Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include an apparatus and system for keyboard arrangements where one or more of the keys are adjustable. In some embodiments, the arrangement includes one or more keys and a moving mechanism for controlling the position of the keys. The keys may be adjusted in terms of height. The adjustment in height may result from the operation of a lever or switch, or as a result of opening the case or shell of the system. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A rotary switch is disclosed which has a central handle (12) which is rotatable about a central axis (Z), a ring-shaped shield (16) surrounding the handle (12), a rotary button (18) which is arranged on the shield (16) and is rotatable about an axis (V) offset from and parallel to said central axis (Z), and a potentiometer (28) which is adjustable by means of the rotary button (18). The potentiometer (28) is radially spaced from the offset axis (V), and is coupled with the rotary button (18) by means of a gear (24, 26). The potentiometer (28) is offset radially inwards from the offset axis (V) towards the central axis (Z).

Abstract: A signal switching apparatus for electronic device is proposed. The switching apparatus includes a switching component, provided in the electronic device, having a control unit for switching the on/off condition of signals, and an operating component having an operating unit exposed from the electronic device and a connecting unit extending to the inside of the electronic device and coupled to the control unit.

Abstract: A pushbutton mechanism for keyboards includes a bridge in a pushbutton that has an inner frame and an outer frame to make the pushbutton movable up and down. The inner frame and outer frame are intersected and coupled together, and have respectively inner side brackets and outer side brackets that have a stub shaft and a pivot portion to form a relative turning relationship. The inner and outer side brackets have respectively harness bosses and harness recesses corresponding to each other to allow the pushbutton to form a lifting position and a lower position in normal conditions. The bridge thus formed can generate a steadier relative turning and confine the stroke distance for the pushbutton.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a switch mechanism to be adopted in an air-conditioning system that may be operated manually, which allows a plurality of functions to be integrated therein and assures superior operability for the driver. Manual switch mechanisms 1 and 3 are dial type mechanisms each comprising at least a tubular dial component 4 with open ends on the two sides thereof, a first gear 5 that is fitted on the outside of the dial component 4 so as to rotate together with the dial component and includes gear teeth 5a formed at the outer circumferential side surface thereof and a second gear 6 that includes gear teeth 6a formed at a circular arc circumferential surface thereof to which the rotation of the dial component 4 is transmitted from the first gear 5 via a relay component 7 and is connected through a wire 20 to drive an air-conditioning door.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices implement changes in operating mode for a media player, wireless telephone, portable computer or other device having a force sensor and a proximity sensor. A force indication is received from the force sensor and a proximity indication is received from the proximity sensor responsive to user input. The device is then switched from a second operating mode to a first operating mode in response to an occurrence of user input being indicated by both the force and proximity indications. A trigger event occurring during one of the operating modes evokes a response by the device that is not evoked by the trigger event in the other of the first and the second operating modes.

Abstract: An apparatus for sanitizing air including a reaction unit for generating reactive oxygen species from oxygen in the air received in the reaction unit to be sanitized, wherein airborne contaminants in the air to be sanitized are neutralized by the generated concentration of reactive oxygen species before the air is discharged from the reaction unit. The reaction unit may further generate ozone from the oxygen in the air and the generated ozone is discharged with the air from the reaction unit to sanitize surfaces in the environment into which the sanitized air is discharged.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for manufacturing a multilayer film includes a sputtering system. The sputtering system includes a first sputtering chamber, a nitrogen-doping sputtering chamber, a nitrogen and hydrogen-doping sputtering chamber, and a hydrogen-doping sputtering chamber connected to each other in that order. The first sputtering chamber is configured with two targets and at least one inert gas. The nitrogen-doping sputtering chamber is configured with a carbon-doped target and at least one inert gas. The nitrogen and hydrogen-doping sputtering chamber is configured with a carbon-doped target and at least one inert gas. The hydrogen-doping sputtering chamber formed configured with a carbon-doped target and at least one inert gas. Adjacent sputtering chambers have at least a valve configured. A related method for manufacturing a multilayer film is also provided.

Abstract: Magnetically enhanced sputtering methods and apparatus are described. A magnetically enhanced sputtering source according to the present invention includes an anode and a cathode assembly having a target that is positioned adjacent to the anode. An ionization source generates a weakly-ionized plasma proximate to the anode and the cathode assembly. A magnet is positioned to generate a magnetic field proximate to the weakly-ionized plasma. The magnetic field substantially traps electrons in the weakly-ionized plasma proximate to the sputtering target. A power supply produces an electric field in a gap between the anode and the cathode assembly. The electric field generates excited atoms in the weakly ionized plasma and generates secondary electrons from the sputtering target. The secondary electrons ionize the excited atoms, thereby creating a strongly-ionized plasma having ions that impact a surface of the sputtering target to generate sputtering flux.

Abstract: A method for sputtering a multilayer film on a sheet workpiece at a low temperature of the present invention has the following steps: employing plasma to clean a surface of a sheet workpiece, sputtering at least one metal oxide or semiconductor oxide on the sheet workpiece, and sputtering at least one ITO transparent electric layer on the sheet workpiece. The film sputtering process of the sheet workpiece employs continuously connecting work stations, thereby controlling delay time between the work stations of the sheet workpiece within a given range. The sheet workpiece is made from a macromolecular material.

Abstract: A mold having a multilayer diamond-like carbon film is provided. The mold includes: a molding surface; an adhesive layer formed on the molding surface; a densified layer formed on the adhesive layer, the adhesive layer being configured for enhancing bonding strength between the densified layer and the molding surface, and the densified layer being configured for enhancing a density of the multilayer diamond-like carbon film; an amorphous nitrogen-doped diamond-like carbon layer on the densified layer; an amorphous nitrogen-hydrogen-doped diamond-like carbon layer formed on the amorphous nitrogen-doped diamond-like carbon layer; and an amorphous hydrogen-doped diamond-like carbon layer formed on the nitrogen-hydrogen-doped diamond-like carbon layer.

Abstract: A method for sputtering a multilayer film on a sheet workpiece at a low temperature of the present invention has the following steps: employing plasma to modify a surface of a sheet workpiece, providing a reciprocating sputtering process to deposit metal oxide layers or semiconductor oxide layers on the sheet workpiece, preheating the sheet workpiece and providing a reciprocating ITO sputtering process to sputter ITO transparent conductive layers on the sheet workpiece. The film sputtering process of the sheet workpiece employs continuously connecting work line and controls delay time between the sputtering units to deposit a film with a predetermined thickness on the sheet workpiece.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to form an exemplary memory structure by flowing argon gas and oxygen gas in a deposition chamber; providing a low oxygen flow rate approximately between 0 and ten percent (10%) of an argon flow rate, a pressure approximately between 2×10?5 Torr and 1×10?3 Torr, and a deposition temperature approximately between 340° C. and 450° C.; and the composition of sputtering target is PCMO (Pr1-xCaxMnO3, where X is between 0.1 and 0.9). The process forms a PCMO (Pr1-xCaxMnO3, X=0.1-0.9) material film on the wafer and a plurality of current sensors coupled to PCMO memory cells.

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell may include a cell housing defining an interior volume with a window affixed to the cell housing for allowing the passage of light into the interior volume of the cell. A polymeric film may be affixed within the interior volume defining an anterior compartment and a posterior compartment within the cell housing. A plurality of semiconductor particles embedded continuously within a through thickness of the polymeric film so that a first respective surface area of the plurality of semiconductor particles is exposed to the anterior portion of the cell and a second respective surface area of the plurality of semiconductor particles is exposed to the posterior portion of the cell. The membrane may be immersed within an electrolyte so that incident radiation on the semiconductor particles causes oxidation and reduction to occur within the cell to produce gaseous hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell includes an inner chamber containing a stack of porous anode and cathode plates with separators therebetween. Electrolyte is circulated through the porous anodes and cathodes in the inner chamber to generate hydrogen and oxygen gas. A plurality of electrolysis cells can be mounted together to form an electrolyzer unit.

Abstract: In a sensor diagnosis process, a controller for controlling an NOx gas sensor performs processing of changing the oxygen partial pressure in a second measurement chamber by changing the oxygen partial pressure in a first measurement chamber (S190), processing of detecting a current flowing through a second pump cell before the change of the oxygen partial pressure (S180), and processing of detecting a current flowing through the second pump cell after the change of the oxygen partial pressure (S230). Furthermore, the controller performs processing of judging whether or not the ratio between the current values detected by the respective current detecting unit falls within an allowable range, judging that the second pump cell 113 is in a normal state if the ratio between the current values falls within the allowable range, and judging that the second pump cell 113 is in a deteriorated state if the ratio between the current values is out of the allowable range (S240 and S250).

Abstract: A gas sensor controller 190 stops an operation of pumping in or out oxygen that is being performed by a first pump cell 111 in a state that the oxygen concentration (oxygen partial pressure) of a gas to be measured is equal to a status judgment reference value (20%). The gas sensor controller 190 calculates an oxygen pressure in a second measurement chamber 161 on the basis of a second pump current Ip2. If the oxygen pressure in the second measurement chamber 161 is equal to a deterioration judgment reference value, the gas sensor controller 190 judges that the second pump cell 113 is in a normal state. If the oxygen pressure in the second measurement chamber 161 is different from the deterioration judgment reference value, the gas sensor controller 190 judges that the second pump cell 113 is in a deteriorated state.

Abstract: The present invention is an integrated, test substrate handling apparatus for the measurement and analysis of blood analytes and blood parameters. The test substrate handling apparatus includes multiple test substrate components combined in a single unit. It advances a test substrate for measurement of blood parameters via programmed, periodic blood sampling or via operator input.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use in separating sample materials into different fractions employing pressure-based fluid flow for simultaneous loading of a sample and a reagent into a sample loading channel of a microfluidic device. The sample is loaded from an external source through an attached external sampling capillary. The reagent, which may be a molecular weight standard, a diluent, a detergent, or a labeling reagent, is loaded from a reservoir integral to the microfluidic device via a reagent introduction channel within the device. The sample and reagent form a mixture in the sample loading channel. A portion of the mixture is electrokinetically injected from the sample loading channel, via an injection channel, into a separation channel, where it is separated electrophoretically.

Abstract: Disclosed is a separation of amphoteric molecules according to their isoelectric points, wherein a first separation according to the isoelectric points of the molecules in one ore more first strip-like separation media located on a first carrier is carried out. First separation media have a first pl range.

Abstract: A method for protecting a thermal barrier coating (TBC) which comprises voids is described. The method involves the step of electrophoretically depositing a mitigation coating material such as alumina to fill at least a portion of the voids. The TBC is often applied over a metal substrate, such as a turbine engine component. The voids can be in the form of vertical cracks within the TBC. A thermal barrier coating is also described, containing voids which extend into the coating from a top surface, wherein at least a portion of the voids is filled with a mitigation coating material.

Abstract: Methods are described for analyzing at least one deformable object (O) in a suspension fluid, including the following steps: generation of an electric positioning field and positioning of the object (O) in a potential minimum of the positioning field, generation of an electric deformation field in such a way that a deformation force is exerted on the object (O), and detection of at least one property selected from the group including the dielectric, geometric and optical properties of the object (O), wherein the positioning field is generated in a compartment (12) of a fluidic microsystem (10) and the positioning of the object (O) takes place in a contactless manner in a freely suspended state. Measuring apparatuses for carrying out this method are also described.

Abstract: Corrosion resistance is achieved for fabricated wire products such as welded or woven stucco mesh, by fabricating the products from pre-galvanized strands of wire, followed by a post-fabrication chromate treatment. In the preferred embodiment, the strands are pre-galvanized by a first hot galvanization step followed by applying a thin electro-galvanization layer.

Abstract: A filmy object containing an electrically conductive polymer, characterized in that (1) the electrically conductive polymer is one obtained by the electrolytic polymerization method and (2) upon immersion in a good solvent, the filmy object expands to come to have a film surface area larger by 30% or more than the film surface area before the immersion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel preparation of Fe(VI) salts, also known as Super-iron or ferrates, based on direct electrolytic synthesis into the solid-phase. According to the invention there are two half-cells which are in an electrochemical contact with one another through an electrically neutral ionic conductor, wherein one of said half-cells comprises a cathode and the other half cell comprises at least 1% by weight of an iron containing material, wherein a power supply is used to oxidize the iron containing material to a solid Fe(VI) salt.

Abstract: An array of photovoltaic (PV) module(s) is arranged in series and/or parallel electrical connection to deliver direct current electrical power to an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen. The electric power is delivered by the array at its maximum power point (Vmpp) to deliver Ioper at Voper for the electrolyzer. The arrangement of the PV modules in the array, or the arrangement of cells in the electrolyzer, is continually monitored and controlled by an automatic controller system to operate the PV and electrolyzer systems at or near their respective maximum efficiencies. A DC-DC converter may be used to adjust the Vmpp to the operating voltage of the electrolyzer.

Abstract: In a procedure to recognize the gas composition of a gas mixture, which consists of at least two gases of preferably different diffusion properties, delivered to a wideband lambda sensor, especially a gas mixture of an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, whereby the lambda sensor has a pumping cell with at least one gas measurement chamber, provision is made for the recognition of the gas composition of the gas mixture to result by means of modulation of the gas in the gas measurement chamber. Preferably the air number in the gas measurement chamber of the pumping cell is periodically altered, whereby the sensitivity of the lambda sensor to the gases, of which there are at least two, likewise periodically changes.

Abstract: Contact lenses ready for use in an eye are provided including a contact lens body containing a hydrophilic polymeric component and a water soluble polymer component. Such contact lenses, which preferably are wet cast molded, are particularly useful as disposable or single use lenses. New contact lens packaging systems and production methods are also provided.

Abstract: Contact lenses ready for use in an eye are provided including a contact lens body containing a hydrophilic polymeric component and a water soluble polymer component. Such contact lenses, which preferably are wet cast molded, are particularly useful as disposable or single use lenses. New contact lens packaging systems and production methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a display apparatus for displaying eyewear. A first embodiment of the present invention comprises a first panel and a pair of apertures in the first panel for receiving temples of eyewear. Each aperture of the pair of apertures has an inner side that is substantially sloped toward the other aperture. A second embodiment of the present invention comprises a first panel, a pair of apertures in the first panel, and a second panel behind at least a portion of the first panel. A portion of the first panel extends in front of the apertures a distance such that when temples of the eyewear are placed in the apertures a hinge portion of the eyewear extends in front of the apertures. A distance between the apertures and the second panel is less then the length of the eyewear displayed in the apparatus. A third embodiment of the present invention comprises a first panel, a pair of two apertures in the first panel, and a second panel.

Abstract: A foot protection barrier for protecting at least a portion of a person's foot is provided. The foot protection barrier includes a sheet of material having an upper surface and a lower surface. The sheet of material is substantially non-deformable such that the sheet of material is non-conforming to the person's foot upon the foot being placed on the upper surface when the sheet of material is positioned on a rigid, planar surface. An effective amount of an adhesive is disposed on at least a portion of the upper surface such that the upper surface adheres to the person's foot when the person's foot is positioned thereon. An effective amount of a non-skid material is disposed on at least a portion of the lower surface for providing a non-skid surface to the lower surface for preventing the person from slipping as the person moves across a support surface.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a drink carrier designed to be used to carry groups of hot or cold drinks, soda cans and food containers and that with a laminar foldable structure and with disposable character, allows it to be used as carrying tray and which outer surface constitutes advertising space.

Abstract: A package of sheet media includes a stack of individual sheets of media and a packaging wrap extending at least partially around the stack. An outer wrap at least partially covering the stack and the packaging wrap can optionally be used. A method of loading the package of sheet media on a printing system is also provided.

Abstract: A wine glass constructed from molded plastic includes an upper body defining an upwardly narrowed flume for concentrating the wine bouquet, in combination with a contoured lower base defining an annular moat surrounding a central punt for enhanced visual inspection of the wine. In addition, the upper body further includes a notched indent at an outboard side thereof forming a shelf for facilitated fingertip grasping and manipulation of the assembled glass. In one form, the upper body and lower base of the wine glass are provided as separate modules adapted for assembly to form the wine glass, and disassembly for respective compact stacking. In another form, the wine glass has a one-piece construction adapted for compact stacking by nested reception of the upwardly narrowed flume partially into the underside of the lower base of an overlying glass in the stack.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bottle capable of storing or mixing two or more different materials. The bottle results from the combination of a general bottle body with a mixing means including an openable additive container. The bottle body may be separated from the additive container so that different materials can be separately stored and then combined with each other upon use. Thus, the bottle can open new markets due to its greatly enhanced storage performance and economical advantages.

Abstract: A display box for displaying a display piece, comprising a box body, a box cover and a display arrangement comprises a display stand, and a folding panel. A hidden cavity is formed by a mounting edge, a pivot edge and a surrounding wall of the box body is allowing the storage and safe-keeping of important documents, such that they will not be easily lost when the display piece is being displayed. The hidden cavity is also simply accessed, such that the important documents are stored safely yet easy to reach. A hidden, yet simply accessed, locking unit is also provided for locking the display piece to the display box, so as to prevent the display piece from being taken out of the display box in an unauthorized manner.

Abstract: A carrier for storing a plurality of memory devices therein and a method of manufacture for the carrier are provided. The carrier includes a jacket having a plurality of interconnected panels. A hinge member is applied to a hinge edge of containers. One of the panels of the jacket is then secured to the hinge member to mount a stack of containers within the jacket. The stack may also be secured to a second panel of the jacket.

Abstract: The case holds one or more compact disks or similar optical disks such as digital video disks or digital versatile disks. When the case is opened, a hinged portion of the disk well is biased to pull the spindle and a portion of the disk well away from the disks, thereby making the disk or disks easy to remove from the case. Moreover, in the embodiment including multiple disks, the case includes pivoting tabs which correspond to each disk. These tabs can be pivoted to extend from the inner cylindrical wall of the case and urge the disk laterally so as to protrude from the remaining disk or disks. Simultaneously, in order to allow the lateral movement of the disk, the pivoting of the tab urges against a triangular boss thereby pulling against a strap to cause a hinged portion of the floor of the disk retainer portion to pivot further away from the disk, thereby removing the spindle and some lateral clips from engagement with the disks.

Abstract: A carrier for storing a plurality of memory devices therein and a method of manufacture for the carrier are provided. The carrier includes a jacket having a plurality of interconnected panels. A hinge member is applied to a hinge edge of containers and at least a portion of one of the panels of the jacket to mount a stack of containers within the jacket.

Abstract: A wall or vertically mounted framing device for holding and displaying the full front cover of a single compact disc case comprising a housing which is a plane of suitable thickness having walls that cover the edges of said case and within said plane are leveling and fulcrum members allowing the said case to lie level in the display position and swivel out in the dismount position and spring assembly to assist in holding and dismounting said case, said housing having mounting means and around said device is a sash which is a means to serve as a decorative edging, and to secure the left edge of said case, and the spring assembly.

Abstract: A golf bag rain cover is used to cover a club opening of a golf bag so that the golfer's clubs can remain as dry as possible during play. The golf bag rain cover may comprise a one-piece shell being constructed of a water-resistant material which is held in a bonnet shape over the club opening by several extensible rods. The golfer simply reaches up and under the shell to retrieve or replace clubs. In alternate embodiments, the deployment of the rain cover can be adjusted to allow more or easier access to the clubs. Also in alternate embodiments, the rain cover may be stowed in a stowage element integral with the golf bag.

Abstract: A protective case for a portable or laptop computer is shown. The case is designed to allow use of the computer without the need to remove it from the case. The bottom wall of the case has an attachment mechanism for holding the computer securely in place while the case is open. Angled brackets in the bottom wall and extending upward into the side wall, define a hinge portion of the case. The upper wall of the case includes a display holder for slidably holding the computer display. The display holder holds the top wall of the case to the display while allowing relative motion between the two. A rear access opening in the rear side wall panel allows access to connectors and ports at the rear of the computer so that they can be used while the computer remains in the case. A flap may be coupled to rear access opening, to allow the opening to be securely covered when not in use. A rear vent, covered with a mesh material, may also be incorporated into the rear panel to facilitate air circulation.

Abstract: A decorative, protective and functional laptop protective sleeve attachable to the LCD screen portion of an existing laptop/notebook which pivots therewith and provides ample protection and aesthetic without obstructing screen-vision at all. The sleeve generally comprises a padded and reinforced back panel with opposing parallel straps that loop over the LCD portion of the laptop. The back panel is adorned to provide a striking decorative appearance and the ability to individualize the appearance to one's tastes, as well as ample padding and insulation at the rear of the LCD screen portion to protect the LCD screen. A novel array of receptacles and pockets are also provided on the back panel for carrying laptop accessories such as CD-ROMS, chargers, and flash drives.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a packaged toothbrush and toothbrush container and methods of making them, wherein the toothbrush container includes a flexible pliable resilient lid securable to a flexible pliable resilient body of the toothbrush container. The packaged toothbrush included a flexible resilient pliable toothbrush adapted to be disposed within toothbrush container and can be manipulated into a flexed position.

Abstract: A surgical case including a housing having a first portion and a second portion having a front and a back. There is at least one hinge coupling the first portion and the second portion. The first portion is rotatable to a position that elevates the back relative to the front.

Abstract: A temporary instrument holder having one or more lateral surface instrument holder apertures configured to receive needles therein. The lateral surface instrument holder aperture is provided in addition to a top surface instrument holder portion and is positioned in the side of the temporary instrument holder allowing sharp implements to be inserted into the lateral surface instrument holder aperture to minimize tipping of the temporary instrument holder. A portion of the implement positioned in the lateral instrument holder aperture can rest on the support surface on which the temporary instrument holder is positioned. A boundary septum is provided between the lateral surface instrument holder aperture and the instrument holder portion on the top surface to prevent passage of the needle apparatus from the need stop portion to the lateral surface instrument holder aperture to prevent an inadvertent stick or puncture the skin of a practitioner.

Abstract: A temporary needle holder having one or more lateral surface needle holder apertures configured to receive needles therein. The lateral surface needle holder aperture is provided in addition to a top surface needle holder field and is positioned in the side of the temporary needle holder allowing sharp implements to be inserted into the lateral surface needle holder aperture to minimize tipping of the temporary needle holder. A portion of the implement positioned in the lateral needle holder aperture can rest on the support surface on which the temporary needle holder is positioned. A boundary septum is provided between the lateral surface needle holder aperture and the needle holder field on the top surface to prevent passage of the needle apparatus from the need stop field to the lateral surface needle holder aperture to prevent an inadvertent stick or puncture the skin of a practitioner.

Abstract: A sharps holding device according to the present invention may include a body providing a housing having a contact surface and at least one needle securement aperture. A needle securment aperture may be configured to allow insertion of at least a portion of a needle or other sharp into the housing. The device may also have one or more needle cushions positioned adjacent to the contact surface. A needle cushion may be configured such that a needle or other sharp inserted through a securement aperture can be inserted into the needle cushion. A lid may be included in the device and configured to secure the one or more needle cushions within the body of the housing. One or more needle cushions may be cooperatively engaged by the contact surface of the body and the lid, and one of the needle cushions may be located between the lid and the contact surface.

Abstract: A system, comprising a sterilizable package; an implantable medical device placed inside the sterilizable package; and an electrical interface electrically coupled to the implantable medical device and extending from inside the sterilizable package to outside the sterilizable package. In various embodiments, the interface may include package contacts electrically coupled to electrode terminals on the implantable medical device, patient terminals and conductors extending between the package contacts and the patient terminals.

Abstract: A package includes a body, at least one disposable absorbent article within the and a first sensory element. The body has an opening therein, and the first element communicates a first performance attribute of the package.