Abstract: The present invention provides a rotary damper in which both yields and braking characteristics can be enhanced. The rotary damper of the invention includes a valve mechanism which comprises an operating chamber 7 through which fluid can pass, a valve body 8 which forwardly moves from a natural state position when the valve body 8 receives fluid pressure and which can forwardly moves in the operating chamber 7, and a first spring 9 capable of giving a resistance to the forward movement of the valve body 8. The valve mechanism can reduce a flow rate of fluid which passes through the operating chamber 7 by a flow path 14 formed between the valve body 8 and a peripheral wall 7a of the operating chamber 7. A reducing amount of fluid can be increased as a moving distance of the valve body 8 which forwardly moves in the operating chamber 7 is increased.

Abstract: A piston assembly for a gas spring or damper includes first and second orifice plates that are axially spaced apart from each other. First and second low-friction rings are positioned between the first and second orifice plates. The first and second low-friction rings are separated from each other by a resilient member, which reacts between the first and second low-friction rings to eliminate dead-band operation as the piston assembly moves between extension and compression positions.

Abstract: A lever device (1) for operating a hydraulic actuator (3), particularly for a motorcycle, comprises a support (5) that can be connected to a bearing structure (4), a hydraulic actuator (3) connected to the support (5), a main lever (2), pivotally connected to the support (5) and intended to be operated by being moved close to or away from said hydraulic actuator (3) and a timing lever (9) that is pivotally connected to said support (5) and connected to the main lever (2) such as to operate the hydraulic actuator (3) while the main lever (2) is being moved close to the hydraulic actuator (3). An adjusting member (16) is interposed between the main lever (2) and the timing lever (9) and the position of the adjusting member defines the relative position between said levers (2,9). An electric actuator (17) changes the position of the adjusting member (16) as a function of an electric power supplied to the actuator by means of supply means.

Abstract: A travel case includes a desk top connected on a top thereof and the desk top is composed of a plurality of boards which are pivotably connected with each other by connection members located therebetween. The desk top can be folded to a compact size which is not larger than a top of the travel case. The boards can be pivoted outward to form a large area of the desk top which evenly extend from two sides of the travel case.

Abstract: An item of expandable luggage having a main body and an expandable member. A locking expansion means connects the main body to the expandable member, and includes at least one fixed plate and corresponding slidable plate slidably coupled together. Each fixed plate is fixedly mounted to the main body and includes a plurality of locking apertures. Each slidable plate is fixedly mounted to the expandable member and includes an expansion control mechanism for controlling displacement of the slidable plate with respect to its corresponding fixed plate. Each expansion control mechanism includes an actuator for engaging a first end of a rotatable crank. A locking element includes opposing first and second ends. The second end of the locking element engages the second end of the crank. The first end of the locking element slidably engages with one of the apertures of the first fixed plate in response to the actuator engaging the corresponding crank.

Abstract: The carrier system of the present invention includes an enclosable case for stowing items, a tether to extend and retract the enclosable case and an anchoring element for quick and easy fastening and removal of the carrier system to something, for example, a piece of luggage.

Abstract: A towing handle system for a wheeled item includes a handle attachable to the wheeled item and having a handle grip portion for a person's hand to tow the item. The handle grip portion is fabricated from a cellular solid thermal insulation material.

Abstract: A torque coupling for use in a power transfer device. The torque coupling includes a friction clutch and a clutch actuator. The clutch actuator controls engagement of the friction clutch and has a first actuator plate rotatable about an axis, a second actuator plate adjacent to the first actuator plate, and a ballramp unit disposed between the first and second actuator plates. A piston assembly acts to induce rotation of the first actuator plate relative to the second actuator plate. Relative rotation between the first actuator plate and the second actuator plate induces linear movement of one of the first and second actuator plates along the axis to regulate engagement of the friction clutch.

Abstract: A transmission for an internal combustion apparatus is provided in which a parking lock mechanism is commonly formed with an upstream side portion of a power transmission system of a shift change mechanism, whereby the number of parts is reduced and the parking lock mechanism is compactly incorporated therein to achieve miniaturization of the internal combustion engine. The transmission in which a shift change mechanism performs a shift change in response to an operation of a gear selecting apparatus is configured to include a parking lock mechanism which is driven in an interlocking relationship with a working portion of the shift change mechanism, and if the shift change mechanism is set to the parking position, then a rotary shaft of the transmission is locked against rotation by the parking lock mechanism thereby restricting rotation of the rotary shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to support means, which is for supporting a lateral conveyor adapted for mounting upon a mobile chassis, including a tail section, middle section and at least one head section having pivot points related to the conveyor frame separating said sections from each other. The support means includes a variable length mounting arm comprising at least first and second sections and first and second ends, and means for locking the length of the mounting arm into at least one fixed length corresponding to the length of the conveyor in use. The first end is fixed immobile in relation to the mobile chassis and the second end is fixed immobile in relation to the head section of the conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a separating mechanism (12) for conveying and separating elongate parts (2) from a part quantity in a conveying direction extending transversely to their longitudinal extension, comprising a pick-up region (41) and a discharge region (51) for elongate parts (2) separated from the part quantity disposed above it, with at least one endlessly circulating, driveable conveyor element (47) extending between the pick-up region (41) and the discharge region (51), which has driver elements (46) disposed one after the other in the conveying direction (9) and extending parallel with one another transversely to the conveying direction (9). Every driver element (46) has on its external face directed towards the pick-up region (41) a recessed groove with an approximately trapezoidal cross-section extending in its longitudinal direction and open in the direction towards the pick-up region (41) for accommodating elongate parts (2) as and when necessary.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of turning a board while the board is being transferred in a conveyance system includes a conveyance system for transporting a board, a rotary turning device for rotating the board, a bumper stop for restraining the board and a speed-up belt for increasing or decreasing delivery of the board. The rotary turning device rotates at a constant rate relative to the conveyance system speed; the bumper stop stops the flow of the lumber allowing the rotary turning device to pick up the board; the speed-up belt accelerates the board to the front of the lug space and the conveyance system transports the board while it is turned within the lug space.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying objects (1), for instance fruits, comprising—a first endless conveyor, with conveying elements (2) such as diabolos connected thereto, while a conveying position is defined between at least two conveying elements, one of which downstream and the other upstream, viewed in the direction of travel of the conveyor, and—a second endless conveyor, with product carriers connected thereto, comprising gripper hands (7), for transferring objects from between the conveying elements, the second conveyor being provided in the direct proximity of the first conveyor, wherein at least in the surfaces supporting the objects at the moment of transfer, the conveying elements comprise grooves (4) in a direction perpendicular to the conveyor, and said gripper hand has fingers (8), while the distance between the fingers corresponds to the distance between the grooves of the conveying elements such that upon transfer of the objects by said gripper hand the fingers are positioned at least partly under the obj

Abstract: The invention provides a conveying device (1) which is particular in that the conveying device comprises a plurality of conveying elements (2), where each conveying element (2) comprises a chain box element (4) in which at least one transport roller (3) is rotatably fixed such that rollers (3) arranged in adjacent conveying elements (2) define the conveying device transport plane, and that chain box elements (4) of adjacent conveying elements are interconnected in such a way that one conveying element may articulate in relation to adjacent conveying elements, and that at least some of the chain box elements in the conveying device comprise drive means directly engaging and rotating the transport rollers (3).

Abstract: A skate-wheel conveyor converted into a belt conveyor, a kit including components for the conversion, and a method for carrying out the conversion. C-shaped collars having an open neck are slipped onto the skate wheels of an existing skate-wheel conveyor. The gap across the neck is narrower than the diameter of the skate wheel. Support surfaces at the ends of the C-shaped collars across the gaps support the bases of wear surfaces, such as wear strips, that form a conveyor carryway to support a conveyor belt. Fasteners retain the wear strips in place, bridging the gaps in the collars to surround the skate wheels in a secure connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor belt (1) provided with a bearing side (2) and a backing side (3) made of an elastomer material, and a reinforcement carrier (4) embedded therein, wherein the backing side (3) is reinforced with ball-shaped elements (5).

Abstract: A plastic actuator for a toggle switch has a metal rod embedded therein, with the metal surface partially exposed. This surface of the metal rod functions as a bearing surface for a positioning spring as the actuator is flipped back and forth to turn the switch on and off. The use of the metal rod to provide a bearing surface in the toggle actuator substantially reduces wear on the actuator, and thus permits the actuator to be made out of a thermoplastic material rather than a thermoset material, thereby effecting a cost savings.

Abstract: An illuminating membrane switch includes an upper membrane sheet and a lower membrane sheet. The lower membrane sheet includes an electroluminescent device and a plurality of lower lead wires disposed on the illuminating surface of the electroluminescent device. An insulating spacer layer is further disposed on the illuminating surface of the electroluminescent device, and separates the upper lead wires of the upper membrane sheet from the lower lead wire. When a pressing force acting on the illuminating membrane is sufficient, the upper lead wire and the lower lead wire at the pressing position can contact each other through the opening of the insulating spacer layer so as to form a closed circuit. The keyboard can light up the symbols on the surfaces of key caps by light emitted from the illuminating membrane for a user to identify the function or alphabetic input of each key cap, and detect any input from a keystroke.

Abstract: A control module for selectively switching electrical power from a circuit breaker with the circuit breaker including a load lug coupled to a load wire and mounted in a panelboard. The control module includes a housing in-line with and directly attached to the circuit breaker inside the panelboard and a pair of contacts coupled to an actuator mounted in the housing. One contact is coupled to the load lug and one contact is coupled to the load wire. The actuator is operated from a location remote from the control module and the contacts operate independently from the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A key switch device capable of preventing a key top from displacing in the horizontal direction when the key top is being depressed, and of minimizing wear and damage to the components thereof. A displacement restricting part, contacting each of a pair of link members, is formed by punching and bending a support plate. Further, on the back side of a trunk of each link member, an engaging portion capable of contacting the displacement restricting part is formed. When the key top is being depressed, the displacement restricting part always contacts the engaging portion, whereby the displacement of the link members in the horizontal direction or the slipping movement of the key top may be prevented.

Abstract: A membrane switch comprising a flexible membrane (32, 38, 138) forming a movable part of the switch, the flexible membrane comprising an electroluminescent display (38, 138). More specifically, a switch of the non-latching type, typically for use with a flexible electroluminescent display, which switch comprises: an underlying circuit layer (31, 131) carrying a circuit (34, 35, 134, 135) which the switch is to operate, the circuit being broken by a gap (36, 136) which the switch is to close; a resiliently-deformable contact layer (32, 38, 138), mounted to face the circuit layer's circuit face, the contact layer's circuit-facing surface carrying a conductive bridge portion (37, 137) aligned with the gap, which bridge portion can be resiliently pushed into operative contact with the circuit layer to close the gap therein so long as an applied pushing force (F) is present; and spacing means (33, 133) that keeps the two layers apart in the absence of any applied force pushing them together.

Abstract: Method for managing electric power generated during periods of low demand, in an electric power market where consumption of electric power exhibits periods of different demands. The method includes upgrading solid fossil fuel by electromagnetic radiation (EMR) upgrading during the periods of low demand, storing and utilization of the upgraded fuel. Fuel utilization may include burning for electric power generation during periods of high demand, burning in another heat-consuming industrial process, or trading the fuel with another business entity. The EMR upgrading used in the method includes reducing the inherent moisture content in the upgraded fossil fuel at least in half.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photosensitive derivatives of optically active L-threo-?-benzyloxyaspartate or its benzene ring-substituted analogs, represented by the following formula (1) or (2): (1) (2) wherein R1 represents hydrogen atom, amino group, straight or branched lower aliphatic acylamino group optionally substituted at the acyl group portion, alicyclic acylamino group or aromatic acylamino group optionally having a substituent on the aromatic ring, R2 represents hydrogen atom or one or more straight or branched optionally substituted lower aliphatic alkyloxy groups on the benzene ring, R3 represents hydrogen atom, methyl group or carboxyl group, and R4 and R5 each represent hydrogen atom, hydroxyl group, straight or branched lower alkyloxy group optionally substituted at the alkyl portion, amino group, straight or branched lower alkyl-substituted amino group, or a halogen atom, which upon photoirradiation can produce compounds exhibiting a function of suppressing the glutamate uptake activity o

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the processing of fluids and/or their carriers. Carriers may comprise pipes, tubes and the like or reservoirs for the distribution and/or storage of fluids. In one form, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus that is suitable for use in the treatment of various fluids, such as water, by introducing at least one chemically active metal into the water and its carriers for disinfection of the water in a controlled manner. The invention also relates to a biasing means for displacement of an electrode arrangement to allow for the introduction of ions into a fluid at a controlled or easily monitored rate that is commensurate with the amount of fluid flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetron coating system, comprising a first coating source, an auxiliary substrate, a magnetron and means for determining the area density of the auxiliary substrate. The auxiliary substrate is thereby arranged between the first coating source and the area that is provided to receive the substrate to be coated, and forms a cathode for the magnetron. The invention further relates to a method for depositing thin layers, in which a layer is deposited on an auxiliary substrate by means of a first coating source and this auxiliary substrate is used as a cathode for coating a substrate by means of a magnetron and the area density of the auxiliary substrate is determined.

Abstract: A system and method for physical vapor deposition (PVD) of dielectric material characterized by the conversion of a beam of positively charged ions into a beam of neutral particles, said beam of neutral particles being directed to bombard a sputtering target. In operation, sputtering targets comprised of low-k dielectric material can be successfully sputtered by such a beam of neutral particles, allowing for the integration of low-k dielectric materials into the on-chip wiring of semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A method for forming a layer on a semiconductor substrate is provided. A semiconductor substrate having a central axis may be positioned a first distance from a first target and a second distance from a second target. The second target may have at least first and second portions on opposing sides of the central axis of the semiconductor substrate. The first and second targets may be exposed to a processing gas. First and second biases may be respectively applied to the first and second targets such that ions in the processing gas bombard the first and second targets and deposition particles are ejected from the first and second targets onto the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetron sputtering method and a magnetron sputtering apparatus that can significantly reduce a non-erosion region causing an abnormal electrical discharge on a surface of a target and deposition of target materials. A plurality of targets 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are disposed in a vacuum atmosphere while being electrically independent to each other; and sputtering is performed by generating magnetron discharge in the vicinity of the targets 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D. During the sputtering, voltages having a phase difference of 180 degrees are alternately applied to the adjacent targets 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D at a predetermined timing.

Abstract: A method of sputter depositing a substantially circumferentially uniform thin film on a surface of a circular, planar disk-shaped substrate, comprising steps of: (a) providing a cathode sputtering apparatus including: a vacuum chamber; a cathode sputtering source comprising a circularly-shaped sputtering target assembly with a first target having a planar sputtering surface and a circumferentially extending edge; and a circular disk-shaped substrate with a planar surface positioned in spaced opposition to the sputtering surface; and (b) sputter depositing the thin film on the substrate surface while providing the chamber with a substantially uniform flow of at least one process gas around the entirety of the circumferentially extending edge of the sputtering target assembly.

Abstract: A silicon sputter target is arranged in a silicon dot forming chamber, and a silicon dot formation target substrate is arranged in the chamber. Plasma is formed from a sputtering gas (typically a hydrogen gas) supplied into the chamber, and chemical sputtering is effected on the target with the plasma thus formed to form silicon dots on the substrate S. Optionally, with the plasma formed from a hydrogen gas and a silane-containing gas at a plasma emission intensity ratio (Si(288 nm)/H?) of 10.0 or lower, the silicon dots are formed on the substrate S. The silicon dots are terminally treated with the plasma derived from a terminally treating gas such as an oxygen gas.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a substrate carrier is provided that includes an enclosure adapted to be sealable and to house at least one substrate. The substrate carrier includes a first port leading into the enclosure and adapted to allow a flow of gas into the enclosure while the substrate carrier is closed. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An active cathodic protection system, the apparatus comprising a rectifier element with at least one electrical connection to a source of electrical current, the rectifier element associated with a direct current positive (+) output terminal for electrical connection of via an anode connector to a consumable anode, a direct current negative (?) output terminal for electrical connection via a cathode connector to the structure to be protected, grounding means for electrical grounding of the apparatus and anti-cross connection means for preventing the continuing flow of electrical current when the anode connector is associated with the negative output terminal and the cathode connector is associated with the positive output terminal. The cathodic protection system also includes a microprocessor controlled device for shutting the system if an improper current is sensed.

Abstract: The invention features a flow-through capacitor system that achieves enhanced power efficiency by sequential control and actuation of at least two or more flow-through capacitor cells within the flow-through capacitor system. Alternatively or in addition, power efficiency is enhanced by integrating the purification stages of the system, for example, by placing more than one cell within a single cell casing. Preferably, integrated stage flow-through capacitors are controlled sequentially.

Abstract: A cathode sputtering source comprises a heat sink comprising a substantially circularly-shaped planar disk formed of an electrically and thermally conductive material, with a circumferentially extending edge connecting first and second opposing major surfaces, the first major surface including a plurality of radially extending, recessed gas supply channels formed therein and extending from a central recess formed in the first major surface to the circumferentially extending edge; the second major surface including a gas inlet formed adjacent the circumferentially extending edge; a gas flow channel formed in the interior of the disk fluidly connects the gas inlet and central recess; and a substantially circular disk-shaped sputtering target is mounted on the first major surface, whereby gas supplied to the gas inlet is substantially uniformly distributed around the entirety of the circumferentially extending edge of the heat sink.

Abstract: A novel cathode for use in a vacuum sputtering system is disclosed. The cathode includes a cathode core and a first removable portion and a second removable portion on the cathode core.

Abstract: A shield (22) for protecting chamber walls (14) of a sputter reactor (10) comprising foam metal shaped into a desired shield shape. The foam metal inserts (24) are easily configured for mounting within the sputter reactor chamber. The foam metal shield material provides more surface area and better adhesion of the sputter coated particles, thereby reducing particulate emission and allowing longer use before replacement. The shields are also relatively inexpensive to fabricate. Once the shield is coated with sputter particles, the foam metal shield can be removed from the sputter chamber and heated in a thermite reaction, thereby reducing the particles collected on the foam metal shield to an elemental metal and thus facilitating recovery of the deposited sputter material. The apparatus has a target (12), vacuum pump (21), pedestal (18), substrate (16), gas supply system (20), clips (25), insulating ring (26), DC power supply (24), and metal layer (28).

Abstract: This invention discloses a disposable biosensor and particularly a disposable biosensor concurrently having an electrode strip and a detecting device that detects human biological information such as the level of glucose, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, and uric acid by testing human body fluid such as blood, so as to display the test results on a display unit of the biosensor or an external display unit.

Abstract: A pH sensor is disclosed, including conductive glass, a SnO2 film formed on the conductive glass, and a field effect transistor (FET) with a gate coupled to the SnO2 film. When the SnO2 film contacts a liquid with a predetermined voltage, voltage between the liquid and the SnO2 film varies according to pH of the liquid, thereby changing channel current of the FET. The pH of the liquid can thus be determined according to the channel current.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting particles in a gas flow, in particular soot particles in an exhaust gas flow, includes at least two measuring electrodes, which are positioned on a substrate made of an insulating material. To protect the measuring electrodes, they are covered by a protective layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for coupling microfluidic systems with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry utilizing a hydrodynamic flow. The invention also relates to a method of preventing a sample in a main channel of a microfluidic device from migrating down either a first side channel or a second side channel by rapidly alternating a voltage being applied to the first side channel and the second side channel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for identifying one or more analytes in a sample using electrophoresis. In one embodiment, the method comprises performing an electrophoretic separation by applying a potential across the separation path and thus generating a current and power therein and producing an electropherogram, integrating the current or the power to determine the cumulative current or power as a function of the separation time, transforming the electropherogram to a second electropherogram representing the signal as a function of the cumulative current or power, and identifying in the second electropherogram peaks that are correlated with the analytes in the sample. The invention also provides systems for performing the analysis and identification methods, as well as computer-readable products for performing the steps associated with the above methods.

Abstract: An electrodialysis system is used to produce reliably, contaminant-free electrodialyzed compositions. A feed stream containing an aqueous solution that has contaminants present is contacted with a membrane electrodialysis system and an electrical potential is applied in an amount effective for recovering the desired aqueous solution without the contaminants while maintaining a higher hydrostatic pressure on the product stream or recovery side.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus includes a multi-capillary array having a liquid or solid disposed between the capillaries of the array. The liquid or solid exhibits a refractive index higher than that of air and less than that of water and reduces the amount of laser beams scattered by the capillaries. Also provided are methods of adjusting refracted and reflected excitation light beams passing through capillaries of a multi-capillary array, to reduce loss of intensity of the laser beams and increase irradiation of respective samples disposed in the capillaries.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of preparing uranium metal by electrorefining uranium metal, comprising: applying a predetermined current to an anode electrode included in an anode basket receiving fuel segments made of uranium metal and a cathode electrode of carbon material; electrodepositing uranium on the cathode electrode in accordance with the reaction initiated by the applied current; and collecting the electrodeposited uranium by self-weight. An apparatus for electrorefining uranium metal used in the method according to the present invention, comprises: an anode basket (6) receiving fuel segments made of uranium metal and comprising an anode electrode; and a reactor including a cathode electrode (5) made of carbon material and a uranium collector (10) therein.

Abstract: An anodized layer on a metallic substrate is treated in a manner to directly electrodeposit a metal sulfide solid lubricant material represented by MS21 where M is Mo, W or other suitable metal, in pores of the anodized layer without any subsequent thermal and/or chemical treatment being needed.

Abstract: Metal nanowires were formed on electroformed magnetic metals when porous templates were prepared by anodizing aluminum or its alloys. The aspect ratio of the anodic oxide pores was controlled by the electrolyte composition, electrolytic conditions, and the subsequent widen-treatment of the anodized pores. Because of the magnetic field strength of the electroformed nanowires increases with increasing the aspect ratio, the electroformed metal with higher aspect-ratio nanowires has a greater magnetic field strength. Accordingly, metals with inhomogeneous magnetic field strength were obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plating bath consisting of a plating solution, accelerating agent and a suppressing agent and a method of forming contact formations on a semiconductor substrate. In an embodiment, the deposition of contact formations occurs in a two step deposition process wherein the deposition process has different deposition rates. Furthermore, the present invention includes a method of forming smooth, flat contact formations for use in electronic packages.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to electrochemically fabricating multi-layer three dimensional structures where each layer comprises at least one structural and at least one sacrificial material and wherein at least some metals or alloys are electrodeposited during the formation of some layers and at least some metals are deposited during the formation of some layers that are either difficult to electrodeposit and/or are difficult to electrodeposit onto. In some embodiments, the hard to electrodeposit metals (e.g. Ti, NiTi, W, Ta, Mo, etc.) may be deposited via chemical or physical vacuum deposition techniques while other techniques are used in other embodiments. In some embodiments, prior to electrodepositing metals, the surface of the previously formed layer is made to undergo appropriate preparation for receiving an electrodeposited material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a method for electrochemically removing material from a substrate. In one embodiment, a method for electrochemically processing a substrate includes determining a process target for a substrate; electrochemically processing the substrate; determining a deviation between expected and actual process indicators while processing, and changing at least one process variable during processing in response to the variation.

Abstract: A plating apparatus can keep concentrations of components of a plating solution constant over a long period of time and can stably form a plated film having a more uniform thickness on a surface of a substrate while minimizing an amount of the plating solution used.