Abstract: A hair-retaining device to be worn on the head comprising two attached hair sticks with two locking beads connected to each of the hair sticks. The hair sticks retain a portion of a user's hair between the hair sticks and between the locking beads.

Abstract: A deposit cleaning system for removing deposits from interior surfaces of ion sources and/or electrodes includes a fluorine source, a throttle mechanism, and a controller. The fluorine source supplies fluorine to the ion source as a cleaning material. The throttle mechanism mitigates loss of fluorine through a source aperture of the ion source by at least partially covering the source aperture. The controller controls the supply and flow rate from the fluorine source to the ion source and also controls the positioning of the throttle mechanism.

Abstract: To provide a wafer cleaning method capable of restricting breakage of fine structures disposed on a wafer, and a spin cleaning apparatus enabling such cleaning. The spin cleaning apparatus injects a cleaning liquid on a wafer surface while moving a nozzle, and at the same time, with an ultrasonic wave generated inside the nozzle, irradiates a cleaning liquid collision spot, thereby cleaning the wafer surface. The above apparatus includes at least one of the following functions: (1) a function of varying the rotation frequency of the wafer; (2) a function of varying the traveling speed of the nozzle in the direction parallel to the wafer; (3) a function of varying the output of the ultrasonic wave; and (4) a function of varying the distance between the nozzle and the cleaning liquid collision spot, all corresponding to the position of the cleaning liquid collision spot on the wafer.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a photoactive and/or hydrophilic surface includes contacting the surface with conditioned water and optionally a cleaning agent solution. A device for cleaning a photoactive and/or hydrophilic surface includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a first chamber and an optional second chamber located in the housing, a flow passage extending through the housingc between the inlet and the outlet, and a selector valve configured to selectively place the flow passage in flow communication with the first chamber, the optional second chamber, neither chamber, or both chambers. In one embodiment, the first chamber includes an ion exchange bed and the second chamber includes at least one cleaning agent.

Abstract: A flush and fill process is used to ready a fuel cell cooling circuit for initial use. An external flushing system relasably connected to the cooling circuit circulates flushing coolant through the cooling circuit to remove contaminants from the wetted surfaces of the cooling circuit before the fuel cell is put into use. The flushing system includes a pump for circulating the flushing coolant through the cooling circuit, filters for removing contaminants from the coolant and a heater for elevating the temperature of the coolant. Following the flushing process to remove contaminants, the flushing system is disconnected from the cooling circuit and the cooling circuit is filled with fresh coolant.

Abstract: Method for removing flux residue and defluxing residue from an article using a dense processing fluid and a dense rinse fluid is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, there is provided a method comprising: introducing the article comprising contaminants into a processing chamber; contacting the article with a dense processing fluid comprising a dense fluid, at least one processing agent, and optionally a cosolvent to provide a partially treated article; and contacting the partially treated article with a dense rinse fluid comprising the dense fluid and optionally the cosolvent to provide a treated article wherein an agitation source is introducing during at least a portion of the first and/or the second contacting step.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the removal of a number of molecular contaminants from surfaces within a device. A purge gas containing oxygen and/or water is introduced into the interior of the device, contacting at least a portion of the interior surfaces. A contaminated purge gas is produced by transferring a portion of the contamination from the interior surfaces into the purge gas. The contaminated purge gas is removed from the device and the process is, continued until the contaminant concentration in the contaminated purge gas is below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning method including rotating a substrate at least for a period, supplying a liquid to the front surface of the substrate and cleaning the substrate, and drying the substrate is provided. Said drying of the substrate includes: reducing a rotational speed of the substrate to a first rotational speed lower than a rotational speed for cleaning the substrate; starting to move a liquid supply position from approximately the center of the substrate towards a peripheral portion when the rotational speed of the substrate is reduced down to the first rotational speed; stopping liquid supply when the second rotational speed lower than the first rotational speed is reached; increasing the rotational speed from the second rotational speed; and supplying a gas towards the substrate while rotating the substrate at a higher rotational speed than the second rotational speed.

Abstract: A washing unit for vegetables, comprising at least one upper and one lower stacked tanks, which are suitable to contain washing water and vegetables to be washed, and wherein a connection is provided between an upper and a lower tank of said tanks, said connection being suitable to allow for the vegetables to be washed to be transferred among said at least two tanks.

Abstract: A centrifugal workpiece processor for processing semiconductor wafers and similar workpieces includes a head which holds and spins the workpiece. The head includes a rotor having a gas system. Gas is sprayed or jetted from inlets in the rotor to create a rotational gas flow. The rotational gas flow causes pressure conditions which hold the edges of a first side of the workpiece against contact pins or surfaces on the rotor. The rotor and the workpiece rotate together. Guide pins adjacent to a perimeter may help to align the workpiece with the rotor. An angled surface helps to deflect spent process liquid away from the workpiece. The head is moveable into multiple different engagement positions with a bowl. Spray nozzles in the bowl spray a process liquid onto the second side of the workpiece, as the workpiece is spinning, to process the workpiece. A moving end point detector may be used to detect an end point of processing.

Abstract: A hydrolasing system for use in storage tanks includes a remotely-operated water lance having an elongated main body and an axle assembly that folds parallel to the main body so that it can be deployed and retrieved through a small-diameter riser of storage tank. After deployment, the system can be remotely operated within the tank to remove hardened salt cake.

Abstract: For the temporary storage of sundry articles, such as clothing, keys, coins, and the like on beach-type umbrellas, an article storage accessory of cylindrical shape is threaded onto the support pole of the umbrella and clamped in place by means of screws extending through threaded openings through the cylinder wall. Various means, such as hooks or rails, are provided on the cylinder accessory, including, optionally, a bowl threaded onto the pole, providing means in or on which various articles can be stored. In one embodiment, the umbrella poll comprises two segments normally joined together at ends of the two segments. In this embodiment, the storage accessory comprises a tubular member interposed between the two segments and end connected to each. The tubular member includes means, such as extending hooks, for the storage of articles thereon.

Abstract: A ventilated umbrella includes a foldable frame, upper canopy and lower canopy. An upper and lower stopping rings with certain interval therebetween are disposed under the upper notched ring of the main shaft while a notched ring for string is slidable between the two stopping rings and a compression spring is between the notched ring for string and the lower stopping ring. A plurality of radial vertical slots with larger inner slots and smaller outer slots are disposed evenly on the notched ring for string so that one end of a plurality of strings is set into the vertical slot and restrained by a ring while the other end is connected to upper circumference of the lower canopy. And the connection point is located under a horizontal line formed by joints between the main ribs and the stretchers. Thereby a plurality of strings is easy to attach on the notched ring for string.

Abstract: In its preferred embodiment, the fast-erecting portable structure principally comprises two or more flexible framing rods and a flexible skin. The flexible framing rods essentially form inverted u-shapes and the flexible skin hangs from the flexible framing rods in substantially a dome shape. More specifically, the flexible skin can be supported from the flexible framing rods by sleeves sewn into the flexible skin. The sleeves allow the flexible skin to slide along the length of the flexible framing rods. The flexible skin is also fixed (or non-removably) connected to the ends of the flexible framing rods. The fast-erecting portable structure can be stored by coiling the flexible framing rods into a storage bag. The fast-erecting portable structure allows the structure to be immediately erected from the coiled position in the storage bag into the structure without any intermediate steps or the addition or removal of any parts.

Abstract: One provides (101) disperse ultra-nanocrystalline diamond powder material that comprises a plurality of substantially ordered crystallites that are each sized no larger than about 10 nanometers. One then reacts (102) these crystallites with a metallic component. The resultant nanowire is then able to exhibit a desired increase with respect to its ability to conduct electricity while also substantially preserving the thermal conductivity behavior of the disperse ultra-nanocrystalline diamond powder material. The reaction process can comprise combining (201) the crystallites with one or more metal salts in an aqueous solution and then heating (203) that aqueous solution to remove the water. This heating can occur in a reducing atmosphere (comprising, for example, hydrogen and/or methane) to also reduce the salt to metal.

Abstract: A solar power-operated cooling helmet is disclosed to include a helmet body, a flat solar cell module mounted in the top wall of the helmet body for converting the energy of sunlight into electric energy, a thermoelectric cooling module mounted in the helmet and electrically connected to the power output terminal of the solar cell module with a heat sink bonded to the hot side thereof and exposed to the outside of the helmet body and a cooling-air radiator bonded to the cold side and suspending inside the helmet body, and a fan-based cooling air delivery mounted inside the helmet body for delivering cold air to the inside space of the helmet body to comfort the user's head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for harvesting energy in a fuel cell powered vehicle has first and second energy harvesting elements with at least two ends, the first end being electrically insulated from and in thermal communication with a high temperature reservoir associated with the fuel cell, the second end being electrically insulated from and in thermal communication with a low temperature reservoir associated with an exterior of the vehicle. The apparatus has particular utility for use in watercraft, specifically an underwater vehicle. The energy harvesting apparatus can include an electrical storage means for storing the energy harvested, and/or an electric load for consuming the energy harvested.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for making a thermotunneling device. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises metal/semiconductor or semiconductor/semiconductor bonded material combinations that allows current flow between a hot plate and a cold plate of a thermoelectric device, and interrupting a flow of phonons between the hot plate and the cold plate of the thermoelectric device, wherein the interrupted flow is caused by a nanogap, said nanogap being formed by applying a small voltage or current between the two sides of the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power generator which outputs power generated by a solar battery panel through a DC-DC converter detects a time point at which a time differentiation value of output voltage of the solar battery panel substantially becomes zero, obtains power variation from the output power of the solar battery panel at each time point, controls the DC-DC converter based on the power variation, thereby swiftly and precisely tracking the maximum power point of the solar battery panel even when hysteresis loop (dynamic characteristic) is generated.

Abstract: A connection device for connecting at least one electrical conductor to at least one connecting lead includes a connector housing having at least one connecting lead receiving through-hole and at least one electrical conductor receiving through-hole. An intermediate connection arrangement is arranged in the connector housing and has a first connection area configured for connecting the connecting lead and a second connection area configured for connecting the electrical conductor. The intermediate connection arrangement includes a substrate arrangement having an electrical conductor structure and a thermal conduction structure. The electrical conductor structure is configured for electrically connecting the first and second connection areas, and the thermal conduction structure is configured to dissipate thermal energy from at least one diode. The diode has substantially flat opposing main faces and is electrically connected to the electrical conductor structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining radiant energy has first and second photovoltaic receivers. A primary curved reflective surface is disposed to reflect incident polychromatic radiation toward a first focal plane. A spectral separator is disposed between the first focal plane and the primary curved reflective surface. The spectral separator has a dichroic separating surface, convex with respect to the incident reflected polychromatic radiation and treated to reflect a first spectral band toward the first photovoltaic receiver and to transmit reflected polychromatic radiation outside the first spectral band. The spectral separator also has a curved separator reflective surface, convex with respect to the light transmitted through the dichroic separating surface and treated to reflect at least a portion of the light transmitted through the dichroic separating surface toward the second photovoltaic receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining radiant energy from a polychromatic radiant energy source has a spectral separator with a first curved surface concave to the incident radiant energy and treated to reflect a first spectral band toward a first focal region and to transmit a second spectral band and a second curved surface concave to the incident radiant energy and treated to reflect the second spectral band toward a second focal region. The first and second curved surfaces are optically positioned so that the first and second focal regions are spaced apart from each other. There are first and second light receivers, wherein the first light receiver is disposed nearest the first focal region for receiving the first spectral band and the second light receiver is disposed nearest the second focal region for receiving the second spectral band.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprising a wafer comprising a semiconductor material of a first conductivity type, the wafer comprising a first light receiving surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a first passivation layer positioned over the first surface of the wafer; a first electrical contact comprising point contacts positioned over the second surface of the wafer and having a conductivity type opposite to that of the wafer; and a second electrical contact comprising point contacts and positioned over the second surface of the wafer and separated electrically from the first electrical contact and having a conductivity type the same as that of the wafer.

Abstract: A plurality of quantum dots comprise a first inorganic material, and each quantum dot is coated with a second inorganic material. The coated quantum dots being are in a matrix of a third inorganic material. At least the first and third materials are photoconductive semiconductors. The second material is arranged as a tunneling barrier to require a charge carrier (an electron or a hole) at a base of the tunneling barrier in the third material to perform quantum mechanical tunneling to reach the first material within a respective quantum dot. A first quantum state in each quantum dot is between a conduction band edge and a valence band edge of the third material in which the coated quantum dots are embedded. Wave functions of the first quantum state of the plurality of quantum dots may overlap to form an intermediate band.

Abstract: A solar cell and method for producing same is disclosed. The solar cell includes a multijunction solar cell structure and a notch filter designed to reflect solar energy that does not contribute to the current output of the multijunction solar cell. By reflecting unused solar energy, the notch filter allows the solar cell to run cooler (and thus more efficiently) yet it still allows all junctions to fully realize their electrical current production capability.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for a dual heterojunction multijunction solar cell are disclosed. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises growing a base material for a solar cell, growing at least one dual heterojunction on the base material, and growing an emitter on the at least one dual heterojunction. An apparatus in acccordance with the present invention comprises a substrate, and a first subcell, coupled to the substrate, wherein the first subcell comprises a base region, coupled to the substrate, an emitter region, and at least one dual heterojunction, coupled between the base region and the emitter region, wherein the at least one dual heterojunction has a lower bandgap than the emitter region.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are articles for converting electromagnetic radiation to a useful form of energy such as electricity. The articles comprise double-sided photovoltaic cells and/or single-sided photovoltaic cells that can absorb electromagnetic radiation and can convert this radiation into electricity. In one embodiment, the article can comprise opposingly disposed single-sided photovoltaic cells that have a photoactive side and an inactive face respectively. The photovoltaic cells are therefore disposed between two panels or are disposed into a slot that is located on a panel surface that is opposed to the panel surface that is directly impinged by electromagnetic radiation. The articles can be used efficiently as solar panels.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for solar conversion using nanoscale cometal structures are disclosed herein. The cometal structures may be coaxial and coplanar. A nanoscale optics apparatus for use as a solar cell comprises a plurality of nanoscale cometal structures each including a photovoltaic material located between a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor. A method of fabricating solar cells comprises preparing a plurality of nanoscale planar structures; coating a plurality of planar surfaces of the plurality of planar structures with a photovoltaic semiconductor while leaving space between the plurality of planar surfaces; and coating the photovoltaic semiconductor with an outer electrical conductor layer, wherein a portion of the outer electrical conductor layer is located between the planar structures to form coplanar structures.

Abstract: A multijunction, monolithic, photovoltaic (PV) cell and device (600) is provided for converting radiant energy to photocurrent and photovoltage with improved efficiency. The PV cell includes an array of subcells (602), i.e., active p/n junctions, grown on a compliant substrate, where the compliant substrate accommodates greater flexibility in matching lattice constants to adjacent semiconductor material. The lattice matched semiconductor materials are selected with appropriate band-gaps to efficiently create photovoltage from a larger portion of the solar spectrum. Subcell strings (601, 603) from multiple PV cells are voltage matched to provide high output PV devices. A light emitting cell and device is also provided having monolithically grown red-yellow and green emission subcells and a mechanically stacked blue emission subcell.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a solar cell is provided. The method includes positioning a silicon substrate having a front surface and an opposing back surface in a plasma reaction chamber. A high-efficiency emitter structure is formed on the first surface of the silicon substrate. A back surface passivated structure is formed on the second surface of the silicon substrate.

Abstract: For the first time, electronic device quality Aluminum Antimonide (AlSb)-based single crystals produced by controlled atmospheric annealing are utilized in various configurations for solar cell applications. Like that of a GaAs-based solar cell devices, the AlSb-based solar cell devices as disclosed herein provides direct conversion of solar energy to electrical power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device comprising at least one type of conjugated polymer and at least one type of particular tubular nanostructure. The invention relates mainly to a device comprising at least one type of conjugated polymer (functioning as an electron donor) and at least one type of tubular nanostructure (functioning as an electron acceptor), said tubular nanostructure comprising at least one complexed pigment on its surface. The device is proposed in particular for forming a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dye sensitized solar cell comprising an n-type semiconductor electrode containing a dye, an opposed electrode, and a gel electrolyte arranged between the n-type semiconductor and the opposed electrode and containing a gelling agent and an electrolyte that contains iodine, wherein the gelling agent contains a compound including an N-containing group and at least one atomic group selected from a group consisting of a sulfonic group and a carboxylic group.

Abstract: A double-walled flexible dispenser sump connection system prevents fuel leaks into a dispenser sump located below a fuel dispenser. An inner flexible connector and an outer flexible connector are configured such that the dispenser sump connection system may be installed on newly constructed fuel delivery systems or be retrofitted onto existing fuel delivery systems in order to bring them into compliance with recently environmental regulations.

Abstract: An intermediate bulk container (IBC) for offloading materials comprises a portable tank including a bottom wall having a bottom discharge outlet. A thermal trip stop valve is mounted at the discharge outlet. The thermal trip stop valve comprises a spring loaded emergency valve biased to a closed position and including a lever arm actuable to operate the valve to an open position. A fusible link operatively connects a pull handle to the lever arm so the pull handle manually operates the emergency valve. A latch mechanism latches the pull handle with the emergency valve in the open position, whereby the fusible link opens under high temperature conditions to disconnect the pull handle from the lever arm to close the emergency valve.

Abstract: A pressure-relief and cutoff device for an air compressor has a body, a link rod, a cutoff assembly and a bleed assembly. The body has a first adapting tube connecting to a reservoir, a second adapting tube connecting to a pump and the reservoir and a bottom opening. The link rod is mounted movably in the body. The cutoff assembly has a diaphragm attached to the link rod, an actuating rod and two terminals electrically connecting to the motor. The terminals respectively have a resilient contact and a stationary contact. The bleed assembly has a stopper attached to the link rod and selectively sealing the bottom opening of the body. When the air pressure in the reservoir is too great, the air bends the diaphragm to push the resilient contact to disconnect from the contact to stop the motor. The pump stops operating immediately to prevent damage by backflow.

Abstract: A condensate drain includes a body defining an interior space. An inlet opening is in fluid communication with the interior space of the body for allowing condensate to enter into the interior space, and an outlet opening is in fluid communication with the interior space of the body for allowing condensate to exit the interior space. A float is disposed in the interior space for movement within the interior space relative to the body generally along a float axis between a closed position in which the float blocks fluid communication from the inlet opening to the outlet opening and an open position in which the float permits fluid communication from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. The float is buoyant so that the float is moved to the open position by condensate as condensate fills the interior space of the body. The interior space and the float are sized and shaped so that the float is constrained to substantial alignment with the float axis.

Abstract: The object is to provide a mixing valve and a mixing device which can more easily control the flow rates of one fluid and another fluid or fluids in comparison with a conventional mixing valve. In a mixing valve 10A in which a main passage 13 through which one fluid f1 passes and at least one subsidiary passage 14 (14A, 14B) through which the other fluids f2, f3 pass are connected via opening/closing valve portions 20A, 20B to open/close communicating openings 18A, 18B, pressure sensors 31, 32, 33(34) are disposed in the main passage and the subsidiary passages, respectively, to detect the pressures of the fluids passing through the main passage and the subsidiary passages.

Abstract: A valve construction kit is provided for the production of valve clusters respectively having several juxtaposed plate-like valve units. Each valve unit comprises a core module having a valve spool and a frame-like encasing element surrounding the core module. The construction kit furthermore comprises several encasing elements differing at least as regards the consistency of the their material and of different types so that it is possible to produce valve units for different applications owing to the selected combination with core modules.

Abstract: A thermostatically controlled bypass valve includes a housing having a first inlet port and a first discharge port located proximate to one another, wherein the first inlet port is configured to receive hot water, and the first discharge port is configured to discharge the hot water. The housing has a second inlet port and a second discharge port located proximate to one another, wherein the second inlet port is configured to receive cold water, and the second discharge port is configured to discharge the cold water. The first and second inlet and discharge ports are formed integral with one another as part of the housing, and the housing includes a passage permitting recirculating flow between the first and second inlet ports. A thermally sensitive actuating member is disposed in a chamber in the housing, wherein the thermally sensitive actuating member extends when heated and contracts when cooled.

Abstract: A swiveling overhead air supply for an air powered tool, including at least a mounting structure, a swivel attached to or incorporated into the mounting structure, an arm attached to the swivel, and an air line or air line connector attached to or extending from the arm. The air line or air line connector preferably is located at or near an end of the arm opposite the swivel. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting structure mounts to a ceiling, a beam in the ceiling, a wall, or a beam in the wall. Also, a method of using the swiveling overhead air supply to provide an air supply for an air powered tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve which is insertable into a receiving recess (21) of a valve carrier (22), the valve (1, 1?) comprising a first housing part (2, 2?) and a closing body (4). The closing body (4) cooperates with a sealing surface (9) to form a sealing seat, the valve (1, 1?) being fixable in the receiving recess (21) of the valve carrier (22) by means of the first housing part (2, 2?). A second housing part (3, 3?) is connectable by way of a first end (7) to the first housing part (2, 2?) and the sealing surface (9) cooperating with the closing body (4) is formed on the second housing part (3, 3?).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breath controlled air inlet valve for controlling a flow of air supplied to a wearer of a facemask, the valve permitting the flow of air when a wearer breathes in and restricting the flow of air when the wearer breathes out. The valve includes an inlet, an outlet, one or more pivotable shutters, and a shutter articulating mechanism for articulating the one or more shutters between an open state and a closed state. The shutter articulation mechanism actuates in response to the respiration of the wearer. The valve also enables a positive pressure to be maintained within the facemask by permitting an amount of air to flow around the one or more shutters when the one or more shutters are in the closed state.

Abstract: A flow through injection valve having a stationary member, a movable member, a surface of the stationary member interfacing with a surface of the movable member; and at least one pin isolation valve having a flow through internal conduit and movably positioned so that the internal conduit can interface with at least one flow through conduit in the movable member. The pin isolation valves are movably positioned so that the internal conduit is also capable of fluidically communicating with another flow through internal conduit in the movable member. The flow through injection valve can be combined with a similar flow through isolation valve to serve as a multiple valve and typically for replacing a conventional face seal valve of a high pressure liquid chromatography system. The multiple valve allows flow to be transferred through without need for switching or rotating under high pressure. Movement is by rotation or translation.

Abstract: A faucet including a spout body formed of metal and having an inlet end, an outlet end and a chamber extending between inlet and outlet ends. A tube formed of a non-metallic material is enclosed within the chamber and has receiving and dispensing ends. Tube defines a passage extending between receiving and dispensing ends. Receiving end is in fluid communication with water source to communicate water through passage. An inlet coupling formed of a non-metallic material and having an inlet opening extending therethrough is molded about receiving end such that receiving end is sealingly received within inlet opening. An outlet coupling formed of a non-metallic material and having an outlet opening extending therethrough is molded about dispensing end such that dispensing end is sealingly received within outlet opening. Inlet and outlet couplings are sealingly coupled to inlet and outlet ends of spout body, respectively.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control valve for use in a hydraulic multiplate clutch assembly includes a valve plate having a ridge-shaped, elevated portion formed in a proximity of at least a part of the valve plate, where a deformation is to take place in a staking step to be performed upon assembly of the hydraulic pressure control valve. The ridge-shaped, elevated portion serves to prevent the deformation from spreading to a closing part of the valve plate for an associated oil leak hole.

Abstract: An inline foam eductor includes a first conduit having an upstream end, a downstream end, and a restriction between the upstream end and the downstream end, a second conduit in fluid communication with the first conduit downstream of the restriction between the restriction and the downstream end of the first conduit wherein fluid flowing through the first conduit through the restriction generates a venturi effect to thereby form a vacuum pressure in the second conduit, and a foam supply conduit in fluid communication with the second conduit. A metering device is operable to reduce the vacuum pressure in the second conduit to adjust the amount of foam drawn from the foam supply conduit into said first conduit through the second conduit.

Abstract: A structure for reducing turbulence and increasing flow uniformity in a flowing fluid in a wind tunnel, or a fluid channel, has a plurality of conduits or channels arranged into a conduit bundle. The conduit bundle has a number of parallel conduits with plurality of perforations on the inner side walls of the conduit. As the fluid flows through the conduit bundle the sides of the conduits reduce lateral turbulence while the perforations minimize pressure gradients in the flowing fluid in adjacent conduits, resulting in isotropic turbulence. The invention is particularly useful in testing aircraft, improving engine performance, and fluid mechanics applications.

Abstract: A hollow conduit, being primarily round, or having n sides wherein n is greater than or equal to three, and process for making the conduit is described herein. The hollow conduit is comprised of a polymer inner conduit having a pair of opposed ends and an interior and exterior surface. An overmolded corrugated polymer is bonded between at least a portion of the ends and at least a portion of the exterior surface of the inner conduit. The overmolded polymer has at least one flexible position retaining means at least partially embedded within. The flexible position retaining means within the overmolded polymer may be a metallic wire. The inner conduit may be a thermoset, and the overmolded corrugated plastic may be a thermoplastic.

Abstract: The heddle shaft (1) according to the invention combines a traditional heddle machine (2) with an eccentric toothed gearing to purposely allow the heddle shaft (1) to dwell for longer periods of time in the upper and lower reversing region and to reduce any accelerations that occur. This permits an increase in the weaving speed and/or the weaving widths. For a particularly advantageous embodiment, a coupling device is additionally provided, which gives the heddle shaft (1) a pendulum movement with a stroke ranging from a few millimeters to centimeters during the idle phases, meaning when no sheds are formed. As a result of the pendulum movement of the heddle shaft (1) in the upper or lower reversing region, the acceleration loads on the heddle shaft (1) can be further reduced.