Abstract: A shock absorber for a vehicle comprises an inner pipe, an outer pipe, and a piston assembly moveably received in the inner pipe, and a bottom valve assembly disposed at a bottom of the inner pipe. The bottom valve assembly is provided with a plurality of oil lines, including a plurality of interconnected X-axial oil lines, Y-axial oil lines, unidirectional oil lines, and oil guiding lines. A unidirectional pressure valve, a spring, a micro-adjustment bolt, a micro-adjustment screw, an oil seal, a C ring, a seal ring, and a micro-adjustment button are installed in the valve passage, respectively. By rotating the unidirectional pressure valve, the micro-adjustment screw and the micro-adjustment bolt will move and compress the spring, and a pressing force of the spring will be applied on the unidirectional pressure valve, this pressing force can also determine the flow rate of the oil.

Abstract: A vibration damper has a working cylinder and a working piston axially displaceable therein. A compensation cylinder has a compensation piston axially displaceable therein. The compensation cylinder is situated at the longitudinal end of the working cylinder and diagonally thereto.

Abstract: A gas spring assembly is used to control movement of a vehicle body panel relative to a vehicle body member. The gas spring assembly includes a rod and piston that are received within a tube or cylinder. A first rod end is coupled to the piston to move the piston back and forth within the cylinder. A second rod end is mounted to one of the vehicle body panel or the vehicle body member. The cylinder is mounted to the other of the vehicle body panel or the vehicle body member. The gas spring assembly includes a resilient cover that covers the rod and cylinder and extends from the second rod end to a distal cylinder end. The resilient cover extends and retracts with rod movement and is sealed at each end of the resilient cover to provide a completely sealed gas spring assembly.

Abstract: A brake system comprises a brake lever that operates an integrated brake assembly that is housed within a portion of the frame of a bicycle. Operation of the brake system can employ a master cylinder that is actuated by the brake lever either directly or by cable. Actuation of the master cylinder causes one or more corresponding slave cylinders to actuate. The slave cylinders are operatively coupled with the master cylinder via a hydraulic line. Actuation of the one or more slave cylinders causes a brake pad that is connected to the slave cylinder to come into contact with the rim of the bicycle.

Abstract: The invention is a remote drain device for purging moisture from an air braking system of a motor vehicle, especially buses and medium and heavy duty trucks. The remote drain device uses purge valves connected with drain tubing to the drain ports of the air braking system air tanks. The remote drain device is located in an easily accessible location, such as the steps, chassis or body of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An impact absorber device includes at least one first portion having a short tubular shape, and at least one second portion having a short tubular shape concentrically disposed in a stacked relationship with the first portion. The first portion and the second portion engage with each other at an engagement portion which is inclined with respect to a concentric axis of the first portion and the second portion. With this arrangement, impact energy is absorbed in the case of collision accidents of vehicles such as an automobile and trains, and the dropping accidents of lifts such as elevators.

Abstract: A cylindrical dynamic damper including: a cylindrical fastening member of elastic body to be fitted onto a rod shaped vibrating member; a mass member of tubular shape disposed about the cylindrical fastening member in a concentric fashion; a plurality of elastic connecting members disposed between the cylindrical fastening member and the mass member to extend in an axis-perpendicular direction; and a plurality of thin elastic film members disposed between and integrally formed with circumferentially adjacent ones of the elastic connecting members. The cylindrical fastening member and the mass member is elastically connected together via the elastic connecting members and the elastic film members. Each of the elastic film members is inclined to one axial side, and at least one of the elastic film members is inclined to an opposite axial side in comparison with the other elastic film members.

Abstract: “A maritime power supply system for supplying power to a docked ship, including a cable management system having at least one power cable assembly having, at a first end, first connection means for connecting the power cable assembly to the ship and, at an opposite second end, second connection means for connecting the power cable assembly to a dockside power supply; and a reel for winding the at least one power cable assembly thereon and for unwinding the at least one power cable assembly therefrom. According to an important aspect of the invention, the cable management system is arranged in a stackable power supply container placed on the ship.

Abstract: A reel device includes an extendible unit, a return spring for returning the extendible unit, an internal control unit, at least one cell, and an external control member. The extendible unit includes a wire. The internal control unit includes a fixed conductive member and a movable conductive member. The cell is electrically connected via the internal control unit to an end of the wire. An illuminating element is mounted in the external control member and electrically connected to the other end of the wire. The movable conductive member comes in contact with the fixed conductive member when the external control member is pulled outward and thus carries the wire outward, and the illuminating element is turned on.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wire-winding device for earphones, especially for a hands free kit for mobile phones. The wire-winding device comprises a wire-winding unit (50) with a rotary cylindrical wire-winding body (20) for winding up an earphone wire which is pretensioned in a direction of rotation in which the earphone wire will continue to be wound onto the wire-winding body (20) and a housing (1, 45; 60, 65) for accommodation of the wire-winding unit (50) with the wound up earphone wire and the pretensioned wire-winding body (20). To enable the easy replacement of an earphone or earphone wire, the wire-winding unit (50) is designed according to the invention such that the earphone wire is replaceable with the wire-winding body (20) pretensioned. The wire-winding unit is removed from a housing or the housing is opened in order to replace an earphone.

Abstract: A shoe is yieldably carried by flexible members for contact with conductive floor surfaces. Metal bristles of the shoe are retained in bundled shape in an inverted cup attached to the flexible members with the bristle ends for sliding contact with the floor surfaces. An arbor on the cup is in circuit with the drive system of a vehicle.

Abstract: A clutch assembly in a torque converter including a piston plate operatively arranged to apply axial pressure to a clutch in the clutch assembly. An annular member can be rotationally connected to a cover of the torque converter and rotationally connected to an outer circumference of the clutch. A first seal can be disposed between the piston plate and an inner circumference of the drive plate to form a seal between the piston plate and the inner circumference. In some aspects, the annular member is a drive plate arranged to transmit torque from said cover to said clutch and the annular member is fixedly secured to said cover by a weld. In other aspects, the first clutch plate is axially displaceable with respect to the annular member and the piston plate is axially displaceable with respect to the annular member.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a torque converter including a turbine and a one-way clutch rotationally connected to said turbine and an output hub for said converter. The one-way clutch rotationally disconnects the hub and the turbine when the hub receives torque from an input transmission shaft. In some aspects, the one-way clutch is a ratchet clutch. The converter can include a torque converter clutch to lock a cover and the turbine. In some aspects, the converter includes a torque converter clutch to connect a cover, the one-way clutch, and the hub and the torque converter clutch transmits torque from the hub to the cover to start a drive unit connected to the cover. The converter can include a damper element rotationally connected to the torque converter clutch and the turbine, one-way clutch, or hub. The one-way clutch is rated to operate under multiplied drive unit torque.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lockup clutch (1) for hydrodynamic components (2), comprising at least one primary wheel (4) and one secondary wheel (5), which define a working chamber (6), and having two inputs (26, 27)—a first input (26) linked to the secondary wheel (5) and a second input (27) linked to the primary wheel (4). Said inputs (26, 27) can be optionally linked to an output (28) of the lockup clutch (1) via a switchable clutch, thereby producing a first or a second power branch (32, 33). The coupling between the input (27) of the lockup clutch (1) that is coupled to the primary wheel (4) and the output (28) of the lockup clutch (1) in order to create the second power branch (33) is free of any rotationally fixed mechanical connection between the primary wheel (4) and the secondary wheel (5). The coupling between the inputs (26, 27) of the lockup clutch (1) and the output (28) of the lockup clutch (1) in the individual power branches (31, 33) is provided with rpm/torque converting devices.

Abstract: A lock-up clutch can include a clutch piston arranged within a cover of a torque converter and adapted to be moved between a connected position and a non-connected position relative to the torque converter cover. A containing recess can be formed on a circumferential edge of the clutch piston for containing damper springs and connecting members for connecting a turbine arranged within the torque converter cover and the clutch piston via the damper springs contained within the containing recess. An independent member forming an outer circumferential portion of the containing recess can be arranged oppositely to the outer surface of each damper spring.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a one-way clutch in an automotive drive component. In some aspect, the component is a stator and the clutch includes first, second, and third radially disposed elements. The first and second elements lockingly engage. The third element is between the first and second plates and hydraulically or mechanically dampens energy associated with the locking engagement. In some aspects, the third element forms structures to partially enclose torque converter fluid and one of the first or second elements rotates to causes displacement of the fluid. In some aspects, the clutch includes a fourth radially disposed element at least partially blocking openings in the first or second elements. In some aspects, the third element includes at least one elastically deformable extension and rotation of one of the first or second elements causes the first and second elements to compress the at least one elastically deformable extension.

Abstract: An electric clutch actuator capable of operating in two power loss conditions. For a condition where a normally engaged clutch is disengaged during a system power loss and the desired action is for the clutch to remain in the disengaged positional state, a holding device moves to a power off activated position to prevent movement of an actuator for the clutch. For a condition where the clutch is disengaged during a system power loss and the desired action is for the clutch to move to an engaged positional state, a motor in the electric clutch actuator is used as a generator to convert the potential energy of a clutch pressure spring into electrical energy to provide energy for powering the holding device to remain deactivated, permitting movement of the clutch actuator to the engaged position. Maintaining the holding device deactivated permits the clutch to move to the engaged position and thereby allows vehicle engine braking to be used during a power loss of the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roller-type one-way clutch comprising an annular outer race provided at its inner periphery with a cam surface, an inner race spaced apart from the outer race in a radially inner diameter side and disposed in coaxial with the outer race for a relative movement therewith and having an annular outer peripheral track surface, a plurality of rollers disposed between the outer race and the inner race and adapted to transmit torque between the outer peripheral track surface and the cam surface, a cage for holding the plurality of rollers, and a C-shaped annular spring for biasing the rollers toward a direction in which the rollers are engaged by the cam surface, through the cage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wet-type multi-plate clutch comprising an external toothed plate formed by sticking a friction material onto a core plate and an internal toothed plate formed by a friction material onto a core plate and designed so that torque is transmitted by engaging the external toothed plate with the internal toothed plate and wherein each of the external toothed plate and the internal toothed plate has one axial surface including a convex surface to which a friction material is stuck, and a friction surface from which a surface of the core plate is exposed and wherein the convex surface and the friction surface are opposed to each other.

Abstract: A magnetic clutch is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The magnetic clutch includes a shaft including a flange, a magnetic clutch hub installed on the shaft, with the magnetic clutch hub being magnetically responsive, and an actuator member that magnetically operates on the magnetic clutch hub and causes the magnetic clutch hub to frictionally contact the flange of the shaft. The contact transfers rotational power between the magnetic clutch hub and the shaft.

Abstract: A wrap spring torque transfer device including a housing, a shaft rotatably positioned at the housing, a hub rotatably positioned at the housing, a wrap spring disposed about the hub and the shaft; and capable of selectively facilitating or defeating torque transfer between the hub and the sleeve, a coil in magnetic flux communication with the housing, shaft and hub, such that the magnetic flux passes the hub and sleeve to draw the hub and sleeve together. A method for improving service life of a wrap spring torque transfer device including passing a magnetic flux radially between a housing and a flange mounted to a shaft, passing the flux axially between the flange and a collar, passing the flux radially between the collar and a sleeve at the shaft, substantially avoiding flux passage directly between the collar and the housing.

Abstract: A money-operated machine is disclosed, such as a ticket machine for parking, for example. The machine includes a changeable cashbox used to receive money, which can be changed at given time intervals. The machine further includes a rechargeable voltage source for supplying the electric consumers of the machine with power. A method is disclosed for maintaining the money-operated machine. By integrating the voltage source into the cashbox, it is possible to form a common change unit. As a result, the money-operated machine requires less servicing since the cashbox can be changed and the voltage source can be charged in a single work step.

Abstract: A token input device of a game machine is provided in which a token input from an input port is allowed to roll on a rolling rail and drop on a predetermine position of a game machine. A selecting device of the token is disposed in the midst of the rolling rail, wherein the selecting device includes at least a material sensor of the token. A canceling device removes the rolling token from the rolling rail based on the signal from the material sensor. The canceling device is disposed downstream of the material sensor.

Abstract: A snack dispenser comprises tiers stacked to resemble a wedding cake. Each tier includes a trough divided into transparent slots into which a snack may be placed. The troughs are mounted on a rotatable carousel having a transparent front shell with transparent locked doors therein. The doors are unlocked by a door control mechanism when coins of proper monetary value are inserted into a coin box. The coin box accepts and learns the value of different types of coins, or accepts personal identification numbers. Opening the door blocks the rotation of the carousel, blocks the opening of other doors, and resets the credit of the coins inserted. When closed, the door locks all doors until additional coins are inserted. Servicing the dispenser includes removal of the front shell, removal of empty tiers, and replacement of replenished tiers. All segments can be removed and collapsed into a flat position.

Abstract: A product conveying and accumulation system and method employs a primary product transporting conveyor with accumulation and re-circulating sections. The conveyor is configured to receive products from an upstream destination and discharge products to a downstream destination. A second conveyor, operable at a considerable slower speed than the first conveyor, is located in the same transverse plane as and is aligned adjacent to the first conveyor. Both conveyors travel in the same direction at the adjacent alignment. As products are discharged from the system, a wall of product is formed on the slower moving conveyor. As a result, products on the inner lane of the faster moving conveyor which would otherwise tend to move inward towards the discharge point, causing product turbulence and disruption, are urged back onto the inner lane by the product wall and then smoothly discharged from the system to the downstream destination.

Abstract: Device for measuring or orienting objects, such as fruits or the like, which mainly consists of a transport system (3) onto which is provided at least one holder (4), characterised in that in or on this holder (4) are provided at least three balls (8) onto which the object (2) to be oriented can be provided, and of means (14) which make it possible to rotate the above-mentioned balls (8).

Abstract: A machine arrangement that operates on a plurality of articles, such as bottles, includes a plurality of machines arranged in a machine arrangement. At least one of the machines includes an apparatus configured to modify the articles by at least one of moving, holding, manipulating and shaping the articles as they pass from an article infeed to an article discharge of the machine arrangement. A recirculation mechanism moves articles from a downstream machine after a first pass (or run) and recirculate the articles back to an upstream machine in a second (recirculation) pass (or run) so that the articles, which are recirculated through the second pass are again subjected to a different machine modifying operation in at least one machine that the articles have previously passed in the first pass. The articles move continuously through the first and second passes while being subjected to at least one machine modifying operation.

Abstract: A relocating device for relocating a product, in particular a blister, in a packaging machine can receive the product at a supply location and deposit it at a deposition location. The relocating device comprises a first pivotable relocating arm and a second pivotable relocating arm which each comprise a holding means for the product. The relocating arms can be adjusted along different trajectories between a transfer position at the common supply location and a deposition position at the common deposition location, and pass each other during their adjustment motion.

Abstract: The invention refers to the field of systems for conveying empty plastics bottles and more precisely to a star-shaped conveyor adapted to feed or discharge empty bottles to or from an operative machine. Preferably, but not exclusively, the machine which the star-shaped conveyor is connected to, is a machine for orienting and aligning empty plastics bottles or containers. The star-shaped conveyor is provided with a plurality of recesses (4), a negative pressure is established in each recess for an arc between 90° and 180°, the arc starts in correspondence of a machine and ends in correspondence of a conveyor (7) for transferring the bottles to a filling apparatus or to feed a bottle processing machine.

Abstract: An accumulation table is disclosed. The accumulation table includes a frame, a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and an adjustable discharge chute. Each conveyor has a U-shaped product carrying section on the top of the frame and an arcuate return section located on the bottom of the frame. Some embodiments further include non-linear tracks located between two conveyor chains to direct one of the conveyor chains towards the adjustable discharge chute. The accumulation table can be formed with three or more aligned modular sections, two arcuate sections, and one or more intermediate, straight center sections. Tracks located on each section are aligned to form the complete accumulation table.

Abstract: A rolling-ball switch includes a casing having two racks. A chamber is defined after a round stage and a sealing groove are fit in the casing. The chamber includes a first contact plate, a second contact plate and a third contact plate on two ends faces thereof and forming a switch with a conductive ball. The third contact plate is connected integrally with a common terminal and an open groove is defined between the first contact plate and the second contact plate. The first contact plate and the second contact plate are connected to a first terminal and a second terminal outside a casing. The switch is rotated to turn off power when an electrical device is rotated more than a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle can be adjusted by setting an angle between the open groove and a vertical line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector element for two installation breakers, adjacently attached with the broad faces thereof in contact, the housings of which are each formed from two dished housing pieces. The connector element comprises an approximately cylindrical base body with a first external diameter, on the front side of which two radially-sprung, axially projecting first and second expanding arms are moulded. The external contours of the spreader arms lie on a cylindrical outer surface, the external diameter of which is smaller than the first external diameter of the base body. The free ends thereof comprise radially projecting lugs on opposed external lines, which, in the assembled state clip behind recesses on the housings, for connection by means of the connector element, of adjacent installation breakers.

Abstract: An electrodynamically tilting contact system for power circuit breakers includes an actuating shaft segment, a rotary contact bridge pivotally mounted therein and contact force springs that form components of a tilting snap-action mechanism, which holds the rotary contact bridge in a repulsed position after an electrodynamically effected repulsion of fixed contacts. Two rockers, while serving as an additional component of the tilting snap-action mechanism, are mounted on the rotary contact bridge in a manner that enables them to tilt. The contact force springs are supported between the actuating shaft segment and the rockers, whereby the spring longitudinal axes, the tilting axes of the rockers, and the rotational symmetry axis of the rotary contact bridge are located in the tilting point plane of the tilting snap-action mechanism.

Abstract: A control device for use on a working surface includes a bottom housing configured to be placed on the working surface; a top housing coupled with the bottom housing, the top housing including at least one key; an actuator disposed between the bottom housing and the top housing and coupled with the key; a switch disposed between the bottom housing and the top housing, wherein the switch is activated via application of an actuation force to the key; and an adjustment means configured to enable a user to adjust the actuation force required to activate the key.

Abstract: A reactor produces a surface corona for emitting UV light and for the production of ozone by passing air or oxygen through the surface corona. The emitted UV light activates a photocatalyst coated on a surface facing a surface with embedded electrodes which generate the surface corona. The photocatalyst is a thin film of nanoparticle TiO2 with primary particle size of 0.02 to 0.2 ?m was deposited on a substrate by a flame aerosol method. The method combines ozonation and photocatalysis to provide effective and efficient oxidation of alcohols and hydrocarbons to value added products. The method can also be used for air and water cleaning.

Abstract: A photocatalytic air treatment system, including apparatuses and methods, for killing and/or mineralizing bacteria, viruses, mold, fungi, spores, mycotoxins, allergens, and other similar microorganisms or agents, and for oxidizing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The system comprises one or more reactor beds configured in one or more stages with each reactor bed including a plurality of photocatalyst coated media substantially surrounding a plurality of sheathed ultraviolet light sources that may be arranged in a plurality of configurations. Adjacent ultraviolet light sources are positioned so as to create killing zones of photocatalyst coated media therebetween that are irradiated with ultraviolet light from multiple sources and in which an increased number of hydroxyl radicals are present. The photocatalyst generally comprises titanium dioxide, but may include one or more enhancers. The media is formed from or is coated with a material that induces the photocatalyst to form a nano-particle structure.

Abstract: A method and system for conditioning a vapor deposition target is described. In one illustrative embodiment, a vapor deposition system is operated in which a vapor deposition target is used, the occurrence of electrical arcs in the vapor deposition system is detected, and the vapor deposition target is conditioned by adjusting an output current of a power supply that powers the vapor deposition system and adjusting an interval during which energy is delivered to each arc to deliver substantially the same energy to each arc. In some embodiments, the energy delivered to each arc is approximately equal to the maximum energy that the vapor deposition target can withstand without being damaged. The described method and system significantly reduces the time required to remove impurities from a target and does not require the venting of the vacuum chamber or the removal of the target from the chamber.

Abstract: A target for a sputtering source can be subdivided into a plurality of exchangeable target segments (9). Each target segment (9) contains coating material, wherein each target segment (9) borders on at least two adjacent target segments (9?, 9?), wherein each target segment is connectable to a base body (2, 13, 15) by means of at most one securing means (7, 8, 10).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing diamond-like carbon (DLC) film is disclosed. The method mainly includes steps of: (a) fixing a substrate in a reaction chamber; (b) pumping the pressure of the reaction chamber below 10?6 torr; (c) introducing at least a carbon-containing gas into the reaction chamber; and (d) depositing a diamond-like carbon film on the substrate by sputtering a graphite target. The deposited DLC film is in a shape of flakes. The appearance of the deposited DLC film on the surface of the substrate is in a rose-like shape. Moreover, the height of the deposited DLC film is of micrometer level, and the thickness of the deposited DLC film is of nanometer level. Since the aspect ratio of the deposited flake-shaped DLC film is high, the deposited DLC film can enhance the field emission.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating plasma includes a cathode having an evaporable surface configured to emit a material comprising plasma and macroparticles; oppositely directed output apertures configured to direct the plasma; a filter configured to transmit at least some of the plasma to the output apertures while preventing transmission of at least some of the macroparticles, the filter comprising at least one deflection electrode disposed generally parallel to and facing at least a portion of the evaporable surface; a first element for generating a first magnetic field component having a first polarity between the cathode and the at least one deflection electrode; and a second element for generating a second magnetic field component having a second polarity at the evaporable surface of the cathode that is opposite that of the first polarity such that a low-field region is created between the evaporable surface and the at least one deflection electrode.

Abstract: A suction pad used for use in a substrate treatment apparatus which treats a substrate by immersing the substrate in a solution while the pad attaches to the substrate, including: a main face for attaching to the substrate; an outer face disposed along the outer periphery of the substrate; and a suction opening formed in the main face. In a cross-sectional shape including the main face and the outer face, the angle formed between a line corresponding to the main face and a line corresponding to the outer face is an acute angle.

Abstract: The invention includes physical vapor deposition targets formed of copper material and having an average grain size of less than 50 microns and an absence of course-grain areas throughout the target. The invention encompasses a physical vapor deposition target of a copper material and having an average grain size of less than 50 microns with a grain size standard deviation of less than 5% (1??) throughout the target. The copper material is selected from copper alloys and high-purity copper material containing greater than or equal to 99.9999% copper, by weight. The invention includes methods of forming copper physical vapor deposition targets. An as-cast copper material is subjected to a multistage processing. Each stage of the multistage processing includes a heating event, a hot-forging event, and a water quenching event. After the multistage processing the copper material is rolled to produce a target blank.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of forming hollow cathode magnetron sputtering targets. A metallic material is processed to produce an average grain size of less than or equal to about 30 microns and subsequently subjected to deep drawing. The invention includes three-dimensional sputtering targets comprising materials containing at least one element selected from Cu, Ti, and Ta. The target has an average grain size of from about 0.2 microns to about 30 microns throughout the target and a grain size standard deviation of less than or equal to 15% (1-?). The invention includes three-dimensional targets comprising Al, having an average grain size of from 0.2 microns to less than 150 micron, with a grain size standard deviation of less than or equal to 15% (1-?).

Abstract: [Object] It is to provide a sputtering target which has an excellent adhesion to films made of Au, Cu or an alloy containing at least one of Au and Cu and also an excellent corrosion resistance and which can be used to form an Mo—Ti alloy film over a large-sized substrate. [SOLUTION] The present invention provides a sputtering target suitable for use in formation of an Mo—Ti alloy film on a substrate, characterized by that the sputtering target comprises Ti of higher than 50 atomic percentages but not exceeding 60 atomic percentages and the balance of Mo and inevitable impurities and that the relative density of the sputtering target is equal to or more than 98%. The present invention also provides a joined type sputtering target assembly formed by diffusion joining two of more of such sputtering targets, the length of the joined type sputtering target assembly being equal to or larger than 1,000 mm at least one side.

Abstract: There is disclosed a soft magnetic target material with an improved atmospheric resistance without deterioration of magnetic properties. A soft magnetic target material according to the first aspect comprises a Fe—Co based alloy having a Fe:Co atomic ratio of 100:0 to 20:80, wherein the alloy further comprises one or both of Al and Cr of 0.2 to 5 atom %. In addition, a soft magnetic target material according to the second aspect comprises a Fe—Ni based alloy having a Fe:Ni atomic ratio of 100:0 to 20:80, wherein the alloy further comprises one or both of Al and Cr of 0.2 to 5 atom %. In the soft magnetic target materials according to the first and second aspects, the alloys further comprise one or more selected from a group consisting of B, Nb, Zr, Ta, Hf, Ti and V of not more than 30 atom %.

Abstract: Disclosed are chemochromic nanoparticles that can be used as pigments in paints, dyes, coatings, and inks. Because of the small size of the nanoparticles, there is an increased surface area of the chemochromic material that increases the speed of the response of the chemochromic material. The nanoparticles can also be employed in thin film detectors.

Abstract: A gas sensor is equipped with a cover assembly made up of an outer cover and an inner cover in which a gas sensor element is disposed. The outer cover has an outer gas inlet and an outer gas outlet formed closer to a top end of the cover assembly than the outer gas inlet. The inner cover has an inner gas inlet formed closer to the top end of the cover assembly than the outer gas inlet. The inner gas inlet is oriented to minimize the entry of drops of water having entered along with a gas to be measured into the inner cover to avoid splashing of the gas sensor element with the water.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for isolating an analyte of interest in a sample suspected of containing the analyte of interest using two-dimensional planar electrochromatography. The methods comprise treating at least a portion of the sample with a mobility modifier capable of modifying the mobility of the analyte of interest after the second dimension of planar electrochromatography. Kits and compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Manufacturing a reflex insert tool includes the steps of assembling optical pins in a bundle, and inserting same into a mold clamp assembly. The mold clamp assembly is placed into a vat, wherein an electroformed skin is developed which in turn is removed from the bath. A cold spraying technique is utilized applying a build up of material on the back surface of the electroformed skin. The back surface of the reflex insert is then machined and through wire EDM, configured to a desired shape and thereafter ready for insertion into a tool for injection molding plastic parts therefrom.

Abstract: In a method for producing plastic sanitary articles having surfaces metallized by electroplating, the sanitary article has at least one electrically nonconductive component, before said article is metallized by electroplating using an external current source. This component at least partially decouples the water-bearing regions of the sanitary article from the current flow during metallization by electroplating using the external current source. The component is preferably a separate component which can be reversibly connected to the sanitary article. The invention also includes the component for decoupling the current itself, and a sanitary article which is provided with the component.