Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic collapsible umbrella, which utilizes several springs provided around a shaft or therein accompanying with a runner apparatus and a frame to control the umbrella being opened or closed automatically. The main character of this umbrella is the operating method that is to prolong the umbrella first, and by a first touch to automatically open; then by a second touch to automatically close. The automatic collapsible umbrella therefore obtains utilization and improvement.

Abstract: A forearm crutch cover that provides padding in the forearm cradle to increase the comfort of the user and covers the pivoting attachment junction that attaches the forearm cradle to the pole of the forearm crutch to help prevent injury or damage caused at the pivoting attachment junction when the forearm cradle is moved. The cover may also include a forearm strap to prevent the cradle from slipping off the arm. An elastic tongue may act as a reset for cradle to prevent the cradle from falling downward and allows easy access to the cradle for the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a top frame of foldable tent including a set of foldable roof braces and a set of coordinated sub-braces constructing the main frame is typically employed with a hydraulic tappet fixed between the static pivot hub pivoting all the sub-braces and spreader pivoting all the roof braces with both ends, by means of the jack-up and hold-on features of the hydraulic tappet, said spreader is pushed down and kept in the ultimate position to bring the entire roof braces q and sub-braces to expend out. Said structure has fewer parts, simple, convenient for manufacturing and combination features.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of drawing a thermoelectrically active material in a glass cladding, comprising sealing off one end of a glass tube such that the tube has an open end and a closed end, introducing the thermoelectrically active material inside the glass tube and evacuating the tube by attaching the open end to a vacuum pump, heating a portion of the glass tube such that the glass partially melts and collapses under the vacuum such that the partially melted glass tube provides an ampoule containing the thermoelectric material to be used in a first drawing operation, introducing the ampoule containing the thermoelectric material into a heating device, increasing the temperature within the heating device such that the glass tube melts just enough for it to be drawn and drawing fibers of glass clad thermoelectrically active material.

Abstract: A current source and method of producing the current source are provided. The current source includes a metal source, a buffer layer, a filter and a collector. An electrical connection is provided to the metal layer and semiconductor layer and a magnetic field applier may be also provided. The source metal has localized states at a bottom of the conduction band and probability amplification. The interaction of the various layers produces a spontaneous current. The movement of charge across the current source produces a voltage, which rises until a balancing reverse current appears. If a load is connected to the current source, current flows through the load and power is dissipated. The energy for this comes from the thermal energy in the current source, and the device gets cooler.

Abstract: A power supply system for portable apparatus comprising a power supply, i.e. a lithium ion secondary battery, a section for detecting the temperature of the power supply, a section for detecting the voltage of the power supply, a storage section, and a forced discharge section. The storage section stores the control operating temperature, the control operating voltage, and the control termination voltage. The forced discharge section recognizes a state that the temperature of the power supply is not lower than the control operation temperature and the voltage of the power supply is not lower than the control operation voltage as a fault of the power supply. An indicating section is electrified from the power supply and a message to the effect that the system is avoiding abnormality is indicated by the indicating section. Furthermore, the power supply is discharged forcedly until the voltage of the power supply reaches the control termination voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides high density nanowire arrays in a glassy matrix comprising one or more thermoelectric fibers embedded in an electrically insulating material such that the thermoelectric material exhibits quantum confinement. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoelectric material comprises PbTe and the glassy matrix comprises an electrically insulating material comprising a binary, ternary or higher component glass such as pyrex, borosilcate, aluminosilicate, quartz. The glass may also be formed from multiple constituents but not limited to lead oxide, tellurium dioxide and silicon dioxide, alumina, calcium oxide etc.

Abstract: Windows with photovoltaic cells, as well as related systems, methods and components are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are an integrated thin-film solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same. The method comprises forming and patterning a conductive material to be adjacently spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other on a substrate; forming a solar cell (semiconductor) layer on the resultant substrate; obliquely depositing a first transparent conductive material on the solar cell layer; etching the solar cell layer using the first transparent conductive material as a mask; and obliquely depositing a second transparent conductive material on the resultant substrate, and electrically connecting the conductive material with the first transparent conductive material.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a see-through-type integrated solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same. The method comprises forming a first conductive material being apart and strip patterned on a transparent substrate so that the first conductive material comprises a predetermined space for enabling light to directly pass through the transparent substrate, forming a solar cell(semiconductor) layer, obliquely depositing a second conductive material and etching the solar cell layer using the second conductive material layer as a mask.

Abstract: A fixing member (3, 40, 43, 50, 53) which fixes a first frame body (1) of a solar battery module main body (9) slides along the first frame body, and the solar battery module main body includes a connecting portion (10) and a to-be connected portion (11) which connects the first frame bodies which are adjacent to each other through the fixing member. With this, a position of the fixing member can freely be moved with respect to the first frame body, the fixing member is slid to a position where there is a structure member (32) which supports a roofboard at predetermined intervals, and the fixing member is mounted at that position. With this, the fixing member can be mounted more strongly, and the adjacent two first frame bodies (31) can be fixed by the fixing member.

Abstract: The invention relates to photovoltaic modules with a specific thermoplastic adhesive layer and the production thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for creating solar cell assemblies with bonded interlayers are disclosed. In summary, the present invention describes an apparatus and method for making a solar cell assembly with transparent conductive bonding interlayers. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a substrate, a first solar cell, coupled to a first side of the substrate, wherein the first solar cell comprises a first Transparent Conductive Coating (TCC) layer coupled to a first polarity electrode of the first solar cell, and a second solar cell, the second solar cell being bonded to the first solar cell by bonding the first TCC layer to the second solar cell.

Abstract: The current invention provides for the manufacture of solar voltaic cells with high sunlight to electricity conversion efficiencies by using improved silver-alloy thin films with a thickness in the range of 30 to 60 as a back reflector/conductor. The back reflector surface may be smooth or roughened depending on the design of the solar voltaic cell and the reflective surface used. Silver-alloy thin film in the thickness range of 3 to 10 nanometers can be used to replace traditional transparent conductor such as indium oxide, indium tin oxide, zinc oxide, tin oxide etc. Elements that can be alloyed with silver to create alloys for use in the invention include, Pd, Cr, Zr, Pt, Au, Cu, Cd, B, In, Zn, Mg, Be, Ni, Ti, Si, Li, Al, Mn, Mo, W, Ga, Ge, Sn, and Sb. These alloys may be present in the silver-alloys in amounts ranging from 0.01 to 10.0 a/o percent.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells that have a mesh electrode, as well as related systems, methods and components, are disclosed.

Abstract: A cathode stack with a getter layer is disclosed. The cathode stack includes an electron injection layer, a capping layer and a getter layer. An organic electroactive device including a cathode stack with a getter layer is also presented. A method of fabricating an electroactive device with a cathode stack including a getter layer is also provided.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical, micro-fluidic flow sensor (14) includes a flow separating element (15) for separating a first portion (24) of a fluid flow (25) from a second portion (26) of the fluid flow. The flow sensor also includes a flow obstructing member (17) disposed in the first portion of the flow for at least partially obstructing the first portion of the flow. The flow obstructing member deflects in response to the first portion of the flow so that a degree of partial obstruction of the first portion of the flow by the flow obstructing member varies in response to the first portion of the fluid flow.

Abstract: In the direct-acting valve of the present invention, no flange is formed in the valve box and the piping is achieved by interposing the valve box between pipe flanges. The direct-acting valve of the present invention includes: a driving section 1 that operates by sensing a primary pressure or a secondary pressure; and a valve body 3 communicating with the driving section 1 to open and close a flow path 2. A valve box 4 of the valve is sandwiched between pipe flanges F and F1 tightened by bolts B, B1 and nuts N, N1 . . . . Connecting end portions 10 and 11 to be mated with pipe flanges F and F1 that respectively have an inlet and an outlet 6 and 7 of the flow path 2 are made to be flangeless. A cover flange neck 17 is extended upward from the valve box 4 is formed so as to be interposed between the bolts B and B1 which are provided between the pipe flanges F and F1 and adjacent to each other on the circumference of the pipe flanges F and F1.

Abstract: A vent valve for a fuel tank includes a valve housing having a first valve mechanism movable between an open and closed position and a second valve mechanism movable between an open and closed position. The first valve mechanism opens to vent the tank at a first design pressure differential between the tank pressure and atmospheric pressure and the second valve mechanism opens to vent the tank at a second design pressure differential that is greater than the first design pressure differential. The first valve mechanism is an electronic valve mechanism and the second valve mechanism is a mechanical valve mechanism. A method of venting a fuel tank includes opening the first valve mechanism to establish fluid communication between the tank and atmosphere at the first design pressure differential and opening the second valve mechanism to establish fluid communication between the tank and atmosphere at the second design pressure differential.

Abstract: A method of preventing a mass flow controller from participating in crosstalk in an array of mass flow controllers is described. The method includes sensing and providing a signal indicative of a fluid pressure inside of a mass flow controller with a pressure sensor contained within the mass flow controller, determining a response of a control valve to a rapid pressure perturbation at the inlet of the mass flow controller using the signal indicative of the fluid pressure to avoid overcompensation for the rapid pressure perturbation, and adjusting a control valve contained within the mass flow controller downstream of the pressure sensor, based on the determined response, so that the mass flow controller avoids overcompensating for the rapid pressure perturbation. The pressure sensor is positioned such that the pressure sensor is sensitive to rapid pressure perturbations at the inlet of the mass flow controller.

Abstract: A combination pressure relief and vacuum relief valve for mounting on a storage tank is disclosed as having two vertical mounting connections of different elevations; a pressure relief valve mounted on one connection; and a vacuum relief valve mounted on the other connection such that said vacuum relief valve is higher in elevation than said pressure relief valve. The valve is sanitary for use in food and pharmaceutical production and storage and has highly polished surfaces to prevent processed material from sticking. The valve also includes special sloping surfaces in the body and connections to prevent processed material from standing in the valves. The pressure valve and vacuum valve may be removed separately or rotated separately for mounting. The combination valve may be attached on storage tanks or other vessels or conduits.

Abstract: The Montgomery Soft Stroke One Way Valve is designed to open and close more than four million times a year, as floats in the ocean go up and down with swells to compress water to make electricity. The valve is preferably round with vanes that open and close. The vanes are spaced around the valve body much like the segments of a grapefruit cut in half. Each segment is made with 60% surface on one side and 40% surface on the other side of a sealed bearing pivot rod. The 60% side of the vane will open with the flow of water and the 40% side will open against the flow, that will lessen the striking force of the vane. The striking surface of each vane and body will be coated with durable material to reduce wear.

Abstract: A valve means for blocking and clearing a passage between the pressure chambers which can be loaded with fluid pressure, especially of a passage for exhaust gas recirculation for internal combustion engines, with at least one leaf spring element (23) which is located between a valve seat surface (25) on an insert body (21) and a support surface (15) which limits the opening motion of the leaf spring element (23) away from the valve seat surface (25) to form a flutter valve, has a carrier sheet which can be inserted between the pressure chambers and which on at least one opening (11) has at least one support surface (15) as a part bent in one piece and on the respective opening (11) has a seat (17) for a second insert body (19) which bears the pertinent leaf spring element (23) and the first insert body (21) which forms the valve seat surface (25).

Abstract: A gas valve may include a valve body and a valve member disposed within the valve body. A resilient sealing ring may be disposed within the valve body such that the valve member achieves a closed position when the valve member contacts the resilient sealing ring. In some instances, a gas valve may include both an upper resilient sealing ring and a lower resilient sealing ring. The upper resilient sealing ring and the lower resilient sealing ring may both permit overtravel.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method monitor fluid flows and/or filter conditions and/or distribute a single fluid. The apparatus and the system supply and/or maintain fluid requirements of one or more hydraulic systems with the single fluid from a reservoir. The filtered inlets transfer and/or add the single fluid to an interior of the reservoir. Each of the filtered inlets have a sensor to monitor, to detect and/or to determine fluid flows and/or fluid conditions of the single fluid in and/or filter conditions of one or more filtered inlets. Distribution of the single fluid to one or more hydraulic systems is prioritized by a single fluid in a first volume or in a second volume of an interior of the reservoir. A partition in the interior of the reservoir separates and/or forms the second volume and the first volume of the reservoir. The reservoir has one or more outlet ports for distributing and/or for supplying the single fluid to one or more hydraulic systems.

Abstract: A faucet valve cartridge includes a valve seat with a co-molded proximal end. The cartridge regulates flow in a faucet valve and provides a floating sealing arrangement with the valve seat of the faucet valve.

Abstract: A switching control valve for use in controlling the motion of a hydraulic component is provided. The valve includes a housing that defines a feed port, an outlet port, a drain port, and a longitudinal opening through the housing. The valve also includes an inlet valve moveably positionable in the longitudinal opening for selectively fluidly connecting the feed port to the outlet port, as well as a drain valve moveably positionable in the longitudinal opening for selectively fluidly connecting the outlet port to the drain port. The valve further includes a valve shaft that is moveably positionable in the longitudinal opening, such as by a solenoid or similar control device, and is operably connected to the inlet valve and the drain valve. The housing, the inlet valve and/or the drain valve are configured to provide permanent fluid communication between the outlet port and the drain port.

Abstract: In order to minimize shift shocks during R?N and D?N manual shifts, in a manual valve of a hydraulic control system of a continuously variable transmission including a valve body having one input port and two output ports and a valve spool having a first land and a second land connecting the input port with one of the two output ports or completely blocking the input port from the two output ports, each land includes slots configured such that inner ends of the slots can be connected to the output ports in a neutral state.

Abstract: A manual valve of a hydraulic pressure control system for an automatic transmission includes: a valve body that includes an input port and two reverse range pressure supply ports for supplying a hydraulic pressure from the input port to two friction elements; and a valve spool that is disposed in the valve body and that is connected to a select lever, wherein at least one exhaust passage is formed on a land of the valve spool that opens/closes the two reverse range pressure supply ports of the valve body.

Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for operating six hydraulic valves from two different positions. The control apparatus is particularly suitable for operating the hydraulic controls of a six function trash loader. First and second three-function joysticks are mounted at the first position, and third and fourth three-function joysticks are mounted at the second position. A first set of three rotatable rods extends between the first and third joysticks, and a second set of three rotatable rods extends between the second and fourth joysticks. Each joystick includes a handle which is movable along a first axis for rotating a first rod of one of the sets, along a second axis for rotating a second rod of the set, and about a third axis for rotating a third rod of the set. A crank arm on each of the six rods is connected to one of the six hydraulic valves so that rotation of each of the rods operates one of the valves.

Abstract: A valve island that has vented non-active areas is disclosed. The valve island has a plurality of active gas passageways that are coupled together between components. At the junction between the different components the active fluid passageways are surrounded by a sealing surface. The sealing surface essentially surrounds some non-active areas. The non-active areas are vented to the outside air through one or more passageways. The non-active areas may be recessed from the sealing surface.

Abstract: A valve that has the solenoids aligned at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the valve operator is disclosed. By aligning the solenoid at 90 degrees the fluid passageways in the valve operator are simplified and the operator body is easier to mold.

Abstract: A pressure vessel assembly is provided for a pressurized fluid system. The pressure vessel assembly comprises an outer casing defining an interior cavity within the outer casing, at least one fluid-pressure accumulator disposed within the interior cavity in the outer casing, and at least one isolation device disposed between the at least one fluid-pressure accumulator and the outer casing.

Abstract: A medical apparatus flow restrictor includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a fluid flow path defined through the housing between the inlet and outlet. At least one pair of opposed restriction surfaces are provided in contact with each other within the housing between the inlet and the outlet. The restriction surfaces are disposed in the flow path such that fluid delivered to the inlet passes between the opposed restriction surfaces prior to flowing from the outlet. At least one of the restriction surfaces comprises a pattern of fluid passages formed into the surface, the passages having a size and shape and cooperating with the opposed restriction surface such that a desired flow rate of fluid is achieved through the restrictor.

Abstract: A fluid leak detector is provided for a double carcass hose line segment and includes a sensor housing defined by sidewalls externally mounted to the hose line segment and having an internal housing chamber in communication with the collection space. An optical sensor is mounted through at least one sensor housing sidewall and positions an optical sensing element means within the sensor housing chamber for detecting a presence of fluid in the hose collection space. The optical sensor further includes analysis element means connecting to the optical sensing element means and positioned outside of the sensor housing one, wall, the analysis means generating data indicative of the fluid status within the hose collection space; and transmitter element means connecting to the analysis means for receiving data from the analysis element means and transmitting the data to at least one remote receiver.

Abstract: A kink proof flat type water hose comprising inner layer, fiber layer and outer layer; several connecting boards in parallel with flow direction subdivides the inner layer into more than two flow paths, the hose is in flat ellipse shape; based on above structure, such can prevent fluid being blocked when hose is over-bent or compressed; the present invention has several flow paths, while application, not all the flow paths suffer block or compression, fluid transportation function remains.

Abstract: A flexible duct wrap comprising an insulation layer laminated with a vapor permeable outer layer. The duct wrap is used to reduce energy consumption and noise and to prohibit the premature failure of the duct wrap due to the concentration of moisture within the duct wrap.

Abstract: A pipe insulating fitting cover for insulating a pipe joint, the cover having a first insulating cover for insulating the body of the pipe joint and a second insulating cover for enclosing and insulating the bonnet of the pipe joint, in which the first and second covers are mounted to each other through complementary cylindrical surfaces on their outer surfaces with an optional sealing layer between them. The invention further provides a method and apparatus for forming the cover.

Abstract: A heddle (1) for flat, band-shaped warp threads (36) is provided with a thread eyelet (7), for which the width preferably exceeds the height. A thread eyelet (7) of this type prevents a deformation of the band-shaped warp thread (36), in particular a compressing on the sides during the shed formation. In addition, the heddle (1) according to the invention is preferably provided with thread guiding surfaces, which are longer than the thickness of the heddle (1) body (3), relative to the running direction of the warp thread. As a result of these measures, the wear on the heddle (1) as well as the warp thread (36) can be reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible protective corrugated tube (1) comprising at least two different yarns and a plurality of larger-diameter zones (2) and a plurality of smaller-diameter zones (3) which are alternated along the length of the tube (1). The inventive tube is characterised in that first yarns (4) form a weave of weft courses combined with stitch courses. In addition, the tube can comprise second yarns (5) which also form a weave of stitch courses combined with weft courses. In this way, the tube obtained has improved flexibility, adaptability and bendability.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement are provided for emptying a Big Bag or similar transport container which is filled with pourable, especially pulverized goods which are not to come into contact with their surroundings, wherein the Big Bag is inserted in a sluice means (2) which is closed off from the surroundings, with simultaneous sealing of the sluice means, which communicates with a processing container (3) for receiving the contents of the Big Bag, whereupon the Big Bag is cut open inside the sluice means by a cutting means (6) provided therein. The empty Big Bag is compressed in a removal zone (A) inside the sluice means (2) and removed into a plastic sack (8) attached to the sluice means (2).

Abstract: A router sub-base and method is disclosed, utilizing a pad of material attached to a router base, to flush cut projections from a wooden surface, smooth areas of a wooden surface, or remove a volume of wood to custom shape a wooden workpiece for special applications, in which a user may manually operate the router to mill wood, using a portion of the existing wooden workpiece surface as a guide to control cutting.

Abstract: A jig apparatus for aiding in the formation of a variety of mechanically interconnecting structures or joints in workpieces. The jig apparatus may include a base and a template mounting system for adjustably positioning a template with respect to the base. A securing system for securing a workpiece in a desired position may be included. The jig apparatus may also include a repeatable template positioning system. Additionally, a quick-change template guide system may be used with a router and template for removing material from a workpiece. A router bit positioning system for aiding in establishing a pre-determined bit depth may be included.

Abstract: A support stand for a tool such as a miter saw is disclosed. The stand includes legs, a beam supported by the legs, and a pair of tool support platforms that may be connected to the tool. The tool support platforms are configured to slide along the beam; moreover, they can be removed from the beam and placed on a supporting surface. Each platform may include a receptacle that engages a clip fastened to the beam. The clip engages the platform to prevent its movement along the beam. Each platform also includes a series of slots through which fasteners are inserted. The slots allow the fasteners to be repositioned so they can be aligned with the specific connection points on a variety of different tools (including tools of different manufacturers).

Abstract: A faux bamboo shade is formed from a panel of faux bamboo slats. The faux bamboo slats are elongated, preferably plastic, strips having a front face and a rear face. At least one face of each strip is printed with an array of colors selected and applied to simulate color and texture of a real bamboo slat. These strips may be printed or deformed to simulate a grain pattern and at least one bamboo knot. The plastic strips may also be printed in a manner to simulate a scorch pattern.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing a timber frame structural panel assembly, and to a timber frame structural panel assembly. The invention firstly provides a method of making a panel assembly comprising a framework of timber beams, at least one sheet of sheathing material and a breather membrane, all of which are secured together in a single fixing operation. The invention secondly provides a panel assembly comprising two panel structures, each panel structure comprising a pair of sheathing panels with a layer of insulating material therebetween, the panel structures being joined by a beam of timber which engages the sheathing panels of both panel structures and is secured thereto by a single line of wide crown staples.

Abstract: A nanocomposite magnet according to the present invention has a composition represented by the general formula: RxQyMz(Fe1?mTm)bal, where R is at least one rare-earth element, Q is at least one element selected from the group consisting of B and C, M is at least one metal element that is selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ga, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ag, Hf, Ta, W, Pt, Au and Pb and that always includes Ti, and T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co and Ni. The mole fractions x, y, z and m satisfy the inequalities of 6 at % ?x<10 at %, 10 at % ?y?17 at %, 0.5 at % ?z?6 at % and 0?m?0.5, respectively. The nanocomposite magnet includes a hard magnetic phase and a soft magnetic phase that are magnetically coupled together. The hard magnetic phase is made of an R2Fe14B-type compound, and the soft magnetic phase includes an ?-Fe phase and a crystalline phase with a Curie temperature of 610° C. to 700° C. (? phase) as its main phases.

Abstract: An improved inter-laminar coating for steel laminations used in electrical equipment such as electric motors, generators and transformers. The invention further includes a process for creating, restoring, and improving the condition of insulation of such equipment using an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid with additives including zinc and/or manganese.

Abstract: The invention provides an Fe—Ni—Mo soft magnetic flaky powder having a component composition of, in percent by mass, Ni: 60 to 90%, Mo: 0.05 to 1.95%, and the balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities, and a flat surface of an average particle size of 30 to 150 ?m, and an aspect ratio (average particle size /average thickess) of 5 to 500; and having a peak intensity ratio I200/I111 within a range between 0.43 and 10, where I200 is the peak height of the face index (200) and I111 is the peak height of the face index (111), in an X-ray diffraction pattern measured in such a manner that the plane including the X-ray incident direction and the diffraction direction is perpendicular to the flat surface of the soft magnetic flaky powder, and the angle between the incident direction and the flat surface is equal to the angle between the diffraction direction and the flat surface.

Abstract: A composite metal object comprises ductile crystalline metal particles in an amorphous metal matrix. An alloy is heated above its liquidus temperature. Upon cooling from the high temperature melt, the alloy chemically partitions, forming dendrites in the melt. Upon cooling the remaining liquid below the glass transition temperature it freezes to the amorphous state, producing a two-phase microstructure containing crystalline particles in an amorphous metal matrix. The ductile metal particles have a size in the range of from 0.1 to 15 micrometers and spacing in the range of from 0.1 to 20 micrometers. Preferably, the particle size is in the range of from 0.5 to 8 micrometers and spacing is in the range of from 1 to 10 micrometers. The volume proportion of particles is in the range of from 5 to 50% and preferably 15 to 35%. Differential cooling can produce oriented dendrites of ductile metal phase in an amorphous matrix.