Abstract: A triple-barrel head device 10 for styling hair using heated barrels comprises of a first head 12 having a single barrel 24 adjacent to two barrel-receiving gutters 26, 28, and a second head 14 having two barrels 32, 34 aligned to be received in the gutters when the heads are closed together about a tuft of hair.

Abstract: A hair ornament device has an ornamental object such as a plate with an ornamental front face and a hook or other securing member attached to the rear face of the plate for hooking over an elasticated pony tail loop. An elongate member is secured to the ornamental object so as to depend from the object when hooked onto a pony tail holder or loop. The elongate member in one example is a helical hair coil for wrapping over a bunch of hair.

Abstract: Cleaning an electrode used for acquiring measurement data while the electrode is contacting a medium using a set of electrical pulses. An electrical pulse causes a voltage drop between approximately 0.01 Volts and approximately 10 Volts across the electrode. A particular voltage drop and/or other aspects of the pulse(s) can be selected based on the voltage source, electrode, medium, and/or the like. In an illustrative embodiment, the voltage drop is between approximately 1.0 and approximately 1.5 volts.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating plasma includes an inner chamber, an outer chamber receiving the inner chamber and including a gas supplier that supplies a gas into the inner chamber, an inner electrode disposed in the inner chamber, and a plasma generator supplying power independently to the inner electrode and the inner chamber.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus with chemical agent circulation is provided, in which the apparatus airlock resulted from the air intrusion into the circulating path caused by bubbles generated by the cleaning process can be prevented. When the chemical agent is discharged from the overflow tank, spiral vortexes may generate near the outlet depending on the liquid level. A liquid level detecting sensor is provided to detect that the liquid level has arrived at a position at which no spiral vortex is generated, which is slightly above the height of the liquid level. The chemical agent cleaning is performed when the chemical agent is stored in the overflow tank, so that no air bubbles is generated in the chemical agent discharged from the overflow tank or mixed into the spiral vortexes or sent to a side of the chemical agent storing tank.

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus having a heating portion in a chemical bath for substrate wet treatment and a method of heating a chemical for substrate wet treatment using the apparatus. The apparatus includes a chemical bath containing a chemical for substrate wet treatment. A heating portion is installed in the chemical bath, and the heating portion includes a heating element and a housing accommodating the heating element. An inert gas is filled in the housing.

Abstract: A method of washing a vehicle and apparatus therefore is disclosed. In one aspect, a wheel washing apparatus is pivotable about a vertical axis. In another aspect, wheels of the vehicle are applied a selective treatment, different from a side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A cleaning device for removing contaminants from a surface of an object to be cleaned, the device adapted to be fluidically connected to a high-pressure gas supply. The device comprises at least one high-pressure passage with a predetermined miniature lateral scale with a high-pressure outlet for accelerating the gas. The high-pressure outlet characterized by at least one narrow lip, where the outlet and the narrow lip defining an active surface. When the active surface of the cleaning device is brought to a predetermined miniature gap from, and substantially parallel to, the surface, thus defining a throat section between the narrow lip and the surface of the object to be cleaned and the gas accelerated to about sonic speeds at the throat section, lateral aeromechanic removal forces are produced that act on the contaminants.

Abstract: A device for wet treating flat plate-like substrates includes a spin-chuck (2) for holding and rotating the substrate, at least one dispenser (3) for dispensing a liquid onto at least one surface (W) of the substrate, a liquid collector (4) circumferentially surrounding the spin-chuck for collecting liquid, which is spun off the substrate during rotation, with at least two collector levels (L1, L2), for separately collecting liquids in different collectors (41, 42), a lifter (H) for moving spin-chuck (2) relative to liquid collector (4) substantially along the rotation axis (A), at least two exhaust levels (E1, E2) for separately collecting gas from the interior (40) of the liquid collector (4) and at least one exhaust controller (71), which is associated with at least one of the at least two exhaust levels, for selectively varying gas flow conditions in at least on of the at least two exhaust levels (E1, E2).

Abstract: In a substrate cleaning method and a substrate cleaning method according to the present invention, a brush 3 is brought into contact with a substrate W while rotating the same, and a cleaning position Sb of the brush 3 is moved relative to the substrate W from a center part of the substrate W toward a peripheral part thereof. A process fluid formed of liquid droplets and a gas is sprayed by a two-fluid nozzle 5 onto the substrate W, and a cleaning position Sn of the two-fluid nozzle 5 is moved relative to the substrate W from a center part of the substrate W toward a peripheral part thereof. During the movement of the cleaning position Sb of the brush 3 from the center part of the substrate W toward the peripheral part thereof, the cleaning position Sb of the two-fluid nozzle is positioned nearer to a center P0 than the cleaning position Sb of the brush 3. Since contaminations of the brush are prevented from adhering again to the wafer, it can be avoided that the wafer W is contaminated.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for performing acoustically aided treatment or cleaning of workpieces or subjects. In a first embodiment, acoustic energy contributed by one or more emitted streams is summed for cooperative treatment at a common workpiece region or site. In a second embodiment, one or more impinging streams are shaped such that they provide an acoustic amplification effect. Both embodiments may utilize beneficial agents added to the flowed impinging medium to enable or improve the treatment or cleaning process.

Abstract: An Assistive Walking Device that provides added support to persons requiring a mobility aid. Three or more stiff or flexible spherical or partial spherical-shaped structures are attached to a support or frame structure that includes a handle or grip. The three or more spherical structures attached to the support structure or frame, absorb shock during the walking motion and grip the ground, thus improving walking stability. The three or more spherical or partial spherical-shaped structures can vary in size, composition, construction design, pattern arrangement and pliability characteristics, and the frame or support structure to which the spherical structures are attached is variable in design according to the specific application requirements of the person requiring the mobility aid.

Abstract: A tent assembly includes a tent frame, a top support frame mounted on top of the tent frame, an umbrella frame connected to the top support frame, a control unit connected to the umbrella frame and the tent frame to control folding and unfolding of the umbrella frame, and a canopy mounted on the umbrella frame. The tent frame includes a plurality of spaced-apart upright posts, and a plurality of horizontal bars each bridging top portions of two adjacent ones of the upright posts. The canopy has a peripheral end extending to the horizontal bars. A curtain extends downwardly from the peripheral end of the canopy.

Abstract: A method for storing hydrogen is described. The hydrogen is infused into hollow spheres. The spheres are made from a polymer which has a tensile strength sufficient to contain hydrogen under selected internal pressure conditions; and has a permeation coefficient which can be adjusted under variable humidity conditions. Adjustment of the humidity level after the hydrogen is infused results in the walls of the spheres becoming impermeable to hydrogen. The hydrogen stored in the spheres can then be released at a desired time by readjusting the humidity level. The released hydrogen can be directed to any type of equipment which is fueled by hydrogen or otherwise uses the gas. Related articles and systems are also described.

Abstract: A method of forming thermoelectric elements includes introducing a molten thermoelectric-material in a plurality of holes of a mold, and solidifying the molten thermoelectric-material in the plurality of holes, thereby forming a plurality of thermoelectric elements in the plurality of holes without wafer-slicing process or chip-dicing process.

Abstract: Novel structures of photovoltaic cells (also called as solar cells) are provided. The cells are based on nanoparticles or nanometer-scaled wires, tubes, and/or rods, which are made of electronic materials covering semiconductors, insulators, and may be metallic in structure. These photovoltaic cells have large power generation capability per unit physical area over the conventional cells. These cells will have enormous applications such as in space, commercial, residential and industrial applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high-efficiency solar cell. More specifically, provided is a solar cell comprising a first conductivity type semiconductor substrate, a second conductivity type semiconductor layer formed on the first conductivity type semiconductor substrate and having a conductivity type opposite to that of the substrate, a p-n junction at an interface therebetween, a rear electrode in contact with at least a portion of the first conductivity type semiconductor substrate, a front electrode in contact with at least a portion of the second conductivity type semiconductor layer, and a silicon oxynitride passivation layer and a silicon nitride anti-reflective layer sequentially formed on a rear surface of the first conductivity type semiconductor substrate and/or a front surface of the second conductivity type semiconductor layer; and a process for preparing the same.

Abstract: A solar battery cell having a hexagonal shape is divided into four at a straight line connecting between opposed apexes and a straight line connecting between middle points of opposed sides. Two of the divided cells are arranged without being turned upside down such that oblique sides thereof oppose each other; thus, a substantially rectangular-shaped unit is configured. In adjoining two units, an interconnector is routed from a front surface of one of the units to a back surface of the other unit. Thus, the two units are electrically connected to each other through the interconnector. Hence, it is unnecessary to route an interconnector from a front surface of one divided cell to a back surface of another divided cell at a portion where oblique sides of the divided cells oppose each other; therefore, it is unnecessary to secure a large clearance at the portion.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus is provided. The photoelectric conversion apparatus includes an electrolyte layer interposed between a semiconductor layer and a counter electrode. The electrolyte layer includes an electrolyte solution retained in a fibrous inorganic matrix in a gel state.

Abstract: A continuous blending system can be used to prepare burner fuel or blasting agent, and includes a mixer, a first hydrocarbon system, a second hydrocarbon mixer, and a computing system. The mixer is configured for continuously mixing a continuous supply of a first hydrocarbon and a continuous supply of second hydrocarbon to provide a mixed hydrocarbon at a flow rate and a predefined ratio of first and second hydrocarbon. The first hydrocarbon system provides a continuous flow of first hydrocarbon into the mixer. The second hydrocarbon system provides a continuous flow of second hydrocarbon system into the mixer. The computing system is in communication with and configured for simultaneously controlling the first and second hydrocarbon systems in order to obtain the mixed hydrocarbon at the predefined flow rate and at the predefined ratio of first and second hydrocarbon.

Abstract: Heavy crude transportation optimization method wherein at least one solvent consisting of a petroleum cut is added to said crude. According to the method, the polar component ?p of the Hildebrand parameter of the solvent is increased, and the contribution of hydrogen bond ?h of the Hildebrand parameter of the solvent is controlled, by adding a predetermined amount of at least one specific additive.

Abstract: A water controlling kit is connected to the fluid system, of a fire truck for example, used for pumping water to one or more fire hoses. The kit has a water level gauge, a signaling element and a control valve and is adapted to maintain the pressure at the inlet of the pump of the fire truck within a preselected range of about 1.5 to about 3 psi. during discharge from the pump and pressure fluctuations of the pressurized water supply supplying water to the fire truck reservoir.

Abstract: A vent structure at least partially defining a passageway between the inside of a fuel storage tank and the outside atmosphere includes a separator membrane. The separator membrane is positioned within the vent structure configured to block liquid fuel in the storage tank from reaching the outside atmosphere through the passageway. The separator membrane is permeable by air. The vent structure may be in the form of a cap or a remote vent, or it may be provided substantially within the fuel storage tank. The vent structure may be provided as part of a fuel evaporative emissions system for a vehicle or motor-driven power equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sewer system comprising a sewage receptacle (1), sewer piping (3) connected to the sewage receptacle by means of a discharge valve (2), a vacuum generating means (4) for generating vacuum in the sewer piping, a control mechanism (5) for controlling the discharge valve, and a vacuum buffer means. In order to provide a small volume vacuum buffer means that may provide a timely raising of the vacuum level available for the control mechanism (5), the vacuum buffer means comprises an active buffer device (10) in fluid communication with the control mechanism (5) and the sewer piping (3).

Abstract: A connecting structure for connecting a bulb holder with a connecting tube, including a connecting tube, a fitting seat, a connecting seat and a bulb holder. The fitting seat is fitted in the connecting tube. The fitting seat has multiple male stopper sections and a first electric connection section. The connecting seat has a female stopper section, a fixing section and a second electric connection section. The female stopper section is engaged with the male stopper sections of the fitting seat. The second electric connecting section is electrically connected with the first electric connection section of the fitting seat. The bulb holder is fixedly connected with the fixing section of the connecting seat and electrically connected with the second electric connection section of the connecting seat.

Abstract: A support mountable in an inflatable bag having a belt shaped valve, comprises a tube shaped to partially fit into the belt shaped valve and including at least one first engagement member (e.g., groove or rib) formed on its outer surface; at least two clamp members each having an inner surface shaped to fit around the outer surface of the tube, each clamp member including a half flared support element extended from one end, and a second engagement member (e.g., rib or groove) formed on its inner surface wherein the second engagement members are securely engaged with the first engagement member for gripping a peripheral edge of the belt shaped valve; and a tubelike support member shaped to fit around outer surfaces of the clamp members for gripping the peripheral edge of the belt shaped valve by and between the clamp members and the tube.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for attaching an actuator (2) to a housing (4), in particular for an automotive vehicle, the actuator being provided for driving a movable equipment (41) disposed within the housing. The device comprises attaching means for attaching the actuator on the housing. The mounting means comprise two conjugated connection flanges (20, 40), respectively mounted on a connexion face (28) of the actuator (28) and on a connection face (48) of the housing. The connexion flanges are adapted to be assembled according to a male/female type connection at the outside of the housing.

Abstract: The sticking phenomenon between a coating film and a metal seat caused by a fluorine resin of a valve member can be avoided when a dissolution of a plasticizer from a fuel hose is much, and an excellent durability can be achieved when the operation is continued thereafter and the dissolution of the plasticizer is reduced. In an injector valve in an injector for a gas fuel, the injector valve has an injector valve member having a close-contact member arranged on an acting surface thereof, the close-contact member including a base material formed by a rubber material and a fluorine resin coating film formed on the surface of the base material. The fluorine resin coating film is formed by a first fluorine resin coating film applied to the surface of the base material and having an excellent durability, and a second fluorine resin coating film applied to the first fluorine resin coating film and having an excellent release characteristic.

Abstract: A modular lining system for a valve body for use in fluid handling systems including fluid transport tankers, and a method for lining a valve body using the modular lining system. The lining system is slidably inserted into the valve body to protect the valve body from corrosive or other damaging materials. The liners are placed such that they are easily removable for cleaning or replacing when damaged. An actuator comprising a piston is actuated within one of the liners to selectively allow and stop fluid flow.

Abstract: There is disclosed a variable metering orifice arrangement for a current divider and current adding device, the metering orifice arrangement including one or more working terminals by each of which a consumer can be supplied with pressure fluid. The metering orifice arrangement includes a metering orifice piston to which control pressure tapped off between two throttles of a pressure divider can be applied, wherein at least one of the throttles is variable.

Abstract: The check valves of multiple-layer films are applicable in an inflatable gas bag, said inflatable gas bag comprises a upper film, a lower film, and check valves of multiple-layer films having a plurality of check valves being enclosed between upper film and lower film. The check valves of multiple-layer films are made by binding a first valve film, a second valve film and a third valve film using hot press. And multiple anti-welding masks are printed between first valve film and second valve film, also between second valve film and third valve film. There are two sets of passages, one between first valve film and second valve film, and another between second valve film and third valve film. The multiple sets of gas passages speed up the inflation process of the inflatable gas bag. Further, thinner valve film is used to enhance the airtight effect and to reduce the problem of gas leakage after inflation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a pressure relief assembly that may include an inner shell having at least one air passage, and at least one membrane flap sealingly covering the air passage. The membrane flap is configured to move to open the air passage based on an air pressure level. The assembly may also include an outer shell secured to the inner shell, wherein an air channel is defined between the inner shell and the outer shell. The outer shell is configured to protect said inner shell from moisture. The assembly may also include at least one moisture catching ledge surrounding the air passage. The moisture catching ledge is configured to trap moisture that passes by the membrane flap.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fuel tank for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one venting device which is connected to a fuel vapor filter, wherein the venting device includes at least one collecting container (4) for receiving liquid fuel (21). The fuel tank is distinguished in that disposed within the collecting container (4) is a delivery pump (8) for emptying it into the delivery volume (23) of the fuel tank (1).

Abstract: A method of replenishing reactant-depleted cavitation medium within a cavitation chamber without re-pressurizing the entire cavitation system is provided, reactant depletion resulting from the cavitation process performed within the cavitation chamber. In addition to the cavitation chamber, the cavitation system includes a cavitation medium reservoir flexibly coupled to the chamber via a pair of conduits. The flexible couplings allow the relative positions of the cavitation chamber and the cavitation medium reservoir to be varied, thereby providing a means of either forcing the cavitation fluid to flow from the chamber and into the reservoir or from the reservoir and into the chamber. Such fluid flow causes mixing of the cavitation medium contained within the chamber and that contained within the reservoir, thus allowing replenishment of the source, e.g., reactant, within the chamber by mixing the cavitation fluid contained therein with non-depleted fluid contained within the reservoir.

Abstract: A cavitation system in which a source gas, e.g., a reactant, is loaded into the cavitation medium prior to cavitation is provided. The cavitation system includes a cavitation chamber with suitable cavitation drivers and a cavitation medium reservoir, the chamber and reservoir being flexibly coupled together via a pair of conduits. The conduits can be fabricated from a plastic or, as is preferred for higher temperature liquids, a metal. Typically metal conduits are formed into a coil, thus providing the desired flexibility. Flexibility is required in order to allow the relative positions of the cavitation chamber and the cavitation medium reservoir to be varied.

Abstract: A control valve apparatus couples pressurized fluid to first and second actuators using first and second double valves. The first double valve includes first and second crossover passages and first and second pilots. The second double valve includes third and fourth crossover passages and third and fourth pilots. A first interconnection couples the first crossover passage with the third pilot fluid inlet. A second interconnection couples the second crossover passage with the fourth pilot fluid inlet. A third interconnection couples the third crossover passage with the first pilot fluid inlet. A fourth interconnection couples the fourth crossover passage with the second pilot fluid inlet. Thus, operation of each pilot depends upon receiving pressurized fluid from the other double valve which is only present when the other double valve is not in a fault condition.

Abstract: A multiple valve for controlling the distribution of a plurality of pumpable materials. The valve has a slide (15) with a plurality of outlet openings (25) in a row. Each outlet opening (25) has a protruding tubular connection element (27) downstream on the slide (15). The slide (15) is arranged on a carrier, which is a stationary disk (11) having at least two parallel rows (19, 21) of openings (20) corresponding to the row of outlet openings (25) of the slide (15). A tubular inlet element (26) is connected to each opening (20) on the reverse, upstream side of valve carrier (11). Each row of openings is arranged perpendicularly to the direction of movement on the slide (15).

Abstract: A new three-way, two-position in-tube solenoid gas valve assembly comprises a modified in-tube solenoid gas valve and a pair of gas release valves is designed to control pneumatic systems. The modified in-tube solenoid gas valve is a modification based on the previous invention by Wang et al., U.S. Ser. No. 10/924,789. The new modifications are first adding a rod-piston assembly onto the solenoid assembly, a new inlet was added to the valve tube and two outlet fittings were also added. With these modifications, the systems can now work with two directions of gas flows, which is important to control pneumatic systems. To be able to control pneumatic systems properly, two gas release valves are included as part of the assembly. The goal of these two gas release valves is to be able to release gas from pneumatic quickly and completely. These gas release valves are operated based on two compression springs and through gas inputs into the valves.

Abstract: Mixer tap with a vertically adjustable spout 2 and a separate adjusting means 4, the spout being upwardly and downwardly movable by means of a piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder 6 arranged under the respective table top and further being controlled by means the adjusting means 4.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use by a child or disabled person in a sink with a faucet. The apparatus includes the faucet that controls water delivered to the sink through a water spout and a water transfer conduit that is attached to and wholly supported by the water spout, said water transfer conduit catching water falling from the water spout and laterally delivering the water to an area adjacent a user side of the sink.

Abstract: A valve construction for use with a holding or waste removal tank of a vehicle is provided and includes a gate valve having a valve closure member, and at least one panel having an opening extending from an inside surface to an outside surface connected to the vehicle. Also provided is an axially moveable cable with a first end connected to the gate valve to impart movement to the valve closure member and a second end having a terminus, and a first and second means for securing the second end to the panel. The first means is radially contractible and expandable for penetrating the opening by contracting as it is moved to penetrate through the inside surface of the panel and expanding as it is moved to exit the opening through the outside surface of the panel whereupon it abuts the outside surface. The second means adapts to tightly abut the inside surface of the panel to cooperate with the first means to enable the secure mounting of the second end of the cable to the panel.

Abstract: An improved flexible hose is described. The flexible hose may have a helical wire core with at least one thermoplastic layer over the core forming the hose. The helical wire forms a plurality of peaks separated by adjacent valleys on the hose. The peaks have a protective strip over the peaks that may extending along the peaks on the hose. The protective strip covers substantially only the peaks while leaving a major portion of the valleys uncovered by the strip.

Abstract: A single layer papermakers fabric comprises machine direction (MD) warp yarns interwoven with cross-machine direction (CD) weft yarns to a repeating weave pattern requiring N sheds in the loom, N being an integer and at least 4. Each warp yarn follows a path in the paper side surface comprising four segments in each pattern repeat. In each of the first and third segments, the warp yarn interweaves with three consecutive weft yarns to form a double warp knuckle, and in the second and fourth segments, the warp yarn forms respectively a first and second MD float having unequal float lengths, at least one of the MD floats being over at least N consecutive weft yarns. The fabrics provide high air permeability, and increased surface contact area, stability and seam strength, and are particularly suitable for use as forming fabrics and through air dryer fabrics for tissue and towel products.

Abstract: An orthogonal stitch-weave method and fiber architecture. The architecture allows near-net-shape composite preforms to be fabricated, thereby reducing costs associated with complex preform shapes and increasing desired strengths of the composite.

Abstract: A complex coil and a fixture for forming same configured such that loops are formed having various configurations relative to each other. The configurations provide improved thrombus formation and reduced rotation or tumbling once implanted. The complex coil is formed of a material that may deformed for purposes of placing the complex coil into a catheter and returns to a complex shape that includes said loops once deployed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system or apparatus (10) and a method for dispensing a material (16) from a pressurized container (12) while maintaining product integrity. The system or apparatus comprises a pressurized container for holding the material and having a dispensing valve (20) provided with a dispensing conduit or stem (26) for dispensing the material from the container at the appropriate time, a syringe (42) equipped with an on/off locking mechanism (48) for permitting or preventing flow of the material into and out of the syringe by way of a stem or conduit (50) attached to the locking mechanism, and a removable adaptor (34) for connecting the stem of the syringe to the stem of the dispensing valve of the pressurized container for permitting flow of material from the pressurized container into a chamber of the syringe upon actuation of the dispensing valve.

Abstract: A system and method for filling a container such as a syringe or vial with liquid is provided. Also provided is a system and method for closing a filled container with a stopper or piston gas-pocket free. The systems and methods are carried out at a minimum of two different pressure levels to provide filled and/or closed containers substantially without formation of gas pockets or foaming in the container. Also provided is a system and method for degassing liquid useful in the filling and closing processes.

Abstract: A brake fluid flush machine is adapted to simultaneously supply fresh brake fluid and vacuum used brake fluid in a vehicles braking system while controlled by a processor to allow a single worker to complete the fluid exchange operation. The automatic brake fluid exchange machine comprises a used fluid tank, a new fluid tank, a manifold connectable to four secondary brake cylinders corresponding to a front driver's side wheel, a front passenger's side wheel, a rear driver's side wheel, and a rear passenger's side wheel, a suction pump connecting the manifold to said used fluid tank for draining used brake fluid from said four secondary brake cylinders, a pressure pump connecting the new fluid tank to the master cylinder, and a processor.

Abstract: An integrated filler system to transfer a filler product from a filler product source to a product receptacle is provided. The integrated filler system includes a cylinder housing, a pallet valve disposed within the cylinder housing that contains a product flow aperture, and a piston inserted in a valve bore of the pallet valve. A linear actuator is connected to the piston to selectively actuate a linear travel of the piston within the valve bore. A rotary actuator is connected to the pallet valve to selectively position the product flow aperture to fluidly communicate with either a product input port or a product output port formed in the cylinder housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel devices and methods of filling tanks designed for holding non-hazardous fluids, especially tanks on recreational vehicles. In a preferred embodiment, the tank to be filled is a water tank. The device of the present invention incorporates several novel and non-obvious features to create a device that permits the filling of tanks in a hands-free manner while keeping water waste to a minimum and preventing the damaging of tank, fill neck or other tank or fill components due to the over filling of the tank.