longitudinal lumens arranged sequentially. Each lumen includes a tubular polymer sidewall defining a separate longitudinal fluid passageway. (Here, “lumen” refers to a sidewall and passageway in combination.) The lumens are integrally formed, but may be frangible from one another. The sidewall may be made of FEP or ETFE. The ribbon tube may be as wide as 3.5 inches, and each lumen has a passageway diameter of 0.005 to 0.050 inches. Using minimum dimensions, a 3.5-inch wide ribbon tube has more than 200 lumens, each of which provides a separate fluid passageway. This enables a multiplicity of fluids to be delivered to one location. Additionally, because the lumens are frangible, one or more fluids may be delivered to multiple localized locations by separating the lumens proximate the tubing's end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tube (1) for guiding gas and/or liquid, particularly on an internal combustion engine, comprising a supporting body (2) and a skin (3). The supporting body (2) consists of a relatively stiff first plastic and has a number of recesses (6), which pass through the supporting body (2) and are arranged in such a manner that the supporting body (2) is flexible in a longitudinal section provided with the recesses (6) and resists pressure forces. The skin (3) consists of a relatively supple second plastic and is placed on the supporting body (2) in such a manner as to close the recesses (6) in a tight manner and transfers pressure forces acting thereupon to the supporting body (2).