Abstract: An actuator for selectively causing axial compression of friction elements in a clutch is disclosed. The actuator comprises a pair of beveled wedge washers and a bearing race supported between the washers. The race supports conical bearing rollers in a generally radial orientation. An actuator plate is mounted for rotation relative to the bearing race and includes bearing ramp surfaces that are operable to move the conical bearing rollers radially inwardly thereby forcing the washers to move apart axially and to thereby cause compression of and torque transfer through the friction elements. A clutch including the actuator is well suited for inclusion in a transfer case.

Abstract: A torque tube assembly for transmitting rotational force from a first end to a second end includes a number n of concentric elongate torque tubes, where n is an odd integer greater than or equal to three. The concentric elongate torque tubes are connected for co-rotation. A serpentine thermal conduction path is defined between the first end of the torque tube assembly and the second end of the torque tube assembly, and includes at least a portion of each of the concentric elongate torque tubes.

Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic fluid supply structure including: a discharge line fluidly connected to a discharge port of a hydraulic pump body and regulated to have a first pressure value; an external hydraulic fluid extraction line for supplying the hydraulic fluid to an actuator for raising and lowering a working machine, the external hydraulic fluid extraction line being fluidly connected to the discharge line through a resistance valve; a PTO hydraulic fluid line for supplying the hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic operating type clutch mechanism for engaging or disengaging power transmission to the working machine, the PTO hydraulic line being fluidly connected to the discharge line through a throttle valve and regulated to have a second pressure value lower than the first pressure value; and a PTO switching valve interposed in the PTO hydraulic fluid line so as to turn ON/OFF the supply of the hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A transmission for a work machine is disclosed. The transmission has a source of pressurized fluid, a low pressure reservoir, a plurality of hydraulically actuated clutches, a first plurality of valve mechanisms, and a second plurality of valve mechanisms. Each of the first plurality of valve mechanisms is associated with one of the plurality of hydraulically actuated clutches and configured to selectively fill and drain the associated one of the plurality of hydraulically actuated clutches. Each of the second plurality of valve mechanisms is associated with one of the plurality of hydraulically actuated clutches and configured to selectively fill and drain the associated one of the plurality of hydraulically actuated clutches. The transmission also includes a master latch mechanism in fluid communication with only the second plurality of valve mechanisms.

Abstract: A clutch system may include in certain embodiments a clutch body attached to a drive member such as a drive pulley, wherein the clutch body may be removed from the drive member without disassembling the clutch body. In various embodiments, the clutch body may include two clutch plates which enclose a spring-loaded pneumatic reciprocating assembly that in operation causes the plates to selectively separate and engage one another. In certain embodiments, the clutch body may be readily attached to a associated drive pulley in a single step by installation of a single set of fasteners.

Abstract: In a vibration compaction machine such as a rammer, a lining wear dust is prevented from accumulating inside a clutch drum due to oblique attachment of a centrifugal clutch, such that the input shaft side is high and the output shaft side is low because of a forward tilted posture of the machine body. Discharge ports for a lining wear dust are opened with a spacing therebetween in a corner section of a disk-shaped wall surface and an annular circumferential surface of a clutch drum in a centrifugal clutch that is disposed obliquely so that the input shaft is high and an output shaft is low, the discharge ports being obtained by cutting out portions of the annular circumferential surface close to the corner section.

Abstract: A vehicle having a power unit and a drive train. The drive train is connected to the power unit. The drive train includes a transmission having a shaft and a clutch assembly connected to the transmission. The clutch assembly has a retaining structure and a sleeve. The sleeve is in contact with the retaining structure and the shaft extends through the sleeve. The sleeve includes a body and a ring removably attached to an outer surface of the body. The body has at least one internal substantially cylindrically shaped bearing surface. The body also has an outer surface and a first hardness. The ring has a second hardness different from the first hardness.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a stamped side plate for a torque converter stator, including: an annular segment having an inner circumferential surface and a top surface and at least one protrusion extending radially inward beyond the inner circumferential surface. The at least one protrusion comprises a race retaining surface substantially parallel to the top surface. The inner circumferential surface and the race retaining surface are arranged to center and retain an inner race for the stator, respectively. The annular segment also includes at least one annular protrusion extending from the top surface and including a centering surface substantially orthogonal to the top surface. The centering surface is arranged to center a bearing for the stator. The at least one annular protrusion is proximate the inner circumferential surface or an outer edge for the annular segment.

Abstract: A seat adjusting apparatus includes: a first clutch mechanism; a second clutch mechanism; and a return member having a contact portion and a second engagement portion. The contact portion is configured to come in contact with a roller and is positioned in a wedge-shaped space. The contact portion is located at the side of an area, where a distance between a cam surface of an input side member of a first clutch mechanism and an inner peripheral surface of a control member is reduced. The second engagement portion is engaged in a circumferential direction with a first engagement portion provided at the input side member so that the return member rotates integrally with the input side member.

Abstract: A combplate closes the terminal ends of a continuous belt transport system having grooved carrier plates. The combplate has a plurality of protrusions and a communications board. The plurality of spaced apart projections are located along the one lateral edge with a portion thereof extending forward of the one lateral edge, shaped to align with and pass between the carrier plate grooves, and provided with a detector that senses a break in its integrity and a circuit for communicating its status externally. The communications board is in electrical contact with each of the projections for repeatedly monitoring the status of each projection to detect a break in a projection's integrity.

Abstract: A stepchain for a passenger conveyor includes a plurality of stepchain links (30, 130, 230). There is only one link-to-link interface (31) on each side of the steps (24) such that the number of links (30) on each side of the steps (24) is equal to the number of steps (24). The inventive arrangement reduces rotation or contraction of the stepchain between steps (24). Elongation of the stepchain is also reduced as there is a reduction in the number of interfaces (31). The inventive arrangement also facilitates arcuate movement of the steps (24) along a constant radius through the transition zones between the inclined area (27) and the landing areas (29). Having a truly arcuate movement allows for reducing the gap (33) between the steps (24) at the transition zones. In one example at least one needle bearing (190) is associated with an attachment mechanism (184, 284) at the interface (31) between adjacent links (30) to allow for rotation between the stepchain links (30) and to eliminate the need for lubrication.

Abstract: Configurable modular chain pallet transport systems are described. The systems primarily include a roller chain having link pins that are extended out on both sides to enable pucks to be simply pushed on the chain sides, i.e., between or over the pins. The pucks are designed to be slightly taller than the chain link heights (i.e., tall enough to allow long term wear and ensure that nothing but the drive and take-up sprocket's teeth ever touches the steel chain's rollers and links), wherein the chain is sandwiched between the pucks, and also suspended (i.e., centered height-wise) by the pucks. The transport systems also provide simplified pallet redirection operations, or combinations of redirection and reorientation of pallets. With respect to pallet redirection/radial reorientation scenarios, there are four primary equipment set-ups, each being comprised of simple, statically mounted tooling at the angular intersections of the various conveyor modules of the transport systems.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a product to a conveyor and/or carton includes a wheel and a plurality of carriers arranged in rows. A distance between each carrier in the plurality of carriers is adjustable as the product is transferred around a circumference of the wheel. Optionally, a height of each product relative to an adjacent product is likewise adjustable.

Abstract: Products (6) are fed in an ordered succession by a unit (100) comprising a conveyor unit (1) equipped with pockets (43, 53), an outfeed conveyor (3) on which products (6) advance in succession at a given pitch (p2), also a transfer unit (2) operating between the conveyor unit (1) and the outfeed conveyor (3). The conveyor unit (1) presents a first belt (4) and a second belt (5) placed one beside the other and equipped with independent motors (M1, M2), whilst the pockets (43, 53) are arranged in first and second groups, each comprising a given number (n) of pockets ordered at constant pitch (p1) and associated respectively with the first belt (4) and the second belt (5), so that the groups are alternated one with another along a predetermined path (P).

Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaner for scraping material from a surface comprising a mounting assembly operatively attached to a support frame, the mounting assembly comprising at least one scraper blade, a biasing member associated with each scraper blade and a scraper blade arm extending there between. The biasing member and scraper blade arm are configured such that the conveyor belt cleaner provides for full circle deflection of and a floating point of rotation for the base member, scraper blade arm, and scraper blade. The mounting assembly is further configured to enable material cleaned from the conveyor belt surface to pass freely through the mounting assembly to avoid inhibiting the operation of the conveyor belt cleaner.

Abstract: A lubrication system for delivering high temperature lubricant to a conveyor moving a foodstuff in a heated environment. The lubrication system determines the position of multiple wear points of the conveyor and the speed of the conveyor in order to lubricate the multiple wear points during operation of the conveyor. A single sensor is used to determine both the position of the wear points and the speed of the conveyor. The lubrication system is configured to lubricate the wear points while the conveyor is moving and the foodstuff is being heated. The lubrication system minimizes the amount of lubrication needed in accordance with the nonfood compound regulations for lubricants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for intermittent driving of a conveyor that partly surrounds a drum rotatable around a centre axis. The drive device includes drive member and motion transmission member. According to the invention, the drive member is arranged to execute a reciprocating motion. The motion transmission member, in the motion of the drive member in a first direction, is arranged to impart the drum a rotary motion in a first rotary direction and impart the conveyor a motion. Further, the motion transmission member, in the motion of the drive member in a second direction, is arranged to impart the drum a rotary motion in a second rotary direction in such a way that the conveyor is at rest. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Abstract: A derailleur drive chain structure for downhill event operating in conjunction with a gear disk includes inner chain plates, outer chain plates, sleeves, and pins. Each sleeve is disposed between each pair of inner chain plates. Each pin is to connect each pair of abutted outer and inner chain plates. Two ends are provided on a first side of each outer chain plate. The outer edge of each outer chain plate externally to the two ends is disposed with a protruding portion to improve tensile strength and flexibility of the chain to upgrade its impact withstanding performance for improving riding safety.

Abstract: Described are computer-controlled switching mechanisms that couple various audio/visual devices' outputs to the inputs of other audio/visual devices. The user (or some process) selects an audio/visual operating mode via a computer system, and the computer system controls the switching mechanism to couple audio/visual devices in a way that matches the mode. The computer may also control settings and operations of some or all of the devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making an actuation system for an optical component comprising: etching of a first face of a component, to form pads on it, etching of a second face of the component, to expose a membrane made of the same material as the pads, production of the actuation means of the pads and the membrane.

Abstract: A bypass blade is pivotably connected to the first terminal pad, and movable between open and closed positions. The bypass blade is electrically connected between the first and third terminal pads when in the closed position. A first disconnect blade is pivotally connected to a second terminal pad and movable between open and closed positions. The first disconnect blade is electrically connected between the first and second terminal pads when in the closed position. A second disconnect blade is pivotally connected to a fourth terminal pad and movable between open and closed positions. The second disconnect blade is electrically connected between the third and fourth terminal pads when in the closed position. An interrupter lever is connected to an interrupter and electrically connected to the third terminal pad. A hook ring is connected to the first and second disconnect blades. The hook ring is movable between closed and open positions.

Abstract: A cassette for a draw-out circuit breaker apparatus is disclosed. The cassette comprises a base having a front edge and a back edge, the back edge defining a back plane, a set of shutters disposed at the back plane and configured to open and close, and a set of shutter locks extending from the front edge to the back edge and in operable communication with the set of shutters. The shutter locks are biased toward a first position. In response to the shutter locks being driven toward a second position, the shutters are restrained from opening. The shutter locks are configured to be restrained in the second position.

Abstract: There is provided a time-delay soft switch that has one or more first layers (10) of material with first elastomeric properties and one or more second layers of material with second elastomeric properties differing from those of the one or more first layers (10). One or more first layers (10) and/or one or more second layers (20) are each provided with at least one electrically conductive portion surface (12, 22). The time-delay switch provides, via the relative elastomeric properties of the layers, a time delay for opening and/or closing of an electric circuit that is compatible with the soft, flexible nature of a fabric.

Abstract: The present invention describes a multiple switch selection device where the movement of the first member may be very limited such that the overall construction height of the device may be very shallow, whereby the applications where such a multiple switch selection device can be built in, may be widened. Furthermore, it is also an object of the present invention to make the multiple switch selection device more versatile such that a wider range of input may be generated from one single device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for controlling electrical switchgear, the control device including an actuating arm (8) having a connection point (8b) suitable for being moved along a closed line (L) including points P1, P2, and P3: during an opening stage for opening the moving contact, under the effect of a mechanical spring (12), from point P1 to point P2; during a re-cocking stage for re-cocking the mechanical spring (12), under the effect of a motor (10) being switched on, and while keeping the moving contact in the open position, from point P2 to point P3; and during a closure stage for closing the moving contact, also under the effect of the motor being switched on, from point P3 to P1.

Abstract: A system includes a control device including an actuator, a movement of which is adapted to cause a movement of an actuator plunger; and a switching element. The switching element includes a switch slide adapted to follow a movement of the actuator plunger; a first terminal and a second terminal; contacting members adapted to connect the first terminal to the second terminal; and contact breaking member adapted to disconnect the first terminal from the second terminal in response to an inward displacement of the switch slide exceeding a first distance. The switching element further includes a jump system, responsive to displacement of the switch slide, adapted to bring the contacting members together to connect the first terminal to the second terminal if the inward displacement of the switch slide exceeds a second distance that is less than the first distance.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a continuous contacting apparatus for separating a liquid component from a liquid mixture. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first chamber having first and second ends, a second chamber having first and second ends, and a common heat transfer wall capable of providing thermal communication between the first chamber and the second chamber. Two condensors/heat exchangers can also be connected to the two chambers. In an another embodiment, the invention relates to a continuous contacting apparatus for exchanging heat released by a desiccant. The apparatus includes a heat-releasing chamber, a heat-absorbing chamber, a common heat transfer wall capable of providing thermal communication between the heat-releasing chamber and the heat producing chamber, and a desiccant regenerator.

Abstract: An improved boiler that allows distillation of ethanol from a continuous flow of a hydrous feedstock compound, which may be beer or other semi-solid substance. The internal compartment of the boiler is separated into different zones by a plurality of primary baffle plates and secondary baffle plates. The hydrous feedstock compound is heated as it passes from one zone to another zone and ethanol inside the hydrous feedstock compound vaporizes. The ethanol rich vapor is channeled through a collector column and then collected for further processing. The temperature of the hydrous feedstock compound is slightly different from one zone to another zone because of ethanol concentration changes as the hydrous feedstock compound moves from one zone to another. At the last zone, where most of ethanol is removed, the remaining hydrous feedstock compound is removed from the boiler.

Abstract: Photocatalytic materials based on coupling of semiconductor nanocrystalline quantum dots (NQD) and molecular catalysts. These materials have capability to drive or catalyze non-spontaneous chemical reactions in the presence of visible radiation, ultraviolet radiation, or both. The NQD functions in these materials as a light absorber and charge generator. Following light absorption, the NQD activates a molecular catalyst adsorbed on the surface of the NQD via transfer of one or more charges (either electrons or electron-holes) from the NQD to the molecular catalyst. The activated molecular catalyst can then drive a chemical reaction. A photoelectrolytic device that includes such photocatalytic materials is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to reduce thermal stresses in a sputter target during sputtering. The method provides the following steps providing a target holder, applying a target material comprising indium-tin-oxide on the target holder by spraying and introducing pores in the target material while applying the target material on the target holder. These pores leading to a porosity of at least 2% in the sprayed target material to reduce thermal stresses. The invention further relates to a sputter target having reduced thermal stresses and to a process for coating a substrate surface with indium-tin-oxide.

Abstract: The invention provides a substrate bearing a low-emissivity coating. The low-emissivity coating comprises at least one graded film region. In certain embodiments, at least one graded film region is provided between the two infrared-reflective layers of a double-type low-emissivity coating. The graded film region has a substantially continuously decreasing concentration of a first dielectric material and a substantially continuously increasing concentration of a second dielectric material. Also provided are methods of depositing such low-emissivity coatings and substrates bearing these coatings.

Abstract: A method of forming an aluminum-copper alloy film capable of preventing copper precipitation includes: (a) loading a wafer into a PVD tool comprising a vacuum transfer chamber that couples to a cool down chamber, an aluminum-copper sputter deposition process chamber and an anti-reflection coating process chamber; (b) sputter-depositing a first layer of aluminum-copper alloy onto the wafer in the aluminum-copper sputter deposition process chamber to a first thickness; (c) inter-cooling the wafer and the first layer of aluminum-copper alloy in the cool down chamber; (d) sputter-depositing a second layer of aluminum-copper alloy onto the cooled down first layer of aluminum-copper alloy in the aluminum-copper sputter deposition process chamber to a second thickness; and (e) repeating steps (b) to (d) until a third thickness of the aluminum-copper alloy is reached.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic layer with a magnetic anisotropy. The method includes an endpoint detection process for determining an end point to carefully control the final thickness of the magnetic layer. The method includes depositing a magnetic layer and then depositing a sacrificial layer over the magnetic layer. A low power angled ion milling is then performed until the magnetic layer has been reached. The angled ion milling can be performed at an angle relative to normal and without rotation in order to form an anisotropic surface texture that induces a magnetic anisotropy in the magnetic layer. An indicator layer may be included between the magnetic layer and the sacrificial layer in order to further improve endpoint detection.

Abstract: A coating of a target material is applied onto a substrate by placing the substrate in a chamber and energizing cathodes in the chamber to produce a plasma. Each cathode comprises a target material and is positioned in the same side of the chamber relative to the substrate. The plasma circulates in the chamber. An acid-resistant metal film can be made from an acid-soluble metal by applying the metal onto an acid-resistant substrate as described herein. A cathodic vapor deposition apparatus includes a chamber having a wall, including a wall comprising an access door. There are cathodes on the wall, a pump operatively connected to the chamber, and a fixture in the chamber. The fixture is electrically isolated from the chamber and the cathodes are all on the same side of the fixture.

Abstract: The present invention is a punch device for a substrate having a large breadth and small thickness. The device comprises a mechanism for winding and unwinding a correcting control unit, a tension control unit, a hydraulic mechanism, a punch mechanism, a high frequency and high voltage generator, a detecting unit, a controlling means for speed, a pulse frequency and pulse width control, and an user interface. The device is characterized in that the punching mechanism is composed of at least two or more electrode matrixes. Each electrode matrix is made up of a plurality of electrode bars longitudinally arrayed that form an angle ? with the movement direction of the substrate. Each pair of the electrode bars is composed of an anode bar and a cathode bar on either side of the substrate. Each bar is provided with electrode-pins in the number of M. The advantage of the present invention is that a unit area of the substrate to be processed can be punched multiple times when it passes through the working area.

Abstract: An electrochemical testing device for a specimen includes a receiving member, an auxiliary electrode, a work module, a clamping module, and a reference electrode. The receiving member receives an electrolytic solution and includes a surrounding wall having a bottom open end. The auxiliary electrode is mounted in the receiving member. The work module holds the specimen and includes at least one upper plate covering the open end to close the receiving member and having an opening connected fluidly to an interior of the receiving member, a lower plate, a work electrode plate interposed between and contacting the upper and lower plates, and a test specimen holding site provided at the work electrode plate and connected fluidly to the opening. The clamping module clamps the work module against the surrounding wall. The reference electrode is disposed in the receiving member above the work electrode plate.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas generation system is provided for use in a mobile vehicle. The mobile vehicle may be for example, a car or truck or other vehicle such as a balloon, dirigible, airship, ship, or boat. The vehicle has an on-board hydrogen generator for generating hydrogen gas, preferably using an electrolysis process. The hydrogen produced by the electrolysis process is stored in an on-board hydrogen storage tank. Hydrogen from the storage tank is flowed into a vehicle propulsion system where the hydrogen gas is consumed to provide power to propel the vehicle. An on-board electrical generation system provides at least some of the electricity for the electrolysis process. In one example, the vehicle has an on-board electrical generator for providing electricity for the electrolysis process. The on-board electric generation system may be, for example, a solar photovoltaic cell system, a wind turbine generator system, or a regenerative braking generator, for example.

Abstract: An electrode coated with peptide nanostructures, composed of self-assembled peptides, is disclosed. The electrode is capable of conducting a response current resulting from an electrochemical reaction. The electrode can form a part of an electrochemical cell, a detector and a sensor array. Methods utilizing an electrochemical cell, a detector or a sensor array comprising the electrode for detecting an Analyte in a sample and kits containing same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A spacer element (1) is disclosed having an integral screen for use in filled cell electrodialysis. The spacer (1) has a continuous portion (2) impermeable to flow and a screen (3) which spans a centrally-located flow treatment region that contains active treatment material, such as ion exchange beads. The screen (3) may perform a structural function, allowing operation at elevated pressure, and may also define a minimum gap between adjacent membranes and enhance mixing along the flow path and at cell boundaries. The spacer element (1) may be configured to enhance hydraulic filling of the cells, and cell architecture is readily implemented in a wide range of useful flow path geometries utilizing the screen spacer element (1).

Abstract: A sputtering apparatus includes a cathode for generating a plasma; one or more target on a front surface of the cathode; a plurality of magnets at a first distance from a back of the cathode for generating a first magnetic field intensity in the plasma; and a plurality of guide members for moving the individual magnets in a direction substantially perpendicular to the cathode to a second distance from the back of the cathode to change the first magnetic field intensity to a second magnetic field intensity.

Abstract: A method of producing polymer/nanotube composites where the density and position of the nanotubes (11) within the composite ca be controlled. Carbon nanotubes (11) are grown from organometallic micropatterns. These periodic nanotube arrays are then incorporated into a polymer matrix (7) by deposing a curable polymer film on the as-grown tubes. This controlled method of producing free-standing nanotube/polymer composite films may be used to form nanosensor (3) which provide information regarding a physical condition of a material (20), such as an airplane chassis or wing, in contact with the nanosensor (3).

Abstract: An electrode rod (1;21) for a pH meter, comprising a measuring end (2; 22) for immersion into a liquid test sample (31), wherein the measuring end (2; 22) has a pH measuring element, and wherein electrical feed lines (5) in the electrode rod (1;21) extend towards the pH measuring element, is characterized in that at least one capillary (8, 9, 10; 23) for feeding a liquid into the test sample (31) extends in the electrode rod (1; 21), and the at least one capillary (8, 9, 10; 23) has an outlet opening (11, 12, 13; 24) in the area of the measuring end (2; 22). The inventive electrode rod facilitates and accelerates preparation of liquid test samples, in particular, adjustment of a pH value for small amounts of test samples or narrow sample containers.

Abstract: A microfluidic device which electrochemically regulates a pH of a fluid, and a method of regulating a pH of a fluid using the microfluidic device, include a chamber which includes a cathode formed of a metal adsorbing hydrogen gas, and an anode formed of a metal having a higher standard oxidation potential than, and does not react with, water.

Abstract: A ligand DNA including a probe portion having a sequence that is complementary to a target DNA to be detected in a sample DNA, and a probe portion having a base sequence that is complementary to a base sequence of a marker DNA 2 in a conjugate DNA 10 is formed, and the sample DNA and the ligand DNA are combined to form a DNA complex, and further, the DNA complex is made to perform electrophoresis in the conjugate DNA. Therefore, it is possible to provide a DNA separation detection method which can appropriately separate the sample DNA and deal with various kinds of target sample DNAs in short time, without the necessity of searching for an optimum electrophoresis condition by complicatedly combining the amount of a bonding control agent to be contained in the conjugate DNA, the viscosity of linear polymer, the amount of the sample DNA, the amount of the conjugate DNA, and the like, for each DNA sequence as a detection target, when separating the sample DNA by electrophoresis.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide, for example, buffer compositions and/or sieving formulations useful in connection with electrophoresis instruments, such as capillary electrophoresis (CE) devices. In various embodiments, a buffer composition can include Bis-Tris, TAPS and/or TAPSO, and, optionally, a chelating agent, such as EDTA. Methods of separating samples containing bio-molecules, such as DNA or RNA, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to matrixes, arrays, systems and methods for analyzing biomolecules by their isoelectric point, optionally, in combination with a second dimension analysis. The assortment of matrixes, arrays and systems provided herein are useful for causing a biomolecule under the influence of an electrical field to accumulate into an IEF buffer that comprises a pH value that is the same as the isoelectric point of the biomolecule. The methods of this invention are useful for, e.g., research and diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A matrix electrode-controlling device for driving a droplet includes a substrate, a dielectric layer positioned on the substrate, a plurality of control electrodes positioned in the dielectric layer in a matrix manner, and a ground electrode positioned at a predetermined position around the control electrodes without generating electromagnetic shielding effect. The control electrodes in the same row are electrically connected to form a plurality of lateral controlling rows and the control electrodes in the same column are electrically connected to form a plurality of longitudinal controlling columns. The droplet is driven to move on or above the dielectric layer by biasing the ground electrode to the ground voltage and applying a predetermined voltage to one of the controlling rows and/or to one of the controlling columns to undergo the predetermined assaying operation.

Abstract: A treating method for probes positioned on a test card includes several steps for plating a layer of film of various materials according to different necessities on the tips or the portions of the probes before or after the probes on the test card is used, so that the tips of the probes may be repaired and plated again and again to let the probes increase their electric conductivity or insulating property and preventing electromagnetic interference. The materials of the layer of film may be metal, metal alloy or nonmetals.

Abstract: An image drum for selectively adsorbing a toner thereon so as to form an image in a printing apparatus. The image drum provides a new manufacturing method which can connect ring electrodes formed on the circumferential surface of a drum body and a printed circuit board including a control chip for supplying a necessary voltage to each ring electrode without using a laser processing. Namely, various manufacturing methods, such as a method of forming a connection hole by initially forming a bead made of a hydrophobic material or a conductive bump and removing the initially formed bead or conductive bump, and forming a ring electrode by filling a conductive material in the connection hole, and the structure thereof are provided. Accordingly, due to a simplified manufacturing process, manufacturing cost are reduced and an image drum may be more widely disseminated.

Abstract: A turbine engine component has a substrate formed from a nickel based superalloy and a platinum modified NiCoCrAlY bondcoat applied to a surface of the substrate. Two methods for forming the platinum modified NiCoCrAlY bondcoat are described herein.