Abstract: A portable structure includes first and second support poles, each having one lower end for resting on a ground surface. First and second connectors attach at upper ends of the first and second support poles, respectively and two or more linking poles connect the first support pole with the second support pole via the first and second connectors. The linking poles form obtuse angles with the first and second support poles at the first and second connectors. The linking poles form an eye shape between the first and second support poles when joined with the connectors.

Abstract: A canopy includes a plurality of height-adjustable support frames including upper and lower frames; a bottom fixture inserted/fixed in each lower frame; a fixed two-point connection member fixed to each upper frame; a height-adjustable movable two-point connection member installed to each upper frame; three-point connection members positioned between the upper frames respectively; upper and lower four-point connection members positioned in the middle of the support frames respectively and having a vertically-installed anti-drooping frame; and pivoting frames whose both ends are connected to each connection member and whose center portion is hinged pivotally. Each pivoting frame has a insert group protruded on both ends of the pivoting frame at interval to prepare a vertical receiving groove. Each connection member has supports inserted into the insert groove, and an insert groove is formed in the supports to insert one of the inserts therein.

Abstract: In a thermoelectric conversion material composed of a porous material, continuous electrical conduction paths are provided by forming voids in the form of independent closed pores or independent closed air tubes inside the material. For example, in producing a sintered body of a thermoelectric material, microparticles having a particle diameter of 1 ?m or less serving as a void-forming agent are mixed in a base powder, and in sintering, the sintering atmosphere or sintering temperature is controlled so that after the densification of a solid part formed by sintering the base powder proceeds, the microparticles of the void-forming agent are gasified, thereby producing a porous thermoelectric material having a structure in which minute independent closed pores having an average pore diameter of 1 ?m or less are dispersed.

Abstract: A thermoelectric having self-assembled structures, where the structures may be lamellae or dendrites. For some embodiments, the self-assembled structures are obtained by melting a mixture of Pb, Te, and Sb; cooling; and then annealing. During this process, a metastable alloy is formed, which decomposes into lamellae structures of PbTe and Sb2Te3. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device, an intermediate, a module, and a method for manufacturing the same are provided, wherein productivity is high, material costs are comparatively low, and there is a low environmental load. A thermoelectric device, wherein a block body has at least one P and N piece made of P-type and N-type materials, which are sandwiched between insulation layers, wherein the adjacent P and N piece boundary portions are welded together, with the P and the N piece of the block body being electrically connected in a zigzag manner, and a plurality of block bodies are arranged in parallel, the block bodies adjacent to each other being bridged by an electrode to extend the electrical connection in the series; an intermediate using such a thermoelectric device; and a thermoelectric module using the intermediate are provided. In this case, as the P-type and N-type materials, any material preferably used for thermoelectric pairs can be used.

Abstract: A diversified regeneration energy supplier with built-in universal solar collector of the present invention relates to a solar collector in a spherical, polygonal, approximately cylindrical, or oval closed housing adapted with associate mask pervious to light; concave condensing structure, solar load, auxiliary facilities and optional energy collecting system of another type that share the same structure of application.

Abstract: An electronic device such as a watch comprises a solar cell (14) and window portions (2, 6) which is located on the solar cell (14) and through which light is applied to the solar cell (14). The solar cell (14) is divided into a plurality of divided cells such that irradiated portions (14A to 14F) of the divided cells are equal in area, in consideration of the shapes, areas, and number of the window portions (2, 6) and the number of divisions of the solar cell (14).

Abstract: A transparent plate includes at least two parallel main borders and has, in relief on at least one of its main surfaces, repetitive pyramidal relief features, each including an apex, a base, and a set of edges that join the apex to the base, and at least one edge of the features being such that its projection in the general plane of the plate is substantially parallel to the two parallel main borders. The plate may be combined with photovoltaic cells so as to enhance the transmission of light to the cells. The plate can easily be produced by hot rolling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed which employs a light concentrator with an asymmetric acceptance angle to concentrate sunlight on predominately non-equatorial facing surfaces such as roof tops. In some embodiments a photovoltaic module is disclosed using triangular prisms to concentrate light onto silicon cells, thereby reducing the amount of photovoltaic material required for generation of electrical power from sunlight without reducing the amount of light accepted by the module on non-equatorial surfaces in the northern and southern hemispheres. In some other embodiments parallel aperture concentrators are used in place of triangular prisms.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a dye for a dye-sensitized solar cell and a dye-sensitized solar cell prepared from the same. The dye includes a fluorenyl-containing compound. The dye according to the present embodiments is applied to a light absorption layer to improve photovoltaic efficiency and increase an open-circuit voltage.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solar cell comprising a nanostructure array capable of accepting energy and producing electricity. In an embodiment, the solar cell comprises an at least one optical antenna having a geometric morphology capable of accepting energy. In addition, the cell comprises a rectifier having the optical antenna at a first end and engaging a substrate at a second end wherein the rectifier comprises the optical antenna engaged to a rectifying material (such as, a semiconductor). In addition, an embodiment of the solar cell comprises a metal layer wherein the metal layer surrounds a length of the rectifier, wherein the optical antenna accepts energy and converts the energy from AC to DC along the rectifier. Further, the invention provides various methods of efficiently and reliably producing such solar cells.

Abstract: A solar module for converting light into electric current includes a hollow body having a first opening for enabling light to enter the hollow body. The module further includes an inside wall and an outside wall, and at least one photoactive layer for absorbing light attached to each wall for absorbing light and converting it into electric current.

Abstract: In a thin-film photovoltaic (TF PV) module, stacked cells provide efficient conversion of solar energy without being afflicted by conventional problems such as current matching between layers. According to one aspect, the module includes separate terminals for the respective layers in the stack, thus allowing the current in each layer to be different without sacrificing efficiencies gained due to their different bandgaps. According to another aspect of the invention, a processing method according to the invention includes forming interconnects for each layer using etch and deposition processing, including forming separate interconnects for each respective layer, which interconnects can be coupled to respective sets of terminals.

Abstract: A solar cell assembly comprising a plurality of elongated solar cells is provided. Each solar cell in the plurality of cells comprises a conductive core configured as a first electrode, a semiconductor junction circumferentially disposed on the conductive core, and a TCO layer disposed on the semiconductor junction. The plurality of solar cells is arranged in a parallel manner in pairs on a transparent insulating substrate such that (i) the solar cells in each respective pair are joined together lengthwise by a corresponding counter-electrode, and (ii) solar cells adjacent pairs of solar cells do not touch each other. Each solar cell pair is affixed to the transparent insulating substrate. A first and second solar cell pair is electrically connected in series by an electrical contact that electrically connects the first electrode of each cell in the first pair to the corresponding counter-electrode of the second pair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic device, especially hybrid solar cells, comprising at least one layer comprising evaporated fluoride and/or acetate; and to a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: A modified latex drag reducer and methods of making and using the drag reducer in order to reduce friction losses resulting from turbulent fluid flow through a conduit. Particularly, the modified latex drag reducer is formed from an initial latex which is a product of an emulsion polymerization reaction. The initial latex is then modified, preferably by admixing with at least one low HLB surfactant or at least one solvent, or both, to form a modified latex with an enhanced dissolution rate in a hydrocarbon stream over the initial latex.

Abstract: Method for maintaining and cleaning the conduits (2a, 3a) of a dental polisher (1), of the type that includes the pressurized spraying of a polishing powder (7) onto a tooth surface. The method includes an operational phase comprising the pressurized injection of a solution (9), in which the powder (7) is soluble, into at least some of the conduits (2a, 3a) through which the powder (7) passes.

Abstract: A freeze safe valve includes a housing coupled between an upstream tube and a downstream tube of a water flowing or supplying line for shutting off the water flowing or supplying line and for opening a drain port in response to the formation of ice on the downstream side of water flowing or supplying line, and thus for alleviating the pressure on the downstream side and for precluding or eliminating water damage from frozen, broken pipes, etc. A flexible valve member is disposed in the housing for selectively blocking the drain port of the housing by the fluid flowing into the housing and for selectively blocking the an orifice of a plate by a spring member.

Abstract: A reduced pressure zone backflow preventer comprising a body 12 entirely made of plastic material, formed with an inlet port (14) accommodating an inlet check valve assembly 120 and an outlet port accommodating an outlet check valve assembly 122. The check valve assemblies extend along a coaxial axis coinciding with a longitudinal axis of the body. A central space 60 formed between the check valves is accessible through a service opening in the body. A relief valve assembly 70 is received within the central space and a drain port extends from the space. The relief assembly is responsive to pressure differential between the inlet port and the space by a flow passage extending between the inlet port and an upper side of a pressure diaphragm of the relief valve assembly.

Abstract: A lockout device is provided for an instrument having a body and an actuating member extending from the body for operating the instrument. The lockout device includes a bottom member, a cover member, and a flexible member. The bottom member and cover member are adapted to receive a cinching portion of the flexible member between first and second cinching features One of the first and second cinching features includes at least one pin, and the other of the first and second cinching features includes at least one corresponding recess configured to receive the at least one pin. When the flexible member is wrapped around a portion of the body and received between the first and second cinching features and the cover member is in a closed position, the first and second cinching features prevent movement of a cinching portion of the flexible member.

Abstract: An autofeed mechanism for controlling the flow and level of a fluid. The mechanism includes a body with an inlet chamber and a float chamber. A seat permits fluid communication between the two chambers. A float and a ball cooperate to permit, or deny, access to the seat. Fluid first enters the inlet and fills the chamber and then enters the float chamber by passing through the seat and exiting via the exit. Initially, the weight of the float keeps the ball away from the seat, but eventually the fluid level rises high enough that the action of the float on the ball decreases to a level that is overcome by the buoyant force of the ball and other fluidic forces resulting in the ball moving away from the ball support. Finally, the ball rises enough to seal against the seat thus stopping the flow of fluid.

Abstract: A lifting pipe for a pump-type liquid container includes a draw-up pipe for drawing a liquid within a liquid container main body; a pouring pipe for communicating between the draw-up pipe and an exterior; and a safety valve mechanism for stanching the liquid when the liquid container main body is overturned. The safety valve mechanism comprises a case main body and a valve retainer having a safety valve. The case main body is decomposable and communicates between the draw-up pipe and the pouring pipe. The valve retainer is removably fitted within the case main body.

Abstract: Shutoff valve apparatus comprising: a valve block 80 having a valve chest on which gas collects temporarily, an inlet flow path 34 which makes gas flow into a valve chest, an outlet flow path 40 into which gas is made to flow out of a valve chest, a valve seat 44 located in the inlet port of an inlet flow path, or the outlet port, a diaphragm valve element 38 located in the opposed position of the valve seat and closes the valve port by contacting with the valve seat, pressing means 82 for pressing diaphragm valve element, an actuator plate 84 disposed at the opposite side of the valve chest so that the diaphragm valve element may be opposed, an operation chamber 86 divided with the actuator plate, and an operation gas supply exhaust mechanism in which operation gas is made to supply or exhaust into the operation chamber.

Abstract: A high-pressure tank and a valve assembly capable of properly increasing the easiness of handling of a pressure regulating valve. A high-pressure tank 1 includes a valve assembly 10 integrally having a cutoff valve 11 and a pressure regulating valve 12. The valve assembly 10 has a first area 15 inserted within the high-pressure tank 1, and a second area 16 exposed to the outside of the high-pressure tank 1. The cutoff valve 11 is disposed in the first area 15, and at least a part of the pressure regulating valve 12 is disposed in the second area 16.

Abstract: A rivet-type flapper valve assembly for a fluid device has a main body part defining a valve orifice communicating with the fluid device. The main body part includes a pin or shaft of a rivet spaced adjacent to the valve orifice. The main body part is permanently attached to the fluid device, such as by brazing. A flapper valve is then mounted on the rivet shaft to cover the valve orifice, and the rivet shaft is deformed to retain the flapper valve in place.

Abstract: A valve assembly may include a valve body having a main body portion and a mounting portion. The main body portion may include a perimeter, a first side and a second side. The first side may define a sealing portion extending proximate to and substantially around the perimeter. The sealing portion may mate with a valve seat. The second side of the main body portion may be convexly curved. The valve body may disposed within a flow path define by one or more conduits. The flow path may have at least a portion with a generally circular cross-section having a radius. The first side may mate with a valve seat. The main body portion may be moveable within the flow path relative to the valve seat between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering fluids into microfluidic device body structures (112, 202, 316, 508) are described. The methods and devices include the use of fluid manifolds (200, 300, 400, 500) which are integrated or interchangeable with device body structures. Methods of fabricating manifolds are also provided.

Abstract: An example fluid pressure reduction device includes a hollow cylinder having an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of passageways extending between the inner and outer surfaces. Each passageway delimits an aperture having a cross-sectional area and a wetted perimeter that is greater than a second wetted perimeter of one of a circle-shaped aperture or a rectangle-shaped aperture having the same cross-sectional area as one of the passageways.

Abstract: A variable flow valve is provided. The variable flow valve includes a housing, an actuator, a biasing agent, positioning coils, and a locking coil. The housing defines a bore, an inlet, and an outlet. The actuator is moveably disposed within the bore and configured to selectively obstruct and expose the outlet. The biasing agent is disposed within the bore. The biasing agent is also interposed between the housing and the actuator to bias the actuator toward the outlet. The positioning coils are disposed about the housing and operable to drive the biasing agent to a retracted position. The locking coil is disposed about the housing proximate the biasing agent. The locking coil is operable to capture the biasing agent in the retracted position. As such, the positioning coils are thereafter able to move the actuator free of the bias from the biasing agent.

Abstract: In a hydraulic pressure control system for a vehicle automatic transmission device, an electric pump is provided in addition to a mechanical pump for generating hydraulic pressure, so that the hydraulic pressure can be continuously supplied to friction coupling elements even during the idling stop operation. A hydraulic pressure line for the electric pump is provided independently from a hydraulic pressure line for the mechanical pump. The hydraulic pressure of the electric pump is applied to the hydraulic pressure line for the mechanical pump shortly before a pressure control valve, which controls the hydraulic pressure to be applied to the friction coupling element.

Abstract: An inflow side frit (3), a stationary phase filler (4), and an outflow side frit (5) are installed in a cylindrical cartridge body (1A) from the upper side, a stopper part (1f) supporting the outflow side frit is formed at the inner surface bottom end of the cartridge body (1A), and a fitting part capable of holding the inserted state of the lower end of the other cartridge body (1A) inserted from the upper end of the cartridge body (1A) to a specified position is formed on the cartridge body (1A). The fitting part comprises an inside tapered surface (1g) formed on the inner surface of the cartridge body (1A) on the inserted side and having a diameter increased toward the upper side and an outside tapered surface formed on the outer surface of the cartridge body on the insert side and having a diameter increased toward the upper side.

Abstract: A system for dividing a single mass flow into a plurality N of secondary flows includes an inlet configured to receive the single mass flow, a master FRC (flow ratio controller), and one or more slave FRCs. Each FRC is connected to the inlet and including at least one flow channel. The master FRC and the slave FRCs include in combination a total of N flow channels. Each flow channel i (i=1, . . . , N) is connected to carry a corresponding one of the N secondary flows. In response to preselected ratio setpoints received from a host controller, the master FRC and the slave FRCs maintain ratios Qi/QT (i=1, . . . , N) between individual flow rates Qi (i=1, . . . , N) and a total flow rate QT at the preselected ratio set points.

Abstract: There is provided a pipe lining method wherein a lateral pipe lining material and a main pipe lining material are securely joined. After a lateral pipe has been lined, a start liner is applied to the main pipe and a main pipe lining material is then inserted. A heating wire for melting the start liner is mounted on a surface of a flange of the lateral pipe lining material during or after lining of the lateral pipe. While the main pipe is being lined, the heating wire is heated to melt the start liner existing between the flange of the lateral pipe lining material and the main pipe lining material. When the resin in the main pipe lining material is cured, the main pipe lining material and flange of the lateral pipe lining material are integrated. This allows the lateral pipe lining material and main pipe lining material to be reliably joined.

Abstract: A pipe includes an outer surface with a polyolefin-based protective coating covering a substantial portion thereof In addition, an end wrap material is disposed on the protective coating proximate to an end of the pipe, where the end wrap material is bondable to a polymer-containing protective material, such as a heat shrink sleeve or cover. The end wrap material can bond a heat shrink cover or sleeve in place over a girth-weld, thus substantially reducing the likelihood of the disbandment or movement of the sleeve from the welded pipe ends over time.

Abstract: The invention relates to syntactic polyurethanes, obtainable by reacting a polyisocyanate component (a) with a polyol component (b), in the presence of hollow microspheres (c) and encapsulated latent heat stores (d). The invention furthermore relates to the use of the syntactic polyurethanes for insulating offshore pipes, and insulated offshore pipes as such, and other parts and apparatuses used in the offshore sector.

Abstract: The invention is a mixing or dosing arrangement (10) for filling a container, conduit or vessel (12), which is used for receiving flowable materials therein from a flowable material combining manifold (58) and to transfer flowable materials therefrom to a suitable battery. The mixing or dosing arrangement (10) has a battery replenishment water source or reservoir (26), a battery condition evaluating composition container (28), and a battery life extending composition container (30) which are all connectable to a flowable material combining manifold (58), with valves used to control the flows for properly dosing the above described fluids as a flowable mixture into the container, vessel or conduit (12), which is used for dosing a battery. The battery condition evaluating composition may be a colorized composition.

Abstract: A machine for the treatment of containers (12) provided with a neck (14), includes at least one treatment station provided with a nipple (22) having gripping elements (26) in order to seize a container (12), the gripping elements (26) including a tubular supporting cuff (50) which is provided with a series of radial drillholes (52), each intended for receiving a ball (54) movable radially between an inner gripping position and an outer release position, characterized in that the gripping elements (26) include a tubular control cuff (56) which is mounted slideably between a locked position, in which a frustoconical bearing surface (58) cooperates with the balls (54) in order to stress them toward their gripping position, and an unlocked axial position, and in that the nipple (22) includes controlled drive elements (62) capable of causing the sliding of the control cuff (56).

Abstract: A method and system for cleaning containers being transposed through a container cleaning line, including an open-ended housing, a predetermined container flow path defined by the line of moving containers traversing the enclosure defined by the housing longitudinally, a first set of ionizing air nozzles mounted within the housing for directing ionized compressed air toward the containers in the container flow path, with at least one of the nozzles directing air flow into an open side of each container as it passes the nozzle and a second set of high velocity air nozzles mounted within the housing for directing high velocity compressed air toward the container flow path, the second set of high velocity nozzles being disposed along a direction essentially parallel to the container flow path with at least one of the nozzles flows directing high velocity air flow into the open side of each container as it passes the nozzle. Nozzle guards are provided to prevent contact between the containers and the nozzles.

Abstract: Disclosed therein are apparatus and method for manufacturing agricultural water supply hose, which can continuously supply a small quantity of water to various farm products or agricultural crops such as garden fruits. The apparatus and method can firmly bond the nozzle chips on the hose without regard to materials and constituents of the nozzle chips not by thermally bonding the nozzle chips on the inner periphery of the hose but by bonding the nozzle chips on the inner periphery of the hose after coating the inner periphery of the hose with an adhesive which is supplied from an adhesive coating device, thereby increasing durability. The apparatus and method can prevent distortion of the bonded portion and concentration of stress on the bonded portion even though the coefficients in thermal expansion of the nozzle chips and the hose are different from each other since the bonding between the nozzle chips and the hose is carried out after the hose is sufficiently cooled from a melting point.

Abstract: A woodworking machine including a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a working portion of the machine is disclosed. The machine includes a reaction system associated with the detection system to cause a predetermined action to take place relative to the working portion upon detection of the dangerous condition. A motion detection system is adapted to detect motion of the working portion and to disable the reaction system when the working portion is not moving. The motion detection system may include a sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, an electromagnetic field sensor, an optical sensor, or an electrical sensor. The woodworking machine may take the form of a saw, the working portion may be a blade adapted to cut when spinning, and the dangerous condition may be a person contacting the blade.

Abstract: A permanent magnet material is prepared by machining an anisotropic sintered magnet body having the compositional formula: Rx(Fe1-yCoy)100-x-z-aBzMa wherein R is Sc, Y or a rare earth element, M is Al, Cu or the like, to a specific surface area of at least 6 mm?1, heat treating in a hydrogen gas-containing atmosphere at 600-1,100° C. for inducing disproportionation reaction on the R2Fe14B compound, and continuing heat treatment at a reduced hydrogen gas partial pressure and 600-1,100° C. for inducing recombination reaction to the R2Fe14B compound, thereby finely dividing the R2Fe14B compound phase to a crystal grain size ?1 ?m.

Abstract: A permanent magnet material is prepared by covering an anisotropic sintered magnet body of formula: R1x(Fe1-yCoy)100-x-z-aBzMa wherein R1 is a rare earth element, M is Al, Cu or the like, with a powder comprising an oxide of R2, a fluoride of R3 or an oxyfluoride of R4 wherein R2, R3, and R4 are rare earth elements, and having an average particle size up to 100 ?m, heat treating the powder-covered magnet body in a hydrogen gas-containing atmosphere for inducing disproportionation reaction on R12Fe14B compound, and continuing heat treatment at a reduced hydrogen gas partial pressure for inducing recombination reaction to said compound, thereby finely dividing said compound phase to a crystal grain size up to 1 ?m, and for effecting absorption treatment, thereby causing R2, R3 or R4 to be absorbed in the magnet body.

Abstract: A rare earth permanent magnet material is prepared by covering a sintered magnet body of R1—Fe—B composition wherein R1 is a rare earth element, with a powder comprising at least 30% by weight of an alloy of R2aTbMcAdHe wherein R2 is a rare earth element, T is Fe and/or Co, and M is Al, Cu or the like, and having an average particle size up to 100 ?m, and heat treating the powder-covered magnet body at a suitable temperature, for causing R2, T, M and A in the powder to be absorbed in the magnet body.

Abstract: A rare-earth sintered magnet according to the present invention includes: 28.5 mass % to 32.0 mass % of R, which includes Tb and at least one of the other rare-earth elements; 0.91 mass % to 1.15 mass % of B; at most 0.35 mass % of oxygen; and Fe with or without Co and inevitably contained impurities as the balance. The magnet includes 3.2 mass % to 5.2 mass % of Tb, and has a remanence Br of at least 1.29 T, a coercivity HcJ of at least 2.4 MA/m and a maximum energy product (BH)max of at least 320 kJ/m3.

Abstract: A rolling, sliding part comprises a bearing steel, is subjected to a carburizing treatment and has a surface layer from a surface the part to a depth to which a maximum shear stress acts. The surface layer is 1.0 to 1.6 wt. % in total carbon content, has a matrix containing 0.6 to 1.0 wt. % of solid-solution carbon, and contains a precipitating carbide in an amount of 5 to 20% in area ratio, the carbide being up to 3 ?m in particle size. The rolling or sliding part is improved in wear resistance, usable with a lubricant free of or less susceptible to impression by extraneous matter present in the lubricant, and less susceptible to compressive stress due to the extraneous matter, with the development of cracks suppressed.

Abstract: Process for the passivation of metallic surfaces by treatment of the surface with an acidic, aqueous preparation which comprises at least one water-soluble acid group-containing polymer and Zn, Ca, Mg or Al ions, said process being in particular a continuous process for the passivation of strip metals.

Abstract: A method of forming a component from a gamma-prime precipitation-strengthened nickel-base superalloy so that, following a supersolvus heat treatment the component characterized by a uniformly-sized grain microstructure. The method includes forming a billet having a sufficiently fine grain size to achieve superplasticity of the superalloy during a subsequent working step. The billet is then worked at a temperature below the gamma-prime solvus temperature of the superalloy so as to form a worked article, wherein the billet is worked so as to maintain strain rates above a lower strain rate limit to control average grain size and below an upper strain rate limit to avoid critical grain growth. Thereafter, the worked article is heat treated at a temperature above the gamma-prime solvus temperature of the superalloy for a duration sufficient to uniformly coarsen the grains of the worked article, after which the worked article is cooled at a rate sufficient to reprecipitate gamma-prime within the worked article.

Abstract: A UOE steel pipe for use in linepipe having an ultrahigh strength in the circumferential direction of the pipe of at least 750 MPa and at most 900 MPa and having improved toughness in the base metal and weld heat affected zone along with improved joint fracture properties and good circumferential weldability is manufactured from a hot-rolled steel plate having a composition comprising, in mass percent, C: 0.03-0.08%, Mn: 1.70-2.2%, S: at most 0.0020%, Ti: 0.005-0.025%, N: at most 0.0050% and having a carbon equivalent (Ceq) as defined below of at least 0.50% and a weld cracking parameter (Pcm) as defined below of at most 0.24% wherein the temperature at the completion of water cooling after hot rolling is 350° C. or higher: Ceq=C+Mn/6+(Cr+Mo+V)/5+(Cu+Ni)/15, Pcm=C+Si/30+Mn/20+Cu/20+Ni/60+Cr/20+Mo/15+V/10+B.

Abstract: A method for producing a Ta sputtering target including the following steps: (a) a step of forging a Ta ingot, comprising subjecting the Ta ingot to a forging pattern over at least 3 times, wherein each forging pattern is “a cold forging step comprising stamp-forging and upset-forging operations alternatively repeated over at least 3 times; (b) an in-process vacuum heat-treating step carried out between every successive two forging patterns to thus prepare a Ta billet; (c) a step of rolling the Ta billet to obtain a rolled plate; and (d) a step of vacuum heat-treating the rolled plate to obtain a Ta sputtering target. A sputtering target produced by the above method.

Abstract: Cast aluminium alloys comprising 1.0-8.0% in weight magnesium (Mg), >1.0-4.0% in weight silicon (Si), 0.01-<0.5% in weight scandium (Sc), 0.005-0.2% in weight titanium (Ti), 0-0.5% in weight of at least one element or selected from the group consisting of zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), molybdenum (Mo), terbium (Tb), niobium (Nb), gadolinium (Gd), erbium (Er) and vanadium (V), 0-0.8% in weight manganese (Mn), 0-0.3% in weight chromium (Cr), 0-1.0% in weight copper (Cu), 0-0.1% in weight zinc (Zn), 0-0.6% in weight iron (Fe), 0-0.004% in weight beryllium (Be), and the remainder of aluminium with further impurities to an individual maximum of 0.1% in weight and totally maximally 0.5% in weight.