Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of preparing a substrate for bonding that includes applying a cleanser to a reaction injection molded component. The substrate is dried to remove some or all of the liquid of the cleanser. The invention also relates to methods of bonding two substrates together. After cleaning the surface of one substrate with a basic solution, a primer may be applied to the cleaned surface or to a second substrate. An adhesive is then used to join the substrates together.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided that allows washed dishes located in the washing container to be dried effectively and efficiently from an economic perspective so as to keep the energy consumption as low as possible in spite of a very good drying performance. The dishwasher includes a washing container, a device for washing items retained in the washing container using rinsing liquid, a medium-retaining container for retaining therein a vaporisable medium or a sublimable medium, and a sorber with reversibly dehydratable material.

Abstract: A fresh produce washing and disinfecting apparatus comprises a housing and a basket for containing vegetables and fruits, wherein the housing has a lid, a containing space, a washing turntable, a driving motor, an ozone generator module, and a control circuit. The driving motor is connected to a washing turntable, and the ozone generator module is connected to an air stone by a duct, such that the ozone can decompose the remaining insecticide and disinfect germs, and the control circuit detects the ozone concentration, and the output end of the ozone generator module has a concentration detector coupled to a detect circuit. If ozone exits from the ozone generator module, the concentration detector will detect the ozone concentration and send a concentration signal to the detect circuit for controlling ozone and maintaining its concentration, and further complies with the standard of using ozone for disinfecting and purifying water.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wash water storage apparatus for exclusive use with a portable wash water supply hose that is used to remove feces contained for a long time in the human large intestine or wash the interior of the woman's vagina. The wash water storage apparatus can remove impurities contained in wash water to be supplied into the wash water supply hose and keep the wash water at a predetermined constant temperature. The apparatus includes an outer body including a cover and a temperature gauge panel having a power switch and temperature regulating switches, a filtering bucket inserted into the outer body and including a filter, and a supporting base mounted below the outer body and including a heater to come into contact with a lower surface of the filter for heating wash water having passed through the filtering bucket, a water level sensor and a water temperature sensor, and a drain passage to be connected to the wash water supply hose.

Abstract: In a substrate transfer robot and a substrate cleaning apparatus, the substrate transfer robot transfers substrates between a container supported by a load port and a processing module for cleaning the substrates. The substrate transfer robot includes a driving member that provides a driving force to transfer the substrates, a blade that transfers the substrates using the driving force, and a sensor that senses impurities existing on the blade. When the impurities are detected, a controller can control the operation of the driving member. Thus, the contamination of other substrates in the container can be effectively prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handle of an automatic umbrella, which includes a sleeve provided over the handle slidably. The handle has a control button, which can be hidden for avoiding from accidental contact. The handle is especially suitable for an automatic umbrella, which is manually opened. When the umbrella is opened manually, the button is then exposed for a next automatic closing of the umbrella. This is therefore utilized.

Abstract: A portable shelter (10) suitable for weather protection which has a structural frame having a pair of opposed side frames (12) and an overhead frame (13) wherein each side frame (12) has a pair of post assemblies (17) at each end thereof characterised in that each post assembly (17) comprises an inner vertical post (16) and an outer frame member having an upper end (18) and a lower end (19) which are attached to the inner vertical post (16).

Abstract: The present invention provides a complex oxide having a composition represented by the formula LavM1wNixM2yOz; wherein M1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Sr, Ca, Bi and Nd; M2 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Cu; and the subscripts are numbers which respectively satisfy 0.5?v?1.2; 0?w?0.5; 0.5?x?1.2; 0.01 ?y?0.5; and 2.8?z?3.2. The complex oxide of the invention has a negative Seebeck coefficient and a low electrical resistivity, i.e., an electrical resistivity of 10 m?cm or less, at 100° C. or higher and is a novel material with an excellent performance as an n-type thermoelectric material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoelectric conversion material and a process for producing the thermoelectric conversion materials. The thermoelectric conversion material I comprises a titanium oxide represented by the formula (A) TiOx (A), wherein 1.89=x<1.94 or 1.94<x<2.00, and the n-type thermoelectric conversion material has peaks at positions of 2?=26.0°±0.3°, 26.8°±0.3°, 27.9°±0.1°, and 28.2°±0.1° in an X-ray diffraction pattern measured under the conditions: X-ray source: CuKa, tube current: 140 mA, tube voltage: 40 kV, and step width: 0.02°. The process for producing a n-type thermoelectric conversion material I comprises the steps of calcining a titanium compound in a hydrogen-containing atmosphere under the following conditions to obtain a powder, in case of a hydrogen concentration of not less than 1 vol % and less than 5 vol % (balance inert gas): Calcination Temperature: 1000° C. to 1400° C.

Abstract: A solar cell assembly comprising a plurality of elongated solar cells, each respective solar cell comprising (i) a core configured as a first electrode, (ii) a semiconductor junction circumferentially disposed on the core, (iii) a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer disposed on the semiconductor junction, and (iv) an elongated counter-electrode disposed lengthwise on a first side of the respective solar cell and extending outward from the TCO layer. On a second side of each cell, approximately opposite the counter-electrode, is a notch or other disruption extending through the semiconductor junction and the transparent oxide layer, thereby exposing the core of the solar cell. The solar cell assembly may further comprise conductive internal reflectors configured between a first and second elongated solar cell in the plurality of solar cells such that a portion of the solar light reflected from the respective internal reflector is reflected onto the solar cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a modular system that includes a composite tile, with or without integrated photovoltaic cells, a track system for assembly of the tiles to a structure, and a wiring system for the photovoltaic tile. The track and tiles are made of composite material. Molding and extrusion processes can be used for the manufacturing of the tile and track, including the integration of photovoltaic cells. The track lengths are fastened to the structure. The track and tile have mating features, such that the tile can be interlocked with the track. Adjacent tiles are installed with overlap. Photovoltaic cells can be molded into or assembled with the tile. A busbar or wire harness is assembled to the track. When the photovoltaic tile is interlocked with the track, the connectors of the photovoltaic cells engage the busbar or wiring harness to provide an electrical connection.

Abstract: A solar cell assembly comprising a plurality of elongated solar cells, each respective solar cell comprising (i) a core configured as a first electrode, (ii) a semiconductor junction circumferentially disposed on the core, (iii) a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer disposed on the semiconductor junction, and (iv) an elongated counter-electrode disposed lengthwise on a first side of the respective solar cell and extending outward from the TCO layer. On a second side of each cell, approximately opposite the counter-electrode, is a notch or other disruption extending through the semiconductor junction and the transparent oxide layer, thereby exposing the core of the solar cell. The solar cell assembly may further comprise conductive internal reflectors configured between a first and second elongated solar cell in the plurality of solar cells such that a portion of the solar light reflected from the respective internal reflector is reflected onto the solar cells.

Abstract: A buried contact solar cell which is capable of operating with high efficiency is manufactured by a method which comprises the steps of forming a groove in a surface of a substrate, and forming an electrode by filling a conductive material in the groove using a laser. The step of forming the electrode may include positioning a conductive thin plate above the surface of the substrate, melting the conductive thin plate using a laser in a pattern corresponding to the groove, filling the conductive material in the groove, and removing the conductive thin plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a transparent conductive film, which contains zinc oxide as a main component and which has high transmittance, low resistivity, and excellent surface morphology, highly uniformly and simply, using an inexpensive dilution gas, and also provides a method for making a tandem thin-film photoelectric converter including the method for making the transparent conductive film. A method for making a transparent conductive film according to the present invention includes introducing an organozinc compound, a dilution gas, and an oxidizing agent into a deposition chamber to form a transparent conductive film containing zinc oxide as a main component on a substrate disposed in the deposition chamber, wherein the dilution gas is hydrogen. Since hydrogen has high thermal conductivity and is inexpensive, it is possible to provide a transparent conductive film having excellent characteristics with low cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wet or dry bio-sensitized photoelectric conversion device (photodetector or photovoltaic) comprising: a stabilized biologically-derived sensitizer, such as a stablilized photosystem I (PS-I), deposited on nanowires, semiconductor material, electrodes and a support. The nanowires provide a greater surface area of the light absorption layer for better energy conversion efficiency and are chosen such as to complement the absorption spectrum of the sensitizer and protect the sensitizer from photobleaching.

Abstract: A composition includes a chemical reaction product defining a first surface and a second surface, characterized in that the chemical reaction product includes a segregated phase domain structure including a plurality of domain structures, wherein at least one of the plurality of domain structures includes at least one domain that extends from a first surface of the chemical reaction product to a second surface of the chemical reaction product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for controlling the flow of gas from a source to a low-pressure device which is particularly useful for sampling high pressure gases. Examples are presented for the high-pressure dosing of an RGA. In one embodiment, the method isolates volumes of gases at high pressure, limits their pressure, and provides the gas at low pressure. In one embodiment the apparatus includes valves, flow restriction devices, and check valves, and can be used, for example, to either provide accurate and repeatable quantities discrete doses of gas from high pressure to low pressure or provide continuous dosing from high to low pressure. The apparatus and method are relatively insensitive to source pressure, and thus provide reproducible results over a range of source pressures.

Abstract: A check valve for fluid includes a tubular member, a cap, and a flexible membrane. The tubular member includes a coupling section and an inlet. The coupling section of the tubular member includes a valve portion, an end face, and a positioning rod. The cap includes a coupling section coupled with the coupling section of the tubular member, an outlet aligned with the valve port, and a positioning rod on the outlet of the cap. The flexible membrane includes a positioning portion securely sandwiched between the positioning rods. The flexible membrane further includes a sealing circumference. When fluid flows in a reverse direction, the flexible membrane seals the valve port and the sealing circumference of the flexible membrane is supported by the end face of the tubular member. When the fluid flows in a forward direction, the flexible membrane is bent to allow the fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a releasable non-return valve, in which a connection between a working chamber and a connector chamber may be closed by a non-return piston and opened by the opening movement of a release piston which may be pressurized with a release pressure. The non-return piston, discharge piston and release piston are arranged concentric to each other with the release shaft in the common valve axis. The valve has a cartridge embodiment with a non-return valve cartridge which may be inserted in the valve housing and a discharge valve cartridge independent of the non-return valve cartridge. The release shaft extends through the non-return piston with a sliding seal and engages behind the piston base by means of a stepped diameter for opening. The discharge piston is pressure compensated on both sides by pressurization with the working pressure.

Abstract: A one way check valve to be coupled between a fire hydrant water meter that is connected to a fire hydrant and a fire hose that is connected to a water holding tank such as, for example, a fire engine tanker truck to be filled with water from a municipal water supply. The one way check valve includes a spring- biased blocking head which is movable through the check valve from a first position, at which to close a set of fluid passages through the check valve, to a second position, at which to open the set of fluid passages to the flow of water from the fire hydrant. A shaft extends from the blocking head, and a coil spring is wound around the shaft. When water is flowing into the check valve from the fire hydrant and the fire hydrant water meter, the corresponding water pressure causes the water blocking head to move to the second position during which the spring is compressed and the fluid passages are opened to permit the flow of water to the holding tank.

Abstract: Improved microfluidic devices, systems, and methods allow selective transportation of fluids within microfluidic channels of a microfluidic network by applying, controlling, and varying pressures at a plurality of reservoirs. Modeling the microfluidic network as a series of nodes connected together by channel segments and determining the flow resistance characteristics of the channel segments may allow calculation of fluid flows through the channel segments resulting from a given pressure configuration at the reservoirs. To effect a desired flow within a particular channel or series of channels, reservoir pressures may be identified using the network model. Viscometers or other flow sensors may measure flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to calculate pressures to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems can optionally be used in conjunction with electrokinetic or other fluid transport mechanisms.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention comprise an on-off controller configured to control the flow of pressurized pneumatic fluid and to connect directly to a pneumatic device. In one embodiment, the on-off controller comprises a body having an inlet, at least one outlet, a vent, at least one connection bore, an activator positioned in the body, a position mechanism configured to move the activator in the body, a seal configured to sealably contact the activator and seal the vent, wherein the body may connect directly to a paintball marker.

Abstract: A device for containing liquid media without complete mixing with each other comprises a container (3) with inlet (4, 5) and outlet (6, 7) ports, FIG. 1. Different media is supplied through inlet ports (4, 5) into predetermined areas (8, 9) inside container (3), FIG. 2. Some media mix with each other and form interface (10) between areas (8, 9). Mixed media is continuously removed from interface (10) through outlet ports (6, 7). This continuous media supply and removal of mixed media results in media distribution pattern where areas (8, 9) contain only supplied unmixed media.

Abstract: A faucet is provided comprising in-service separable parts that can be removed from the faucet without having to remove the entire housing. The faucet includes a main support housing, bolts, brackets and nuts to secure the main support body to a sink surface, two water inlets for connecting hot and cold incoming water lines. A flow control assembly is provided at each inlet to regulate the hot and cold water introduced into a mixing chamber. The valve housing includes an independent adjustable mixing valve for regulating the flow of water, an inline screen filter for removing particulate matter from the water stream, and a check valve for preventing water from returning back to the water source. Upon passing through the check valve and into water mixing housing inlets, the water is mixed in a mixing chamber. From the mixing chamber the water is regulated by a solenoid. When sink users place their hands, or other objects in front of the sensor the solenoid is activated.

Abstract: A control assembly for use with a gas control body for a pressurized gas container provides both a selective gas control function and a safety shutoff function. A shutoff control member is selectively shiftable within the housing between flow-admitting and flow-closing positions. An automatic shutoff is carried by the shutoff control member for movement of the shutoff element in and out of sealing relationship relative to the inlet in response to gas pressure at the inlet, being responsive to gas pressure at the inlet to cause blocking flow from the inlet by the seat if inlet pressure is less than a predetermined cutoff pressure.

Abstract: A hands-free faucet comprises a proximity sensor, a logical control, a handle, a spout, and a touch control operably coupled to at least one of the spout and the handle.

Abstract: A spool valve includes a valve housing. The valve housing may include a cavity, a first passage extending from the cavity, and a plurality of ports connected to the cavity. The spool valve may also include one or more components blocking the first passage, including a spool valve element disposed in a first position at least partially within the cavity. The spool valve element may be moveable to one or more other positions wherein the spool valve element leaves the first passage unblocked.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve has a main poppet that engages and disengages a valve seat to control the flow of fluid between an inlet and an outlet. Movement of the main poppet is governed by a pilot valve element the opens and closes a pilot passage in the main poppet. The pilot valve element is slideably received in a bore in an armature. The armature is biased toward the main poppet by a first spring and a second spring biases the pilot valve element outward from armature bore and toward the main poppet. The second spring has a lesser spring rate than the first spring. Upon engagement of the pilot valve element with the main poppet continued application of the engaging force causes the second spring to collapse and the pilot valve element to slide within the armature, thereby absorbing some of the force that could otherwise adversely affect the valve.

Abstract: A rigid mounting system for swing spouts is provided. A faucet employing the rigid mounting system includes a swing spout and a support member. A first end of the support member is rigidly fixed to a base of the faucet or a mounting surface for the faucet. A second end of the support member is disposed within the swing spout. In one embodiment, the faucet includes an arm that is offset from the base. In this embodiment, the first end of the support member is rigidly fixed to the arm of the base.

Abstract: A one-way valve which can be utilized in a toilet, particularly in a urinal, to prevent return flow of malodorous gases from the sewage system into the room wherein the toilet is installed has a body which is confined in the toilet. The body carries two sheet- or panel-shaped valving elements at least one of which is resilient to yield to the flow of urine but normally sealingly engages the other element to prevent the flow of gases from the sewage system counter to the direction of flow of the urine. At least one marginal portion of the at least one valving element is free to move away from the corresponding marginal portion of the other element to also permit lateral outflow of urine when the one element is at least partially out of contact with the other element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for cooling exhaust gas, said arrangement comprising a housing (2) containing a heat transfer region (5), an actuator for regulating the flow of exhaust gas through the heat transfer region (5). and/or a bypass channel (6). Said housing (2) is embodied as a single component in the longitudinal direction of the inventive arrangemnent (1), and the actuator is arranged in the housing (2).

Abstract: A modular manifold system is provided for interconnecting fluid components of a fluid system in a reduced area. The system is comprised of a one or more bridge fittings having an internal fluid passageway which has an inlet end in fluid communication with an outlet port of a first fluid component, and an outlet end in fluid communication with an inlet port of a second fluid component. The bridge fittings may be mounted within a channel of a backing plate for structural support. An optional locator plate may be utilized which is mounted over the ends of the bridge fittings in order to align the inlet and outlet ports of the fluid components with the inlet and outlet ends of the bridge fittings. The bridge fittings may also be mounted to the locator plate in multiple directions forming multiple flow paths. Additionally, the bridge fittings may be stacked to form multiple layers where bridge fittings of one layer may be in fluid communication with bridge fittings of another layer.

Abstract: Tubing or piping for carrying a multiphase flow is provided with means for inducing swirl flow, such that the denser components of the flow tend to the outer wall of the tubing or piping, and less dense components tend to the center of the tubing or piping. The flow thus exhibits a “centrifuge” effect, which prevents lighter or heavier components of the flow from accumulating in upper or lower regions respectively of the tubing or piping, and reduces the risk of airlocks and the like. Preferably, the tubing or piping is in the form of a helix, which may be a low amplitude helix.

Abstract: Flow restriction to be fitted in a fluid line, consisting of a conduit part that has been produced from plastic by injection moulding and has been provided with a baffle closing the flow cross-section, wherein one or more openings have been made with the aid of a laser treatment. Each of these openings has a diameter of between 1 and 50 ?m. It has been found that, when a large number of openings are used, if one of the openings becomes blocked for whatever reason this has hardly any effect on the total flow cross-sectional surface area. It is consequently possible to determine the flow conditions in the restriction very accurately and very reproducibly and consequently to establish the flow characteristics accurately. Such a flow restriction can be used, for example, in applications for dosing medication.

Abstract: Triple layer papermaker's forming fabrics having a set of top MD yarns that are interwoven exclusively with a set of top CMD yarns to form at least part of a top fabric layer and a set of bottom MD yarns that are interwoven exclusively with a set of bottom CMD yarns to form at least part of a bottom fabric layer are provided. These fabrics further include a set of stitching MD yarn pairs. The stitching MD yarns that comprise each such pair weave in both the top fabric layer and the bottom fabric layer such that at locations where the first yarn in the pair weaves in the top fabric layer the second yarn in the pair drops down into the bottom fabric layer. In embodiments of the present invention, each stitching MD yarn may also be woven so as to form side-by-side machine direction knuckles on the bottom surface of the bottom fabric layer with a bottom MD yarn.

Abstract: The invention relates to papermaking screen, especially for the sheet forming zone, with one paper side and one machine side, among others consisting of a first type of transverse yarns of the paper side and a second type of transverse yarns (25 to 40) of the machine side, which are woven with at least one type of longitudinal yarns (41 to 56). In that the longitudinal yarns (41 to 56) on the machine side within the machine-side pattern repeat bind two respective transverse yarns of the second type (25, 28; 31, 34; 37, 40), the division of the intersections for the longitudinal yams is improved, so that marks in the paper to be produced are prevented to the greatest extent possible.

Abstract: An inserting rapier (1) for a rapier weaving machine with a thread clamp (4) for the firm clamping of a weft thread (3) is presented, with the inserting rapier also including a guiding or holding device (10) with a guiding or holding element (5) and a mass (6) which are movably arranged on the inserting rapier and with the guiding or holding element (5) being movable by means of the inertia of the mass (6) in order to guide or hold the weft thread.

Abstract: The invention discloses a powder filling device and method which is capable of making stable powder flow rate, preventing powder from being leaked or dispersed during filling operation, and filling the powder in a short time in a new powder filling system filling the powder from a measuring tank to a powder filling container. The powder filling device comprises a measuring tank having a powder discharge port and a filling amount control unit disposed near the powder discharge port, and an auxiliary container having an opening disposed on the underside of the powder discharge port of the measuring tank which faces downward.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus for dispensing flowable materials onto an object. A sub-assembly of the dispensing apparatus is releasably receivable within a casing and comprises: (i) a resiliently deformable collar portion for receiving an opening of a container; (ii) a one-way input valve (see FIG. 1); a one-way output valve; and a conduit separating the valves. A cradle member having cam surfaces is pivotably connected to the casing and is provided with supporting surfaces adapted to receive the object. A manual force applied by a user in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the object causes projections on the output valve to move up the cam surfaces. In this way, the volume between the inlet and outlet valves is reduced and flowable material is directed onto the object.

Abstract: Multiple AC servo motors having low weight moment of inertia (Wk2) characteristics are drivingly inter-connected to form a veneer lathe drive system. Two, three or four motors can be drivingly coupled to one another and to drive spindles located on either or both sides of the lathe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a profile router bit and a method of preparing the same, including a shank, the profile router bit including a shank connected to a rotating shaft, a plurality of grinding tips radially mounted onto an upper surface of the shank, and a filler coating applied to the upper surface of the shank between the grinding tips.

Abstract: An overall method of making engineered strand wood products in relation to a number of different possible criteria is provided. Such a method may involve any combination of different screening procedures to determine the best wood sources from which individual strands may be prepared. Such screening procedures may include initial determinations of certain physical characteristics of individual logs, further or initial determinations of certain physical characteristics of portions of sawn logs, further or initial determinations of certain physical characteristics of individual strands, and any combinations thereof. Additionally, after the initial physical characteristic sorting is completed, optionally the wood may be cut into uniformly sized and shaped strands for incorporation within a target strand product.

Abstract: Thus, as shown by an exact electrodynamic computation of EMBF and the estimations described above of the velocity of turbulent flows arising due to their effect, application of amplitude- and frequency-modulated helically traveling (rotating and axially traveling) electromagnetic fields in metallurgical and chemical technologies and foundry can considerably increase the hydraulic efficiency of MHD facilities, intensify the processes of heat and mass transfer in technological plants, significantly increase their productivity, considerably decrease energy consumption for the production of metals, alloys, cast articles, and chemical products, and improve their quality.

Abstract: Thus, as shown by an exact electrodynamic computation of EMBF and the estimations described above of the velocity of turbulent flows arising due to their effect, application of amplitude- and frequency-modulated helically traveling (rotating and axially traveling) electromagnetic fields in metallurgical and chemical technologies and foundry can considerably increase the hydraulic efficiency of MHD facilities, intensify the processes of heat and mass transfer in technological plants, significantly increase their productivity, considerably decrease energy consumption for the production of metals, alloys, cast articles, and chemical products, and improve their quality.

Abstract: A method for a surface treatment of a metal material, which comprises subjecting a metal material such as an Fe alloy, a Ni alloy and an Al alloy to a heat treatment in the presence of an amino-based resin such as a melamine-formaldehyde resin. The amino-based resin can be caused to be present with the metal material by a method wherein the resin is applied on the surface of the metal material, directly or via a solvent such as water, or wherein the amino-based resin is placed in a container, and the container and the metal material are placed in a heat treatment furnace. The above heat treatment allows a passivated film to disappear from the metal material. Further, a subsequent elevation of temperature and the supply a nitriding gas allows the performance of a nitriding treatment being several times more effective than a conventional treatment, and a subsequent supply of a carburizing agent allows the performance of a carburizing treatment.

Abstract: A R—Fe—B base rare earth permanent magnet material consists of, in percents by weight, 25 to 45 wt % of R, 0.1 to 4.5 wt % of Co, 0.8 to 1.4 wt % of B, 0.05 to 3.0 wt % of Al, 0.02 to 0.5 wt % of Cu, 0.03 to 0.5 wt % of M, 0.01 to 0.5 wt % of C, 0.05 to 3.0 wt % of O, 0.002 to 0.1 wt % of N, 0.001 to 2.0 wt % of F, with the balance of Fe and incidental impurities, wherein R is at least one element selected from among Nd, Pr, Dy, Tb and Ho, and M is at least one element selected from among Zr, Hf, Ti, Cr, Nb, Mo, Si, Sn, Zn, V, W and Cr.

Abstract: Flat gasket with a gasket plate which has at least one sheet metal layer which consists of a spring steel sheet, has elastic properties and is provided with at least one bead, which can be deformed elastically in its height and is subject to a dynamic pressure load under conditions of use of the flat gasket, and in order to achieve a greater operative range of the bead without reducing its durability consists of an austenitic steel according to the European standard EN 10088-2-1.4372.

Abstract: A pressure vessel of the present invention is such that at least part thereof comprises a metallic composite material 40 comprising a light metal 41, which is turned into a matrix, and a plate-shaped iron-based member 42, which is buried in the light metal 41, whose major component is iron, and which is provided with a large number of through holes penetrating the front and rear surfaces. By means of this construction, it is possible to provide a pressure vessel having a novel construction whose pressure resistance is enhanced without being accompanied by thickening, and a compressor being provided with a housing comprising the pressure vessel.

Abstract: The composition of hydrogen storage alloy particles used in a negative plate of an alkaline secondary battery is expressed by a general formula: (Laa Prb Ndc Zd)1-w Mgw Niz-x-y Alx Ty. In the formula, Z is an element selected from the group consisting of Ce and others, and T is an element selected from the group consisting of V and others. Subscripts a, b, c and d fall in ranges of 0?a?0.25, 0<b, 0<c, and 0?d?0.20, respectively, and satisfy the relationship expressed by a+b+c+d=1, where 0.20?b/c?0.35. Subscripts x, y, z and w fall in ranges of 0.15?x?0.30, 0?y?0.5, 3.3—z?3.8, and 0.05?w?0.15, respectively.

Abstract: Copper alloy casting contains Cu: 58-72.5 mass %; Zr: 0.0008-0.045 mass %; P: 0.01-0.25 mass %; one or more elements selected from Pb: 0.01-4 mass %, Bi: 0.01-3 mass %, Se: 0.03-1 mass %, and Te: 0.05-1.2 mass %; and Zn: a remainder, wherein [Cu]?3[P]+0.5([Pb]+[Bi]+[Se]+[Te])=60-90, [P]/[Zr]=0.5-120, and 0.05[?]+([Pb]+[Bi]+[Se]+[Te])=0.45-4 (the content of an element ‘a’ is denoted as [a] mass %; the content of ? phase is denoted as [?]% by area ratio; and an element ‘a’ that is not contained is denoted as [a]=0). The total content of ? phase and ? phase is 85% or more, ? phase content is 25% or less by area ratio, and mean grain size in the macrostructure during melt-solidification is 250 ?m or less.