Abstract: A linear electromotive actuator mounted on an input shaft of a manual transmission clutch system and a clutch operation is controlled by a current signal applied in response to an operating stroke of a clutch pedal. In addition, according to the clutch system and a method for controlling the same, a vehicle weight is reduced and a clutch vibration or an impact can be reduced.

Abstract: A clutch assembly having an overall diameter and overall axial length. Both the axial length and the ratio of the length to the diameter are reduced. A translatable clutch piston is in communication with a pressure chamber and is movable between a piston neutral position and a piston activated position in response to air pressure. A cone clutch member is moved from a clutch engaged position to a clutch disengaged position in response to the translatable clutch piston moving from the piston neutral position to the piston activated position. The cone clutch member engages the rotating drive shaft when in the clutch engaged position. A clutch spring member biases the cone clutch member into the clutch engaged position with a clutch engagement force. The clutch spring has a primary spring ratio of a wire diameter to a spring diameter optimized such that a maximum spring force is achieved while minimizing the spring length.

Abstract: This device (10) comprises first (24A) and second (24B) friction lining members, substantially annular and coaxial, separated axially and delimited by opposing friction faces. The first friction lining member (24A) comprises a radially external part (32A) comprising a friction lining (26A), a radially internal part (30A) intended to be fixed to the second friction lining member (24B), and elastic connecting tongues (35A) each provided with a first end (36A) for connection to the radially external part (32A) and a second end (38A) for connection to the radially internal part (30A), the first (36A) and second (38A) connecting ends having an angular offset between them that is variable according to the axial separation of the two friction lining members (24A, 24B).

Abstract: There is disclosed a debris cap for roller-way conveyors. The debris cap closes off the ends of a channel-shaped body, thus preventing debris inside the channel-shaped body from escaping the ends. The debris cap has a pair of side arms with recesses for engaging with a roller-bearing axle. A floor of the debris cap substantially forms a seal with the bottom of the channel-shaped body, thus closing off the ends of the channel-shaped body.

Abstract: A device for checking the authenticity of a monetary medium, in particular a banknote 1, a bank card or a credit card, comprises a sensor arrangement 2 with a sensor 38 with a test area for checking physical or chemical properties of a medium of monetary value, and a transportation apparatus 3 for transporting the medium 1 of monetary value past the test area of the sensor 38. The sensor 38 is arranged such that it can move in relation to the transportation apparatus 2, so that it can scan the medium 1 to be checked by means of test tracks of different geometries.

Abstract: An apparatus for changing a position of and carrying a wheel has a structure such that manipulation for changing the position of the wheel from a horizontal state into a vertical state in a wheel mounting process in a vehicle assembly line is simplified and a process of carrying the wheel to a subsequent process can be easily conducted. Embodiments of the apparatus include an advancing conveyor, a position-changing device, and a carrying device.

Abstract: Device for feeding corks to an automatic corking machine comprising a cork transfer wheel rotating around a vertical axis and provided with a plurality of seats distanced one from another in the circumferential direction, the transfer wheel being capable of receiving in said seats successive corks arriving from a stationary loading station. Each of the seats of the transfer wheel has a cork reception zone and a cork release zone distanced one from the other in the radial direction.

Abstract: An assembly for a conveyor system includes a conveyor side rail and a sensor mounting device. The conveyor side rail includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and an opening. The inner surface is the surface generally facing moving components of an associated conveyor system. The sensor mounting device is received in the opening of the conveyor side rail. The sensor mounting device is configured to secure to the conveyor side rail via a resilient fit by an inserting the sensor mounting device into the opening. An associated sensor for the associated conveyor system selectively attaches to the sensor mounting device.

Abstract: A conveyor device (1) for conveying substantially round products (11), for example eggs, comprises a support track (4) along which the products (11) can move in a conveying direction during use. Furthermore, the conveyor device (1) comprises a first substantially cylindrical engagement member (5), which extends transversely over the support track (4) with respect to the conveying direction. The engagement member (5) is designed to be flexible at least at the circumference, in order to engage on the products (11) on the support track (4), and can rotate about its axial axis (6) in order to advance the products (11) along the support track (4). The support track (4), downstream of the first engagement member (5) as seen in the conveying direction, has a elevated portion (8) which is located at a distance from the first engagement member (5) which is such that the latter engages on the products (11) on the upward part of the elevated portion (8).

Abstract: A slip conveyor assembly (10) having a plurality of slip conveyors (11 to 16). Each slip conveyor (11 to 16) has a tray (18) providing a conveyor surface (20) along which product is delivered. The trays (18) are arrangeable and caused to reciprocate so that product may be conveyed in either longitudinal direction, with at least two of the trays being arrangeable to provide a gap (32) therebetween to provide for delivery of product from the conveyor assembly (10).

Abstract: A device for conveying workpieces along a path of movement is described. The device includes a conveyor driven by a conveying drive unit. Spindle or spindle-like elements, on which the workpieces may be arranged, are fastened to the conveyor. The device also includes a synchronising mechanism with at least one guide means, driven by a synchronising drive unit, for guiding the spindle or spindle-like elements during movement of the conveyor. The synchronising drive unit is mechanically coupled with the conveying drive unit to achieve synchronicity.

Abstract: A merge conveyor defines a travel pathway for moving cargo. A tail pulley has a first rotational axis which is perpendicular to the travel pathway. First and second nose bars are parallel and spaced and are disposed at an angle with respect to the travel pathway. A drive pulley has a second rotational axis which is parallel with the travel pathway. A snub pulley has a third rotational axis which is parallel with the first rotational axis. An endless belt is sequentially routed over the tail pulley, the first nose bar, the drive pulley, the second nose bar, and the snub pulley. The endless belt extends directly from the second nose bar to the snub pulley and then directly to the tail pulley.

Abstract: A switching signal input device for use with an electronic apparatus is provided. The switching signal input device includes a switch part, an operating part and a resilience element, and is capable of performing four-directional switch control actions in response to the elastic forces generated from the resilience element on two planes perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spring offset device structured to extend between a circuit breaker frame and a trip mechanism. The offset device includes an offset member disposed on a trip device banana link, a spring anchor disposed on the frame assembly, and a spring extending between the offset member and the spring anchor. The spring anchor is spaced from the hatchet pin assembly and, preferably positioned so that the longitudinal axis of the spring remains on a single side of a hatchet pin assembly axis as the banana link moves between a closed position, an open position, and a reset position. The offset member and the spring anchor are structured so that, when the hatchet plate is in the closed position, the spring creates an opening force on the hatchet plate biasing the hatchet plate toward the open position, and when the hatchet plate is in the reset position, the spring creates a closing force on the hatchet plate biasing the hatchet plate toward the closed position.

Abstract: An electric switch module has one or more electric switches arranged on a substrate (7) of which at least one is designed as a push-pull rocker switch (2, 3) having an actuator (4) formed by a projection (5) that is asymmetrical to its tilting axis (6). The module 1s characterised in that the top side of the substrate (7), together with the actuators (4) of its switches (2, 3), is covered by a flexible outer skin (10a) that also covers the projection (5) that forms the actuator (4) of the at least one rocker switch (2, 3).

Abstract: A switching device having a frame, in which an actuator adapted to rotate a main shaft of the switching device and rotatable around an axis of rotation, the actuator having a 0 position, an I position and a first dead point between the 0 position and the I position, the I position being located by a given angle (?6) in a first direction relative to the 0 position. The actuator also has a testing position, the testing position being located by a predetermined angle (?6) in a second direction relative to the 0 position, the second direction being opposite relative to the first direction.

Abstract: Provided is a pressure sensor for electronic skin. The pressure sensor measures pressure levels, and includes conductive rubber, electrodes, and elastic rubber. The conductive rubber has conductivity that increases when a pressure exceeding a predetermined pressure is applied thereto. The electrodes are formed on either side surface of the conductive rubber to measure current flowing through the conductive rubber. The elastic rubber is formed on a top surface of one of the electrodes to disperse pressure applied to the conductive rubber.

Abstract: A remote function actuator with pressure equalization. A base or enclosure of the actuator (key fob) has one or more openings covered by a breathable waterproof membrane. The opening allows pressure equalization between the inside of the actuator and the outside environment, and the membrane material maintains the enclosure watertight for the electronic system positioned inside the actuator. Positioning the membrane in a recess and/or under a cover member helps protect the membrane from being damaged.

Abstract: A composite switch having a configuration in which: on the upper part of movable contacts of a first switch to a fourth switch disposed in a case, two driving bodies made of an inelastic insulating material such as polyamide are mounted in parallel to a swing center shaft; an upper surface of the case is covered with a cover having two long holes from which upper parts of the two driving bodies protrude; and the two driving bodies are pressed by an operation body, made of an inelastic insulating resin, which is swingably supported. With a composite switch having this configuration, an operation stroke is short and the generation of noise can be suppressed.

Abstract: Purified water for special purposes is produced using a falling-film multieffect evaporator. From the feed water, each effect produces a steam phase and a water phase. The steam phase is used for heating in the subsequent evaporating step, whereby the steam phase condenses to product water, and the water phase becomes feed water for the subsequent evaporation step. According to the invention, the product water may be wholly or partly recycled to the initial feed water, allowing process startup and sterilisation of the plant without conducting hot product water to the drain.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for distilling, e.g. ethanol from a mash or must. According to said method, a fluid (1) that is fed to a first distillation column (stripper, 13) and a distillate (4) of the first distillation column (13) are delivered to a second distillation column (rectification column, 14). The fed fluid (1) and/or a distillate (7) of the second distillation column (14) is/are purified in a first and/or last step of the inventive method by means of a membrane separation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and related methods of water purification by distillation that will operate in a self-contained mode using a passive heat source, such as, without limitation, solar heat, air conditioning waste heat, or waste heat from the exhaust or cooling systems of an internal combustion engine, which may be used to desalinate sea water, saline water, or saline water containing contaminants. The present invention may also be used to distil sewage water, creek water, swamp water or water containing contaminants or used to cleanse or purify water contaminated with mud, chemicals, minerals, or bacteria in a local environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating close-boiling and azeotropic components of mixtures, wherein said mixtures comprise at least one hydrofluorocarbon compound, using at least one ionic liquid.

Abstract: The invention is a method for obtaining a reactive sputtering process with a reduced or eliminated hysteresis behavior. This is achieved by employing a target made from a mixture of metal and compound materials. In the method according to the present invention, the fraction of compound material is large enough to eliminate or significantly reduce the hysteresis behavior of the reactive sputtering process and enable a stable deposition of compound films at a rate significantly higher than what is possible from a target completely made from compound material.

Abstract: A semiconductor process system (10) includes a measuring section (40), an information processing section (51), and a control section (52). The measuring section (40) measures a characteristic of a test target film formed on a target substrate (W) by a semiconductor process. The information processing section (51) calculates a positional correction amount of the target substrate (W) necessary for improving planar uniformity of the characteristic, based on values of the characteristic measured by the measuring section (40) at a plurality of positions on the test target film. The control section (52) controls a drive section (30A, 32A) of a transfer device (30), based on the positional correction amount, when the transfer device (30) transfers a next target substrate (W) to the support member (17) to perform the semiconductor process.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for forming stacked substrates with data storage arrays formed on each substrate in an air-tight chamber in which an inert gas is admittable and exhaustible; a pair of target plates placed at opposite ends of said air-tight chamber respectively so as to face each other and form a plasma region therebetween; a pair of magnets respectively disposed adjacent to said target plates such that magnet poles of different polarities face each other across said plasma region thereby to establish a magnetic field of said plasma region between said target plates; a substrate holder disposed adjacent to said plasma region, said substrate holder adapted to hold a substrate on which an alloyed thin film is to be deposited; and a back-bias power supply coupled to the substrate holder, wherein the chamber temperature is maintained at 380 degrees Celsius or less, a back-bias voltage greater than 80 volts, and an oxygen flow of at least 17%.

Abstract: The invention provides a negatively charged oxygen atom production system adapted to heat a member comprising a calcium aluminate composite material for extraction of negatively charged oxygen atoms. The calcium aluminate composite oxide in a thin-film form is formed on a substrate comprising a zirconia plate or yttria-stabilized zirconia, and a heater for heating the member is formed near the thin film comprising said calcium aluminate composite oxide, or it is integrally formed within the substrate or near its surface. Alternatively, the calcium aluminate composite oxide in a thin-film form is formed on a steatite ceramic heater. The calcium aluminate composite oxide has calcium oxide and aluminum oxide at a molar rate of 12:7.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for producing hydrogen peroxide on an as-needed basis is disclosed. An oxidizing agent is generated for reaction with water to generate hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: Provided is an electrolysis cell and an electrolyzed water producing equipment which are each small in size, has excellent electrolysis efficiency and can reduce an anion concentration in acidic electrolyzed water. The electrolysis cell is equipped with electrolysis rooms 10a and 10b located opposite to each other via an ion permeable membrane 2, raw water supply units 11a and 11b, electrodes 3a and 3bdisposed with the membrane interposed therebetween, and electrolyzed water discharge units 12a and 12b. The membrane 2 is an anion permeable film. The electrodes 3a and 3b are formed so as to firmly adhere to both surfaces of the anion permeable membrane 2 and expose a portion of the anion permeable membrane 2. Only raw water fed to the electrolysis room 10b on the cathode side contains an electrolyte. The electrodes 3a and 3b are porous and they each has an electrode base material made of a powdery titanium compound such as TiC or TiN, a catalyst such as platinum black or iridium black and a binder such as PVA.

Abstract: A processing chamber comprising a reaction vessel having an electro-reaction cell including a virtual electrode unit, an electrode assembly disposed relative to the electro-reaction cell to be in fluid communication with the virtual electrode unit, and an electrode in the electrode assembly. The virtual electrode unit has at least one opening defining at least one virtual electrode in the electro-reaction cell. The electrode assembly can include an electrode compartment and an interface element in the electrode compartment. The interface element can be a filter, a membrane, a basket, and/or another device configured to hold the electrode. The interface element, for example, can be a filter that surrounds a basket in which the electrode is positioned.

Abstract: Provided is an electrode plate vibration structure of an oxygen/hydrogen mixture gas generator having an electrolytic bath, and a plurality of electrode plates arranged to be at a predetermined interval in the electrolytic bath and electrolyzing electrolyte using current applied to a terminal to generate oxygen/hydrogen mixture gas. The structure includes: a vibration bar provided at one side and upper end of the electrode plate and having insertion grooves for fitting the electrode plate therein, and minutely vibrating the electrode plate depending on operation of a vibration unit.

Abstract: Enhanced reliability and performance stability of a deposition baffle is provided in ionized physical vapor deposition (iPVD) processing tool in which a high density plasma is coupled into a chamber from an external antenna through a dielectric window. A deposition baffle with slots protects the window. The deposition baffle has slots through it. The width of the slots at the window side of the baffle is different from the width of the slots at the plasma side of the baffle. Preferably, the ratio of width of the slots at the window side is preferably less than the width at the plasma side. The slots have sidewalls at the plasma side that are arc spray coated. The ratio of the baffle thickness to slot width, or the slot's aspect ratio, is less than 8:1, and preferably less than 6:1. The deposition baffle is spaced less than 1 mm from the window, and preferably less than 0.5 mm from the window.

Abstract: Provided are a packaging device and packaging method of a hollow cathode sputtering target which installs, in the hollow cathode sputtering target, a cover of a size capable of covering a void of the target; provides one or more through-holes to the cover; places a resin bag over them, and performs vacuum suction to the inside of the bag. This packaging device and packaging method of a hollow cathode sputtering target is capable of performing vacuum suction even to the inside of the hollow portion covered with the resin bag.

Abstract: There is provided with an enzyme electrode which can be used as a sensor with high sensitivity, a biofuel cell with high output, and an electrochemical reaction device with high reaction efficiency. The enzyme electrode has a conductive base plate, a fusion protein immobilized to the conductive base plate and an electron transfer mediator, wherein the fusion protein is a fusion protein of a enzyme 1 to catalyze a chemical reaction for producing a reaction product 1 from a reaction substrate 1 and a enzyme 2 to catalyze a chemical reaction for producing a reaction product 2 from a reaction substrate 2, and at least one chemical substance of the reaction product 1 is identical to at least one chemical substance of the reaction substrate 2.

Abstract: The invention provides an enzyme electrode usable as a highly sensitive sensor, a high-output bio fuel cell or an electrochemical reaction device of a high reaction efficiency. The enzyme electrode includes an electroconductive base member and an enzyme, wherein the enzyme is formed by an associated protein in which two or more different enzyme proteins are associated.

Abstract: A disposable urea sensor has a laminated body having a fluid sample inlet end and an electrical contact end, a fluid sample inlet, a substantially flat sample chamber in communication between the fluid sample inlet and a vent opening, the sample chamber being adapted to collect a fluid sample through the fluid sample inlet, a working electrode and a reference electrode within the sample chamber, and a reagent matrix disposed on the working electrode wherein the reagent matrix contains urease.

Abstract: A system for more accurately measuring glucose in a sample includes a first glucose-sensing electrode incorporating a quantity of glucose oxidase, a second glucose-sensing electrode incorporating a quantity of PQQ-glucose dehydrogenase, a reference electrode, and means for selecting between a first glucose measurement made with the first glucose-sensing electrode and a second glucose measurement made with the second glucose-sensing electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical gas sensor that can restrict to the extent possible interference errors.

Abstract: A gas sensor control apparatus for an exhaust gas sensor working to measure a selected component of exhaust gas from a diesel engine. The apparatus consists of a heater to heat the exhaust gas sensor to activate it and a controller working to restrict an operation of the heater in the condition that drops of water are expected to exist in an exhaust system of the engine. The controller determines whether the condition in which the temperature of the exhaust gas sensor is expected to be lower than that of the exhaust gas is met or not based on an operating condition of the diesel engine. When the temperature condition is met, the controller elevates the temperature of the exhaust gas to promote heating of the exhaust gas sensor through the heater, thereby minimizing the deterioration in characteristics or performance of the exhaust gas sensor.

Abstract: Provided are a biomolecule detection device, a mobile phone for biomolecule detection, and a biomolecule detection method. The biomolecule detection device includes an electrophoresis unit comprising an electrophoretic gel filtering erythrocytes and leukocytes in blood and transferring proteins and DNAs in the blood, and at least one type of a probe biomolecule, immobilized in the electrophoretic gel, reacting with a target biomolecule; a conversion unit converting a result of a reaction between the target biomolecule and the probe biomolecule to an electrical signal; and a lead-out unit receiving, converting, and transmitting the electrical signal.

Abstract: A series of low molarity conductive media based on non-buffering univalent cations, such as sodium chloride-sodium acetate (SCA), sodium boric acid (SB), lithium boric acid, and lithium acetate mitigate the “runaway” positive feedback heating loop produced by conventional media containing biological amine buffers and permit improved DNA electrophoresis under the conditions of low salt concentration. These media serve well in ultra-fast DNA electrophoresis and in high-resolution separations of RNA and DNA fragments.

Abstract: A microfluidic dielecttrophoresis separating device is provided. The microfluidic dielectrophoresis separating device includes a primary passage, at least a secondary passage and at least an electrode assembly. The primary passage has a primary flow containing a plurality of particulates flowing therein. The secondary passage has an input path and an output path and is connected with the primary passage. The electrode assembly generates a dielectrophoresis force to drive a specific one of the particulates into the output path.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus, methods and systems for the production of coatings or small components having defined pre-set dimensions and properties by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on electrically conducting or semi-conducting substrates. The invention provides efficient and precise mass manufacturing of components by EPD, such as anodes of electrolytic capacitors, by achieving high utilization of expensive raw materials and by consistently achieving tight dimensional tolerances of defined component shapes in repeated depositions. This includes production sequences of discrete components, batches of components, and production by semi-continuous operation.

Abstract: An electrolytic system for continuously treating raw surface water sources and disinfecting them for Cryptosporidium to produce water of a drinkable quality for humans includes a source of raw water, a series of electrolytic cells, input and output structure coupled to the series of electrolytic cells. The system generates sufficient voltage potential at the anode to attract and damage the outer shell of the C. parvum oocyst, and also generates oxygen and hypochlorite to disinfect the raw water by secondary oxidation. The system may also include programmable-logic-controller structure and feedback probe structure to enable the system to self-regulate. The system may be constructed to be stand-alone, or as a subsystem of a municipal water-treatment plant that serves <10,000 people.

Abstract: A method for electroplating low-resistance metal wire for resolving the problem to fabricate the metal wire on large-area substrate through the technology of photolithographing and etching in the prior art. Then the invention improves the RC-delay characteristic of circuit on large-area substrate and reduces the number of masks for processing of a structure of gate overlap lightly-doped drain (source) (GOLDD).

Abstract: An electrolytic plating composition and related plating process where the composition comprises chromium ions, a mineral acid, halogen oxoanion, alkylsulfonic acid, and a source of sulfoacetic acid for electrolytically coating a surface of a substrate with a chromium layer or a chromium alloy layer.

Abstract: The invention refers to a composition and method of electrolytic tinning in continuous a steel strip or plate with an electrolyte composition comprising the following components (g/l): Tin (in a form of tin sulfamate) 50-90, Sulfamic acid, free 40-100, Sulfates, in a form of SO42.0-15, Nitrogen-bearing block polymer 1-6, said block polymer being a copolymer of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide with molecular weight of 3950 to 6450 and “number of ethylene oxide links-to-number of propylene oxide links” ratio of 1.4-1.2:1.0 at initial buildup of required number of links from propylene oxide followed by oxyethylation.

Abstract: A process for electrochemically reducing metal oxide feed material in a solid state is disclosed. The process includes the steps of agitating an electrolyte and metal oxide powders in the electrolyte and applying an electrical potential across a cathode in contact with the electrolyte and an anode and electrochemically reducing the metal oxides.

Abstract: An electropolishing process in integrated circuit fabrication on a wafer includes applying a stream of electrolyte to the wafer using a nozzle positioned adjacent to the wafer with a gap between the nozzle and the wafer. The removal rate uniformity of the electropolishing process is controlled by adjusting the gap between the nozzle and the wafer to adjust the removal rate profile of the stream of electrolyte applied by the nozzle.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention generally relate to a method and apparatus for processing a substrate with reduced fluid consumption. Embodiments of the invention may be beneficially utilized in chemical mechanical and electrochemical mechanical polishing processes, among other processes where conservation of a processing fluid disposed on a rotating pad is desirable. In one embodiment, a processing fluid delivery arm assembly is provided that includes a nozzle assembly supported at a distal end of an arm. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle that is adjustable to control the delivery of fluid exiting therefrom in two planes relative to the arm. In another embodiment, processing fluid in the form of electrolyte fills holes formed at least partially through the pad as they enter the wet zone, and a current is driven through the electrolyte, filling the holes between a substrate and an electrode disposed below the surface of the pad.