Abstract: The invention relates to a target material for the production of a protective layer for a solar control and absorption layer by means of sputtering. This target material is comprised of silicon doped with titanium. The protective layer, which can be produced with the target material, is heatable without significant changes of its properties. It is therefore also suitable for coating lass, which is heated and subsequently bent.

Abstract: A method and a device for converting energy uses chemical reactions in close proximity to or on a surface to convert a substantial fraction of the available chemical energy of the shorter lived energized products, such as vibrationally excited chemicals and hot electrons, directly into a useful form, such as longer lived charge carriers in a semiconductor. The carriers store the excitation energy in a form that may be converted into other useful forms, such as electricity, nearly monochromatic electromagnetic radiation or carriers for stimulating other surface reactions.

Abstract: The electrowetting cell (15) comprises an outer wall (90) and an inner wall (80), said outer wall (90) being provided with extensions (85, 86) extending at opposing sides of the inner wall (80). The cell (15) is further provided with a membrane (45) for volume expansion and is sealed through an electroplated layer (95).

Abstract: The electrowetting cell (15) comprises an outer wall (90) and an inner wall (80), said outer wall (90) being provided with extensions (85,86) extending on opposing sides of the inner wall (80). The cell (15) is further provided with a membrane (45) for volume expansion and is sealed through an electroplated layer (95).

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus is capable of generating hydrogen and oxygen gases from water containing little or no electrolyte. The apparatus includes a container and at least one electrolysis assembly comprising one or more permanent magnets which are covered with at least one pair of porous conductive electrodes separated by a non conductive insulator. The assembly is connected to the leads of a direct current power supply. After the container is filled with water to cover the electrodes, application of voltage from the power supply results in the generation of hydrogen and oxygen gases. This apparatus and method provides a means of producing and distributing hydrogen on-site, simply and inexpensively, since it uses very little energy and liquefaction, transportation, and delivery costs can be avoided.

Abstract: A manganese alloy sputtering target characterized in that oxygen is 1000 ppm or less, sulfur is 200 ppm or less and a forged texture is provided, and a method for producing a forged manganese alloy target stably by eliminating the drawbacks of manganese alloy that it is susceptible to cracking and has a low rupture strength. A manganese alloy sputtering target which can form a thin film exhibiting high characteristics and high corrosion resistance while suppressing generation of nodules or particles is thereby obtained.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an insulating target material for obtaining an insulating complex oxide film of a general formula AB1-xCxO3, the method including: mixing an oxide of an element A, an oxide of an element B, and an oxide of an element C, subjecting the mixed powder to heat treatment, and pulverizing the resulting product to obtain a first powder; mixing the first powder and a solution including at least one of an Si raw material and a Ge raw material and obtaining a second powder from the mixture of the first powder and the solution; subjecting the second powder to heat treatment and pulverizing the resulting product to obtain a third powder; and subjecting the third powder to heat treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host and associated methods of manufacture. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host and associated methods of manufacture.

Abstract: A potentiometric sensor for measuring a potentiometric variable of a medium comprises an ISFET whose gate region exhibits an ion-sensitive surface which can be exposed to the medium and which outputs an output signal that depends on the concentration of the ions at the ion-sensitive surface of the gate region. An evaluation circuit with a measuring input to which the output signal of the ISFET is applied is included, whereby the evaluation circuit is designed to output a measured value for the potentiometric variable, depending on the output signal. Also included is a measuring resistor which is arranged between the output of the ISFET and the input of the evaluation circuit, a monitoring circuit to determine the voltage drop over the measuring resistor, and a bridge section that is parallel to the measuring resistor to bridge the measuring resistor whereby the bridge section exhibits a switch with which the bridge section can be opened or closed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a capillary electrophoresis apparatus in which simultaneity can be ensured between sensitivity and data acquisition to decrease a pull-up signal while spectral data acquisition is eliminated in each capillary exchange. The invention relates to a capillary electrophoresis apparatus in which capillary position shift is detected in each capillary exchange by detecting a capillary position. A capillary position measuring light source is provided in the capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the invention. The capillary is irradiated with light emitted from the capillary position measuring light source, a capillary image is detected with a two-dimensional detector, and thereby a position deviation of the capillary is determined. On the basis of the position deviation of the capillary, a data acquisition area is set in the two-dimensional detector, or a reference fluorescent light spectrum determined from the capillary at the standard position is corrected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic system, in particular in a cell sorter, including a first carrier power supply (1) which is used to supply a first carrier flow having particles (4) suspended therein, a first carrier power output line (15) which is used to withdraw at least one part of the carrier flow having particles (4) suspended therein, a process chamber (3) which is used to examine, observe, manipulate and/or select the particle (4). The first carrier power supply (1) flows into the process chamber (3) when the first carrier power output line (15) is discharged from the process chamber (3). According to the invention, at least one second carrier power supply (2) flows into the process chamber (3) in order to supply a second carrier flow having particles (5) suspended therein. The invention also relates to a corresponding operational method.

Abstract: Devices are provided for determining the isoelectric point of a charged analyte, comprising a titration chamber and an electrode chamber. The electrode chamber comprises at least two electrodes, for example, an electrode array. Either or both of the titration chamber and the electrode chamber may have a shaped geometry. The electrodes are operative, in conjunction with the shaped geometry of the chamber(s) where appropriate, to generate an electric field gradient in the titration chamber. Permeable material separates the titration chamber and the electrode chamber. A pH Sensor is located in the titration chamber for obtaining the pH of the first fluid. Certain preferred embodiments further include an analyte band detector for detecting the presence and optionally the location of a focused band of charged solute.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is provided with a plate 10 on which channels 110 are formed, a tray 22 on which the plate is to be set, a tray driving means 20 for rotary driving the tray 22 on which the plate is set, a voltage application means 30 for applying voltage to a buffer agent in the channels on the plate 10, an optical detection part for irradiating the channels on the plate with light, and detecting fluorescence that is generated from the sample due to the light irradiation, and a plate clamp 35 for pressing the plate 10 at only the channel formation areas of the plate 10 against the plate setting surface of the tray 22, there fixing and holding the plate 10 on the plate setting surface of the tray 22. Therefore, it is possible to prove a compact, light, and inexpensive electrophoresis apparatus which does not require complicated preparation works, and provides results accurately in short time.

Abstract: A processing solution tank of forming an agitating flow by flowing and circulating a processing solution in directions opposite to each other between the side of a liquid surface and the side of a tank bottom, in which a guide plate substantially of an arcuate shape is formed to an end of the tank situated at least to the downstream on the side of the liquid surface or the downstream on the side of the tank bottom in the agitating flow for reversing the flow downward to the tank bottom or upward to the liquid surface, and a swirl chamber having a swirl generating portion of a substantially arcuate face for capturing dusts is provided at the bottom of the tank, whereby high quality surface treatment, for example, electrodeposition coating can be conducted by uniformly stirring the processing solution so as not to cause backflow or turbulence in the processing solution tank while dipping a work on a conveyor in the processing solution.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a circuit carrier and the use of said method are proposed, said method comprising, after providing a printed circuit board (a), coating the circuit board on at least one side thereof with a dielectric (b), structuring the dielectric for producing trenches and vias therein using laser ablation (c) are performed. Next, a primer layer is deposited onto the dielectric, either onto the entire surface thereof or into the produced trenches and vias only (d). A metal layer is deposited onto the primer layer, with the trenches and vias being completely filled with metal for forming conductor structures therein (e). Finally, the excess metal and the primer layer are removed until the dielectric is exposed if the primer layer was deposited onto the entire surface thereof, with the conductor structures remaining intact (f).

Abstract: Electroplating processes (e.g. conformable contact mask plating and electrochemical fabrication processes) that include in situ activation of a surface onto which a deposit will be made are described. At least one material to be deposited has an effective deposition voltage that is higher than an open circuit voltage, and wherein a deposition control parameter is capable of being set to such a value that a voltage can be controlled to a value between the effective deposition voltage and the open circuit voltage such that no significant deposition occurs but such that surface activation of at least a portion of the substrate can occur. After making electrical contact between an anode, that comprises the at least one material, and the substrate via a plating solution, applying a voltage or current to activate the surface without any significant deposition occurring, and thereafter without breaking the electrical contact, causing deposition to occur.

Abstract: An electrolyzer structure is provided that is suitable for use in a method that produces hydrogen by steam electrolysis by feeding reducing gas to an anode side and feeding steam to a cathode side of an electrolyzer that is partitioned into the anode side and the cathode side by a diaphragm of solid oxide electrolyte, and feeding power to the anode and cathode of the electrolyzer. One embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus that produces hydrogen by high temperature steam electrolysis and that comprises an electrolyzer partitioned into an anode side and a cathode side by a solid oxide electrolyte diaphragm, a conduit that feeds reducing gas to the anode side of the electrolyzer, and a conduit that feeds steam to the cathode of the electrolyzer, in which a metal cermet stable in a reducing atmosphere is used as the material of the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: Describes a liquid-permeable diaphragm assembly for use in electrolytic cells, e.g., chlor-alkali electrolytic cells. The diaphragm assembly includes a foraminous cathode, a liquid permeable base mat comprising synthetic polymeric material that is at least partially resistant to the environment within the electrolytic cell on the foraminous cathode, and a topcoat of water-insoluble particulate material on the base mat. The topcoat is deposited on the base mat from an aqueous slurry comprising (i) at least one oxide, boride, carbide, nitride or silicate of a valve metal, (ii) clay mineral, (iii) hydrous metal oxide chosen from the hydrous oxides of magnesium, the hydrous oxides of zirconium, and mixtures of such hydrous metal oxides, and (iv) alkali metal polyphosphate.

Abstract: A spiral wound module for the electrochemical desalination of aqueous salt-containing solutions, whose feeds (71) for solution to be desalinated and whose discharge (72) for desalinated water are mounted on side walls (31, 32) of the dilution chamber (3) of the module, permits an axial instead of tangential flow in the dilution chamber (3).

Abstract: A corrosion sensor having a fuse box having a plurality of corrosions fuses having different electrochemical activities, wherein the corrosion sensor is to monitor in-situ corrosion is discolsed. The corrosion sensor system having (a) a corrosion sensor having fuse box having a corrosion fuse having an eletrochemical activity, wherein the corrosion sensor is to monitor in-situ corrosion, and (b) an electronic module connected to the corrosion sensor for monitoring and storing potential and current data to allow for analysis of corrosion of the corrosion fuses is also disclosed. In addition, a method of monitoring corrosion by exposing a corrosion sensor having a corrosin fuse to an environment and determining a rate at which the corrosion fuse is corroded by the environment is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for highly sensitive electrochemical detection of trace nitro-aromatic compounds in air, uses a carbon or carbon/gold working electrode with a surface that is modified to increase the electron transfer kinetics of nitro-aromatic compounds, Chemical modifiers of the working electrode surface include amino-aromatic compounds such as aniline and its derivatives The detection method involves dissolving trace nitro-aromatic compounds in an electrolyte including aprotonic solvents, or dipolar solvents, in the electrochemical cell including a working electrode, a reference electrode and an auxiliary electrode. Voltage is varied across the working electrode and the reference electrode, and an electrical current is measured between the working electrode aid the auxiliary electrode. The measured electrical peak current is a sensitive indication of the concentration of the trace compounds. This invention is appropriate for portable, field-testing of trace explosive compounds in air.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a sensor of a characteristic monitoring system in real time utilizes a self-calibration module for periodic determination of, and compensation for, the IR drop across unwanted resistances in a cell. A current-interrupt switch is used to open the self-calibration module circuit and either measure the IR drop using a high-frequency (MHz) ADC module, or estimate it through linear regression of acquired samples of the voltage across the sensor's working and reference electrodes (Vmeasured) over time. The IR drop is then subtracted from the closed-circuit value of Vmeasured to calculate the overpotential that exists in the cell (Vimportant). Vimportant may be further optimized by subtracting the value of the open-circuit voltage (Voc) across the sensor's working and reference electrodes. The values of Vmeasured and Vimportant are then controlled by respective first and second control units to compensate for the IR drop.

Abstract: Personal care products with air fresheners incorporated, including a combination baby wipes product and air freshener, a combination deodorant or antiperspirant container and air fragrance, and a combination tissue box holder and air fragrance are taught.

Abstract: Disclosed is a product package which includes a sleeve and at least on rigid end cap. The sleeve has longitudinally opposed first and second ends, the first end of the sleeve defining an opening and having at least two locking tabs extending therefrom. The first end of the sleeve also includes a tear strip positioned adjacent to the opening which has been formed using known techniques, such as, microperforation. Each locking tab includes a locking edge and is folded inwards into the opening. A rigid end cap is dimensioned to fit closely within the sleeve opening, the end cap including a rim that, when the end cap is inserted into the opening, engages the first end of the sleeve and prevents the end cap from being inserted further into the opening. The end cap also includes at least one channel for receiving the pair of locking tabs, the at least one channel having a ledge that engages the locking edge of each locking tab to prevent the end cap from being removed from the sleeve opening.

Abstract: A folder includes a casing with multiple leaves inside the casing and a support provided at a rear side of the casing to stand the folder on a surface. The support has a first seam and a second seam so that the support is able to transform into a triangle at the rear side of the casing by folding the first seam and the second seam to stand the folder.

Abstract: An insert for a multiple component container includes a diaphragm and a sealing element which together define a reservoir. The diaphragm includes a stationary portion and a movable portion. The movable portion is connected to the stationary portion by at least two spaced annular fold lines of opposite sense. A discharge opening is formed in the movable portion within the annular fold lines. A gas leakage path is provided in the diaphragm. A valve member is connected to the stationary portion and cooperates with the discharge opening and substantially seals it. If a great gas pressure is applied to the interior of the reservoir than to its exterior, this results in rotational movement about the fold lines and thus in movement of the movable portion away from the stationary portion and thus in the valve member moving out of sealing contact with the flow opening. Any liquid in the reservoir is then expelled through the discharge opening by the higher pressure prevailing within the reservoir.

Abstract: A fragrance sample is provided which is made from two plies (a bottom ply and a top ply) of material. A cosmetic (such as a wet fragrance) sample is deposited on the bottom ply. A well is formed in at least one of the plies and is sized and shaped to surround the sample. The two plies are then adhered together to form a liquid tight seal between the two plies and around the well.

Abstract: A sturdy container to store, transport and securely maintain a measuring device, for example, a spirit level or electronic equivalents thereof. The container comprises an elongated conduit constructed from for example, an organic polymeric material (PVC), carbon fiber, fiberglass or metal. The elongated conduit includes an interior cavity dimensioned to fully encompass one or more measuring device(s) to be securely maintained therein. A head cap assembly is generally provided at a first longitudinal end of the elongated conduit, the head cap including an aperture in communication with the interior cavity, and the aperture dimensioned to receive at least one of the measuring devices therethrough. A door is provided on the head cap and is dimensioned to lateral span the aperture when disposed in a closed position. A lockable latch is provided to maintain the door in the closed position. An end cap is provided on a second longitudinal end of the elongated conduit.

Abstract: An optical disk (“compact disk,” “CD,” “DVD,” or other “optical disk”) case is disclosed which utilizes spaces within such “CD Jewel Cases” to store, transport, display, sample, and market other products. The largest of such spaces unused within CD Cases is a hinge space located at or near the point where the bottom and top covers are joined in a movable “hinge.” A marketing method for presenting two or more items to a prospective purchaser using the CD Case of the present invention is also disclosed for co-marketing products, or premiums or gifts offered with products. In such method, additional items, which may be solid or liquid, single or many, and are often consumables (such as perfume), may then be stored and transported with the optical disk and its case, and eventually presented to a potential purchaser in the same CD Case at the “point of sale” for the optical disk or the additional item.

Abstract: An injection molded one-piece optical disc case with a front cover and a back cover attached to a spine via live hinges. The case, when closed, has generally semi-cylindrical rimwalls, including upper and lower rimwalls, a spine rimwall, and a closure rimwall. The rimwalls intersect in generally quarter-spherical comers. The generally semi-cylindrical rimwalls may be optionally flattened slightly to prevent multiple closed cases that are being pushed down an assembly line from climbing over one another. Another novel feature of the optical disc case is an off-center disk mounting hub on each cover to leave room for a title band at the top of the case and also to leave room for the attachment of an EAS tag inside the case. The case also optionally incorporates antitheft elements.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an apparatus that includes a storage portion and a delivery portion coupled to the storage portion. The delivery portion has a first portion for dispensing articles. The first portion includes a cap portion rotatable about an axis and defining an egress region having a storage side and a delivery side. At least a portion of at least one of the articles is selectively in contact with the cap portion.

Abstract: A portable digital media player case includes a jacket for holding a portable digital media player. A mounting is connected to the jacket. A flap has a window formed therein for attachment of a clip through the window to the mounting. A cover pivots on the flap between a closed position and an open position for covering and uncovering the jacket.

Abstract: A storage box includes steps thereon for access to a rear deck of a highway truck tractor. A pivotally mounted front door panel selectively spans an access opening at the front of the storage box and supports a middle step thereon for movement with the front door panel between open and closed positions across the access opening. A lower step and an upper step are supported fixedly on the storage box respectively below and above both the front opening and middle step. The configuration of the steps maximises the access opening covered by the front door panel for easy access to the interior of the storage box while furthermore permitting ergonomic spacing of the steps relative to one another so that users can ascend and descend the steps with a safe, comfortable, and uniform stride.

Abstract: A rolling tool case for holding and transporting a tool. The case includes two sections which are joined to enclose the tool body in an interior cavity. The handle of the tool extends through an opening hole in the top of the case. The tool's handle may be gripped to roll the tool over a surface, reducing the needed size of the tool case. Wheels on the bottom of one of the two sections allow the case to roll.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gift wrap ensemble that includes a first end cap and a second end cap. Each of the first and second end caps includes a base member and a plurality of depressions extending therefrom. A plurality of gift wrap rolls are provided that form a chamber therebetween and that receive the depressions. A decorative item, such as a ribbon, bow, tissue paper and/or a gift tag, is positioned within the chamber. Packaging such as shrink wrap, a container, etc. encloses the decorative item within the chamber, and the decorative item is visually-perceptible from outside the packaging.

Abstract: Packages are formed for holding containers that extend through a bottom panel of the package. Braces are provided for at least partially securing the containers in the package.

Abstract: A packaging method for sanitary items, the preferred embodiment of which is a diapering kit. In the diapering kit example, one or more diaper wipe(s) (12) are rolled around a disposal bag (10). The disposal bag folds back over the wipes, and a diaper (20) is rolled around it. The disposal bag is closed by a releasable closure (18), leaving the closed end of the disposal bag exposed, and folds back over the rolled diaper. A third reusable closure (22) closes the disposal bag at the other end of the rolled diaper, and the disposal bag folds back over the rolled diaper to the half-way point where it is closed tightly around the rolled diaper by a fourth releasable closure (32). Four additional item storage locations are created within the disposal bag, with potential for storing several different material types.

Abstract: A storable gas inflation/evacuation system and sealing system. The systems are removably connectible to a proximal portion of a guidewire assembly which has an occlusive balloon at a distal portion. The invention includes provision for indicating the presence of oxygen which is undesirable. The storable aspect concerns a sealable container isolating systems components from ambient atmosphere and an oxygen-sensitive material located within the sealable container. The oxygen-sensitive material is initially inactive but activated by exposure to radiation so as to visually change in response to post-radiation oxygen exposure.

Abstract: A container includes an improved lock and release mechanism for securing a top structure to a base structure. The base structure and top structure are releasably secured together as a protrusion, which extends from a front wall, and a groove, which is disposed in a flexible portion of a front wall, engage one another. The container further includes protrusions and recesses that align the top and base structures and constrain the movement of the top and base structures relative to one another in a sliding plane such that the lock and release mechanism is not inadvertently released. The flexible portion of the front wall can be displaced to disengage the locking elements.

Abstract: A shifting rail is introduced into a package of disposable shoe covers for facilitating dispense of shoe covers onto shoe cover application devices. The shifting rail engages with each unit of shoe covers in the package sequentially. During application, shoe covers shift along the rail in sequential order towards the shoe cover application device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems and methods for packaging multiple articles of manufacture for display at a point of sale. The packaging allows the articles of manufacture to be grasped and felt by a consumer prior to purchase, while reducing the chance of unintended or illegal removal of the articles of manufacture from the packaging. The packaging also allows the articles of manufacture to be connected to a host device and tested prior to purchase without damaging the packaging. The articles of manufacture can be made of multiple components which can be attached to the packaging during the assembly of the components.

Abstract: The present invention is a closure for secondary package capable of containing a product package within it wherein said product package has a prescribed orientation within the secondary package.

Abstract: An exhibition device for reversal spanners comprises a suspending plate having a buckling hole; a periphery of the buckling hole being formed with a notch so as to form as a confining unit; an inner side of the confining unit having a plurality of limiting teeth, and a seat; a connecting unit extending from the seat; the connecting unit being rotatably buckled to the buckling hole; a ratchet portion being formed on a surface of the connecting unit; the ratchet portion being not aligned to the notch; and the ratchet portion being engageable to the limiting teeth.

Abstract: An air-packing device has an improved shock absorbing capability to protect a product in a container box. The air-packing device is comprised of first and second thermoplastic films where predetermined portions are bonded thereby creating a plurality of air containers, a plurality of heat-seal lands each sealing the first and second thermoplastic films in a small area of the air container thereby creating a plurality of series connected air cells for each air container, a plurality of check valves for corresponding air containers for allowing the compressed air to flow in a forward direction. A bendable flap portion is created that facilitates opening and closing operations so that a product to be protected can be easily placed or removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for reducing the oxygen content of the air surrounding pharmaceutical dosage forms contained within an oxygen-permeable bottle, while also maintaining a relatively low moisture level in said air during the shelf-life of the product. Accordingly, a pharmaceutical package contains a dessicant in a first sub-container and a self-activated oxygen-absorber in a second sub-container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel type of medicine pack comprising a plurality of blister units (1), said blister units (1) each having a protective case (6), with a blister strip (4) located therein, the blister strip (4) being fixedly connected to the protective case (6), and the protective case being able to be unfolded or opened out, and also, if appropriate, an outer package (5, 5a) for receiving the blister units (1).

Abstract: A vanity case which comprises a case body having a cavity, a lid coupled to the back section of the case body, and a tray frame received in the cavity of the case body so as to be slidable forwards and backwards. The lid has an engaging hook piece in the front of its underside. The tray frame has an engaging protrusion and the tray frame is always biased backwards. When the lid is closed, the engaging hook piece of the lid engages with the engaging protrusion of the tray frame. A rear end wall is integrally formed on the rear end of the tray frame in the middle so as to straddle a back wall of the case body, and when the rear end wall is pushed toward the front, the tray frame is moved forwards, thereby releasing the engagement between the engaging protrusion and the engaging hook piece.

Abstract: A housing is formed in such a way that a plurality of chip trays each holding a plurality of semiconductor chips are stored in a storage tray, wherein the chip tray is formed by vertically connecting an upper unit and a lower unit, both of which have the same structure. The semiconductor chips are held between the upper unit and the lower unit of the chip tray, thus preventing two-dimensional movement thereof. When a plurality of housings each having the aforementioned structure are vertically combined together, a plurality of semiconductor chips can be further held between the upper unit of one housing and the lower unit of another housing. This makes it possible to simultaneously transport numerous semiconductor chips, whereby the semiconductor chips are each encapsulated in a surface mount chip package.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of steam cracked tar with the bottoms product of a flash drum integrated with a pyrolysis furnace. In embodiments, the steam cracked tar is added to fuel oil.

Abstract: Method of combating the corrosion caused by naphthenic acids to the metal walls of a refining unit, comprising the use of a polysulphide having an alkyl radical containing between 2 and 5 carbon atoms.